WO2017144998A1

WO2017144998A1 - Portable device for collecting filters of used cigarettes

Info

Publication number: WO2017144998A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/050787
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rino Pierino Tomasoni
Original assignee: Rino Pierino Tomasoni
Priority date: 2016-02-23
Filing date: 2017-02-13
Publication date: 2017-08-31
Also published as: ITUB20160990A1

Abstract

A portable device (1) for collecting filters of smoked cigarettes is described, the device comprising a main body (2) formed by a first semi-portion (3) and a second semi-portion (4) sliding telescopically one with respect to the other. The main body comprises: a seat (5) for housing a stub, an inlet hole (6) for inserting a stub, countercheck means (8) for counterchecking the stub, which are adapted to adjust the stub position with respect to the housing seat, stub severing means (7) to sever the stub and adapted to separate the filter from the remaining portion of the stub, a collecting compartment (9) for collecting filters and adapted to accommodate a plurality of filters when the remaining portions of the stub have been severed, a discharge opening (10), a removable plug adapted to close said discharge opening. The housing seat and the severing means are positioned so that the relative sliding of the two semi-portions causes the filter to be severed.

Description

Portable device for collecting filters of used cigarettes

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DESCRIPTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable device for collecting filters of used cigarettes. In particular, the present invention relates to a portable device adapted to cut a stub so as to separate the respective filter from the remaining stub portion and store said filter inside the device itself.

State of the art

As everybody knows, the stubs - i.e. what remains of cigarettes, cigars and the like, after having used them - cause significant problems of various kind.

The number of stubs discarded in nature each year is estimated equal to 4500 billion. Considering that the latency time in nature, i.e. the time a stub takes to decompose, ranges from 6 months (for unfiltered cigarettes) to 15 years (for filtered cigarettes), depending on environmental conditions and the type of cigarette or cigar, it is understandable that the problem becomes particularly prominent.

From an ecological perspective, stubs release into the environment substances that accumulate therein, i.e. benzopyrene, phenol, formaldehyde, heavy metals, nicotine, benzene, hydrogen cyanide, nitrate, butane, ammonia and other chemical substances classified as irritant, harmful, toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic. These substances significantly contribute to polluting the environment, both air and water, as well as soil. A further problem connected to throw away stubs in the environment, is the risk for children at a tender age, who instinctively bring any object in the mouth, to swallow the stubs. The stubs found in the soil, if accidentally swallowed, may cause serious poisoning.

Moreover, a so high number of stubs in the environment causes serious aesthetic problems, or rather real environmental and landscape deterioration.

Last but not least is the fire hazard due to discarding stubs not completely extinguished.

Recently, a bill has been approved in Italy that provides fines for smokers who discard stubs in the environment, as already provided for a long time in other countries. However, this measure is not expected to reduce the extent of the problem, because of the difficulty of catch the smoker in the act.

On the other hand, the poor dissemination of ashtrays is one of the underlying causes of the aforementioned problems. It is not disputed that a smoker, having consumed his cigarette, can not hold in his hands the smelly stub, neither can put the latter in his pocket or bag.

Summary of the invention

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a portable device for collecting filters of used cigarettes, the device being able to overcome the above- mentioned problems. That is, object of the present invention is to provide a portable device for collecting filters of used cigarettes, the device being sufficiently small, light and handy so as to be pocket sized, or else easy to be transported in a bag, a pouch or the like. Another object of the present invention is to provide a filter collecting device allowing the cigarette filter to be separated from the remaining portion of the stub, so as to subsequently collect in the device itself substantially only the filter, i.e. what causes the above-mentioned environmental, sanitation and landscape problems. In fact, the most important problems are caused by the filter that is not biodegradable, because unfiltered cigarettes take 6 to 12 months to decompose. On the contrary, a filter does not decompose, but turns into fine particles within a variable period from 5 to 15 years.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent unintentional fires due to burning stubs, or even not completely extinguished stubs.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a filter collecting device which is simple to use and inexpensive and prevents the smoker from receiving fines .

These and further objects are achieved by a portable device for collecting filters of used cigarettes comprising a main body formed by a first semi-portion and a second semi-portion, said first semi-portion and said second semi- portion sliding telescopically one with respect to the other between a closed position and an open position, said main body comprising: a seat for housing a stub, an inlet hole for inserting a stub, through which the stub is inserted into the housing seat, countercheck mean for counterchecking the stub and arranged in the housing seat, which are adapted to adjust the stub position with respect to the housing seat, stub severing means to sever the stub and adapted to separate the filter from the stub positioned in the housing seat from the remaining portion of the stub, a collecting compartment for collecting filters and adapted to accommodate a plurality of filters when the remaining portions of the stub have been severed, a discharge opening adapted to discharge the collected stubs, a removable plug adapted to close said discharge opening; said housing seat for the stub and said stub severing means being positioned so that the relative sliding of the two semi-portions causes the stub to be severed.

A device having these characteristics is very easy to use, thus allowing quick and simple collection of stubs and helping to solve the above-mentioned problems caused by discarding the stubs.

Furthermore, it is pocket-sized, thereby obviating the problem of lack of ashtrays. In fact, thanks to its pocket size, i.e. being small, light and easily transportable, the smoker can carry it with him without dropping stubs in the environment and thus helping to protect the environment and avoiding irritating fines.

Furthermore, the cigarette filter can be separated from the remaining portion of the stub through such a device, so as to collect therein substantially only the filter, i.e. what causes the above-mentioned environmental, sanitation and landscape problems. In this way, the device obtains greater capacity and allows the collection of a plurality of filters in a small space.

Furthermore, a device having the above-mentioned characteristics helps to prevent unintentional fires to arise. Finally, such a device is easy to be realized and thus inexpensive .

For the purposes of the present invention, the term cigarette is used to indicate any of a filtered cigarette or a filtered cigarillo.

Furthermore, in the present context, speaking of filter, reference is made to the real filter, usually a cellulose acetate cylinder, together with the paper which normally covers it or with another type of coating (such as tobacco leaves), but nor residues of tobacco and the wrapping paper, which are partially consumed and burned, neither the remains of ash can be excluded.

Brief list of the figures

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more evident by the review of the following specification of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, which is depicted for illustration purposes only and without limitation, with the aid of the attached drawings, in which:

- figure 1 shows a perspective front view of a portable device for collecting filters of used cigarettes according to a preferred embodiment;

- figure 2 is a perspective rear view of the device of figure 1;

- figure 3 shows a phantom perspective view of the device of figure 1 in an open position, before the step of severing the stub;

- figure 4 shows a phantom side view of the device of figure 1 in closed position, after the stub has been severed; and figure 5 shows a perspective front view of a portable device for collecting filters of used cigarettes, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The following specification relates to a portable device for collecting filters of used cigarettes.

Referring to figures 1-5, a portable device for collecting filters of used cigarettes is denoted as a whole with the reference number 1.

The device 1 comprises a main body 2 formed by a first semi-portion 3 and a second semi-portion 4. The first semi- portion 3 and the second semi-portion 4 slide telescopically one with respect to the other thus defining a closed position, in which the device 1 is substantially closed with respect to the outside, and an open position, in which the device 1 is open to the outside and ready to receive stubs.

The main body 2 comprises a housing seat 5 to house a stub. During the separation of the filter, the stub is accommodated in the seat that is provided with a stub inlet hole 6 through which the stub is inserted from the outside into the housing seat 5 itself.

The main body 2 further comprises severing means 7 to sever the stub and adapted to separate the filter from the stub, positioned in the housing seat 5 from the remaining portion of the stub. Preferably, said stub severing means 7 comprise a blade having a cutting direction perpendicular to the housing seat for the stub, or anyway perpendicular to the stub, once the latter is positioned in the housing seat 5. Preferably, the blade includes a cusp in its end portion, i.e. the blade portion first intercepting the stub is punctiform, so as to precisely sever the stub.

The housing seat 5, i.e. both the stub positioned in the housing seat 5 and the blade, or similar severing means 7, are positioned so that when the two semi-portions slide with respect to each other this causes them to relatively move and thus intercept each other substantially perpendicularly, hence severing the stub and separating the filter from the remaining part of the stub.

Additionally, countercheck means 8 for counterchecking the stub are housed in the housing seat 5 and arranged at the bottom thereof. They are adapted to adjust the stub position with respect to the housing seat 5. In fact, since not all the marketed cigarettes have the same size, a stub having a shorter filter with respect to the average length could be positioned entirely inside the housing seat 5 thus not intercepting the stub severing means 7. Therefore, the countercheck means 8 push the stub in a position suitable for properly cutting it at its own filter. Preferably, these countercheck means 8 are an adjusting screw adapted to adjust, manually or through a screwdriver, the exact position of the stub and thus the separation of only the filter from the stub.

The main body 2 further comprises a collecting compartment 9 for collecting separated filters and connected to the housing seat 5. The collecting compartment is adapted to accommodate a plurality of filters, after the latter have been severed from the remaining portions of the stubs. Although the filter tends to automatically move into the collecting compartment 9 when a new stub is inserted in the housing seat 5, it is however possible to help this displacement by gently shaking the device 1. Or else a lever mechanism can be provided, which pushes the filter into the collecting compartment 9 when the severing means are back to the starting point, i.e. the pre-cut position.

The main body 2 further comprises a discharge opening 10 which is adapted to discharge the collected stubs. It is provided with a removable plug 11 adapted to close said discharge opening 10. The removable plug 11 is usually in the closed position in order to prevent the escape of collected filters and/or any unpleasant smells. When the collecting compartment 9 is full, or else when the smoker can properly dispose of the collected filters, he removes the removable plug 11 in order to allow the filters to be discharged through the special discharge opening 10.

In order to cause the stub to be severed and thus the filter to be separated from the remaining portion of the stub, by means of the relative sliding of the two semi- portions 3 and 4, the stub and the severing means 7 must be placed in different semi-portions 3, 4, therefore two versions are provided: in the first one, provided by the two embodiments shown in the figures, the housing seat 5 for the stubs is comprised in the first semi-portion 3 and said severing means 7 are comprised in the second semi- portion 4, whereas in the second version, not shown in the figures, the housing seat 5 for the stubs is comprised in the second semi-portion 4 and said severing means 7 are comprised in the first semi-portion 3.

Preferably, the stub is inserted in the housing seat 5 in a position in which the two semi-portions 3, 4 are open and the stub is severed by the relative sliding of the two semi-portions 3, 4 from the open position to the closed position .

According to the embodiments shown in the figures, in the closed position the second semi-portion 4 acts as a lid for the inlet hole 6, which is therefore not visible from the outside. However, alternative embodiments may be provided, in which the inlet hole 6 is always visible. In this case also a special closing plug may be provided, in order to prevent the escape of collected filters and/or any unpleasant smells when the device 1 is not in use.

Preferably, the main body 2 further comprises a lighter-holding compartment 12. The latter is shaped so as to accommodate and keep a common lighter (disposable or of a different type) in position, or is parallelepiped-shaped. It may be provided with a retainer to prevent the lighter from escaping. This lighter-holding compartment 12 offers the advantage of providing a single, compact device comprising a lighter together with a filter collector.

Preferably, the main body 2 further comprises a housing 13 adapted to contain smell abatement means, such as for example a deodorant. The housing is accessible from the outside, through a special opening with its lid 14 or through the inlet hole 6, so as to be able to replace and/or refill the smell abatement means. The housing 13 is advantageously positioned in the proximity of the housing seat 5 for the stub, and is communicating with it, for example by means of vent holes 15, so as to be more effective .

The first semi-portion 3 and the second semi-portion 4 slide with respect to each other by means of slide guides, either linear or telescopic, of roller or ball type or any other known type.

At least one from the first semi-portion 3 and the second semi-portion 4 is preferably provided with a knurled area 16 adapted to ease the grip thereof and, therefore, the relative sliding of the two semi-portions 3, 4.

The two embodiments shown in the figures provide that the housing seat 5, the inlet hole 6, the countercheck means 8, the collecting compartment 9, the discharge opening 10 and its removable plug 11, the lighter-holder compartment 12 and the housing 13, are all positioned in the first semi-portion 3, while the severing means 7 are placed in the second semi-portion 4.

In the first embodiment shown in figures 1-4, the second semi-portion 4 substantially comprises only the blade and a handle portion with knurled area 16.

In this case, the operation of the device 1 for collecting filters of used cigarettes can be described as follows.

The smoker, after having finished smoking his cigarette, grasps the device 1, which is in the closed position, and sets it to the open position by sliding upward the second semi-portion 4, by gently moving the appropriate knurled area 16. At this point, the inlet hole 6 opens up and the smoker can insert therein the stub thereby placing the latter in the housing seat 5. Then the smoker can return the device 1 to the closed position by sliding the two semi-portions 3, 4 with respect to each other, or by sliding downward the second semi-portion 4, or by simply dropping down the second semi-portion 4. This operation involves the movement of the blade toward the stub, so the stub is cut into two parts: the filter is stored in the device 1 and the ash and/or any not-smoked cigarette portions remain outside.

In the second embodiment shown in figure 5, the second semi-portion 4 comprises the blade and, in order to support the latter, a supporting frame 17 movable together with the blade .

In this case, the operation of the device 1 for collecting filters of used cigarettes can be described as follows .

The smoker, after having finished smoking his cigarette, grasps the device 1, which is in the closed position, i.e. a position in which the two semi-portions 3 and 4 interpenetrate to form a single body. The smoker sets the open position by sliding downward the second semi- portion 4 by gently moving the frame 17. At this point, the inlet hole 6 opens up and the smoker can insert therein the stub thereby placing the latter in the housing seat 5. Therefore, the smoker can return the device 1 to the closed position by sliding the two semi-portions 3, 4 with respect to each other, or by sliding upward the second semi-portion 4, as depicted by the arrow in figure 5, thus moving the blade towards the stub. In this way, the stub is cut into two parts: the filter is stored in the device 1 and the ash and/or any not smoked cigarette portions remain outside.

In other words, in both the embodiments shown, the smoker only has to open the device, insert the stub and close, or let close (depending on the embodiment) , in order to collect stubs in the device 1 and prevent them from being discarded in the environment, with the consequent above-mentioned drawbacks.

Obviously, further modifications and variations, all falling within the protection scope of the present invention, can be applied to the device for collecting filters according to the present invention by the field technician, in order to satisfy contingent and specific requirements .

In order to prevent the cut filters from escaping through the inlet hole 6, the device is preferably provided with bulkheads or inclined or flexible teeth (not shown) allowing the insertion but preventing the reverse exiting movement, as is the case of the barbs of a hook.

Claims

1. Portable device (1) for collecting filters of used cigarettes, comprising a main body (2) formed by a first semi-portion (3) and a second semi-portion (4), said first semi-portion (3) and said second semi-portion (4) sliding telescopically one with respect to the other between a closed position and an open position, said main body (2) comprising: a seat (5) for housing a stub, an inlet hole

(6) for inserting a stub, through which the stub is inserted into the housing seat (5), countercheck means (8) for counterchecking the stub and arranged in the housing seat (5), which are adapted to adjust the stub position with respect to the same housing seat (5), stub severing means (7) to sever the stub and adapted to separate the filter of the stub positioned in the housing seat (5) from the remaining portion of the stub, a collecting compartment

(9) for collecting filters and adapted to accommodate a plurality of filters when the remaining portions of the stub have been severed, a discharge opening (10) adapted to discharge the collected stubs, a removable plug (11) adapted to close said discharge opening (10); said housing seat (5) for the stub and said stub severing means (7) being positioned so that the relative sliding of the two semi-portions (3, 4) causes the stub to be severed.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said stub severing means (7) comprise a blade having a cutting direction perpendicular to the housing seat (5) for the stubs .

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said housing seat (5) for the stub is comprised in the first semi-portion (3) and said severing means (7) are comprised in the second semi-portion (4) .

4. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said housing seat (5) for the stub is comprised in the second semi-portion (4) and said severing means (7) are comprised in the first semi-portion (3) .

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stub is inserted in the housing seat (5) in a position in which the two semi-portions are open and wherein the stub is severed by the relative sliding of the two semi-portions (3, 4) from the open position to the closed position.

6 . Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (2) further comprises a lighter-holding compartment (12) .

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (2) further comprises a housing (13) adapted to contain smell abatement means.

8. Device (1) according to claim 7, wherein said housing (13) of the smell abatement means is positioned in the proximity of the housing seat (5) for the stub.

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one between the first semi-portion (3) and the second semi-portion (4) is provided with a knurled area (16) adapted to ease the grip thereof and, therefore, the relative sliding of the two semi-portions (3, 4) .

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means, for example bulkheads or flexible fins, arranged at the inlet of the housing seat (5) and designed to allow the stub filter to be inserted but not to come out, like a hook.