Novel Cigarette Packaging

Abstract

A packaging for cigarettes that securely seals one, two or three cigarettes together. As such, smokers have the option of purchasing just one, two or three cigarettes instead of an entire pack. Alternatively, smokers can purchase a pack of six cigarettes, containing a combination of individually wrapped single, double or triple packaged cigarettes.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/456,688, filed Feb. 9, 2017, entitled, "TWO PACK," which is incorporated herein by reference as though the same were set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention pertains to the field of cigarettes, and more specifically to the field of cigarettes providing a packaging concept for cigarettes that securely seals one, two or three cigarettes together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Cigarettes have been around for many centuries, but it wasn't until the 1800s that they gained their paper wrappers and came to some degree of acceptability. In France, especially with women, smoking cigarettes was considered the height of fashion. Ask any smoker today why they find so much pleasure in a cigarette and it is very likely that a plethora of reasons will be given. Whether inhaling the sweet tobacco calms the nerves during stressful times or simply holding a cylindrical smoke allows one to feel enveloped in an aura of cool, smoking provides much enjoyment to the many who indulge in this habit.

[0004] While relishing a good cigarette is a relaxing and meditative way for smokers to unwind, this indulgence can prove cost-prohibitive. With cigarette taxes constantly on the rise, it is becoming more and more difficult for many to afford to purchase an entire pack of cigarettes, especially if the user does not want an entire pack. In times when every penny counts, smokers can ill afford to essentially throw away money, with cigarettes costing up to ten dollars and more a pack in some areas of the United States.

[0005] The prior art has put forth several designs for cigarette packaging. Among these are:

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,698 to Ameer G. Mikhail describes a wrapping cigarettes in cigarette packs and boxes individually by a thin foil-type wrapping material and each is totally sealed from all four sides to preserve tobacco freshness and aroma and to prevent tobacco brittleness if the cigarettes are stored for extended period of time or if the cigarette package is opened but the contents are consumed long time after the opening. The cigarettes are packed in flexible strips having flexible foldings which allow compacting the cigarettes for packaging in the least volume and allow the separation of individual cigarettes without breaking the total seal of any adjacent cigarettes. With the cigarettes sealed inside the strip, the usual aluminum foil-type lining of the cigarette box is no longer needed. The cigarette strips are then packaged inside a soft package or flip-top box having perforated slots on one of its surfaces to allow the easy opening of the package for pulling of one end of the strip for separation of one or more cigarettes for consumption without destroying either the package or the seal of the remaining cigarettes.

[0007] US Patent Application No. 2004/0187882 to Michael Vink describes a roll of tape formed of a flexible material and having a length and a plurality of portions defining a plurality of sealed, air-tight elongate chambers along the length, wherein each chamber is adapted to retain a cigarette, and wherein a selected number of each of the chambers is defined in part by an interchamber portion. Also provided is a roll of cigarette-containing tape, wherein the dispenser comprises a (a) housing constructed and adapted to receive the roll of tape; and (i) having tape-entry means through which the roll of tape enters the housing; and (ii) longitudinal aperture exit means through which the tape is controllably, operably dispensed from the housing in single cigarette-containing chamber array, one after another, (b) dispensation means within the housing to operably effect dispension of a desired length portion of tape through the exit means; and (c) control means operably cooperable with the dispensation means to effect operation of the dispensation means. The tape and assembly provides for single dispensation of a cigarette in its own air-tight chamber.

[0008] US Patent Application No. 2006/0091026 to Robert Mitten describes an assembled container for smoking articles includes an outer sleeve that includes a front wall, a rear wall, a right side wall, and a left side wall. Packets of cigarettes are positioned within the outer sleeve. For example, two packets, each containing ten cigarettes, are positioned within the outer sleeve. The packets, and the outer sleeve, include mechanisms that interact during movement of the individual packets within the outer sleeve. As such, a portion of each packet is maintained within the outer sleeve during conditions of normal use.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,087,609 to Mike B. Davis describes a cellular cigarette package providing a package formed of a plurality of individual units which may be readily detached from the main package, or from which the items may be individually extracted without such detachment.

[0010] None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a packaging concept for cigarettes that securely seals a single cigarette.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging concept for cigarettes that securely seals two cigarettes together.

[0013] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a packaging concept for cigarettes that securely seals three cigarettes together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cigarette pack, constructed in accordance with the present invention, wherein the pack contains two cigarettes packaged together.

[0015] FIG. 2 is another perspective view illustrating two cigarettes packaged together, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 is another perspective view illustrating one cigarette individually packaged, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 4 is another perspective view illustrating three cigarettes packaged together, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention provides a packaging concept for cigarettes that securely seals one, two or three cigarettes together. As such, smokers have the option of purchasing just one, two or three cigarettes instead of an entire pack. Alternatively, smokers can purchase a pack of six cigarettes, containing a combination of individually wrapped single, double or triple packaged cigarettes.

[0019] Please refer to the drawings.

[0020] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the present invention, Novel Cigarette Packaging, comprises a convenient method of packaging and storing a specific number of cigarettes containing tobacco or substantially equivalent material.

[0021] In a primary embodiment, indicated at 10, Novel Cigarette Packaging consists of a pack 12, constructed of a material selected from the group of plastic film, cellophane, polyethylene wrap, paper, foil-lined paper, cardboard, foil-lined cardboard, and other suitable wrapping material, with or without a hinged top lid 14. The pack 12 can be constructed as either a "hard" or "soft" pack in any size in line with the manufacturer's practices. The panels of pack 12 display the required warnings and health information.

[0022] Within pack 12 are a number of cigarette wrappers, comprising any of the following:

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2 and indicated at 20, double cigarette wrapper 22 consists of a membrane of plastic film, foil, paper, or other wrapping material having a top end 28 and a bottom end 32, containing two cigarettes. In an embodiment, approximately one inch below top end 28 is pull-tab 24. Pulling pull-tab 24 lifts the tab and causes perforations to separate the film wrapping the cigarettes thereby rendering the cigarettes removable from the film package and allowing for separation of removable portion 26 from double cigarette wrapper 22, and gives access to the contents. Each double cigarette wrapper 22 can be sized to appropriately contain the length and thickness of any of a variety of styles of cigarettes. The material of double cigarette wrapper 22 can display any color or pattern.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3 and indicated at 30, single cigarette wrapper 34 consists of a membrane of plastic film, foil, paper, or other wrapping material having a top end 38 and a bottom end 42, containing a single cigarette. In an embodiment, approximately one inch below top end 38 is pull-tab 36. Pulling pull-tab 36 allows for separation of removable portion 44 from single cigarette wrapper 34, and gives access to the contents. Pulling pull tab 36 lifts the tab and causes perforations to separate the film wrapping the cigarettes thereby rendering the cigarettes removable from the film package. Each single cigarette wrapper 34 can be sized to appropriately contain the length and thickness of any of a variety of styles of cigarettes. The material of single cigarette wrapper 34 can display any color or pattern.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4 and indicated at 40, triple cigarette wrapper 46 consists of a membrane of plastic film, foil, paper, or other wrapping material having a top end 48 and a bottom end 52, containing three cigarettes. In an embodiment, approximately one inch below top end 48 is pull-tab 54. Pulling pull-tab 54 lifts the tab and causes perforations to separate the film wrapping the cigarettes thereby rendering the cigarettes removable from the film package allowing for separation of removable portion 56 from triple cigarette wrapper 46, and gives access to the contents. Each triple cigarette wrapper 46 can be sized to appropriately contain the length and thickness of any of a variety of styles of cigarettes. The material of triple cigarette wrapper 46 can display any color or pattern.

[0026] In an embodiment, pack 12 contains any combination of single cigarette wrapper 34, double cigarette wrapper 22, or triple cigarette wrapper 46 so as to provide a total of six cigarettes.

[0027] By offering a smaller number of cigarettes in individual packaging, Novel Cigarette Packaging allows the consumer to purchase an appropriate amount of cigarettes for their specific needs, and to preserve the freshness of those cigarettes. This provides an attractive, cost-saving option for the consumer. Additionally, Novel Cigarette Packaging provides a means of regulating and tracking cigarette consumption for personal health reasons.

[0028] Although this invention has been described with respect to cigarettes containing nicotine and other combustible materials, in anticipation of the widespread legalization of marijuana, it is contemplated that this invention would be useful in that industry as well.

[0029] Designed for one-time use, the novel cigarette packaging of the present invention consists of a thin, clear plastic film wrapped around the cigarettes. The cigarettes are placed side by side inside the packaging, and the package is sealed at each end to keep the cigarettes fresh until use. Approximately one inch (1'') down from the top is a handy, easy open flap for accessing the contents.

[0030] Appropriate for any cigarette, from kings to 100s, the invention can be used by current tobacco companies as an attractive, cost saving packaging alternative for their existing brands. In an embodiment, six-packs of cigarettes can also be sold containing six single wrapped cigarettes, three sets of two wrapped cigarettes, or two packs of three wrapped cigarettes in each pack. (equaling six cigarettes). These six-packs are easily affordable as well.

[0031] Relatively simple in design yet extremely effective in application, the invention affords a number of benefits and advantages. Foremost, the invention provides a more user-friendly means of packaging, managing, and purchasing cigarettes. The invention's compact design facilitates easy storage and transport, with the device easily at the ready whenever needed. Additionally, users do not need to try to stuff bulky packs of cigarettes in pockets, where they can easily be crushed or appear unattractive. The most significant advantage of the invention is that it saves smokers money, and are easily affordable when stretching a dollar. Additionally, the invention provides a means for preserving the freshness of cigarettes and minimizing odor of associated with an open pack of cigarettes. Eliminating the need to purchase an entire pack, those who only want one or two need not shell out 10 to 15 dollars for cigarettes that will likely go to waste, or the person cannot afford at once. For a fraction of the cost, the invention allows these users to enjoy a smoke without worry about how they are going to pay for it. Cigarette companies will also benefit from this clever packaging concept; with approximately 22 billion packs of cigarettes sold annually, appealing to additional smokers who cannot buy packs would only increase revenues across the board.

[0032] The novel cigarette packaging of the present invention is an innovative packaging concept that will revolutionize the tobacco industry. By offering only one, two or three cigarettes at a time, the invention provides a means of saving money for those who indulge in this expensive habit. As it is extremely affordably priced, the invention will be well received by the vast majority of individuals who smoke, a very sizable market potential.

[0033] Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. Cigarette packaging comprising a pack, constructed of a material selected from the group of plastic film, cellophane, polyethylene wrap, paper, foil-lined paper, cardboard, foil-lined cardboard, and other suitable wrapping material, with or without a hinged top lid, wherein the pack is capable of containing a specific number of cigarettes in a single wrapper wherein the single wrapper has a top end and a bottom end.

2. The cigarette packaging of claim 1 wherein the cigarettes are wrapped individually creating a multiplicity of single wrapped cigarettes in a single wrapper.

3. The cigarette packaging of claim 1 wherein the cigarettes are wrapped two cigarettes side by side in a single wrapper creating one or more sets of double wrapped cigarettes in a single wrapper.

4. The cigarette packaging of claim 1 wherein the cigarettes are wrapped three cigarettes side by side in a single wrapper creating one or more sets of triple wrapped cigarettes in a single wrapper.

5. The cigarette packaging of claim 2 further comprising a pull-tab and perforations in the single wrapper approximately one inch below the top end wherein pulling the pull-tab lifts the pull-tab and causes perforations to separate the film wrapping the cigarettes thereby rendering the cigarettes removable from the wrapper.

6. The cigarette packaging of claim 3 further comprising a pull-tab and perforations in the single wrapper approximately one inch below the top end wherein pulling the pull-tab lifts the pull-tab and causes perforations to separate the film wrapping the cigarettes thereby rendering the cigarettes removable from the wrapper.

7. The cigarette packaging of claim 4 further comprising a pull-tab and perforations in the single wrapper approximately one inch below the top end wherein pulling the pull-tab lifts the pull-tab and causes perforations to separate the film wrapping the cigarettes thereby rendering the cigarettes removable from the wrapper.

8. The cigarette packaging of claim 2, wherein the material of wrapper can display any color or pattern.

9. The cigarette packaging of claim 3, wherein the material of wrapper can display any color or pattern.

10. The cigarette packaging of claim 4, wherein the material of wrapper can display any color or pattern.

11. The cigarette packaging of claim 1, wherein the pack contains any combination of individually wrapped cigarettes, double wrapped cigarettes, or triple wrapped cigarettes to provide a total of six cigarettes.