CANDY DISPENSER APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PACKAGING CANDY

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for a candy dispenser apparatus comprising an elongated tubular cigar binder having a first end opposite a second end. The elongated tubular cigar binder defines an inner cavity disposed between the first and second ends. The elongated tubular cigar binder is fabricated with at least one consumable smokable wrapper that is configured to be opened by a user. A plurality of solid edible candies is disposed within the inner cavity of the elongated tubular cigar binder, which the user can eat and consume after opening the elongated tubular cigar binder.

Claims

1. A candy dispenser apparatus comprising: an elongated tubular cigar binder having a first end opposite a second end, elongated tubular cigar binder defining an inner cavity disposed between the first end and second end, said elongated tubular cigar binder comprising at least one consumable smokable wrapper adapted to be opened by a user; and a plurality of solid candies disposed within said inner cavity of said elongated tubular cigar binder.

2. The candy dispenser apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one consumable smokable wrapper comprises a wrapped tobacco leaf.

3. The candy dispenser apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one consumable smokable wrapper comprises a hemp wrap.

4. The candy dispenser apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of solid candies comprises a plurality of pre-packaged, individually wrapped solid candies.

5. The candy dispenser apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of solid candies comprises a plurality of loose individually unwrapped solid candies.

6. The candy dispenser apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one zip-wrapper, wherein said elongated tubular cigar binder is disposed in the at least one zip-wrapper.

7. The candy dispenser apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one clear wrapper, wherein said elongated tubular cigar binder is disposed in the at least one clear wrapper, said at least one clear wrapper adapted to be folded open by a user.

8. The candy dispenser apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one foil wrapper, wherein said elongated tubular cigar binder is disposed in the at least one foil wrapper, said at least one foil wrapper adapted to be folded open by a user.

9. The candy dispenser apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a smoking filter disposed on the first end of the elongated tubular cigar binder.

10. A method of packaging candy, comprising: providing an elongated sheet of consumable smokable wrapper material on a roll; cutting the elongated sheet of tobacco leaf material into sheet sections; shaping each sheet section to form at least one elongated tubular cigar binder having an outer sheath defining an elongated longitudinally extending inner cavity adapted for insertion of a plurality of solid candies; inserting a plurality of solid candies into the elongated longitudinally extending inner cavity; applying moisture to the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder; rolling said at least one elongated tubular cigar binder so that a spirally wrapped candy filled cigar package is formed.

11. The method of packaging candy of claim 10, wherein the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder comprises two opposed portions forming a longitudinally elongated opening adapted for separation by a user for insertion of a plurality of solid candies, wherein the step of inserting the plurality of solid candies comprises inserting the plurality of solid candies through the longitudinally elongated opening as formed by said two opposed sections into the elongated longitudinally extending inner cavity.

12. The method of packaging candy of claim 10, further comprising a step of providing at least one cigar tube and a step of inserting the spirally wrapped candy filled cigar package into the at least one cigar tube.

13. The method of packaging candy of claim 12, further comprising a step of slicing the outer sheath of the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder during a step of withdrawing the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder from said cigar tube, wherein said cigar tube comprises a blade attached to an interior surface of said cigar tube, said blade configured to longitudinally slice through the outer sheath of the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder.

14. The method of packaging candy of claim 10, further comprising a step of providing at least one zip-wrapper and a step of inserting the spirally wrapped candy filled cigar package into the at least one zip-wrapper.

15. The method of packaging candy of claim 14, further comprising a step of providing at least one slide open carton and a step of inserting the at least one zip-wrapper into the at least one carton.

16. The method of packaging candy of claim 10, further comprising a step of providing at least one clear wrapper and a step of inserting the spirally wrapped candy filled cigar tube into the at least one clear wrapper.

17. The method of packaging candy of claim 16, further comprising a step of providing at least one slide open carton and a step of inserting the at least one clear wrapper comprising said spirally wrapped candy filled cigar package into the at least one slide open carton.

18. The method of packaging candy of claim 10, further comprising a step of providing at least one slide open carton, a step of inserting the spirally wrapped candy filled cigar package into the at least one slide open carton, a step of providing at least one individually wrapped hard candy, and a step of inserting the at least one individually wrapped hard candy into the at least one slide open carton, wherein said at least one individually wrapped hard candy is not disposed within the spirally wrapped candy filled cigar package.

19. The method of packaging candy of claim 10, wherein the plurality of solid candies comprises individually pre-packaged, wrapped solid candies.

20. The method of packaging candy of claim 10, wherein the plurality of solid candies comprises loose unwrapped solid candies.

21. A method of packaging candy, comprising: providing an elongated tubular cigar binder defining an inner cavity filled with grinded tobacco leaves, said elongated tubular cigar binder having an outer sheath comprising at least one wrapped tobacco leaf; slicing open longitudinally said outer sheath of said at least one wrapped tobacco leaf to provide an opening to the inner cavity of the elongated tubular cigar binder, wherein said opening is defined by a first sliced sheath edge opposite a second sliced sheath edge; removing the grinded tobacco leaves from the inner cavity until said inner cavity is hollow; inserting a plurality of solid candies through said opening into said inner cavity; rolling said elongated tubular cigar binder, with the first sliced sheath edge overlapping the second sliced sheath edge, said rolling adapted to close said opening so that a wrapped candy filled cigar package is formed.

22. The method of packaging candy of claim 21, further comprising a step of providing at least one cigar tube and a step of inserting the wrapped candy filled cigar package into the at least one cigar tube.

23. The method of packaging candy of claim 22, further comprising a step of slicing open the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder during a step of withdrawing the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder from said cigar tube, wherein said cigar tube comprises a blade attached to an interior surface of said cigar tube, said blade configured to longitudinally slice through the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals throughout the Figures identify substantially similar components, in which:

[0026] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a candy dispenser apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0027] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a candy dispenser apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a candy dispenser apparatus having a plurality of solid candies disposed therein, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 2A is a perspective, partially cross-sectional view of the candy dispenser apparatus in accordance with the present invention, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0030] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an elongated tubular cigar binder and a consumable smokable wrapper of the candy dispenser apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0031] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of an elongated tubular cigar binder and a consumable smokable wrapper of the candy dispenser apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0032] FIG. 3 is an perspective view of a plurality of candy dispensers encased within a zip-wrapper and an exemplary slide open carton, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 4 is an perspective view of an open hinged box and a plurality of candy dispensers encased within respective clear wrappers, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0034] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a candy dispenser, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 5B is another perspective view of a candy dispenser, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and

[0036] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a candy dispenser disposed within a cigar tube of a cigar tube assembly, with a cigar tube top cap and bottom end cap removed, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] For a further understanding of the nature and function of the embodiments, reference should be made to the following detailed description. Detailed descriptions of the embodiments are provided herein, as well as, the best mode of carrying out and employing the present invention. It will be readily appreciated that the embodiments are well adapted to carry out and obtain the ends and features mentioned as well as those inherent herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following disclosure is illustrative only and not in any way limiting, as the specific details disclosed herein provide a basis for the claims and a representative basis for teaching to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. It should be understood that the devices, materials, methods, procedures, and techniques described herein are presently representative of various embodiments. Other embodiments of the disclosure will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0038] As used herein, “binder” means a rolled hollow unit that hold together the filler tobacco in a cigar. A “wrapper” means an outer wrap which gives the cigar its distinctive appearance.

[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the basic constructional details and principles of operation of embodiments of a candy dispenser apparatus 100 according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will be discussed.

[0040] Referring initially to FIG. 1A-1C, a candy dispenser apparatus 100 is provided comprising an elongated tubular cigar binder 110 having a first end 111 opposite a second end 113, and the elongated tubular cigar binder 110 defines an inner cavity 115 disposed between the first end 111 and second end 113. The elongated tubular cigar binder 110 includes at least one consumable smokable wrapper 117, which is adapted to be opened by a user (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the consumable smokable wrapper 117 is a wrapped tobacco leaf, and when the candy dispenser apparatus 100 is in use, the consumable smokable wrapper 117 is sliced open by the user.

[0041] FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C provide perspective views of the candy dispenser 100 with a plurality of solid candies 130 disposed within the inner cavity 115 of the elongated tubular cigar binder 110 of the candy dispenser 100.

[0042] In one embodiment, the elongated tubular cigar binder 110 of the candy dispenser 100 may be made up of any conventional binder material used in manufacturing cigars. The elongated tubular cigar binder 110 is preferably natural, for example, a broad leaf tobacco or a sheet consisting substantially of tobacco, or it can be manufactured such that approximately two-thirds of it is tobacco, the balance being conventional filler materials which include, for example, gums, inorganic ingredients, cellulose and wood pulp. In certain specific products, the tobacco content of elongated tubular cigar binder 110 may be varied to produce a product with particular burn, taste and aroma properties.

[0043] In another embodiment, the consumable smokable wrapper 117 comprises a hemp wrap. As exemplified in FIGS. 1A-2C, the candy dispenser apparatus 100 is intended to contain plurality of solid candies 130 comprises a plurality of pre-packaged, individually wrapped solid candies 130. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of pre-packaged, individually wrapped solid candies 130 of the plurality of solid candies are skittles or tootsie rolls. In another embodiment, the candies 130 are loose individually unwrapped solid candies. The solid candies 130 may be of any shape such as spherical, oval, star shaped or cuboidal. The solid candies 130 is of any size and flavor.

[0044] In another embodiment, the candy dispenser 100 includes a smoking filter 101, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The smoking filter 101 is disposed on the first end 111 of the elongated tubular cigar binder 110. Preferably, a reinforcement strip is bonded to the elongated tubular cigar binder 110, and that reinforcement strip includes a layer of high wet strength reinforcing tape bonded to flame extinguishing foil and is circumferentially wrapped over the interface between the smoking filter 101 and the candies 130 to prevent separation of the filter and the candies 130. The reinforcing tape is preferably corrugated on both edges for both ease of installation and to minimize the possibility of tearing during installation and use. Reinforcing tape is preferably also sufficiently thin for ease of manufacture and application and to prevent any noticeable bulge under the consumable smokable wrapper 117.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a perspective, partially cross-sectional view of the candy dispenser apparatus 100 according to preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided. FIG. 2B provides a perspective view of an elongated tubular cigar binder 110, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. FIG. 2C provides a perspective view of a consumable smokable wrapper 117, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a packaging showing a zip-wrapper 121 encasing a plurality of candy dispensers 100. As exemplified in FIG. 3, the plurality of candy dispensers 100 are encased in a zip-wrapper 121 and are inserted into a slide open carton 141, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The carton 141 is made up of any suitable material such as wood, cardboard or paper. Preferably the top surface of the carton 141 includes a transparent display 1411 to see the candy dispensers 100 inside.

[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates an open hinged box 143 showing a plurality of candy dispensers 100 each encased in a respective a clear wrapper 123, intended to help keep the candy 130 and the candy dispenser 100 fresh, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The candy dispensers 100 and respective clear wrappers 123 are disposed in a hinged box 143, from which each candy dispenser 100 can be removed for consumption of the candy 130 and for smoking of the candy dispenser 100 by the user. Preferably, the hinged box 143 comprises a latch. The hinged box 143 is made up of any suitable material such as wood, cardboard or paper. Preferably the top surface of the hinged box 143 comprises a transparent display to see the candy dispensers 100 inside.

[0048] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary elongated tubular cigar binder 110 of the candy dispenser 100 having at least one consumable smokable wrapper 117 adapted to be opened by a user by unwrapping or unfolding, in the direction of Arrow B, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, for the user to access the solid candies 130. In one embodiment, the elongated tubular cigar binder 110 is disposed inside at least one foil wrapper 118, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The at least one foil wrapper 118 is configured to folded open by a user, to access the elongated tubular cigar binder 110 of the candy dispenser 100. FIG. 5B illustrates a finished candy dispenser 100 constructed from a tobacco product, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of a cigar tube assembly 148 including a cigar tube 150, a cigar tube top end cap 153, and bottom end cap 155, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the candy dispenser 100 is disposed inside the cigar tube 150 of the cigar tube assembly 148.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, cigar tube 150 comprises a blade 151 attached to an interior surface of the cigar tube 150, and the blade 151 is configured to longitudinally slice 157 through the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder 110 of the candy dispenser 100, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 6, in a preferred embodiment, the cigar tube 150 is an elongated tubular member having opposite first 1571 and second 1572 ends. The top end cap 153 removably connects to the first end 1571 of the cigar tube 150, and the bottom end cap 155 removably connects to the second end 1572 of the cigar tube 150.

[0052] The cigar tube 150 is preferably made from a material which is highly resistant to impact in order to fully protect and contain the candy dispenser 100 within the cigar tube 150. Suitable materials for the cigar tube 150 include but are not limited to plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate and nylon. In another embodiment, the cigar tube 150 is formed from a metal or metal alloy.

[0053] In one embodiment, there is provided a method of packaging candy 130. The method comprises a step of providing an elongated sheet of consumable smokable wrapper material 117 on a roll, wherein the consumable smokable wrapper material 117 comprises of a tobacco leaf material, a hemp wrapper, a rice paper, or a tobacco leaf. The method comprises a step of cutting the elongated sheet of tobacco leaf material 117 into sheet sections. The method comprises a step of shaping each sheet section to form at least one elongated tubular cigar binder 110 having an outer sheath defining an elongated longitudinally extending inner cavity 115 adapted for insertion of a plurality of solid candies 130.

[0054] Preferably, the method includes a step of inserting a plurality of solid candies 130 into the elongated longitudinally extending inner cavity 115. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder 110 comprises two opposed portions 110a, 110b forming a longitudinally elongated opening 114a, as illustrated in FIG. 2Bb, adapted for separation 114b by a user, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, for insertion of a plurality of solid candies 130. The step of inserting the plurality of solid candies 130 comprises inserting the plurality of solid candies 130 through the longitudinally elongated 114a, 114b opening as formed by said two opposed sections 110a, 110b into the elongated longitudinally extending inner cavity 115.

[0055] The method preferably includes a step of applying moisture to the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder 110. The method further includes a step of rolling said at least one elongated tubular cigar binder 110 so that a spirally wrapped candy filled cigar package 100 is formed.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the method includes a step of providing at least one cigar tube 150 and a step of inserting the spirally wrapped candy filled cigar package 100 into the at least one cigar tube 150. In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprising a step of slicing 157 the outer sheath of the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder 110 during a step of withdrawing (in the direction of Arrow C) the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder 110 from said cigar tube 150, wherein said cigar tube 150 comprises a blade 151 attached to an interior surface of said cigar tube 150, as such blade 151 is configured to longitudinally slice 157 through the outer sheath of the at least one elongated tubular cigar binder 110.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, there is provided a method of packaging candy 130. The method of packaging candy includes the steps of: providing an elongated tubular cigar binder 110 defining an inner cavity 115 filled with grinded tobacco leaves, said elongated tubular cigar binder 110 having an outer sheath comprising at least one wrapped tobacco leaf 117; longitudinally slicing 157 open (FIG. 6) the outer sheath of said at least one wrapped tobacco leaf 117 to provide an opening 114b (FIG. 2A) to the inner cavity 115 of the elongated tubular cigar binder 110, wherein said opening is defined by a first sliced sheath edge 110a opposite a second sliced sheath edge 110b. The method includes a step of removing the grinded tobacco leaves from the inner cavity 115 until said inner cavity 115 is hollow; inserting a plurality of solid candies 130 through said opening 114b into said inner cavity 115; rolling (in the direction of Arrow A in FIG. 1C) said elongated tubular cigar binder 110, with the first sliced sheath edge overlapping the second sliced sheath edge, said rolling adapted to close said opening so that a wrapped candy filled cigar package 100 is formed. The method of packaging candy 130 further comprises a step of providing at least one cigar tube 150 (FIG. 6) and a step of inserting the wrapped candy filled cigar package 100 into the at least one cigar tube 150.

[0058] Product information and promotional information is preferably applied to the front surfaces of the cigar package 100, as tailored to the user's desired marketing strategies. Advertising with the cigar package 100 provides mechanisms to promote specific marketing initiatives, including promoting various features and dispensing techniques.

[0059] Except as may be expressly otherwise indicated, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the description or a claim to a single element to which the article refers. Rather, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is intended to cover one or more such elements, unless the text expressly indicates otherwise.

[0060] The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may be very well combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the orders of the processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed.

[0061] Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. The components of the system including the devices and related technologies mentioned above are collectively used to improve performance of the wrapped candy filled cigar package.

[0062] Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.