US20200037661A1

US20200037661A1 - Hydro system for cigar humidification

Info

Publication number: US20200037661A1
Application number: US16/653,048
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Slate; Ian Winston Scott Bennett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-10-15
Filing date: 2019-10-15
Publication date: 2020-02-06

Abstract

The present invention discloses a hydro system for cigar humidification. The hydro system consists of multiple components such as a hydro tray, gel crystals (such as sodium polyacrylamide) that go into the hydro tray to soak up the solution, a humidor solution that is poured into the hydro tray, and a hydro stick i.e., a wet hydro stick with solution. Some models may have a wood cover or a wood tray. All these components work together to help regulate the internal relative humidity inside the humidor (i.e., the cigar cabinet).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the field of furniture, and, more particularly, to a hydro system for cigar humidification. The hydro system forms a cigar cabinet that facilitates the humidification of the cigars when placed therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over the past several years, cigar smoking has become increasingly more popular. Cigars are enjoyed in a variety of ways, including after a meal, with coffee, and especially with an alcoholic beverage such as wine, liquor, or an aperitif. Generally, the cigars are stored in a suitable storage environment, otherwise, the cigars will dry, and become tasteless, and hence the cigars will not be suitable for smoking. Cigar storage and humidification devices are well documented in the prior art. The purpose of these devices is for maintaining the freshness and humidity level of the cigars prior to their consumption. As is well known, the absence of a suitable humidifying environment will result in a cigar quickly drying out and losing its appeal. The traditional type of humidification devices, or humidors, are generally large in size and are designed for holding a larger number of cigars in a humidified environment. Other larger such humidors are constructed as cylindrical shaped sleeve members. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved humidification system, especially for use by consumers, that is small in size and easy to carry and maintain the cigar humidification. It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention describes a hydro system for cigar humidification. The hydro system forms a cigar cabinet (i.e., a humidor) that is used for storing cigars. The hydro system facilitates humidification of the cigars when placed therein. The hydro system consists of multiple components such as a hydro tray, gel crystals (such as sodium polyacrylamide) that go into the hydro tray to soak up the solution, a humidor solution that is poured into the hydro tray, and a hydro stick i.e., a wet hydro stick with solution. Some models may have a wood cover or a wood tray. All these components work together to help regulate the internal relative humidity inside the humidor (i.e., the cigar cabinet).
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a hydro system for cigar humidification. The hydro system is a system of components (such as a cabinet, a hydro stick, a wood tray cover, a hydro tray, gel solutions, and humidor solution) that help regulate the internal relative humidity of a humidor to 65-70% range.
The hydro system may be a glass top humidor or a non-glass top humidor. In certain embodiment, the glass top or the non-glass top may be separable from the humidor. This humidor is the most feature-packed humidor and solves every shortcoming experienced with other humidors. The humidor has been thoroughly examined in wet, temperate, and dry environments to assure the best levels of humidity for cigars. The humidor of the present invention features a handsome dark walnut finish, glass top, front digital hygrometer, accessory storage drawer, Spanish cedar, and magnetic enclosure.
These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention.

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of various examples. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example in association with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a humidor for cigar humidification, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the humidor with a front digital hygrometer, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the humidor with two rear hinges, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the humidor with a glass top, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a hydro system that forms the humidor for cigar humidification, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates the humidor with cigars placed therein, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an external storage tray of the humidor, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for reference only and is not limiting. The words “front,” “rear,” “anterior,” “posterior,” “lateral,” “medial,” “upper,” “lower,” “outer,” “inner,” and “interior” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the invention, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention utilizes a combination of components, which constitutes a hydro system for cigar humidification. The hydro system forms a cigar cabinet (i.e., a humidor) that is used for storing cigars and facilitating humidification of cigars when placed inside the cigar cabinet. Accordingly, the components have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that may be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. As required, the detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment”, “yet another embodiment”, “one example”, “an example”, “another example”, “yet another example”, and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
The words “comprising”, “having”, “containing”, and “including”, and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.
Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements or entities. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements or priorities. While various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed hydro system have been described below, it should be understood that they have been presented for purposes of example only, and not limitations. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the below teachings or may be acquired from practicing of the invention, without departing from the breadth or scope.
The hydro system for cigar humidification of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which should be regarded as merely illustrative without restricting the scope and ambit of the present invention.
FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a humidor 100 for cigar humidification, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The humidor 100 may be a glass top humidor or a non-glass top humidor. In certain embodiment, the glass top or the non-glass top may be separable from the humidor i.e., the glass top or the non-glass top may be removably attached or fixed to the humidor 100. This humidor is the most feature-packed humidor that solves every shortcoming experienced with other humidors. The humidor 100 has been thoroughly examined and tested in wet, temperate, and dry environments to assure the best levels of humidity for cigars. This premium humidor features a handsome dark walnut finish, a glass top, a front digital hygrometer, a accessory storage drawer, Spanish cedar, and a magnetic enclosure.
In an embodiment, the humidor 100 is made up of cedar wood or mahogany wood. The humidor 100 is formed by assembling a system of components that help regulate the internal relative humidity of the humidor 100 to 65-70% range, thereby maintaining the suitable humidity environment for the cigars placed inside the humidor 100. The shape and size of the humidor 100 may vary as per the requirement and preferences of a consumer. In an exemplary embodiment, a length of the humidor 100 is 8.5 inch, a depth of the humidor 100 is 9 inch, and a height of the humidor 100 is 5.4 inch. Such humidor 100 may hold 25-50 cigars.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the humidor 100 with a front digital hygrometer 102, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In general, a hygrometer is a device that is used to measure the humidity in the air. A common way these devices work is by using a material that attracts moisture, and that changes depending on how moist it is. The digital hygrometer 102 of the humidor 100 is a gauge including one or more sensors that are used to measure the level of humidity. The digital hygrometer 102 may be used to measure humidity levels inside of cigar humidors such as the humidor 100. The digital hygrometer 102 is usually more accurate and reliable than an analog hygrometer. It is important to maintain a humidity level of 65% to 70% range inside of the humidor 100 to properly preserve and age cigars. In order to continuously monitor and adjust the humidity level inside of the humidor 100, the reading on the digital hygrometer 102 must be somewhat accurate (plus or minus 2%).
The humidor 100 is the most accurate way to monitor and ensure that the humidor 100 is adequately seasoned. The humidor 100 with the embedded digital hygrometer 102 is the only humidor that reads within 1-3% points in accuracy and protect the cigars by confidently knowing the humidity.
In addition to the digital hygrometer 102, the front portion of the humidor 100 may also include a digital locking mechanism (not shown) for locking-unlocking the humidor 100, which in turn prevents unwanted access to the humidor 100 by other individuals such as kids. The digital locking mechanism may be designed based on one or more biometric data (such as fingerprints or facial expression) or a series of numerals.
In an embodiment, the front portion of the humidor 100 also includes an external storage tray 104 that has been described in detail in conjunction with FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the external storage tray 104 is located at the bottom of the humidor 100 and is removably fixed inside the humidor 100. The external storage tray 104 is an accessory storage tray that may be used by a consumer to temporarily store cigar-related accessories such as one or more lighters, cigar cutters, or the like.
FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the humidor 100 with two rear hinges 106, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The hinge 106 is a movable joint or mechanism on which a top lid of the humidor 100 swings as it opens and closes or which connects linked objects, as shown in FIG. 3. The rear portion of the humidor 100 includes two parts such as a first part 108 and a second part 110. The first part 108 and the second part 110 are made up of wood such as cedar wood. The top portion of the first part 108 is a glass top portion or a non-glass top portion that is separable from the humidor 100. The glass top portion includes a transparent glass attached to a wooden piece (for example, cedar wood). The non-glass top portion includes a wooden piece (for example, cedar wood). The wooden piece may be a solid or composite wood. In an embodiment, the hinge 106 is a piece of metal that fastens an edge of the first part 108 to an edge of the second part 110 and allows it to open or close.
FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the humidor 100 with a glass top 112, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The top portion of the humidor 100 is a glass top cedar that facilitates a transparent view inside the humidor 100 from the top. The top portion or lid boasts a large stunning tempered glass display properly showing off the collection of the cigars placed inside the humidor 100.
In an embodiment, the top portion also facilitates a magnetic enclosure. The magnetic enclosure creates an amazingly tight seal with the lower portion of the humidor 100. For example, the first part 108 (that forms the top portion) is magnetically sealed with the second part 110 (that forms the lower portion) by means of the magnetic enclosure. In order to facilitate the magnetic enclosure, one or more portions of magnets are uniformly embedded inside at least one of the first part 108 or the second part 110.
FIG. 5 illustrates a hydro system 200 that forms the humidor 100 for facilitating the cigar humidification, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The hydro system 200 is an accurate and low maintenance cigar humidification system that regulates the humidor 100 to 65-70% relative humidity. This design evenly distributes the humidity from edge to edge while eliminating that awkward space taken up by a humidification jar. The hydro system 200 includes one or more components such as a hydro stick 202, a wood tray cover 204, a hydro tray 206, and a humidor solution bottle 208.
In an embodiment, the hydro stick 202 is a piece of Mahogany or Spanish cedar wood that is saturated with humidor solution. The hydro stick 202 absorbs and slowly releases humidity inside the humidor 100. The unique triangle shape of the hydro stick 202 allows the consumer to easily stack cigars on the sides of it.
In an embodiment, the wood tray cover 204 is made up of either mahogany or Spanish cedar wood. The wood tray cover 204 sits over the top the hydro tray 206. The wood tray cover 204 has two primary functions. Firstly, it creates a safe level of separation between the wood tray cover 204 and the hydro tray 206 so that the cigars can avoid contact with the gel solution that is inside the hydro tray 206. Secondly, it helps absorb humidity from the solution. In an embodiment, the wood cover tray 204 may be a square or rectangular tray and the cigars sit safely on top of the wood cover tray 204. The wood cover tray 204 includes a plurality of symmetrical gaps that permit moisture from the humidor solution to travel up to eventually be soaked up by the cigars placed on top of the wood tray cover 204.
In an embodiment, the hydro tray 206 is made up of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) food grade plastic. The hydro tray 206 comprises two parts including a top hydro tray 206 and a bottom hydro tray 206. In an exemplary scenario, small gel crystals (for example, sodium polyacrlymide) are placed into the bottom hydro tray 206. The crystals are soaked with a humidor solution 208 (which is a mixture of propylene glycol and distilled water) poured into the bottom hydro tray 206. Once the gel crystals are soaked, they expand in the bottom hydro tray 206 and slowly release humidity into the box. The top hydro tray 206 is placed on top of the bottom hydro tray 206. The gaps in the top hydro tray 206 (i.e., the top lid) permit the moisture from the gel solution to travel up and through the gaps of the wood tray cover 204 to eventually be soaked up by the cigars placed on top of the wood tray cover 204. The hydro system 200 for the humidor 100 disclosed in the present invention is the only solution currently available in the market that covers the bottom perimeter of the humidor 100. The main benefit is equal distribution of the humidity across the total area of the box. Further, the humidor set-up (as shown in FIG. 5) facilitates easier maintenance. The humidor 100 is engineered to calibrate to the range of 65-70%. The digital hygrometer 102 is configured to keep track of the humidity level inside the humidor 100. The humidor 100 disclosed in the present invention is the only humidor with an embedded digital hygrometer that reads within 1-3% points in accuracy. Thus, it protects the cigars placed inside the humidor 100 by confidently knowing the humidity.
In an embodiment, the bottom hydro tray 206 is provided with a pull tab 210 on its each side. The pull tab 210 may be used by the consumer to easily grab the hydro tray 206 (such as the bottom hydro tray 206). Further, the pull tab 210 may be used by the consumer to pull out the bottom hydro tray 206 from the humidor 100 or place the bottom hydro tray 206 inside the humidor 100. There is also a lift tab that helps the consumer to take the lid off for placing the crystal gels in.
The gel solution is sodium polyacrlymide that expands up to 500× its weight in water. The main purpose is to distribute humidity inside the box. The humidor solution 208 is a propylene glycol solution for use in cigar humidifiers such as the humidor 100. This product can be used with any cigar humidifier. The humidor solution may be used every time the humidifier needs fluid. The humidor solution 208 may be made from a dilute mixture of propylene glycol and distilled water. When the humidity level in the humidor 100 drops below a certain threshold (for example, 70%), the Propylene Glycol (a hygroscopic fluid) forces the distilled water into the air until 70% humidity is achieved. When the humidity level rises above 70%, the Propylene Glycol attracts the moisture from the air, storing it in your humidification unit.
FIG. 6 illustrates the humidor 100 with cigars 212 placed therein, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cigars 212 are placed on top of the wood tray cover 204 as shown in FIG. 6. After placing the cigars 212 on the wood tray cover 204, the glass top 108 is magnetically sealed over the lower portion 110.
FIG. 7 illustrates an external storage tray 104 of the humidor 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cigars 212 are placed on top of the wood tray cover 204 and the glass top 108 is magnetically sealed over the lower portion 110. The external storage tray 104 is an accessory storage section for storing one or more accessory items. The external storage tray 104 is configured to store one or more lighters, cigar cutters, and even a travel case in the large bottom slide-out accessory storage drawer. The minimal design tastefully sits flush against the humidor when closed.
In operation, the gel crystals (for example, sodium polyacrlymide) are uniformly distributed on the bottom hydro tray 206. After uniformly distributing the gel crystals, at least half of the humidor solution 208 (which is a mixture of propylene glycol and distilled water) is poured over the gel crystals in the bottom hydro tray 206. Thereafter, the top hydro tray 206 (i.e., the top lid of the hydro tray 206) is placed on top of the bottom hydro tray 206. Thereafter, the hydro tray 206 is placed inside the humidor 100. On top of it, the wood tray cover 204 is placed inside the humidor 100. Also, the hydro stick 202 is soaked up with the humidor solution 208 and is placed inside the humidor 100. After a predefined time duration (for example, a couple of hours such as 24-48 hours), the gel crystals are soaked up with the humidor solution 208 poured into the bottom hydro tray 206. Once the gel crystals are soaked, they expand in the bottom hydro tray 206 and slowly release humidity into the humidor 100. Post the predefined time duration (and if the humidity inside the box is greater than 65%), the consumer may place the cigars 212 on top of the wood tray cover 204. The gaps in the top hydro tray 206 (i.e., the top lid) permit the moisture from the gel solution to travel up and through the gaps of the wood tray cover 204 to eventually be soaked up by the cigars 212 placed on top of the wood tray cover 204. If the humidity is less than 65%, then the consumer can pour more humidor solution 208 in a similar manner as described above. Further, after placing the cigars 212, the cigars 212 may be rotated inside the humidor 100 after a regular interval of time to ensure consistent humidification of the cigars 212 inside the humidor 100.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A humidification system for a humidor, comprising:

a wood tray cover, and

a hydro tray, wherein gel crystals are uniformly distributed in the hydro tray and mixed with a humidor solution, and

wherein the hydro tray including the gel crystals and the humidor solution is placed inside the humidor,

wherein the wood tray cover is placed on top of the hydro tray,

wherein a top lid of the humidor is closed for a predefined time duration for humidification, and

wherein a set of cigars are placed on top of the wood tray cover for storing after humidity inside the humidor is above a predefined level.

2. The humidification system of claim 1, wherein the wood tray cover is a Mahogany or Spanish cedar wood.

3. The humidification system of claim 2, wherein the wood tray cover creates a safe level of separation with the hydro tray so that the cigars can avoid contact with the humidor solution that is inside the hydro tray.

4. The humidification system of claim 2, wherein the wood cover tray is a square or rectangular tray and the cigars sit safely on top of the wood cover tray.

5. The humidification system of claim 2, wherein the wood cover tray includes a plurality of symmetrical gaps that permit moisture from the humidor solution to travel up to eventually be soaked up by the cigars placed on top of the wood tray cover.

6. The humidification system of claim 1, further comprising a hydro stick, wherein the hydro stick is soaked up with the humidor solution, and wherein the soaked hydro stick is placed on top of the wood tray cover.

7. The humidification system of claim 6, wherein the hydro stick is a Mahogany or Spanish cedar wood.

8. The humidification system of claim 7, wherein the hydro stick has a triangle shape that allows a consumer to easily stack cigars on sides of it over the wood tray cover.

9. The humidification system of claim 1, wherein the hydro tray is made up of an ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) food grade plastic.

10. The humidification system of claim 9, wherein the hydro tray includes a top hydro tray and a bottom hydro tray.

11. The humidification system of claim 10, wherein the gel crystals and the humidor solution are placed inside the bottom hydro tray and wherein the top hydro tray is used for covering the bottom hydro tray.

12. The humidification system of claim 11, wherein gaps in the top hydro tray permit moisture from the humidor solution to travel up and through gaps of the wood tray cover to eventually be soaked up by the cigars placed on top of the wood tray cover.

13. The humidification system of claim 1, wherein a top portion of the humidor is a glass top that facilitates a transparent view inside the humidor from top, wherein the glass top includes a transparent glass attached to a wooden piece, and wherein the glass top is separable from the humidor.

14. The humidification system of claim 1, wherein a top portion of the humidor is a non-glass top that is made up of a wooden piece, and wherein the non-glass top is separable from the humidor.

15. The humidification system of claim 1, wherein the humidor is provided with a magnetic enclosure that creates a tight seal between a top portion and a bottom portion of the humidor.

16. The humidification system of claim 1, wherein a front portion of the humidor is provided with a digital hygrometer that is used to measure humidity levels inside of the humidor.

17. The humidification system of claim 16, wherein the digital hygrometer is used by a consumer to maintain a humidity level of 65% to 70% range inside of the humidor to properly preserve and age cigars.