GB1585231A

GB1585231A - Ashtray

Info

Publication number: GB1585231A
Application number: GB4327277A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: NIKLAS K
Current assignee: NIKLAS K
Priority date: 1976-10-18
Filing date: 1977-10-18
Publication date: 1981-02-25
Also published as: FR2367438B1; JPS5632908B2; DE2647002C2; DE2647002A1; FR2367438A1; JPS5351076A

Description

(54) ASHTRAY (71) 1, KARL NIKLAS, a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany, of Am Bach 6, D-8000 Muenchen 83, Federal Republic of Germany, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention relates to an ashtray having several extinguishing channels each of which has an opening for inserting the butt of a cigarette, cigarillo, cigar or the like and a counter-opening at its other end.

The known completely open ashtrays have the disadvantage that the burnt out cigarette and cigar butts stored in them are an un checked source of odorous ambient air and are unaesthetic when the ashtray is in use.

In order to overcome this disadvantage, an ashtray set has been proposed for example in German Offenlegungsschrift No. 2,245,283, which consists of individual ashtrays each consisting of a shell with a cover pivoting over the opening of the shell so that the shell of the ashtray receiving the burnt up cigarette and cigar butts can be closed by the cover if necessary. Although this represents some .improvement over the completely open trays, the ashtray proposed in German Offenlegungsschrift No. 2,245,283 normally remains opening during use as it would be impractical continually to open and close the cover. The smoke from the smouldering cigarette and cigar butts consequently enters the ambient air.

In order to obviate this disadvantage, ashtrays having an endless conveyor provided with transversely travelling webs has also been proposed. Such ashtrays are described for example in U.S. Patent No. 2,771,885 and in German Offenlegungsschrift No.

2,202,233. In these known ashtrays the con veyor is arranged in a housing which is closed apart from a slit, and there is a detachable container beneath the conveyor for receiving the- ash and the cigarette end.

The conveyor is always present, so that the space under the conveyor into which the ash and the cigarette end are conveyed is always sealed from the external space by two webs.

The web conveyor is thus always arranged one or more webs further on so as to create air-tight cells for extinguishing the cigarette butt. However, such ashtrays have a complicated structure and are thus not only relatively expensive to produce but are also likely to break down.

An ashtray of somewhat less complicated structure is described in German Offenlegungsschrift No. 2,247,223. This ashtray consists basically of only three parts. Thus, the ashtray has a housing consisting of a plurality of parts and open at the top for receiving the ash and butts, and a device for extinguishing a butt. One part of the housing has two rigid closure members at the top directed inwards and facing each other leaving a gap free between them. One of the closure members has an upwardly pointing edge which is suitable as a rocker support while the other closure member slopes downwards and acts as a stop for a rocker in its closed position. This rocker is provided as a closure for the gap and defines a chamber with the downwardly pointing closure mem ber for receiving a butt in which the butt can extinguished. In order to convey the butt into this chamber, the ashtray first has to be activated and the re-activated once the butt has been extinguished to convey the butt into the lower section of the ashtray whch finally receives the ash, the matches and the butts. The ashtray is thus relatively simple to construct but needs to be activated more than once, thus making it inconvenient to use or leading to its only being activated rarely for convenience, in which case the disadvantages of open ashtrays arise at least temporarily.

An ashtray is disclosed in German Utility Model No. 6,945,165 which has an open shell having downwardly sloping extinguish ing channels in its lower edge for allowing cigarettes to be inserted in such a way that a glowing cigarette is extinguished immedia tely after insertion, due to lack of oxygen.

Each extinguishing channel has a lower aperture which opens at the base of the ashtray for removing cigarettes or cigarette butts inserted in this way. Thus, when the butts are to be removed from the extinguishing channels, a base cover-plate on the ashtray has to be removed and the ashtray has to be knocked hard aainst a firm surface so that the butts fall out of the holes. This cannot always be done easily since some butts are firmly lodged.

According to the invention there is provided an ashtray comprising means defining a plurality of extinguishing channels each having an inlet opening at one end for receiving a spent smoking article and a counter-opening at the other end, and a plurality of movable members each engageable in a respective counter-opening and movable through the respective extinguishing channel, each movable member having a cross-section which is adapted to that of the extinguishing channel in which it is movable.

The ashtray is of simple structure, reliable in operation an easy to empty completely either automatically of semi-automatically.

The ambient air is prevented from being contaminated by butts of cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars or the like when in use, irrespective of whether it is used in a private sphere or in a restaurant or other eating places. The ashtray can be reused immediately after being emptied.

In a preferred embodiment, several extinguishing channels which are of constant cross-section along their length and run next to each other, preferably parallel to each other, are provided in a common rigid block. The movable parts may be in the form of straight pins which are preferably rigidly fixed to a common base plate at the ends facing the counter-openings.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the ashtray according to the invention, one or more springs are provided between the block and the base plate and these springs normally hold the block and the base plate at a sufficient distance from each other for the pins from the counter-opening to project into the extinguishing channels only by an amount which is short in relation to the length of the extinguishing channels. The block and the base plate may be laterally surrounded by a casing which may have several notches on the upper edge for inserting or securing cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars or the like. A bottom may be provided at the lower end of the casing as a limit stop or the base plate, the bottom having an opening for shifting the base plate relative to the block along the length of the pins.

When moving the pins in their longitudinal direction against the force of the helical springs, the pins, which are somewhat longer than the extinguishing channels, are inserted so far into the extinguishing channels that the contents of thses extinguishing channels are forced out. If the ashtray is simultaneously held upside down, the contents fall out and the ashtray is substantially completely emptied.

Thus, when using the ashtray according to the invention, a smoked cigarette is inserted in the somewhat larger extinguishing channel and the cigarette is immediately extinguished without more smoke being evolved. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the lower end of the associated pin projects into it somewhat and the cigarette placed in the extinguishing channel is practically hermetically sealed.

The extinguishing channels, which are preferably numerous and arranged close together, automatically receive the ashes since the surface of the block in which the extinguishing channels are provided acts as a sieve. Matches may also be inserted. Notches or slits may be situated on the front faces of the ashtray to hold the burning cigarette before it has been completely smoked.

The ashtray according to the invention may be used both in the private sphere and in restaurants, and it may also be used as a so-called counting ashtray in private use for discerning at a glance the number of cigarettes smoked. It has the particular advantage in restaurants of not having to be emptied immediately after being used by a single guest as it can remain in the used condition more frequently and longer and still look tidy. Also, a cigarette which is extinguished immediately does not disturb another guest.

Furthermore, the low production costs make it possible to provide many ashtrays in restaurants. The desirable size of the casing affords a noteworthy advertising surface.

The ashtray according to the invention may be produced in any suitable sizes and may also be used in, for example post offices, passenger halls, airports and railways, instead of the former conventional sandfilled containers.

Metal, ceramic material, non-flammable plastics or any other suitable material may be used to construct the ashtray according to the invention. Combinations of these materials may also be used; it is thus possible, for example, to provide a coating of an uninflammable plastics material.

The ashtray according to the invention is quite simple. As the cigarette is extinguished immediately in the extinguishing chamber defined by an extinguishing channel, the upper end of the pin projecting therein and the cigarette itself, and in addition is shielded from any external wind which might otherwise cause it to continue to glow, it is feasible to also use the ashtray according to the invention in a car, for which purpose it may be provided with a special fixing device, for example a rubber sucker.

The simple individual parts of the ashtray according to the invention, formed virtually without special mechanical connecting means, may be fitted together without difficulty to form an ashtray of compact structure. The risk of fire in the home and in restaurants is reduced considerably with this ashtray.

Apart from its uses for advertising, the relatively large side faces may also be decorated attractively.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to a particularly preferred embodiment which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an ashtray according to the invention, wherein part of the casing is broken away to show the internal structure; Figure 2 shows a vertical section through the ashtray according to Figure 1 in the condition in which the bottom with the pins is in its normal position; Figure 3 shows a sectional elevation according to Figure 2 but in which the bottom with the pins is in the ejection position; and Figure 4 shows a view of the ashtray of Figure 1 from below.

The ashtray 1 has a block 2 in which parallel, vertical extinguishing channels 3 are arranged close to each other. The extinguishing channels extend through the block 2 and each of these extinguishing channels has at its upper end and opening 4 for inserting a butt of a cigarette, cigarillo, cigar or the like. Matches and/or ash may also be introduced through the openings into the extinguishing channels, particularly since it is not absolutely essential to use each extinguishing channel for receiving a burning cigarette, cigarillo, cigar butt or the like for the purpose of extinguishing it.

At the lower end, each extinguishing channel 3 ends in a counter-opening 5 which faces the inlet opening 4.

Each extinguishing channel 3 is circular in cross-section and constant in diameter over its length from the inlet opening 4 to the counter-opening 5. Other cross-sectional shapes, for example oval, square or polygonal, may also be used for the extinguishing channels 3, but a circular cross-section is best since it is most suitable for receiving conventional cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars and the like, which are of circular cross-section.

The ashtray 1 has a base plate 6 which forms a common base for vertically running pins 7 which are rigidly fixed to the base or are integral therewith.

The pins 7 are adapted to the crosssection of the extinguishing channels 3, that is to say, in the present case, they are also of circular cross-section and have a diameter which is only slightly smaller than the diameter of the extinguishing channels 3.

The pins 7 pass through the counteropenings 5 in the extinguishing channels 3 and are rectilinear like the extinguishing channels so that they may be moved through the extinguishing channels until their upper ends 8 reach the region of the inlet openings.

For this purpose, the pins 7 are somewhat longer than the extinguishing channels 3.

The pins 7 do not necessairly have to be of constant cross-section over their entire length.

Instead, they need only be adapted at their upper end to the cross-section of the associated extinguishing channel 3. In practice, however, in particular when the base plate 6 and the pins 7 are produced as an integral plastics component, a cross-section which is constant over the depth of the pins 7 is more suitable for reasons of production.

A helical spring 9 is provided round each of a few of the pins 7 and extends between the base plate 6 and the respective counteropening 5. The springs normally hold the base plate 6 under spring tension at such a distance from the block 2 that only the upper ends of the pins 7 project into the extinguishing channels 3 from below as shown in Figure 2. The springs 9 are distributed over the pins 7 in such a way that substantially uniform spring force is produced over the horizontal cross-section between the block 2 and the base plate 6.

A bottom 10 serves as a stop for the base plate 6 and is arranged on a lateral casing 11.

The base 10 has an opening 12 enabling it to be gripped, a feature of ashtrays which is known per se, so that to empty the ashtray, a hand can be inserted through the opening to grip the ashtray and press on the underside of the base plate 6 in the direction of the arrow A (see figure 2 and 3). This causes the base plate 6 to be moved against the force of the springs 9 towards the block 2 until the upper ends 8 of the pins 7 are located at the level of the inlet openings 4. The ashtray is simultaneously tilted downwards so that butts, matches, ash and other material which have accumulated in the extinguishing channels 3 and have now been pressed out of these extinguishing channels by the pins 7, drop out of the ashtray 1. This state is shown in Figure 3.

The casing 11 is rigidly fixed to the block 2. The bottom 10 may be fixed or detachable for cleaning purposes.

A plurality of notches 13 are formed in the upper rim of the casing, into which cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars or the like may be inserted.

With this ashtray, extinguishing channels of equal diameter are preferably used, but it is also feasible to provide extinguishing channels of different diameters in one and the same ashtray, the diameters of the pins being correspondingly adapted. Thus it is feasible, for example, in one and the same ashtray, to provide extinguishing channels of three different diameters, the extinguishing channels with the smallest diameter being intended for cigarette butts, the extinguishing channels with the medium diameter being for cigarillo butts and the extinguishing channels with the largest diameter being for cigar butts.

WHAT I CLAIM IS:- 1. An ashtray comprising means defining a plurality of extinguishing channels each having an inlet opening at one end for receiving a spent smoking article and a counter-opening at the other end, and a plurality of movable members each engageable in a respective counter-opening and movable through the respective extinguishing channel, each movable member having a cross-section which is adpated to that of the extinguishing channel in which it is movable.

2. An ashtray according to claim 1, wherein the movable members are connected to one another and are movable in unison through the extinguishing channels.

3. An ashtray according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extinguishing channels are of constant cross-section over their length and are arranged next to each other, in a common rigid block.

4. An ashtray according to claim 3; wherein the extinguishing channels are paras~ lel to one another.

5. An ashtray according to any precedings claim, wherein the extinguishing channels are rectilinear.

6. An ashtray according to any pre cedings claim, wherein the movable members are straight pins.

7. An ashtray according to claim 6, wherein the pins are connected together at their ends furthest from the counter-openings.

8. An ashtray according to claim 7, wherein the pins are rigidly connected together.

9. An ashtray according to claim 8, wherein the pins are connected to a common base plate.

10. An ashtray according to claim 9, wherein the pins and the base plate are integrally formed.

11. An ashtray according to claim 9 or 10, wherein springs are located between the means defining the extinguishing channels and the base plate to bias the said means and the base plate to a position such that the movable members project from the counter-openings into the extinguishing channels by only a short distance in relation to the length of the extinguishing channels.

12. An ashtray according to claim 11, wherein a respective helical spring is arranged around each of a plurality of the movable members, the helical springs being evenly distributed over the pins.

13. An ashtray according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the means defining the extinguishing channels and the base plate are laterally surrounded by a casing.

14. An ashtray according to claim 13, wherein the said casing has an upper rim provided with a plurality of notches for receiving smoking articles.

15. An ashtray according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the said means is detachable from or fixed to the casing or forms an integral part thereof.

16. An ashtray according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein a stop for the base plate is provided on the casing.

17. An ashtray according to claim 16, wherein the stop is in the form of a bottom member provided at the lower end of the casing and having a grippable opening formed therein.

18. An ashtray according to claim 16, wherein the stop is detachable from or fixed to the casing or forms an integral part thereof.

19. An ashtray according to any precedings claim, wherein the extinguishing channels and the movable members are of circular cross-section.

20. An ashtray according to any precedings claim, wherein the extinguishing channels run vertically.

21. An ashtray according to claim 3 or 4 or any of claims 5 to 20 as dependent on claims 3 or 4, wherein the block has a crosssection which is square, rectangular, circular or oval cross-section as viewed perpendicularly to the extinguishing channels.

22. An ashtray according to any precedings claim, wherein the ashtray forms an enclosed unit.

23. An ashtray according to any precedings claim, further provided with means for enabling it to be secured in a motor vehicle.

24. An ashtray according to any precedings claim, wherein the said inlet openings are separated from each other by deflecting edges.

25. An ashtray according to claim 13, wherein the said inlet openings are separated from the casing by deflecting edges.

26. An ashtray substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. intended for cigarette butts, the extinguishing channels with the medium diameter being for cigarillo butts and the extinguishing channels with the largest diameter being for cigar butts. WHAT I CLAIM IS:-

1. An ashtray comprising means defining a plurality of extinguishing channels each having an inlet opening at one end for receiving a spent smoking article and a counter-opening at the other end, and a plurality of movable members each engageable in a respective counter-opening and movable through the respective extinguishing channel, each movable member having a cross-section which is adpated to that of the extinguishing channel in which it is movable.