Abstract:
A product and method of making thereof for the consumption of smokable substances such as tobacco or herbs. The product is comprised of smokable substances such as smokable herbs, plants, tobacco, homogenized tobacco and/or natural leaf materials and has a hollow conical shape that allows for the easy insertion of smokable substances. Additionally, the conical or frustoconical shape of the product provides for larger amounts of smokable substances in the end of the product the consumer lights, resulting in an initial slower prolonged burn and more even distribution of nicotine. Additionally, placement of a supporting insert into the interior of the product supports the conical shaped of the product when packaged along with supporting during the process of being filled.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/195,182, filed Jul. 21, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference and priority of/to which is hereby claimed. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
       [0003]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates to smoking articles such as cones, cigarillos, and/or cigars. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved cigar, cigar shell and method of making a smokable article wherein a conically or frustoconically shaped form of a shell with an interior and longitudinal centerline is preserved where the shell is packaged for sale in an unfilled state (with a reinforcing conical support) such as a foil pouch which the shell&#39;s conical or frustoconical shape is generally preserved in the packaging using a conical form mandrel which was constructed from a generally cylindrical starting blank; and wherein conical support can also be used to support the conical or frustoconical shaped of the cigar shell during filling, wherein during the filling process the smokable filler both passes through the interior of the support insert, and the support insert is longitudinally moved relative to the shell in a direction opposite of the direction that the smokable filler passes through the supporting insert and the end of the conical support enlarges as it is pulled out longitudinally from the shell. 
         [0005]    Many cigar smokers prefer to use their own tobacco product as opposed to purchasing cigars that are already constructed and filled with tobacco. These users of fine, custom tobacco prefer to start with an empty shell which they prefer to purchase and then fill with their own custom tobacco filler material or other smokable material after the shell has been removed from its package. 
         [0006]    Patents have issued for cigar products or smokable products that begin with an empty shell that is packaged in an empty or less than filled condition, thus enabling a smoker to later add his or her custom tobacco filler. For example, the Sinclair U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,321,755; 6,357,448; 6,526,986; and 7,717,119, each hereby incorporated herein by reference disclose tobacco shells that are packaged empty of contents so that a user can add his or her custom tobacco or other fill material to the shell after opening the package. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Various embodiments relate generally to products for the consumption smokable substances, and more particularly to a product and method of making thereof for the consumption of tobacco and other smokable substances having a hollow conical or frustoconical shape. A conically or frustoconically shaped form has an outer surface, a large diameter end, a small diameter end, and a cavity that extends to said small diameter end. 
         [0008]    Various embodiments related generally to products and methods of making thereof, for consumption of tobacco, herbs and other similar smokable substances. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, both the sheet of smokable material and the form are packaged. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the form and sheet of material are nested, wherein the sheet large section is wrapped around the form. 
         [0011]    One embodiments provides a product that is easy to use and provides for a superior smoke. 
         [0012]    The present invention may further comprise:
       (a) a container for packaging the hollow cone,   (b) whereby the cone will be protected and not lose its shape.       
 
         [0015]    Additionally, the present invention may further comprise:
       (a) an elongated member
           for packing smokable substances   into the hollow cone.   
               
 
         [0019]    One embodiment provides for a method of making a custom cigar for the consumption of tobacco and other smokable substances resulting in a product that is easy to construct, fill, and finish, and provides for a consistent quality smoke. 
         [0020]    One embodiment provides for a method of making a custom cigar for the consumption of tobacco and other smokable fillers, wherein the number of steps required for the consumer to produce a final customized smokable product is reduced as compared to prior art methods. 
         [0021]    One embodiment provides a kit for creating a product for smoking tobacco and other smokable substances, comprising: 
         [0022]    (a) a first hollow cone having
       a first hollow cone longitudinal axis,   a first end
           defining a larger first cone opening perimeter with diameter, and   
           a second end
           defining a smaller first cone opening perimeter with diameter,   whereby
               the diameter of the larger first cone opening perimeter is greater than the   the diameter of the smaller first cone opening perimeter,   
               whereby
               a line spanning between the larger and smaller
                   first cone opening perimeters   has a first conical slope and length; and   
                   
               
           a first cone interior,
           the first cone interior being defined by a space between
               the larger first cone opening perimeter and   the smaller first cone opening perimeter,   
               wherein, the first cone is comprised of
               smokable materials;   
               
               
 
         [0041]    (b) a first conical support being constructed from a starting cylindrical blank, the starting cylindrical blank including:
       (i) first and second ends, and a length between the first and circular second ends,   (ii) a cylindrical wall spanning between the first and second circular ends having a longitudinal axis,   (iii) the first and second circular ends respectively having initial first and initial second diameters, wherein the initial first diameter is substantially the same as the initial second diameter;   (iv) a separation in the cylindrical wall, the separation spanning from the first end to a separation end point between the first and second circular ends, which separation end point is located closer to the second circular end;   (v) wherein the separation is used to reduce the size of the diameter of the first circular end compared to the diameter of the second circular end;   (vi) wherein the reduction of the diameter of the first circular end a line spanning between the first circular end and the end point to have a first support slope and length;       
 
         [0048]    (c) the first conical support being placed into the first cone interior, wherein
       the first conical slope is about the same as the first support slope, and   the first conical support tending to maintain the first hollow cone in a conical shape; and       
 
         [0051]    (d) the first cone with the supporting first conical support being packaged for sale with the interior of the first cone not being filled with a smokable filler material. 
         [0052]    In one embodiment the first conical slope is changeable based on the extent to which the first conical support is nested inside the first cone. 
         [0053]    In one embodiment the first conical slope is decreases as the nested first conical support is pulled out of the first cone. 
         [0054]    In one embodiment the cone includes a first filter tip at the second end of the first cone. 
         [0055]    In one embodiment the first cone and first conical support are nested condition inside a package. 
         [0056]    In one embodiment the package is a bag, pouch, and/or flexible wrapper. 
         [0057]    In one embodiment the package is rectangularly shaped, conically shaped, and/or generally cylindrically shaped. 
         [0058]    In one embodiment is provided a packaged cigar apparatus that generates a smokable article, comprising: 
         [0059]    a) a package having an interior and an end portion with a sealed opening; 
         [0060]    b) first shell being a hollow conically shaped smokable shell with a shell interior and a shell slope or taper; 
         [0061]    c) a reinforcing conical support that is able to occupy a position within the shell interior of the shell, the reinforcing conical support having a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the shell, and the reinforcing conical support being constructed from a cylindrical blank having a cylindrical wall and hollow interior along with a partial slit in the cylindrical wall from one end of the blank but not extending to the second end of the blank forming slit edges, and with the slit edges being overlapped to provide a conical shape having a reinforcing slope or taper to at least fifty percent of the longitudinal length of the reinforcing conical support, and the reinforcing conical support having a hollow cone shaped cone interior; 
         [0062]    d) wherein the shell and reinforcing conical support are packaged inside the package interior as an assembly with the reinforcing conical support occupying the shell interior. 
         [0063]    In one embodiment the reinforcing slope is substantially equal to the slope or taper of the shell. 
         [0064]    In one embodiment the reinforcing slope is greater than the slope or taper of the shell. 
         [0065]    In one embodiment is provided a method of constructing a smokable product, comprising the steps of: 
         [0066]    a) providing a package having an interior and an end portion with a sealed opening; 
         [0067]    b) providing a shell having a shell wall and hollow conically shaped shell interior; 
         [0068]    c) placing a reinforcing conical support within the shell interior, the reinforcing conical support having upper and lower open ends, wherein the lower open end tries to expand while inside the hollow conically shaped interior; 
         [0069]    d) packaging the shell with the reinforcing cone occupying the hollow shell interior, and the shell and reinforcing cone being located inside the package as an assembly wherein the tendency of the lower open end of the reinforcing conical support to expand causes a tensile force to be created in the shell wall; 
         [0070]    e) enabling the construction of a smokable product by a removal of the shell and reinforcing cone so that a user can fill the shell with his or her selected smokable material using a push rod to compact smokable material that is placed within a the shell; and 
         [0071]    f) wherein the reinforcing conical support is configured to support the shell during step “e”, while allowing smokable material to travel from the reinforcing conical support to the shell via the lower opening, and while simultaneously allowing the lower opening of the conical support to enlarge as the conical support is pulled up from the shell. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0072]    For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
           [0073]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cone adjacent to a cylindrical blank 
           [0074]      FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E  are schematic views showing two cuts for converting the cylindrical blank into a conical form mandrel. 
           [0075]      FIGS. 3 and 4  are schematic views showing application of an adhesive on the now cut cylindrical blank 
           [0076]      FIGS. 5 through 7  are schematic views showing the twisting of the new cut cylindrical blank to create a cylindrical form mandrel, where the cylindrical shape of the form mandrel is maintained by the previously applied adhesive. 
           [0077]      FIGS. 8 through 10  are schematic views showing the cylindrical shape of the form mandrel being maintained by an externally applied adhesive strip, such as tape. 
           [0078]      FIGS. 11 through 15  are perspective views schematically showing the created conically shaped form mandrel being inserted into a first cone. 
           [0079]      FIGS. 16 through 18  are perspective views of the first cone with conical form mandrel being inserted into a packaging pouch which packaging pouch is now sealed. 
           [0080]      FIGS. 19 through 21  are perspective views of the first cone with conical form mandrel being nested into a second cone. 
           [0081]      FIGS. 22 through 24  are perspective views of the first cone with conical form mandrel nested in a second cone, and the combination being inserted into a packaging pouch packaging pouch is now sealed. 
           [0082]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the packaging pouch of  FIG. 24  now being opened. 
           [0083]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the first and second cones being partially removed from the opened packaging pouch of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0084]      FIGS. 27 through 29  are perspective views of the now removed first and second cones, showing the removal of the first cone with conical form mandrel from the second cone. The second cone can be reinserted into the pouch of  FIG. 25  with the pouch resealed. 
           [0085]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the first cone with conical form mandrel. 
           [0086]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the first cone with conical form mandrel schematically showing the conical form mandrel being move longitudinally relative to the first cone. 
           [0087]      FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the conical form mandrel, while remaining partially inserted in the first cone, being filled with smokable filler. 
           [0088]      FIG. 33  is a perspective view showing the added smokable filler having passed through the conical form mandrel and resting at the bottom of the interior of the first cone. 
           [0089]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view showing the added smokable filler remaining at the bottom of the interior of the first cone, while the conical form mandrel is schematically shown as being moved longitudinally relative to the first cone to provide additional interior volume in the first cone for additional smokable filler to be added. 
           [0090]      FIG. 35  is another perspective view of the first cone with conical form mandrel being filled with additional smokable filler from that added in  FIG. 33 . 
           [0091]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view showing the added smokable filler of  FIG. 35  remaining at the bottom of the interior of the first cone. 
           [0092]      FIG. 37  is a perspective view showing the added smokable filler of  FIG. 35  remaining at the bottom of the interior of the first cone, while the conical form mandrel is schematically shown as being moved longitudinally relative to the first cone to provide additional interior volume in the first cone for even more added smokable filler. 
           [0093]      FIG. 38  is another perspective view of the first cone with conical form mandrel being filled with even more additional smokable filler from that added in  FIG. 35 . 
           [0094]      FIG. 39  is a perspective view showing the even more added smokable filler of  FIG. 38  remaining at the bottom of the interior of the first cone. 
           [0095]      FIG. 40  is a perspective view of the first cone with conical form mandrel now completely removed from the first cone. 
           [0096]      FIG. 41  is a perspective view of the first cone filled with smokable filler, and having the first end of the first cone pinched for closing. 
           [0097]      FIG. 42  is a perspective view of the first cone filled with smokable filler, and having the first end of the first cone now twisted to complete a customized smokable product or cigar. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0098]    Smokable article kit includes first 100 and second 1000 cones with conical form mandrel  400  packaged for sale in a flexible packaging  800  (such as a foil pouch) when not filled with smokable filler material. 
         [0099]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a smokable cone  100  adjacent to a cylindrical blank  300  (cone  100  can be constructed by conventional methods). 
         [0100]    First cone  100  can include first end  110 , second end  120 , outer surface  140 , and filter tip  180 . At first end  110  can be first opening  150 . At second end  120  can be second opening  160 . First opening  150  can be larger than second opening  160  giving first cone  100  its conical shape. Between first end  110  and second end  120  is interior portion  114  which includes inner surface  130 . 
         [0101]    In various embodiments a second cone  1000 , constructed substantially the same as first cone  100 , can be provided. Second cone  1000  can include first end  1010 , second end  1020 , outer surface  1040 , and filter tip  1080 . At first end  1010  can be first opening  1050 . At second end  1020  can be second opening  1060 . First opening  1050  can be larger than second opening  1060  giving second cone  1000  its conical shape. Between first end  1010  and second end  1020  is interior portion  1014  which includes inner surface  1030 . 
         [0102]    Conical form mandrel  400  can be used to maintain the conical shape of first 100 and/or second cones  1000 . In various embodiments novel methods of construction and novel conical form mandrels can be provided. 
         [0103]      FIGS. 2A through 2E  includes various schematic views showing two cuts for converting the cylindrical blank  300  into a conical form mandrel  400 . Cylindrical blank  300  can include first end  402  and second end  404  a diameter  408 . First end  402  can have a diameter  403  and second end can have a diameter  405  where initially diameter  403 , diameter  405  and diameter  408  are substantially equal.  FIG. 2B  schematically shows an angle of taper  422  at first end to be cut from cylindrical blank  FIG. 2C  shows the cut having been made creating a removed portion  426  (which can be discarded) and leaving a tapered section  420  at first end  402 , wherein the tapered section  420  can have an angle of taper  421 . In various embodiments the angle of taper  421  can be at least 5 degrees. In various embodiments the angle of taper  421  of tapered section  420  can be at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 33, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 60 degrees. In various embodiments the angle of taper  421  can fall within a range of any two of the above specified degree angles of taper  421  for tapered section  420 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 2D and 2E  show cut  452 . In various embodiments cut  452  can have a length  470  which is at least 40 percent of length  406  of cylindrical blank  300 /conical form mandrel  400 . In various embodiments the length of cut  452  can be at least 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 92, 94, 95, 96, 98, and 99 percent of length  406 . 
         [0105]    In various embodiments the length of cut  452  can fall within a range of any two of the above specified percentages of length  406 . In various embodiments cut  452  does not extend the entire length  406  of cylindrical blank  300 /conical form mandrel  400  leaving an length  415  of non-cut portion of form mandrel. At second end  404  cut  452  has created a slit or separation  450  in the cylindrical wall of blank  300 , and this slit or separation  450  includes opposing first edge  462  and second edge  464  along with end point  460  of slit or separation  450 . 
         [0106]    In various embodiments cut  452  can be located so that a line extending from cut  452  would intersect the lowest point of tapered section  420 . 
         [0107]      FIGS. 3 through 6  schematically show one embodiment of a method of preparing a cylindrical form mandrel  400  after cut  452  has been made in cylindrical blank  300 .  FIGS. 3 and 4  are schematic views showing application of an adhesive  520  on the now cut cylindrical blank  300 . Overall length  406  is made up of length of slit  470  plus length  415  of upper portion  414 . 
         [0108]      FIGS. 5 through 7  are schematic views showing the twisting (schematically indicated by arrow  462 ) of the now cut cylindrical blank  300  to create a cylindrical form mandrel  400 , where the cylindrical shape of the form mandrel  400  is maintained by the previously applied adhesive  520 . In various embodiments showing the twisting (schematically indicated by arrow  462 ) of second end  404  causing first  462  and second  464  edges to overlap ( FIG. 5  shows first edge  462  sliding on top of second edge  464 ) creating both a reduced diameter  508  at second end  404 , along with a sloped portion  417  having length  470 . In various embodiments reduced diameter  508  can be less than  80  percent of original diameter  405 . In various embodiments reduced diameter  508  can be less than 80, 75, 70, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 33, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, and 5 percent of original diameter  405 . In various embodiments reduced diameter  508  can fall within a range of any two of the above specified percentages of original diameter  405 . 
         [0109]      FIG. 5  shows first edge  462  sliding on top of second edge  464 , but is envisioned that second edge  464  can be slid on top of first edge  462 . Although not shown, it is envisioned that a triangular area could be cut from second end  404  (base of triangle) to end point  460  (tip of triangle) thereby creating first  462  and second  464  edges as the legs of the triangle and an open area at second end  404  as the base of the triangle—thereafter first  462  and second  464  edges being brought together and attached to form an alternative reduced diameter  508 ′ and alternative sloped portion  417 ′ (compared to the reduced diameter  508  and sloped portion  417  formed by overlapping first  462  and second  464  edges from a straight cut  450 ). 
         [0110]    In various embodiments the slope of sloped portion  417  can be calculated by the formula: 
         [0000]      slope=(diameter 405−diameter 508)/(2*length 470)
 
         [0111]    In various embodiments upper portion  414  can remain substantially unimpacted by creating reduced diameter  508  and therefore would not be sloped and/or “tapered” and would accordingly have a slope of zero. 
         [0112]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show the final conical support  400  with adhesive  520  holding in place overlapped first  462  and second  464  edges to form sloped portion  417 .  FIG. 7  shows a side by side comparison of the cut  450  cylindrical blank  300  and the conical form mandrel  400  formed from the cylindrical blank  300 . 
         [0113]      FIGS. 8 through 10  are schematic views showing the cylindrical shape of the form mandrel being  400  maintained by an externally applied adhesive strip  600 , such as tape. 
         [0114]      FIG. 11  includes perspective views the slitted cylindrical blank  300 , and the constructed conically shaped form mandrel  400 . Conical form mandrel  400  can be constructed substantially the same as conical form mandrel  400  described in reference to  FIGS. 1 through 7 .  FIGS. 12 through 15  are perspective views showing the conical form mandrel  400  being inserted into first cone  100 . 
         [0115]    In  FIG. 15  conical form mandrel  400  is completely inserted into cone  100  where slope of sloped section  417  can be substantially equal to the slope  117  of cone  100  and conical form mandrel  400  can provide support from crushing of cone  100  to allow cone  100  to maintain its conical shape. 
         [0116]    In various embodiments slope  417  can be greater than slope  117 . In various embodiments slope  417  can be at least 1 percent greater than slope  117 . In various embodiments slope  417  can be at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 33, and 35 percent greater than slope  117 . In various embodiments slope  417  can fall within a range of any two of the above specified percentages of being greater than slope  117 . 
         [0117]    In various embodiments slope  417  can be smaller than slope  117 . In various embodiments slope  417  can be at least 1 percent smaller than slope  117 . In various embodiments slope  417  can be at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 33, and 35 percent smaller than slope  117 . In various embodiments slope  417  can fall within a range of any two of the above specified percentages of being smaller than slope  117 . 
         [0118]      FIGS. 16 through 18  are perspective views showing the conical form mandrel  400  and first cone  100  being packaged in a wrapper such as a resealable foil pouch  800 . After being fully inserted into pouch  800 , pouch  800  can be sealed such as by sealing member  840 . In  FIG. 18  cone  100  with nested conical form mandrel  400  are completely inserted into pouch  800  where slope of sloped section  417  can be substantially equal to the slope  117  of cone  100  and conical form mandrel  400  can provide support from crushing of cone  100  to allow cone  100  to maintain its conical shape while inside of pouch  800 . 
         [0119]      FIGS. 19 through 21  are perspective views of two nested cones  100 , 1000  with nested supporting conical form mandrel  400 .  FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the first cone  100  with inserted conical form mandrel  400  about to be inserted into a second cone  1000  (schematically indicated by arrow  590 ).  FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the first cone  100  with inserted conical form mandrel  400  now partially inserted into second cone  1000  (schematically indicated by arrow  590 ).  FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the first cone  100  (with inserted conical form mandrel  400 ) now fully inserted into second cone  1000 . In this configuration, conical form mandrel  400  supports the conical shape of both first 100 and second 1000 cones. 
         [0120]      FIGS. 22 through 24  are perspective views showing the combination nested conical form mandrel  400 , first cone  100 , and second cone  1000  being packaged in a wrapper such as a resealable foil pouch  800 . After being fully inserted into pouch  800 , pouch  800  can be sealed such as by sealing member  840 . In this configuration, conical form mandrel  400  supports the conical shape of both first 100 and second 1000 cones to allow cones  100  and  1000  to maintain their conical shape while inside of pouch  800 . 
         [0121]    The support of conical support  400  resists the flattening out of the conical shape of first 100 and second 1000 cones when these cones are packaged in a flexible packaging  800 .  FIGS. 22 and 23  are perspective views of the first 100 and second 1000 cones being partially inserted into a sealable packing pouch  800  (schematically indicated by arrow  590 ).  FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the first 100 and second 200 cones fully inserted into the packaging pouch  800  (show in dashed lines) which packaging pouch  800  is now sealed. 
         [0122]    Packaging pouch  800  with first 100 and second 1100 cones nested with conical form mandrel  400  can be offered for sale, such as in retail outlets to consumers who desire to make customized smokable products. The customer would purchase pouch  800  with first 100 and second 1000 cones and then use the first 100 and second 1000 cones along with possibly conical form mandrel  400  to make a one or more customized cigars or other customized smoking products by adding a smokable filler of the user&#39;s choice. 
         [0123]      FIGS. 25 and 26  show the opening of pouch  800  and removal of at least one of the cones  100 , 1000 .  FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the packaging pouch  800  now being opened (schematically indicated by arrow  802 ).  FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the first and second cones  100 , 1000  being partially removed from the opened packaging pouch  800  (schematically indicated by arrows  592 ).  FIGS. 27 through 29  schematically show the steps of, after removal from pouch  800 , separating the nested first cone  100  from second cone  1000 .  FIGS. 27 through 29  are perspective views showing first 100 and second 1000 cones being separated from each other (schematically indicated by arrows  593  and  594 ). Once the first 100 and second 1000 cones are separated the second cone  1000  can be placed back in pouch  800  (with alternative conical form mandrel  400 ″ with reconstructed smaller diameter  508  for create a conical shape), and pouch  800  is resealed to prevent drying out of second cone  1000 . 
       Expanding Conical Form Mandrel 
       [0124]    One embodiment of the steps for creating a customized smokable product with the first 100 and second 1000 cones with an alternative cylindrical form mandrel  400 ″ will now be described. Alternative expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″ can be constructed substantially the same as conical form mandrel  400  described in reference to  FIGS. 1 through 7 , except omitting any adhesives (e.g., adhesive  520  and/or adhesive strip  600 ) so that smaller diameter  508  of second end  404  will tend to want to expand back to its original diameter  405  and thereby “expand”. 
         [0125]      FIGS. 30 through 42  illustrate the steps in one embodiment of using a cone  100  and alternative “expanding” conical form mandrel  400 ″ used to create a customized smokable product  1250 . 
         [0126]    As will be seen in  FIGS. 30 through 42 , smaller diameter  508  (at second end  404  of expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″) will tend to enlarge until expansion is limited by inner surface  130  of cone  100 . As smaller diameter  508  expands to diameter  508 ′ and diameter  508 ″ the slope of sloped portion  417  of expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″ will decrease ultimately becoming zero when diameter  508  is no longer constrained in its enlargement by inner surface  130  of cone  100 . 
         [0127]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the first cone  100  with expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″ nested therein. 
         [0128]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″ being partially pulled up from the first cone  100  (partial removal is schematically indicated by arrow  595  and enlarges the amount of interior volume  114  that can be filled with smokable filler below the second end  404  of expanding conical form mandrel  400  along with allowing smaller diameter  508  to expand to diameter  508 ′ where expansion of diameter  508 ′ is limited by inner surface  130  of cone  100 , but at the location shown in  FIG. 31  the inner surface  130  is actually spaced farther apart than the inner surface  130  shown in  FIG. 30 ). The pulling up in the direction of arrow  595  of expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″ allows for tamped smokable filler to accumulate in the interior  114  of first cone  100 . On the other hand, if expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″ was filled with smokable filler and merely pulled out of first cone  100  it is expected that the smokable filler would also be pulled out of first cone  100  when conical form mandrel  400 ″ is pulled out. 
         [0129]      FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the first cone  100  with expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″ being filled with smokable filler  1100  (schematically indicated by arrow  1102 ). Such smokable filler  1100  will slide down the interior  414  of expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″ towards second end  404 . However, at least some of the filler is expected to be partially blocked at second end  404  and must be tamped through. For this operation a tamping device can be used.  FIG. 33  is a perspective view showing the added smokable filler  1110  having passed through the expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″ and resting at the bottom of the interior  114  of the first cone  100 . 
         [0130]      FIGS. 34 and 35  are perspective views showing the added smokable filler  1110  remaining at the bottom of the interior  114  of the first cone  100 , while the expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″ is schematically shown as being moved longitudinally relative to the first cone  100  to provide additional interior volume  114  in the first cone  100  for additional smokable filler to be added (schematically indicated by arrow  596 ). Pulling up in the direction of arrow  596  allows smaller diameter  508 ′ of mandrel  400 ″ to expand to diameter  508 ″ where expansion of diameter  508 ″ is limited by inner surface  130  of cone  100  (but at the location shown in  FIG. 34  the inner surface  130  is actually spaced farther apart than the inner surface  130  shown in  FIG. 33 ). The pulling up in the direction of arrow  596  of expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″ also allows for tamped smokable filler to accumulate in the interior  114  of first cone  100 . On the other hand, if conical form mandrel  400 ″ was filled with smokable filler and merely pulled out of first cone  100  it is expected that the smokable filler would also be pulled out of first cone  100  when conical form mandrel  400 ″ is pulled out. 
         [0131]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view showing the added smokable filler  1130  remaining at the bottom of the interior  114  of first cone  100 .  FIG. 37  is a perspective view showing the added smokable filler  1130  remaining at the bottom of the interior  114  of the first cone  100 , while the expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″ is schematically shown as being moved longitudinally relative to the first cone  100  (schematically indicated by arrow  597 ) to provide additional interior volume  114  in the first cone  100  for even more added smokable filler. Pulling up in the direction of arrow  597  allows smaller diameter  508 ″ of mandrel  400 ″ to expand to diameter  508 ′″ where expansion of diameter  508 ″ is limited by inner surface  130  of cone  100  (but at the location shown in  FIG. 37  the inner surface  130  is actually spaced farther apart than the inner surface  130  shown in  FIG. 36 ). 
         [0132]      FIG. 38  is another perspective view of the first cone  100  with expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″ being filled with even more additional smokable filler  1140 .  FIG. 39  is a perspective view showing the even more added smokable filler  1130  remaining at the bottom of the interior  114  of the first cone  100 . 
         [0133]      FIG. 40  is a perspective view of the first cone  100  with expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″ now completely removed from the first cone  100 . Smaller diameter  508 ′″ has now completely expanded to its original diameter  405  before edges  462  and  464  were slid over each other to make the original smaller diameter  508  of expanding conical form mandrel  400 ″. 
         [0134]    At this point the interior  114  of first cone  100  is filled with enough smokable filler  1150  for first cone  100  to be finished into a smokable article  1250 .  FIGS. 41 and 42  summarize the steps of preparing the customized finished smoking product  1250 .  FIG. 41  is a perspective view of the first cone  100  filled with smokable filler  1150 , and having the first end  110  twisted and for closing (schematically indicated by arrow  700 ).  FIG. 42  is a perspective view of the first cone  100  filled with smokable filler  1150 , and having the first end  110  of the first cone  100  further twisted and also pinched (schematically indicated by arrow s 700  and  720 ) to complete a customized smokable product or cigar  1250 . 
         [0135]    The following is a Table of Reference Numerals used in this patent application: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 TABLE OF REFERENCE NUMERALS: 
               
             
          
           
               
                 REFERENCE NUMBER 
                 DESCRIPTION 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 smoking article 
               
               
                 100 
                 hollow cone 
               
               
                 110 
                 first end 
               
               
                 114 
                 interior 
               
               
                 117 
                 slope 
               
               
                 120 
                 second end 
               
               
                 130 
                 inner surface 
               
               
                 140 
                 outer surface 
               
               
                 150 
                 first opening 
               
               
                 160 
                 second opening 
               
               
                 180 
                 filter 
               
               
                 300 
                 cylindrical blank 
               
               
                 400 
                 conical form mandrel 
               
               
                 402 
                 first end 
               
               
                 404 
                 second end 
               
               
                 406 
                 length of form mandrel 
               
               
                 408 
                 diameter of form mandrel 
               
               
                 409 
                 interior 
               
               
                 414 
                 upper portion 
               
               
                 415 
                 length of non-cut portion of form mandrel 
               
               
                 416 
                 lower portion 
               
               
                 417 
                 sloped portion 
               
               
                 420 
                 tapered section 
               
               
                 421 
                 angle of taper 
               
               
                 422 
                 cut to make tapered section 
               
               
                 426 
                 removed portion 
               
               
                 450 
                 slit 
               
               
                 452 
                 cut to make slit 
               
               
                 460 
                 end of slit 
               
               
                 462 
                 first edge 
               
               
                 464 
                 second edge 
               
               
                 470 
                 length of slit 
               
               
                 472 
                 endpoint 
               
               
                 490 
                 interior 
               
               
                 500 
                 adhesive 
               
               
                 508 
                 reduced diameter of now at least partially 
               
               
                   
                 “conically shaped” form mandrel 
               
               
                 510 
                 container 
               
               
                 512 
                 drop 
               
               
                 520 
                 adhesive line 
               
               
                 530 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 532 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 540 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 550 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 590 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 592 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 594 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 595 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 596 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 597 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 598 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 599 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 600 
                 tape/band 
               
               
                 700 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 710 
                 arrows 
               
               
                 720 
                 twisted knot or pigtail 
               
               
                 800 
                 package/wrapper 
               
               
                 802 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 810 
                 closed end 
               
               
                 820 
                 open end 
               
               
                 830 
                 interior 
               
               
                 840 
                 seal 
               
               
                 1000 
                 hollow cone 
               
               
                 1010 
                 first end 
               
               
                 1014 
                 interior 
               
               
                 1017 
                 slope 
               
               
                 1020 
                 second end 
               
               
                 1030 
                 inner surface 
               
               
                 1040 
                 outer surface 
               
               
                 1050 
                 first opening 
               
               
                 1060 
                 second opening 
               
               
                 1080 
                 filter 
               
               
                 1100 
                 first portion of smokable material being 
               
               
                   
                 poured 
               
               
                 1110 
                 first portion of smokable material passing 
               
               
                   
                 through interior of conical form mandrel 
               
               
                   
                 such as being pushed by a stuffer or 
               
               
                   
                 tamper 
               
               
                 1120 
                 second portion of smokable material being 
               
               
                   
                 poured 
               
               
                 1130 
                 second portion of smokable material 
               
               
                   
                 passing through interior of conical form 
               
               
                   
                 mandrel such as being pushed by a stuffer 
               
               
                   
                 or tamper 
               
               
                 1140 
                 third portion of smokable material being 
               
               
                   
                 poured 
               
               
                 1150 
                 third portion of smokable material passing 
               
               
                   
                 through interior of conical form mandrel 
               
               
                   
                 such as being pushed by a stuffer or 
               
               
                   
                 tamper 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0136]    All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
         [0137]    The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.