BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an improved ashtray, of the kind of those used for
depositing ash and stubs in it, and which is able to be incorporated in the own packet
of cigarettes.
RELATED ART
[0002] At the present time, different types of ashtrays are known, which are generally composed
of a rigid container having a variable shape, some of them incorporating features
which allow them to perform additional functions, such as, for example, the conventional
ashtrays composed of an open container; water ashtrays including a container having
a receptacle containing water inside for putting out cigarettes, and fitted with an
extractable cover with an orifice; floor ashtrays to be mainly placed on walkways
and waiting rooms; ashtrays with a tilting cover allowing the stubs and ashes to be
deposited inside, concealing them, and so on.
[0003] All these ashtrays are designed to rest on a table, on a corridor floor, a counter
or any other place, and consequently they must keep astanding position which is, practically
static, and are to be cleaned to be used again.
[0004] Therefore, it is clear that these ashtrays are not be conceived to be carried by
the own smoker in a permanent way and be used in every moment. On the other side,
it is usual that there are no ashtrays outdoors, so that a smoker, having no ashtray
within his/her reach, he/she throws the stub and the ash on the floor, or he/she deposits
them in an empty packet of cigarettes, or within a hollow drink can or any other element
available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] To solve these problems, the improved ashtray of the invention has been devised,
which includes a pliable small case- or a pouch-shaped receiver, fitted with a tippable
flap conforming positioning means thereof on the packed of cigarettes, or means for
closing the receiver, depending, respectively, on the fact that said flap folds towards
the back side of the receiver, or towards the front side thereof, over the mouth.
[0006] This ashtray, being pliable, can assume a flat shape of a reduced thickness, and
having dimensions slightly lower than those of the largest surfaces of the packet
of cigarettes, which allows the smoker to carry the ashtray incorporated in the packet
of cigarettes or even inside the outer wrapping thereof, using it when necessary.
[0007] Another advantage of this ashtray is that its cost is very reduced, this being the
reason for which it can be thrown out together with its contents in a litter bin or
similar, so eliminating the problem of cleaning it.
[0008] To prevent the receiver flap to open once the ashtray has been used so pouring out
its content, it has been devised that the flap or the receiver surface on which the
flap falls to open it, define an adhesive area covered by a protecting sheet which
keeps the flap in a close position.
[0009] The receptable of the ashtray is preferably composed of a laminar element, having
a heat resistance enough to allow the cigarettes bo be put out on the same.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] In order to complement this description and aid to a better understanding of the
features of the invention, the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this specification,
show in an illustrative but non limitative sense, the following:
[0011] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the improved ashtray semi-folded, with the flap
folded towards the rear side.
[0012] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the ashtray in an unfolfolded position, with
the flap folded towards the front side, so closing the receiver.
[0013] Figure 3 is a view of the ashtray fixed, by means of the flap, on the packet of cigarettes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0014] As can be seen from the figures, the improved ashtray has a receiver (1), shaped
starting from a laminar element, preferably made of cardboard, defining an upper mouth
(11) and folding lines (12), shown by means of dotted lines, allowing the largest
surfaces of the receiver (1) to be incorporate, in order that the receiver assumes
a flat shape, its volume being reduced until its use, this being the moment when it
will unfold.
[0015] The back side (13) of the receiver is extended by the end delimiting the mouth (11)
by a flap (14) having two folding lines (15) and (16), which are parallel.
[0016] The flap (14) can fall on the folding line (15) towards the rear side or towards
the front side of the receiver (1), shaping in the first case positioning means of
the ashtray on a packet (2) of cigarettes, the flap being inserted between the packet
(2) and the outer wrapping (21) thereof (Fig. 3), and in the second case, closing
means for the receiver mouth (11).
[0017] When the flap (14) folds towards the front side of the receiver, the folding line
(16) allows said flap to fit tight the - mouth (11), so closing it.
[0018] To assure the closing of the ashtray once it has been utilized, the flap (14) has,
in the side contacting the front surface of the receiver (1), an adhesive area (17),
covered by a protecting strip (18), which is to be removed before closing the ashtray.
[0019] It is not considered necessary tc extend more this description for an expert in the
art to understand the scope of the invention and the advantages derived from it.
[0020] The terms under which this specification has been described - should be always taken
in an ample and non limitative sense.
[0021] The materials, shape, size and arrangement of the components are open to variation,
provided that it does not imply any alteration to the essence of the invention, which
are claimed as follows.
1.- An improved ashtray of the kind as used for depositing ash and stubs of cigarettes,
characterized in that it defines a foldable receiver, fitted with a mouth and shaped
starting from a laminar element, one of the sides of the receptable, at the end coincidental
with the mouth, extending by a tipping flap configuring, depending on the tipping
sense of same, positioning means for the ashtray on a packet of cigarettes, or closing
means for the receiver.
2.- An ashtray, as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the tipping
flap and/or the side of the receiver on which the flap falls to close the ashtray,
configure an adhesive area, which assure the bonding of same.
3.- An ashtray, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
adhesive area of the receiver and/or the tipping flap are covered by a removable protecting
strip.