Introduction
Hi Indiegogo! I'm Adam Starbuck, owner of SmokeTote LLC. and the inventor of the Personal Cigar Tent. Over the past two years I have worked diligently to create a new to world product that helps protect people and their possessions from the undesirable properties of secondhand smoke.
Addressing A Need
The initial concept for a Personal Cigar Tent was developed after personally witnessing the devastating effects smoking indoors has on individuals and their surrounding environment. Currently there are numerous standalone air purifiers that claim to eliminate smoke byproducts; however these types of devices passively filter the pollutants and are surprisingly ineffective.
Driving A Solution
To address the containment issues associated with common standalone units, we designed an all-encompassing smoke purification system. Our Personal Cigar Tents have been engineered to replicate a negative pressure system that actively filters and removes harmful smoke particulates. We utilize an advanced 3-stage Carbon & HEPA Filtration System to help prevent odors as well as carcinogens from absorbing into your walls, carpet and other personal belongings.
Our Customers
This product is intended
for individuals that enjoy smoking indoors or would like the option to smoke
within a given establishment. Personal Cigar Tents can also be utilized by
hotel chains that are looking for an effective alternative to address the
rising cost of maintaining designated smoking rooms. With a continuous surge in smoking restrictions
set by apartment complexes, our system provides residents with a viable solution.
Funding Expenditure
Our funding goal of $250,000 will be directed towards part procurement, mold development and new facility acquisition. This sum allows us to fulfill minimum quantity orders with our suppliers and manufacturers. It will also provide us with the capital necessary to secure a new facility for product assembly, storage and distribution. The remaining funds are going to be apportioned towards tooling for mold development, operational and shipping costs.
Production Schedule
The following timeline outlines our framework for production upon the conclusion of this campaign. With the support of our early adopters, we will be able to better anticipate product forecasting demands as well as constraints.
Product Assembly
Our Personal Cigar Tents come with a portable carrying case that allows you to protect all of the components during transportation and storage. The case lays flat when opened and functions as the base of the structure. We then utilize a lightweight anodized aluminum stock to provide structural support for the fan
housing and filters.
Once assembled, a flame
resistant nylon ripstop cover is placed over the unit to complete the
enclosure. This cover is lightweight, resilient to tearing and can be machine
washed to remove any odor or residue build up. The next step is to attach the exhaust sleeve and insert the exhaust filter. To finish, simply connect the
power supply to the fan housing and plug it into an outlet.
How It Works
When all components have been connected and the power supply has
been turned on, you can place a chair inside the unit and proceed
to smoke. It won't take long before noticing that the smoke naturally rises and
begins the filtration process. First, the smoke will encounter the Carbon
Sleeve Filter which removes odors and larger particles. Next, the smoke passes
through the Synthetic HEPA Filter that removes particulates down to a 0.3 micron with a 99.99% efficiency. Lastly, it will then be exhausted through our die
cut Carbon Disk Filter.
For best results we strongly recommend that you have the exhaust directed towards an open window!
Parts and Materials
The motor that we utilize has been selected because of its unique
size, weight and performance. It produces an impressive 483.3 CFM (cubic feet
per minute) with a corresponding static pressure of 3.50 inH20.
Fan Housing
The parts displayed below, house the fan motor and electrical wiring
components. This mold consists of a lightweight ABS plastic and includes 4
threaded inserts that secure tabs located on the HEPA filter cap. It has been
designed to create an air tight enclosure which maximizes the overall
efficiency. The interior walls are lined with a pattern cut sound dampening
material that greatly reduces noise exerted from the fan motor.
Synthetic HEPA Filter
Our high efficiency particulate air filter was developed in correlation
with the motors performance to maximize overall efficiency. The filter caps are
molded out of a high impact ABS material while the inner and outer screens are
made of galvanized steel mesh. There is a gasket at the top of the filter that
sets into the fan housing providing an air tight seal. This custom design
allows you to easily attach and replace filters when needed
.
Removes particulates down to 0.3 Microns with 99.99% efficiency! Carbon Sleeve Filter
A fibrous activated carbon sleeve filter is the first line of
defense against pungent smoke odors. It acts as a pre-filter by trapping larger
particulates before they can reach the HEPA material. The replacement carbon sleeve and
synthetic HEPA filters are sold together as a single product.
Carbon Exhaust Filter
This die cut carbon disk filter has been designed to further remove
smoke odors as they are being exhausted out of the personal cigar tent. Having
a cap made from two threaded high impact ABS composite parts, allows for the
carbon disk to be easily replaced when needed.
Carrying Case
It was important for us to create a multipurpose case design that
remained lightweight without losing rigidity or functionality. We have
engineered it to securely contain all parts pertaining to our product while
leaving additional space for other items. Located in the outer corners are
slots where the aluminum frame can be inserted. This feature provides
the necessary stability required to support components during setup
and take down.
Closed Case Dimensions
Open Case Dimensions
Frame and Connectors
The mounting brackets and T-connectors that provide support for
the cross member are custom parts. Molded with a high impact ABS plastic, these segments create a unique solution that allows for a quick and secure attachment
process.
Tent Cover
A 1.9 ounce 70 denier nylon ripstop and 8 gauge clear vinyl make up the
materials used for the tent cover. The nylon ripstop is treated with a
polyurethane coating, ultra violet inhibitor and fire retardant finish. This
durable fabric is lightweight, waterproof and can be machine washed to remove
any residue build up.
Power Supply
To power the fan motor we use a 24 Volt 8.6 Amp DC power supply
with an 8' cord and a 6-pin DIN circular connector. This power supply offers
over-current, short-circuit and over-temperature protection from problematic
conditions. The 6-pin DIN connector we have opted for makes for an easy and
secure linking method.
Spread The Word
We understand the influence backers as well as non-backers have on a campaign. That is why we are asking for your support to help drive a successful Word-of-mouth and Social media launch. If you know someone that smokes, feel free to inform them about our Personal Cigar Tents!
Twitter Facebook Google+ YouTubeRisks & Challenges
With our product now in the patent pending stage, we are
preparing for possible obstacles that might arise.
Some of the potential complications we might encounter include
extensive lead times, fluctuating shipping costs and increases in minimum
quantity order requirements. To help offset some of these risks, we have
sourced multiple suppliers and manufacturers for all essential parts.
Quality control throughout the production process can always present
challenges. To ensure the highest quality possible, every custom part order
will be subject to inspection by the manufacturer and must meet standards we
have agreed upon. Proper shipping, storage and handling guidelines will be in
place to ensure that our parts are being protected.