Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a non-provisional of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/411,187, filed Nov. 8, 2010, which application is incorporated herein by reference and to which priority is hereby claimed. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     When using such conventionally shaped cigarette rolling paper to make or roll a cigarette by hand, the paper is first folded, bent or held in somewhat of a V-shape or U-shape with one of the sides of the “V” or “U” being longer than the other. An amount of smoking material, such as tobacco or the like, is distributed substantially over the entire length of the rolling paper in the bottom of the V- or U-shaped pouch formed by the rolling paper. The longer portion of the rolling paper, being free of any of the smoking material, is then bent or rolled over the portion of the rolling paper covered with the tobacco and is rolled over upon itself to form a substantially cylindrical shape. The longer end of the rolling paper is wrapped around itself as far as possible and overlaps an underlying layer to form part of the wall of the cylinder. 
     The rolling process, when performed by hand, requires a keen eye, a steady hand, and a high degree of digital dexterity, since the rolling paper is not very large compared to a human hand, since the particles of smoking materials tend to roll or slide off the small rolling paper, and since the rolling paper itself is very thin and easily ripped or torn. A critical step of rolling a cigarette by hand is using ones fingers to both form the “V” or “U” shaped pouch for the smoking material, and to roll the longer portion of the rolling paper around itself. During the process of rolling the longer portion of the paper around itself, the user depends on the trapped smoking material to provide the generally cylindrical shape to guide placement of the longer portion around itself to produce a generally cylindrical cigarette. 
     Oftentimes, however, the use of smoking material to guide placement of the longer portion around itself does not aid in producing a cylinder due to either poor distribution of smoking material along the V- or U-shaped pouch, causing the longer portion to be rolled too tight or too loose around itself, with respect to the majority portion of the smoking material, or due simply to the user&#39;s inability to correctly manipulate or spiral the cigarette rolling paper around itself between their fingers. The result of either of these situations can be an unsmokable cigarette, a cigarette that falls apart, or a cigarette that is torn, which also has the effect of making the cigarette unsmokable. 
     Cigarettes that are rolled by hand using conventional cigarette rolling paper do not include filters or other means for preventing the smoking material from being drawn into the users mouth. One method that is used to prevent smoking material from being drawn into a users mouth has been to restrict the size of the opening by pinching or twisting the end of the rolling paper upon itself. While this method is somewhat effective at reducing passage of smoking material from the cigarette, it also restricts the amount of air that can be drawn through the cigarette, and this restricts consumption of the smoking material. Restricting the cigarette air passage also requires a larger effort by the smoker that reduces smoking pleasure. 
     Cigarettes that are rolled using conventional cigarette rolling paper also do not permit complete use of the smoking material disposed within because the cigarette can only be smoked until the lit end approaches the user&#39;s fingers or lips during holding or smoking, the cigarette must be dispensed, and at which time a user&#39;s fingers or lips may be burned. 
     It is, therefore, desirable that a method and apparatus be provided for cigarette rolling paper be constructed in a manner that assists the user in rolling a cigarette by hand. It is material from being drawn from the cigarette into a smoker&#39;s mouth. It is also desirable that the cigarette rolling paper be constructed in a manner that permits the entire smoking material to be smoked without the risk of burned fingers or burned lips. It is further desirable that the cigarette rolling paper be constructed from conventional materials using conventional techniques. 
     A segment of the smoking population enjoys smoking hand rolled cigars or cigarettes. Typically, these individuals purchase rolling papers, tobacco leaves or cigar wrapping materials and hand roll their preferred brand of crushed tobacco, or herbs such as cloves, into a custom-made cigarette or cigar. The result is a personally customized tobacco or herbal product with superior smell and taste than a prefabricated store bought product. Hand fabricating cigars or cigarettes is time consuming and requires finger dexterity and skill. 
     Prior art includes tobacco products formed by rolling moistened tobacco leaves about a cylindrical form casing to form a shell whereby a consumer can fill the shell with crushed tobacco. In one embodiment of the prior art a slit is formed through a wall of the shell to allow prying open of the shell to insert the crushed tobacco. The slit must then be closed and sealed again prior to smoking the product. In another embodiment, a funnel is used to deposit the crushed tobacco into the ends of the cylindrical shell. 
     Disadvantages of these prior art tobacco products include: extended time and requisite finger dexterity required to place crushed tobacco in the end openings of a prefabricated cylindrical shell; extended time and requisite finger dexterity required to pry open a slit in the prefabricated shell and place crushed tobacco into the shell; wasted tobacco or herbal product resulting from the end, or butt, of the cigar or cigarette becoming unholdable due to increased temperatures as the product burns during consumption; tobacco debris sucked through the end of the tobacco product during consumption that ends up in the mouth or respiratory system of the consumer; fast burn rates at the end of the cigar the consumer lights—the end many consumers assert has the best flavor and is most enjoyable; and uneven distributions of nicotine—the result of a generally cylindrically shaped product burning during consumption. 
     While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.” 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     One embodiment provides an improved method of constructing a cigarette or cigar. 
     One embodiment relates to an improved method of fabricating a cigarette or cigar. More particularly, one embodiment relates to an improved method of fabricating a cigar that provides a frusto-conically shaped smoking article that includes a filter tip. 
     One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for creating a custom cigar or cigarette having a filter tip which filter tip has a filter area and a open area. 
     One embodiment provides a filter strip which provides the user the option of creating a filter tip a filter area but with or without an open area. 
     One embodiment can be used with conical tubes. One embodiment can be used with cylindrical tubes. 
     Conventionally, cigarette rolling sheets can be made from thin, tissue-like paper having a quadrilateral shape with sides of between one and four inches in length, and usually between 2.5 to 3.5 inches in length. 
     One embodiment provides the filter tip allowing, after being used to assist in forming a cylindrical cigarette, acts as a filter to minimize or eliminate the passage of smoking material through the cigarette and into a user&#39;s mouth during smoking. The spiraled configuration of the rolled rolling strip forms a continuous spiral-shaped channel, if viewed in cross section, having a narrow channel opening defined by opposing frontside and backside rolling strip surfaces. The narrow channel opening serves to minimize or prevent the passage of smoking material therethrough when the cigarette is being smoked. 
     One embodiment provides the filter tip allowing for the consumption of the entire amount of the smoking material. Unlike cigarettes formed from conventional cigarette papers, a user smoking a cigarette formed from cigarette rolling papers of this invention is able to consume the entire amount of smoking material without the need to use external devices, such as clips and the like, and without the risk of burned fingers or lips. The rolled rolling strip acts to insulate the smokers lips and fingers from the combustible smoking material. 
     In one embodiment each cone or tube can have proximal and distal end portions, each having an opening. 
     In one embodiment the method can include nesting of one cone or tube inside the other cone or tube. 
     In one embodiment, the nested cones or tubes are partially filled. 
     In one embodiment, the container can be cylindrically shaped. 
     In one embodiment, the container can be conically shaped. 
     In one embodiment, the container can be a package with a flat portion. 
     In one embodiment, the tubes are removed from the package, enabling the forming of multiple new cigars by disassembling the tubes. A smoker forms multiple new cigars using a tube for each new cigar and a smoker&#39;s custom tobacco as a filler material. 
     In one embodiment, is provided a smoking article having a storage container with an open end portion and an interior. A cap removably attaches to the container at the open end portion. At least a pair of cones can be nested one inside the other, each cone having a proximal opening and a distal opening. 
     In one embodiment is provided a mouthpiece which attaches to the nested cones, the mouthpiece having internal threads that threadably engage one of the cones. In one embodiment at least one of the cones is expandable to provide a larger diameter distal opening. 
     In any of the described embodiments is provided a method of offering for sale a customizable tobacco product comprising the steps of providing a packaged tobacco product, offering for sale the tobacco product, the tobacco product including instructions for making a finished tobacco product. In various embodiments the instructions are one or more steps shown in the individual embodiments for making a finished cigar. 
     One embodiment relates generally to rolling sheets and, more particularly, to a filter tip combined with a cigarette rolling sheets that serves to facilitate hand rolling of the sheets, and that additionally serves as both a filter and a holder when the cigar or cigarette is rolled and smoked. 
     In one embodiment is provided a method of making a custom cigar or cigarette comprising the steps of:
         (a) providing a filter tip, the filter tip having first and second ends, the first end being a filter end, the second end being an open area;   (b) proving a smokable sheet of material having first and second ends;   (c) placing the filter tip on the sheet of material and rolling the sheet of material around the filter tip.
 
The hollow conical shape of the product allows for the easy insertion of the smokable substance. The hollow conical shape further permits easy insertion of larger amounts of smokable substances into the end of the product the consumer lights, resulting in an initial slower prolonged burn and more even distribution of nicotine. Additionally, the placement of a structure into one end of the hollow cone permits the consumer to consume the majority, if not all, of the smokable substance. This structure further prevents debris and other unwanted materials from being sucked through the end of the product and into the mouth and respiratory system of the consumer. The result is a product that is easy to use and provides for a superior smoke.
       

     In one embodiment is provided a smokable apparatus comprising a first sheet (or sheets) of material, the sheet (or sheets) forming a hollow cone, the hollow cone having a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening whereby the second opening has a diameter greater than the diameter of the first opening. The first sheet (or sheets) of material is comprised of tobacco, homogenized tobacco and/or natural leaf materials. 
     In one embodiment may be included a filter tip having first and second longitudinal ends with the first end having a filtering area and the second end being open. 
     In one embodiment is provided a method of making a custom cigar or cigarette comprising the steps of:
         (a) providing a filter tip, the filter tip having first and second ends, the first end being a filter end, the second end being an open area;   (b) proving a smokable sheet of material having first and second ends;   (c) placing the filter tip on the sheet of material and rolling the sheet of material around the filter tip.       

     One embodiment includes a method of creating a custom cigar or cigarette comprising the steps of:
         (a) providing a first sheet (or sheets) of material, the first sheet of material comprised of tobacco, homogenized tobacco and/or natural leaf material;   (b) cutting the first sheet (or sheets) of material to a desired size; and forming the first sheet (or sheets) into a hollow cone, the hollow cone having a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening whereby the second opening has a diameter at least 1.25 times greater than the diameter of the first opening;   (c) providing a filter tip having first and second longitudinal ends, the first longitudinal end having a filter area and the second longitudinal end being open; and   (d) placing the filter tip within the first end of the hollow cone, wherein the first end of the filter tip is more closely placed to the second end of the cone, and the second end of the filter tip is more closely place to the first end of the cone.       

     One embodiment includes a method of creating a custom cigar or cigarette comprising the steps of:
         (a) providing a first sheet (or sheets) of material, the first sheet of material comprised of tobacco, homogenized tobacco and/or natural leaf material;   (b) cutting the first sheet (or sheets) of material to a desired size; and forming the first sheet (or sheets) into a hollow cone, the hollow cone having a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening whereby the second opening has a diameter at least 1.25 times greater than the diameter of the first opening;   (c) providing a filter tip having first and second longitudinal ends, the first longitudinal end having a filter area and the second longitudinal end being open;   (d) placing the filter tip within the first end of the hollow cone, wherein the first end of the filter tip is more closely placed to the second end of the cone, and the second end of the filter tip is more closely place to the first end of the cone; and   (e) after step “d” packaging for sale the hollow cone with filter tip.       

     One embodiment provides cigarette rolling paper kit comprising a sheet of cigarette paper having a frontside surface and a backside surface. The sheet can be a conventional cigarette paper of rectangular configuration, having an adhesive section or strip extending lengthwise along an edge of the frontside surface. The cigarette rolling paper kit can include a filter tip having open and filtering longitudinal sections, which can be placed on the frontside surface of the sheet for assisting in the formation of a substantially cylindrical cigarette by hand. 
     The filter tip is preferably in the form of a strip of deformable material. In one embodiment the strip can be rectangular. 
     In one embodiment is provided a cigarette is formed by rolling the free end of the strip about itself into a spiral, and bending the sheet around the rolled strip to form a U-shaped pouch. Smoking material is disposed within the pouch and the sheet is rolled over the rolled strip and smoking material so that its backside surface interfaces with its frontside surface to form a cylinder. The adhesive section is activated and sealed against the backside sheet surface to form a cylindrical cigarette. 
     In one embodiment the filter tip: (1) assists the user in forming a cylindrical cigarette; (2) prevents smoking material from being drawn through the cigarette and into a user&#39;s mouth; and (3) permits the entire amount of smoking material to be consumed without risking burned hands and/or lips. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the steps of an embodiment of the method provided by the invention. This method may be used to produce the product for the consumption of smokable substances illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     First is provided a first sheet (or sheets) of material. The first sheet (or sheets) of material comprised of tobacco, homogenized tobacco and/or natural leaf materials such as plant leaves (e.g., banana, palm leaves, etc.) and the like. 
     Second, the first sheet (or sheets) of material to a desired size. 
     Third, the first sheet (or sheets) into a hollow cone, the hollow cone having a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening whereby the second opening has a diameter greater than the diameter of the first opening. 
     Forming the first sheet (or sheets) into the hollow cone may be accomplished by hand or by utilizing a mold of a predetermined length and end diameters, whereby the first sheet (or sheets) of material are wrapped or rolled around the outside of the mold and then slightly compressed to cause them to adhere together. Alternatively, molds may be inserted into the first and/or second ends of the hollow cone after it has been formed. The mold, or molds, will cause the hollow cone to retain its shape. Additionally and/or alternatively an adhesive, such as glue, may be applied to the first and second ends of the hollow cone. The adhesive will assist in causing the hollow cone to retain its shape. Further, a small amount of moisture may be added to the first sheet (or sheets) of material to make it more pliable prior to forming the hollow cone. Once the hollow cone has been formed around the mold, or the molds have been inserted into the ends of the hollow cone, it is allowed to dry. When substantially dry, the hollow cone may be removed from the mold. To assist in removal of the dried hollow cone from the mold, the outer surface of the mold may be pre-coated with a non-stick material. 
     Fourth, is provided a filter tip having first and second longitudinal ends, the first longitudinal end having a filter area and the second longitudinal end being open and placing the filter tip within the first end of the hollow cone, wherein the first end of the filter tip is more closely placed to the second end of the cone, and the second end of the filter tip is more closely place to the first end of the cone 
     Providing the filter tip may be performed at the same time as providing the cone, such as where the filter tip may be used in rolling the cone, whereby when the cone is formed (by hand, around a mold, etc.) the filter tip is disposed within the smaller diameter end of the cone. When these two steps are performed simultaneously, a portion of the filter tip may be attached to the inner surface of the first sheet (or sheets). 
     Fifth, the hollow cone with filter tip is packaged for sale in a container. The container may be comprised of any material having adequate strength to protect the cone from being crushed. Additionally, an elongated member, such as a bamboo stick may be packaged with the hollow cone. 
     In one embodiment flavoring and/or moisture to the first sheet of flammable material (by methods known to one skilled in the art such as spraying a mist, brushing or dipping the sheets of flammable material into a vat of hydrant or flavor mixture, etc.) may be done at any time prior to packaging. 
     In various embodiments filter tips of various styles and designs are contemplated. 
     In various embodiments conically or cylindric rolled paper or tobacco tubes of various styles and designs are contemplated. 
     In one embodiment filter strips in rectangular and square booklets are provided. 
     In one embodiment semicircular filter strips in conical booklets are provided. 
     In one embodiment rectangular or square filter strips which can form cylindrical filter tips are provided. 
     In one embodiment, drilled filter strips (either conical/semicircular or rectangular in shape) having drilled portions are provided. 
     In one embodiment is provided filter strips in various sales units aimed for consumers, plastic bags, pouches, tins, cans, boxes, etc. 
     In various embodiments the filter strips can be comprised of cardboard, paper, and/or tobacco. 
     In one embodiment is provided a filter tip is provided which can be made from a flat filter strip comprising a partly circular cut piece of paper/cardboard (we can reduce this to a specific circular angle-range/approx. one-sixth (⅙) of a 360 degree angle) intended for manual (or machine) rolling into a conical shaped tube with a commercial purpose, intended for use with or in combination with cigarette paper sheets (rice, flax, hemp, wood, etc)/or homogenized manufactured sheets, which contains percentages of tobacco. 
     In one embodiment is provided a completed filter tip having filter and open longitudinal portions. 
     In one embodiment the filter tip can function as a mouth piece preventing tobacco filler from the interior of the rolled cigar or cigarette from passing through the filter tip, while allowing the user to draw through the filter tip and enjoy the tobacco product. 
     In one embodiment is provided a filter strip having perforated (die cut) lines; or marked (printed) lines aimed for rolling in a “spiral” pattern or folding in a “zig-zag” pattern that can be inserted in a conical or cylindric tube during the rolling process, or inserted after the rolling process. 
     In one embodiment is provided conically or cylindric rolled tubes for filling with tobacco filler material rolled about a filter tip which can include:
         (a) Conically shaped cigar or cigarette tubes with filter tip with either (1) traditional conical filter tip or a (2) filter tip having longitudinal filter and open sections.   (b) Cylindrically shaped cigar or cigarette tubes with filter tip with either (1) traditional conical filter tip or a (2) filter tip having longitudinal filter and open sections.       

     In various embodiments the filter strips and/or filter tips can be made from cardboard/paper or tobacco related materials. 
     In various embodiments the wrapping sheets (e.g., wrapped around the filter tip) and can be made from cardboard/paper or tobacco related materials. 
     In various embodiments the filter tip includes a zig-zag shaped filter section and open section. In various embodiments the filter tip can be conical in shape. 
     In various embodiments the filter strip can have perforations, drill lines, or etched lines to create fold sections. 
     In various embodiments the filter strip can have a removable section which is removable by perforations and/or drill lines. 
     Drilled and/or perforation lines assist in folding. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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: 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a rectangular filter strip having a removable portion and fold lines stamped in an encasing sheet. 
         FIG. 2  is if the filter strip of  FIG. 1  removed from the encasing sheet. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the filter strip of  FIG. 1 , schematically indicating the removal of the removable portion. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the filter strip of  FIG. 1  with the removable portion removed, and the removable portion on the side of the filter strip. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a semi-circular filter strip having a removable portion and fold lines stamped in an encasing sheet. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of semicircular filter strip with filter tab and located inside an encasing sheet. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the semicircular filter strip of  FIG. 5 , schematically indicating removal of the removable portion, showing with the removable portion removed, and the removable portion on the side of the filter strip. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the filter strip of  FIG. 5  with the removable portion removed. 
         FIG. 9  is a cylindrical filter tip fabricated from the filter strip of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a conical filter tip fabricated from the filter strip of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 11  is a carton of cigarette papers which can be used with one or more of the filter tips. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a stack of smokable sheets which can be used with one or more of the filter tips. 
         FIGS. 13-15  schematically indicate the steps of preparing a cigarette or cigar with the filter tip shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a smokable cone with a filter tip. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view showing a cone used with one or more of the filter tips disclosed herein and stored in a cylindrical storage tube with a removable cap, and a tamping/packing rod or straw. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing a plurality of nested cones used with one or more of the filter tips disclosed herein and stored in a frusto-conical storage tube with a removable cap, and a tamping/packing rod or straw which also is frusto-conical in shape. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view showing a plurality of nested cones used with one or more of the filter tips disclosed herein and stored in a pouch, and a tamping/packing rod or straw, which also is frustoconical in shape, and which also provides support to the nested cones until used. 
         FIGS. 20-24  schematically indicate the steps of preparing a cigarette or cigar with the filter tip shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Filter Strip 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , filter strip  100  can be configured in the shape of a rectangular strip having a length  160  and width  200 .  FIG. 1  is a top view of a filter rolling strip  100  which is punched in an encasing form  102 .  FIG. 2  is a top view of the filter rolling strip  100  after it has been removed from the encasing form  102 . 
     Filter strip  100  can have sides  110 ,  120 ,  130 , and  140 , and can include a removable portion  400 . A plurality of perforation, etched, or fold lines  310  can be included. 
     Filter strip  100  can be formed from a pliable and deformable material, such as paper, plastic, metal and the like, that is capable of retaining a folded and/or spiral shape when rolled upon itself from one end. In a preferred embodiment, the filter strip  100  can be formed from a material is relatively less flammable than sheet  600  (shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) and/or the tobacco filler  1150  so that when all of the tobacco filler material has been consumed the cigar or cigarette becomes extinguished. 
     Filter strip  100  can be formed from paper, having a thickness greater than the thickness of sheet  600  (shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). The ratio of the thickness of strip  100  to the thickness of sheet  600  can be about 1.1, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.75, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. In various embodiments the ratio can be a range between any two of the above referenced ratios. 
     Filter strip  100  can be of a rectangular or square shape as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . Alternatively filter strip  100  can be curved as shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . 
     Side  110  can have a height  200 , which height can be broken into heights  220  and  240 . 
     Height  240  can be greater than height  220 . In various embodiments the ratio of the heights can be about 1.1, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.75, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. In various embodiments the ratio can be a range between any two of the above referenced ratios. 
     Side  130  can have a length  160 , which length can be broken into lengths  170  and  180 . 
     Length  180  can be greater than length  170 . In various embodiments the ratio of the lengths can be about 1.1, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.75, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. In various embodiments the ratio can be a range between any two of the above referenced ratios. 
       FIG. 3  shows strip  100  of  FIG. 2  schematically indicating (arrow  402 ) that removable portion  400  is being removed from strip  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , the rolling strip  100  can have removable portion  400 .  FIG. 4  shows strip  100  with removable portion  400  removed and leaving the remaining portion of strip  100 .  FIG. 7  shows strip  100  with the removable portion  400  removed (schematically indicated by arrow  402 ) and leaving the remaining portion. 
     In one embodiment filter section  550  of cylindrical filter tip  500  can be folded similar to a hand fan as shown in  FIG. 9 . In one embodiment filter section  550  can be spirally rolled as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     In forming filter tip  500 , as schematically indicating in  FIG. 4 , length  170  of filter strip  100  can be folded upon itself (such as by using perforation or fold lines  310  to assist in the folding and schematically indicated by zig zag arrow  312 ). Length  170  can be placed between a users thumbs and forefingers and is folded alternatively (or in an undulating manner) toward length  180 . The number of times that length  170  of filter strip  100  can be folded upon itself depends both on length  170 , and the size of the folds (e.g., the distance between fold lines  310 ). 
     After the folding of length  170 , length  170  and length  180  are then rolled upon themselves (schematically indicated by arrow  106 ) until filter tip  500  is formed as shown formed in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a substantially cylindrical finished filter tip  500  which can include first end  510 , second end  520  and have a height  200 . Filter tip  500  can include filter section  550  having a height  220  and open section  570  having a height  240 . Height  220  and height  240  correspond to the same numbered heights in filter strip  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     Finished filter tip  500  can be either cylindrical or conical. If filter tip  500  is to be conical it is preferred that semicircular filter strip  100  shown in  FIGS. 5-8  be used to form filter strip  100 . 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of semicircular filter strip  100  which is punched in an encasing form  102  having a removable portion  400 .  FIG. 6  is a top view of semicircular filter strip  100  which is punched in an encasing form  102  having a narrowed portion  240  removed.  FIG. 7  shows semicircular filter strip  100   FIG. 6  with a removable portion  400  being removed from the remaining portion (removal schematically indicated by arrow  402 ).  FIG. 8  shows semicircular filter strip  100  with the removable portion  400  now removed. 
     In one embodiment filter section  550  of conical filter tip  500  can be folded similar to a hand fan as shown in  FIG. 10 . In one embodiment filter section  550  of semicircular filter strip  100  can be spirally rolled as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     In forming conical filter tip  500 , as schematically indicating in  FIG. 8 , radial length  170  of filter strip  100  can be folded upon itself (such as by using perforation or fold lines  310  to assist in the folding and schematically indicated by zig zag arrow  312 ). Arc length  170  can be determined by the radius from radius of curvature of semicircular filter strip  100  to the middle of height  220  multiplied by the angle measurement in radians of radial length  170 . Arc length  180  can be determined by the radius from radius of curvature of semicircular filter strip  100  to the middle of height  220  multiplied by the angle measurement in radians of radial length  180 . Such arc lengths will give an average arc length between the bottom of height  220  to the top of height  220 . 
     Radial length  170  can be placed between a users thumbs and forefingers and is folded alternatively (or in an undulating manner) toward radial length  180 . The number of times that radial length  170  of filter strip  100  can be folded upon itself depends both on radial length  170 , and the size of the folds (e.g., the distance between fold lines  310 ). 
     After the folding of radial length  170 , radial length  170  and radial length  180  are then rolled upon themselves (schematically indicated by arrow  106 ) until filter tip  500  is formed as shown formed in  FIG. 10 . 
     Rolling Sheets or Cigarette Papers 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  show sheets or papers that can be used with filter tip  500  to make finished cigars or cigarettes. 
       FIG. 11  shows a carton  1300  of cigarette papers  600 ,  600 ′,  600 ″, etc. which can be used with one or more of the filter tips  500  to form a finished cigar or cigarette.  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a stack of smokable sheets which can be used with one or more of the filter tips. 
     Cigarette rolling papers can be stored and packaged in a cigarette rolling paper carton  1300  having a rectangular box-shaped base  1305  and dispensing opening  1320 . 
     Sheet  600  can have a length consistent with conventional cigarette paper sheets, e.g., in the range of from about one to four inches. In a preferred embodiment sheet  600  can be about 2.75 inches by 1.5 inches, and 3 inches by 2 inches. It is, however, to be understood that these dimensions are provided for purposes of reference and illustration, and can be other than that specifically described. 
     Sheet  600  can include a section or strip  645  of adhesive, glue or moisture-activated gum disposed on a frontside sheet surface at a position adjacent a edge  640 . Adhesive section  645  extends a distance from edge  640  towards edge  620 . In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive section  645  has a width of approximately 3/16 inches, (e.g., extends away from the edge  640  approximately 3/16 inches), and is formed from a moisture-activated gum. 
     Moisture and flavors may be added (by methods known to one skilled in the art such as spraying a mist, brushing or dipping the sheets of flammable material into a vat of hydrant or flavor mixture, etc.) to sheets  600  etc. 
     In an example embodiment, sheet  600  has a length  620  of approximately 2.75 inches and a width  610  of approximately 1.5 inches, rolling strip  100  is approximately 0.75 inches wide 200 by 1.25 inches long  160 . In another example embodiment, sheet  600  has a length  620  of approximately 3 inches and a width  610  of approximately 2 inches, rolling strip  100  is approximately 0.75 inches wide 200 by 1.75 inches long  160 . 
     Hand Rolling a Finished Cigarette or Cigar 
       FIGS. 13-15  schematically indicate the steps of preparing a cigarette or cigar with filter tip  500 . 
     It is desired that the height  200  of filter tip  500  be sufficient so that, when rolled to assist in forming the rolled cigarette or cigar, filter tip  500  provides a sufficient distance between a tip of the cigarette or cigar and the smoking material to prevent ones fingers or lips from being burned during holding or smoking the cigarette. In one embodiment filter tip  500  has a sufficient height  200  to assist or guide the user in rolling sheet  600  upon itself into a cylinder or cone. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13-15 , sheet  600  can be rolled over filter tip  500 . Sheet  600  can be a rectangular sheet of conventional cigarette paper, homogenized tobacco, and/or natural leaf tobacco. 
     Filter tip  500  (with a spiral filter section  550 ′ compared to a folded filter section  550 ) should be placed close to the longitudinal centerline of sheet  600  ( FIG. 13 ) and sheet  600  is rolled or bent around an outside surface of filter tip  500  to form a U-shaped or V-shaped pouch extending longitudinally from side  630  to side  610 . 
     During this step, filter tip  500  can act as a guide to assist the user in forming a generally U-shaped pouch not only along the section of sheet  600  that is placed into direct contact with the outside surface of filter tip  500 . The ability to form a generally U-shaped pouch is desired as it increases the user&#39;s ability to form a cigarette having a substantially cylindrical or conical configuration. 
     Tobacco filler material  1150 ′ is placed within the formed pouch  625  between first end  510  of filter tip  500  and side  610  of sheet  600 . Once the desired amount of tobacco filter material  1150 ′ is placed into pouch  625 , the user uses filter tip  500  as a guide to roll side  620  of sheet  600  around both filter tip  500  and the volume of tobacco filler material  1150 ′. 
     Continuing in this manner, filter tip  500  assists the user in rolling sheet  600  in substantially cylindrical or conical form, by allowing user to roll side  640  over side  620  and use adhesive strip  645  to form a seal for the rolled cigarette or cigar. The step of rolling side  640  of sheet  600  around filter tip  500  and tobacco filler material  1150 ′ is continued so that the side  620  becomes tucked between the front  612  of sheet  600 , on one side, and filter tip  500  and tobacco filler material  1150 ′, on an opposite side. A rear surface  614  of sheet  600  interfaces with and is rolled against the front  612  about filter tip  500  and tobacco filler material  1150 ′, and toward side  640  until only the adhesive section  645  remains exposed. 
     During the hand rolling process of rolling sheet  600 , filter tip  500  acts as a guide that is used between the fingers of a user to assist in the formation of a finished cigarette or cigar. Optional adhesive strip  645  on sheet  600  can be activated by conventional means, e.g., if the adhesive section is a moisture-activated gum it is activated by licking, and rolling of the cigarette rolling paper is continued so that the adhesive section is sealed against an adjacent rear  614  to form a cigar or cigarette  1200  as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     Using the above steps for the cylindrical filter tip  500 , conical filter tip  500  can be used to make a cone  1100 .  FIG. 16  is a perspective view a cone  1100  for the consumption of smokable substances having sheet  600  of material comprised of tobacco, homogenized tobacco and/or natural leaf material such as plant leaves (e.g., banana, palm leaves, etc.) and the like rolled around conical filter tip  500 . Sheet  600  forming cone  1100 . 
     In various embodiments cone  1100  can be comprised of multiple sheets  600 ,  602 ,  604 ,  606 , etc. Cone  1100  can be made to any desired length  650 , and can have first end  1110 , a second end  1120 , an inner volume  1140 . First end  1110  can have a width  1112 , and second end  1120  can have a width  112 . Width  1112  can be greater than width  1122 . In various embodiments the ratio of the widths can be about 1.1, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.75, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. In various embodiments the ratio can be a range between any two of the above referenced ratios. 
     A conical filter tip  500  may be disposed within the first second end  1120  of cone  1100 . Filter tip  500  can include filter section  550  and open section  570 . 
     Packaging for Sale Cylindrical Tubes or Cones 
     Finished cylindrical tubes or cones  1100  can be packaged for sale in various embodiments of commercial packaging. 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view showing a cone  1100  used with one or more of the filter tips  500  disclosed herein and stored in a cylindrical storage tube  1000  having a base  1005 , storage volume  1020 , removable cap  1010 , and a tamping/packing rod or straw  1180 . Multiple nested cones  1100 ,  1100 ′,  1100 ″, etc. can be stored in storage tube  1000 . When desired, the user can remove a cone  1100  and prepare a finished cigar or cigarette as will be described below. 
     Container  1000  can include a base  1005  and cap  1010 . Base  1005  can have a shoulder  1007  for securing cap  1010 . Base  1005  can also include an interior volume for storing one or more nested cones  1000 ,  1000 ′, etc. Container  1000  can itself be packaged such as by shrink wrapping or other packaging Cylindrical storage tube  1000  will prevent the crushing (and drying out) of cones  1100 ,  1100 ′,  1100 ″, etc. until ready to use. 
     In an alternative embodiment multiple nested cylindrical tubes with filter tips  500  can be stored in storage container  1000 . However, the individual multiple cylindrical tubes should have decreasing diameters to allow them to each be nested in the next larger diameter cylindrical tube. 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing a plurality of nested cones  1100 ,  1100 ′,  1100 ″, etc. used with one or more of the filter tips  500  disclosed herein and stored in a frusto-conical storage tube  1000 ′ with a removable cap  1010 , and a tamping/packing rod or straw  1182  which also is frusto-conical in shape. 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view showing a plurality of nested cones  1100 ,  1100 ′,  1100 ″, etc. used with one or more of the filter tips  500  disclosed herein and stored in a pouch  1400 , and a tamping/packing rod or straw  1182 , which also is frustoconical in shape, and which also provides support to the nested cones  1100 ,  1100 ′,  1100 ″ until used. 
     Preparing a Cigar or Cigarette from a Cone or Tube with Filter Tip 
       FIGS. 20-24  schematically indicate the steps of preparing a finished cigarette or cigar  1600  with filter tip  500 . 
       FIG. 20  is a side view of a cone  1100  having filter tip  500  and inner volume  1140 . 
       FIG. 21  shows the step of adding tobacco filler material to the inner volume  1140  of cone  1100 . The inner volume  1140  is the space between first end  510  of filter tip  500  and first end  1110  of cone  1100 . Filter section  550  of filter tip  500  will prevent tobacco filler material from passing through to open space  570  of filter tip  500 . 
       FIG. 22  shows the step of compacting the tobacco filler material  1150 ′ added to inner volume  1140  of cone  1100 . Arrows  1182  schematically indicate the use of tamper  1180  to pushed down tobacco filler  1150 . Filter section  550  of filter tip  500  will prevent tobacco filler material from passing into open space  570  and second end  1120  of cone  1100 . Arrows  1184  schematically indicate the use tapping second end  1120  of cone  1100  on a hard surface to compact tobacco filler  1150 . During tapping filter section  550  of filter tip  500  will prevent tobacco filler material from passing into open space  570  and second end  1120  of cone  1100 . 
     Various embodiments of tamping rod or straw  1180  can be used to pack or compact tobacco filler material  1550 ′ into inner volume  1140  of cone  1100 . Rod or straw  1180  may be a straw or stick, and may have different shaped ends to facilitate the tobacco filler compacting process—such as the frusto-conical shape of rod or straw  1180  in  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 23  continues the step of filling inner volume  1140  of cone  1100 , after that compaction step of  FIG. 22 . 
       FIG. 24  shows the final step of twisting first end  1110  of cone  1100  (schematically indicated by arrows  1118 ) to close open volume  1140  and keep tobacco filler material  1150  compacted. The cigar or cigarette is now ready to smoke with a filter tip  500  at its second end  1120 . 
     The following is a list of reference numerals used in this application. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Reference Number 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 smoking article 
               
               
                 100 
                 filter strip 
               
               
                 102 
                 encasing sheet 
               
               
                 106 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 110 
                 first side 
               
               
                 120 
                 second side 
               
               
                 130 
                 upper portion 
               
               
                 140 
                 lower portion 
               
               
                 150 
                 radius of curvature 
               
               
                 160 
                 length of filter tip/angle of circle 
               
               
                 170 
                 length of removed portion/angle of removed portion 
               
               
                 180 
                 length of remaining portion/angle of remaining 
               
               
                   
                 portion 
               
               
                 200 
                 long height of filter tip 
               
               
                 220 
                 short height of remaining portion 
               
               
                 240 
                 height of removed portion 
               
               
                 300 
                 marked, etched, or crimped area 
               
               
                 310 
                 plurality of marked, etched, or crimp lines 
               
               
                 312 
                 zig zag arrow 
               
               
                 350 
                 perforation lines 
               
               
                 400 
                 removed portion 
               
               
                 402 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 500 
                 filter tip 
               
               
                 510 
                 first end 
               
               
                 520 
                 second end 
               
               
                 550 
                 filter portion 
               
               
                 570 
                 open portion 
               
               
                 600 
                 sheet 
               
               
                 602 
                 intermediate sheet 
               
               
                 604 
                 sheet 
               
               
                 605 
                 intermediate sheet 
               
               
                 606 
                 sheet 
               
               
                 610 
                 first side 
               
               
                 612 
                 front 
               
               
                 614 
                 rear 
               
               
                 620 
                 second side 
               
               
                 630 
                 third side 
               
               
                 640 
                 fourth side 
               
               
                 645 
                 adhesive or glue 
               
               
                 650 
                 height 
               
               
                 660 
                 width 
               
               
                 670 
                 open height 
               
               
                 1000 
                 storage tube or container 
               
               
                 1005 
                 storage compartment 
               
               
                 1007 
                 shoulder 
               
               
                 1010 
                 cap/closure 
               
               
                 1020 
                 interior 
               
               
                 1100 
                 cone or tube 
               
               
                 1110 
                 first end 
               
               
                 1112 
                 width of first end 
               
               
                 1116 
                 twisted end 
               
               
                 1118 
                 arrows 
               
               
                 1120 
                 second end 
               
               
                 1122 
                 width of second end 
               
               
                 1130 
                 opening 
               
               
                 1140 
                 inner volume 
               
               
                 1150 
                 tobacco filler material 
               
               
                 1180 
                 straw or rod 
               
               
                 1182 
                 arrows 
               
               
                 1184 
                 arrows 
               
               
                 1200 
                 rod or straw 
               
               
                 1300 
                 packet 
               
               
                 1305 
                 base 
               
               
                 1310 
                 overlapping leaf 
               
               
                 1320 
                 opening 
               
               
                 1330 
                 interior storage volume 
               
               
                 1400 
                 packaging 
               
               
                 1410 
                 first end 
               
               
                 1420 
                 second end 
               
               
                 1430 
                 opening 
               
               
                 1440 
                 outside 
               
               
                 1500 
                 packaging for sale 
               
               
                 1550 
                 tobacco filler material 
               
               
                 1600 
                 finished cigar or cigarette 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     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. 
     The foregoing description of presently preferred and other aspects of this invention has been presented by way of illustration and example. It does not present, nor is it intended to present, an exhaustive catalog of all structural and procedural forms by which the invention can be embodied. Variations upon and alterations of the described structures and procedures can be pursued without departing from the fair substance and scope of the invention consistent with the foregoing descriptions, and the following claims which are to be read and interpreted liberally in the context of the state of the art from which this invention has advanced.

Technology Category: 1