WO2012038562A1

WO2012038562A1 - Cigarette packet with built-in ashtray

Info

Publication number: WO2012038562A1
Application number: PCT/ES2011/000274
Authority: WO
Inventors: José Antonio GARCÍA PARRA; María Del Rosario MARÍN BENAVIDES
Original assignee: Garcia Parra Jose Antonio; Marin Benavides Maria Del Rosario
Priority date: 2010-09-24
Filing date: 2011-09-16
Publication date: 2012-03-29

Abstract

The invention relates to a cigarette packet with a built-in ashtray, comprising: a main housing (2), and a second smaller ashtray housing (3) positioned side-by-side against the main housing (2) and provided with a protective fireproof casing (4) including double triangular flanges (5) defining a safety opening (6) in which a small funnel (7) can be inserted and removed. In one embodiment of the invention, the two housings (2 and 3) are inserted into a side-opening case (8), while in another embodiment a full-length hinged lid (9) is provided, which covers both housings (2 and 3) and includes a part (10), made from foam or a similar material, that is secured to the opening (6) of the ashtray housing (3). In yet another embodiment, two independent lids are provided, namely a large lid (11) for the main housing (2) and a small lid (12) for the ashtray housing (3). The invention also includes a device (20) allowing same to be detected in recycling plants.

Description

ILLA TOBACCO BOX WITH INCORPORATED CENICERO

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as expressed in the statement of the present specification, refers to a pack of tobacco with built-in ashtray, bringing to the state of the art remarkable advantages and novelty characteristics, which will be described in detail below, and which suppose a significant improvement of the current state of the art.

More particularly, the object of the invention is centered on a pack of tobacco, which being of the type made of cardboard, has the particularity of being formed by two parts, one to contain cigarettes and another to be used as an ashtray suitable for depositing. in it the ash and cigarette butts generated when consuming said cigarettes, thus avoiding having to throw said polluting waste to the ground when there is no suitable ashtray or container, a situation that is aggravated given that in most countries the current legislation prevents smoking in closed public places, work centers and even in places of leisure.

In addition, the box is gilded with means that favor the preservation of the environment, since it incorporates a system that facilitates its recycling consisting of the incorporation of means to detect its presence among other wastes and thus be able to proceed to the selective treatment of the same. FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is part of the technical sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of tobacco packaging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is known, tobacco consumption is a product of mass consumption throughout the world that generates a huge amount of cigarette butts that flood streets, cities, fields and forests, beaches, seas and lakes, rivers and swamps and other public places since in most of them smokers do not have adequate elements to deposit such butts and, therefore, often choose to throw them to the ground, causing unknowingly a real problem of contamination, since the filters are usually made of cellulose acetate, which is not biodegradable, as well as a huge expense for city councils in cleaning services.

Therefore, it would be desirable for the tobacco packets to incorporate an ashtray so that the smoker, when going to smoke each of the cigarettes in his pack, always and at the same time and regardless of where he is, suitable container to, at least, collect the cigarette butts that will generate the consumption of the cigarettes of said packet, this being the main objective of the present invention.

On the other hand, certain studies demonstrate the possibility that cigarette butts can be used as an anticorrosive element. Specifically, scientists from Xian Jiatong University in China have discovered that chemicals extracted from cigarette butt filters can protect steel pipes from corrosion.

In these studies they found that, after dipping cigarette butts in water, nine different chemical compounds could be extracted, including nicotine, and when these chemical compounds were applied to a type of steel widely used in the oil industry, it was found that They were very effective in preventing corrosion, even under harsh conditions.

It must be borne in mind that the continuous replacement of rusty steel pipes represents a significant cost for crude oil producers worldwide, which could make the recycling of cigarette butts an economically viable option. About 4.5 trillion of these remains are found in the environment every year.

Thus, one of the objectives of the present invention is directed towards the development of a tobacco pack with built-in ashtray so that it becomes the normal-use pack in which cigarettes are distributed, and therefore that the housing is integrated ashtray to collect the cigarette butts since its manufacture by the tobacco companies themselves, also having the means to facilitate the selective recycling of the waste generated by tobacco consumption.

It should also be noted that the said selective recycling of packs, given the Important development that recycling plants have experienced through the implementation of modern selection systems that, through different techniques, are able to distinguish and separate multiple products and materials from the mixed waste mixes that normally arrive at their facilities, must not represent any Type of problem.

Regarding the current state of the art, it should be noted that, although there are multiple types and models of smoker packs or accessories on the market that include a housing for cigarettes or cigarettes and another for use as an ashtray, none of them have the specific characteristics of the package recommended in the proposal here.

In this regard, it is worth mentioning as the most relevant inventions related to the topic those disclosed in the following documents: ES1064920; FR2914152; JP8066174; GB2236737; CN201365526Y. However, none of them, as has been said, has technical, structural or constitutive characteristics similar to those presented in the package described here, the details of which are conveniently included in the final claims that accompany the present memory.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the tobacco pack with built-in ashtray that the present invention proposes is configured as a remarkable novelty within its field of application, since, according to its implementation and in a restrictive way, it is achieved satisfactorily the objective previously indicated as suitable, being the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish it from what is already known in the market, conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this specification.

Specifically, the recommended package is configured as a prismatic container for tobacco made from a cardboard sheet or cardboard conveniently stamped, folded and glued that, in addition to having a housing for cigarettes, has the particularity of having a second housing, laterally attached to the previous one, which aims to serve as a container for the waste generated by said cigarettes, that is, ashtray for ash and cigarette butts. The second ashtray housing, in addition, has the peculiarity of having an aluminum foil wrapper or other similar material that is fireproof, so that the content thereof is incombustible, which in its upper part presents a structural configuration, based of eyelashes, specially designed to facilitate the introduction of the butts preventing them from coming back out and drowning the oxygen avoiding combustion. Additionally, in addition, the existence of a small funnel that, placed on said mouth, allows the introduction of ash.

From said common configuration, the invention contemplates three different possible embodiments of the pack.

In a first embodiment, both housings are covered with a common case of lateral opening, so that the displacement of the same towards one side gives access to the part of the pack where the cigarettes are housed and, the displacement of the cover towards the opposite side gives access to the part of the box that serves as an ashtray, having provided an inner stop that prevents the case from moving the case to get out completely.

In a second variant embodiment, the pack has a complete folding cover that covers both housings, so that when opened, both housings, the cigarette and the ashtray, are simultaneously accessible.

Optionally, on the inside of said lid, the area that covers the mouth of the ashtray housing, the incorporation of a piece of foam or similar material is contemplated that improves the closure thereof avoiding the escape of possible odors.

Finally, a third embodiment of the invention, similar to the previous one, contemplates the existence of two independent folding caps, one for the accommodation of the cigarettes and another for the ashtray housing, so that both housings remain isolated from each other.

It should be noted, finally that, although in all three cases the proposed package can be made in any size, this will preferably be suitable for the whole of it with its two housings to fit in the pockets of a shirt, pants, jacket, bag, etc., that is, it will have dimensions very similar to those of any conventional pack of tobacco. Following the innovative features of the recommended package, it should also be noted that it incorporates, attached to it, preferably inside, but not limited to said location, and fixed by any conventional system, such as glued or simply housed between the folds of the sheet that constitutes it, a small device capable of being able to be detected by some selection system of those normally implemented in a waste recycling plant, in order to be able to separate the packs from the rest of the waste and allow a selective treatment of the same and, where appropriate, a possible recycling of the butts contained inside.

To this end, said device may consist of a chip, a magnetic strip, a ferric metal body or any other element that can be detected by the selection systems normally used by said recycling plants or by other new systems that could be implemented in the future .

Thus, the tobacco pack with built-in ashtray that the present invention proposes presents the following advantages:

For the users:

- Comfort, as the waste container is included in the same container you buy, making it easy to get rid of cigarette butts and / or ashes easily.

- Awareness of the pollution caused by not depositing waste in the place suitable .

In the cities :

- Very important savings by the Municipalities and Public Administrations in cleaning.

For the preservation of the Environment:

- Contribute to avoid contamination of the Planet by being able to collect the remains of cigarettes selectively.

And, in addition, facilitate the work of recycling.

The cigarette has the filter that is usually made of cellulose acetate, which is not biodegradable. Acetate can remain in the environment decades before it degrades.

In addition, the same toxic and / or carcinogenic substances persist in the remains of the butts as in cigarettes polluting the environment and the course of the waters.

This contamination is of great caliber given the millions of kilograms of filters that are manufactured annually. According to studies, it is estimated that at the end of the last century around 1,000 million. A high percentage of them end up on the ground.

It is therefore confirmed that the tobacco pack with the proposed built-in ashtray represents an innovative structure of characteristics structural and constitutive factors unknown until now, reasons that, together with its practical utility, provide it with sufficient grounds to obtain the privilege of exclusivity that is requested.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made of the object of the invention and to help a better understanding of the characteristics that distinguish it, the present specification, as an integral part thereof, of a set of drawings, is accompanied that the following has been represented by way of illustration and not limitation:

Figures number 1-A and 1-B.- They show each perspective view of an example of the first embodiment of the package object of the invention with a side opening cover, respectively showing its opening on the side of the cigarette housing and on the side of the ashtray housing, the parts of the same having been hidden in broken lines in order to allow to properly appreciate the main parts and elements it comprises.

Figures 2-A and 2-B.- They show respectively a side perspective view of the case and a front perspective view of the main housing assembly for cigarettes and ashtray and which are incorporated inside said case, showing in they the tabs of the sheath provided internally on both sides of it, and the complementary openings provided on both sides of the main accommodation.

Figure number 3.- Shows a perspective view of the package object of the invention in an exemplary embodiment of its second embodiment with full cover.

Figure number 4.- Shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, in this case in its third embodiment variant with independent covers for the housing of cigarettes and for ashtray housing.

Figure number 5.- It shows a plan view of the sheet of fireproofing material that covers the ashtray housing internally, its particular configuration being appreciated in order to form the anti-fall opening of said housing.

Figure number 6.- Shows a perspective view of the additional funnel provided to facilitate the introduction of the ash.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the tobacco pack with built-in ashtray, according to the invention, to which the detection device has been incorporated to allow selective recycling thereof, which It has been schematically represented by dashed line, in a possible example of incorporating it located inside the box between the protective aluminum foil and the cardboard sheet or outer cardboard. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, an example of the recommended invention can be observed therein, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

Thus, as seen in these figures, the pack (1) is configured as a prismatic container of cardboard, cardboard or other material that has a main housing (2) for cigarettes and a second smaller housing that is available attached laterally to the previous one and whose purpose is to serve as an ashtray, which referenced with (3) will be referred to as ashtray housing.

This ashtray housing (3) internally has a protective wrap (4) of flame retardant material, such as aluminum foil or similar, which, as seen in Figure 5 in which the die-cut sheet that forms said protective wrap (4), has in its upper part tabs (5) of doubly triangular configuration that, once folded and placed said protective wrap (4) in said ashtray housing (3), determine a safety mouth (6) that , when pressed, allows the introduction of the butts simply by pushing them through it but prevents them from coming out again, since the arrangement of said tabs (5) prevents them from opening outwards, also serving to prevent the entry of oxygen helping the rapid extinction of combustion.

Since the design of said mouthpiece (6) causes it to remain closed or not pressed, In order to facilitate the introduction of the ash inside the ashtray housing (3), it is optionally provided for the placement of a small removable funnel (7), such as that shown in Figure 6, which allows it to be kept open When you want to use.

It must be said that, logically, the main housing (2) intended for cigarettes can also incorporate an inner wrap (not shown) of aluminum foil or similar, as is usually the case in conventional packs.

According to figures 1 and 2, it is observed that in a first embodiment of the package (1) recommended, both housings (2 and 3) are arranged inserted in a cover (8) of lateral opening, so that the displacement of the same to one side gives access to the main housing (2) where the cigarettes are located and, the displacement of the cover (8) to the opposite side gives access to the ashtray housing (3), an inner stop mechanism having been provided, for example constituted by tabs (13), arranged internally on both sides of the edges of the sheath (8) placed in a coincident position with complementary openings (15) provided in the main housing (2), which, when moving the sheath towards a side or other, they prevent the pack from getting out of it completely.

In this case, moreover, a flap (14) is contemplated that covers the upper mouth (6) of the ashtray housing (3) when the box is closed on said side.

In a second embodiment variant shown in figure 3, the box (1) has a complete folding lid (9), that is, it covers both housings (2 and 3) and when opened, cigarettes and ashtray are simultaneously accessible. In this case, both accommodations (2 and 3) are included in the same external coverage.

Optionally, on the inside of said complete cover (9), the incorporation of a piece (10) of foam or similar material is contemplated, fixed in the area that covers the mouth (6) of the ashtray housing (3), avoiding the exit of possible odors.

Finally, Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the pack (1) in which there is contemplated the existence of two independent flip covers, a larger cover (11) to cover and close the main housing (2) destined for cigarettes and a lower cover (12) to cover and close the ashtray housing (3), so that both housings remain totally isolated from each other.

According to figure number 7, it can be seen how, additionally and in any of its previously described variants of embodiment, although said figure only shows one of them, the pack (1) incorporates a device (20) capable of being detected by the selection systems implemented in the waste recycling plants, with the purpose of allowing the boxes (1) to be separated from the rest of the waste and thus being able to carry out a selective treatment of them, including, if necessary, a possible recycling of the butts contained inside.

Said device (20) may consist of a chip, in a magnetic strip, in a ferric metal body or any other element that can be detected by the selection systems normally used by the aforementioned recycling plants or by other new systems that could be implemented in the future, choosing the one that best in each case, depending on the type of technique used in the facilities of each area, zone or country, a standardized system is desirable.

On the other hand, the device (20) may be disposed in any location of the package that is considered appropriate according to the preferences of the manufacturer of the packages but in such a way that it is not easily removable therefrom, for example, inside, between the inner linings of aluminum foil and the cardboard sheet or outer cardboard, being able to be fixed to it by any conventional fastening system, such as gluing, or simply being housed between the folds thereof.

Describing sufficiently the nature of the present invention, as well as the way of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any person skilled in the art understands its scope and the advantages derived therefrom, stating that, within its essentiality, it may be implemented in other embodiments that differ in detail from that indicated by way of example, and to which it will also achieve the protection that is sought provided that it is not altered, changed or modified its fundamental principle .

Claims

1.- TOBACCO BOX WITH INCORPORATED CENICERO, of the type that is configured as a prismatic container of cardboard, cardboard or other material with at least one main housing (2) for cigarettes with an inner wrap of aluminum foil or similar, characterized in that, in addition, it comprises a second ashtray housing (3) of smaller size that is disposed laterally attached to the main housing (2), which ashtray housing (3) internally has a protective wrapper (4) of fire retardant material, such as Aluminum foil or similar, which has on its upper part tabs (5) which, with a doubly triangular configuration, once folded and placed said protective wrap (4) in said ashtray housing (3) determine a mouth (6) of security.

2.- TOBACCO BOX WITH CENICERO

INCORPORATED, according to claim 1, characterized in that both housings (2 and 3) are arranged inserted in a cover (8) of lateral opening, whose displacement towards one side or another gives access to an accommodation or another, contemplating the existence of a flap ( 14) which covers the mouth (6) of the ashtray housing (3) superiorly.

3.- TOBACCO BOX WITH INCORPORATED CENICER, according to claim 2, characterized in that an inner stop mechanism is provided, constituted by tabs (13) arranged internally on both sides of the edges of the sheath (8) and placed in position coinciding with complementary openings (15) provided in the main housing (2), which, when moving the cover towards On one side or the other, they prevent the pack from getting completely out of it.

4.- TOBACCO BOX WITH INCORPORATED CENICERO, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a complete folding lid (9), that is, it covers both housings (2 and 3).

5. - TOBACCO BOX WITH INCORPORATED CENICER, according to claim 4, characterized in that, on the inside of said complete cover (9) it is contemplated the incorporation of a piece (10), of foam or similar material, fixed in the area covering the mouth (6) of the ashtray housing (3).

6. - TOBACCO BOX WITH INCORPORATED CENICER, according to claim 1, characterized in that the existence of two independent folding covers, a major cover (11) for covering and closing the main housing (2) and a smaller cover (12) is contemplated. to cover and close the ashtray housing (3).

7.- TOBACCO BOX WITH INCORPORATED CENICERO, according to claim 1, characterized in that in the mouth (6) of the ashtray housing (3) it is provided the placement of a small funnel (7) removable and put.

8.- TOBACCO BOX WITH CENICERO

INCORPORATED, according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it incorporates a device (20) capable of being detected by selection systems implemented in waste recycling plants.

9.- TOBACCO BOX WITH CENICERO INCORPORATED, according to claim 8, characterized in that the device (20) consists of a chip capable of being detected by a system of appropriate selection of those used in the recycling plants.

10.- TOBACCO BOX WITH INCORPORATED CENICER, according to claim 8, characterized in that the device (20) consists of a magnetic strip capable of being detected by a system of appropriate selection of those used in recycling plants.

11. - TOBACCO BOX WITH INCORPORATED CENICERO, according to claim 8, characterized in that the device (20) consists of a ferric metal body capable of being detected by a system of appropriate selection of those used in recycling plants.

12. - TOBACCO BOX WITH INCORPORATED CENICER, according to any of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the device (20) is located inside the box, between the inner linings of aluminum foil and the cardboard or cardboard sheet external, fixing to it by means of conventional systems of subjection, or is simply lodged between the folds of the same.