U.S. patent application number 09/896891 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-21 for packaging system with a receptacle for storing debris.
Invention is credited to Garcia, Guadalupe.
Application Number | 20020020640 09/896891 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27094234 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020020640 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Garcia, Guadalupe |
February 21, 2002 |
Packaging system with a receptacle for storing debris
Abstract
A convenient, safe and economical packaging system has an open
receptacle that collapses to a reduced closed receptacle for
storing debris. An outer sleeve and a container are connected
through at least one accordion section. An accordion section folds
by pushing the container into the outer sleeve collapsing the open
ashtray receptacle to the closed receptacle. A removable lining may
optionally cover the walls of the closed receptacle. With the
container pulled out the open ashtray receptacle is easily
assessable through an access hole in the sleeve. A folded cutout
attached to a panel of the sleeve and a bottom of the container
covers the access hole in the closed position. The packaging system
is particularly useful for packaging cigarettes and can be used
several time before emptying the closed receptacle.
Inventors: |
Garcia, Guadalupe; (Modesto,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MAREK ALBOSZTA
LUMEN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SERVICES
SUITE 110
45 CABOT AVENUE
SANTA CLARA
CA
95051
US
|
Family ID: |
27094234 |
Appl. No.: |
09/896891 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09896891 |
Jun 28, 2001 |
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09805450 |
Mar 7, 2001 |
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09805450 |
Mar 7, 2001 |
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09643322 |
Aug 21, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/246 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2209/00 20130101;
B65D 85/1081 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/246 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/10; B65D
085/12 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A packaging system having an open receptacle for dispensing
debris and a closed receptacle for storing said debris, comprising:
(a) an outer sleeve comprising a front sleeve wall, a back sleeve
wall, two side sleeve walls and a sleeve bottom connecting adjacent
ends of said front sleeve wall, said back sleeve wall and said two
side sleeve walls, said front sleeve wall having a folded cutout
section defining an access hole to said open receptacle, said
folded cutout section being attached at a first end to said front
sleeve wall, said folded cutout section having a free second end,
said access hole being positioned a distance from said sleeve
bottom to provide space for said closed receptacle; and (b) a
container sized to be slidably received in said outer sleeve for
movement between an open position and a closed position, said free
second end of said folded cutout section being attachable to said
container adjacent a container bottom to lie said folded section
substantially flat to substantially cover said access hole in said
closed position and to fold said folded section to substantially
uncover said access hole in said open position.
2. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said container is sized
for holding smoking members.
3. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said debris is smoking
debris.
4. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said closed receptacle
is substantially air tight to suffocate a smoldering debris
contained in said closed receptacle.
5. The packaging system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
accordion member for connecting said outer sleeve and said
container, and said at least one accordion member positioned within
said outer sleeve.
6. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein said at least one
accordion member is positioned between said outer sleeve bottom and
said container bottom.
7. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein said at least one
accordion member is positioned between one of said two sleeve walls
and said container.
8. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein each of said at least
one accordion member comprises at least two folding sections
connected along a folding edge.
9. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein each of said at least
one accordion member further comprises a first flap and a second
flap to attach said each accordion member to said outer sleeve with
said first flap and said container with said second flap.
10. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein one or more of said at
least two folding sections having a geometry substantially similar
to a width of said sleeve bottom and said container bottom.
11. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein one or more of said at
least two folding sections having a geometry substantially similar
to a depth of said sleeve bottom and said container bottom.
12. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein one or more of said of
least two folding sections are sized to close said closed
receptacle.
13. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein at least one accordion
member being attachable to said container bottom to flatten said at
least one accordion member to serve as a debris bottom with said
container in said extended open position and said container is
prevented from being removed from said outer sleeve, a surface of
said at least one accordion member and said sleeve bottom form said
closed receptacle.
14. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein said debris received
on said at least one accordion member when said outer sleeve is in
said open position is entirely contained within said closed
receptacle when said outer sleeve is in said closed position.
15. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein said at least one
accordion member further comprises cardboard.
16. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein said at least one
accordion member is covered with a fire resistant material.
17. The packaging system of claim 16, wherein said fire resistant
material is selected from the group consisting of a metal and
fiberglass.
18. The packaging system of claim 16, wherein said fire resistant
material is an adhesive backed metal tape.
19. The packaging system of claim 1, further comprising a
receptacle lining comprising a front lining panel section, back
lining panel section, two side lining panel sections, and bottom
lining panel section, positioned along walls of said outer sleeve
such that said receptacle lining is entirely contained within said
closed receptacle when said outer sleeve is in said closed
position.
20. The packaging system of claim 19, wherein said receptacle
lining forms an annulus suitable for containing debris.
21. The packaging system of claim 19, wherein said receptacle
lining being attachable to said outer sleeve.
22. The packaging system of claim 19, wherein said receptacle
lining being removable from said outer sleeve.
23. The packaging system of claim 19, wherein said at least one
accordion member shall be attached to said receptacle lining.
24. The packaging system of claim 19, wherein said receptacle
lining is covered with a fire resistant material.
25. The packaging system of claim 24, wherein said fire resistant
material is selected from the group consisting of a metal and
fiberglass.
26. The packaging system of claim 24, wherein said fire resistant
material is an adhesive backed metal tape.
27. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said container further
comprises a front container wall, a back container wall, two side
container walls and a container bottom connecting adjacent ends of
said front container wall, said back container wall and said two
side container walls, said container being capable of slidably
extending from said outer sleeve to said open position to open said
access hole, and thereby opening said open debris receptacle
between said sleeve bottom and said container bottom, said
container also being capable of slidably retracting within said
outer sleeve to said closed position and stopping to a distance
away from said sleeve bottom to close said access hole by a portion
of said front container wall.
28. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said outer sleeve
further comprises a flip-top attached to a top portion of said
outer sleeve.
29. The packaging system of claim 1, further comprising a means to
secure said outer sleeve in said closed position.
30. The packaging system of claim 29, wherein said means to secure
said outer sleeve in said closed position is a flip-top connected
to a top edge of said outer sleeve.
31. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said container further
comprises a flip-top attached to a top portion of said
container.
32. The packaging system of claim 1, further comprising a means to
secure said container in said closed position.
33. The packaging system of claim 32, wherein said means to secure
said container in said closed position is a flip-top connected to a
top edge of said outer sleeve.
34. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said outer sleeve
further comprises cardboard.
35. The packaging system of claim 1 wherein one or more inside
surfaces of said outer sleeve is covered with a fire resistant
material.
36. The packaging system of claim 35, wherein said fire resistant
material is selected from the group consisting of a metal and
fiberglass.
37. The packaging system of claim 35, wherein said fire resistant
material is an adhesive backed metal tape.
38. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said container
comprises cardboard.
39. The packaging system of claim 1 wherein one or more inside
surfaces of said container is covered with a fire resistant
material.
40. The packaging system of claim 39, wherein said fire resistant
material is selected from the group consisting of a metal and
fiberglass.
41. The packaging system of claim 39, wherein said fire resistant
material is an adhesive backed metal tape.
42. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said folded cutout
section includes a notch for holding an elongated smoking
member.
43. The packaging system of claim 1, further comprising a pouch
attached to said outer sleeve.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims
priority from, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/805,450 filed on Mar. 7, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part
of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/643,322 filed on
Aug. 21, 2000, which are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to a package having a
compartment to hold debris. More particularly, this invention
relates to a package for cigarettes with an ashtray compartment
that collapses to a concealed compartment for storing cigarette
debris such as ashes and filters.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] There are several cigarette containers with built-in
ashtrays disclosed in prior art. Most of the prior art discloses
cigarette containers having pivoting flaps or pivoting members that
open and serve as temporary receptacles to hold cigarette debris.
For examples of prior art cigarette containers with pivoting
ashtray members see; Dement in U.S. Pat. No. 2,349,488; Card in
U.S. Pat. No. 2,396,827; Peel et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 2,944,555;
Adams in U.S. Pat. No. 2,958,417; Posavic in U.S. Pat. No.
3,018,877; Sandacz in U.S. Pat. No. 3,090,482; and Kim in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,789,059. The devices disclosed do not serve as permanent
receptacles for smoking debris because to close the pivoting
ashtray members, the ashtray must be empty or nearly empty. Thus
with each use, the ashtray must be emptied prior to storing the
container in a pocket or a purse.
[0004] Draucker et al. in U.S. Pat No. 5,480,025 discloses a
cigarette package to hold short cigarettes using a package of
similar size used to hold conventionally sized cigarettes. The
package has a receptacle at the bottom of the package to support
the short cigarettes and the receptacle is further supplied with an
access aperture that can be used for discarding cigarette ashes and
filters. The cigarette package disclosed, however, does not address
the potential fire hazards associated with burning cigarette filter
or ashes. Further the package's design only provides for a very
small access aperture that can easily be used for inserting
cigarette filters into the receptacle, but is extremely
inconvenient to use as an ash tray during a smoking session.
[0005] The German Pat. No. 4,210,959 discloses a cigarette package
with a drawer-like receptacle at the bottom of the cigarette
package that can be pulled out and used as an ashtray. After the
ashtray is used the drawer be retracted back into the package and
stored. The ashtray does not require emptying after each use and is
not a convenient to use as an ashtray because the receptacle is
very small.
[0006] Arthur in U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,781 describes a
multi-component cigarette package that contains an ashtray. The
package has an outer sleeve and an inner compartment for holding
cigarettes, whereby the inner compartment slides into the outer
sleeve. The adjustable cavity formed between the bottom of the
inner compartment and bottom of the outer sleeve is used as the
ashtray. A receptacle hole in a side of the outer sleeve is used to
access the cavity when the inner compartment is pulled sufficiently
far outward from the outer sleeve. After disposing the smoking
debris in the ashtray, the hole is closed by sliding the inner
compartment inward into the outer sleeve. These designs provide
mechanisms for suffocating burning smoking debris, assuming that
the inner section fits in the outer section sufficiently snug to
suffocate any smoldering debris and that the inner compartment of
the package is inserted far enough into the outer sleeve to
completely cover the receptacle hole. However, if the receptacle
hole is made large enough to be useful as an ashtray, a small
outward displacement of the inter compartment will cause a portion
of the receptacle hole to be open and smoking debris will spill out
or smoldering debris will re-ignite. This situation is highly
likely since there is no mechanism to secure the outer section and
the inner section in a closed position. Further, since the inside
wall of the outer sleeve serves as the bottom of the ashtray it
will become highly soiled with ash. After using the ashtray, the
inner section is pushed back inward to close the receptacle hole
and the outside wall of the inner compartment that overlaps the
outer sleeve will also become soiled with ash. Thus, in subsequent
uses of the ashtray the soiled inner compartment will be pulled out
and the hands of the user and the surface where the package is
rested will also become soiled. Further, the cigarette container
and outer sleeve may become completely separated allowing the
smoking debris to escape for the top portion of the outer
sleeve.
[0007] What is needed is a cigarette-packaging system that provides
an ashtray unit that is functional, safe and clean to use. The
ashtray unit needs to be accessible through a large receptacle hole
for ashing cigarettes and have a receptacle container for storing
smoking debris from several smoking sessions, whereby smoking
debris will not cause the packaging system to burn and spillage of
smoking debris is unlikely. It would also be beneficial if the
packaging system could be configured such that debris may be
property disposed of while part or all of the packaging components
may be recycled.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0008] Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention
to provide a packaging system for elongated smoking members that
has a closed receptacle compartment for storing smoking debris and
a larger open receptacle for ashing and disposing of smoking
debris.
[0009] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
packaging system for elongated smoking members that has an open
receptacle compartment for disposing smoking debris through a large
access hole that is easily used for an astray.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
packaging system for elongated smoking members that has a large
open receptacle compartment that compresses to a closed receptacle
compartment for permanently storing smoking debris, wherein the
smoking debris is secured within closed receptacle and is unlikely
to spill or leak-out during storage of the packaging system.
[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
packaging system for elongated smoking members that has an open
receptacle compartment and closed receptacle compartment that are
substantially fire resistant.
[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
packaging system for smoking members that has an open receptacle
compartment that compresses to a closed receptacle compartment
through at least one accordion member that is attached to a
container for holding smoking members and is further attached to an
outside sleeve. In a particular embodiment, at least one accordion
member is used to keep smoking debris contained in the closed
receptacle compartment, wherein the at least one accordion member
serves as a bottom portion of the ashtray with the system in a open
position preventing smoking debris from collecting on the walls of
the container after multiple uses.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
receptacle compartment which is removable from the packaging system
such that debris may be properly disposed of and part or all of the
packaging system may be recycled.
[0014] Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide
a packaging system for conventional cigarettes, that has an ashtray
that is safe, easy to use, clean and can be adapted to conventional
cigarette packages already produced by cigarette manufactures.
SUMMARY
[0015] The objects and advantages of the invention are accomplished
by a packaging system that provides a receptacle for storing
debris. The packaging system generally comprises an outer sleeve
with a bottom panel, front and back panels and side wall panels.
The sleeve has a cross-sectional geometry substantially similar to
a container, such as a cigarette package. The sleeve is inserted
over the container and the container is capable of sliding inward
within the outer sleeve to a closed position and outward within the
outer sleeve to an extended open position. The outer sleeve also
has an access hole that is substantially covered by a wall of the
container in the closed position and is open to an open receptacle
compartment in the expanded open position. The open receptacle
compartment is the volume within the outer sleeve between the
bottom portion of the container and the bottom portion of the
sleeve. The closed receptacle container is defined as the region
between the folded accordion member(s) and the bottom of the sleeve
with the container in the closed position.
[0016] The packaging system includes at least one accordion member
for connecting the outer sleeve and the container whereby each
accordion member is positioned within the outer sleeve. The
accordion member could be position between the outer sleeve bottom
and the container bottom. The accordion member could also be
position between one of the two sleeve walls and the container.
Each accordion member has at least two folding sections connected
along a folding edge. Additionally a first flap and a second flap
could be used to attach each accordion member to the outer sleeve
with the first flap and the container with the second flap. The
geometry of a folding section could be substantially similar to a
width of the sleeve bottom and the container bottom. Additionally,
the geometry of a folding section could be sized to close the
closed receptacle. The present invention includes at least one
accordion member being attachable to the container bottom to
flatten at least one accordion member to serve as a debris bottom
with the container in an extended open position and the container
is prevented from being removed from the outer sleeve, a surface of
at least one accordion member and the sleeve bottom form the closed
receptacle. The packaging system of the present invention also
includes that debris received on at least one accordion member when
the outer sleeve is in open position is entirely contained within
the closed receptacle when the outer sleeve is in closed
position.
[0017] An accordion member is substantially flat with the container
in the extended open position and against a wall opposite of the
access hole. An accordion member could serve as a bottom portion of
the open receptacle ashtray with the container in the extended open
position and is folded in the closed position forming a closed
receptacle for storing smoking debris. The folding sections are
sized to tightly close said closed receptacle and suffocate
smoldering debris contained in the closed receptacle.
[0018] A removable receptacle lining may also be positioned within
the closed receptacle container. The interior portion of this
lining would form an annulus suitable for containing debris. The
lining may be attachable to the accordion member, whereby forming a
substantially closed receptacle when the accordion member is in a
substantially folded state.
[0019] In a specific embodiment of the invention the packaging
system has a substantially rectangular container for holding
elongated smoking members and an open end for inserting elongated
smoking members. The packaging system also has a substantially
rectangular outer sleeve that fits over the container, wherein the
container is capable of sliding inward within the outer sleeve to a
closed position and outward within the outer sleeve to an extended
open position. The outer sleeve has an access hole that is
substantially covered by a wall of the container in the closed
position and is open to an open receptacle compartment in an
extended open position. An accordion member is connected near to
the bottom of the container and an inside wall of the outer sleeve.
The accordion member has at least two rectangular sections with
substantially similar geometries to the rectangular bottom of the
container. The accordion member unfolds with the container in the
expanded open position to be substantially flat against a wall
within the sleeve, wherein the substantially flat accordion
member(s) serve(s) as a bottom portion of the ashtray. The
accordion member is folded and held substantially folded forming a
closed receptacle compartment for storing smoking debris with the
container in the closed position.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the
packaging system is a packaging system for storing cigarettes with
an open receptacle ashtray and closed receptacle for storing
smoking debris. The cigarette packaging system has a rectangular
container made of a material that is preferably 0.25 mm to 2 mm
thick. The container has an open end for inserting and storing
cigarettes length wise, wherein the container has outside
dimensions of 8 to 12 cm long, 4 to 7 cm wide and 1.5 to 3.5 cm
deep. The cigarette packaging system has outer rectangular sleeve
with inside dimensions similar to the outside dimensions of the
container and an open end for inserting the container. The
container is capable of sliding inward within the outer sleeve to a
closed position and outward within said outer sleeve to an extended
open position. The outer sleeve has an access hole that is covered
by the container in the closed position and is open to an open
receptacle ashtray in the extended open position.
[0021] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention
the accordion member is attached to a receptacle lining in place of
being attached to the outer sleeve. The lining has a depth
substantially similar to the distance between the container bottom
and the sleeve bottom when the packaging system is in a closed
position. The receptacle lining further has a cross section
substantially similar to the sleeve bottom. Thus when positioned in
proximity to the bottom of the outer sleeve, within the packaging
system, the receptacle lining forms an annulus suitable for
containing debris, and further forms a closed receptacle
compartment when the accordion member is in a substantially folded
position.
[0022] The container, the outer sleeve, the accordion member, and
the receptacle lining are preferably constructed of cardboard for
easy recycling/disposal, but may alternatively be made of metal or
other material that is capable of being reused. Further, it is
preferred that the interior surfaces be accessible to smoking
debris within the closed receptacle compartment and the open
receptacle ashtray be covered with a fire resistant material such
as a metal or fiber glass coating.
[0023] The accordion member and receptacle lining are preferably
separable from the outer sleeve such that debris may be properly
disposed of and the sleeve recycled. Based on design preference the
container may or may not be separable from the accordion member and
receptacle lining.
[0024] The access hole for ashing and disposing of smoking debris
can be any shape, but is preferably large enough to be used as a
functional ashtray. In the most preferred embodiment of the
invention the access hole is on the larger side of the rectangular
sleeve and opposite to the bottom of the open ashtray receptacle.
Alternatively, the access hole can also be on the smaller
rectangular side of the outer sleeve without loss to the benefits
of the packaging system, except that the access hole can not be as
large. In a further embodiment the access hole has an attached lid,
but a lid is not required to keep smoking debris contain in the
closed receptacle because the access hole is closed with the
container in the closed position and thus containing the stored
debris.
[0025] The invention also preferably has a top to hold the smoking
members in the container and a means to secure the container in the
closed position to contain the stored smoking debris. In a
preferred embodiment of the invention the smoking member are
secured in the container by a flip-top. In a particular embodiment
of the invention the flip-top is attached to the outer sleeve and
serves to contain the smoking members in the container and to
secure the container in the closed position within the outer
sleeve. Additionally, the packaging system may further include a
pouch for holding a lighter or a book of matches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0026] FIG. 1A shows a cigarette packaging system according to the
invention with the cigarette container in the closed position.
[0027] FIG. 1B shows a cigarette packaging system according to the
invention with the cigarette container in the open position with
showing the open receptacle compartment being used as an
ashtray.
[0028] FIG. 2A shows a standard cigarette package with a flip-top
used as a container in the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2B shows an unfolded portion of the outer sleeve used
in the cigarette packaging system of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2C shows an exemplary accordion member used in the
cigarette packaging system of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 2D shows an illustration of a potential design for the
receptacle lining as described in the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2E shows a further illustration of an alternate design
for the receptacle lining as used in the cigarette packaging system
of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 2F shows an exemplary illustration of an accordion
member in conjunction with a receptacle lining used in the
cigarette packaging system of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 3A shows a view of a partially assembled cigarette
packaging system of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 3B shows a view of a container, accordion member, and
receptacle lining shown as separable from an outer sleeve according
to the cigarette packaging system of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 4A shows a cigarette packaging system according to the
invention with the cigarette container in an extended open position
and the access hole, on a smaller rectangular side of the outer
sleeve, open to the open ashtray receptacle.
[0037] FIG. 4B shows a cigarette packaging system according to the
invention with the cigarette container in a position between an
extended open position and a closed position to illustrate the
positioning and motion of the accordion member.
[0038] FIG. 4C shows a cigarette packaging system according to the
invention with the cigarette container in a closed position and
with a flip top attached to the outer sleeve to secure the
cigarette container in the closed position.
[0039] FIGS. 5A-C shows, in addition to accordion member shown in
FIG. 2F, different exemplary accordion members according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Although the following detailed description contains many
specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and
alterations to the following details are within the scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the following preferred embodiment of the
invention is set forth without any loss of generality to, and
without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.
[0041] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.
1A and 1B. Packaging system 100 of the invention is capable of
forming an open receptacle that compresses to a closed receptacle
for storing smoking debris. Packaging system 100 is preferably a
packaging system for cigarettes, but is suitable for packaging any
elongated smoking member. In fact, the packaging system is well
suited for packaging any tobacco related smoking product that may
require an ashtray and a receptacle for storing smoking debris.
Furthermore, although specific embodiments of the invention dealing
with smoking members are described below, those of skill in the art
will recognize that the packaging system disclosed herein may be
used for storing other types of debris for later disposal. Other
possible applications of packaging system 100 include cigars,
chewing tobacco matches, chewing gum, nuts with shells, candy,
crackers, medicines, contraceptive devices and any other
commodities that produce trash as a byproduct of ordinary use.
Furthermore, the closed receptacle need not be used for storing
debris but may alternatively be used for storing accessories to the
products contained in packaging system 100. For example, in the
case of a cigarette container, the closed receptacle may be used to
store matches. In case of a package of crackers, the closed
receptacle may store cheese or other spread to put on the
crackers.
[0042] Packaging system 100 preferably generally comprises an outer
sleeve 102. Outer sleeve 102 is, for example, rectangular and sized
to receive a rectangular container 104. In a most particular
embodiment of this invention container 104 is a standard cigarette
box with a flip-top lid 106. Outer sleeve 102 has inside dimensions
similar to the outside dimensions of container 104 so that outer
sleeve 102 is capable of slidably receiving container 104 to a
closed position as shown in FIG. 1A. Further, packaging system 100
may optionally be equipped with a pouch 108, e.g. attached to outer
sleeve 102, for holding a lighter or a book of matches. Closed
receptacle 110 is defined between the bottom of container 104 and
outer sleeve 102 when packaging system 100 is in the closed
position. A receptacle lining 112 may optionally cover the walls of
outer sleeve 102 forming closed receptacle 110. Receptacle lining
112 is positioned flush to the walls of outer sleeve 102 within
closed receptacle 110 and may be removable from packaging system
100. Outer sleeve 102 includes a folded cutout section 114 that
covers an access hole 116 as shown in FIG. 1B in outer sleeve 102
when packaging system 100 is in the closed position as shown in
FIG. 1A. Folded cutout 114 is attached at a first end 118 to the
outer sleeve 102. A second end 120 of folded cutout 114 is
attachable to container 104, e.g., by adhesive tab or other means,
at or near a bottom 130 thereof. Folded cutout 114 is folded
between first 118 and second 120 ends.
[0043] Now referring to FIG. 1B, container 104 is capable of
extending outward within outer sleeve 102 to an extended open
position as shown. In the open position, folded cutout 114 folds up
such that access hole 116 is open to an open receptacle 122 bounded
by outer sleeve 102 and a bottom 124 of container 104. Open
receptacle 122 may be used, e.g., as an ashtray for ashing and
resting a smoking member such as a cigarette. Folded cutout section
114 serves to cover access hole 116 when packaging system 100 is in
the closed position. If packaging system 100 is used for smoking
members, the folded cutout 114 may optionally include a notch 126
for holding an elongated smoking member such as a cigarette. Folded
cutout section 114 may further serve to restrict the range of
movement of container 104 within outer sleeve 102. For example,
when container 104 slides to the right in FIG. 1B to close the
packaging system 100, folded cutout 114 may act as a stop to
prevent container 104 from moving too far to the right. Thus,
folded cutout 114 may be used to assure that receptacle 110 has
some minimum volume for storing debris when the packaging system
100 is in the closed position. When container 104 slides to the
left in FIG. 1B to open packaging system 100, folded cutout 114
folds up and may prevent container 104 from moving too far to the
right. Thus, folded cutout 114 may be used to prevent container 104
from being withdrawn from outer sleeve 102.
[0044] FIG. 1 shows packaging system 100 optionally comprises an
accordion member 128 that has at least two rectangular folding
sections having substantially similar geometry to the bottom
portion of the container. In general, the present invention has at
least two accordion members as is discussed below in more detail.
Accordion member 128 is attachable to container 104 and outer
sleeve 102 and is substantially folded within outer sleeve 102 with
packaging system 100 in closed position. A portion of accordion
member 128 and a bottom 130 of outer sleeve 102 form a closed
receptacle 110 for storing debris when packaging system 100 is in
closed position. Accordion member 128 typically lies substantially
flat when container 104 is in the extended open position. In a
preferred embodiment of the invention, the accordion member lies
substantially against a wall of outer sleeve 102 opposite of access
hole 116 when packaging system 100 is in open position. Thus, in a
preferred embodiment, accordion member 128 serves as a bottom
portion of open receptacle 122. Debris, such as a cigarette filter
and ashes, may be placed in open receptacle 122 and, when container
104 is returned to the closed position shown in FIG. 1A, the debris
is enclosed in the closed receptacle 110. Preferably, one or more
of the folding sections of accordion member 128 are sized to
tightly close closed receptacle 110 and suffocate smoldering debris
such as cigarette ashes or matches contained in closed receptacle
110.
[0045] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
receptacle lining 112 is incorporated into packaging system 100.
Receptacle lining 112 is positioned flush against the walls of
outer sleeve 102 within closed receptacle 110 formed between sleeve
102 and container 104. Accordion member 128 is attachable to
container 104 and receptacle lining 112 and is substantially folded
within outer sleeve 102 with packaging system 100 in the closed
position as shown in FIG. 1A. Thus a portion of accordion member
128 and receptacle lining 112 form a closed receptacle 110 when
packaging system 100 is in closed position.
[0046] Again referring to FIG. 1B, because accordion member 128
serves as a bottom portion of the ashtray, outer sleeve 102 is not
soiled with ashes when container 104 is returned to the closed
position after smoking and, therefore, will not soil the users
hands or other surfaces that packaging system 100 may come in
contact with after multiple uses. If container 104 has an opening
that aligns with access hole 116 when packaging system 100 is in
closed position, folded cutout 114 covers that opening and protects
the user's hands and pockets from being soiled with debris when
packaging system 100 is closed. Further, in a preferred embodiment,
the inside portions of outer sleeve 102, the exposed surface of
accordion member 128, receptacle lining 112, and the bottom of
container 104 that form the open and closed receptacles are coated
with a fire resistant material. When the fire resistant material
coats a non-fire resistant material, e.g., cardboard, paper, wood,
thermal plastic etc., the non-fire resistant material becomes fire
resistant. In a particular embodiment, the fire resistant material
is a thin layer of metal or adhesive backed metal tape.
Alternatively, the fire resistant material can be fiber glass or
any other material that provides protection against fire during use
of the packaging system.
[0047] FIGS. 2A-2C show the individual unassembled components of a
preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2A depicts container
104. In the embodiment shown, container 104 is a typical cigarette
box or standard manufactured cigarette package, but is preferably
constructed from cardboard. Container 104 may include a flip-top
106 to hold one or more cigarettes in container 104. FIG. 2B is a
flat member 102A of assembled outer sleeve 102 shown in FIG. 1.
Flat member 102A has been cut, as shown in FIG. 2B, preferably from
a piece of card board. Flat member 102A generally comprises front
and back wall panels 200, 202 attached to a bottom wall panel 130
and flaps 204, 206 208, 210, 212, and 214. Flat member 102A may be
folded on the dashed lines 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, and
230 and glued on flaps 204, 206 208, 210, 212, and 214 to form
outer sleeve 102 of packaging system 100 described above with
respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B. Wall panel 202, which forms a front
wall panel of outer sleeve 102, may be cut along solid lines 232,
234, and 236 and folded along lines 238, 240, and 242 to form
panels 244 and 246 and flap 248 of the folded cutout section 114 as
shown in FIG. 1. The terms front, back, bottom and side are used
herein for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to
limit the invention.
[0048] A side of flat member 102A, that is the interior of outer
sleeve 102, is preferably coated with a fire resistant material
either prior to cutting member 102A or after cutting flat member
102A. It is particularly useful to coat flat member 102A using a
metallic adhesive tape, but flat member 102A can be coated with a
fire resistant material by any suitable method. Larger wall panels
200 and 202 have substantially similar widths WI to a larger
rectangular side 250 of container 104 and the flaps have
substantially similar widths W2 to a smaller rectangular side 252
of container 104 as shown in FIG. 2A, but are generally slightly
larger so that when outer sleeve 102 is formed from flat member
102A container 104 will easily slide inside. Further, wall panel
130 of flat member 102A, which serves as a bottom section of outer
sleeve 102, has a similar size and geometry to that of bottom 254
of container 104.
[0049] FIG. 2C illustrates an accordion member 128 prior to its
assembly into packaging system 100 of the present invention.
Accordion member 128 has two rectangular folding sections 256, 258
and two flaps 260 and 262. In this particular embodiment, the
rectangular folding sections typically have substantially the same
size and geometry as bottom 254 of container 104, shown in FIG. 2A.
Again referring to FIG. 2C, flaps 260 and 262 may be coated with
adhesive to attach accordion member 128 to wall 202 of member 102A
and bottom 254 of container 104. Sections 260 and 262 are
preferably made form a cardboard material coated with a fire
resistant material on at least one side, namely, the side that
serves as a bottom portion of the open ashtray receptacle
(corresponding to the back side of accordion member 128 as shown in
FIG. 2C). It is convenient to coat accordion member 128 with a fire
resistant metallic tape wherein the tape extends beyond accordion
sections 256 and 258 to form flaps 260 and 262. The adhesive of the
metallic tape that form flaps 260 and 262 provides a means to
attach accordion member 128 to bottom 254 of container 104 and wall
200 of outer sleeve 102, while providing a fire resistant coating
to bottom 254 of container 104. It is clear, however, that
accordion sections 256 and 258 can be attached to outer sleeve 102
and container 104 by several alternative means.
[0050] FIGS. 2D-2E show two variations, 112A and 112B, of
unassembled receptacle lining 112. FIG. 2D depicts unfolded
receptacle lining 112A. Unfolded receptacle lining 112A generally
comprises front, back and side wall panels 264, 266, 268 and 270
attached to bottom wall panel 272 and flaps 274, 276, 278 and 280
attached to side wall panels 268 and 270. On folding members of
receptacle lining 112A along the illustrated dashed lines flaps 274
and 278 may be attached to back wall panel 266, and flaps 276 and
280 may be attached to front wall panel 264 with an adhesive to
form an open container. FIG. 2E depicts unfolded receptacle lining
112B comprising front and back panels 282 and 284 attached to
bottom panel 290, side panels 286 and 288 attached to front panel
282, and flaps 292 and 294. On folding at the illustrated dashed
lines flaps 292 and 294 are attachable with an adhesive to side
wall panels 286 and 288.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the surfaces of
the open container formed on folding 112A or 112B are coated with a
fire resistant material similar to that applied to the internal
surface of outer sleeve 102. The dimensions of the open container
formed on folding 112A or 112B are suitable in cross section and
depth such that folded receptacle lining 112A or 112B will fit
flush within the closed receptacle container formed between outer
sleeve 102 and container 104 when packaging system 100 is in closed
position.
[0052] FIG. 2F shows a preferred embodiment of partly assembled
accordion member 128 in conjunction with receptacle lining 112B to
form a single accordion/receptacle (A/R) component 296. Back wall
panel 284 of receptacle lining 112B is attached to folding section
258 of accordion member 128 in place of flap 262 as shown in FIG.
2C. As discussed above, flap 260 may be further attached to bottom
254 of container 104. The surface geometry of bottom wall panel 290
of A/R component 296 is substantially similar to the cross section
of bottom wall panel 130 of outer sleeve 102. On folding at the
dashed lines, A/R component 296 forms an open container with hinged
lid. The geometry of folded sections 256 and 258 is such that on
folding, they form a substantially closed receptacle with the
container formed by receptacle lining 112B. The surfaces of A/R
component 296 are preferably coated with a fire-resistant
material.
[0053] FIG. 3A shows a partially assembled cigarette packaging
system 100 of the present invention. Flap 260 of accordion member
128 is attached to the bottom of the container 104 as shown and
flap 262 is attached to a wall panel, e.g. wall panel 202 of outer
sleeve member 102A. Adhesive is applied to selected surfaces of
flaps 204, 206 208, 210, 212 and 214 in order to assemble the
sleeve. Flaps 204,206, 208 and 210 fold along dotted lines
228,216,218 and 230 respectively. Panels 200 and 202 fold along
lines 224 and 226 respectively. Flaps 212 and 214 attach to panel
130. Flap 204 attaches to flap 206 to form a first side wall panel
and flap 208 attaches to flap 210 to form a second sidewall panel.
Member 102A thus folds to form outer sleeve 102 of packaging system
100.
[0054] FIG. 3B shows a preferred embodiment of a partially
assembled cigarette packaging system 100 described in FIG. 3A. In
this embodiment A/R component 296 is utilized in place of accordion
member 128. Flap 260 is similarly attached to the bottom 254 of
container 104.
[0055] FIGS. 4A-4C further show embodiments, particulars and
adaptations of packaging system 100. Further, FIGS. 4A-4C show the
motion and positioning of accordion member 128, receptacle lining
112, and folded cutout section 114 as container 104 moves in or out
of outer sleeve 102. Referring to FIG. 4A, container 102 is in the
extended open position 0, wherein access hole 116 is open to open
receptacle 122 defined by the volume within outer sleeve 102 that
is between bottom 254 of container 104 and the top of receptacle
lining 112 (indicated in FIG. 1, but not indicated in FIG. 4), and
the volume contained within annulus 400 formed by the interior
surface of receptacle lining 112. Accordion member 128 is in a
substantially flat position within outer sleeve 102 and serves as a
bottom portion of the open ashtray receptacle 122. Folded cutout
section 114 folds up to expose access hole 116.
[0056] FIG. 4B shows the position of accordion member 128 within
outer sleeve 102 when container 104 is between the extended open
position and the closed position. In FIG. 4C, container 104 is in
closed position C and accordion member 128 is folded. Closed
receptacle 110 is defined by the volume bounded by bottom 254 of
container 104, and annulus 400 defined by the interior surface of
receptacle lining 112. When accordion 128 is used, one or more of
the folding sections 256, 258 of accordion member 128 and the
interior surface of receptacle lining 112 bound the closed
receptacle. Outer sleeve 102 may optionally include a flip-top 402
capable of being closed over the flip-top 106 of container 104 in
order to secure container 104 in closed C position. Flip-top 106 is
unnecessary in this embodiment, as it is clear flip-top 402 will
serve both purposes of holding smoking members in container 104 and
securing container 104 in the closed position within outer sleeve
102.
[0057] Again referring to FIG. 4A, in a most preferred embodiment
of the invention, packaging system 100 is a cigarette package made
from a material that is preferably 0.25 mm to 2 mm thick and is
cardboard. The outside dimension of the of cigarette container 104
are 8 to 12 cm long L, 4 to 7 cm wide W and 1.5 to 3.5 cm deep D.
Cigarette packaging system 100 has an outer rectangular sleeve 102
with inside dimensions similar to the outside dimensions of
container 104 and A/R component 296 within the tolerances of +/-0.5
cm.
[0058] FIG. 5 shows alternative exemplary embodiments of the
accordion member of packaging system 100. The present invention is
not limited to only one accordion member, as it could, for
instance, also have two accordion members, as is shown in FIG. 5.
In general, the present invention could include at least one
accordion member. FIG. 5 shows four different examples of accordion
members and how these members are placed within packaging system
100. The general principle as it has been discussed above is quite
similar for the accordion members shown in FIG. 5.
[0059] FIG. 5A shows accordion members 500 and 502. Accordion
member 500 has rectangular folding sections 504 and 506 and flaps
508 and 510. Similarly, accordion member 502 has rectangular
folding sections 512 and 514 and two flaps, 516 and another one
(referred to as 518) that is not visible in the view of FIG. 5A,
but is position at the bottom of container 104.
[0060] Accordion members 500 and 502 together could have a smaller
size and geometry compared to bottom 254 of container 104 as shown
in FIG. 2A.
[0061] Flaps 508 and 510 could be attached to wall 202 of outer
sleeve 102 and bottom of container 104, respectively. Similarly,
flaps 516 and 518 could also be attached to wall 202 of outer
sleeve 102 and the bottom of container 104, respectively. The flaps
of accordion members 500 and 502 could be position anywhere to wall
202 and bottom of container 104, such as, for instance, but not
limited to, either side of wall 202. The flaps could, for instance,
be positioned to the inside of bottom 130
[0062] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, FIG. 5B shows
accordion members 520 and 522 in the opposite position as accordion
members 500 and 502 as shown in FIG. 5A. Accordion member 520 has
rectangular folding sections 524 and 526 and flaps 528 and 530.
Similarly, accordion member 522 has rectangular folding sections
532 and 534 and two flaps, 536 and another one (referred to as 538)
that is not visible in the view of FIG. 5B, but is position at the
bottom of container 104.
[0063] Accordion members 520 and 522 together could have a smaller
size and geometry compared to bottom 254 of container 104 as shown
in FIG. 2A.
[0064] Flaps 528 and 530 could be attached to wall 200 of outer
sleeve 102 and bottom of container 104, respectively. Similarly,
flaps 536 and 538 could also be attached to wall 200 of outer
sleeve 102 and the bottom of container 104, respectively. The flaps
of accordion members 520 and 522 could be position anywhere to wall
200 and bottom of container 104, such as, for instance, but not
limited to, either side of wall 200. The flaps could, for instance,
be positioned to the inside of bottom 130
[0065] In yet another alternative exemplary embodiment, FIG. 5C
shows accordion members 540 and 542 now positioned perpendicular to
accordion members 500 and 502 as shown in FIG. 5A as well as
accordion members 520 and 522 as shown in FIG. 5B. Accordion member
540 has rectangular folding sections 544 and 546 and flaps 548 and
550. Similarly, accordion member 542 has rectangular folding
sections 552 and 554 and two flaps, 556 and another one (referred
to as 558) that is not visible in the view of FIG. 5C, but is
position at the bottom of container 104.
[0066] Flaps 548 and 550 could be attached to flap 204 or 206 of
outer sleeve 102 and bottom of container 104, respectively.
Similarly, flaps 536 and 538 could also be attached to flap 208 or
210 of outer sleeve 102 and the bottom of container 104,
respectively. The choice of attachment of flap 204 or 206 depends
on how flap 204 and 206 are attached to each other and which one
becomes the inside of outer sleeve 102. The choice of attachment of
flap 208 or 210 depends on how flap 208 and 210 are attached to
each other and which one becomes the inside of outer sleeve
102.
[0067] Accordion members 540 and 542 could have a similar size and
geometry compared to bottom 254 of container 104 as shown in FIG.
2A. In addition, accordion members 540 and 542 could be made so
that tip 560 of accordion member 540 touches tip 562 of accordion
member 542 when packaging system 100 is in closed position.
Alternatively, accordion members 540 and 542 could be made so that
tip 560 of accordion member 540 overlaps tip 562 of accordion
member 542 when packaging system 100 is in closed position. One
skilled in the art might readily acknowledge many variation in
position, size and folding/accordion mechanism of the accordion
members.
[0068] It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the above
embodiment may be altered in many ways without departing from the
scope of the invention. For example, container 104 can be held in
the closed position by any means such as a strap. Furthermore,
while the access hole 116 is depicted herein as being rectangular,
any shape access hole, e.g., round, elliptical, triangular, etc is
within the scope of the invention. Similarly, although container
104 and outer sleeve 102 are depicted herein as being substantially
rectangular in shape, other container shapes, e.g., round,
elliptical, triangular, spherical, cylindrical, etc may be used.
Packaging system 100 may also be of any size and is not in any way
limited solely to packaging for cigarettes. Furthermore, pouch 108
may be attached to any of the walls of outer sleeve 102.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the
following claims and their legal equivalents.
* * * * *