US20140196731A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20140196731A1
Application number: US13/744,176
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark Scatterday
Original assignee: Njoy Inc
Current assignee: Njoy LLC
Priority date: 2013-01-17
Filing date: 2013-01-17
Publication date: 2014-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2033-01-17
Also published as: US8794245B1; WO2014113592A1

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to an aroma pack for electronic cigarettes. The aroma pack comprises an aromatic insert, which is infused with a tobacco-like aroma, located within a housing positioned inside the aroma pack. The aromatic insert emits the scent of tobacco when the top cover of the pack is opened.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to alternative smoking devices, and more particularly, to an aroma pack for an electronic cigarette.

SUMMARY

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.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, components for an electronic cigarette pack are presented. The disclosure presents an aroma pack for an electronic cigarette configured to simulate the tobacco smell of a pack of traditional cigarettes.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an aroma pack is disclosed. The aroma pack comprises: an electronic cigarette package; an aromatic insert positioned within the electronic cigarette package; and wherein the aromatic insert has a tobacco-like scent.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an aroma pack is disclosed. The aroma pack comprises: an electronic cigarette package; an aromatic insert positioned within the electronic cigarette package; a housing; wherein the aromatic insert is positioned within the housing and wherein the housing is positioned within the electronic cigarette package; wherein the aromatic insert has a tobacco-like scent; and at least one electronic cigarette positioned within the electronic cigarette package.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an aroma pack is disclosed. The aroma pack comprises: an electronic cigarette package; an aromatic insert positioned within the electronic cigarette package; a housing; wherein the aromatic insert is positioned within the housing and wherein the housing is positioned within the electronic cigarette package; an evaporation port located on the housing; wherein the aromatic insert has a tobacco-like scent; and at least one electronic cigarette positioned within the electronic cigarette package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a hinge assembly and housing for an aroma pack in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The hinge assembly and the housing are shown uncoupled.

FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of the housing ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of a hinge assembly and housing for an aroma pack in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The hinge assembly and the housing are shown uncoupled and an aromatic insert is shown coupled within the housing.

FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of the housing ofFIG. 3 with the aromatic insert coupled within the housing.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the hinge assembly and housing ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an aroma pack in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The aroma pack is shown with an electronic cigarette contained within the aroma pack.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the aroma pack ofFIG. 6 shown with the top cover partially open.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the aroma pack ofFIG. 6 shown with the top cover half-way open.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the aroma pack ofFIG. 6 shown with the top cover open three-quarter way.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the aroma pack ofFIG. 6 shown with the top cover completely open.

FIG. 11 is a front view of an aroma pack in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The aroma pack is shown with the top cover open three-quarter way and with the hinge assembly and housing removed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The description set forth below 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.

The present disclosure generally relates to an aroma pack for electronic cigarettes. As will be disclosed, anaroma pack10 for electronic cigarettes simulates the aroma of tobacco that is present in a traditional cigarette pack. A number of additional advantages will become apparent from the description provided below.

After removing the cellophane outer wrapper and foil cover from a pack of traditional cigarettes, one may smell the distinct scent of tobacco. The scent is emitted from the tobacco rods in the traditional cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes, however, typically contain no tobacco. The liquid that is vaporized within the electronic cigarette, and puffed by the user, may contain a tobacco aroma, but the scent is typically very faint. Therefore, when opening a typical electronic cigarette pack, the tobacco aroma is either very faint or nonexistent.

FIGS. 1 through 11 show an aroma pack for electronic cigarettes, hereinafteraroma pack10, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, thearoma pack10 may comprise apackage12, ahinge assembly22, and anaromatic insert40. However, it should be noted that, depending on the construction of thepackage12, ahinge assembly22 may or may not be a necessary component. In one embodiment, thearomatic insert40 may be provided without ahinge assembly22, or in a configuration in which it is not coupled to ahinge assembly22. It should be noted that thearomatic insert40 is not itself a cigarette or electronic cigarette.

Referring toFIGS. 1-5, thehinge assembly22 and ahousing32 are shown. (It should be noted that thehousing32 is also not itself a cigarette or electronic cigarette.)FIGS. 1-5 show that thehinge assembly22 may comprise a cam spring, though anysuitable hinge assembly22 may be used. Although thehinge assembly22 and thehousing32 are shown as to separate pieces coupled together, it should be clearly understood that that substantial benefit may be derived from thehinge assembly22 and thehousing32 being integral to each other.

As shown inFIGS. 6-10, thehinge assembly22 may be coupled within thepackage12 and may have alever23 that engages achannel13 defined by atop cover14 of thepackage12. Referring toFIG. 6, when thetop cover14 is in a closed position, thelever23 of thehinge assembly22 is in an upright position and may exert pressure upon amedial wall portion15 of thechannel13 to help keep thetop cover14 in the closed position. Referring toFIGS. 7-9, when thetop cover14 is in an open position, thelever23 of thehinge assembly22 is in an angled position and may exert pressure upon alateral wall portion17 of thechannel13 to help keep thetop cover14 in the open position.

Thehinge assembly22 may also have elongatedflanges28 along each of its sides. As shown inFIG. 11, thepackage12 may haveelongated channels18 along its interior surface. Theelongated flanges28 of thehinge assembly22 may be inserted into and slid within theelongated channels18 on the interior surface of thepackage12, thereby creating a tongue and groove connection to hold thehinge assembly22 securely within thepackage12. While it is shown that theelongated flanges28 are formed along the sides of thehinge assembly22 only, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from theelongated flanges28 being formed along the sides of thehousing32 instead or from theelongated flanges28 being formed along both the sides of thehinge assembly22 and the sides of thehousing32 as well. It should also be clearly understood that while thearoma pack10 is shown has having two tongue and groove connections, substantial benefit may still be derived from the use of an alternative number of tongue and groove connections or from the use of an alternative type of connection between thehinge assembly22 and thepackage12.

In an embodiment wherein thehousing32 and thehinge assembly22 are separate components, thehousing32 may comprise twoconnection members34 extending from atop surface35 of thehousing32 and thehinge assembly22 may have twocorresponding apertures26 formed within abottom surface24 of thehinge assembly22. Theconnection members34 engage theapertures26 forming a male/female connection and thereby secure thehousing32 to thehinge assembly22. While it is shown that thearoma pack10 has two male/female connectors, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from an alternative number of male/female connectors or from the use of a different type of connection between thehousing32 and thehinge assembly22.

Thehinge assembly22 may have an enclosed channel for containing thearomatic insert40. The enclosed channel may be cylindrical in shape and may be formed by anaperture38 in thetop surface35 of thehousing32 and by a correspondingaperture30 formed in thebottom surface24 of thehinge assembly22 that aligns with theaperture38 in thetop surface35 of thehousing32. It should be clearly understood, however, that the enclosed channel may have an alternative shape. It should also be clearly understood that the enclosed channel may be foamed entirely within thehousing32 or entirely within thehinge assembly22.

Thehousing32 may also have at least one (and optionally multiple)evaporation port36. Theevaporation port36 may be positioned perpendicular to the enclosed channel and a bottom portion of thepackage12 and may face the inner space of thepackage12. Theevaporation port36 may have a diameter of approximately 2.9 mm. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from anevaporation port36 having an alternative diameter. It should also be clearly understood that, although theevaporation port36 is shown as being circular, it may have an alternative shape. Theevaporation port36 connects to the enclosed channel and exposes thearomatic insert40 within the enclosed channel, allowing aroma from thearomatic insert40 to escape thehousing32 and to circulate throughout thepackage12. The enclosed channel helps to keep thearomatic insert40 contained and isolated from the rest of the aroma pack10 (to prevent leakage and/or contamination of the electronic cigarette100 stored within the aroma pack10) and the size of theevaporation port36 is preferably relatively small to help prevent over-drying of thearomatic insert40.

Thearomatic insert40 may comprise compressed cotton fiber or any other suitable material such as paper, blotter, or absorbent. Thearomatic insert40 may be treated, soaked, infused, saturated or otherwise exposed or brought into contact with aromatic liquid having a tobacco-like scent and may be so treated either before or after its insertion into thehousing32. (It should be noting that, preferably, the aromatic liquid contains no tobacco and the tobacco-like scent is artificial, but it would be possible to utilize actual tobacco in the formulation of the aromatic liquid. It should also be noted that, rather than a liquid, the aroma source within thehousing32 may be in a solid form.) Upon opening thearoma pack10, the user will detect the tobacco aroma. It should be clearly understood that the aroma may be of tobacco or of any other desired aroma.

Thearoma pack10 may also have an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)foam disc42 coupled to the interior surface of abottom portion16 ofpackage12. It should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may still be derived from the foam disc having any other shape or being made of any other suitable material. Thefoam disc42 may ideally be positioned below the electronic cigarette100 (shown inFIG. 6) when the electronic cigarette100 is stored within thearoma pack10. Thefoam disc42 may have a diameter of approximately 7 mm, but it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from an alternative size. When the electronic cigarette100 is placed within thearoma pack10, thefoam disc42 may absorb approximately 0.44 mm of tolerance and will help to prevent the electronic cigarette100 from jostling within thearoma pack10 during transport, thereby protecting its internal components.

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 defined 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 an 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.

Claims

1. An aroma pack for an electronic cigarette comprising:

an electronic cigarette package; and

an aromatic insert positioned within a housing, wherein the housing is coupled to a hinge assembly coupled within the electronic cigarette package, and wherein the hinge assembly has an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion including the housing;

wherein the aromatic insert has tobacco scent.

2. (canceled)

3. The aroma pack ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one evaporation port located on the housing.

4. The aroma pack ofclaim 1 wherein the housing is positioned within a channel within the electronic cigarette package.

5. (canceled)

6. The aroma pack ofclaim 1 wherein the aromatic insert comprises a compressed cotton fiber comprising an aromatic liquid.

7. The aroma pack ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one electronic cigarette positioned within the electronic cigarette package.

8. The aroma pack ofclaim 3 wherein the evaporation port is perpendicular to a bottom portion of the electronic cigarette package.

9. The aromatic pack ofclaim 3 wherein the at least one evaporation port has a diameter of approximately 2.9 mm.

10. An aroma pack for an electronic cigarette comprising:

an electronic cigarette package;

a hinge assembly coupled within the electronic cigarette package, the hinge assembly having an upper portion and a lower portion;

a housing coupled to the lower portion;

an aromatic insert positioned within the housing; and

at least one electronic cigarette positioned within the electronic cigarette package.

11. The aroma pack ofclaim 10 further comprising at least one evaporation port located on the housing.

12. The aroma pack ofclaim 10 wherein the housing is positioned within a channel within the electronic cigarette package.

13. (canceled)

14. The aroma pack ofclaim 10 wherein the aromatic insert comprises a compressed cotton fiber comprising an aromatic liquid.

15. The aroma pack ofclaim 11 wherein the at least one evaporation port is perpendicular to a bottom portion of the electronic cigarette package.

16. An aroma pack for an electronic cigarette comprising:

an electronic cigarette package;

at least one evaporation port located on the housing; and

at least one electronic cigarette positioned within the electronic cigarette package;

wherein the aromatic insert has a tobacco scent.

17. The aroma pack ofclaim 16 wherein the housing is positioned within a channel within the electronic cigarette package.

18. (canceled)

19. The aroma pack ofclaim 16 wherein the aromatic insert comprises a compressed cotton fiber comprising an aromatic liquid.

20. The aroma pack ofclaim 16 wherein the at least one evaporation port is perpendicular to a bottom portion of the electronic cigarette package.

21. The aroma pack ofclaim 10, wherein the aromatic insert has a tobacco scent.

22. The aroma pack ofclaim 1, wherein the upper portion of the hinge assembly includes a lever.

23. The aroma pack ofclaim 1, wherein the hinge assembly includes a plurality of elongated flanges, and wherein an interior surface of the electronic cigarette package includes a plurality of elongated channels for receiving the plurality of elongated flanges.

24. The aroma pack ofclaim 1, wherein the housing is coupled to a bottom surface of the hinge assembly.