SINGLE-USE ELECTRONIC CIGAR

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an improved electronic evaporable substance delivery device in the form of a single-use electronic cigar comprises, in combination: a lit tip end, a case, and a mouthpiece end distal from the lit tip end. Both the case and mouth piece end have therein a channel defining a longitudinal vapor path, and are encased in a sheath made from a paper product, preferably cardboard. The mouthpiece end mimics the end of a conventional cigar which a smoker inserts into the mouth. The lit end mimics the end of a conventional cigar that is lit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/614,894, tiled SINGLE-USE ELECTRONIC CIGAR to Mark Scatterday that was filed on Mar. 23, 2012.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to alternative smoking devices, and more particularly, to a single-use electronic cigar.

SUMMARY

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a single-use electronic cigar is disclosed. The electronic cigar comprises: a cylindrical case adapted to contain internal components, wherein the internal components comprise: a cartridge containing liquid having nicotine; a heating member coupled to the cartridge for vaporizing the liquid; a printed circuit board coupled to the heating member; a power source coupled to the printed circuit board; and a reed switch coupled to the power source; a mouthpiece coupled to one end of the cylindrical case wherein the mouthpiece mimics the end of a conventional cigar that contacts a mouth of a user; a lit tip end coupled to another end of the cylindrical case, wherein the lit tip end mimics the end of a conventional cigar that is burned; and a sheath coupled to the mouthpiece and to at least a portion of an external portion of the cylindrical case.

[0005] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a single-use electronic cigar is disclosed. The electronic cigar comprises: a cylindrical case adapted to contain internal components, wherein the internal components comprise: a cartridge containing liquid having nicotine; a heating member coupled to the cartridge for vaporizing the liquid; a printed circuit board coupled to the heating member; a power source coupled to the printed circuit board; and a reed switch coupled to the power source; a mouthpiece coupled to one end of the cylindrical case wherein the mouthpiece mimics the end of a conventional cigar that contacts a mouth of a user; a lit tip end coupled to another end of the cylindrical case, wherein the lit tip end mimics the end of a conventional cigar that is burned; a sheath coupled to the mouthpiece and to at least a portion of an external portion of the cylindrical case; and a display device coupled to the printed circuit board for communicating at least one of nicotine intake and power level to the user.

[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a single-use electronic smoking device is provided. The electronic smoking device comprises: a cylindrical case adapted to contain internal components, wherein the internal components comprise: a cartridge containing liquid having nicotine; a heating member coupled to the cartridge for vaporizing the liquid; a printed circuit board coupled to the heating member; a power source coupled to the printed circuit board; and a reed switch coupled to the power source; a mouthpiece coupled to one end of the cylindrical case, the mouthpiece having a channel therethrough and a hole; a lit tip end coupled to another end of the cylindrical case; a paper sheath coupled to at least a portion of an external portion of the cylindrical case; and a display device coupled to the printed circuit board for communicating at least one of nicotine intake and power level to a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The novel features believed to be characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures can be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The application itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0008] FIG. 1 is an exterior longitudinal view of the single-use electronic cigar in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exterior longitudinal view of the single-use electronic cigar in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the exterior of the single-use electronic cigar in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 4 is another exterior view of the single-use electronic cigar in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a cutaway depiction of the internal structure of the single-use electronic cigar in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective, exploded view of the single-use electronic cigar in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective cutaway depiction of the internal structure of a portion of a single-use electronic cigarette in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the external structure of the single-use electronic cigarette of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0016] The description set forth below with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present disclosure can be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the disclosure. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0017] Generally described, the present disclosure relates to an electronic cigar, and, more particularly, to a single-use electronic cigar. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the exterior longitudinal view of electronic cigar 1. Cigar 1 is comprised of substantially cylindrical case 2 which has on one end a substantially spherical mouthpiece end 3, which mimics the end of a conventional cigar which a smoker inserts into the mouth and has at its endpoint mouthpiece hole 4 as shown in FIG. 2, and substantially curvilinear lit tip end 5, which mimics the end of a conventional cigar which is lit. Cigar 1 can be of various sizes, and preferably is sized to be equivalent to a conventional cigar.

[0018] With reference to FIG. 4, cigar 1 is substantially encased with sheath 7. Sheath 7 completely covers the external surface of mouthpiece end 3 and substantially covers case 2 up to the case-lit tip end juncture (i.e. where the case 2 meets the lit tip end 5) such that the external portion 6 of lit tip end 5 is not encased in sheath 7 (FIG. 3). External portion 6 is made of a hard plastic, rubber, or other desired material.

[0019] To facilitate the single-use functionality of cigar 1, sheath 7 is made of heavy-duty paper such as a cardboard, binder's board, paperboard, fiberboard, boxboard, solid board, chipboard, so as to give cigar 1 the look, feel, and relative weight of a standard non-electronic cigar. Preferably, sheath 7 is made of cardboard.

[0020] As with most conventional cigars, cigar 1 preferably has label band 18, as depicted in FIG. 4. Label band 18 is comprised of a relatively flat circular paper structure which is placed over a portion of case 2 anywhere along the longitudinal length of case 2. Label band 18 may have thereon a graphic design which can include any one or more of figures or words, such as the name of the company manufacturing or selling cigar 1 or a congratulatory or other message, such as "It's a Boy!" or "It's Girl!".

[0021] FIG. 5 is a cutaway depiction of the internal structure of cigar 1. Cigar 1 is electronically powered, capable of single-use only, does not require "lighting" in the conventional manner that a cigar is commonly lit at lit tip end 5, and does not produce second-hand smoke of the type associated with cigars. The evaporable substance can include nicotine. Other substances can include medications, herbs, or vitamin compounds that are evaporated for a user to inhale.

[0022] The user may insert mouthpiece end 3 into his or her mouth. Mouthpiece end 3 may comprise a hard plastic, rubber, or other desired material. It should be noted that some users enjoy chewing on the end of a cigar, and it may be desired to provide mouthpiece end 3 comprised of a deformable material to facilitate such activity. Preferably, mouthpiece end 3 is made of silicone or a silicone-bearing substance.

[0023] FIGS. 5 and 6 provide views of the internal components of cigar 1. Mouthpiece end 3 contains a channel therethrough which opens into the interior of case 2. Vapor path hole 9 located on the external surface of the case 2 permits the entry of outside air into case 2. The user may inhale through mouthpiece end 3 causing a sucking action at mouthpiece end 3 that is communicated via that channel and drawing in ambient air via vapor path hole 9. In an alternative embodiment, an aperture 26 may be present at the case-lit tip end juncture (FIG. 3). When the user inhales the cigar, air will enter into the interior of the case 2 through the aperture 26 at the case-lit tip end juncture.

[0024] Preferably, that sucking action may cause reed switch 13 to move, sending a signal to a microprocessor located on printed circuit board 8 that "smoking" has been initiated. The microprocessor may then send a signal, activating heating member 12. Heating member 12 may be a heating coil, light emitting diode, an infra-red device, a laser, vibration chamber, pressure chamber, butane or other flame, or other device capable of bringing nicotine (or anther substance) to its boiling point.

[0025] Heating member 12 is located proximate cartridge 10, which may contain therein nicotine mixed with a low boiling point substance (e.g., propylene glycol) and, optionally, flavors and/or other additives. For example, flavored nicotine, or other flavored evaporable substances could be provided in cartridge 10, allowing users the experience of inhaling and tasting different flavors. Preferably, cartridge 10 contains therein a cotton filament impregnated with nicotine or a nicotine-bearing substance. Activation of heating member 12 causes the contents of cartridge 10 to reach their boiling point, producing a vapor. The vapor is inhaled by the user via the channel located in mouthpiece end 3. Heat shield 15 may be interposed between heating member 12 and printed circuit board 8, to protect components thereon.

[0026] The microprocessor may maintain heating member 12 at a constant temperature, where desired, using a smart monitoring circuit located on printed circuit board 8, so as to limit power consumption and/or optimize performance. The microprocessor may utilize an algorithm software program that calculates nicotine consumption by the user and may store the amount of consumption in onboard flash memory integrated into the microprocessor. Printed circuit board 8 may further include at least one display device 17, in communication with the microprocessor, to relay data to the user regarding, for example, substance intake and/or battery power levels. Display device 17 may be one or more light emitting diode (in one embodiment, substance intake quantity may be communicated by a blinking of the display device, with each blink corresponding to the substance associated with a single cigar), a liquid crystal display, or other display. In one embodiment, display device 17 may be a radio frequency transmitter, adapted to relay data (including data saved in memory) to the user via a remote radio frequency receiver (not shown). In this manner, a user may monitor and/or track substance consumption.

[0027] Cigar 1, including the heating member 12 and microprocessor, is powered by power source 25. Power source 25 may be a battery, inserted against battery spring 16.

[0028] Although the disclosure describes a single-use electronic cigar, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the use of another electronic smoking device, such as an electronic cigarette. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, may also have a mouthpiece end 3 having a channel therethrough and a mouthpiece hole 4. The electronic cigarette may also have a printed circuit board 8 and at least one display device 17, in communication with the microprocessor, to relay data to the user regarding, for example, substance intake and/or battery power levels.

[0029] While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and generic principles define herein can be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to and element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically stated, but rather "one or more." All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic cigar comprising: a cylindrical case adapted to contain internal components, wherein the internal components comprise: a cartridge containing liquid having nicotine; a heating member coupled to the cartridge for vaporizing the liquid; a printed circuit board coupled to the heating member; a power source coupled to the printed circuit board; and a reed switch coupled to the power source; a mouthpiece coupled to one end of the cylindrical case wherein the mouthpiece mimics the end of a conventional cigar that contacts a mouth of a user; a lit tip end coupled to another end of the cylindrical ease, wherein the lit tip end mimics the end of a conventional cigar that is burned; and a sheath coupled to the mouthpiece and to at least a portion of an external portion of the cylindrical case.

2. The electronic cigar of claim 1 wherein an external surface of the case has an aperture for allowing air to enter into the case when the user inhales through the mouthpiece.

3. The electronic cigar of claim 1 further comprising an aperture located at a case-lit tip end juncture for allowing air to enter into the case when the user inhales through the mouthpiece.

4. The electronic cigar of claim 1 wherein the mouthpiece defines: a channel therethrough; and a hole for allowing vapor to pass from an interior of the case into the mouth of the user when inhaled.

5. The electronic cigar of claim 1 wherein the mouthpiece is constructed of a resilient material.

6. The electronic cigar of claim 5 wherein the resilient material is silicone.

7. The electronic cigar of claim 1 wherein the sheath is constructed of paper material.

8. The electronic cigar of claim 7 wherein the paper material is cardboard.

9. The electronic cigar of claim 1 further comprising a microprocessor coupled to the printed circuit board, wherein the microprocessor is programmed to control power consumption.

10. The electronic cigar of claim 1 further comprising a microprocessor coupled to the printed circuit board, wherein the microprocessor is programmed to control nicotine consumption.

11. The electronic cigar of claim 1 further comprising a display device coupled to the printed circuit board for communicating at least one of nicotine intake and power level to the user.

12. The electronic cigar of claim 11 wherein the display comprises at least one light emitting diode.

13. The electronic cigar of claim 11 wherein the display comprises a liquid crystal display.

14. An electronic cigar comprising: a cylindrical case adapted to contain internal components, wherein the internal components comprise: a cartridge containing liquid having nicotine; a heating member coupled to the cartridge for vaporizing the liquid; a printed circuit board coupled to the heating member; a power source coupled to the printed circuit board; and a reed switch coupled to the power source; a mouthpiece coupled to one end of the cylindrical case wherein the mouthpiece mimics the end of a conventional cigar that contacts a mouth of a user; a lit tip end coupled to another end of the cylindrical case, wherein the lit tip end mimics the end of a conventional cigar that is burned; a sheath coupled to the mouthpiece and to at least a portion of an external portion of the cylindrical case; and a display device coupled to the printed circuit board for communicating at least one of nicotine intake and power level to the user.

15. The electronic cigar of claim 14 further comprising: an aperture on an external surface of the case; a channel passing through the mouthpiece; and a hole in a proximal end of the mouthpiece that is connected to the channel; wherein air is drawn into the case through the aperture in the case; and wherein vapor passes from an interior of the case and through the channel of the mouthpiece and out of the hole in the mouthpiece when inhaled.

16. The electronic cigar of claim 14 further comprising: an aperture positioned at a case-lit tip end juncture; a channel passing through the mouthpiece; and a hole in a proximal end of the mouthpiece that is connected to the channel; wherein air is drawn into the case through the aperture at the case-lit tip end juncture; and wherein vapor passes from an interior of the case and through the channel of the mouthpiece and out of the hole in the mouthpiece when inhaled.

17. The electronic cigar of claim 14 further comprising a microprocessor coupled to the printed circuit board, wherein the microprocessor is programmed to control one of nicotine consumption and power consumption.

18. The electronic cigar of claim 14 wherein the display comprises one of a liquid crystal display and at least one light emitting diode.

19. The electronic cigar of claim 14 wherein the sheath is constructed of cardboard.

20. An electronic smoking device comprising: a cylindrical case adapted to contain internal components, wherein the internal components comprise: a cartridge containing liquid having nicotine; a heating member coupled to the cartridge for vaporizing the liquid; a printed circuit board coupled to the heating member; a power source coupled to the printed circuit board; and a reed switch coupled to the power source; a mouthpiece coupled to one end of the cylindrical case, the mouthpiece having a channel therethrough and a hole; a lit tip end coupled to another end of the cylindrical case; a paper sheath coupled to at least a portion of an external portion of the cylindrical case; and a display device coupled to the printed circuit board for communicating at least one of nicotine intake and power level to a user.

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