ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE CONTAINER

Abstract

A container adapted to receive an electronic cigarette is configured to obscure the fact that an electronic cigarette is contained within. The container is provided with an open ended receptacle to slidably insert an electronic cigarette. The outer surface of the receptacle is provided with ornamentality to appear to be a surrogate device, such as a writing utensil, a flashlight, or a laser pointer. Alternative embodiments provide for an adapter to enable the container to function as the surrogate device while containing the electronic cigarette.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/879,832, filed on 19 Sep. 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to containers for electronic cigarettes, and in particular, to containers that store the electronic cigarette and obscure the fact that an electronic cigarette is contained within.

2. Background of the Related Art

In recent years substitutes for tobacco products have increased in popularity. One particularly popular substitute is the electronic cigarette, or “e-cig.” Electronic cigarettes are able to provide the mouthfeel and breathing sensations associated with cigarettes while managing delivery of chemicals to a user. Electronic cigars and the like are also possible. In some instances it may be desirable for a user of an electronic cigarette to take steps to avoid notifying others that he is carrying an electronic cigarette for later use.

Because electronic cigarettes are purchased and then re-used many times, or used once but put down and picked up often, the owner of an electronic cigarette has an interest in ensuring that he is able to distinguish his electronic cigarette from those owned by others, particularly when those other people are using electronic cigarettes of the same manufacturer and model.

Thus, there is a need to provide a container for an electronic cigarette that not only obscures the fact that an electronic cigarette is contained within, but also provides a means to personalize the container so as to quickly distinguish it from others.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a description of a container that is adapted to receive an electronic cigarette and to obscure the fact that an electronic cigarette is contained within by appearing to be a surrogate device such as a writing utensil, a flashlight, or a laser pointer. The electronic cigarette container comprises a receptacle configured to slidably receive an electronic cigarette via at least one end of the receptacle. The inner surface of the receptacle has a profile that substantially conforms to that of the outer surface of the electronic cigarette. The outer surface of the receptacle is provided with ornamentality to appear to be a surrogate device, such as a writing pen.

In an alternative embodiment, the electronic cigarette container is provided with a cap.

In an alternative embodiment, the electronic cigarette container comprises at least one segment, wherein if a plurality of segments are provided then they serially connect to form the receptacle.

In an alternative embodiment, the receptacle or at least one segment has a furcated construction.

In an alternative embodiment, an inner surface of the electronic cigarette container is provided with at least one retaining clip to removably secure the electronic cigarette within the electronic cigarette container.

In an alternative embodiment, the electronic cigarette container is provided with at least one identification tag that is removably securable to the outer surface.

In an alternative embodiment, the electronic cigarette container is provided with an adapter enabling the electronic cigarette container to not only appear to be a surrogate device but also operationally function as one. Embodiments provide for adapters enabling functions such as a writing utensil, a flashlight, and a laser pointer.

In a preferred embodiment, the electronic cigarette container comprises a receptacle comprising at least one segment, where each segment has at least one side, a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. Each first end is open, at least one second end is closed, and each segment is provided with a first coupling means to removably connect the segments in a serially manner. A profile of the at least one inner surface is configured to substantially conform to an electronic cigarette when the segments are serially connected, and the receptacle is configured to substantially receive and contain the electronic cigarette. Suitable coupling means may be, for example, a screw, a snap-on configuration, or an adhesive.

In further embodiments the receptacle is configured to receive the electronic cigarette in its entirety. Further embodiments include a cap having a cap first end, a cap second end, a cap inner surface, and a cap outer surface, wherein the cap first end is open and the cap second end is closed. A profile of the cap inner surface is configured to substantially conform to a portion of the electronic cigarette, and the cap is configured to substantially receive that portion of the electronic cigarette. The cap is provided with a second coupling means to removably secure the cap to the first end, and the cap is removably affixed to the at least one side. Suitable coupling means may be, for example, a screw, a snap-on configuration, or an adhesive.

Further embodiments provide that at least one segment is furcated along its longitudinal length, wherein a connected edge connects at least two furcated pieces together via a hinged attachment and an operative edge selectively connects at least two furcated pieces via a snap-fit engagement. A length from the first end to the second end is the longitudinal length. The at least one segment is configured to pivot about the connected edge to grant access to an inside of the receptacle and envelope at least a portion of the electronic cigarette after being inserted into the inside by pivoting each furcated piece about the connected edge so that the at least two furcated pieces meet at the operative edge.

Further embodiments provide that at least one inner surface has at least one retaining clip. In addition, at least one identification tag is provided, which is configured to removably attach to at least one outer surface.

Further embodiments provide for an adapter having a first adapter end and a second adapter end, where the first adapter end has a third coupling means to removably secure the adapter to an individual first end of at least one segment. The first adapter end is configured to receive a partially exposed portion of the electronic cigarette. The second adapter end is provided with an operational end and is configured to engage the second coupling means of the cap. The adapter is an operational device selected from the group consisting of a writing utensil, a flashlight, and a laser pointer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments are best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Included in the drawings are the following figures:

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of the electronic cigarette container 10 with the cap 60 removed and an electronic cigarette 11 being inserted into the receptacle 20, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic cigarette container 10 as an alternative embodiment illustrating three segments 21a, 21b, 21c comprising the receptacle 20, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electronic cigarette container 10 as an alternative embodiment illustrating a bifurcated receptacle 20, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the electronic cigarette container 10 as an alternative embodiment illustrating the assemblage thereof with an adapter 140, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is side cut-away views of three embodiments of an adapter 140 showing schematic block diagrams of internal operating components of each embodiment, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and,

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electronic cigarette container 10 with the cap 60 affixed to a side 50 of the receptacle 20, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description of exemplary embodiments are intended for illustration purposes only and are, therefore, not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, an environmental view of the electronic cigarette container 10 with the cap 60 removed and an electronic cigarette 11 being inserted into the receptacle 20, and a perspective view of the electronic cigarette container 10 with the cap 60 affixed to a side 50 of the receptacle 20, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. Electronic cigarettes 11 exist in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles; however, the overall construction of them is relatively constant. Most electronic cigarettes 11 generally have an elongate tubular shape and comprise a compilation of three components: 1) a shroud; 2) an atomizer; and, 3) a cartridge.

The shroud typically contains a battery unit, and places the atomizer in electrical communication with the battery unit. The cartridge contains flavor and/or nicotine dispensing units, and mechanically connects the atomizer with a mouthpiece portion of the cartridge. Most electronic cigarettes also include a microprocessor and a sensing unit to operatively associate the activities of the various parts of the electronic cigarette. Some electronic cigarettes have more elaborate constructions while some have more simple constructions. Nonetheless, most electronic cigarettes combine the shroud, atomizer, and cartridge in a manner to generally form an elongated tubular shape.

The electronic cigarette container 10 is a receptacle 20 configured to receive and store an electronic cigarette 11 while obscuring the fact that an electronic cigarette 11 is contained within. While the electronic cigarette container 10 described herein will be that of an elongated tubular shape, the shape is certainly not limited to such. The shape of the electronic cigarette container 10 is envisioned to be any shape that may serve the function of receiving an electronic cigarette 11 and obscuring the containment thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic cigarette container 10 comprises a unitary hollow tubular receptacle 20 having a first end 30 and a second end 40. The receptacle 20 is envisioned to be fabricated from a lightweight rigid material such as alloy steel, aluminum, plastic or other polymer, fiber reinforce material, composite material, or the like. The first end 30 is preferably open to enable ingress and egress of the electronic cigarette 11. The second end 40 is preferably closed, and envisioned to be conjoined with the sides 50 of the receptacle 20. A profile of the inner surface 80 of the receptacle 20 substantially conforms to a profile of the outer surface of an electronic cigarette 11. In use, a user slidably inserts an electronic cigarette 11 into the container 10 via the first end 30 such that the container 10 entirely or substantially receives the electronic cigarette 11. The inner surface 80 may also be lined with a nonabrasive material such as felt or rubber, which may be applied via an adhesive in the case of a felt or spray in the case of rubber.

The container 10 is envisioned to be provided with a cap 60 that is configured to selectively cover the first end 30, thereby concealing the electronic cigarette 11 placed within. It is envisioned for the cap 60 to be fabricated from the same material as that of the receptacle 20. In embodiments where the container 10 substantially receives the electronic cigarette 11, the cap 60 is configured to receive the exposed end of the electronic cigarette 11 in a similar manner that the receptacle 20 received the electronic cigarette 11. Therefore, the cap 60 has a cap open end, a cap closed end, and a cap inner surface similar to that of the receptacle 20.

The cap 60 is provided with a coupling mechanism 180 to removably secure the cap 60 to the first end 30. It is envisioned for the coupling mechanism 180 to enable mechanically engagement with the first end 30 via mechanisms such as but not limited to an interference fit, a complementary threading engagement, a spring clip engagement, a bayonet-style engagement, and the like. In an alternative embodiment, the cap 60 may be affixed to the side 50 of the container 10 via an affixment 250 such as a hinged engagement, an elastic band, a lanyard, or other type of tether. The affixment 250 to the side 50 enables manipulation of the cap 60 so as to removably secure it to the first end 30 while still being tethered. Alternatively, the affixment 250 to the side 50 may also enable detachment of the cap 60 from the side 50 to enable removable securement of the cap 60 to the first end 30 while the cap 60 is detached from the side 50. The cap inner surface may also be lined with a nonabrasive material in a manner described above.

The outer surface 70 of the electronic cigarette container 10 has a shape and ornamental configuration to obscure the fact that it is used to hold an electronic cigarette 11. For instance, the outer surface 70 may create the appearance of a cigar case, sunglass case, cellular phone, a writing pen, a flashlight, a laser pointer, a toothbrush, or the like. The ornamentality of the cap 60 similarly creates such an appearance by complementing that of the receptacle 20. For instance, if the receptacle 20 presents the appearance of a writing pen, then the cap 60 may resemble a pen cap, as shown in FIG. 1. As another example, if the receptacle 20 presents the appearance of a flashlight, then the cap 60 may resemble a tail cap or even a headlamp, as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the electronic cigarette container 10 as an alternative embodiment illustrating three segments 21a, 21b, 21c comprising the receptacle 20, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the container 10 comprises at least one tubular segment 21a, 21b, 21c that mechanically engage each other via a coupling mechanism 180. Although three segments 21a, 21b, 21c are described here, it is envisioned for there to be any number of segments 21a, 21b, 21c. The segments 21a, 21b, 21c combine to form the receptacle 20. It is envisioned for at least one segment 21a, 21b, 21c to be closed off so as to serve as the second end 40 as described above. It is further envisioned for at least one segment 21a, 21b, 21c to be open so as to serve as the first end 30 as described above. In this embodiment, each segment 21a, 21b, 21c is slid over the electronic cigarette 11 in a serial manner, as shown in FIG. 2. While one of the segments 21a, 21b, 21c may serve as the cap 60, a cap 60 may still be provided with this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the electronic cigarette container 10 as an alternative embodiment illustrating a bifurcated receptacle 20, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the container 10 comprises a receptacle 10 that is furcated along its longitudinal length 90, such as being bifurcated or even trifurcated. Where the container 10 has a furcated construction, at least one segment 21a, 21b, 21c is similarly furcated.

It is envisioned for each furcated piece to be hingedly affixed to the other furcated piece at a connected edge 100. Preferably, the furcated pieces are removably attached to each other at the operative edge 110 via a snap-fit engagement; however, other types of engagements may be utilized. As by way of example, a first furcated piece is permanently, yet hingedly, affixed to a second furcated piece at the connected edge 100. As the first furcated piece is pivoted about the connected edge 100 to mate with the second furcated piece, the operative edge 110 enables temporary securement of the first and second furcated pieces. In this embodiment, the receptacle 10 and/or segments 21a, 21b, 21c can be slid over the electronic cigarette 11 in a serial manner, or at least one furcated piece can be pivoted open about the connected edge 100 to enable placement of the electronic cigarette 11 within before pivoting the furcated pieces closed again.

In a further embodiment, the inner surface 80 is provided with at least one retaining clip 120 to removably secure the electronic cigarette 11 within the container 10, as shown in FIG. 3. While a retaining clip 120 may be provided with any embodiment, it is envisioned for these retaining clips 120 to be used with the furcated embodiment. Preferably, each retaining clip 120 comprises a set of resilient arms that are permanently affixed to the inner surface 80 and are configured to receive and retain a portion of the electronic cigarette 11 via an interference fit; however, other securement means may be utilized. The retaining clip 120 is used to prevent jostling and undesirable movement of the electronic cigarette 11 that may occur when placed within the container 10.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the container 10 is provided with at least one identification tag 130 that is removably securable to the outer surface 70, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is envisioned for each identification tag 130 to comprise an embellishment 131a with a fastener 131b. The fastener 131b may be a set of retaining clips as described above, a ring, a spring clip, a magnet, a lanyard, a chain, an adhesive, or the like. The fastener 130b enables removable connection to the receptacle 20 or the cap 60. Each embellishment 130a is provided with at least one charm, sticker, indicia, or other identifying marking, and is envisioned to have a variety of finishes such as a matte, gloss, or textured. Each identification tag 130 is used to personalize and identify the container 10 as the one belonging to the user.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a side view of the electronic cigarette container 10 as an alternative embodiment illustrating the assemblage thereof with an adapter 140, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. In an alternative embodiment, the container 10 not only obscures the fact that an electronic cigarette 11 is held within by appearing to be a surrogate device, it actually functions as that surrogate device. In an exemplary embodiment of this operational surrogate device version, the container 10 is provided with an adapter 140 having a first adapter end 150 and a second adapter end 160. The first adapter end 150 is configured to removably secure to the first end 30 via a coupling mechanism 180. The cap 60 in this embodiment would then removably secure to the second adapter end 140 via a coupling mechanism 180, if the use of the cap 60 is desired.

The first adapter end 150 may be configured to receive any exposed end of the electronic cigarette 11 if the receptacle 20 does not encase the electronic cigarette 11 in its entirety. Therefore, the first adapter end 150 would have an open end and a hollow construction to partially receive any exposed portion of the electronic cigarette 11. In use, an electronic cigarette 11 is inserted into the receptacle 20 and the adapter 140 is coupled to the first end 30, where if the electronic cigarette 11 is only substantially received by the receptacle 20 then the first adapter end 150 is configured to receive the exposed portion.

The adapter 140 comprises a casing 170 with an operational end at its second adapter end 140. The casing 170 houses the operative components of the particular operational surrogate device, and the second adapter end 140 is used as the operational end, as will be explained in a few exemplary embodiments below.

Referring now to FIG. 5, side cut-away views of three embodiments of an adapter 140 showing schematic block diagrams of internal operating components of each embodiment, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed.

In an example where the operational surrogate device is a writing utensil, the outer surface 70 of the container 10 would resemble a writing utensil. A casing 170 of the adapter 140 may contain an ink cartridge 190 in mechanical and fluid connection with a feed tube 200, which leads to a point 210 at the operational end. The point may be but is not limited to a ball-point, rollerball, felt point, or ceramic tip. Construction and operation of a pen/marker writing utensil is common in the art and a detailed description thereof will not be necessary. In this embodiment, it is envisioned for the cap 60 to be the pen/marker cap for the writing utensil surrogate device; however, the adapter 140 may be configured with its own pen/marker cap, thus obviating the need for a cap 60. This enables the container 10 to function as a pen/marker while the container 10 is holding the electronic cigarette 11. It is envisioned for the adapter 140 to be replaced when the ink is exhausted.

In an example where the operational surrogate device is a flashlight, the outer surface 70 of the container 10 would resemble a flashlight. The casing 170 of the adapter 140 may contain a battery 220 in electrical communication with an illumination source 230 at the operational end. It is envisioned for an operational switch 240 to be disposed on an outer surface of the adapter 140 and be configured to enable selective electrical connectivity from the battery 220 to the illumination source 230. The illumination source 230 is envisioned to be an LED; however, other illumination sources 230 may be utilized. Construction and operation of a flashlight is common in the art and a detailed description thereof will not be necessary. In this embodiment, it is envisioned for the cap 60 to be the headlamp and provide a lens for the flashlight surrogate device; however, the adapter 140 may be configured with its own headlamp portion, thus obviating the need for a cap 60. This enables the container 10 to function as a flashlight while the container 10 is holding the electronic cigarette 11. It is envisioned for the adapter 140 to be replaced when the battery life is exhausted.

In an example where the operational surrogate device is a laser pointer, the outer surface 70 of the container 10 would resemble a laser pointer. The casing 170 of the adapter 140 would contain a battery 220 in electrical communication with an illumination source 230 at the operational end. It is envisioned for an operational switch 240 to be disposed on an outer surface of the adapter 140 and configured to enable selective electrical connectivity from the battery to the illumination source 230. The illumination source 230 is envisioned to be a laser diode configured to emit coherent light within the visible spectrum. Construction and operation of a laser pointer is common in the art and a detailed description thereof will not be necessary. In this embodiment, it is envisioned for the cap 60 to be an adjustable lens for the laser pointer surrogate device; however, the adapter 140 may be configured with its own adjustable lens, thus obviating the need for a cap 60. This enables the container 10 to function as a laser light while the container 10 is holding the electronic cigarette 11. It is envisioned for the adapter 140 to be replaced when the battery life is exhausted.

While various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed invention have been described above it should be understood that they have been presented for purposes of example only, not limitations. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practicing the disclosure, without departing from the breadth or scope.

Claims

1. A container adapted to receive an electronic cigarette, comprising:

a receptacle, having at least one side, a first end, a second end conjoined with said at least one side, an inner surface, and an outer surface, wherein:

said first end is open;

said second end is closed;

a profile of said inner surface is configured to substantially conform to said electronic cigarette; and, said receptacle is configured to substantially receive and contain said electronic cigarette.

2. The container recited in claim 1, wherein said receptacle is configured to receive said electronic cigarette in its entirety.

3. The container recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a cap having a cap first end, a cap second end, a cap inner surface, and a cap outer surface, wherein:

said cap first end is open;

said cap second end is closed;

a profile of said cap inner surface is configured to substantially conform to a portion of said electronic cigarette; and, said cap is configured to substantially receive said portion of said electronic cigarette.

4. The container recited in claim 3, wherein said cap is provided with a first coupling means to removably secure said cap to said first end.

5. The container recited in claim 3, wherein said cap is removably affixed to said at least one side.

6. The container recited in claim 1, wherein:

a length from said first end to said second end is a longitudinal length;

said receptacle is furcated along its longitudinal length, wherein a connected edge connects at least two furcated pieces together via a hinged attachment and an operative edge selectively connects at least two furcated pieces via a snap-fit engagement; and,

said receptacle is configured to pivot about said connected edge to grant access to an inside of said receptacle and envelope said electronic cigarette by pivoting each furcated piece about said connected edge so that said at least two furcated pieces meet at said operative edge.

7. The container recited in claim 1, wherein said inner surface is provided with at least one retaining clip.

8. The container recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one identification tag configured to removably attach to said outer surface.

9. The container recited in claim 1, further comprising:

an adapter having a first adapter end and a second adapter end, wherein: said first adapter end has a second coupling means to removably secure said adapter to said first end; said first adapter end is configured to receive a partially exposed portion of said electronic cigarette; and, said second adapter end is provided with an operational end and is configured to engage said first coupling means of said cap.

10. The container recited in claim 9, wherein said adapter is an operational device selected from the group consisting of a writing utensil, a flashlight, and a laser pointer.

11. A container adapted to receive an electronic cigarette, comprising:

a receptacle, comprising at least one segment, each segment having at least one side, a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface, wherein: each first end is open; at least one second end is closed; each segment is provided with a first coupling means to removably connect said segments in a serially manner; a profile of said at least one inner surface is configured to substantially conform to said electronic cigarette when said segments are serially connected; and, said receptacle is configured to substantially receive and contain said electronic cigarette.

12. The container recited in claim 11, wherein said receptacle is configured to receive said electronic cigarette in its entirety.

13. The container recited in claim 11, further comprising:

a cap having a cap first end, a cap second end, a cap inner surface, and a cap outer surface, wherein: said cap first end is open; said cap second end is closed; a profile of said cap inner surface is configured to substantially conform to a portion of said electronic cigarette; and, said cap is configured to substantially receive said portion of said electronic cigarette.

14. The container recited in claim 13, wherein said cap is provided with a second coupling means to removably secure said cap to said at least one first end.

15. The container recited in claim 13, wherein said cap is removably affixed to said at least one side.

16. The container recited in claim 11, wherein:

a length from said at least one first end to said at least one second end is a longitudinal length;

said at least one segment is furcated along said longitudinal length, wherein a connected edge connects at least two furcated pieces together via a hinged attachment and an operative edge selectively connects at least two furcated pieces via a snap-fit engagement; and,

said at least one segment is configured to pivot about said connected edge to grant access to an inside of said receptacle and envelope at least a portion of said electronic cigarette after being inserted into said inside by pivoting each furcated piece about said connected edge so that said at least two furcated pieces meet at said operative edge.

17. The container recited in claim 11, wherein at least one of said inner surface is provided with at least one retaining clip.

18. The container recited in claim 11, further comprising at least one identification tag configured to removably attach to at least one said outer surface.

19. The container recited in claim 11, further comprising:

an adapter having a first adapter end and a second adapter end, wherein: said first adapter end has a third coupling means to removably secure said adapter to an individual first end of said at least one segment; said first adapter end is configured to receive a partially exposed portion of said electronic cigarette; and, said second adapter end is provided with an operational end and is configured to engage said second coupling means of said cap.

20. The container recited in claim 19, wherein said adapter is an operational device selected from the group consisting of a writing utensil, a flashlight, and a laser pointer.