Apparatus and Process for Flavoring a Smokable Article

Abstract

An apparatus and process for flavoring a smokable article is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a sealable or re-sealable container configured to hold the smokable article and compositions containing flavors configured to be diffusible.

Description

BACKGROUND

Smoking involves many senses, such as taste, feel, smell, and sight. The flavor of a smoking article is especially critical for the enjoyment of a smoker as it is related to almost all the senses of smoking. Additionally, a smokable article (e.g., CBD, cannabis, smoking herbs, or any other non-tobacco or tobacco items, etc.) may be flavored to mask the taste or odor of the tobacco smoke or decrease the social stigma associated with smoking.

The flavor of a smokable article is typically added at the end of the manufacturing process, and the flavor option is limited and typically not changeable. Taking the popular mint flavored cigarettes as an example, the mint flavor is generally added to the tobacco or the rolling paper during the cigarette manufacturing process. Some tobacco companies have developed unconventional flavor delivery mechanisms, such as using the flavored polymer filter pellet (polyethylene bead), adding flavor micro-encapsulation in the rolling paper or in the packaging, inserting flavor fibers into the filter, or using flavored tips.

Thus, there is a need for an improved apparatus and process to infuse, augment, or otherwise impart different flavors to a smokable article.

SUMMARY

In view of the deficiencies described above, one object of present disclosure is to provide an improved apparatus and process for enhancing the flavor of a smokable article, and make it more desirable than a non-enhanced smokable article. The proposed apparatus and process is also easy and safe to operate, with a low cost.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for flavoring a smokable article via diffusion includes a sealable or re-sealable container configured to hold the smokable article and a composition containing a flavor configured to be diffusible.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for flavoring a smokable article via diffusion includes a container configured to hold the smokable article and a flavor pack. The flavor pack includes a flavor pack bag configured to hold a composition containing a flavor configured to be diffusible.

In some embodiments, a method for flavoring a smokable article using a flavor pack includes selecting a flavor pack, opening the flavor pack, placing the smokable article into the flavor pack, sealing the flavor pack, leaving the smokable article in the flavor pack for a desired time period, and removing the smokable article from the flavor pack.

In some embodiments, a method for flavoring a smokable article using a flavor pack/composition includes selecting a flavor pack/composition, opening the flavor pack/composition, placing the flavor pack/composition and the smokable article into a container, sealing the container, leaving the flavor pack and the smokable article in the container for a desired time period, and removing the smokable article from the container.

These and other advantages and features, which characterize the disclosure, are set forth in the claims annexed hereto and forming a further part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the disclosure, and of the advantages and objectives attained through its use, reference should be made to the Drawings, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is described example embodiments of the disclosure. This summary is merely provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description, and is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for flavoring a smokable article according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another apparatus for flavoring a smokable article according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another apparatus for flavoring a smokable article according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example sequence of operations for flavoring a smokable article using the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example sequence of operations for flavoring a smokable article using the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example sequence of operations for flavoring a smokable article using the apparatus of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, wherein like numbers denote like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a flavor pack 100 for flavoring a smokable article. In some embodiments, flavor pack 100 may comprise a flavor pack bag 102 configured to hold a smokable article 104 and a composition 106 containing a flavor configured to be diffusible, infusible, or otherwise transferable. The flavor pack bag 102 may be of various designs and compositions, including but not limited to, a bag, a tube, a jar, a bottle, a can, a bin, a tin, a pouch, a box, and so forth. In an alternative embodiment, a first composition 106 may be integral with container 102 and a second composition 106 may separately sold and added by a user. For example, first composition 106 may be cola flavored and a user may add strawberry, cherry, vanilla, or lemon to create a combination flavor. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, an apparatus 200 for flavoring a smokable article may comprise a container 202 configured to hold both flavor pack 100 including composition 106 and smokable article 104. In this way, smokable article 104 may avoid being directly contiguous to composition 106 to avoid the potential contamination. Flavor pack bag 102 and container 202 may define a space for holding a quantity of smokable article 104 and/or composition 106. Flavor pack bag 102 and container 202 may be, despite using the terms “bag” or “container”, any sealable or re-sealable object of different forms, shapes, and materials that are capable of holding smokable article 104 and/or composition 106, including but not limited to, a bag, a tube, a jar, a bottle, a can, a bin, a tin, a pouch, a box, and so forth. It should be noted that flavor pack bag 102 and container 202 may also, or alternatively, include a lid, cover, or cap to releasably and sealingly close flavor pack bag 102, container 202. In one embodiment container 202 may include one or more pockets, reservoirs, compartments, or other regions that physically separate composition 106 and smokable article 104 but still allow diffusion through vapor communication. In one embodiment flavor pack allows two compositions 106 to be combined in a single composite flavor pack. For example, a flavor pack may include space for two cartridges, each of which is a composition 106.

For example, in some further embodiments as shown in FIG. 3, a flavor tube 300 may comprise a tube 302 with a removable cap 304. In some embodiments, removable cap 304 may include on the interior side of the cap a flavoring composition 106. In such embodiments, when cap 304 is removed, tube 302 may be filled via its open end with smokable article 104. When tube 302 is sealed by cap 304, flavoring composition 106 of the cap 304 may then be configured to flavor smokable article 104 within tube 302. As it is usually desirable that removable cap 304 remain tight on tube 302 unless cap 304 is removed by the user intentionally, a retention mechanism (e.g., a threaded retention mechanism, snap-fit, press-fit, gasket, O-ring, etc.) between the neck of tube 302 and cap 304 may be provided to insure cap 304 can be retained against accidental removal and keep tube 302 tightly sealed until cap 304 is removed intentionally by the user. For example, tube 302 may have a threaded neck portion and an unthreaded body portion, and cap 304 may have threads for cooperation with the threaded neck portion of tube 302. It should be noted that cap 304 may be applied to seal tube 302 in various manners. For example, in some embodiments, cap 304 may be plugged into tube 302 directly instead of thread screwing thereto. In an alternative embodiment, tube 302 may have two cap 304s, one for each end of tube 302. In such an embodiment, each of cap 304s may have a different composition 106 to create a composite flavor. For example, one cap 304 may have a composition 106 that is iced tea flavored and the other cap 304 may have a composition 106 that is peach flavored. In one embodiment, one composition 106 is integrally included in the bottom or on the side of tube 302 and second composition 106 is included in cap 304. For example, one composition 106 may adhesively, mechanically, or statically attached to the bottom or side of tube 302 or may be sized and/or compressible such that it is secured when pressed into the bottom of tube 302. For example, one composition 106 may be compressible such that it can be secured by the walls of tube 302 against or proximate to a bottom surface of tube 302. In one embodiment, tube 302 is manufactured using a loader arm that presses composition 106 into the bottom of tube 302.

It should also be noted that it is beneficial to have an opening of flavor pack bag 102, container 202, and tube 302 with an adequate size for easily placing and removing smokable article 104 and/or composition 106. Flavor pack bag 102, container 202, and tube 302 may be typically made of plastic, but may alternatively be made of any other suitable material, including but not limited to, paper, cardboard, fiberglass, nylon, plastic, cloth materials, and the like. Other materials may also be acceptable as long as flavor pack bag 102, container 202, and tube 302 are leak-proof and able to be sealed to prevent the flavor from being diluted by fresh air. The dimensions of flavor pack bag 102, container 202, and tube 302 may vary without departing from the disclosure, and may be adjusted according to the amount of smokable article 104 contained therein. For example, flavor pack bag 102, container 202, and tube 302 may be designed to be able to hold any numbers of smokable article 104 (e.g., 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and the like) or roughly same amount of loose smokable article 104 (e.g., chewing tobacco, loose cannabis, herbs, and the like). In some embodiments, flavor pack bag 102 and container 202 may be sealable or re-sealable plastic bags suitable for handheld manipulations and operations, such as those sold under the trademark Ziploc® and similar bags, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

As used herein, terms such as “seal”, “sealable”, “re-sealable”, “sealingly,” and the like are used to refer to a feature of flavor pack bag 102, container 202, and tube 302 whereby they are operable to be closed in a fashion that prevents excessive flavoring escape therefrom. While a modest rate of diffusion from the sealed flavor pack bag 102, container 202, and tube 302 may be accepted (i.e., not hermetically sealed or completely air-tight), it should be understood that if the rate of flavor loss exceeds a certain threshold, the flavor of smokable article 104 after the described flavor enhancing process may become unacceptable.

Smokable article 104 may be any pre-manufactured or manufactured smokable substances or items. Besides the traditional smokable articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, or cigarellos, other exemplary tobacco or cannabis related substances may be tobacco or cannabis formulations in a loose, leaf, or other form, such as moist snuff or dip products, cigarette or cigar or pipe ingredients, loose cannabis, herbs, etc., as shown in FIGS. 1-3. In different embodiments, smokable article 104 may be any tobacco or cannabis related substances, such as tobacco products, as well as cannabis and cannabis-derived products and other base alkaloids.

In some embodiments, composition 106 is preferably flat, with a thickness of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. Composition 106 may be an absorbent pad made of a food-grade material that is able to hold a flavor and to slowly release the flavor inside of flavor pack bag 102, container 202, and tube 302. In some embodiments, composition 106 may be a reusable polymer crystal or other porous material impregnated with a flavor desired by the smoker. The porous material may be absorbent paper, cotton, synthetic fibrous material, or a combination of different materials. For example, the porous material may be a paper towel as absorbent material, and the flavor may be affixed by saturating the paper towel with flavoring oil. Composition 106 may include one or more volatile flavors, and may have water added to it so that composition 106 serves to reduce drying of smokable article 104 during the flavor enhancing process by providing a stable moisture environment.

The flavor associated with composition 106, extracts or liquors and the like, may be any of the hundreds or thousands of flavors desired by the smoker, including but not limited to, sweet grape, divine chocolate, bold cherry, smooth mint, fuzzy peach, rich honey, mint, etc. All or any of these flavors may be incorporated, mixed, or singularly used in the interactive flavor enhancing process as described here. Composition 106 may be colored to indicate the particular flavor provided, with different colored composition 106 corresponding to different flavors.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example sequence 400 of operations for flavoring a smokable article using flavor pack 100 of FIG. 1. Sequence 400 begins in block 402 by selecting one or more flavor packs 100 according to a smoker's flavor preference. Next, the smoker opens the selected flavor packs 100 in block 404 and places smokable article 104, such as a cigar, into flavor pack bag 102 in block 406. Consequently, flavor pack 100 encloses both compositions 106, such as a saturated absorbent material, and smokable article 104 in flavor pack bag 102. Then, flavor pack bag 102 is sealed tightly by the smoker in block 408. With flavor pack bag 102 being sealed, flavoring from compositions 106 may be absorbed into smokable article 104. Lastly, after leaving smokable article 104 in flavor pack bag 102 for a desirable time period in block 410, the smoker removes smokable article 104 from flavor pack bag 102 in block 412. A demonstrated strong and distinct flavor indicates an example of a successful infusion of the flavor from compositions 106 to smokable article 104. In some embodiments, the duration of the time period may be anything from a few minutes to several days, or longer (e.g., 24 hours, etc.), and the actual duration may be adjusted based on the desired intensity of the flavor by the smoker (until desired flavor infusion is achieved). For example, for a stronger flavor, sealed flavor pack bag 102 may be placed for a longer duration (e.g., several minutes to several days, or longer).

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an example sequence 500 of operations for flavoring a smokable article using apparatus 200 of FIG. 2. Sequence 500 begins in block 502 by selecting flavor pack 100 according to a smoker's flavor preference. Next, in block 504, the smoker opens the selected flavor pack 100 to allow the flavor to be diffusible, then the smoker places flavor pack 100 including compositions 106, such as saturated absorbent materials, together with smokable article 104, such as a cigar, into container 202 in block 506. Then, container 202 is sealed tightly by the smoker in block 508. With container 202 being sealed, flavoring from compositions 106 of flavor pack 100 may be absorbed into smokable article 104. Lastly, after leaving smokable article 104 in container 202 with flavor pack 100 for a desirable time period in block 510, the smoker removes smokable article 104 from container 202 in block 512. A demonstrated strong and distinct flavor indicates an example of a successful infusion of the flavor from compositions 106 to smokable article 104. In some embodiments, the duration of the time period may be anything from a few minutes to several days, or longer (e.g., 24 hours, etc.), and the actual duration may be adjusted based on the desired intensity of the flavor by the smoker (until desired flavor infusion is achieved). For example, for a stronger flavor, sealed flavor pack bag 102 may be placed for a longer duration (e.g., several minutes to several days, or longer).

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example sequence 600 of operations for flavoring a smokable article using flavor tube 300 of FIG. 3. Sequence 600 begins in block 602 by selecting flavor compositions 106 according to a smoker's flavor preference. Next, the smoker opens a container, such as flavor tube 300 by removing cap 304 from tube 302 in block 604. In some embodiments, flavor tube 300 may be pre-equipped with the selected flavor compositions 106. In some other embodiments, if desired, the smoker may insert the selected flavor compositions 106 into the tube 302 (e.g., placing the selected flavor composition 106 within cap 304 as, for example, if a smoker desires to replace or change the selected flavor compositions 106 within a given tube 302) in optional block 606 as indicated by the dashed borderline. Next, the smoker places smokable article 104, such as CBD, cannabis, herbs, or other smokable items as shown in FIG. 3, into tube 302 in block 608. Consequently, the flavor compositions 106, such as saturated absorbent materials, and smokable article 104 are both contained within tube 302. Then, tube 302 is sealed tightly by reattaching cap 304 in block 610. With tube 302 sealed, flavoring from compositions 106 may be absorbed into smokable article 104. Lastly, after leaving smokable article 104 in tube 302 for a desirable time period in block 612, the smoker removes smokable article 104 from tube 302 in block 614. A demonstrated strong and distinct flavor indicates an example of a successful infusion of the flavor from composition 106 to smokable article 104. In some embodiments, the duration of the time period may be anything from a few minutes to several days, or longer (e.g., 24 hours, etc.), and the actual duration may be adjusted based on the desired intensity of the flavor by the smoker (until desired flavor infusion is achieved). For example, for a stronger flavor, sealed flavor tube 300 may be placed for a longer duration (e.g., several minutes to several days, or longer).

The sequences 400, 500, and 600 are discussed with reference to the exemplary flavor pack 100, apparatus 200, and flavor tube 300 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. It will also be appreciated that sequences 400, 500, and 600 may be implemented with any suitable apparatus for flavoring a smokable article. It should be evident that these sequences 400, 500, and 600 are by way of example, and that various changes may be made by adding, modifying or eliminating details without departing from the fair scope of the teaching contained in this disclosure. Furthermore, although FIGS. 4-6 depict steps performed in a particular order for purpose of illustration and discussion, the method discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using the disclosure provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of the methods can be omitted, rearranged, combined and/or adapted in various ways.

In some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure for flavoring a smokable article may include putting a liquid solution consisting of the desired flavor, such as, but not limited to, essential oils with different flavors or other liquid flavor substances, into direct contact with the smokable article. The process may, beneficially, not require any special equipment. In some embodiments, the liquid solution containing the flavor may be sprayed onto the exposed surface of the smokable article using a normal sprayer, such as a compressed air sprayer. In some embodiments, the liquid solution containing the flavor may be injected into the smokable article using a normal syringe, such as a disposal plastic syringe. In some embodiments, the liquid solution containing the flavor may be squeezed onto the exposed surface of the smokable article using, for example, a squeeze bottle or an eye dropper. In one embodiment, composition 106 may include a capsule, boba, balloon, or other reservoir or container that is liquid impermeable. When composition 106 is introduced into bag 102, container 202, or tube 302, such introduction causes the container to burst, separate, rip, or otherwise open such that liquid is introduced into bag 102, container 202, or tube 302. For example, if composition 106 is attached to cap 304 of tube 302, a needle, jagged edge, or other sharp or dull edge, object, or surface presses against the composition 106 causing it to burst, separate, rip, or otherwise open releasing the liquid. Such action can occur, for example, when cap 304 is full screwed, pressed, or slid onto an opening of tube 302 or upon a button or other pressure sensitive release mechanism being applied.

In some embodiments, the method of using liquid solution for flavoring as described above may occur inside of flavor pack bag 102, container 202, and tube 302. In some embodiments, the flavoring process using liquid solution may be conducted by the smoker without flavor pack bag 102, container 202, and tube 302. This method using liquid solution has the advantages of improving the humectant performance of the smokable article, increasing the comfort level of the smoker, reducing dryness of smoking, as well as providing a more rapid, and perhaps bolder, flavor compared with the methods described in the sequences 400, 500, and 600.

It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the embodiments discussed herein, and that a number of the concepts disclosed herein may be used in combination with one another or may be used separately. Therefore, the disclosure lies in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims

1. An apparatus for flavoring a smokable article via diffusion, comprising:

a sealable or re-sealable container configured to hold the smokable article and at least two compositions, each containing a flavor configured to be diffusible.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said container is a sealable or re-sealable plastic bag.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said container is a sealable or re-sealable tube.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said smokable article is a cannabis product.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said composition is a polymer crystal impregnated with said flavor.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said composition is a porous material impregnated with said flavor.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the composition is integrally include in the container.

8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said sealable or re-sealable tube further includes a removable cap.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said sealable or re-sealable tube further includes a second removable cap.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said removable cap is threaded to said sealable or re-sealable tube for sealing.

11. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said composition is placed within said removable cap.

12. An apparatus for flavoring a smokable article via diffusion, comprising:

a sealable or re-sealable container configured to hold the smokable article and at least two flavor packs, wherein each of said flavor packs comprise a flavor pack bag configured to hold a composition containing a flavor configured to be diffusible.

13. A method for flavoring a smokable article using a flavor pack, the steps comprising:

selecting a flavor pack;

opening said flavor pack;

placing the smokable article into said flavor pack;

sealing said flavor pack;

leaving the smokable article in said flavor pack for a desired time period; and

removing the smokable article from said flavor pack.

14. A method for flavoring a smokable article using a flavor pack/composition, the steps comprising:

selecting a first flavor composition;

placing said first flavor composition and the smokable article into a container, wherein the container includes a second flavor composition integral to the container;

sealing said container;

leaving said first flavor composition and the smokable article in said container for a desired time period; and

removing the smokable article from said container.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said container is a sealable or re-sealable tube with a removable cap.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said removable cap is threaded to said tube for sealing.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein said first flavor composition is placed within said removable cap.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the second flavor composition is adhesively secured in said container.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the second flavor composition is compressible to allow it to be secured with the circumference of the walls of the container surrounding a bottom surface of the container.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the first flavor composition includes a liquid in a liquid impermeable container, and the method further including securing the removable cap to an opening of the tube, wherein the exterior surface of the liquid impermeable container is opened in response to the removable cap being secured to the opening of the tube.