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(11) | EP 3 085 254 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | POCKET ASHTRAY |
| (57) A portable pocket ashtray (1) made using a multilayered system, comprising an outer
layer (A) made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or silicone; an intermediate layer (B)
made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); and an inner layer (C) made of a conductive
material, wherein the ashtray is formed using sheets with a form such folding thereof
results in a container having a rear main face (3) and a front main face (2) joined
together along three sides, while the fourth side has an inlet opening (F) for inserting
ash and cigarette ends and in that said rear main face has an extension (1A) which
can be folded onto the front main face in the manner of a closing flap.
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Technical field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a pocket ashtray, more precisely a portable pocket ashtray which has dimensions such that it may be placed inside a pocket or a bag ensuring dissipation and containment of the heat generated by the hot cigarette or cigar end contained inside the ashtray.
[0002] In particular, the pocket ashtray according to the invention is made using a multilayered system in which each layer consists of a different material suitably chosen to perform a specific function such as dissipation of the heat generated by a hot cigarette or cigar end, or insulation of the heat from the exterior. The pocket ashtray according to the invention is light, flexible, reusable and heat-resistant.
Prior art
[0003] The cigarette ends and ash produced by cigarettes constitute waste generated by the smoker. The smoker must dispose of said waste immediately, but it is not always possible to do so in the correct manner. In view of the widespread use of cigarettes or cigars and considering the vast number of areas where it is permitted to smoke, it is unimaginable to think of providing a diffuse network of special containers able to receive all or nearly all of said waste. Often the smoker, not finding any suitable containers, is obliged to get rid of the cigarette end by throwing it away into the surrounding environment - an example is railway stations where the cigarette ends are thrown between the tracks, or unattended beaches. The indiscriminate disposal of waste in the environment constitutes a cost, in view of the need to clean the location and provide an urban waste collection service, and also damages the environment. In particular, the cigarette end, since it is still hot or smouldering, represents a potential fire hazard with all the associated consequences. There therefore exists the need to provide a pocket ashtray which may be used in any location and which the smoker may carry on his/her person without it being bulky or generating bad odour.
Summary of the invention
[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a pocket ashtray which is practical, flexible, reusable and wear-proof.
[0005] Another object of the invention is to provide a pocket ashtray which is resistant to hot temperatures, namely which can be made using materials suitable for dispersion of the heat generated by the cigarette end, and which in particular is characterized by a multilayered structure where each layer is made of a material suitably chosen to perform a specific function.
[0006] The present invention also comprises a process for the production of the aforementioned ashtray.
Brief description of the figures
[0008]
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the ashtray according to the invention with the flap closed;
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the ashtray according to the invention with the flap open and showing also the layers which form it;
Figures 3A and 3B are schematic front views of the ashtray according to the invention with the flap closed (Figure 3A) and flap open (Figure 3B);
Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the ashtray according to the invention in the completely open position, with corresponding dimensions;
Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic front views similar to the view of Figure 4 and show the various layers which make up the ashtray according to the invention, in particular the outer casing made of PVC or silicone or the like is shown in Figure 5A, the internal EVA lining is shown in Figure 5B and the pocket in the form of an aluminium sheet is shown in Figure 5C;
Figure 5D is a schematic view, with corresponding dimensions, of the rigid plastic strip;
Figure 6 is the same view as that of Figure 2 in which the layers which make up the ashtray are shown more clearly in a partial cross-section;
Figures 7A, 7B and 7C are schematic perspective views of the ashtray according to the invention with the flap open (Figures 7A and 7B) and flap closed (Figure 7C;
Figures 8A, 8B and 8C are schematic perspective views of the ashtray according to the invention and the associated modes of use.
Key
[0009]
Ashtray 1
Extension or flap 1A
Front main face 2
Rear main face 3
Outer layer or sheet A
Intermediate layer or sheet B
Inner conductive layer or sheet C
Rigid plastic strip D
Press fastener button E
Inlet opening F of the ashtray
Detailed description of the invention
[0010] The pocket ashtray according to the present invention is formed by a container which has a substantially quadrangular shape with the two main dimensions varying between 50 and 150 mm, preferably equal to 82 mm along each side, and the thickness which varies between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, preferably being between 0.2 mm and 3.5 mm.
[0011] With particular reference to Figure 1, said pocket ashtray (1) is characterized by a front main face (2) and a rear main face (3). Said front main and rear faces have a substantially rectangular or quadrangular shape and are joined together along three sides. The rear main face (3) is characterized by an extension or flap (1A) extending from its free edge, i.e. the side not joined to the front face (2); the flap (1A) may be folded over onto the front main face. Both the flap (1A) of the rear main face and the front main face are provided with a closing mechanism, for example of the Velcro or magnetic type, preferably a press fastener button (E), the two component parts of which are arranged on top of each other during folding-over. When the ashtray is closed a safe closed container is formed, said container being able to retain the odours produced by the ash contained inside it and preventing combustion of the hot cigarette end which it may contain.
[0012] With particular reference to Figure 2, the pocket ashtray (1) according to the invention is characterized by a multilayered structure in which various sheets of material are arranged on top of each other in order to obtain the physical and mechanical properties necessary for containing the heat generated by the hot cigarette end. The pocket ashtray according to the invention comprises the following layers of material:
- an outer layer (A) made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or silicone or the like;
- an intermediate later (B) made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA);
- an inner layer (C) made of a conductive material.
[0013] The outer layer (A) made of PVC or silicone or the like may be coloured with a single colour or alternatively personalized with printed patterns of various kinds.
[0014] The intermediate EVA layer (B) is characterized by a high degree of elasticity and softness, making the pocket ashtray practical and flexible. The structure made of EVA polymer material is totally waterproof and has significant heat-insulation properties, as well as being made of a material which is non-toxic, non-allergenic and wear-proof.
[0015] The inner layer (C) is formed by a conductive material, preferably aluminium, and performs the function of a dissipator, being intended in particular to dissipate the heat generated by any hot or smouldering cigarette ends.
[0016] The thickness of the outer layer (A) and the inner layer (c) is not of crucial importance for the purposes of operation of the ashtray and containment of the heat.
[0017] In particular, the inner layer (C), preferably for example made of aluminium, has lengthwise dimensions such as to extend, parallel to the rear main face (3), from the portion of the inner part of the flap (1A) mentinned above, beyond the edge of the front main face (2), forming an internal aluminium pocket. The extension or flap (1A) may be lined with PVC, silicone or the like, externally entirely and internally partially, for example up to a point about 10 mm from the pocket opening, where preferably the aluminium layer terminates, its edge being advantageously inserted underneath the inner lining of PVC or the like of the said flap 1A. The aluminium layer preferably extends beyond the edge of the front main face (2) of the ashtray, for example by about 10 mm and is folded over onto said face. Moreover, a rigid strip (D), typically made of plastic, may be applied to the edge of the front main face (2), said strip having the function of joining together the intermediate layer B and the outer layer A of PVC or silicone or the like forming the lining of the front main face 2 of the pocket ashtray, and the projecting edge of the inner face C of aluminium may be preferably folded over onto these in the manner of a folded hem protecting the inlet opening F of the ashtray. The rigid plastic strip D may be fixed by means of fixing systems, preferably consisting of double-sided adhesive tape or the like.
[0018] With particular reference to Figure 7, said rigid plastic strip (D) also forms a reinforcement for the top part of the inlet opening (F) of the pocket ashtray.
[0019] In a preferred non-limiting example of embodiment, the extension of the rear main face or flap (1A) is characterized by a trapezoidal-like shape with concave inclined sides and the corners 2B on the bottom of the ashtray are characterized by a preferably rounded form. Said characteristics make the pocket ashtray manageable, easy-to-use and easy to fit into inside a pocket. Moreover, the rounded corners make the perimetral zone obtained by means of heat-welding along the side edges less vulnerable.
[0020] Figure 3 shows the approximate dimensions of the ashtray according to the invention with the flap closed (Figure 3A) and the flap open (Figure 3B), in a preferred embodiment of the invention characterized by a flap (1A) with a trapezoidal shape having concave inclined sides, while on the opposite side the corners on the bottom of the ashtray are rounded.
[0021] The pocket ashtray described is flexible, compressible and resistant to both mechanical stresses and heat. In particular, the pocket ashtray may be compressed with respect to its thickness down to 5% of its initial thickness, without mechanical pressure means. The combination of the materials according to the present invention is particularly effective for limiting the temperature and the odours, allowing the ashtray containing the still hot cigarette or cigar end to be placed inside a pocket or bag.
[0022] The pocket ashtray according to the invention is simple to use and may be filled and emptied several times. The emptying operation is simplified in particular owing to the absence of stitches or incisions inside the container.
[0023] Another aspect of the invention relates to the process for manufacturing the pocket ashtray described above.
[0024] The manufacturing process comprises the following steps:
- i. Arranging on top of each other the sheets A, B, C of materials which form the layers of the pocket ashtray;
- ii. Folding over the multilayered structure formed by said sheets A, B, C along half the length of the intermediate sheet B;
- iii. Joining together the sheets of different materials on the two opposite sides;
- iv. Folding the extension of the rear main face 3 onto the front main face 2;
- v. Applying the closing mechanism E onto said extension 1A and onto the front main face 2;
- vi. Applying a rigid plastic strip D underneath the layer of aluminium forming the inner layer C folded over in the manner of a folded hem onto the front main face 2.
[0025] The steps of the production process described may be subject to variations in the order of execution without departing from the scope of protection of the present patent application.
[0026] In particular, the steps v. and vi. are to be regarded as accessory steps. It is also envisaged that the sheets may have a width increasing from the inner layer to the intermediate layer and outer layer and that the inner layer (C) and outer layer (A) may have a length equal to or greater than that of the sheet of the intermediate layer (B). During arrangement on top of each other of the three sheets of different materials, it is necessary to consider what will be the folding line coinciding with the half the height of the sheet of the intermediate layer (B). The sheets are glued together by means of a heat-welding process, or the like, along the two side edges.
[0027] With particular reference to Figures 4 and 5, these show the sheets of material which form the outer layer (A) of PVC or silicone or the like, the intermediate layer (B) of EVA and the aluminium pocket (C). In Figure 4, said sheets of material are arranged on top of each other in the order listed and, after positioning them relative to each other, it is possible to obtain the pocket ashtray according to the invention by folding said sheets and sealing the side edges.
[0028] The extension of the rear main face or flap (1A) involves the outer layer (A) made of PVC or silicone or the like and the inner aluminium layer (C).
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 2, the aluminium extension is inserted partially underneath the lining sheet A provided in the inner portion of the flap 1A made of PVC or the like, preferably to a point situated about 10 mm from the opening of the pocket ashtray.
[0030] With particular reference to Figures 2, 6 and 7, these show the characteristic feature of the rounded edges (2B) of the pocket ashtray. Said characteristic feature may be obtained using different manufacturing processes without departing from the scope of the invention. In one case, sheets of specially designed materials, not shown, are used, said sheets being folded over and sealed only along the side edges, in a similar manner to the quadrangular-shaped ashtray.
[0031] Alternatively, the rounded edges may be formed from sheets of material with a quadrangular shape following a cutting and heat-welding process which involves both the side edges and the bottom edge.
Description of a preferred embodiment
[0032] Solely by way of example a preferred embodiment of the ashtray is described. The pocket ashtray according to the present invention was made from a sheet of PVC or silicone or the like with dimensions 230 mm x 82 mm where one of the ends has a trapezoidal shape with concave inclined lines as shown in Figures 2, 4 and 5, from a sheet of aluminium with a similar shape and dimensions 230 mm x 73 mm, and from a rectangular sheet made of EVA with dimensions 150 mm x 75 mm. The three sheets of different materials were arranged on top of each other in the order indicated above and as shown in Figure 4, so that, with respect to the bottom rectangular end, they were staggered relative to each other, in the order inner layer, outer layer and intermediate layer, respectively. The overlaying and alignment step has a role of primary importance and may be performed by suitable machinery or using suitable tools. The multilayered system was converted from the extended position into the folded-over position adopting the halfway point along the length of the intermediate EVA sheet as folding height. The multilayered system was firmly gripped in the folded configuration and the two side edges sealed by means of a heat-welding process.
1. Portable pocket ashtray (1) which is flexible and able to prevent the combustion of
any hot cigarette-ends contained inside it, said ashtray comprising the following
layers of material:
- an outer layer (A) made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or silicone;
- an intermediate layer (B) made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA);
- an inner layer (C) made of a conductive material,
is characterized in that it is formed using sheets with a form such folding thereof results in a container having a rear main face (3) and a front main face (2) joined together along three sides, while the fourth side has an inlet opening (F) for inserting ash and cigarette ends and in that said rear main face has an extension (1A) which can be folded onto the front main face in the manner of a closing flap.2. Pocket ashtray according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer is made of aluminium.
3. Pocket ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer layer is
provided with a closing system, for example a press fastener button, Velcro, or a
magnetic strip or elements, the two main components of which are located, respectively,
on the front main face (2) and on the extension (1A) of the rear main face (3).
4. Pocket ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner layer of
conductive material which projects from the front main face is provided with a rigid
plastic strip (D) for reinforcing the inlet opening (F).
5. Pocket ashtray according to claim 8, wherein the rigid plastic strip is provided with
a closing means formed by a double-sided adhesive strip which allows the ends of the
inner layer of conductive material to be joined together.
6. Pocket ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension of
the rear main face is characterized by a trapezoidal like shape with concave inclined sides.
7. Pocket ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the corners on the
bottom of the ashtray are rounded.
8. Pocket ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, the dimensions of which are
smaller than 100 mm x 100 mm x 5 mm.