Abstract:
The invention generally pertains to a humidity controlled package for a cigar. A foil package configured to be air tight and sealed from the environment is provided to create a humidity controlled environment within the package. A humidity control device located within the humidity controlled environment is provided and configured to maintain the humidity level within the humidity controlled environment at a predetermined level. A cedar spill is located within the humidity controlled environment, sufficiently sized to assist the humidity control device in the maintaining of the humidity level within the humidity controlled environment at a predetermined level. And finally, at least one cigar is placed within the humidity controlled environment.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to cigar packaging and, more particularly, pertains to a humidity controlled packaging system for the sale of one or more cigars. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0002]    Cigar aficionados have long known that some of the best cigars in the world are grown in tropical or equatorial areas and that such cigars are optimally aged in an environment where the relative humidity is high (approximately 70%). Numerous efforts have been directed toward achieving this level of humidity in confined environments. Various humidifying devices and humidors have been employed in an attempt to replicate the humid climate where the cigar tobacco was grown. Known humidors include rooms and various boxes including humidifiers within which cigars are stored and aged. 
         [0003]    Cigar storage and humidification devices are well documented in the prior art, the purpose for which is to maintain the freshness and humidity level of cigars prior to them being consumed. The more traditional type of humidification devices are fairly large in size and are designed for holding a larger number of cigars in a humidified environment. While very effective, the drawback of such larger devices is that they are not capable of being easily transported about. Accordingly, it has become desirable for one to be able to sell and carry at least a single cigar in a humidified environment. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In accordance with a specific illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a humidity controlled package for a cigar is provided. A foil package configured to be air tight and sealed from the environment is provided to create a humidity controlled environment within the package. A humidity control device located within the humidity controlled environment is provided and configured to maintain the humidity level within the humidity controlled environment at a predetermined level. A cedar spill is located within the humidity controlled environment, sufficiently sized to assist the humidity control device in the maintaining of the humidity level within the humidity controlled environment at a predetermined level. And finally, at least one cigar manufactured of tobacco is placed within the humidity controlled environment. 
         [0005]    In a further aspect of the present invention, the humidity controlled package includes a cedar spill that is sufficiently sized to operate as an incendiary device for an ignition process to start slowly to enable flavors and aromatics of the tobacco to be released. 
         [0006]    In still another aspect of the present invention, a humidity control device further comprises a two-way humidity controlled package such that the humidity within the humidity control device is imparted on the humidity controlled environment so as to bring the two into equilibrium at a predetermined level. 
         [0007]    In a further aspect of the present invention, the humidity control device further comprises a saturated solution of pure water and natural salt, where the saturated solution is contained within a water-vapor permeable reverse osmosis membrane, and where the humidity control maintains a predetermined level of relative humidity (RH) by releasing or absorbing purified water-vapor as needed through the membrane within the humidity controlled environment. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent upon reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof, and wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a preferred exemplary embodiment of humidity controlled package and humidity control device for a cigar of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of a preferred exemplary embodiment of humidity controlled package and humidity control device for a cigar of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a front view of an exemplary cedar spill of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0013]    Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
         [0014]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms ‘a,’ ‘an,’ and ‘the’ may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore 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. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
       Humidity Regulation 
       [0015]    It&#39;s well known in the art that certain salts mixed with water will naturally regulate humidity. Typical humidity control devices either add moisture or remove moisture. In one embodiment of the present invention, the humidity control device performs both functions, monitoring the RH (relative humidity) inside the container and regulating to the specific RH engineered into the humidity controlled package. In one embodiment, the humidity control device does not need to be activated or maintained. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the humidity control device is a Boveda 2-way humidity control pack, however, any suitable two-way and non-two-way humidity pack may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In one embodiment, humidity control device  30  includes a case with a plurality of openings, a polymeric pouch having walls sufficiently thin to permit migration of water through the film in the form of water vapor and yet thick enough to prevent the escape of liquid water, and a solution including an organic or an inorganic solute (e.g., salt or sugar), vegetable gum and water. The saturated solution contains excess solute (e.g., salt or sugar crystals) and is preferably made more viscous with a thickening agent. In some select situations, a fungicide or inhibitor as well as a small amount of a buffering salt mixture may be necessary. 
         [0017]    Continuing with the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , humidity control device  30  of the present invention may be constructed of any polymeric material such as polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, polybutylene, polycarbonate, cellophane, microporous polyethylene, microfiberous polyethylene and the like that will provide the porosity necessary for the movement of the water vapor and retention of liquid water. The most suitable materials are polyvinylchloride, e.g. shrink wrap, polyvinylchloride, microporous polyethylene and microfibrous polyethylene. Other suitable materials are K-Resin, low density polyethylene if less than 0.3 mil thick, cellophane, and polystyrene films of 0.5 mil or less, and thin polycarbonate. Typically the film from which the pouch is constructed will have a thickness of 0.25 to 1.0 mils. The film may be as thin as 0.15 mils or thinner. Depending upon the polymer from which the pouch is made, the film may have a thickness of 1 mil or greater, providing sufficient moisture migration can take place through the film. As a general matter, thinner film is preferred providing the strength of the film is sufficient to avoid rupture during normal use. 
         [0018]    The solution of the illustrated humidity control device  30  may be any suitable solute which has a saturated solution at 20% solute in water as a minimum and any solute that will provide a saturated solution at 75% solute in water as a maximum. The preferred range of solubility is 25 to 50%. The preferred saturated solution contains 50% solute and 50% water, however, the maximum range contemplated in the present invention provides a saturated solution at 5% solute and as high as 90% solute by weight. A suitable solution may include a 50/50 combination of ammonia nitrate and calcium chloride, this solution will provide a relative humidity slightly under 70%. Some sugars may be suitable. Sucrose is suitable, but works at a slower rate than salts. Glucose and fructose work well for disposable pouches. These two sugar solutions work for five to ten cycles. Sodium chloride is a preferred salt which is used in a large range of applications because of its humidity (ca 75%), good solubility (25%), non-toxicity, and cost. Other salts or solutes would be used if a different humidity is desirable. 
       Cedar Spill 
       [0019]    Cedar spills, or cedar splits, are an historic and traditional method for lighting a cigar. Use of the cedar spill helps preserve and protect the taste and/or flavor of the cigar. The user lights the cedar spill and then carefully lights the open tip of the cigar by rotating the cigar over the flame. Alternatively, matches or butane lighters may be used to light the cigar, but these lighting devices frequently scorch or contaminate the tobacco, oils and water within the cigar upon lighting giving the cigar an off-taste. 
         [0020]    Traditionally, cedar spills are produced from a cedar sheet which is commonly provided with the cigars in a cigar box. The cedar spills are made by folding the cedar sheet to a desired width and breaking the spill or strip off at the fold seam. 
         [0021]    Keeping cigars at a constant humidity level can help keep them fresh and the flavor truly at its peak. The type of wood used can have a big effect on the overall aging process and results. In one embodiment, Spanish Cedar is used. Spanish Cedar is frequently used to line the inside of cases or used for humidor trays is because it is absorbent and helps stop moisture from building up and developing bacteria or mold, which is an important factor in keeping cigars fresh and flavorful. Another reason Spanish Cedar is chosen is due to the strong smell. Tobacco worms are drawn to a tasty cigar. The strong odor of Spanish Cedar drives them away. In addition, the smell of Spanish Cedar is strong enough to impart a light woody flavor and aroma to the stored cigars, a flavor that many people enjoy. 
         [0022]    Reference is first made to  FIG. 3  in which a cedar spill constructed in accordance with the present invention is generally noted by the character numeral  10 . The cedar spill  10  has a first end or lighting end  12 , a second end or finger end  14 , and a body  16 . Further, the cedar spill  10  defines a length L. Spanish Cedar wood is highly recommended for production of the cedar spill  10  of the present invention because it has a continuous and even burn rate that leaves only the burnt ash and minimal embers. However, any wood that with an even burn rate may be used to manufacture the spill  10  of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the cedar spill  10  is made from Spanish cedar wood. 
         [0023]    The cedar spill depicted in the Figure is selected solely for the purposes of illustrating the invention. Other and different cedar spills may utilize the inventive features described herein as well. The illustrations are not intended to be representative with respect to dimensions. 
         [0024]    One of the reasons cigar smokers prefer a spill over a match or lighter is that, when lit, the cedar strip imparts a slight cedar flavor to the tobacco. Plus, cedar is “cleaner” than typical matches, and since spills are longer, you have more time to properly light your cigar. In addition, a cedar spill is specifically designed for the cigar smoker to get the most out of their cigar by enabling the ignition process to start slowly. This enables the true flavors and aromatics of the tobaccos to come forth as the cigar maker intended. Moreover, Spanish Cedar burns quickly and hot and provides a vibrant flame for lighting the actual cigar. The cedar is used to light the cigar as would be any other implement, the cigar is rotated, the smoker puffs until an even and hot cherry is generated. 
       Humidity Controlled Package 
       [0025]    Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a preferred exemplary embodiment of the humidity controlled package  20  and humidity control device  30  of the present invention is illustrated in front and back views respectively. The humidity controlled package  20  includes a front side  22  and back side  24 , which are joined together to create the air tight seal and create a humidity controlled environment (not shown) within the package. A cigar would be placed in the humidity controlled environment prior to sealing the humidity controlled package  20  off from the environment. 
         [0026]    A key aspect of the present invention is that the front side  22  and back side  24  are formed in such a manner that an “airtight seal” is maintained to create the humidity controlled environment within the humidity controlled package  20 . A substantially hermetic seal is maintained between the front side  22  and back side  24  by sealing a foil material. 
         [0027]    The humidity controlled package  20  may be sized to receive a single cigar or a plurality of cigars. 
         [0028]    In operation, one or more cigars, a cedar spill and a humidity control device are placed within the humidity controlled environment of the humidity controlled package. The foil material is then hermetically sealed to create isolate the cigar, cedar spill and humidity control device from the environment. The humidity control device maintains the relative humidity in the humidity controlled package at the predetermined level, such as 65, 69, 72, 75 or 84% to name a few non-limiting examples. 
         [0029]    The humidity controlled package  20  may include a cigar cutter in addition to the one or more cigars, cedar spill and humidity control device. 
         [0030]    While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.