MODULAR HUMIDOR SYSTEM WITH INDEPENDENTLY CONTROLLED CABINETS

Abstract

A modular humidor system includes a plurality of humidor cabinets that each have a body section that defines an interior space, and a panel for selectively accessing the internal space. Each of the cabinets including a hygrometer, a removable tray and a humidifier. One or more of the cabinets include a controller that is communicatively linked to the hygrometer and the electronic humidifier. The controller includes a wireless transceiver for allowing remote monitoring and adjustments to the environmental conditions within each cabinet of the system. Each of the cabinets including connectors for securing the cabinets vertically to form a multi-cabinet chest.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/721,929 filed on Aug. 23, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to climate-controlled storage devices, and more particular to a humidor system having a plurality of stackable and interchangeable cabinets.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

There is no shortage of commercially available humidor systems which are capable of receiving and storing cigars in a climate and humidity-controlled manner. Indeed, such commercially available systems range from small box-size cabinets to large chests which can be the centerpiece of a room.

Although some of the larger chest-style systems can have options for allowing the factory to switch one type of drawer with another inside of the fixed-shape frame body, such systems rely on a single humidification system that circulates conditioned air throughout each of the cabinets. As such, these systems are not able to easily store different types of cigars and other such items, as the humidity levels cannot be easily adjusted from one drawer to another. To this end, it is not uncommon for cigar aficionados to have to purchase multiple different cabinets to store different items at different humidification levels. Additionally, such systems are not scalable, as they do not have the ability to expand capacity as a user's needs grow. As a result, a user must upgrade the entire cabinet and discard the previous humidor, thus resulting in tremendous waste, as they must now discard their smaller system(s).

Accordingly, the need exists for a modular and scalable humidification system that can include any number of independently controlled and operated modular cabinets that can be joined together to form a single chest-style system based on the particular needs of each user, and that can be expanded over time to meet the ongoing needs of the user while maintaining the look of a single factory-built cabinet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a modular humidor system. One embodiment of the present invention can include a plurality of humidor cabinets that can function independently or together to form a multi-cabinet humidor chest. Each of the cabinets can include a body section that defines an interior space, and a panel for selectively accessing the internal space.

In one embodiment, each of the cabinets can include a hygrometer, a removable tray and a humidifier. The humidifier can comprise a chemical agent providing two-way humidification and can also comprise an electronic humidifier.

In one embodiment, one or more of the cabinets can include a controller that is communicatively linked to the hygrometer and the electronic humidifier. The controller can include a wireless transceiver for allowing remote monitoring and adjustments to the environmental conditions within each cabinet of the system.

In one embodiment, each of the cabinets can include a plurality of feet having a non-skid coating and a connector disposed inside. Each of the connectors functioning to engage complementary connectors located along the top end of an adjacent cabinet to secure a plurality of individual cabinets vertically.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fully assembled modular humidor system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of the top cabinet of the modular humidor system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the top cabinet of the modular humidor system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a top view of the sliding cabinet of the modular humidor system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the sliding cabinet of the modular humidor system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the multi-purpose cabinet of the modular humidor system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

As described throughout this document, the term “cabinet” can refer to any type of housing having an interior section that can be selectively accessed via a door or other such mechanism. Accordingly, the below described cabinets are not to be construed as limiting to the particular shapes and sizes shown, as this is for illustrative purposes only.

As described throughout this document, the term “complementary shape,” and “complementary dimension,” shall be used to describe a shape and size of a component that is identical to, or substantially identical to the shape and size of another identified component within a tolerance such as, for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances or the like.

As described herein, the term “removably secured” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated. This can be accomplished through the use of any number of commercially available connectors and complementary connectors such as attractively oriented magnetic elements or magnet and metallic elements, opposing strips of hook and loop material (i.e. Velcro®), and compression fittings such as buckles latches and snaps, for example. Each illustrated connector can be permanently secured to the illustrated portion of the device via a permanent sealer such as glue, for example.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a modular humidor system with independently controlled cabinets 10 that are useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In each of the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

As shown best in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the system 10 can include an individually controlled top cabinet 20, one or more individually controlled sliding cabinets 30, and one or more individually controlled multipurpose cabinets 40, for example which can be stacked in any number of different configurations to form a user customized multi-cabinet humidor chest for storing and preserve items such as cigars, for example.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment of a top cabinet 20 for use with the system 10. As shown and described herein, the top cabinet can function as a standalone humidor and/or can be secured to one of the sliding cabinets 30 or a multipurpose cabinet 40, for example, to form a multi-cabinet humidor chest 10.

In one embodiment, the top cabinet 20 can include a generally rectangular-shaped structure having a base section 21 and a lid 22. The base section 21 can include a generally rectangular bottom wall 21a, opposed parallel front and rear walls 21b and 21c extending orthogonally upwardly from the bottom wall 21a, and opposed parallel rectangular side walls 21d and 21e extending upwardly from the bottom wall 21a and connecting the respective front and rear walls.

Two or more of the wall sections 21b, 21c, 21d and 21e can include ridges 21f, that extend outward from the respective wall section. Each of the ridges functioning to allow the base section to receive a slotted tray 15, and to position the tray a discrete distance above the bottom wall 21a. In one embodiment, this distance will be between approximately 0.5 and 1 inch, for example, so as to be able to receive and store various types of humidity control products without making physical contact with cigars that are stored on the tray. One example of a humidity control product which may be positioned between the bottom surface 21a and the tray 15 includes a two-way humidity control pack that is commercially available from Boveda® Inc., for example.

As shown, the lid 22 can also include a rectangular shape having a top wall 22a that is dimensionally substantially identical to the bottom wall 21a. The lid can include a front wall 22b and a rear wall 22c extending parallel to one another and projecting a short distance orthogonally from the top wall 22a. The lid further includes opposed side walls 22d and 22e projecting orthogonally from the top wall 22a and connecting the front and rear walls of the lid. Each of the front, rear and side walls 22b-22e can extend substantially equal distances from the top wall 22a. Additionally, the front and rear walls 22b and 22c and the side walls 22d and 22e of the lid are disposed to register substantially precisely with corresponding front and rear walls 21b and 21c and the side walls 21d and 21e of the base.

In one embodiment, the lid 22 can be secured to the base 21 via a plurality of hinges 23 which can be located along the rear walls 21c/22c and/or the side walls 21d/22d and 21e/22e, respectively. The location of the hinges allowing the lid to transition between the open position of FIG. 2A and the closed position of FIG. 2B.

In one embodiment, a hygrometer 23 can be positioned along the inside of the cabinet 20, preferably along the lid 22a. Analog and digital hygrometers are extremely well known in the art and function to measure and report humidity levels inside the cabinet.

In one embodiment, an electronic humidifier 24 can also be positioned along the inside of the cabinet 20, preferably along the lid 22a. As is known to those of skill in the art, electronic humidifiers can include an internal cartridge which holds liquid, a plurality of sensors which detect the humidity level in the cabinet and a fan that is selectively operated to blow air across the cartridge and to circulate the humidified air within the cabinet. In various embodiments, the electronic humidifier can be battery operated or can include a power cord (not illustrated) for engaging an electrical outlet.

In one embodiment, the digital hygrometer and electronic humidifier can be linked to a controller 25 having an integrated processor, memory and wireless communication unit such as a WiFi or Bluetooth transceiver, for example, that is capable of performing wireless communication with an external device such as a smartphone running an application. Such a feature can allow a user to remotely detect, monitor and adjust the humidity level within the cabinet of the system 10 to which the controller is located. The controller can include an onboard battery and/or can be receive power from the power cord of the electronic humidifier.

In one embodiment, the lid 22a can also include a slotted cavity 26 for housing the above described humidity control products in addition to, or instead of using the tray 15.

As shown best at FIG. 2B, the outside bottom surface of the base section 21a can include a plurality of protrusions 27 each having a skid resistant material 27a such as rubber, for example, along the outermost facing ends. Each of the protrusions functioning to act as feet for allowing the cabinet 20 to function as a freestanding humidor when used alone.

In the preferred embodiment, each of the protrusions can also include a magnet 28 that can be embedded within the protrusion. As will be described below, each of the protrusions and magnets can function to align with and engage complementary located magnets 39 that are located along or within the top end of each sliding cabinet 30 and multipurpose cabinet 40. Such a feature functioning to prevent separation of cabinet sections when assembled as a single chest system.

In the preferred embodiment, each wall of the top cabinet 20 can include a multi-layer construction having an outer surface that is formed from hardened wood, plastic, metal or other material that is selected for its decorative appearance, and an inner surface that is formed from a wood selected for its moisture retention and moisture resistivity characteristics, such as Spanish cedar, for example. Of course, any number of other materials are also contemplated.

Although described above as including a generally rectangular shape, this is for illustrative purposes only, as the cabinet 20 can be manufactured to include any number of different shapes and designs.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate one embodiment of a sliding cabinet 30 for use with the system 10. As shown and described herein, each sliding cabinet 30 can also function as a standalone humidor and can also engage a top cabinet 20, and/or another sliding cabinet 30 and multipurpose cabinet 40 to form a custom multi-cabinet humidor chest 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding cabinet 30 can include the illustrated rectangular shape so as to be complementary to the shape of the top cabinet 20; however other embodiments are contemplated wherein one or more of the sliding cabinets 30 include a different shape. In either instance, one embodiment of the sliding cabinet 30 can include a drawer 31 that is slidingly engaged to a generally rectangular-shaped housing 32.

In one embodiment, the drawer 31 can include a bottom wall 31a, opposed parallel front and rear walls 31b and 31c extending orthogonally upwardly from the bottom wall 31a, and opposed parallel rectangular side walls 31d and 31e extending upwardly from the bottom wall 31a and connecting the respective front and rear walls.

Two or more of the wall sections 31b, 31c, 31d and 31e can include ridges 31f, that extend outward from the respective wall section. Each of the ridges functioning to allow the drawer to receive a slotted tray 15, and to position the tray a discrete distance above the bottom wall 31a so as to also receive and store various types of humidity control products without making physical contact with cigars that are stored on the tray.

As shown, the housing 32 can also include a rectangular shape having a top wall 32a and a bottom wall 32b that are dimensionally substantially identical to the bottom wall 21a of the upper cabinet 20. The housing can include an open front end, a rear wall 32c, and a pair of opposed side walls 32d and 32e projecting orthogonally between the top wall 32a and bottom wall 32b.

In one embodiment, the drawer 31 can be slidingly engaged to the inside facing surface of the side walls 32d and 32e via drawer slides (not illustrated) or other such devices as are known in the art, so as to transition between the open position shown in FIG. 3A and the closed position of FIG. 3B.

In one embodiment, the sliding cabinet 30 can also include another one or more of the above described hygrometer 23, electronic humidifier 24 and a controller 25, so as to allow a user to individually monitor and adjust the environmental conditions (e.g., temperature and humidity level) within each cabinet 30 independently of other cabinets 20, 30 and 40 of the system 10. As noted above, these adjustments and monitoring can be performed at the cabinet directly and/or remotely using the wireless interface of each cabinet using a single program/application.

In one embodiment, the outside bottom surface of the housing 32b can also include a plurality of protrusions 37 each having the skid resistant material 27a and magnets 28 as described above. Such components acting as feet for allowing the cabinet 30 to function as a freestanding humidor when used alone.

Likewise, a plurality of complementary magnets 38 can be positioned along or within the top surface of the housing 32a at positions complementary to the locations of the magnets 28 when multiple cabinets are stacked together. These magnetic elements functioning to provide an attractive force to prevent separation of cabinet sections when assembled to form a single multi-cabinet humidor chest 10 as shown in FIG. 1, for example.

In the preferred embodiment, each wall of the sliding cabinet 30 can also include a multi-layer construction having an outer surface that is formed from hardened wood, plastic, metal or other material that is selected for its decorative appearance, and an inner surface that is formed from a wood selected for its moisture retention and moisture resistivity characteristics, such as Spanish cedar, for example. Of course, any number of other materials are also contemplated.

For example, in one embodiment, the inside portion of the drawer 31 can be lined with felt, silk or satin, for example, and may not include the humidity control elements. Such a feature allowing the sliding cabinet 30 to function as an accessory drawer for storing lighters, ash trays and/or any number of other desired items.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a multipurpose cabinet 40 for use with the system 10. As shown and described herein, each multipurpose cabinet 40 can also function as a standalone humidor and can also engage a top cabinet 20, and/or a sliding cabinet 30 and another multipurpose cabinet 40 to form a custom multi-cabinet humidor chest 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the multipurpose cabinet 40 can include the illustrated rectangular shape so as to be complementary to the shape of the top cabinet 20 and the sliding cabinets 30; however other shapes and sizes are also contemplated. In either instance, one embodiment of the multipurpose cabinet 40 can include a plurality of shelves 41a and 41b that are slidingly positioned within a generally rectangular-shaped base 42.

In one embodiment, each of the shelves 41a and 41b can include elongated generally planar members onto which any number of different items can be placed.

As shown, the base 42 can include a generally rectangular shape having a top wall 42a and a bottom wall 42b that are dimensionally substantially identical to the bottom wall 21a of the upper cabinet 20. The base can include a rear wall 42c, and a pair of opposed side walls 42d and 42e projecting orthogonally between the top wall 42a and bottom wall 42b. The base can also include a front wall 42f that is secured to one of the walls 42a-42e via a plurality of hinges 43, so as to allow the front wall to transition between the open position of FIG. 4 and the closed position of FIG. 1.

In one embodiment, each of the shelves 41a and 41b can be slidingly engaged to the inside facing surface of the side walls 42d and 42e via drawer slides or other such devices as are known in the art, so as to individually retract and extend.

In one embodiment, the multipurpose cabinet 40 can also include another one or more of the above described hygrometer 23, electronic humidifier 24 and a controller 25, so as to allow a user to individually monitor and adjust the environmental conditions (e.g., temperature and humidity level) within each cabinet 40 independently of other cabinets 20, 30 and 40 of the system 10. As noted above, these adjustments and monitoring can be performed at the cabinet directly and/or remotely using the wireless interface of each cabinet using a single program/application.

In one embodiment, the outside bottom surface of the base 42b can also include a plurality of protrusions 47 each having the skid resistant material 27a and magnets 28 as described above. Such components acting as feet for allowing the cabinet 40 to function as a freestanding humidor when used alone.

Likewise, a plurality of complementary magnets 38 can be positioned along or within the top surface of the base 42a at positions complementary to the locations of the magnets 28 when multiple cabinets are stacked together. These magnetic elements functioning to provide an attractive force to prevent separation of cabinet sections when assembled to form a single multi-cabinet humidor chest 10 as shown in FIG. 1, for example.

In the preferred embodiment, each wall of the multipurpose cabinet 40 can also include a multi-layer construction having an outer surface that is formed from hardened wood, plastic, metal or other material that is selected for its decorative appearance, and an inner surface that is formed from a wood selected for its moisture retention and moisture resistivity characteristics, such as Spanish cedar, for example. Of course, any number of other materials are also contemplated.

Although illustrated above as a side opening cabinet with two sliding shelves, this is for illustrative purposes only, as any number of other configurations are also contemplated.

Accordingly, the above described user customizable multi-cabinet humidor chest system 10 provides users with a plurality of individually controlled and operated humidor cabinets that can be used independently or together to store any number of different items in an innovative and novel manner. Moreover, the modular design allows a user to expand their system over time to meet the ongoing needs of the user while maintaining the look of a single factory-built cabinet.

As described herein, one or more elements of the system 10 can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individually identified elements may be formed together as one or more continuous elements, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, 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. Likewise, the terms “consisting” shall be used to describe only those components identified. In each instance where a device comprises certain elements, it will inherently consist of each of those identified elements as well.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A modular humidor system, comprising:

a plurality of humidor cabinets each having a generally hollow interior space;

a plurality of hygrometers that are positioned within each of the plurality of humidor cabinets;

a plurality of humidifying devices that are positioned within each of the plurality of humidor cabinets,

wherein each of the plurality of humidor cabinets are individually climate controlled via the plurality of humidifying devices, and

each of the humidor cabinets being configured to be stacked vertically to form a multi-cabinet humidor chest.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of humidor cabinets comprises a top cabinet that includes:

a base section having an open top end, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls; and

a lid that is hingedly secured along the open top end.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising:

a plurality of protrusions that extend outward from the bottom wall of the base section, and

a first plurality of connectors that are disposed within the plurality of protrusions.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of humidor cabinets comprises a sliding cabinet that includes:

a housing having an open front end, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls; and

a drawer that is slidingly engaged within the open front end of the housing.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising:

a first plurality of complementary connectors that are disposed along the top wall of the housing.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first plurality of connectors and the first plurality of complementary connectors comprise magnetic elements and are configured to secure the top wall of the at least one sliding cabinet to the plurality of protrusions disposed along the top cabinet.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising:

a plurality of protrusions that extend outward from the bottom wall of the housing, and

a second plurality of connectors that are disposed within the plurality of protrusions.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of humidor cabinets comprises an multi-purpose cabinet that includes:

a housing having an open front end, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls;

a door that is hingedly secured along the open front end of the housing; and

a plurality of shelves that are positioned within the multi-purpose cabinet.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of shelves are slidingly engaged within the multi-purpose cabinet.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising:

a second plurality of complementary connectors that are disposed along the top wall of the multi-purpose cabinet housing.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the second plurality of complementary connectors are configured to engage one of the first plurality of connectors or the second plurality of connectors.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising:

a plurality of protrusions that extend outward from the bottom wall of the multi-purpose cabinet housing, and

a third plurality of connectors that are disposed within the plurality of protrusions.