WO2008139128A1

WO2008139128A1 - Apparatus for extinguishing and storing a cigarette butt

Info

Publication number: WO2008139128A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/050266
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lucy Mcneill; Alastair Mcneill
Original assignee: Ashcan Products Limited
Priority date: 2007-05-15
Filing date: 2007-05-15
Publication date: 2008-11-20
Also published as: EP2155005A1

Abstract

Apparatus for extinguishing and storing a cigarette butt, apparatus comprising, a tubular member (3) having the same diameter and wall thickness' throughout its length, two substantially identical end caps (2) for sealingly engaging with the tubular member (3), the tubular member (3) having an inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a cigarette, whereby the tubular member and the two end caps (2) when engaged form an airtight enclosure, each end cap (2) having a maximum outer diameter equal to or slightly greater than the outer diameter of the tubular member (3), the apparatus being of an overall length less than or equal to the length of a relevant cigarette. In use, after smoking a cigarette an end cap (2) may be removed from the tubular member (3), and the cigarette butt inserted into the inside of the tubular member (3), the end cap then being sealingly engaged with the tubular member (3) whereby the cigarette butt will be extinguished by a lack of oxygen, and the apparatus may be inserted into the cigarette packet to replace the smoked cigarette.

Description

Apparatus for Extinguishing and Storing a Cigarette Butt

The present Invention relates to an apparatus for extinguishing and storing a cigarette butt.

Background

Three-quarters of English streets are scattered with smoking related litter, according to a recent survey by Keep Britain Tidy and the problem is set to get worse. An annual survey of England (LEQSE) monitored 12,000 sites and found over 79% of them strewn with cigarette butts and packets. In 2007, the Government has introduced a partial ban on smoking in public places, which will lead to an even bigger increase in cigarette litter. This type of litter is unsightly and difficult to clean up, as the small filters fall into grates and cracks in the pavement, avoiding detection by normal cleaning processes. Cigarette filters are composed of cellulose acetate, a plastic that can take anywhere between 18 months and 500 years to break down and be absorbed back into the environment. Deposition can also lead to toxins leaking into watercourses, which pose a serious threat to our wildlife.

There is often nowhere for a smoker to dispose of a finished cigarette, so even a well-intentioned smoker might be forced to contribute to this litter problem.

Statement of Invention

The present invention provides according to a first aspect, apparatus for extinguishing and storing a cigarette butt, apparatus comprising, a tubular member having the same diameter and wall thickness throughout its length, two substantially identical end caps for sealingly engaging with the tubular member, the tubular member having a inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a cigarette, whereby the tubular member and the two end caps when engaged form an airtight enclosure, each end cap having a maximum outer diameter equal to or slightly greater than the outer diameter of the tubular member, the apparatus being of an overall length less than or equal to the length of a relevant cigarette, whereby, after smoking a cigarette an end cap may be removed from the tubular member, and the cigarette butt inserted into the inside of the tubular member, the end cap then being sealingly engaged with the tubular member whereby the cigarette butt will be extinguished by a lack of oxygen, and the apparatus may be inserted into the cigarette packet to replace the smoked cigarette.

In a preferred arrangement, the tubular member may be of a thin wall of metal, such as aluminium although it may alternatively be of plastic or paper the material of the plastic being chosen or the paper or plastic being suitably lined to prevent a combustion by the hot butt.

In another preferred arrangement, the end caps each include a cylindrical skirt portion for surrounding the tubular member when the cap is engaged with the tubular member. Each end cap may have a cylindrical skirt portion surrounding the outer surface of the tubular member whereby to make it easier to grip to remove when inserting a cigarette butt. The interior diameter of the skirt portion of each end cap is preferably of a dimension to cause it to frictionally engage with the outer surface of the tubular member. The interior surface of the skirt portion preferably includes a chamfer to enable the inner cylindrical surface of the end cap to readily engage over the outer surface of the end of the tubular member. In a preferred arrangement, the outer diameter of the tubular member is

8.5 - 9.5 mm, preferably 9.10mm, and the internal diameter of the tubular member is 8 - 9 mm, preferably 8.60mm. The wall thickness of the tubular member is preferably 0.2 - 0.5, preferably 0.25mm.

The outer diameter of each end cap is preferably 9.5 - 11.5 mm, preferably 10.5mm. The overall length of each end cap is preferably 13 - 17 mm, preferably 15mm.

The overall length of the apparatus is, in one embodiment, preferably 80 - 86 mm, preferably 83.5mm, that is the length of a relevant cigarette, and in another embodiment, preferably 95 - 105mm, preferably 100mm, that is the length of a king size cigarette.

The present invention provides according to a second aspect, apparatus for extinguishing and storing a cigarette butt, apparatus comprising, a tubular member, a first end cap sealingly engaging with the tubular member, a second end cap sealingly engaging with said tubular member, the tubular member having a inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a cigarette, whereby the tubular member and first and second end caps when engaged form an airtight enclosure, the first end cap having a maximum outer diameter equal to or slightly greater than the outer diameter of the tubular member, the apparatus being of an overall length less than or equal to the length of a relevant cigarette, whereby, after smoking a cigarette the first end cap may be removed from the tubular member, and the lit cigarette butt inserted into the inside of the tubular member, the first end cap then being sealingly engaged with the tubular member whereby the cigarette butt will be extinguished by a lack of oxygen, and the apparatus may be inserted into the cigarette packet to replace the smoked cigarette, thus storing the extinguished cigarette for appropriate disposal at a later time..

Thus the apparatus of the invention allows the user to extinguish their cigarette and store the used cigarette butt or butts until they can be disposed of at a later time. The device fits inside a cigarette packet, in the space left by one or more used cigarettes. The product is approximately the same size and shape as a cigarette.

The device is essentially an airtight or nearly airtight tube; placing used cigarette butts in the tube and closing the opening will extinguish and store them so that they can be disposed of at a later time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred examples of the apparatus according to th invention are described by the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an exploded diagram of an apparatus for extinguishing and storing a cigarette butt made of a combination of metal and plastic. - Figure 2 shows an assembled apparatus of Figure 1 ,

Figure 3 shows an alternative arrangement of an apparatus for extinguishing and storing a cigarette butt made of a combination of metal and plastic,

Figure 4 shows an alternative arrangement of an apparatus for extinguishing and storing a cigarette butt made of paper or card,

Figure 5 shows an alternative arrangement of an apparatus for extinguishing and storing a cigarette butt made of plastic,

Figure 6 shows an axial section of yet another arrangement of an alternative arrangement of an apparatus for extinguishing and storing a cigarette butt, - Figure 7 Is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 6,

Figure 8 Is an axial enlarged section of a first end cap of the apparatus of Figure 6,

Figure 9 Is an axial enlarged section of a second end cap of the apparatus of Figure 6, - Figure 10 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 6 inserted in a cigarette packet In place of a smoked cigarette,

Figure 11 is an axial section of yet another arrangement of an alternative arrangement of an apparatus for extinguishing and storing a cigarette butt, and - Figure 12 is an axial enlarged section of an end cap of the apparatus of

Figure 11.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

A first embodiment of the invention Is shown In Figure 1 and 2. Generally comprising a metal tube with plastic ends, this embodiment comprises two tubes 2 A, 2B that friction fit over an internal tube 3, each of the external tubes 2A, 2B being of the same diameter fractionally larger than the diameter of the internal tube 3, in order to friction fit over it. The length of these two external tubes when added together is the full length of the apparatus, which is substantially the length of a cigarette. These external tubes 2A, 2B, are of aluminum, or steel, or stainless steel or another suitable metal. Each external tube 2A, 2B may have a plastic (which is preferably fire- retardant), or similar suitable material, plug 1 , inserted in its outer end. This plug 1 may be injection moulded and may carry a products logo. The plug 1 may be secured in place using two 'nipples' that pop into two holes drilled into the external tubes 2A, 2B, or stuck in place with a suitable adhesive.

When both external tubes 2A, 2B are fitted over the internal tube 3, the final product is airtight, or nearly air tight. In this instance the internal tube 3 may have two small holes 8 A, 8B in it to allow the air to escape before the external tubes 2A, 2B, are pushed into place.

The external tubes may carry the product's identity, colours and logos. This may be applied using a powder coating, stove enamel or other similar method of applying colour, with a transfer of any wording and images. The purpose of the construction which allows both ends of the internal tube 3 to be open when the two external tubes 2A, 2B are disengaged from the inner tube is to allow the user to clear the product from within the Inner tube, if it becomes blocked. The internal diameter of the inner metal tube is fractionally larger than a relevant standard cigarette to allow the extinguished butt or butts to fall out when the tube is inverted. It may be made from the same material as the external tubes.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention. The tube 5, is similar In construction to the tube 3 in Figure 1 , but without the air holes 8A, 8B The tube 5 has an opening lid 4 at either end. These lids 4 may be injection molded of rubber or plastic, or another suitable heat resistant and moldable material. The lids adhere to the relevant end of the tube 5 and a hinge 5A supports a disk 5B that is inserted into the end of the tube 5 when It Is closed, so making the tube 5 air tight or nearly airtight.

Alternatively, rather than having the same type of opening lid 4 at either end, one end could be sealed with a plug which would not hinge but could be removed for the purposes of cleaning The advantage of not having an opening lid at both ends is that the plug can be of the same or less diameter as the tube 5 to ensure that the end of the device with the plug can fit into the space of a used cigarette in a packet of cigarettes without damaging the cigarette next to it when it is inserted or removed from the box. This plug could be made from the same material as the opening lid or perhaps a softer rubber or plastic would be more appropriate and its purpose is to seal the internal tube 5, so making it air tight or nearly air tight.

Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the invention. In this case the tube 6 is made from foil lined paper or card , the internal face being protected from the heat of the cigarette butt by means of foil being applied to the internal face, the ends being sealed with bungs 7, made from cork or rubber or similar material.

In the arrangement of Figure 5, the whole device may be moulded in one piece from plastic.

In other arrangements, the internal tube may be sealed with other types of seals, such as a screw top or a sliding top, all with the purpose of making the internal tube airtight, preferably allowing the user to open and use the product using only one hand and being heat resistant.

Referring to Figures 6 to 9, as is clear from the drawings another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a tubular member 60 of circular cross section with an internal diameter of 8 - 9 mm, preferably 8.60mm, and an external diameter of 8.5 - 9.5 mm, preferably 9.1mm giving a wall thickness of 0.2 - 0.5mm, preferably 0.25mm. The tubular member 60 has an overall length of 80 - 86mm, preferably 81mm where it is to be used with a standard length cigarette. Where it is to be used with a "King size" cigarette, which is longer, the tubular member 60 has an overall length of 95 - 105mm, preferably 100mm. A first end cap is shown in Figure 6 but is showing enlarged detail in Figure 8. The first end cap 61 , which may be of injection moulded plastic material, is of generally cylindrical section with a closed end. The cylindrical section which forms a cylindrical skirt portion 62, but has overall outside diameter of 9.5 - 11.5mm, preferably 10.50mm, with an internal diameter which varies somewhat but is 9.10mm-9.30mm and an overall length of 13 - 17 mm, preferably 15mm. As can be seen from Figure 6, the first end cap 61 is adapted to surround and fit over one end of the tubular member 60 to form a ceiling connection. The inner cylindrical surface 63 of the first end cap 61 includes a rib 64 which forms a proper seal with the outer surface of the tubular section 60. There is provided an internal chamfer 66 in the skirt portion 62 to enable the inner cylindrical surface 63 of the first end cap 61 to readily engage over the outer surface of the end of the tubular member 60.

Ribs 68 are provided in the inner cylindrical surface 63 of the first end cap to suitably engage with the outer surface of the tubular member 60.

Referring to Figure 6, it will be seen that the opposite end of the tubular member 60 is engaged with a second end cap 69, and an enlarged axial of that end cap 69 is shown in Figure 9. The outer diameter of the end cap is the same of the outer diameter of the tubular member 60. There is an inner cylindrical plug section of an outer diameter 8.60mm, with a cylindrical rib 72 which causes the plug section 78 when engaged with the inside of the tubular member 60 to frictionally engage with that inside surface of the tubular member 60.

Referring to Figures 11 to 12, as is clear from the drawings another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a tubular member 160 of circular cross section with an internal diameter of 8 - 9 mm, preferably 8.60mm, and an external diameter of 8.5 - 9.5 mm, preferably 9.1mm giving a wall thickness of 0.2 - 0.5mm, preferably 0.25mm. The tubular member 160 has an overall length of 80 - 86mm, preferably 81mm where it is to be used with a standard length cigarette. Where it is to be used with a "King size" cigarette, which is longer, the tubular member 160 has an overall length of 95 - 105mm, preferably 100mm. The apparatus has two identical end caps 161 , (which reduces manufacturing costs and complexity) an enlarged axial section of which is shown in Figure 12. The end cap 161 , which may be of injection moulded plastic material, is of generally cylindrical section 162 with a closed end 163. The cylindrical section which forms a cylindrical skirt portion 162, but has overall outside diameter of 9.5 - 11.5mm, preferably 10.50mm, with an internal diameter which varies somewhat but is 9.10mm-9.30mm and an overall length of 13 - 17 mm, preferably 15mm. This enables it to frictionally engage with the outer surface of the tubular member 160. As can be seen from Figure 11 , the end caps 161 are adapted to surround and fit over a respective end of the tubular member 160 to form a sealing connection. The inner cylindrical surface 163 of the end cap 161 is smooth and a push fit with the outer surface of the tubular member 160. There is provided an internal chamfer 166 in the skirt portion 162 to enable the inner cylindrical surface 163 of the end cap 161 to readily engage over the outer surface of the end of the tubular member 160.

It will be noted that in this embodiment, the tubular member is a simple tube of metal, preferably aluminium or aluminium alloy having the same diameter and wall thickness throughout its length which reduces manufacturing costs and complexity.

In use of the apparatus of Figures 1-12, a cigarette user removes a cigarette from a packet of cigarettes and smokes the cigarette. When completed the cigarette butt may be extinguished and stored in the apparatus of the invention.

The apparatus may be opened by removing one of the external tubes

2A or 2B from the internal tube 3 in Figure 1 , or opening the lid 4 in Figure 3 or removing a bung 7 in Figure 4 or removing the first end cap 61 in Figures 6 - 9 or removing one of the end caps 161 in Figures 11 - 13, providing access to the interior of the apparatus, and the cigarette butt may be inserted into the tubular member. It will be understood that the internal diameter of relevant tubular member is slightly greater than that of a relevant cigarette.

The apparatus may then be closed by reengaging the external tubes 2A or 2B with the internal tube 3 in Figure 1 , or closing the lid 4 in Figure 3 or reengaging the bung 7 in Figure 4 or reengaging the first end cap 61 with the tubular member in Figures 6 -9 or reengaging the end cap 161 with the tubular member in Figures 11 - 13 to provide a sealed closed compartment which quickly extinguishes the cigarette butt and provides ready storage for it. The cigarette butt and apparatus cools very quickly.

The apparatus of the invention is designed so as to be insertable into the space which the cigarette has been removed from within the cigarette packet 100 as is clearly illustrated from Figure 10.

In this way, one may store the extinguished cigarette in the apparatus of the invention within the cigarette packet for appropriate disposal at a later time.

The length of the apparatus allows two cigarette butts to be stored therein, and they may be ejected by simply opening the appropriate end of the apparatus, the cigarette butt(s) simply sliding out into a suitable container. If the cigarette butts do not simply slide out, then it is necessary to open both ends of the apparatus and use a suitable prodder to push the butts out.

Cigarettes are of a standard size (normal or King size) and thus the appropriate embodiment of the apparatus of the invention will fit most types of cigarette. The invention not restricted to the details of the foregoing examples.

Claims

1. Apparatus for extinguishing and storing a cigarette butt, apparatus comprising, a tubular member having the same diameter and wall thickness throughout its length, two substantially identical end caps for sealingly engaging with the tubular member, the tubular member having a inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a cigarette, whereby the tubular member and the two end caps when engaged form an airtight enclosure, each end cap having a maximum outer diameter equal to or slightly greater than the outer diameter of the tubular member, the apparatus being of an overall length less than or equal to the length of a relevant cigarette, whereby, after smoking a cigarette, one end cap may be removed from the tubular member, and the cigarette butt inserted into the inside of the tubular member, the end cap then being sealingly engaged with the tubular member whereby the cigarette butt will be extinguished by a lack of oxygen, and the apparatus may be inserted into the cigarette packet to replace the smoked cigarette.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the tubular member is of a thin walled metal.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the end caps each include a cylindrical skirt portion for surrounding the tubular member when the cap is engaged with the tubular member.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which each end cap has a cylindrical skirt portion surrounding the outer surface of the tubular member whereby to make it easier to grip to remove when inserting a cigarette butt.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the interior diameter of the skirt portion of each end cap is of a dimension to cause it to frictionally engage with the outer surface of the tubular member.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5 in which the interior surface of the skirt portion includes a chamfer to enable the inner cylindrical surface of the end cap to readily engage over the outer surface of the end of the tubular member.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the outer diameter of the tubular member is 8.5 - 9.5 mm, preferably 9.10mm, and the internal diameter of the tubular member is 8 - 9 mm, preferably 8.60mm.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the wall thickness of the tubular member is 0.2 - 0.5 mm, preferably 0.25mm.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the outer diameter of each end cap is preferably 9.5 - 11.5 mm, preferably 10.5mm.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the overall length of each end cap is preferably 13 - 17 mm, preferably 15mm.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the overall length of the apparatus is 80 - 86 mm, preferably 83.5 mm, that is, the length of a relevant cigarette.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the overall length of the apparatus is 95 - 105 mm, preferably 100 mm, that is the length of a relevant King size cigarette.

13. Apparatus for extinguishing and storing a cigarette butt, apparatus comprising, a tubular member, a first end cap sealingly engaging with the tubular member, a second end cap sealing engaging with said tubular member, the tubular member having a inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a cigarette, whereby the tubular member and first and second end caps when engaged form an airtight enclosure, the first end cap having a maximum outer diameter equal to or slightly greater than the outer diameter of the tubular member, the apparatus being of an overall length less than or equal to the length of a relevant cigarette, whereby, after smoking a cigarette the first end cap may be removed from the tubular member, and the cigarette butt inserted into the inside of the tubular member, the first end cap then being sealingly engaged with the tubular member whereby the cigarette butt will be extinguished by a lack of oxygen, and the apparatus may be inserted into the cigarette packet to replace the smoked cigarette.