METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARING A FINISHED SMOKABLE PRODUCT INCLUDING A BOOKLET CONTAINING A PLURALITY OF SHEETS EACH HAVING A PLURALITY OF OPENINGS WHICH ARE IRREGULARLY TORN OPEN TO CAUSE A SHREDDING EFFECT TO ASSIST IN THE SEALING OF A CUSTOM MADE SMOKABLE PRODUCT

Abstract

A finished smokable product is formed using a booklet of smoking rolling papers comprising: (a) a plurality of smokable sheets being stacked together each sheet having first and second longitudinal edge portions along with first and second lateral edge portions, and first and second faces, and a plurality of openings adjacent the first longitudinal edge portion, and the first longitudinal edge portion having a first length, and the first lateral edge portions having a first length; (b) wherein the plurality of sheets are bound together by a plurality of connecting loops; (c) wherein the plurality of openings have bound and unbound states, wherein in the bound state the openings are unbroken and have a mean diameter opening and mean spacing between unbroken openings, and in the unbound state the openings are broken open with the mean spacing remaining constant but the first lateral edge portion having a second length, the second length being greater than the first length of the first lateral edge portion; and (d) wherein the bound plurality of sheets and plurality connecting loops are packaged for sale.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/209,059, filed on 24 Aug. 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/302,088, filed on 1 Mar. 2016, both of which are incorporated herein by reference and priority of/to which are hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

The variety, quality and size of ready-made cigars and/or cigarillos satisfy the majority of the public. However, a small segment of connoisseurs insist that nothing can compare with the taste and smell of custom-blended smoking products. These knowledgeable individuals are very selective in the manner their smoking products are rolled and in the grade of smokable filler used. A still smaller segment of aficionados prefers to roll their own smokable products. They buy tobacco leaves or cigar wrappings and use their preferred brand of crushed tobacco. Some people buy inexpensive cigars, cut them with a sharp blade along the side, and carefully pry the cut cigar open. The innermost layers are then removed and substituted with a favorite brand of crushed tobacco, which may come from cigarettes or bulk tobacco blend. The user then brings the cut edges of the cigar together, closing the outer layers of the cigar over the “stuffing.” The edges are then sealed with a liquid or honey, and a new cigar is ready for smoking.

Some reports indicate that the roll-your-own tobacco market is flourishing. In some countries, the roll-your-own products now hold a substantial share of the tobacco market, and their consumers represent more than 10% of the smoking population. This may be explained by the ability of a consumer to create a tailor-made product, as opposed to commercially available types of tobacco products.

A disadvantage of the prior art is the difficulty of sealing the rolled smokable product. To address this disadvantage various prior art rolling papers include a glue line. However, a percentage of users do not like to use glue as such is believe to take away from the enjoyment of the smokable product and change its taste and/or smell.

It would be advantageous to provide a tobacco product which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.”

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one embodiment the pre-rolled smokable sheet includes binder and wrapper layers with a plurality of openings (but no glue or adhesive in connection openings) for assisting with sealing of a custom made finished cigar or cigarillo.

In one embodiment the pre-rolled smokable sheets are comprised of homogenized tobacco paper.

In one embodiment the pre-rolled smokable sheets are comprised of natural leaves.

In one embodiment the pre-rolled smokable sheets are comprised of smokable materials.

In various embodiments the pre-rolled smokable sheets are comprised of smokable materials chosen from any combination of the following materials: natural leaf, homogenized tobacco paper, pipe tobacco, different types of flavored tobacco, cellulose (clear, opaque, or colored), bleached or non-bleached paper, cigarette paper, rice paper, tea leaves, kanna, blue lotus, salvia, salvia eivinorm, wild dagga, kratom, herbal non-tobacco, Celandine Poppy, Mugwort, Purple Lavender Flowers, Coltsfoot Leaf, Ginger root, California Poppy, Sinicuichi, St. John's Wort, Capillarius herba, Yerba Lenna Yesca, Calea Zacatechichi, Leonurus Sibericus Flowers, Wild Dagga Flowers, Klip Dagga Leaf, Damiana, Hookah, hemp, Hemia salicifolia, Kava Kava, Avena Sativa, scotch broom topps, Valarian, capillarius, herba, Wild clip dagga, Leonurus sibiricus, Kanna, Sinicuichi, chocolate, herbal components, and/or lactuca virosa.

In various embodiments the smokable filler material used to make the custom cigar or cigarillo is selected from any combination of the following types of filler material: smoking tobacco, pipe tobacco, different types of flavored tobacco, tea leaves, kanna, blue lotus, salvia, salvia eivinorm, wild dagga, kratom, herbal non-tobacco, Celandine Poppy, Mugwort, Purple Lavender Flowers, Coltsfoot Leaf, Ginger root, California Poppy, Sinicuichi, St. John's Wort, Capillarius herba, Yerba Lenna Yesca, Calea Zacatechichi, Leonurus Sibericus Flowers, Wild Dagga Flowers, Klip Dagga Leaf, Damiana, Hookah, Hemia salicifolia, Kava Kava, Avena Sativa, scotch broom topps, Valarian, capillarius, herba, Wild clip dagga, Leonurus sibiricus, Kanna, Sinicuichi, and/or lactuca virosa.

One embodiment additional smokable sheets with pluralities of openings on their edges, the sheets being made of the same material, such as homogenized tobacco paper, natural leaf, rolling paper, and/or sheets of other smokable materials. One embodiment includes possible combinations of the different types of sheets of homogenized tobacco paper, natural leaf, rolling paper, and/or sheets of other smokable materials. One embodiment includes sheets comprised of different smokable materials chosen from any combination of the following types of materials: natural leaf, homogenized tobacco paper, pipe tobacco, different types of flavored tobacco, tea leaves, kanna, blue lotus, salvia, salvia eivinorm, wild dagga, kratom, herbal non-tobacco, Celandine Poppy, Mugwort, Purple Lavender Flowers, Coltsfoot Leaf, Ginger root, California Poppy, Sinicuichi, St. John's Wort, Capillarius herba, Yerba Lenna Yesca, Calea Zacatechichi, Leonurus Sibericus Flowers, Wild Dagga Flowers, Klip Dagga Leaf, Damiana, Hookah, Hemia salicifolia, Kava Kava, Avena Sativa, scotch broom topps, Valarian, capillarius, herba, Wild clip dagga, Leonurus sibiricus, Kanna, Sinicuichi, and/or lactuca virosa.

One embodiment of the method enables an end user to make his or her own custom finished tobacco products with a selected, custom filler material/blend of filler material. The method preferably includes the use of a liquid for moisturizing, and also preferably includes flavoring and/or scenting. The liquid can be, in whole or in part, water, alcohol, solvent, oil, propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, glycerin, benzyl alcohol as examples. The liquid can be flavored and/or scented with items such as for example apple, apple martini, berries, blueberry, champagne, chocolate, coco/vanilla, cognac, cosmo, gin, grape, honey, lychee, mango, menthol, mint choco, peach, piña colada, punch, purple, rum, strawberry/kiwi, vanilla, watermelon, wet cherry, and/or whiskey.

The flavors are preferably added to the form casings and/or pre-rolled sheets with a liquid. This flavored liquid is typically applied at levels of between about 0.01 to 45% by weight, and preferably between about 0.1% to 10% by weight. This flavored liquid is typically applied to the at least one pre-rolled sheet with a carrier liquid such as ethyl alcohol, propylene glycol, water or the like. Glycerin and invert sugar can also be used as a carrier. Some humectants can also be used, however, little or no humectants can be used. In general terms, the flavors can be provided by botanical extracts, essential oils, or artificial flavor chemicals, any one of which or a combination thereof mixed with a carrying solvent such as propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, glycerin, benzyl alcohol, or other alcohol, for example. Other flavors can include cocoa, licorice, coffee, vanilla or other botanical extracts. Essentials oils can be used such as wine essence, cognac oil, rose oil, mate or other oils.

In various embodiments the smokable sheets can be coated and/or plated with smokable components which include but are not limited to metals such as gold.

In various embodiments instructions can be provided with the packaging (or on the packaging) showing one or more of the steps of unrolling a pre-rolled sheet, filling the interior volume with a consumer's custom tobacco filler material, and closing the inner shell using the plurality of openings to create a seal between the opposed edges of the pre-rolled sheet to form a custom made cigar or cigarillo.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a smokable sheet having a plurality of openings where the openings extend the length of the sheet and to a specified depth.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a plurality of smokable sheets of FIG. 1 are stacked together to be spirally bound between a cover and rear using a spiral or helical connector.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the plurality of smokable sheets of FIG. 2 being placed between the cover and rear.

FIG. 4 includes top perspective views showing the plurality of smokable sheets of FIG. 2 being spirally bound to each other and the cover and rear.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a booklet of spirally bound smokable sheets.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a booklet of spirally bound smokable sheets now opened to expose two spirally bound smokable sheets.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the open booklet of spirally bound smokable sheets of FIG. 6 with one of the smokable sheets shown in the process of being torn out of the booklet.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the open booklet of spirally bound smokable sheets of FIG. 6 with one of the smokable sheets now torn out of the booklet and including an enlarged portion to better show the type of arms created by the tearing process.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the smokable sheet of FIG. 8 after being removed from the booklet.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the smokable sheet of FIG. 9 with smokable filler material in the process of being added to the sheet.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the smokable sheet of FIG. 9 with smokable filler material now placed on the sheet.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the smokable sheet in the process of being rolled with the added smokable filler.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the smokable sheet further in the process of being rolled with the added smokable filler.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the smokable sheet in the process of being wetted.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the smokable sheet now wetted.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing pressure being applied to the wetted smokable sheet to cause the longitudinal edge to stick creating a custom made finished cigar or cigarillo which is now ready to smoke.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective views showing a sheet of detachable filter tips adjacent the rear of the booklet.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a booklet with a grinder on the inside of its cover.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative booklet which includes a grinder located on the interior face of cover.

FIGS. 21 through 23 are perspective views of an alternative booklet which includes a removable grinder located on the interior face of cover, which can be added to any of the other embodiments disclosed in this application.

FIGS. 24 through 28 are perspective views showing an alternative booklet including a removable funnel sheet, which can be added to any of the other embodiments disclosed in this application.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a fragmentary view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a fragmentary view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a fragmentary view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a fragmentary view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a fragmentary view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a fragmentary view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a fragmentary view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a fragmentary view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a fragmentary view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a fragmentary view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a fragmentary view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a fragmentary view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate spiral binding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner. Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a smokable sheet 100 having a plurality of openings 1000 where the openings extend the length 142 of the sheet 100 and to a specified depth 114.

Sheet 100 includes interior face 102, exterior face 104 spaced opposite of interior face, opposed longitudinal edges 120 and 140, and oppose lateral edges 110 and 130. Longitudinal edge 120 can have a length of 122. Longitudinal edge 140 can have a length of 142, and length 142 can be equal to length 122. Lateral edge 110 can have a length of 112. Lateral edge 130 can have a length of 132, and length 132 can be equal to length 112.

In various embodiments plurality of openings 1000 can be located adjacent one edge of sheet 100 (e.g., edge 120) and extend away from such edge a defined amount (e.g., along edge 110 and dimension 114) leaving the remaining portion of sheet 100 without openings (e.g., along dimension 116). In various embodiments plurality of openings 1000 can extend about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and/or 60 percent of sheet 100's height (e.g., length 112). In various embodiments ranges between any two of the above specified percentages can be used for limiting the extent 114 of plurality of opening 1000 extend along the height 112 of sheet 100. In FIG. 1, the extent that plurality of openings extend along height 112 can be represented by dimension 114, and the extent of height not occupied by plurality of openings 1000 can be represented by dimension 116. Dimension 116 added to dimension 114 equals dimension 112, representing the full height of edge 110.

In various embodiments no additional cigar glue or adhesive is contained in the area of the plurality of openings 1000.

Sheet 100 can be comprised of smokable materials chosen from any combination of the following materials: natural leaf, homogenized tobacco paper, pipe tobacco, different types of flavored tobacco, cellulose (clear, opaque, or colored), paper, tea leaves, kanna, blue lotus, salvia, salvia eivinorm, wild dagga, kratom, herbal non-tobacco, Celandine Poppy, Mugwort, Purple Lavender Flowers, Coltsfoot Leaf, Ginger root, California Poppy, Sinicuichi, St. John's Wort, Capillarius herba, Yerba Lenna Yesca, Calea Zacatechichi, Leonurus Sibericus Flowers, Wild Dagga Flowers, Klip Dagga Leaf, Damiana, Hookah, Hemia salicifolia, Kava Kava, Avena Sativa, scotch broom topps, Valarian, capillarius, herba, Wild clip dagga, Leonurus sibiricus, Kanna, Sinicuichi, and/or lactuca virosa.

In one embodiment sheet 100 can have lengths 122 and 142 being between about 68-70 millimeters and lengths 112 and 132 being between about 34-36 millimeters, which is about 2.75×1.4 inches.

In one embodiment sheet 100 can have lengths 122 and 142 being between about 76-78 millimeters and lengths 112 and 132 being between about 45-48 millimeters, which is about 3.1×1.8 inches.

In one embodiment sheet 100 can have lengths 122 and 142 being between about 76-78 millimeters and lengths 112 and 132 being between about 60-62 millimeters, which is about 3.1×2.4 inches.

In one embodiment sheet 100 can have lengths 122 and 142 being between about 76-78 millimeters and lengths 112 and 132 being between about 63-88 millimeters, which is about 3.1×2.5-3.5 inches.

In one embodiment sheet 100 can have lengths 122 and 142 being between about 100-105 millimeters and lengths 112 and 132 being between about 55-60 millimeters, which is about 4×2 inches.

In various embodiments up to the dimension 114 can be added to lengths 112 and 130 so that the lengths after tearing out of booklet 500 can approximate the above referenced sizes for lengths 112 and 132

In various embodiments the diameter 1010 for the plurality of openings 1000 should preferably have an average size of greater than 0.1 millimeters. In different embodiments the average size of the openings can be greater than about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, 2, 2.2, 2.4, and 2.5 millimeters. In various embodiments the average size of the openings can range between about any two of the above specified average sizes.

In various embodiments the spacing 1050 of the plurality of openings 1000 can be uniform and can have an average spacing of greater than 0.1 millimeters. In different embodiments the average spacing of the openings can be greater than about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, 2, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 3, 4, and/or 5 millimeters. In various embodiments the spacing 1050 of the openings can range between about any two of the above specified spacing 1050 amounts.

In various embodiments dimension 114 for the plurality of openings 1000 can be greater than 0.1 millimeters. In different embodiments the dimension 114 can be greater than about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, 2, 2.2, 2.4, and 2.5 millimeters. In various embodiments dimension 114 fall within a range between about any two of the above specified dimension 114 amounts.

In various embodiments plurality of openings 1000 can be located adjacent one edge of sheet 100 (e.g., edge 120) and extend along a substantial portion (although not its entire longitudinal length). In various embodiments plurality of openings 1000 can extend about 50, 55, 60, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, and/or 100 percent of sheet 100's longitudinal length (e.g., length 122). In various embodiments plurality of openings can extend along the longitudinal length 122 of sheet 100 an amount that falls within a range of between any of the two above specified percentages of the longitudinal length 122 (e.g., extending between 55 and 85 percent of longitudinal length 122, or between 55 and 90 percent).

Plurality of broken openings 1100 located along a substantial portion of the longitudinal length 122 of sheet 100 assists users (compared to nothing and/or unbroken openings) in sealing edge 120 of sheet 100.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a plurality of smokable sheets 400 stacked together to be spirally bound between a cover 510 and rear 550 using a spiral or helical connector 600. FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the plurality of stacked smokable sheets 400 being placed between the cover 510 and rear 550. FIG. 4 includes top perspective views showing the plurality of stacked smokable sheets 400 being spirally bound to each other and the cover 510 and rear 550.

Spiral wound wire 600 can include a plurality of loops 650 which are connected to each other forming a spiral or helical shape. Although not shown, plurality of loops 650 can also be a plurality of independent binding rings 650′ which each ring is independent of each other ring in the plurality of binding rings 650′ (e.g., not connected to each other). In various embodiments a combination of helical or spiral subsections can be used for spiral wound wire 600.

FIGS. 5 through 16 illustrate the steps in one embodiment for making a custom made rolled smoking product using sheet 100.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a finished booklet 500 of spirally bound smokable sheets 400. The first step would be to remove sheet 100 from booklet 500 (see FIGS. 5 through 8), and creating a plurality of broken arms 1100.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a booklet 500 of spirally bound smokable sheets 400 now opened (schematically indicated by arrows 50) to expose two spirally bound smokable sheets 100′ and 100″.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the open booklet 500 of spirally bound smokable sheets 400 with one of the smokable sheets 100′″ shown in the process of being torn out of the booklet (schematically indicated by arrow 52).

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the open booklet 500 of spirally bound smokable sheets 400 with one of the smokable sheets 100′″ now torn out of the booklet 500 and including an enlarged portion to better show the type of irregularly shaped and positioned arms created by the tearing process. FIG. 8 shows the type of skewing of arms created by the openings or perforations when torn from spiral 600. In various embodiments a plurality of the broken arms 1100 can have their longitudinal center lines (e.g., 1113 and 1121) of said arms (e.g., arms 1112 and 1120) being skewed at least 5 degrees relative to each other after removal of the sheet 100 from the booklet 500. In various embodiments the skewing can be at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, and 90 degrees relative to each other. In various embodiments the amount of relative skewing between a plurality of the arms after tearing can fall within a range of between any two of the above referenced relative degree amounts of minimum skewing.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the smokable sheet 100 after being removed from the booklet 500. Plurality of broken arms 1100 can serve as attachment surfaces vehicles to face 104. The user can apply moisture to edge 120 and/or plurality of broken arms 1100 to effect a seal between edge 120 and face 104.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the smokable sheet 100 with smokable filler material 20 in the process of being added to the sheet (schematically indicated by arrow 54). Next, the step of adding a selected custom smokable filler 20 material (schematically indicated by arrow 22), and to roll. Arrows 56 and 58 schematically indicate rolling of sheet 100.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the smokable sheet 100 with smokable filler 20 material now placed on the sheet.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the smokable sheet 100 in the process of being rolled with the added smokable filler 22 (schematically indicated by arrow 56). FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the smokable sheet 100 the process of being rolled with the added smokable filler 22 (schematically indicated by arrow 58). FIGS. 12 and 13 schematically indicate that the sheet 100 is rolled with the smokable filler material 22 in the inner volume such that the plurality of broken arms 1100 are placed over the opposing edge 140 of the pre-rolled sheet 100 to cause the edge 120 to seal against face 104.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the smokable sheet 100 in the process of being wetted (schematically indicated by arrow 60). Moisture can be applied by the user on the outside surface 102 of sheet 100 at the location of the plurality of broken arms 1100 which applied moisture can travel from outside surface 102, through plurality of broken arms 1100, and into inside surface 104, wetting both the underside 104 of edge 120 and top side 102 plurality of broken arms 1100. Arrow 60 in FIG. 14 schematically indicate the step of applying moisture to plurality of broken arms 1100.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the smokable sheet 100 now wetted. In one embodiment a set of instructions for wetting top side of the plurality of broken arms 1100 can be provided. Instructions can be printed on booklet 500 or on packaging for booklet 500, instructing the consumer that the sheets 100,100′,100″, etc. can be torn off of spiral 600 creating a plurality of broken arms which are to be wetted topside, and such wetting will seal the overlapping edges. In other embodiments the instructions can be printed on the sheets 400 themselves, or included inside booklet 500.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing pressure being applied (schematically indicated by arrows 62) to the wetted smokable sheet 100 to cause the longitudinal edge 120 to stick to face/surface 104 creating a custom made finished cigar or cigarillo 10 which is now ready to smoke. Pressure can be applied to plurality of broken arms 1100 (schematically indicated by arrows 70 along with the area between these two arrows), to effect a seal between plurality of broken arms 1100 and surface 104. In one embodiment moisture is applied by licking top side plurality of broken arms 1100.

Custom made finished cigar or cigarillo 10 is now ready to smoke, and first end (located at edge 110 of smokable sheet 100) can be lit and second end (located at edge 130 of smokable sheet 100) can be placed in the mouth of the smoker.

Booklet 500 can be placed in packaging and offer for sale, such as to consumers. Although not shown, packaging materials can include, but are not limited to, Low & High Density Polyethylene with EVA additive, Linear Low Density Poly, Polypropylene, Orientated Polypropylene, Cast Polypropylene, PVC, Polyester, Vaper Barrier packaging, Moisture Barrier packaging, Laminated packaging, Shrink film, Stretch Film, Foil Films (which can be translucent or opaque), Metalized Film, Cellophane, and Polyethylene Terephthalat. In addition to an “EVA” additive a barrier foil lamination can be used being either coated or metallized. The packaging, whether plastic, aluminum, or glass, keeps moisture in or dramatically slows down moisture loss from the pre-rolled sheet(s). It is preferable that the wrapping material have adequate moisture resistant properties so that the tobacco product does not dry out before use by consumers. The packaging can have indicia which provides consumers with information concerning tearing out the sheets and making a custom rolled tobacco product.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a alternative sheet 3000 of a plurality of detachable filter strips 3010 which can be formed into a filter tip for the custom rolled smoking product made in other embodiments, which can be added to any of the other embodiments disclosed in this application. Sheet 3000 can include plurality of orthogonal perforated lines 3020 to assist a user in removing one of the plurality of filter strips to make a filter tip. Additionally, sheet 3000 can include longitudinal perforated line 3050 which allows each of the plurality of filter strips 3010 to be removed without the user seeing the holes or openings in sheet 3000 used to bind it to spiral 600 (e.g., see a flat edge). In various embodiments a user can use one of the plurality of filter strips 3010 to form a filter in the final custom rolled smoking product.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative booklet 500 which includes a grinder 2000 located on the interior face of cover 510, which can be added to any of the other embodiments disclosed in this application. Grinder 2000 can include a plurality of grinding openings, edges, or prongs 2010. In various embodiments a user can use grinder 2000 to grind smokable filler 20 to be added. Grinder 2000 can be made from a plurality of materials which can withstand structural stresses and perform the grinding function of smokable filler, which materials include metal, plastic, cardboard, wood, glass, ceramic, and/or other materials.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative booklet 500 which includes a grinder 2000 located on the interior face of cover 510, which can be added to any of the other embodiments disclosed in this application. Grinder 2000 can include a plurality of grinding openings 2200 which can extend from one face of grinder to the second face of grinder. Each of the plurality of openings 2200 can include a cutting edge. A user can use grinder 2000 to grind smokable filler 20 to be added.

FIGS. 21 through 23 are perspective views of an alternative booklet 500 which includes a removable grinder 2000 located on the interior face of cover 510, which can be added to any of the other embodiments disclosed in this application. Removable grinder 2000 can include a plurality of grinding openings 2200 which can extend from one face of grinder to the second face of grinder. Each of the plurality of openings 2200 can include a cutting edge. A user can remove removable grinder 2000 from holding sleeve 2100, and use grinder 2000 to grind smokable filler 20 to be added. A user can then reinsert removable grinder 2000 into sleeve 2100 for storage and later grinding use.

FIGS. 24 through 28 are perspective views showing an alternative booklet 500 including a removable funnel sheet 2500, which can be added to any of the other embodiments disclosed in this application. Removable funnel sheet 2500 can include a series of openings on which it can be spirally bound to spiral 600, and can include a perforation line 2530 for removable from spiral 600. Removable funnel sheet 2500 can include a series of bend or fold lines or areas 2550,2560,2570,2580, and 2590 which can be used to transform removable funnel sheet 2500 into a finished funnel 2900 having for assisting in the adding of smokable filler 20 into the custom rolled smoking product. To increase the size of finished funnel 2900 removable funnel sheet 2500 can be folded in half about fold line 2550 while in booklet 500 (FIG. 24). Edge 2502 can be separated from edge 2504 to fully open removable funnel sheet (FIG. 25).

Sheet 2500 can be removed from booklet 500 using perforation line 2530, folded about the bend or fold lines or areas 2550,2560,2570,2580, and 2590 to create finished funnel 2900 having funneling volume 2700 (FIGS. 26 to 29). Volume 2700 of finished funnel can then be used by a user to place smokable filler 20 into and then direct this placed smokable filler onto the sheet to be rolled using either fold areas 2670 (planar walls 2682/2684) or fold area 2680 (planar walls 2682/22684).

As part of the method, the smokable products disclosed in this application can be sprayed with a liquid that preferably includes a flavoring.

In various embodiments the cover 510, rear 550, and/or packaging for booklet 500 can include cross marketing/advertising materials 4000 inviting, suggesting, and/or directing a consumer to utilize a specific type and/or brand of smokable filler (see e.g., FIG. 5). In various embodiments cross marking/advertising materials 4000 can be selected from the group consisting of smoking tobacco, pipe tobacco, different types of flavored tobacco, tea leaves, kanna, blue lotus, salvia, salvia eivinorm, wild dagga, kratom, herbal non-tobacco, Celandine Poppy, Mugwort, Purple Lavender Flowers, Coltsfoot Leaf, Ginger root, California Poppy, Sinicuichi, St. John's Wort, Capillarius herba, Yerba Lenna Yesca, Calea Zacatechichi, Leonurus Sibericus Flowers, Wild Dagga Flowers, Klip Dagga Leaf, Damiana, Hookah, Hemia salicifolia, Kava Kava, Avena Sativa, scotch broom topps, Valarian, capillarius, herba, Wild clip dagga, Leonurus sibiricus, Kanna, Sinicuichi, and/or lactuca virosa.

In various embodiments the plurality of smokable sheets 400 can be of a single color which can chosen from the set of primary colors or set of non-primary colors. In various embodiments one or more of the plurality of smokable sheets 400 can be of a different color from one or more of the other of the plurality of smokable sheets which colors can be selected from the group of primary colors and non-primary colors.

In various embodiments the plurality of smokable sheets can have the following unit weights: between about 8 grams per square meter (gsm) to about 110 gsm, between about 8 gsm to about 50 gsm, and between about 10 gsm to about 25 gsm.

In various embodiments can include a kit comprising a booklet of a plurality of bound smokable sheets 400 with one or more of the accessories disclosed in this application (e.g., filler sheet 3000 of plurality of filter tips 310, grinder 2000, and/or funnel 2900). In various embodiments the booklets 500 can include cross marketing materials 4000.

FIGS. 29-46 show an alternate embodiment of the apparatus (and method) of the present invention, designated generally by the numeral 500 in FIGS. 29-30. Booklet 500 binds multiple smokable sheets 100 together with binder 660 as seen in FIGS. 29-30. Each sheet 100 has multiple spaced apart openings 1000. A pair of loops 650 defines a double or multiple band wire binder wherein two (or multiple) loops 650 bind the sheets 100 together at each opening 1000 as seen in FIGS. 29 and 46. Each sheet 100 has interior face 102 and exterior face 104. In FIG. 29, numeral 400 indicates stacked sheets 100 while arrow 50 shows that each sheet 100 can be turned from one side (e.g., left) of wire binder or binding 660 to the other side (e.g., right) of wire binder or binding 660. Booklet 500 can have cover 510 and rear 550.

FIGS. 30-32 illustrate removal of one sheet 100 from booklet 500 by tearing the sheet 100 as illustrated by arrow 52 in FIG. 30. In FIG. 30, a single sheet 100 is being torn from binding 660 which tears a part of sheet 100 next to each opening 1000, thus producing a plurality of broken openings or perforations 1100 and arms 1110, 1112, 1120 and 1122.

A broken opening or perforation can be considered as being in an open state, which can be distinguished from a closed state where the opening or perforation includes a closed outer perimeter. In this manner when the sheet 100 is torn from the wire binder or binding 660 the closed outer perimeters of each of the plurality of openings or perforations is broken or placed in an open state. In various embodiments the entire outer perimeter of one or more of the plurality of openings, when said perimeters are broken by tearing, of what was formerly a closed outer perimeter, stays attached to and goes with the sheet 100 when the sheet 100 is torn from the wire binder or binding 660, and can be used to ultimately seal sheet 100 when rolling a custom made smoking product.

In FIGS. 31-32, the sheet 100 has been torn next to each opening 1000. Dimension line 113 in FIG. 32 designates a maximum dimension 113 between sheet edge 140 and the torn portions of sheet 100 at what was edge 120. Those torn portions of a sheet 100 are designated as 1110, 1112, 1114, 1116, 1118, 1120, 1122, 1150, 1160, and 1164 in FIG. 32. Arrows 1154, 1155 and 1156 show distances from edge 130 to torn portions 1150, 1164 and 1160 respectively. The numeral 1151 tracks the direction of torn portion 1150. The numeral 1111 is a line that tracks a torn portion that separated from portions 1110, 1112. In FIG. 32, numeral 1115 is a line normal to edge 120.

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST
REFERENCE NO. DESCRIPTION
10            rolled smokable product
20            smokable filler material
22            added smokable filler material
50            arrow
52            arrow
54            arrow
56            arrow
58            arrow
60            arrow
62            arrow
70            moisture arrow
71            moisture arrow
72            moisture arrow
90            adhesive
100           smokable sheet
102           interior face
104           exterior face
110           edge
112           height of sheet on edge 110
113           maximum height of sheet on edge 110
              after perforations or openings are broken
114           dimension regarding depth of openings or
              perforations
115           spacing of perforations or openings from
              longitudinal edge
116           dimension regarding depth of sheet not
              having openings or perforations
120           edge
122           length of sheet on edge 120
130           edge
140           edge
150           first end
160           second end
170           longitudinal opening
400           one or more stacked sheet(s)
500           booklet
502           arrow
510           cover
514           plurality of openings
550           rear
554           plurality of openings
600           spiral wound wire
610           arrow
620           arrow
650           plurality of spiral loops
660           double or multiple bands for spiral wire
670           plurality of double or multiple spiral loops
770           indicia and/or instructions
800           finished rolled smokable product with
              smokable filler
1000          plurality of openings or perforations
1010          mean diameter of openings or perforations
1050          spacing between openings or perforations
1100          plurality of broken openings or
              perforations
1110          first arm
1112          second arm
1114          torn portion
1116          torn portion
1118          torn portion
1120          first arm
1122          second arm
1150          torn portion
1160          torn portion
1164          torn portion
2000          grinder
2010          plurality of grinder cutting portions
2100          sleeve
2200          plurality of grinder openings or
              perforations
2210          plurality of cutting edges
2500          funnel sheet
2502          edge
2504          edge
2510          first side
2520          second side
2530          perforation line
2550          fold line
2560          fold line
2570          fold line
2580          fold line
2590          fold line
2600          arrow showing folding
2651          arrow showing folding
2661          arrow showing folding
2670          containment wall
2672          first planar wall
2674          second planar wall
2676          angle between first and second
              containment walls
2680          containment wall
2682          first planar wall
2684          second planar wall
2686          angle between first and second
              containment walls
2700          holding volume
2710          first planar wall
2720          second planar wall
2730          angle between first and second
              containment walls
2900          funnel
3000          filter sheet
3010          plurality of detachable filter strips
3020          plurality of openings for spiral binding
3030          plurality of perforated lines
3050          longitudinal perforated line
4000          cross marketing materials

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of making a custom made cigar comprising the steps of:

(a) purchasing a plurality of smokable sheets each having first and second longitudinal edge portions and first and second faces, and a plurality of openings adjacent the first longitudinal edge portion, wherein the plurality of sheets are bound together by a plurality of loops extending through at least one of the plurality of openings of each of the plurality of sheets, and wherein the bound plurality of sheets are packaged for sale;

(b) removing one of the plurality of sheets from the state of being bound by the plurality of loops wherein a plurality of the openings on the removed sheet are placed in an open state;

(c) adding a selected smokable filler material to the first face of the removed sheet;

(d) rolling the removed sheet together with the selected smokable filler such that the plurality of perforations in the open state extends over the second face of the removed sheet in a sealing area, wetting at least one of the sealing area and plurality of perforations in the open state, and placing pressure on the plurality of perforations in the open state so that the first longitudinal edge portion tends to stick to the second face of the removed sheet, and thereby forming a custom-tailored rolled smoking product.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein in step “a” the plurality of binding loops form a helix or spiral.

3-6. (canceled)

7. The method of claim 1, wherein in step “b” the plurality of perforations of the removed sheet, before being sealed in step “d”, freely allow air flow through the perforations.

8-9. (canceled)

10. A booklet of smoking rolling papers comprising:

(a) a plurality of smokable sheets being stacked together each sheet having

first and second longitudinal edge portions along with first and second lateral edge portions, and

first and second faces, and

a plurality of openings adjacent the first longitudinal edge portion, and

the first longitudinal edge portion having a first length, and

the first lateral edge portions having a first length;

(b) wherein the plurality of sheets are bound together by a plurality of connecting loops;

(c) wherein the plurality of openings have bound and unbound states, wherein in the bound state the openings are unbroken and have a mean diameter opening and mean spacing between unbroken openings, and in the unbound state the openings are broken open with the mean spacing remaining constant but the first lateral edge portion having a second length, the second length being greater than the first length of the first lateral edge portion; and

(d) wherein the bound plurality of sheets and plurality connecting loops are packaged for sale.

11. The booklet of claim 10, wherein in the unbound state a plurality of the plurality of broken openings of the unbound sheet have a pair of broken arms which are skewed in relation to each other.

12. The booklet of claim 10, wherein in the unbound state a plurality of the plurality of broken openings of the unbound sheet have a pair of broken arms having substantially different arm lengths.

13. The booklet of claim 10, wherein in the unbound state a plurality of the plurality of broken openings of the unbound sheet have a pair of broken arms having substantially different arm lengths.

14. The booklet of claim 13, wherein a plurality of the broken arms have a length that is greater than the mean spacing.

15. The booklet of claim 13, wherein a plurality of the broken arms have a length that is smaller than one have of the mean diameter.

16. A method of making a custom made cigar comprising the steps of:

(a) purchasing a booklet that includes a plurality of smokable sheets each having first and second longitudinal edge portions, first and second faces, and a plurality of openings adjacent the first longitudinal edge portion, wherein the plurality of sheets are bound together by a plurality of loops, each loop extending through at least one of the plurality of openings of each of the plurality of sheets, and wherein the booklet is packaged for sale;

(b) removing one of the plurality of sheets from the state of being bound by the plurality of loops wherein the sheet is torn next to each of the plurality of the openings;

(c) adding a selected smokable filler material to the first face of the removed sheet;

(d) rolling the removed sheet together with the selected smokable filler such that the plurality of perforations in the open state extends over the second face of the removed sheet in a sealing area;

(e) wetting at least one of the sealing area and plurality of perforations in the open state; and

(f) placing pressure on the plurality of perforations in the open state so that the first longitudinal edge portion adheres to the second face of the removed sheet, and thereby forming a custom-tailored rolled smoking product.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein in step “a” the plurality of binding loops are part of a spiral.

18-24. (canceled)

25. A booklet of smoking rolling papers comprising:

(a) a book comprised of a plurality of smokable sheets that are stacked together, each sheet having first and second longitudinal edge portions and first and second lateral edge portions, the first lateral edge portion having a length;

(b) each sheet having first and second faces;

(c) a plurality of openings adjacent the first longitudinal edge portion;

(d) a binder that binds the plurality of sheets together, said binder including a plurality of connecting loops;

(e) wherein the plurality of openings have bound and unbound states, wherein in the bound state the openings are unbroken and have a mean diameter opening and mean spacing;

(f) wherein in the unbound state, the sheet is torn at the openings;

(g) wherein the first lateral edge portion has a length that is greater than the first length of the first lateral edge portion; and

(h) wherein the bound plurality of sheets and plurality connecting loops are packaged for sale.

26. The booklet of claim 10, wherein in the unbound state the sheet next to the plurality of openings has a pair of broken arms which are skewed in relation to each other.

27. The booklet of claim 10, wherein in the unbound state the pair of broken arms have substantially different arm lengths.

28. The booklet of claim 13, wherein a plurality of the broken arms have a length that is greater than the mean spacing.

29. The booklet of claim 13, wherein a plurality of the broken arms have a length that is smaller than one have of the mean diameter.

30. The method of claim 1, where in step (a) a grinder is attached to plurality of loops and in step (c) using the grinder to grind the selected smokable filler material.

31. (canceled)

32. The method of claim 16, where in step (a) a grinder is attached to plurality of loops and in step (c) using the grinder to grind the selected smokable filler material.

33. (canceled)

34. The method of claim 1, where in step (a) a plurality of filter tips are removably bound to the plurality of loops, in step (b) removing one of the plurality of filter tips from the state of being bound by the plurality of loops, and in step (d) incorporating the removed filter tip in the custom-tailored rolled smoking product.

35-37. (canceled)

38. The method of claim 34, where in step (d) rolling the removed filter tips into a spiral prior to incorporation in the custom-tailored rolled smoking product.

39. The method of claim 34, where in step (d) forming a series of bend or fold lines in the removed filter tip prior to incorporation in the custom-tailored rolled smoking product.

40-68. (canceled)