Ashtray

Abstract

 The ashtray comprises a body (13) enclosing an ashes receptacle (14) and carries at its bottom a reservoir (9) for the liquid to be sprayed into receptacle (14). The latter being enclosed at its top by a lid (1) fitted with holes (2) for both ashes and butts to be introduced thereinto. Bottom wall (33) of receptacle (14) being integral with pump (4), operable by means of a knob (3), so as to deliver the liquid through a number of delivery ducts (10) to a number of spray members (70). Between said receptacle (14) and said reservoir (9) there lies a series of holes (60) fitted with a valve (61) and an activated carbon filter (63).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an ashtray, and in particular of the kind in which ashes are humidified and butts extinguished.

[0002] Different types of ashtrays of the kind in which butts are automatically extinguished are well-known. In a known type, the ashes receptacle presents an upper opening and is partially filled with sand, where into butts are extinguished; chemicals may be added to the sand to reduce smelly fumes.

[0003] Such ashtrays, though, are unable to suppress smelly fumes due to cooling ashes and butts. Furthermore, since the ashes can not be removed from the sand, to clean out the ashtray it is necessary to empty out both ashes and sand, which, therefore, must be replaced every single time.

[0004] In another known type of ashtray, mobile elements enclose the ashes receptacle, the butts being introduced thereinto by pressure and burning out due to lack of air. Such an ashtray does reduce smelly fumes, but only as long as said receptacle is shut, that is, until the latter is opened so as to introduce another butt. Besides, due to the slow dying out of the embers, their temperature maintains high for a longer period of time, thus causing the emission of ill-smelling fumes to increase.

[0005] Other ashtrays are also known, of the kind in which, in order to avoid fumes, the ashes are humidified and the butts are extinguished by way of a liquid jet. The reservoirs containing said liquid being both difficult to fill up and connected to the ashtray by means of complex, as well as unreliable ducts.

[0006] The technical problem of the invention consists in creating such an ashtray, as may be likely to inhibit fumes given out by ashes and butts and as may be both simple and economical to manufacture and maintain, besides obviating the hereinabove drawbacks, common to the known ashtrays.

[0007] Such a technical issue being solved by the ashtray as according to the present invention, the body of which presents an ashes receptacle so as to collect both ashes and butts, a reservoir for the liquid employed to humidify the sand and extinguish the butts, means for the passage of said liquid from said receptacle to said reservoir, and a pump operable to direct, each time, a given amount of said liquid from said reservoir to said receptacle through said passage means, said receptacle being enclosed by a lid providing for at least one opening for the insertion of both ash and butts, and characterized in that said pump is contained in said body, and in that said passage means comprise at least one delivery duct, communicating with a group of sprayers for said liquid, said sprayers being located close to an upper portion of said receptacle.

[0008] The present invention will be better described by way of some non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an ashtray according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a median sectional elevation of the ashtray as in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a median sectional elevation of an ashtray according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a median sectional elevation of an ashtray according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a partial elevation taken along line V-V line in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a partial elevation taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a similar elevation to the one in Fig. 6, for an alternative embodiment of the ashtray.

[0009] With reference to Fig. 1, there is indicated with 1 a lid of an ashtray, consisting of a main body 13. Lid 1 having a series of holes 2 for both ashes and butts to be inserted into the ashtray. The latter being fitted with a knob 3, to be depressed by hand so as to operate pump 4 (Fig. 2).

[0010] To this end, knob 3 is integral with piston 5 of pump 4, which is biassed in a high position by a compression spring 6. The latter then automatically pushing knob 3 upwards, thus causing operation of pump 4 to be similar, from the user's point of view, to the operation of a knob of a known ashtray fitted with a lid.

[0011] Pump 4 is operable to pump, a given liquid, e.g. water, contained in reservoir 9 of body 13, so that butts are extinguished. Pump 4 sucks up the water contained in reservoir 9, through a suction duct 8, fitted with a ball suction valve 7. Every time knob 3 is operated, pump 4 delivers a given amount of the intake water to a series of delivery ducts 10, formed in body 13 and each provided with a ball check valve 11.

[0012] Ducts 10 end in a number of spray nozzles 12, obtained on body 13 of the ashtray, as well. Nozzles 12 spray an ashes receptacle 14, whereinto both ashes and butts are inserted.

[0013] Lid 1 ermetically shuts ashes receptacle 14 by means of two seal rings 15 and 16, and can be removed so as to allow the mush of ash and butts to be emptied out. A stopper 17, fitting into and closing the bottom of reservoir 9, can be removed to allow for its filling up.

[0014] More particularly, with reference to Fig. 1, body 13 of the ashtray shows an upper portion 28, cup-shaped, defining ashes receptacle 14 (Fig. 2). Portion 28 comprising a frusto-conical side wall 29, the upper end thereof having an annular edge 30, lid 1 being locked thereon. Said lid 1 being capable of cooperating in a sealed manner with the upper surface of edge 30 by way of seal ring 16 and having a cylindrical edge 31, cooperating in a sealed manner with the side surface of edge 30 by means of seal ring 15.

[0015] Cylindrical edge 31 being fitted on its outside with a number of projections 31, so as to facilitate both manual handling during assembly, by means of screws or by pressure, and removal of lid 1. The latter essentially comprising a circular disc, whereon circular holes 2 (Fig. 1) are circumferentially and equally spaced with respect to one another.

[0016] Frusto-conical side wall 29 being integral with bottom wall 33 (Fig. 2) of ashes receptacle 14, the latter constituting the shorter base of the truncated cone. Wall 33 being integral with a lower portion 34 of body 13, representing a frusto-conical side wall of reservoir 9. Container 9 therefore being enclosed at its top by bottom wall 33 of ashes receptacle 14.

[0017] The lower part of side wall 34 of container 9 ending in a threaded offset 35. A threaded edge 36 of stopper 17 is screwed on to offset 35, after the insertion of sealing 35a. Edge 36 being fitted, on its outer surface, with a series of projections 37, so as to allow for an easier grip thereof.

[0018] Pump 4 is made up of hydraulic cylinder 38, wherein piston 5 slides vertically. In particular, cylinder 38 being supported by bottom wall 33, having a central bore 39, connected with suction duct 8, through suction valve 40, consisting of sphere 7 and of a relevant conical seat inside bore 39.

[0019] Duct 8 is supported by an extension 41, jutting out of the lower part of wall 33. Sleeve 42, locked onto said extension 41, is enclosed, at its bottom, by a filter 43, capable of filtering the water sucked in by pump 4. Cylinder 38, housed inside a central bore 44 of lid 1, is enclosed, on its upper part, by a ring nut 45, having a hole through stem 46 of piston 5, whereon operation knob 3 is locked. Compression spring 6 is capable of biassing piston 5 against ring nut 45, thus causing the chamber of cylinder 38 to be normally full of water.

[0020] Each delivery duct 10 showing a horizontal radial portion lying in bottom wall 33 and a slanting portion lying in frusto-conical wall 29. Valve 11, lying between said horizontal and slanting portions of each duct 10, is biassed by a corresponding spring 47, locked in place in its seat by a screw 48.

[0021] The slanting portion of duct 10 ending in its relevant spray nozzle 12. The number of nozzles 12 may be different from that of ducts 10 and may be fed by an annular chamber 19, having a triangular section, for example, obtained between edge 30 of wall 29 and cylindrical edge 31 of lid 1.

[0022] A jet of water is forced out of each single nozzle 12, equally and angularly spaced with respect to each other, in a substantially centripetal direction, to spray ashes receptacle 14. In order to simplify washing of ashes receptacle 14, said jets may be advantageously directed with a slight inclination with respect to the diametral plane, in such a way as to create a whirlpool on the inner surface of wall 29.

[0023] The ashtray as shown in Fig.s 1 and 2 and as described hereinabove is operated as follows.

[0024] Upon the smoker inserting either cigar or cigarette into a hole 2 of lid 1, to discharge the ashes, or else, the butt thereof, knob 3 may be depressed thus operating pump 4. Suction valve 40 is biassed by the pressure generated by piston 5 in the water contained inside cylinder 38, thus forcing open delivery valves 11 by overcoming the force of relevant springs 47. A given amount of water, equivalent to that contained inside cylinder 38, is then forced through ducts 10 onto nozzles 12, thus spraying ashes receptacle 14.

[0025] In this way, a butt is extinguished right away, while, at the same time, both ashes and butt are humidified, whereby the formers become heavier, thus avoiding being spilt when the ashtray is shaken. Moreover, smelly fumes given out by both ashes and butt are thus discontinued.

[0026] By releasing knob 3, spring 6 pushes piston 5 back upwards, causing valves 11 to be instantly shut by springs 47, thus preventing the liquid from flowing back from ducts 10 into reservoir 9. In this way, piston 5 creates a depression leading to the opening of valve 40 and, consequently, to water filling up again cylinder 38. Obviously, should cylinder 38 happen to be temporarily empty upon said knob being depressed, it will be enough to operate knob 3 once or a few times, so as to trigger pump 4, thus filling up cylinder 38.

[0027] The mush gathered inside receptacle 14 may be removed, from time to time, by opening lid 1. Reservoir 9 in turn may be filled up when cleaning out receptacle 14, although less frequently. Being this the case, after emptying out receptacle 14, the ashtray must be turned upside-down and, after removing stopper 17, reservoir 9 can be filled up. Finally, stopper 17 must be fitted back on to reservoir 9.

[0028] According to the embodiment as shown in Fig. 3, pump 4 of the ashtray comprises a cylinder 49, wherein a series of delivery ducts 18 is obtained, leading to an annular chamber 19. The latter communicates with a number of spray nozzles 20, capable of spraying an ashes receptacle 21.

[0029] Chamber 19 being sealed by way of two seal rings 22 and 23. The ashtray further comprises a reservoir 24 for the liquid or water to be sprayed. Said reservoir consisting of a cylindrical body 25 locked in a movable manner onto a body 26, also cylindrical, of the ashtray, enclosing receptacle 21.

[0030] In particular, cylindrical body 26 is integral with a bottom wall 50 of ashes receptacle 21, frusto-conical in shape, with its shorter base facing upwards. Body 26 being fitted with an upper offset 51, threaded, for example, whereon cylindrical edge 31 of lid 1 is fitted in a movable manner.

[0031] Body 25 of reservoir 24 consists of a side wall 52 and a bottom wall 53. Body 26 is also provided with a lower offset 54, threaded, for example, whereon a threaded edge 55 of wall 52 is fitted in a movable manner. Edge 55 being provided, on the outside, with a number of projection 56 for hand-gripping.

[0032] Cylinder 49 of pump 4, integral with the shorter base of the frustum of cone of bottom wall 50, extends downwards. Cylinder 49 is enclosed at the top by ring nut 57 guiding stem 46 of piston 5. Annular chamber 19 is formed by ring nut 56 on a shoulder of cylinder 49, said ring nut forcing seal rings 22 and 23 against an offset, respectively, of wall 50 and cylinder 49.

[0033] Cylinder 49 is integral, at the bottom, with disc 58, whereon extension 41 of suction valve 40 is fitted, and, therefore, with sleeve 42 and filter 43. Disc 58, moreover, supports a horizontal portion of delivery ducts 18, vertically extending inside the side wall of cylinder 49.

[0034] Nozzles 20 are laid out so as to spray ashes receptacle 21, each by a substantially centrifugal jet. Disc 58 further supports delivery valves 11, together with springs 47 and screws 48, similarly to valves 11 as shown in Fig. 2.

[0035] The operation of the ashtray according to the embodiment as shown in Fig. 3 is similar to that illustrated hereinabove, the only difference being represented by the direction of the jet of water, sprayed by nozzles 19. For this reason, said operation will not be expounded anew.

[0036] According to such embodiments as shown in Fig.s 4-6, body 13 of the ashtray is substantially similar to the one as shown in Fig. 2. A series of vertical holes 60 (Fig. 6), connecting ashes receptacle 14 and reservoir 9, is obtained in bottom wall 33 of ashes receptacle 14. Holes 60 (Fig. 5) are laid out on radial planes, staggered with respect to those of delivery ducts 10. Each hole 60 is fitted with a ball check valve 61 (Fig. 6), housed in a conical seat of hole 60.

[0037] An annular seat 62, housing an annular filter 63, is obtained on the lower surface of wall 33. Said filter consisting of an activated carbon layer 64 inserted between two supporting nets 65. Filter 63 is held in place by a basket 66 fitted, by way of screws 67, inside body 13. A net 68, for example made of metallic wires, is lodged on the upper surface of wall 33, and it is capable of holding ashes, as well as any other solid particles of the butts, inside receptacle 14.

[0038] Each duct 10 (Fig. 4) is provided with a relevant delivery valve 59, comprising one member 69, substantially cylindrical. Said member having a pointed end, engaged with a conical seat by a relevant spring 47, in turn held in place by a screw 48. Delivery duct 10 communicates, upwards, with a relevant sprayer or sprinkler member 70, known in itself, lodged into a seat 71 by way of a corresponding stopper 72.

[0039] Piston 5 presents an annular groove 73 housing two annular sealings 74 with a U-shaped section and facing opposite directions. Sealings 74 ensure the cooperation in a sealed manner of piston 5 with cylinder 49 and, therefore, efficiency of pump 4.

[0040] The lower end of cylinder 49 houses a disc 75, carrying peripheral notches 76 for the passage of water. A central extension 77 of disc 75 is capable of guiding the lower end of spring 6.

[0041] Finally, the ashtray comprises a ring 78 fitted with a number of hollows 79 for cigars or cigarettes to rest thereon. Ring 78 being fastened on lid 1 in a movable manner, by means of screws 80, and presenting an edge 81, substantially cylindrical, covering edge 31 and stoppers 72.

[0042] The ashtray according to the embodiment as shown in Fig.s 4-6 being as follows.

[0043] When inserting, through holes 2, ashes or a butt into ashes receptacle 14, the user may also operate pump 4, by means of knob 3, like in the previous instance. In this way, pump 4 delivers a given amount of water through valves 59 and ducts 10 into sprinklers 70, thus spraying ashes receptacle 14.

[0044] The water, after humidifying the ashes and extinguishing the butt, flows through net 68 and holes 60 (Fig. 6), leaving behind, inside receptacle 14, both ashes and any other solid residue of the butt, with consequent tendency of the mush, gathered in said receptacle, to dry. Water then flows through valves 61, is filtered by filter 63, and finally flows back into reservoir 9. In this way, receptacle 14 and reservoir 9 can be, respectively, emptied out and filled up less frequently.

[0045] Should the ashtray be overturned, valves 61 close, thus stopping water from flowing from reservoir 9 towards receptacle 14. In any case, water is prevented from both gathering in receptacle 14 and accidentally spilling from holes 2.

[0046] Filter 63 may be replaced from time to time, by loosening screws 67 and removing cage 62. Finally, ring 78 can be easily removed, when stained or burnt, by loosening the screws and, then, replaced.

[0047] According to the alternative embodiment as shown in Fig. 7, filter 63 lies in an annular seat 82 obtained on the upper surface of wall 33. A ring 83 is secured close to the lower edge of each hole 61, so that spheres 61 are held in place, thus stopping them from falling into reservoir 9.

[0048] The operation of the ashtray according to the alternative embodiment as shown in Fig. 7 is similar to the one described hereinabove. In this embodiment, however, replacing filter 63 is an even easier procedure than in the previous case, and can be carried out every time ashes receptacle 14 is emptied out.

[0049] The advantages of the ashtray according to the invention, as compared to the known ashtrays, are clearly set off by the foregoing. First of all, it allows for the ashes to be extinguished in a short time, thus causing the temperature of the butt to decrease and confining tobacco residual combustion molecules inside the ashes receptacle.

[0050] Furthermore, tobacco and ashes residues are humidified, thus becoming heavier, which will prevent them from spilling from the ashes receptacle In such a way, the sharp and highly unpleasant smell developing from the extinguished butt may be avoided, as well as its spreading into the surrounding environment.

[0051] Finally, the cleaning of the ashtray is less complex, since it merely consists in emptying out the contents of the ashes receptacle and, if the case be, of the annular filter, without disposing of the liquid contained in the reservoir.

[0052] The hereinabove described embodiments may, of course, be altered, improved and added onto, without exceeding the scope of the claims. As an example, the body of the ashtray may have a different shape, with a polygonal, oval or, anyway, shaped section. Besides, the ashes receptacle may have a different configuration, with butts heaping in one preferential area thereof. In its turn, the reservoir may be lodged in a different position, with respect to said receptacle, for example, should room not be enough, it may be separated from the body of the ashtray and connected to the pump by way of a suitable suction duct. Moreover, holes 60 and filter 63 may be located on wall 50 as shown in Fig. 3. Finally, the pump axis may either extend horizontally or be slanting and nozzles 12 and 20 as shown in Fig.s 2 and 3 may be inserted into, instead of obtained in the body of the ashtray. Finally, according to the embodiment as shown in Fig.s 4-6, ring 78 may be integral with edge 31.

Claims

1. An ashtray, comprising a body (13, 26) consisting of an ashes receptacle (14, 21), so as to collect both ashes and butts, a reservoir (9, 24) for a humidifying and extinction liquid, passage means (8, 10, 18) for said liquid from said reservoir (9, 24) to said receptacle (14, 21), and a pump (4), operable to deliver, each time, a given amount of said liquid from said reservoir (9, 24) to said receptacle (14, 21) through said passage means (8, 10, 18), said receptacle (14, 21) being enclosed by a lid (1) having at least one opening (2) for the introduction of both ashes and butts, characterized in that said pump (4) is contained in said body (13, 26), and that said passage means (8, 10, 18) include at least one delivery duct (10, 18) communicating with a group of spray members (12, 20, 70) for said liquid, said spray members (12, 20, 70) lying close to an upper portion of said receptacle (14, 21).

2. An ashtray as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that said reservoir (9, 24) is enclosed, at its top, by one wall (33, 50) of said body (13, 26) and in that said pump (4) is supported by said wall (33, 50).

3. An ashtray as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that said pump (4) comprises a vertical axis cylinder (38, 49) and a piston (5) manually operable by means of a knob (3), extending outwards from said lid (1).

4. An ashtray as claimed in Claim 3, characterized in that said pump (4) comprises a number of elastic means (6) capable of allowing said piston (5) to automatically suck up said liquid into said cylinder (38, 49).

5. An ashtray as claimed in any one of the above Claims, characterized in that said pump (4) is connected with said reservoir (9, 24) by way of a suction valve (40), as well as connected with each single delivery duct (10, 18) by way of check delivery valves (11, 59).

6. An ashtray as claimed in Claim 5, characterized in that each of said delivery valves (11, 59) is placed on a substantially horizontal portion of the relevant delivery duct (10, 18) and in that it is capable of being biassed by a corresponding compression spring (47).

7. An ashtray as claimed in either Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that between said suction valve (40) and said reservoir (9, 24) there lies a filter (43) for said liquid.

8. An ashtray as claimed in any one of the hereinabove Claims from 3 to 7, characterized in that said lid (1) has either a circular or a polygonal shape, and comprises a number of openings (2) for ashes and butts to be introduced into said receptacle (14, 21), said openings (2) lying circumferentially and being equally spaced with respect to one another, said knob (3) jutting out from a central opening (44) of said lid (1).

9. An ashtray as claimed in Claim 8, characterized in that said lid (1) is placed in a movable manner on said body (13, 26), said reservoir (9, 24) comprising at least a wall (36, 53) cooperating in a sealed and movable manner beneath said body (13).

10. An ashtray as claimed in Claim 9, characterized in that said spray members (12, 20, 70) are circumferentially laid out and are connected with said delivery duct (10, 18) by means of an annular chamber (19).

11. An ashtray as claimed in Claim 10, characterized in that said receptacle (14) is cup-shaped, said pump (4) being locked onto said bottom wall (33) of said receptacle (14), and in that it comprises a plurality of delivery ducts (10), equally spaced with respect to each other on a side wall (29) of said receptacle (14), whereby a jet may be generated in a substantially centripetal direction inside said receptacle (14).

12. An ashtray as claimed in Claim 9, characterized in that said bottom wall (50) is frusto-conical and its shorter base faces upwards, said pump (4) being locked onto said shorter base and extending downwards.

13. An ashtray as claimed in Claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of delivery ducts (18), equally spaced with respect to each other on the side wall of said cylinder (49), said spray members (20) being laid out in such a way that each generates a jet in a substantially centripetal direction inside said receptacle (21).

14. An ashtray as claimed in any one of the above Claims, characterized in that between said receptacle (14) and said reservoir (9) there is provided for at least one return duct (60) so as to allow said liquid to flow back from said receptacle (14) into said reservoir (9), a return valve (61) being capable of stopping said liquid from flowing into said receptacle (14)from said reservoir (9).

15. An ashtray as claimed in Claim 14, characterized in that each of said return valves comprises a ball mobile member (61), and in that each of said spray members (70) is capable of sprinkling said liquid.

16. An ashtray as claimed in either Claim 14 or 15, characterized in that along said return duct (60) there lies a filter member (63) so that the solid residue of both ashes and butts is retained inside said receptacle (14).

17. An ashtray as claimed in either Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that said filter member (63) comprises at least an activated carbon layer (64).

18. An ashtray as claimed in either Claim 16 or 17, characterized in that said filter member (63) has an annular shape, a plurality of said return ducts (60) being circumferentially laid out on said bottom wall (33) and equally spaced with respect to each other.

19. An ashtray as claimed in Claim 18, characterized in that said filter member (63) is lodged inside an annular receptacle (62) provided for on the lower face of said bottom wall (33), there being a net (68) on the upper face of said bottom wall (33), in the neighborhood of said return ducts (60).

20. An ashtray as claimed in Claim 18, characterized in that said filter member (63) is lodged inside an annular receptacle (82) provided for on the upper face of said bottom wall (33), each valve (61) of said return ducts (60) comprising a sphere biassed by a check ring (83).

21. An ashtray as claimed in any one of the above Claims, characterized in that on said lid (1) there lies a ring (81) with hollows (79) so that both cigars and cigarettes may rest thereon, said ring (81) being locked in a movable manner on said lid (1).

Drawing