LIQUID FILLED CIGARETTE BUTT DISPOSAL BIN FOR OUTDOOR USE

Abstract

 A liquid-filled cigarette butt disposal bin for outdoor use includes An outer cylindrical cover 1, which is closed at the top and open at the bottom, a recessed ring 2, in which holes are provided 3, to allow the smoking materials to be inserted whilst shielding the contents from rain, a cartridge reservoir for liquid 5, is provided with a screw-top 6, allowing a watertight cap 7, to be fitted, the solid base of the cartridge 8, facilitates the securing of the outer casing to the cartridge with screws 4 into the receiving hole 9, and allows a ground spike 10, to be fitted, alternatively the attachment of strap retainer brackets 13, allowing fitment to an existing pole or post. A large capacity cartridge reservoir 14 can be inserted into the casing 1 instead of the cartridge reservoir 5, securing as per 5 via the screw receiver 9. The alternative reservoir 14 & 15, also has a screw-top 6 to which a water-tight cap 7, can be fitted, there are also recesses in the base 16, to allow collection using a hand trolley. The cartridge reservoirs can be filled with water but preferably is an aqueous solution of acetic acid or similar chemical compound capable of breaking down the plasticised cellulose acetate fibres of the filter. This facilitates the compacting of the material contained in the reservoir, allowing for a greater volume of material to be collected. An anti-freeze can be added during winter months to allow cold weather operation of the disposal bin. The cartridge reservoirs 5 and 14 are easily removed from the outer casing and sealed with the watertight cap 7, to permit safe, hygienic disposal of the contents which preferably are recycled.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cigarette butt disposal bin, more particularly, to a liquid-filled cigarette butt disposal bin for outdoor use.

[0002] A conventional cigarette bin for outdoor use is normally a dry receptacle which needs daily or frequent emptying to prevent overflow onto the ground. The cigarette butt is extinguished on a stubbing plate before being introduced into the receptacle; some may use sand or water as extinguishing medium to prevent fire in the bin. The overflow of smokers' waste onto the ground is currently not only an eyesore, but it is also hazardous to health and the environment. A typical waste cigarette butt contains carcinogens, nicotine, toxins and the plasticised cellulose acetate fibre filters do not readily biodegrade. Such waste contaminates the ground and leaches into the groundwater, causing harm to the environment and wildlife. Although smokers' waste is actually 'toxic waste'; often, the authorities do not provide bins for cigarette butts in public areas due to the monetary cost of purchase and servicing.

[0003] The objective of the present invention is to provide local and regional authorities with a simple, low cost, safe, hygienic, high volume cigarette bin for outdoor use, that is easy to empty and promotes recycling of the contents.

[0004] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an outer casing, moulded in one piece from recycled materials, which is cylindrical, closed at the top, open at the bottom. A recessed area with holes is provided to allow the insertion of cigarette or cigar butts without the need to extinguish them, the recess serving to inhibit rain from entering. An inner removable cartridge is provided as a reservoir for the liquid, which can be water but preferably is an aqueous solution of acetic acid or similar chemical compound capable of breaking down the filter tow fibres. An anti-freeze can be added during winter months if required. The cartridge is marked to indicate the maximum fill level for the fluid. A watertight cap is provided to allow safe and hygienic removal of the filled cartridge. Retaining screws are provided to keep the inner cartridge and outer casing in place. The cartridge can be fitted with a ground spike for locating on grassed areas or open ground. Strap retaining brackets can be fitted where the bin is to be attached to an existing post or pole. Where a higher volume free-standing bin is required, a modified cartridge attached to a large reservoir is provided. Due to the additional weight involved, this reservoir is provided with recesses allowing collection by hand cart.

[0005] Advantageously, the liquid-filled cartridge reservoir of the present invention allows for a greater volume of waste material to be collected and stored in a given space due to the liquid breaking down the cigarette butt into its component parts, this effect is maximised by using a liquid solution to break down the fibres of the cigarette filter. The liquid assists the material to compact and thus fill the space which is normally found in the dry waste material. The waste material in the reservoir absorbs the liquid without greatly increasing the volume, and the resultant pulp can be safely removed in its cartridge, which is sealed with the water-tight cap. The contents of the cartridge can be safely disposed of, or preferably, recycled.

[0006] Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

[0007] 

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid-filled cigarette butt disposal bin for outdoor use in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the optional large capacity cartridge reservoir which can be fitted in place of the one shown in Fig. 1, this allows the bin to become free-standing.

[0008] Referring to the drawings and initially Fig. 1, a liquid-filled cigarette butt disposal bin for outdoor use in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprises an outer cylindrical cover 1, which is closed at the top and open at the bottom, a recessed ring 2, in which holes are provided 3, to allow the smoking materials to be inserted whilst shielding the contents from rain, a cartridge reservoir for liquid 5, is provided with a screw-top 6, allowing a watertight cap 7, to be fitted, the solid base of the cartridge 8, facilitates the securing of the outer casing to the cartridge with screws 4 into the receiving hole 9, and allows a ground spike 10, to be fitted, alternatively the attachment of strap retainer brackets 13, allowing fitment to an existing pole or post.

[0009] Referring to Fig. 2, this is an alternative embodiment of the present invention, where a larger capacity for waste material is needed or where there is a requirement for the bin to be free-standing. The cartridge reservoir 14 is inserted into the casing Fig 1, 1 instead of the cartridge reservoir 5, securing as per 5 via the screw receiver 9. The alternative reservoir 14 & 15, also has a screw-top 6 to which a water-tight cap 7, can be fitted, there are also recesses in the base 16, to allow collection using a hand trolley.

Claims

1. A liquid-filled cigarette butt disposal bin for outdoor use, comprising:
An outer cylindrical cover 1, which is closed at the top and open at the bottom, a recessed ring 2, in which holes are provided 3, to allow the smoking materials to be inserted whilst shielding the contents from rain, a cartridge reservoir for liquid 5, is provided with a screw-top 6, allowing a watertight cap 7, to be fitted, the solid base of the cartridge 8, facilitates the securing of the outer casing to the cartridge with screws 4 into the receiving hole 9, and allows a ground spike 10, to be fitted, alternatively the attachment of strap retainer brackets 13, allowing fitment to an existing pole or post.

2. A liquid-filled cigarette butt disposal bin for outdoor use, in accordance with Claim 1 wherein:
A large capacity cartridge reservoir 14 can be inserted into the casing 1 instead of the cartridge reservoir 5, securing as per 5 via the screw receiver 9. The alternative reservoir 14 & 15, also has a screw-top 6 to which a water-tight cap 7, can be fitted, there are also recesses in the base 16, to allow collection using a hand trolley.

3. A liquid-filled cigarette butt disposal bin for outdoor use, in accordance with Claims 1 and 2:
can be filled with water but preferably is an aqueous solution of acetic acid or similar chemical compound capable of breaking down the plasticised cellulose acetate fibres of the filter. This facilitates the compacting of the material contained in the reservoir, allowing for a greater volume of material to be collected. An anti-freeze can be added during winter months to allow cold weather operation of the disposal bin.

4. A liquid-filled cigarette butt disposal bin for outdoor use, in accordance with Claims 1, 2 and 3, Whereby the cartridge reservoirs 5 and 14 are easily removed from the outer casing and sealed with the watertight cap 7, to permit safe, hygienic disposal of the contents which preferably are recycled.

Drawing