Smoking product humidification apparatus and method

Abstract

A lid and sleeve system that creates a zero maintenance humidity controlled, protective environment within a cigar tube is disclosed. This invention incorporates two-way humidity control technology while adding superior protection as well as optimal air circulation in an optionally transparent tube, designed for but not limited to the disposable retail packaging of a cigar.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for packaging and storing an elongated smoking product comprising:
 a. a hollow container vessel that is open at least at one end and is sized to contain the smoking product and having a diameter relative to the diameter of the smoking product that is sufficient to provide space surrounding the smoking product;   b. a sealing cap assembly comprising:
 i. a sealing lid; 
 ii. an upper locating member affixed to an end of the sealing lid wherein the upper locating member is configured to accept one end of the smoking product so as to be sufficiently centered within the hollow container vessel so as to provide space surrounding the smoking product; 
   whereby the smoking product is protected against physical damage by the upper locating member.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the smoking product is a cigar. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the upper locating member further comprises flexible material having an opening formed therein to receive the one end of the smoking product and to hold the one end in place. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the flexible material comprises one or more of plastic, elastic, polymer, silicone, rubber, cork, or adequately interwoven organic and nonorganic materials such as but not limited to cellulose containing materials, fiber, rayon, felt, polyester, cotton, wool, metallic wool. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the flexible material comprises foam. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the upper locating member comprises a spring member formed on an interior wall thereof that deflects to receive the one end of the smoking product and is biased toward a center of the lid to retain the smoking product in place. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the spring member comprises a metal member formed on the interior wall coupled at a top and bottom of the interior wall and having a shape that extends away from the top midway and then extends towards the bottom, with an open space behind the spring member. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the lid comprises a plurality of tabs extending from a bottom of an interior wall of the lid, such that the tabs can be deflected toward the interior wall when the one end of the smoking product is inserted therein. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the flexible material comprises cardboard.