Container for butts of cigarette, cigars and the like

Abstract

 A container for cigarette butts includes a hollow cigarette butts collecting tank (2,20,22,26), featuring an aperture (3,30,32,36), which allows the cigarette butts tank to be accessible from outside. The cigarette butts tank is aimed at receiving one or more cigarette butts. The container includes also an element (4,40,42,46) for opening and closing said aperture and sealing means (5,50,52,56), which are joined to the cigarette butts tank and opening/closing element, so as to make the container tight when closed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for collecting butts of cigarettes, cigars and the like.

[0002] A container is known for collecting butts of cigarettes, cigars and the like, which is formed by two complementary half shell-like parts of different dimension; a lower half-shell or cigarette butts collecting tank and an upper half-shell or cover.

[0003] The inner part of the lower half-shell includes a vertical channel, accessible from outside, aimed at receiving and extinguishing a cigarette butt; and a cigarette butt receiving space, adjacent to the channel, aimed at containing the cigarette butts.

[0004] The upper half-shell, articulated to the lower half-shell, is made of the same material as the lower one and is equipped, along its side, with closing means which allow the upper half-shell to join the lower one, so as to prevent the cigarette butts from going out.

[0005] Another known container is formed by two half-shells of limited depth, made of the same material and hinged to each other, so as to form a kind of case.

[0006] The inner part of the lower half-shell is used for extinguishing and holding the cigarette butt, while the upper half-shell is aimed at closing the container.

[0007] In the above described cases, the cigarette is extinguished by pushing the cigarette burning part against the walls of the channel (first case) or against the bottom of the half-shell (second case).

[0008] It is known that this operation does not ensure the cigarette butt being completely extinguished, thus smelly smokes are generated and diffused after the container has been closed, because the container closure is not tight.

[0009] This negative effect continues until the fragments of the cigarette butt are not burnt completely or partly.

[0010] The second described container features substantially the same disadvantage as the first one.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to propose a container for cigarette butts which resolves the above mentioned problem.

[0012] In particular, the object of the present invention is to propose a container for cigarette butts, which prevent the smoke from spreading outside the container, when the container is closed.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to propose a container, in which the cigarette butts are extinguished without being pushed and/or deformed.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to propose a container, which achieves the above objects and is also fireproof, practical to be used, and which can be used also as an ashtray.

[0015] The above mentioned objects are obtained in accordance with the contents of the claims.

[0016] The characteristic features of the present invention will be pointed out in the following description of a preferred, but not only embodiment, with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a container for cigarette butts and the like;
• Figures 1a, 1b are enlarged views in vertical section of the upper part of the container 1, in two working configurations;
• Figure 2 is a lateral section view of a first embodiment of the proposed container;
• Figure 2a is an enlarged view of the particular K of Figure 2;
• Figures 3, 4 are lateral section views of a first and a second embodiment of the container of Figure 1;
• Figure 4a is a front section view of the container of Figure 4.

[0017] With reference to the above described figures, the reference numeral 1 indicates a container for cigarette butts.

[0018] The container 1 includes a hollow cigarette butts collecting tank 2 made of a fireproof material, with e.g. a parallelepiped shape, which features, in its upper part, an aperture 3, which rbutters the tank accessible from outside.

[0019] A closing element 4 is made of, e.g. the same material as the cigarette butt collecting tank 2 and is substantially complementary with the aperture 3.

[0020] Inside its upper end, the cigarette butt collecting tank 2 has a shaped notch 3a, and in the particular case shown in Figure 1, it has also two seats 3b, 3c made in two opposite walls, arranged symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal symmetry plane of the cigarette butts tank 2 .

[0021] A peripheral groove 4a, made in the closing element 4, includes sealing means 5, e.g. a gasket, and in the case shown in Figure 1, it includes also a through hole 4a having a transversal axis.

[0022] An articulation member 6 is introduced into the through hole 4d and engages with the seats 3b, 3c of the cigarette butts tank 2.

[0023] The cigarette butts collecting tank 2 and the closing element 4, hinged to each other, assume two working configurations:, namely a closing configuration "C", in which the closing element 4 is arranged horizontal and the sealing means 5 are placed in the shaped notch 3a, so as to cover the cigarette butts collecting tank 2; and an opening configuration "A", in which the closing element 4 is arranged vertically, or almost vertically, making the aperture 3 accessible from outside, so as to make it possible to introduce a cigarette butt.

[0024] According to a first embodiment (Figure 2), the container includes a hollow cigarette butts collecting tank 20, made of a fireproof material and with e.g. parallelepiped shape, which features, in its upper part, an aperture 30. The aperture 30 allows the parallelepiped tank to be accessible from outside.

[0025] Outside its upper end, the cigarette butts tank 20 is equipped with a peripheral groove 20a, into which sealing means 50, e.g. a gasket, are fitted.

[0026] A closing element 40 is articulated to the cigarette butts tank 20 by articulating means 60, situated outside the cigarette butts tank 20 and under the sealing means.

[0027] The closing element 40 forms a cap for the cigarette butts tank 20 and is made of the same material.

[0028] The upper part of the closing element features a tab 40a, which facilitates gripping of the closing element in order to rise and close it.

[0029] The free end of the closing element 40, as shown in the particular K of Figure 2a, features a thickening 40b, which, during the container closing, goes in abutment on the sealing means 50, deforms them and cooperates with them, so as to create a tightness between the cigarette butts collecting tank 20 and the closing element 40.

[0030] The cigarette butts tank 20 and the closing element 40, hinged to each other, assume two working configurations: a closing configuration, in which the closing element 40 is arranged horizontal, so as to close the cigarette butts tank 20; and an opening configuration, in which the closing element 40 is arranged vertically, making the aperture 30 accessible from outside, so as to make it possible to introduce a cigarette butt.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the proposed container.

[0032] The container according to the second embodiment includes a hollow cigarette butts collecting tank 22, made of fireproof material and with e.g. a parallelepiped shape, which features, in its upper part, an aperture 32, which allows the parallelepiped tank to be accessible from outside.

[0033] In the region of the aperture 32, the cigarette butts tank 22 features a thickening "I" of the profile with a peripheral groove 22a made therein.

[0034] A shaped recess 22b is made in the outer part of the cigarette butts tank 22, for the purpose explained later on.

[0035] A hinge 62 connects the cigarette butts tank 22 to a closing element 42, which forms a cover for the cigarette butts tank 22 and is made of the same material.

[0036] The lower part of the closing element 42 carries a sealing element 52 e.g. a gasket, while the outer part of the closing element 42 features a tab 42a, complementary to the shaped recess 22b.

[0037] The cigarette butts tank 22 and the closing element 42, hinged to each other, assume two working configurations: a closing configuration, in which the closing element 42 is arranged horizontal, so that the sealing means are housed in the groove 22a and the tab 42a goes in abutment against the shaped recess 22b of the cigarette butts tank 22, thus closing the cigarette butts tank 22; and an opening configuration, in which the closing element 42 is arranged vertically, or almost vertically, making the aperture 32 accessible from outside, so as to make it possible to introduce a cigarette butt.

[0038] Figures 4, 4a show a third embodiment of the proposed container.

[0039] The container according to the third embodiment includes a hollow cigarette butt collecting tank 26, made of fireproof material, e.g. with a parallelepiped, shape which features, in its upper part, an aperture 36. The aperture 36 allows the parallelepiped tank to be accessible from outside.

[0040] Within its upper end, the cigarette butt collecting tank 26 features a shaped thinning 28, whose function will be explained later on.

[0041] In a particular case shown in Figure 4, a closing element 46, forming a cover and made of the same material as the cigarette butt tank 26, is fastened removably thereto by moving means 66.

[0042] Otherwise, the closing element can be a cover, which is not hinged to the cigarette butts tank 26, but is introduced into and removed from the aperture 36 by pressure.

[0043] The lower part o the closing element 46 is complementary to the aperture 36 of the cigarette butt collecting tank 26 and features a peripheral groove 46a, with a sealing element 56 situated therein.

[0044] In case shown in Figures 4, 4a, the moving means 66 include a pair of extensions 460, integral with the closing element 46 and introduced freely into vertical channels 260 made in the cigarette butts tank 26.

[0045] The extensions 460 feature thickenings 461 protruding from corresponding vertical slots 26a, 26b, which are made in the outer part of the cigarette butts tank 26.

[0046] The thickenings 461 act as limit stops for the extensions 460 in two working configurations: a closing configuration, in which the closing element 46 is introduced into the aperture 36 and the sealing means 56 are housed in the thinning 28, so as to close the cigarette butts tank 26; and an opening configuration, in which the closing element 46 is raised vertically, thus making the aperture 36 accessible from outside, so as to make it possible to introduce a cigarette butt.

[0047] All the described containers for cigarette butts are used in the following way.

[0048] The closing element is in the opening configuration, a still burning cigarette butt is introduced into the cigarette butt collecting tank, then the closing element is moved to the closing configuration, and the cigarette butt is extinguished on its own in a limited period of time due to a lack of oxygen.

[0049] It is to be pointed out that the container can have any shape, especially anatomic shapes, which facilitate its gripping.

[0050] The proposed container for cigarette butts is particularly advantageous in all its described embodiments.

[0051] The sealing means provided on the closing element, or the cigarette butts tank ensures the container tight closing.

[0052] The tight closing of the cigarette butts tank allows to introduce therein a still burning cigarette butt, without caring about extinguishing it before. Actually, the container tightness facilitates putting out of the cigarette butt caused by a lack of oxygen.

[0053] Moreover, the container tightness prevents formation of smelly smokes, dirt and the like.

[0054] The proposed container for cigarette butts is an ecologic article, since it avoids the cigarette butts dispersion; actually smokers usually throw the cigarette butts anywhere (e.g. squares, beaches, parks, etc.), therefore the container can be used for extinguishing out and containing the cigarette butts and, in some cases, e.g. public places, where smoking is allowed, it can be used as an ashtray.

[0055] Moreover, the containers are made of fireproof material, which can be easily recycled, as for example self-extinguishing materials such as glass, wood, aluminium, silver, steel, nonferrous alloys, titanium, zinc, metals in general, etc.

[0056] The proposed containers for cigarette butts can be used more times due to the fact that they can be easily emptied and washed.

[0057] The proposed containers are small, therefore they can be kept in limited places, such as pockets or bags.

[0058] It is understood that what above, has been described as a pure, not limitative example, therefore, possible variants of the invention remain within the protective scope of the present technical solution, as described above and claimed hereinafter.

Claims

1. Container for cigarette butts characterized in that it includes: a hollow cigarette butts collecting tank (2,20,22,26), featuring an aperture (3,30,32,36), which makes the cigarette butts tank accessible from outside, said cigarette butts tank being aimed at receiving one or more cigarette butts; said container including also an element (4,40,42,46) for opening and closing said aperture; sealing means (5,50,52,56) joined to said cigarette butts tank and opening/closing element, so as to make the container tight when closed.

2. Container, according to claim 1, characterized in that said aperture (3) is made in the upper part of said cigarette butts collecting tank (2) and in that said opening/closing element (4) features a groove (4a), on which said sealing means (5) are fitted.

3. Container, according to claim 1, characterized in that said aperture (30) is made at the upper part of said cigarette butts tank (20) and in that said cigarette butts tank (20) has a peripheral outside groove (20a) at upper end, with said sealing means (50) fitted into said peripheral outside groove (20a).

4. Container, according to claim 1, characterized in that said aperture (32) is made in the upper part of said cigarette butts tank (22) and in that said cigarette butts collecting tank (22) features: a profile thickening (I) of the profile, in the region of the aperture (32), with a peripheral groove (22a) made therein and aimed at receiving said sealing means (52), which are fastened to the lower part of said opening/closing element (42).

5. Container, according to claim 1, characterized in that said aperture (36) is made in the upper part of said cigarette butts tank (26) and in that inside its upper end, said cigarette butts tank (26) features a shaped thinning (28), aimed at receiving said sealing means (56), which are fastened to the lower portion of said opening/closing element (46).

6. Container, according to claim 2, characterized in that said cigarette butts collecting tank (2) has an inside shaped notch (3a) made at its upper end and aimed at receiving said sealing means (5).

7. Container, according to claim 3, characterized in that the upper part of said opening/closing element (40) features a tab (40a), which is gripped to open and close said element (40) and in that said opening/closing element (40) features, at its free end, a thickening (40b), which goes in abutment on said sealing means (50) and deforms them during closing of said element (40).

8. Container, according to claim 4, characterized in that the outer part of the opening/closing element (42) features a tab (42a), complementary to a shaped recess (22b) made in the outer part of said cigarette butts tank (22), said tab (42a) acting as a handle, so as to open and close said closing element.

9. Container, according to claim 5, characterized in that the lower part of said element (46), complementary to said aperture (36), features a peripheral groove (46a) for receiving said sealing means (56) therein and in that it includes moving means (66) formed by at least two extensions (460), which are integral with said element (46) and are freely introduced into channels (260) made in the cigarette butts tank, said moving means (66) being aimed at vertical positioning of the opening/closing element.

10. Container, according to claim 9, characterized in that said extensions (460) feature thickenings (461) protruding from corresponding vertical slots (26a,26b), which are made in the outer part of said cigarette butts collecting tank (26) and acting as limit stops for the extensions (460).

11. Container, according to claim 6, characterized in that said cigarette butts collecting tank (2) and said opening/closing element (4) are hinged to each other by hinge means (6), so as to ensure two configurations, namely: a closing configuration (C), in which said opening/closing element (4) takes a horizontal position, so as to close said cigarette butts tank (2), and an opening configuration (A), in which said opening/closing element (4) is arranged vertically, or almost vertically, making the aperture (3) accessible from outside.

12. Container, according to claim 7, characterized in that said cigarette butts collecting tank (20) and said opening/closing element (40) are hinged to each other by hinge means (60), so as to ensure two working configurations, namely: a closing configuration, in which said opening/closing element (40) takes a horizontal position, with said thickening (40b) engaged with said sealing means, so as to close the cigarette butts tank (20); and an opening configuration, in which said opening/closing element (40) is arranged vertically, or almost vertically, thus making the aperture (30) accessible.

13. Container, according to claim 8, characterized in that said cigarette butts collecting tank (22) and said opening/closing element (42) are hinged to each other by hinge means (62), so as to ensure two working configurations, namely:a closing configuration, in which said opening/closing element (42) takes a horizontal position and the sealing means are housed in the groove (22a) and the tab (42a) goes in abutment against the shaped recess (22b), thus closing the cigarette butts tank (22); and an opening configuration, in which said opening/closing element (42) is arranged vertically, or almost vertically, thus making the aperture (32) accessible.

14. Container, according to claim 9, characterized in that said cigarette butts collecting tank (26) and said opening/closing element (46) are hinged to each other by hinge means (66), so as to assume two working configurations, namely a closing configuration, in which said opening/closing element (46) takes a horizontal position and said sealing means (56) are housed in the region of said thinning (28), so as to close said cigarette butts tank (26); and an opening configuration, in which said opening/closing element (46) is raised vertically, or almost vertically, thus making the aperture (36) accessible.

Drawing