Patent Publication Number: US-2023159261-A1

Title: Candy dispenser apparatus and method of packaging candy

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to the field of dispensing solid materials and more particularly relates to a candy dispenser apparatus. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     When it comes to the anatomy of a cigar, three central components go into making the smoke: the wrapper, binder and filler. Filler makes up the bulk of the cigar, the binders are leaves that are used to wrap the fillers together in the cigar, and an outer wrap called a wrapper, which gives the cigar its distinctive appearance. 
     Candy is a confection made from sugar, starch syrup, and the like, and there are various types such as hard candies, soft candies, caramels, marshmallows, taffy, jellies, sweet red bean jelly, and the like. Physically, candy is characterized by the use of a significant amount of sugar or sugar substitutes. Unlike a cake or loaf of bread that would be shared among many people, candies are usually made in smaller pieces. Unlike sweet pastries served for a dessert course at the end of a meal, candies are normally eaten casually, often with the fingers, as a snack between meals. 
     Candies are prepared by mixing saccharides, such as sugar and starch syrup, or sugar alcohols, as main raw materials by concentrating the main raw materials through a heating process, adding minor materials such as organic acids to form in a certain shape, and cooling. Sugar candy is made by dissolving sugar in water or milk to form a syrup, which is boiled until it reaches the desired concentration or starts to caramelize. 
     Candy comes in a wide variety of textures, from soft and chewy to hard and brittle. The texture of candy depends on the ingredients and the temperatures that the candy is processed at. 
     Candy wrapper or sweets wrapper is a common term for its packaging. Packaging preserves aroma and flavor and eases shipping and dispensation. Wax paper seals against air, moisture, dust, and germs, while cellophane is valued by packagers for its transparency and resistance to grease, odors and moisture. In addition, it is often resealable. Polyethylene is another form of film sealed with heat, and this material is often used to make bags in bulk packaging. Plastic wraps are also common. Aluminum foils wrap chocolate bars and prevent a transfer of water vapor while being lightweight, non-toxic and odor proof. Vegetable parchment lines boxes of high-quality confections like gourmet chocolates. Cardboard cartons are less common, though they offer many options concerning thickness. 
     Packages are often sealed with a starch-based adhesive derived from tapioca, potato, wheat, sago, or sweet potato. Occasionally, glues are made from the bones and skin of cattle and hogs for a stronger and more flexible product, but this is not as common because of the expense. 
     Such commonly known packaging and dispensing units are intended for only one use, i.e., packaging and dispensing and are disposed of after sucg use, which causes environmental pollution by increasing harmful waste production. 
     While conventional units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter. 
     There is a need for a simple and inexpensive candy dispenser apparatus that serves multiple uses and mitigates problems of environmental pollution. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a candy dispenser apparatus that is easy to use and provides additional benefit of being consumable or smokable. 
     One object of the embodiments of the disclosed invention is to provide a candy dispenser apparatus that allows easy, efficient, and safe storage and dispensing of candies. 
     Another object of the disclosed invention is to provide for candy dispenser apparatus that more quickly allows candies filling and dispensing. 
     Yet another object is to provide for a candy dispenser apparatus that provides multipurpose use, as such can be consumable or is smokable. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an economic and commercially acceptable cigar that is used as a candy dispenser. 
     As disclosed in this application, the inventor has discovered novel and unique candy dispenser apparatus and methods for packaging candy, which exhibit superlative properties in design, utilization and waste management. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide for candy dispenser apparatus and methods of packaging candy disclosed herein and as defined in the annexed claims which provide for improved packaging and dispensing of candies, in a safe and convenient manner, for people&#39;s enjoyment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is one prospect of the present invention to provide one or more novel devices of simple but effective construction which may be applied to many candies to portably, efficiently, and effectively package and dispense a variety of hard candies. 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented herein. 
     Therefore, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is provided a candy dispenser apparatus comprising an elongated tubular cigar binder having a first end opposite a second end. The elongated tubular cigar binder defines an inner cavity disposed between the first and seconds ends. The elongated tubular cigar binder comprising at least one consumable smokable wrapper, preferably a wrapped tobacco leaf, adapted to be opened by a user. Preferably, the at least one consumable smokable wrapper is sliced open or is unwrapped by the user. A plurality of solid candies are disposed within the inner cavity of the elongated tubular cigar binder. In a preferred embodiment, a smoking filter is disposed on the first end of the elongated tubular cigar binder. In one embodiment, the candy dispenser is disposed inside a cigar tube of a cigar tube assembly, and the cigar tube assembly preferably includes a cigar tube top end cap and a bottom end cap. In a preferred embodiment, a blade is disposed on an inner surface of the cigar tube, and the blade is adapted to slice open the elongated tubular cigar binder upon a removal of the elongated tubular cigar binder from the cigar tube. 
     In another embodiment, a plurality of candy dispensers are encased in a zip-wrapper and are inserted into a slide open carton. In yet another embodiment, the candy dispenser is encased in a clear wrapper. 
     In one embodiment, there is provided a method of packaging candy, comprising a step of providing an elongated sheet of consumable smokable wrapper material, preferably a tobacco leaf material, on a roll. Preferably, the elongated sheet of consumable smokable wrapper material is an elongated sheet of a hemp wrapper, rice paper, or a tobacco leaf. The method includes a step of cutting the elongated sheet of tobacco leaf material into sheet sections. The method includes a step of shaping each sheet section to form at least one elongated tubular cigar binder having an outer sheath defining an elongated longitudinally extending inner cavity adapted for insertion of a plurality of solid candies. The method includes a step of inserting a plurality of solid candies into the elongated longitudinally extending inner cavity. In addition, the method includes a step of applying moisture to the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder. The method further includes a step of rolling said at least one elongated tubular cigar binder so that a spirally wrapped candy filled cigar package is formed. 
     In yet another embodiment, there is provided a method of packaging candy, comprising the steps of: providing an elongated tubular cigar binder defining an inner cavity filled with grinded tobacco leaves, said elongated tubular cigar binder having an outer sheath comprising at least one wrapped tobacco leaf; slicing open longitudinally said outer sheath of said at least one wrapped tobacco leaf to provide an opening to the inner cavity of the elongated tubular cigar binder, wherein said opening is defined by a first sliced sheath edge opposite a second sliced sheath edge; removing the grinded tobacco leaves from the inner cavity until said inner cavity is hollow; inserting a plurality of solid candies through said opening into said inner cavity; rolling said elongated tubular cigar binder, with the first sliced sheath edge overlapping the second sliced sheath edge, said rolling adapted to close said opening so that a wrapped candy filled cigar package is formed. 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals throughout the Figures identify substantially similar components, in which: 
         FIG.  1 A  is a perspective view of a candy dispenser apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  1 B  is a perspective view of a candy dispenser apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  1 C  is a perspective view of a candy dispenser apparatus having a plurality of solid candies disposed therein, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a perspective, partially cross-sectional view of the candy dispenser apparatus in accordance with the present invention, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a perspective view of an elongated tubular cigar binder and a consumable smokable wrapper of the candy dispenser apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  2 C  is a perspective view of an elongated tubular cigar binder and a consumable smokable wrapper of the candy dispenser apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  3    is an perspective view of a plurality of candy dispensers encased within a zip-wrapper and an exemplary slide open carton, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  4    is an perspective view of an open hinged box and a plurality of candy dispensers encased within respective clear wrappers, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a perspective view of a candy dispenser, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  5 B  is another perspective view of a candy dispenser, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG.  6    is a partially exploded perspective view of a candy dispenser disposed within a cigar tube of a cigar tube assembly, with a cigar tube top cap and bottom end cap removed, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For a further understanding of the nature and function of the embodiments, reference should be made to the following detailed description. Detailed descriptions of the embodiments are provided herein, as well as, the best mode of carrying out and employing the present invention. It will be readily appreciated that the embodiments are well adapted to carry out and obtain the ends and features mentioned as well as those inherent herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following disclosure is illustrative only and not in any way limiting, as the specific details disclosed herein provide a basis for the claims and a representative basis for teaching to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. It should be understood that the devices, materials, methods, procedures, and techniques described herein are presently representative of various embodiments. Other embodiments of the disclosure will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     As used herein, “binder” means a rolled hollow unit that hold together the filler tobacco in a cigar. A “wrapper” means an outer wrap which gives the cigar its distinctive appearance. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , the basic constructional details and principles of operation of embodiments of a candy dispenser apparatus  100  according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will be discussed. 
     Referring initially to  FIG.  1 A- 1 C , a candy dispenser apparatus  100  is provided comprising an elongated tubular cigar binder  110  having a first end  111  opposite a second end  113 , and the elongated tubular cigar binder  110  defines an inner cavity  115  disposed between the first end  111  and second end  113 . The elongated tubular cigar binder  110  includes at least one consumable smokable wrapper  117 , which is adapted to be opened by a user (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the consumable smokable wrapper  117  is a wrapped tobacco leaf, and when the candy dispenser apparatus  100  is in use, the consumable smokable wrapper  117  is sliced open by the user. 
       FIG.  1 B  and  FIG.  1 C  provide perspective views of the candy dispenser  100  with a plurality of solid candies  130  disposed within the inner cavity  115  of the elongated tubular cigar binder  110  of the candy dispenser  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the elongated tubular cigar binder  110  of the candy dispenser  100  may be made up of any conventional binder material used in manufacturing cigars. The elongated tubular cigar binder  110  is preferably natural, for example, a broad leaf tobacco or a sheet consisting substantially of tobacco, or it can be manufactured such that approximately two-thirds of it is tobacco, the balance being conventional filler materials which include, for example, gums, inorganic ingredients, cellulose and wood pulp. In certain specific products, the tobacco content of elongated tubular cigar binder  110  may be varied to produce a product with particular burn, taste and aroma properties. 
     In another embodiment, the consumable smokable wrapper  117  comprises a hemp wrap. As exemplified in  FIGS.  1 A- 2 C , the candy dispenser apparatus  100  is intended to contain plurality of solid candies  130  comprises a plurality of pre-packaged, individually wrapped solid candies  130 . In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of pre-packaged, individually wrapped solid candies  130  of the plurality of solid candies are skittles or tootsie rolls. In another embodiment, the candies  130  are loose individually unwrapped solid candies. The solid candies  130  may be of any shape such as spherical, oval, star shaped or cuboidal. The solid candies  130  is of any size and flavor. 
     In another embodiment, the candy dispenser  100  includes a smoking filter  101 , as illustrated in  FIG.  3   . The smoking filter  101  is disposed on the first end  111  of the elongated tubular cigar binder  110 . Preferably, a reinforcement strip is bonded to the elongated tubular cigar binder  110 , and that reinforcement strip includes a layer of high wet strength reinforcing tape bonded to flame extinguishing foil and is circumferentially wrapped over the interface between the smoking filter  101  and the candies  130  to prevent separation of the filter and the candies  130 . The reinforcing tape is preferably corrugated on both edges for both ease of installation and to minimize the possibility of tearing during installation and use. Reinforcing tape is preferably also sufficiently thin for ease of manufacture and application and to prevent any noticeable bulge under the consumable smokable wrapper  117 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , a perspective, partially cross-sectional view of the candy dispenser apparatus  100  according to preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided.  FIG.  2 B  provides a perspective view of an elongated tubular cigar binder  110 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention.  FIG.  2 C  provides a perspective view of a consumable smokable wrapper  117 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates an exploded view of a packaging showing a zip-wrapper  121  encasing a plurality of candy dispensers  100 . As exemplified in  FIG.  3   , the plurality of candy dispensers  100  are encased in a zip-wrapper  121  and are inserted into a slide open carton  141 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The carton  141  is made up of any suitable material such as wood, cardboard or paper. Preferably the top surface of the carton  141  includes a transparent display  1411  to see the candy dispensers  100  inside. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an open hinged box  143  showing a plurality of candy dispensers  100  each encased in a respective a clear wrapper  123 , intended to help keep the candy  130  and the candy dispenser  100  fresh, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The candy dispensers  100  and respective clear wrappers  123  are disposed in a hinged box  143 , from which each candy dispenser  100  can be removed for consumption of the candy  130  and for smoking of the candy dispenser  100  by the user. Preferably, the hinged box  143  comprises a latch. The hinged box  143  is made up of any suitable material such as wood, cardboard or paper. Preferably the top surface of the hinged box  143  comprises a transparent display to see the candy dispensers  100  inside. 
       FIG.  5 A  illustrates an exemplary elongated tubular cigar binder  110  of the candy dispenser  100  having at least one consumable smokable wrapper  117  adapted to be opened by a user by unwrapping or unfolding, in the direction of Arrow B, as illustrated in  FIG.  5 B , for the user to access the solid candies  130 . In one embodiment, the elongated tubular cigar binder  110  is disposed inside at least one foil wrapper  118 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The at least one foil wrapper  118  is configured to folded open by a user, to access the elongated tubular cigar binder  110  of the candy dispenser  100 .  FIG.  5 B  illustrates a finished candy dispenser  100  constructed from a tobacco product, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of a cigar tube assembly  148  including a cigar tube  150 , a cigar tube top end cap  153 , and bottom end cap  155 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG.  6   , the candy dispenser  100  is disposed inside the cigar tube  150  of the cigar tube assembly  148 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, cigar tube  150  comprises a blade  151  attached to an interior surface of the cigar tube  150 , and the blade  151  is configured to longitudinally slice  157  through the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder  110  of the candy dispenser  100 , as shown in  FIG.  6   . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , in a preferred embodiment, the cigar tube  150  is an elongated tubular member having opposite first  1571  and second  1572  ends. The top end cap  153  removably connects to the first end  1571  of the cigar tube  150 , and the bottom end cap  155  removably connects to the second end  1572  of the cigar tube  150 . 
     The cigar tube  150  is preferably made from a material which is highly resistant to impact in order to fully protect and contain the candy dispenser  100  within the cigar tube  150 . Suitable materials for the cigar tube  150  include but are not limited to plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate and nylon. In another embodiment, the cigar tube  150  is formed from a metal or metal alloy. 
     In one embodiment, there is provided a method of packaging candy  130 . The method comprises a step of providing an elongated sheet of consumable smokable wrapper material  117  on a roll, wherein the consumable smokable wrapper material  117  comprises of a tobacco leaf material, a hemp wrapper, a rice paper, or a tobacco leaf. The method comprises a step of cutting the elongated sheet of tobacco leaf material  117  into sheet sections. The method comprises a step of shaping each sheet section to form at least one elongated tubular cigar binder  110  having an outer sheath defining an elongated longitudinally extending inner cavity  115  adapted for insertion of a plurality of solid candies  130 . 
     Preferably, the method includes a step of inserting a plurality of solid candies  130  into the elongated longitudinally extending inner cavity  115 . In a preferred embodiment, the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder  110  comprises two opposed portions  110   a ,  110   b  forming a longitudinally elongated opening  114   a , as illustrated in  FIG.  2 Bb , adapted for separation  114   b  by a user, as illustrated in  FIG.  2 A , for insertion of a plurality of solid candies  130 . The step of inserting the plurality of solid candies  130  comprises inserting the plurality of solid candies  130  through the longitudinally elongated  114   a ,  114   b  opening as formed by said two opposed sections  110   a ,  110   b  into the elongated longitudinally extending inner cavity  115 . 
     The method preferably includes a step of applying moisture to the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder  110 . The method further includes a step of rolling said at least one elongated tubular cigar binder  110  so that a spirally wrapped candy filled cigar package  100  is formed. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , in one embodiment, the method includes a step of providing at least one cigar tube  150  and a step of inserting the spirally wrapped candy filled cigar package  100  into the at least one cigar tube  150 . In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprising a step of slicing  157  the outer sheath of the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder  110  during a step of withdrawing (in the direction of Arrow C) the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder  110  from said cigar tube  150 , wherein said cigar tube  150  comprises a blade  151  attached to an interior surface of said cigar tube  150 , as such blade  151  is configured to longitudinally slice  157  through the outer sheath of the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder  110 . 
     In yet another embodiment, there is provided a method of packaging candy  130 . The method of packaging candy includes the steps of: providing an elongated tubular cigar binder  110  defining an inner cavity  115  filled with grinded tobacco leaves, said elongated tubular cigar binder  110  having an outer sheath comprising at least one wrapped tobacco leaf  117 ; longitudinally slicing  157  open ( FIG.  6   ) the outer sheath of said at least one wrapped tobacco leaf  117  to provide an opening  114   b  ( FIG.  2 A ) to the inner cavity  115  of the elongated tubular cigar binder  110 , wherein said opening is defined by a first sliced sheath edge  110   a  opposite a second sliced sheath edge  110   b . The method includes a step of removing the grinded tobacco leaves from the inner cavity  115  until said inner cavity  115  is hollow; inserting a plurality of solid candies  130  through said opening  114   b  into said inner cavity  115 ; rolling (in the direction of Arrow A in  FIG.  1 C ) said elongated tubular cigar binder  110 , with the first sliced sheath edge overlapping the second sliced sheath edge, said rolling adapted to close said opening so that a wrapped candy filled cigar package  100  is formed. The method of packaging candy  130  further comprises a step of providing at least one cigar tube  150  ( FIG.  6   ) and a step of inserting the wrapped candy filled cigar package  100  into the at least one cigar tube  150 . 
     Product information and promotional information is preferably applied to the front surfaces of the cigar package  100 , as tailored to the user&#39;s desired marketing strategies. Advertising with the cigar package  100  provides mechanisms to promote specific marketing initiatives, including promoting various features and dispensing techniques. 
     Except as may be expressly otherwise indicated, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the description or a claim to a single element to which the article refers. Rather, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is intended to cover one or more such elements, unless the text expressly indicates otherwise. 
     The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may be very well combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the orders of the processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. 
     Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. The components of the system including the devices and related technologies mentioned above are collectively used to improve performance of the wrapped candy filled cigar package. 
     Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.