Vented Cigarette Holder

What is this patent about?

'000 is related to the field of cigarette smoking accessories, specifically focusing on devices designed to mix ambient air with cigarette smoke to alter the smoking experience. The background involves a desire to reduce the harshness of cigarette smoke and potentially aid in reducing or quitting smoking by controlling the air-to-smoke ratio.

The underlying idea behind '000 is to create a vented cigarette holder with an adjustable air-to-smoke ratio. This is achieved through a valve mechanism that allows the user to control the amount of ambient air mixed with the smoke drawn from the cigarette. The key insight is to use a rotating valve head with specifically shaped cutouts to simultaneously adjust both the air and smoke inlet openings.

The claims of '000 focus on a cigarette holder comprising a cigarette holding cup, an air-to-smoke ratio control valve, and a stem and bit member. The control valve consists of a valve body with internal slots and a valve head with a semi-cylindrical notch. Rotation of the valve head adjusts the size of both the smoke passage from the cigarette and the air-admitting passage, allowing for control of the air-to-smoke mixture.

In practice, the cigarette is inserted into the cup, and the smoker inhales through the bit. As the smoker draws, smoke is pulled from the cigarette into the valve body. Simultaneously, ambient air is drawn in through air inlet passages. The valve head, with its notch and helical surfaces, controls the amount of air and smoke entering a mixing chamber. The mixed air and smoke are then drawn through a small hole in the valve head and into the stem, ultimately reaching the smoker.

This design differentiates itself from prior approaches by providing a simple, easily adjustable mechanism for controlling the air-to-smoke ratio. The use of a rotating valve head with specifically shaped cutouts allows for simultaneous and proportional adjustment of both air and smoke inlets. The mixing chamber ensures thorough mixing of the air and smoke before inhalation, providing a more consistent and potentially cooler smoking experience. The device is also designed for easy cleaning and cost-effective manufacturing, utilizing materials like metal and plastic.