Humidity Controlled Cigar Package
The invention generally pertains to a humidity controlled package for a cigar. A foil package configured to be air tight and sealed from the environment is provided to create a humidity controlled environment within the package. A humidity control device located within the humidity controlled environment is provided and configured to maintain the humidity level within the humidity controlled environment at a predetermined level. A cedar spill is located within the humidity controlled environment, sufficiently sized to assist the humidity control device in the maintaining of the humidity level within the humidity controlled environment at a predetermined level. And finally, at least one cigar is placed within the humidity controlled environment.
The present invention relates to cigar packaging and, more particularly, pertains to a humidity controlled packaging system for the sale of one or more cigars.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ARTCigar aficionados have long known that some of the best cigars in the world are grown in tropical or equatorial areas and that such cigars are optimally aged in an environment where the relative humidity is high (approximately 70%). Numerous efforts have been directed toward achieving this level of humidity in confined environments. Various humidifying devices and humidors have been employed in an attempt to replicate the humid climate where the cigar tobacco was grown. Known humidors include rooms and various boxes including humidifiers within which cigars are stored and aged.
Cigar storage and humidification devices are well documented in the prior art, the purpose for which is to maintain the freshness and humidity level of cigars prior to them being consumed. The more traditional type of humidification devices are fairly large in size and are designed for holding a larger number of cigars in a humidified environment. While very effective, the drawback of such larger devices is that they are not capable of being easily transported about. Accordingly, it has become desirable for one to be able to sell and carry at least a single cigar in a humidified environment.
BRIEF SUMMARYIn accordance with a specific illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a humidity controlled package for a cigar is provided. A foil package configured to be air tight and sealed from the environment is provided to create a humidity controlled environment within the package. A humidity control device located within the humidity controlled environment is provided and configured to maintain the humidity level within the humidity controlled environment at a predetermined level. A cedar spill is located within the humidity controlled environment, sufficiently sized to assist the humidity control device in the maintaining of the humidity level within the humidity controlled environment at a predetermined level. And finally, at least one cigar manufactured of tobacco is placed within the humidity controlled environment.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the humidity controlled package includes a cedar spill that is sufficiently sized to operate as an incendiary device for an ignition process to start slowly to enable flavors and aromatics of the tobacco to be released.
In still another aspect of the present invention, a humidity control device further comprises a two-way humidity controlled package such that the humidity within the humidity control device is imparted on the humidity controlled environment so as to bring the two into equilibrium at a predetermined level.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the humidity control device further comprises a saturated solution of pure water and natural salt, where the saturated solution is contained within a water-vapor permeable reverse osmosis membrane, and where the humidity control maintains a predetermined level of relative humidity (RH) by releasing or absorbing purified water-vapor as needed through the membrane within the humidity controlled environment.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent upon reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof, and wherein:
Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms ‘a,’ ‘an,’ and ‘the’ may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
Humidity RegulationIt's well known in the art that certain salts mixed with water will naturally regulate humidity. Typical humidity control devices either add moisture or remove moisture. In one embodiment of the present invention, the humidity control device performs both functions, monitoring the RH (relative humidity) inside the container and regulating to the specific RH engineered into the humidity controlled package. In one embodiment, the humidity control device does not need to be activated or maintained.
In one embodiment, as shown in
Continuing with the illustrated embodiment of
The solution of the illustrated humidity control device 30 may be any suitable solute which has a saturated solution at 20% solute in water as a minimum and any solute that will provide a saturated solution at 75% solute in water as a maximum. The preferred range of solubility is 25 to 50%. The preferred saturated solution contains 50% solute and 50% water, however, the maximum range contemplated in the present invention provides a saturated solution at 5% solute and as high as 90% solute by weight. A suitable solution may include a 50/50 combination of ammonia nitrate and calcium chloride, this solution will provide a relative humidity slightly under 70%. Some sugars may be suitable. Sucrose is suitable, but works at a slower rate than salts. Glucose and fructose work well for disposable pouches. These two sugar solutions work for five to ten cycles. Sodium chloride is a preferred salt which is used in a large range of applications because of its humidity (ca 75%), good solubility (25%), non-toxicity, and cost. Other salts or solutes would be used if a different humidity is desirable.
Cedar SpillCedar spills, or cedar splits, are an historic and traditional method for lighting a cigar. Use of the cedar spill helps preserve and protect the taste and/or flavor of the cigar. The user lights the cedar spill and then carefully lights the open tip of the cigar by rotating the cigar over the flame. Alternatively, matches or butane lighters may be used to light the cigar, but these lighting devices frequently scorch or contaminate the tobacco, oils and water within the cigar upon lighting giving the cigar an off-taste.
Traditionally, cedar spills are produced from a cedar sheet which is commonly provided with the cigars in a cigar box. The cedar spills are made by folding the cedar sheet to a desired width and breaking the spill or strip off at the fold seam.
Keeping cigars at a constant humidity level can help keep them fresh and the flavor truly at its peak. The type of wood used can have a big effect on the overall aging process and results. In one embodiment, Spanish Cedar is used. Spanish Cedar is frequently used to line the inside of cases or used for humidor trays is because it is absorbent and helps stop moisture from building up and developing bacteria or mold, which is an important factor in keeping cigars fresh and flavorful. Another reason Spanish Cedar is chosen is due to the strong smell. Tobacco worms are drawn to a tasty cigar. The strong odor of Spanish Cedar drives them away. In addition, the smell of Spanish Cedar is strong enough to impart a light woody flavor and aroma to the stored cigars, a flavor that many people enjoy.
Reference is first made to
The cedar spill depicted in the Figure is selected solely for the purposes of illustrating the invention. Other and different cedar spills may utilize the inventive features described herein as well. The illustrations are not intended to be representative with respect to dimensions.
One of the reasons cigar smokers prefer a spill over a match or lighter is that, when lit, the cedar strip imparts a slight cedar flavor to the tobacco. Plus, cedar is “cleaner” than typical matches, and since spills are longer, you have more time to properly light your cigar. In addition, a cedar spill is specifically designed for the cigar smoker to get the most out of their cigar by enabling the ignition process to start slowly. This enables the true flavors and aromatics of the tobaccos to come forth as the cigar maker intended. Moreover, Spanish Cedar burns quickly and hot and provides a vibrant flame for lighting the actual cigar. The cedar is used to light the cigar as would be any other implement, the cigar is rotated, the smoker puffs until an even and hot cherry is generated.
Humidity Controlled PackageReferring initially to
A key aspect of the present invention is that the front side 22 and back side 24 are formed in such a manner that an “airtight seal” is maintained to create the humidity controlled environment within the humidity controlled package 20. A substantially hermetic seal is maintained between the front side 22 and back side 24 by sealing a foil material.
The humidity controlled package 20 may be sized to receive a single cigar or a plurality of cigars.
In operation, one or more cigars, a cedar spill and a humidity control device are placed within the humidity controlled environment of the humidity controlled package. The foil material is then hermetically sealed to create isolate the cigar, cedar spill and humidity control device from the environment. The humidity control device maintains the relative humidity in the humidity controlled package at the predetermined level, such as 65, 69, 72, 75 or 84% to name a few non-limiting examples.
The humidity controlled package 20 may include a cigar cutter in addition to the one or more cigars, cedar spill and humidity control device.
While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.
Claims
1. A humidity controlled package for a cigar comprising:
- a foil package configured to be air tight and sealed from the environment to create a humidity controlled environment within the package;
- at least one cigar manufactured of tobacco located within the humidity controlled environment;
- a humidity control device located within the humidity controlled environment configured to maintain the humidity level within the humidity controlled environment at a predetermined level; and
- a cedar spill located within the humidity controlled environment, the spill sufficiently sized to assist the humidity control device in the maintaining of the humidity level within the humidity controlled environment at a predetermined level.
2. The humidity controlled package of claim 1, wherein humidity controlled package of claim 1, wherein said cedar spill is sufficiently sized to operate as an incendiary device for an ignition process to start slowly to enable flavors and aromatics of the tobacco to be released.
3. The humidity controlled package of claim 1, wherein said cedar spill imparts an aroma into the cigar and prevents toxins within the humidity controlled environment.
4. The humidity controlled package of claim 1, wherein the preventing of toxins further comprises preventing mold, bacteria and tobacco beetles from developing in said humidity controlled package.
5. The humidity controlled package of claim 1, wherein said predetermined level is between 68% and 74% RH.
6. The humidity controlled package of claim 1, wherein said humidity control device further comprises a two-way humidity controlled package such that the humidity within the humidity control device is imparted on the humidity controlled environment so as to bring the two into equilibrium at the predetermined level.
7. The humidity controlled package of claim 6, wherein said humidity control device further comprises a saturated solution of pure water and natural salt, wherein the saturated solution is contained within a water-vapor permeable reverse osmosis membrane, wherein the humidity control maintains a predetermined level of relative humidity (RH) by releasing or absorbing purified water-vapor as needed through the membrane within the humidity controlled environment.
8. The humidity controlled package of claim 6, wherein said two-way humidity control package is a product manufactured by Boveda.
9. A humidity controlled package for a cigar comprising:
- a foil package configured to be air tight and sealed from the environment to create a humidity controlled environment within the package;
- a humidity control device located within the humidity controlled environment configured to maintain the humidity level within the humidity controlled environment at a predetermined level, wherein said humidity control device further comprises a saturated solution of pure water and natural salt, wherein the saturated solution is contained within a water-vapor permeable reverse osmosis membrane, wherein the humidity control maintains a predetermined level of relative humidity (RH) by releasing or absorbing purified water-vapor as needed through the membrane within the humidity controlled environment; and
- a cedar spill located within the humidity controlled environment, the spill sufficiently sized to assist the humidity control device in the maintaining of the humidity level within the humidity controlled environment at a predetermined level.
10. The humidity controlled package of claim 9, further comprising a cigar manufactured of tobacco.
11. The humidity controlled package of claim 9, wherein humidity controlled package of claim 1, wherein said cedar spill is sufficiently sized to operate as an incendiary device for an ignition process to start slowly to enable flavors and aromatics of the tobacco to be released.
12. The humidity controlled package of claim 9, wherein said cedar spill imparts an aroma into the cigar and prevents toxins within the humidity controlled environment.
13. The humidity controlled package of claim 9, wherein the preventing of toxins further comprises preventing mold, bacteria and tobacco beetles from developing in said humidity controlled package.
14. The humidity controlled package of claim 9, wherein said predetermined level is between 68% and 74% RH.
15. The humidity controlled package of claim 9, wherein said humidity control device further comprises a two-way humidity controlled package such that the humidity within the humidity control device is imparted on the humidity controlled environment so as to bring the two into equilibrium at the predetermined level.
16. The humidity controlled package of claim 15, wherein said two-way humidity control package is a product manufactured by Boveda.
17. A method of providing a humidity controlled package for a cigar comprising:
- providing a foil package configured to be air tight and sealed from the environment to create a humidity controlled environment within the package;
- providing at least one cigar manufactured of tobacco located within the humidity controlled environment;
- providing a humidity control device located within the humidity controlled environment configured to maintain the humidity level within the humidity controlled environment at a predetermined level, wherein said humidity control device further comprises a saturated solution of pure water and natural salt, wherein the saturated solution is contained within a water-vapor permeable reverse osmosis membrane, wherein the humidity control maintains a predetermined level of relative humidity (RH) by releasing or absorbing purified water-vapor as needed through the membrane within the humidity controlled environment; and
- providing a cedar spill located within the humidity controlled environment, the spill sufficiently sized to assist the humidity control device in the maintaining of the humidity level within the humidity controlled environment at a predetermined level.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 23, 2014
Publication Date: Jul 23, 2015
Inventor: Ismail Houmani (Canton, MI)
Application Number: 14/161,912