U.S. patent application number 12/045801 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-18 for litter disposal device.
This patent application is currently assigned to American Accessories International LLC. Invention is credited to Eric ZEANAH.
Application Number | 20080223382 12/045801 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39759988 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080223382 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ZEANAH; Eric |
September 18, 2008 |
LITTER DISPOSAL DEVICE
Abstract
A litter disposal device for temporarily storing and containing
cigarette ash, butts, and other litter. The litter disposal device
includes a cap, a storage system, a pivot system adapted to permit
the cap to move between the closed and open positions, and an
extinguishing system containable within the storage system and
adapted to extinguish the lit end of a cigarette. In the open
position, ashes, butts, and unused portions of cigarettes, cigars,
and/or other similar products/rubbish can be transported from the
outside to the inside of the litter disposal device and vice versa.
In the closed position, however, cigarette ash and butts cannot
enter or exit the storage system of the litter disposal device. The
storage system has a generally flat bottom to enable the litter
disposal device to maintain an upright position.
Inventors: |
ZEANAH; Eric; (Knoxville,
TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TROUTMAN SANDERS LLP
600 PEACHTREE STREET , NE
ATLANTA
GA
30308
US
|
Assignee: |
American Accessories International
LLC
Knoxville
TX
|
Family ID: |
39759988 |
Appl. No.: |
12/045801 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60894732 |
Mar 14, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/235.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 19/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/235.1 |
International
Class: |
A24F 13/18 20060101
A24F013/18 |
Claims
1. A cigarette butt disposal unit comprising: a cap; a storage
system to store rubbish, the storage system comprising an upper
open end; a pivot system permitting the cap to move between a
closed position in which discarded rubbish is secured in the
storage system and an open position in which rubbish can be
inserted into the storage system; and an extinguishing system
carried by the storage system, the extinguishing system adapted to
extinguish a cigarette when the cigarette contacts the
extinguishing system.
2. The cigarette butt disposal unit of claim 1, the pivot system
comprising a latch element adapted to temporarily maintain the cap
in the closed position against accidental openings.
3. The cigarette butt disposal unit of claim 1, the storage system
comprising a flat bottom adapted to enable the storage system to
maintain an upright position.
4. The cigarette butt disposal system of claim 3, the pivot system
comprises: a pivot lug element in communication with the cap, the
pivot lug element extending downwardly from a proximal end of a
lower end of the cap; and a pivot groove element in communication
with the storage system, the pivot groove element adapted to
receive the pivot lug element.
5. A cigarette butt disposal device comprising: a cap; a storage
body adapted to store cigarette ash and butts; a pivot system
adapted to permit the cap to move between a closed position and an
open position; and an extinguishing system releasably containable
within the storage body, the extinguishing system adapted to
extinguish a cigarette.
6. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 5, the cap
comprising: an upper closed end; a lower open end adapted to engage
an upper open end of the storage body when the cap is in the closed
position; and a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper
closed end of the cap to the lower open end of the cap.
7. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 6, the cap further
comprising: an upper insert plate containable within the cap; and a
lower insert plate containable within the cap, wherein the upper
insert plate and the lower insert plate are adapted to dissipate
heat within the storage body.
8. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 7, the storage body
further comprising: a lower closed end, wherein the lower closed
end is flat to enable the storage body to maintain an upright
position; and a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper
open end of the storage body to the lower closed end of the storage
body.
9. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 8, wherein the pivot
system comprises: a pivot lug element in communication with the
cap, the pivot lug element extending downwardly from a proximal end
of the lower open end of the cap; and a pivot groove element in
communication with the storage body, the pivot groove element
adapted to receive the pivot lug element and extending downwardly
from a proximal end of the upper open end of the storage body.
10. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 9, the pivot lug
element formed to define a pivot lug aperture.
11. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 10, the pivot
groove element formed to define a pivot groove aperture.
12. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 11, the pivot
system further comprising a pivot hinge element adapted to engage
the pivot lug element and the pivot groove element.
13. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 12, the pivot hinge
element containable within the pivot lug aperture and the pivot
groove aperture.
14. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 9, further
comprising a latch element adapted to temporarily maintain the cap
in the closed position.
15. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 14, wherein the
extinguishing system comprises: an upper open end; a lower open end
adapted to engage the storage body; a peripheral wall extending
downwardly from the upper open end of the extinguishing system to
the lower open end extinguishing system; and an extinguishing plate
element in communication with a proximal end of the upper open end,
wherein the extinguishing plate element is adapted to engage and
extinguish a lit item.
16. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 15, the
extinguishing system further comprising: an extinguishing handle
element in communication with the lower open end of the
extinguishing system, the extinguishing handle element extending
downwardly from a proximal end of the lower open end of the
extinguishing system.
17. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 16, the
extinguishing handle element comprising an extinguishing lip
element in communication with a distal end of the extinguishing
handle element.
18. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 17, the storage
body further comprising an inner body containable within the
storage body; the inner body comprising: an upper open end; a lower
closed end that is flat; and a peripheral wall extending downwardly
from the upper open end of the inner body to the lower closed end
of the inner body.
19. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 18, the
extinguishing system further comprising an extinguishing pocket
containable within the extinguishing system, and the extinguishing
pocket in communication with the proximal end of the upper open end
of the extinguishing system and is adapted to engage and extinguish
the cigarette.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/894,732 filed 14
Mar. 2007, the entire contents and substance of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a litter disposal
device and, in particular, to a cigarette butt disposal device.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Smoking is often prohibited in public areas to improve air
quality and to prevent discomfort or harm to non-smoking
individuals. On the occasions when an individual desires to smoke,
the individual typically must remain in a designated area outside.
These designated outside areas do not always provide ashtrays or
ash containers for proper disposal of cigarette ash, cigarette
butts, and other litter. Individuals, therefore, are forced into
the objectionable practice of allowing litter, ashes, and cigarette
butts to pollute the ground and thus the environment.
[0006] When not properly extinguished, lit cigarette butts can
become fire hazards. Partially lit cigarette butts can ignite grass
or debris, resulting in a larger and more serious fire that could
lead to injury or even death. The lack of proper ashtrays and ash
containers within designated smoking areas increases the
probability that discarded ash and cigarette butts are not
adequately extinguished.
[0007] Ashtrays and ash containers are limited in portability and,
therefore, must remain in a more permanent location, such as
cigarette urns and receptacles near benches and door exits, within
an automobile, or on a table. These ashtrays and ash containers can
be aesthetically unpleasing and are often considered undesirable.
Accordingly, smokers are provided with fewer opportunities to
properly dispose of litter, ash, and cigarette butts when away from
such permanently-located receptacles.
[0008] What is needed is a personal litter disposal device that is
easily transportable for temporarily containing and storing
cigarette ash, cigarette butts, and other litter. It is to such a
device that the present invention is primarily directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Briefly described, in preferred form, the present invention
is a personal litter disposal device sized for easy transport for
temporarily storing and containing cigarette ash, butts, and the
like. The litter disposal device includes a cap having an open
position and a closed position, a storage system, a pivot system
adapted to permit the cap to move between the closed and open
positions, and an extinguishing system containable within the
storage system and adapted to extinguish the lit end of a
cigarette. When the cap is in the open position, ashes, butts, and
unused portions of cigarettes, cigars, and/or other similar
products/rubbish can be received from the outside of the litter
disposal device by the storage system. Additionally, in the open
position, the cigarette ash and butts can be removed from the
inside of the storage system to the outside of the litter disposal
device for proper disposal. In the closed position, however,
cigarette ash and butts cannot enter or exit the storage system of
the litter disposal device.
[0010] The pivot system can comprise a biasing system against
accidental opening, for example, a pulling element can be adapted
to temporarily maintain the cap in the closed position. More
particularly, the pulling element provides an adequate amount of
resistance to an opening force, thereby ensuring that the cap of
the litter disposal device is not accidentally opened at an
inappropriate time, such as while in an individual's pocket.
[0011] Further, the storage system comprises a generally flat
bottom adapted to enable the litter disposal device to maintain an
upright position on a flat surface. The flat bottom of the storage
system ensures that the litter disposal device can be placed on a
generally flat surface, such as a table, for an extended period of
time.
[0012] Although the present invention described above refers to
systems, the physical elements of the present invention include a
cap, a storage body, a pivot hinge element, a pivot groove, and an
extinguishing plate element. The cap has an open position when a
lower open end of the cap is not engaged with an upper open end of
the storage body, and a closed position when the lower open end of
the cap is engaged with the upper open end of the storage body. The
cap can include an insert plate to provide support to the cap,
while maintaining a seal with the storage body so that the contents
of the litter disposal device do not accidentally spill from the
storage body.
[0013] The pivot groove is in communication with the upper open end
of the storage body and is adapted to receive and house the pulling
element, which is in communication with the lower open end of the
cap. Connected together via a pivot hinge element, the pulling
element and the pivot groove permit the cap to rotationally move
between the open and closed positions.
[0014] The extinguishing plate element is removably containable
within the storage body and is preferably positioned near the upper
open end of the storage body. The extinguishing plate element can
be used to knock off, or dislodge, ashes from the end of a
cigarette into the storage body. The extinguishing plate element is
further adapted to engage and extinguish a lit cigarette.
Subsequently, the extinguished cigarette butt can be deposited
within the storage body for temporary containment. The
extinguishing plate element can also comprise an extinguishing
handle element and an extinguishing lip element, such that the
extinguishing handle element and the extinguishing lip element
permit an individual to easily hold the extinguishing plate element
when it is removed from the storage body.
[0015] The storage body can further comprise an inner body
containable within the storage body. The inner body is preferably
shaped cooperatively with the storage body and is adapted to
maintain the shape of the storage body, while sealing the storage
body with the cap, when in the closed position. Alternatively, the
inner body is adapted to absorb and dissipate heat from the storage
body. Accordingly, the inner body ensures that external surfaces of
the storage body do not exceed a predetermined temperature.
[0016] Among the many beneficial features of the personal litter
devices include a litter disposal device for adequately containing
and storing cigarette ash, butts, and other litter; a cap adapted
to allow the cigarette ash and butts to enter and exit a storage
body when the cap is in the open position, but not the closed
position; a pivot system adapted to permit rotational movement of
the cap between the closed and open positions; and an extinguishing
system adapted to dislodge ash from the end of a cigarette or
extinguish the lit end of a cigarette.
[0017] Notably, the personal litter device overcomes many of
deficiencies of the prior art because it is preferable that the
personal litter device comprise a flat bottom. Most of the prior
art personal litter devices included a rounded bottom, and thus
prohibited the personal litter device from standing upright on a
flat surface. The personal litter device of the present invention
overcomes this deficiency.
[0018] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent upon reading the
following specification in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a litter disposal device,
with the cap closed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the litter disposal device
of FIG. 1, with the cap open, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the litter
disposal device of FIGS. 1-2, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view, across line A-A of
FIG. 2, of the litter disposal device with a cap open, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a side, cross-sectional view, across line A-A of
FIG. 2, of the litter disposal device with the cap closed, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring now in detail to the drawing figures, wherein like
reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several
views, a litter disposal device 100 (also referred to herein as
"cigarette butt disposal device 100") of FIGS. 1-5 is designed for
proper disposal, storage, and containment of litter, ashes, butts,
and unused portions of cigarettes, cigars, and/or other similar
products/rubbish (collectively referred to herein as "cigarette
rubbish"). Further, the litter disposal device 100 is designed for
portability and, therefore, allows for easy and convenient disposal
of cigarette rubbish by an individual on the move. Although the
cigarette butt disposal device 100 can be of various shapes and
sizes, it is preferably small enough to fit within a coat, shirt,
or pant pocket.
[0025] When in an open position, the cigarette butt disposal device
100 is configured to permit the receipt of cigarette rubbish into
the inside of the cigarette butt disposal device 100, while also
permitting the expulsion of cigarette rubbish from the inside to
the outside of the cigarette butt disposal device 100. The
cigarette butt disposal device 100, however, prevents cigarette
rubbish from entering or exiting the cigarette butt disposal device
100, when in a closed position.
[0026] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the cigarette butt disposal
device 100 comprises a cap 200, a pivot system 300, a storage
system 400, and an extinguishing system 500. The pivot system 300
is adapted to enable the cap 200 to move between the open and
closed positions. The extinguishing system 500 is releasably
disposed within the storage system 400, and is adapted to
extinguish a cigarette before being disposed within the storage
system 400 for proper storage. Further, the extinguishing system
500 can be used to dislodge, or knock off, ashes from the end of a
cigarette into the storage system 400. One skilled in the art would
appreciate that the storage system 400 and extinguishing system 500
are generally constructed of non-flammable, heat-resistant
materials.
[0027] The storage system 400 comprises an upper open end 410, such
that the upper open end 410 is in communication with an inside and
an outside of the cigarette butt disposal device 100 when the cap
200 is in the open position. Accordingly, cigarette rubbish can be
received by the storage system 400 or removed from the storage
system 400, when the cap 200 is in the open position. When the cap
200 is in the closed position, however, the upper open end 410 of
the storage system 400 is not in communication with the outside of
the cigarette butt disposal device 100. The cigarette rubbish,
therefore, cannot enter or exit the storage system 400 when the cap
200 is in the closed position.
[0028] The pivot system 300 of the cigarette butt disposal device
100 comprises a biasing system against accidental opening, for
example, a pulling element 305 is adapted to temporarily maintain
the cap 200 in the closed position. The pulling element 305 is
designed to ensure that the cigarette rubbish stored within the
storage system 400 does not accidentally exit the storage system
400 at an inappropriate or undesired time. More particularly, the
pulling element 305 provides proper resistance when an opening
force is applied to the cap 200 to ensure only an intended opening
force will open the cap 200. Likewise, the pulling element 305
provides proper resistance when a closing force is applied to the
cap 200 to ensure an intended closing force closes the cap 200.
[0029] The storage system 400 further comprises a bottom 415. The
bottom 415 is preferably rectangularly shaped, though other shapes
can be implemented, and the bottom 415 is preferably generally flat
so that it can rest upon a surface. Further, it is preferable that
the bottom 415 can be adapted to enable the storage system 400 to
maintain an upright position on a generally flat supporting
surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the cigarette butt disposal
device 100 is purposefully designed to enable an individual to
place the cigarette butt disposal device 100 on a flat surface,
such as a table, during use. The bottom 415 of the storage system
400 having the generally flat shape enables the cigarette butt
disposal device 100 to be used as an ordinary ashtray.
[0030] More specifically, the cigarette butt disposal device 100,
as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, comprises a cap 200, a storage body
405 adapted to store and contain cigarette rubbish, a pivot system
300 adapted to controllably permit the cap 200 to move between the
closed and open positions, and an extinguishing plate element 520
containable within the storage body 405 and adapted to extinguish
(or snuff) a cigarette. As an individual smokes, the cap 200 of the
cigarette butt disposal device 100 can be moved to the open
position, allowing for ashes to be deposited within the storage
body 405. Once the individual finishes, the cigarette can be
extinguished on the extinguishing plate element 520, and then the
cigarette butt can be deposited within the storage body 405. The
individual can then move the cap 200 to the closed position before
putting the cigarette butt disposal device 100 in his or her
pocket.
[0031] The cap 200 is moveable between an open and closed position.
As described above, the cap 200 prevents cigarette rubbish from
entering or exiting the storage body 405 when the cap 200 is in the
closed position. Conversely, the cap 200 allows the cigarette
rubbish to be received into the storage body 405 for storage or
expelled from the storage body 405 to the outside of the cigarette
butt disposal device 100 for proper disposal. As illustrated in
FIGS. 3-4, the cap 200 comprises an upper closed end 205, a lower
open end 210, and a peripheral wall 215. The peripheral wall 215
extends downwardly from the upper closed end 205 to the lower open
end 210, thereby defining a cavity below the upper closed end 205
of the cap 200. Further, the lower open end 210 is adapted to
engage an upper open end 410 of the storage body 405, when the cap
200 is in the closed position.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the cap 200 further comprises an
insert plate 220, such that the insert plate 220 is containable
within the cap 200. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the insert plate 220
is shaped cooperatively as the upper closed end 205 and the lower
open end 210 of the cap 200. The insert plate 220 is adapted to
maintain the shape of the cap 200 and provide a seal between the
cap 200 and the storage body 405. Generally, a portion or the
entirety of the insert plate 220 can be made of ethylene vinyl
acetate (EVA) foam or rubber to provide a seal between the cap 200
and the storage body 405. The insert plate 220 can prevent unwanted
spills from occurring.
[0033] Now referring to FIGS. 3-5, the storage body 405 is adapted
to temporarily store and contain cigarette rubbish, until the
cigarette rubbish can be disposed of properly (e.g., into a
standard ashtray or garbage container). Besides the upper open end
410, the storage body 405 further comprises a lower closed end 415
and a peripheral wall 420. The peripheral wall 420 extends
downwardly from the upper open end 410 to the lower closed end 415
and, thereby defines a hollow cavity above the lower closed end
415. Cigarette rubbish is stored within the formed hollow cavity
during use of the cigarette butt disposal device 100. The lower
closed end 415 of the storage body 405 can have a rectangular shape
to enable the storage body 405 to maintain an upright position.
Additionally, the lower closed end 415 can be generally flat
enabling the storage body 405 to rest on a generally flat
surface.
[0034] The pivot system 300 is adapted to permit the cap 200 to
move between the open and closed positions. The pivot system 300
comprises a pulling element 305, and a pivot groove 320 defined in
the storage body 405. The pulling element 305 is in communication
with the cap 200, such that when the cap 200 is closed, the pulling
element 305 provides a sufficient resistance enabling the cap 200
to remain closed.
[0035] The pulling element 305 includes two spaced ends--a first
end 305a in communication with the cap 200 and a second end 305b
that is containable within the pivot groove 320. The first end 305a
defines a pulling element aperture 310. The pulling element
aperture 310 is adapted to receive a pivot hinge element 315. The
cap 200 can include a pair of cap apertures on opposing sides of
the proximal end of the cap 200. When the pulling element aperture
310 and the cap apertures are properly aligned, the pivot hinge
element 315 can be slidably contained therein. The pivot hinge
element 315 essentially connects the cap 200 with the storage body
405 via the pulling element 305. Preferably, the pivot hinge
element 315 is a hinge pin, although one skilled in the art would
appreciate that the pivot hinge element 315 can comprise other
appropriate hinge devices. Based on the pivot hinge element 315
being slidably contained within the pulling element aperture 310
and the cap apertures, the cap 200 can be rotationally moved
between the open and closed positions, such that the lower open end
210 of the cap 200 engages with the upper open end 410 of the
storage body 405, when the cap 200 is the closed position. The
rotational movement of the cap 200 can further be described as a
rotational pivot at the proximal end of the cap 200 and storage
body 405.
[0036] The second end 305b of the pulling element 305 is preferably
housed in the pivot groove 320. This end of the pulling element 305
can comprise a pivot latch element 335, such that the pivot latch
element 335 includes a bias element 340. In an exemplary
embodiment, the bias element 340 can be a spring or single pin
spring action lever, though as one skilled in the art would
appreciate, other bias elements can be implemented. The bias
element 340 is adapted to temporarily maintain the cap 200 in the
closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The bias element 340 is
generally positioned at the proximate end of the cap 200 and the
storage body 405, and can be adapted to receive the second end 305b
of the pulling element 305. One skilled in the art would appreciate
that the bias element 340 can be effectively used to both hold the
cap 200 in its open or closed positions. The bias element 340
generally biases the cap 200 to the closed position, and provides
an adequate amount of resistance to an opening force exerted on the
cap 200.
[0037] In one embodiment, the bias element 340 can have
approximately the same tension when the cap 200 is in the open
position as the cap is in the closed position.
[0038] The pivot system 300 can further include a pivot rod 330
that can extend through a pair of aligned storage body apertures
325 located on the proximal end of the storage body 405. The pivot
rod 330 provides a pivot point for the cap 200 to open/close
relative to the storage body 405.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the pivot system 300 can include
a latch element 600 adapted to temporarily maintain the cap 200 in
the closed position. The latch element 600 can be positioned at a
distal end of the cap 200 and the storage body 405. One skilled in
the art would appreciate that the latch element 600 can be
effectively positioned in different locations about the cigarette
butt disposal device 100. The latch element 600 provides an
adequate resistance to an opening force, thereby preventing the cap
200 from accidentally being moved from the closed position to the
open position. For example and not limitation, the latch element
600 can be an external locking means for assuring the cigarette
butt disposal device 100 does not accidentally open. Consequently,
the latch element 600 prevents cigarette rubbish from exiting the
storage body 405 at an inappropriate time (e.g., while still in the
pocket of the individual).
[0040] Now referring to FIGS. 3-5, the extinguishing system 500 is
adapted to engage and extinguish a lit item, such as a cigarette,
before the cigarette is deposited within the storage body 405. The
extinguishing system 500 comprises an upper open end 505, a lower
open end 510, a peripheral wall 515, and the extinguishing plate
element 520. The peripheral wall 515 extends downwardly from the
upper open end 505 to the lower open end 510, thereby defining a
hollow interior that permits the transport of cigarette rubbish
from the outside of the storage body 405 to the inside of the
storage body 405, or vice versa. The lower open end 510 of the
extinguishing system 500 is adapted to engage the upper open end
410 of the storage body 405. More particularly, the extinguishing
system 500 is partially containable within the storage body 405,
such that the upper open end 505 of the extinguishing system 500
engages the lower open end 210 of the cap 200, when the cap 200 is
in the closed position.
[0041] The extinguishing plate element 520 is in communication with
the proximate end of the upper open end 505 of the extinguishing
system 500. The extinguishing plate element 520 narrows the passage
between inside and outside of the storage body 405 by partially
covering the upper open end 505 of the extinguishing system 500.
Cigarette rubbish can only enter or exit the storage body 405 via
the distal end of the upper open end 505 of the extinguishing
system 500, unless the extinguishing system 500 is actually removed
from the storage body 405. When the lit end of a cigarette engages
the extinguishing plate element 520, ashes at the end of the
cigarette can be knocked off into the storage body 405 or the
cigarette can be extinguished or snuffed out. The extinguishing
plate element 520 can be flat or slightly contoured for adequately
engaging with the lit end of a cigarette. Additionally, the
extinguishing plate element 520 can be slanted to assist the ashes
that have been knocked off the end of the cigarette to slide easily
into the storage body 405, e.g., through an aperture 507 of the
extinguishing system 500.
[0042] The extinguishing plate element 520 can further comprise an
ash disposal slot 508, such that the ash disposal slot 508 is
adapted to engage the lit end of a cigarette and assists the
cigarette ash to fall from the extinguishing plate element 520 into
the storage body 405. The ash disposal slot 508 is configured to
allow ash from a cigarette to pass through the extinguishing plate
element 520 into the storage body 405. The ash disposal slot 508,
therefore, is generally measured in size between approximately 50%
and 70% of the lit end of a cigarette. The ash disposal slot 508
can be configured in the shape of a "plus sign" for aesthetics and
to also increase the area that burning ashes can be scraped and
then fall into the storage body 405. One skilled in the art would
appreciate that the ash disposal slot 508 can include many
aesthetically-pleasing shapes that still permits the burning ash,
or like litter pieces, to fall into the storage body 405.
[0043] The extinguishing system 500 further comprises an
extinguishing handle element 525 that is in communication with the
lower open end 510 of the extinguishing system 500. The
extinguishing handle element 525 extends downwardly from the
proximal end of the lower open end 510. The extinguishing handle
element 525 comprises an extinguishing lip element 530 in
communication with the distal end of the extinguishing handle
element 525.
[0044] When removed from the storage body 405, an individual can
hold onto the extinguishing system 500 via the extinguishing handle
element 525. The extinguishing handle element 525 is properly
shaped so that an individual can easily hold the extinguishing
system 500, while the cigarette rubbish within the storage body 405
is removed. The extinguishing lip element 530 provides the
individual with a convenient location to put one's thumb while
wrapping one's finger about the extinguishing handle element 525.
Further, the extinguishing lip element 530 is also adapted to
properly position the extinguishing system 500 within the storage
body 405 by engaging the inner side of the peripheral wall 420 of
the storage body 405. As positioned, the extinguishing lip element
530 provides support to the extinguishing system 500 during
use.
[0045] The extinguishing handle element 525 is also adapted to
receive the moveable pivot system 300. When the cap 200 is moved
from the closed position (see FIG. 5) to the open position (see
FIG. 4), the pivot system 300 extends into a portion of the storage
body 405. Specifically, the bias element 340 and the pulling
element 305 of the pivot system 300 extend into a portion of the
storage body 405 when the cap 200 is in the open position. The
extinguishing handle element 525 has an arcuate shape that receives
the inwardly-extending pivot system 300, when the cap 200 is in the
open position. The arcuate shape not only protects the pivot system
300, but also reduces the amount of cigarette rubbish that will
interact with the pivot system 300. Preferably, the extinguishing
handle element 525 is shaped to prevent ash and other rubbish from
interfering with the pivot system 300.
[0046] One skilled in the art would recognize that the cigarette
butt disposal device 100, including the cap 200, pivot system 300,
storage system 400, and extinguishing system 500, and all of the
components and/or elements thereof can be made of a variety of
suitable heat-resistant materials including, but not limited to,
polymers, rubber, metal, ceramic, silicone, or other suitable
materials or a combination thereof.
[0047] In one embodiment, the present invention is a cigarette butt
disposal unit. The cigarette butt disposal unit includes a cap; a
storage system to store rubbish, the storage system comprising an
upper open end; a pivot system permitting the cap to move between a
closed position in which discarded rubbish is secured in the
storage system and an open position in which rubbish can be
inserted into the storage system; and an extinguishing system
carried by the storage system, the extinguishing system adapted to
extinguish a cigarette when the cigarette contacts the
extinguishing system. The pivot system comprises a latch element
adapted to temporarily maintain the cap in the closed position
against accidental openings. The storage system comprises a flat
bottom that is adapted to enable the storage system to maintain an
upright position. The pivot system comprises a pivot lug element in
communication with the cap, the pivot lug element extending
downwardly from a proximal end of a lower end of the cap; and a
pivot groove element in communication with the storage system, the
pivot groove element adapted to receive the pivot lug element.
[0048] In another embodiment, the present invention is a cigarette
butt disposal device. The cigarette butt disposal device includes a
cap; a storage body adapted to store cigarette ash and butts; a
pivot system adapted to permit the cap to move between a closed
position and an open position; and an extinguishing system
releasably containable within the storage body, the extinguishing
system adapted to extinguish a cigarette.
[0049] The cap of the cigarette butt disposal device includes an
upper closed end; a lower open end adapted to engage an upper open
end of the storage body when the cap is in the closed position; and
a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper closed end of
the cap to the lower open end of the cap. Further, the cap includes
an upper insert plate containable within the cap; and a lower
insert plate containable within the cap, wherein the upper insert
plate and the lower insert plate are adapted to dissipate heat
within the storage body.
[0050] The storage body of the cigarette butt disposal device
further includes a lower closed end, wherein the lower closed end
is flat to enable the storage body to maintain an upright position;
and a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper open end
of the storage body to the lower closed end of the storage
body.
[0051] The pivot system of the cigarette butt disposal device
includes a pivot lug element in communication with the cap, the
pivot lug element extending downwardly from a proximal end of the
lower open end of the cap; and a pivot groove element in
communication with the storage body, the pivot groove element
adapted to receive the pivot lug element and extending downwardly
from a proximal end of the upper open end of the storage body. The
pivot lug element defines a pivot lug aperture. The pivot groove
element defines a pivot groove aperture. The pivot system further
includes a pivot hinge element adapted to engage the pivot lug
element and the pivot groove element. The pivot hinge element can
be contained within the pivot lug aperture and the pivot groove
aperture.
[0052] The cigarette butt disposal device further includes a latch
element adapted to temporarily maintain the cap in the closed
position.
[0053] In addition, the extinguishing system of the cigarette butt
disposal device includes an upper open end; a lower open end
adapted to engage the storage body; a peripheral wall extending
downwardly from the upper open end of the extinguishing system to
the lower open end extinguishing system; and an extinguishing plate
element in communication with a proximal end of the upper open end,
wherein the extinguishing plate element is adapted to engage and
extinguish a lit item. The extinguishing system further comprises
an extinguishing handle element in communication with the lower
open end of the extinguishing system, the extinguishing handle
element extending downwardly from a proximal end of the lower open
end of the extinguishing system. The extinguishing handle element
comprises an extinguishing lip element in communication with a
distal end of the extinguishing handle element.
[0054] Moreover, the storage body further includes an inner body
containable within the storage body; the inner body includes an
upper open end; a lower closed end that is flat; and a peripheral
wall extending downwardly from the upper open end of the inner body
to the lower closed end of the inner body. The extinguishing system
further includes an extinguishing pocket containable within the
extinguishing system, and the extinguishing pocket is in
communication with the proximal end of the upper open end of the
extinguishing system and is adapted to engage and extinguish the
cigarette.
[0055] Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth
in the foregoing description, together with details of structure
and function. While the invention has been disclosed in several
forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many
modifications, additions, and deletions, especially in matters of
shape, size, and arrangement of parts, can be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its
equivalents as set forth in the following claims. Therefore, other
modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings
herein are particularly reserved as they fall within the breadth
and scope of the claims here appended.
* * * * *