WO2022049287A1

WO2022049287A1 - Cigarette pack holder provided with a compartment for cigarette butts

Info

Publication number: WO2022049287A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/074501
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco MAGLIANI
Original assignee: Magliani Marco
Priority date: 2020-09-07
Filing date: 2021-09-06
Publication date: 2022-03-10
Also published as: IT202000005080U1

Abstract

A cigarette pack holder (P) comprising a main compartment (11) suitably dimensioned to accommodate a cigarette pack (S) at least partially, a secondary compartment (12) suitable for accommodating cigarette butts, and a closing lid (13) for said secondary compartment (12).

Description

CIGARETTE PACK HOLDER PROVIDED WITH A COMPARTMENT FOR CIGARETTE BUTTS

DESCRIPTION

The present patent application for industrial invention relates to a cigarette pack holder provided with a compartment for cigarette butts.

A well-known and widespread problem that is encountered in any public space, from streets to beaches, bars or parks, is the constant presence of cigarette butts thrown to the ground by smokers.

Such a situation is not only the result of the indifference towards a good preservation of the environment by smokers, but it is also a practical problem related to the fact that it is often difficult to find a public ashtray in areas where smokers pass or stop.

In order to solve this problem, portable pocket-size ashtrays have been designed, which comprise a compartment wherein the user can extinguish and throw away his/her cigarettes.

While recognizing that these ashtrays always provide the user with a portable container where cigarette butts can be stored, when necessary, until they are disposed of in a suitable place, some negative considerations must be made regarding in particular the convenience of the actual use of such ashtrays.

As a matter of fact, when leaving their house, smokers must necessarily remember to bring with them the aforementioned pocket ashtray, which represents an additional encumbrance in their bags or pockets in addition to the pack of cigarettes and the lighter. Having to carry around this additional accessory may be uncomfortable, annoying and easily forgettable, to the point that smokers prefer not to have it; or in case they have it, they prefer to leave it at home, consequently throwing the cigarette butts anywhere on the ground, thus polluting the environment.

It is from the careful observation of the above-mentioned problem that the present invention was conceived in order to disclose a device that is integrated with the cigarette pack in such a way that it can always be carried together with the cigarette pack. More precisely, the purpose of the present invention is to devise a cigarette pack holder that is not bulky or annoying for a smoker to carry around and that inevitably allows to respect the environment.

A further purpose of the present invention is to devise a cigarette pack holder having a storage compartment for cigarette butts that is simple and inexpensive to make.

These purposes are achieved according to the invention with the characteristics of the appended independent claim 1 .

Advantageous embodiments appear from the dependent claims.

The cigarette pack holder according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

For the sake of clarity, the description of the cigarette pack holder according to the invention continues with reference to the appended drawings, which have a merely illustrative, not limiting value, wherein:

Figs. 1 , 2, 3 and 4 are three axonometric views of the cigarette pack holder according to the invention, seen from three different angles;

Fig. 2A is an axonometric view of a butt-holding structure suitable for being inserted in a secondary compartment of the cigarette pack holder.

Fig. 5 is an axonometric view of the set according to the invention, wherein a cigarette pack and the cigarette pack holder of the invention are not coupled together;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the die cut used to obtain the cigarette pack holder according to the invention;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the die cut;

Fig. 8, 9 and 10 are perspective views of the die cut during the folding step of the die cut.

With reference to Figs. 1 , 2, 3 and 4, a cigarette pack holder (P) according to the invention is disclosed, which is generally indicated with the reference letter (P).

The cigarette pack holder (P) comprises: a main compartment (11 ) having suitable dimensions for partially accommodating a cigarette pack (S); a secondary compartment (12) suitable for containing cigarette butts; a closing lid (13) for said secondary compartment (12); the closing lid (13) may be disposed in a closing position, wherein the secondary compartment (12) is closed, and in an opening position, wherein the secondary compartment (12) is open.

With reference to Figs. 1 and 3, the cigarette pack holder (P) comprises four side walls (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) orthogonal to each other that laterally define both the main compartment (11) and the secondary compartment (12).

Preferably, said side walls (14a) have a length of 8 cm.

With reference to Fig. 4, the cigarette pack holder (P) comprises a bottom wall (15) arranged orthogonally with respect to the four side walls (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d).

The bottom wall (15) defines the main compartment (11) on one side and the secondary compartment (12) on the other side.

The bottom wall (15) is arranged exactly in the middle of the four side walls in such a way that both the main compartment (11 ) and the secondary compartment (12) have a depth of 4 cm.

Advantageously, advertising messages or warning texts or pictures about the consequences of smoking can be printed on the outer side of the side walls (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d).

With reference to Fig. 1 and 2, the cigarette pack holder (P) comprises alveoli (12a) arranged in the secondary compartment (12). The alveoli (12a) are identical in shape and size and are disposed side by side. Each alveolus (12a) has a depth comprised between 2.5 cm and 4 cm.

The depth of the alveoli (12a) is suitable for accommodating conventional cigarette filters.

The alveoli (12a) have a square shape, are arranged in rows and columns, and are at least twenty in number. Advantageously, the width of each alveolus (12a) is slightly lower than the diameter of a standard filter, in such a way that, when it is inserted into the alveolus, the filter is retained by the alveolus, preventing it from moving freely in the secondary compartment (12).

Otherwise said, the alveoli (12a) allow cigarette butts to be neatly stored inside the secondary compartment (12).

Said alveoli (12a) are realized by means of a monolithic butt-holding structure (N) housed inside the secondary compartment (12) and comprising longitudinal partitions and transverse partitions that are intersected in such a way as to define a grid of alveoli.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, said structure (N) comprises a parallelepiped box-shaped body (NN) comprising four side walls (Np) and having an axial seat wherein said intersecting partitions are arranged.

Preferably, said box-shaped body (NN) further comprises a slot (Nx) that is obtained on one of said side walls and is suitable for receiving a material (pad of aromatized fireproof material) soaked in an aromatizing substance capable of attenuating the bad odors exhaled by the cigarette butts stored in the alveoli (12a).

Advantageously said structure (N) is made of a fireproof material.

Preferably said closing lid (13) is hinged to the cigarette pack holder (P) in correspondence with the secondary compartment (12).

In particular, the closing lid (13) has an "L" shape and comprises a main wall (13a) and a secondary wall (13b) orthogonal to the main wall (13a).

The main wall (13a) comprises a first longitudinal side hinged to the cigarette pack holder in the proximity of an opening that provides access to the secondary compartment and comprises a second longitudinal side opposite the first longitudinal side, from which said secondary wall extends.

With reference to Fig. 2, the closing lid (13) also comprises at least one surface portion (16) made of a material suitable for extinguishing a cigarette. The surface portion (16) preferably faces the secondary compartment (12). In particular, said surface portion (16) is preferably disposed on an inner face of the secondary wall (13b) of the closing lid (13).

Preferably, said surface portion (16) comprises a strip of metal or other fireproof material.

Advantageously, a scented cardboard is positioned on one side of the bottom wall (15) facing the secondary compartment (12) for the purpose of mitigating the bad odors exhaled from the cigarette butts stored in the secondary compartment (12).

Moreover, the cigarette pack holder (P) may comprise a seal between the inner surface of the closing lid and the surface of the cigarette pack holder (P), in the proximity of the secondary compartment, said seal being compressed when the closing lid is closed. Said seal is used to limit the release of unpleasant odors from the secondary compartment when the closing lid (13) is closed.

Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 1 and 2, the cigarette pack holder (P) comprises attachment means (A) for attaching the closing lid (13) to the cigarette pack holder (P) when said closing lid (13) is closed.

With reference to Fig. 5, an additional object of the present invention is a set comprising: a cigarette pack (S); a cigarette pack holder (P) of the type described above.

As shown in Fig. 5, the cigarette pack (S) is partially inserted in the main compartment (11) of the cigarette pack holder (P).

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the cigarette pack holder (S) is obtained by folding a die cut (F) made of fire-retardant cardboard, shown in Fig. 6.

The die cut (F) is suitable for going from a flat configuration, shown in Fig. 6 and in Fig. 7, to a volume configuration that defines the cigarette pack holder (S).

It should be noted that the terms “upper” and “lower” that will be associated hereafter to the elements of the die cut (F) refer exclusively to the positioning of the elements in said Fig. 6.

With reference to Fig. 6, the die cut (F) comprises a central portion (2) with an upper side (2a), a lower side (2b) and five quadrangular panels (20, 21 , 22, 23, 24) disposed side by side and connected to each other by means of lateral folding lines (31 , 32, 33, 34) in parallel position.

Each panel (20, 21 , 22, 23, 24) is suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the adjacent panel (20, 21 , 22, 23, 24) in such a way that, when the die cut (F) is in volume configuration, the panels (20, 21 , 22, 23, 24) define a quadrangular tubular structure suitable for containing said main compartment (11) and said secondary compartment (12). Otherwise said, when the die cut (F) is in volume configuration, said panels (20, 21 , 22, 23, 24) define said side walls (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) of the cigarette pack holder (P).

In particular, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, said five panels (20, 21 , 22, 23, 24) of the central portion (2) disposed side by side comprise: - a main panel (20) comprising an upper side (20a), a lower side (20b), a first side (20c) and a second side (20d);

- a first side panel (21) connected to the main panel (20) by means of a first lateral folding line (31) arranged on the first side (20c) of the main panel

(20); said first side panel (21 ) being suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the main panel (20) when said die cut (F) is in volume configuration;

- a second side panel (22) having the same dimensions as the first side panel (21 ) and connected to the main panel (20) by means of a second lateral folding line (32) arranged on the second side (20d) of the main panel (20); the second side panel (22) is suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the main panel (20) and to be arranged in parallel position with respect to the first side panel (21) when said die cut (F) is in volume configuration; a third side panel (23) having the same dimensions as the main panel (20) and connected to the second side panel (22) by means of a third lateral folding line (33); the third side panel (23) is suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the second side panel (22) and to be arranged in parallel position opposite to the main panel (20) when said die cut (F) is in volume configuration; a fourth side panel (24) connected to the third side panel (23) by a fourth lateral folding line (34); said fourth side panel (24) is suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the third side panel (23) and to be arranged side by side with the first side panel (21 ) and to be attached to said first side panel

(21).

The die cut (F) also comprises an upper portion (4) connected to one of the panels of the central portion (2) in correspondence with the upper side (2a).

In particular, said upper portion (4) is connected to the upper side (20a) of the main panel (20).

The upper portion (4) comprises:

- a first upper panel (41) connected to the main panel (20) of the central portion (2) by means of a first upper folding line (51) disposed on the upper side (20a) of the main panel (20);

- a second upper panel (42) connected to the first upper panel (41 ) by a second upper folding line (52) parallel to the first upper folding line (51); and

- a third upper panel (43) connected to the second upper panel (42) by a third upper folding line (53) parallel to the second upper folding line (42). The first upper panel (41) is suitable for being tipped by 180° relative to the main panel (20) when the die cut (F) is in volume configuration and is suitable for being attached to the main panel (20) by means of fastening means, such as glues, adhesives or the like.

The second upper panel (42) is suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the first upper panel (41 ) and is suitable for defining said bottom wall (15) of the cigarette pack holder (P).

The third upper panel (43) is suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the second upper panel (42) and is suitable for being arranged side by side with the third side panel (23) of the central portion (2) whereto it is connected by means of glues, adhesives or the like.

With reference to Fig. 6, the die cut (F) also comprises a lower portion (6) connected to one of the panels of the central portion (2) in correspondence with the lower side (2b) of the central portion (2). Said lower portion (6) is suitable for defining said closing lid (13) of the cigarette pack holder (P).

In particular, the lower portion (6) is connected to the lower side (20b) of the main panel (20) and comprises two quadrangular panels.

In particular, the lower portion (6) comprises a first lower panel (61) connected to the lower side (20b) of the main panel (20) by a first lower folding line (71), and a second lower panel (62) connected to the first lower panel (61) by a second lower folding line (72) parallel to the first lower folding line (71 ).

The first lower panel (61) corresponds to said main wall (13a) of the closing lid (13), whereas said second lower panel (62) is suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the first lower panel (61) and is suitable for acting as said secondary wall (13b) when said die cut (F) is in volume configuration.

On the other hand, the first lower folding line (71) is suitable for acting as a hinge line for the closing lid (13) when the die-cut (F) is in volume configuration.

With reference to Fig. 6, the die cut (F) further comprises two identical lateral elements (8) connected to opposite sides (65) of the first lower panel (61).

Each lateral element (8) comprises:

- a first tab (81 ) shaped like a rectangular trapezoid or a right triangle, having a first side, connected to the side (65) of the first lower panel (61 ) by a folding line (L), and a second side, perpendicular to said first side and aligned with the second lower folding line (72); and

- a second tab (82) connected to the second side of the first tab (81) by a folding line (U), said second tab (82) comprises an inner edge (82a) facing the second lower panel (62).

The die cut (F) further comprises a tongue (G) connected to the third side panel (23) in correspondence with the lower side of the center portion (2).

The tongue (G) is shaped like an isosceles rhombus and comprises:

- a major longitudinal side (G1) connected to the third side panel (23) by a folding line,

- a minor longitudinal side (G2) parallel to the major longitudinal side;

- and two lateral inclined sections (G3) connecting the major longitudinal side (G1 ) to the minor longitudinal side (G2).

The tongue (G) and the second tabs (82) act as fastening means (A) for the closing lid (13) when the die cut (F) is in volume configuration, that is to say when the die cut (F) is folded so as to define said cigarette pack holder (S).

In fact, when the closing lid cover (13) is in closing position, said second tabs (82) abut on the minor longitudinal side (G2) of the tongue (G), thus keeping the closing lid (13) firmly in closing position.

With reference to Figs. 7, 8, 9 and 10, this description continues illustrating a possible way in which the die cut (F) according to the invention is folded in order to obtain the cigarette pack holder (P) shown in Fig. 1 .

Starting from a flat configuration of the die cut (F) (see Fig. 7), firstly the first upper panel (41) is flipped by 180° so as to be disposed side by side with the main panel (20) (see Fig. 8).

Attaching means, such as glue, adhesives or the like, are applied between the first upper panel (51 ) and the main panel (20) so as to connect the two panels (41 , 20).

Then, with reference to Fig. 8, the second upper panel (42) is rotated by 90° relative to the first upper panel (41), in an opposite direction with respect to the rotational direction of the first upper panel (41), in such a way that the second upper panel (42) is arranged in a substantially upright position orthogonal to the first upper panel (41 ) and to the main panel (20). Then, the third upper panel (43) is folded in such a way to be arranged at 90° with respect to the second upper panel (42) and parallel to the first upper panel (41).

Next, with reference to Fig. 9, the folding of the die cut (F) continues in the following way: the first side panel (21 ) is folded by 90° with respect to the main panel (20); the second side panel (22) is folded by 90° with respect to the main panel (20) in such a way that it is parallel to the first side panel (21); the third side panel (23) is folded by 90° with respect to the second side panel (22) in such a way to be parallel to the main panel (20); the fourth side panel (24) is folded by 90° with respect to the third side panel in such a way to be positioned side by side with the first side panel (21); the first side panel (21) is connected to the fourth side panel (24) by means of glues, adhesives or the like.

Finally, with reference to Fig. 10, the lower portion (6) is folded to realize the closing lid (13).

Firstly, the first lower panel (61) is folded with respect to the main panel (20) in such a way that said first lower folding line (71 ) acts as a hinge.

Then, the second lower panel (62) is folded by 90° with respect to the first lower panel (61).

Then, the first tabs (81 ) of the two lateral elements (8) are rotated by 90° with respect to the first lower panel (61 ), and then the second tabs (82) are folded by 90° with respect to the two first tabs (81) in such a way as to be arranged side by side with the second lower panel (62). Finally, the second tabs (82) are attached to the second lower panel (62) by means of glues, adhesives or the like.

The second tabs (82) cooperate with the tongue (G) in order to keep the closing lid (13) firmly closed. Otherwise said, the second tabs (82) and the tongue (G) define said attaching means for said closing lid (13) when the die cut (F) is in volume configuration..

It should be noted that, even if in the preferred embodiment of the invention said cigarette pack holder (P) is realized by folding the die cut (F) shown in Fig. 6, nothing prevents said cigarette pack holder from being made of molded plastics, or in another way.

Numerous variations and modifications may be made to the present embodiment of the invention, within the reach of a person skilled in the art, but in any case falling within the scope of the invention as expressed by the appended claims.

Claims

1) Cigarette pack holder (P) comprising: a main compartment (11 ) suitably dimensioned in such a way to accommodate a cigarette pack (S); a secondary compartment (12) suitable for accommodating cigarette butts; a closing lid (13) for said secondary compartment (12); said closing lid (13) being capable of assuming a closing position, wherein the secondary compartment (12) is closed, and an opening position, wherein the secondary compartment (12) is open.

2) The cigarette pack holder (P) of claim 1 , comprising four side walls (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) orthogonal to each other that laterally define the main compartment (11) and the secondary compartment (12); said cigarette pack holder (P) comprises a bottom wall (15) disposed orthogonally with respect to said four side walls (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d); said bottom wall (15) defining the main compartment (11) on one side and the secondary compartment (12) on the other side.

3) The cigarette pack holder (P) of claim 1 or 2, comprising alveoli (12a) provided in said secondary compartment (12); wherein said alveoli (12a) are identical in shape and size and are disposed side by side; each alveolus (12a) having a depth comprised between 2.5 cm and 4 cm.

4) The cigarette pack holder (P) of claim 3, wherein said alveoli (12a) have a square shape.

5) The cigarette pack holder (P) of claim 3 or 4, wherein said alveoli (12a) are disposed in rows and columns and are at least twenty in number.

6) The cigarette pack holder (P) of claim 5, wherein said alveoli (12a) are realized by means of a monolithic structure (N) housed in the secondary compartment (12), comprising longitudinal partitions and transverse partitions that are intersected.

7) The cigarette pack holder (P) of claim 6, wherein said structure (N) comprises a parallelepiped box-shaped body (NN) comprising four side walls (Np) and having an axial seat wherein said intersected partitions are arranged. 8) The cigarette pack holder (P) of claim 7, wherein said boxshaped body (NN) comprises a slot (Nx) obtained on one of said side walls (Np), which is suitable for receiving a material soaked in a flavored substance.

9) The cigarette pack holder (P) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said closing lid (13) is hinged to the cigarette pack holder (P) in correspondence with said secondary compartment (12).

10) The cigarette pack holder (P) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said closing lid (13) comprises at least one surface portion (16) made of a material suitable for extinguishing a cigarette.

11 ) The cigarette pack holder (P) of claim 10, wherein said at least one surface portion (16) faces the secondary compartment (12).

12) The cigarette pack holder (P) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising attaching means (A) for attaching the closing lid (13) to the cigarette pack holder (P) when said closing lid (13) is closed.

13) The cigarette pack holder (P) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said closing lid (13) has an "L" shape and comprises a main wall (13a) and a secondary wall (13b) orthogonal to the main wall (13a); wherein said main wall (13a) comprises a first longitudinal side hinged to the cigarette pack holder in the proximity of an opening that provides access to the secondary compartment (12) and comprises a second longitudinal side opposite the first longitudinal side; said secondary wall (13b) extending from said second longitudinal side.

14) The cigarette pack holder (P) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one seal disposed between the inner surfaces of the closing lid (13) and the cigarette pack holder (S) in correspondence of the secondary compartment (12); said seal being compressed when the closing lid (13) is closed.

15) Set comprising: a cigarette pack (S); a cigarette pack holder (P) according to any one of the preceding claims; wherein said cigarette pack (S) is inserted in the main compartment (11) of the cigarette pack holder (P). 16) Die cut (F) for making a cigarette pack holder (S) according to any one of claims 1 to 14; wherein said die cut (F) is suitable for going from a flat configuration to a volume configuration that defines said cigarette pack holder (S); said die cut (F) comprising: a central portion (2) having an upper side (2a) and a lower side (2b) and comprising five panels (20, 21 , 22, 23, 24) disposed side by side and connected by folding lines (31 , 32, 33, 34) in parallel position; each panel (20, 21 , 22, 23, 24) being suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the adjacent panel (20, 21 , 22, 23, 24) in such a way that, when the die cut (F) is in volume configuration, the panels (20, 21 , 22, 23, 24) define a tubular structure with quadrangular section suitable for accommodating said main compartment (11) and said secondary compartment (12); an upper portion (4) connected to one of said panels (20) of said central portion (2) in correspondence with the upper side (2a) of the central portion (2); said upper portion (4) comprising a first upper panel (41 ) connected to one of said panels (20) of the central portion (2) by a first upper folding line (51), a second upper panel (42) connected to the first upper panel (41 ) by a second upper folding line (52), and a third upper panel (43) connected to the second upper panel (42) by a third upper folding line (53); wherein said first upper panel (41 ) is suitable for being tilted by 180° with respect to the panel (20) of the central portion (2) whereto it is connected so as to be placed side by side to the panel (20) when the die cut (F) is in volume configuration; wherein said second upper panel (42) is suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the first upper panel (41 ) and is suitable for defining said bottom wall (15) of the cigarette pack holder (P); wherein said third upper panel (43) is suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the second upper panel (42) when said die cut is in volume configuration;

- a lower portion (6) connected to one of said panels (20) of the central portion (2) in correspondence with the lower side (2b); said lower portion (6) being suitable for defining the closing lid (13) of the cigarette pack holder (P).

17) The die cut (F) of claim 16, wherein said central portion (2) comprises:

- a main panel (20) comprising an upper side (20a), a lower side (20b), a first side (20c) and a second side (20d); wherein said upper portion (4) is connected to the upper side (20a) of the main panel (20), whereas said lower portion (5) is connected to the lower side (20b) of the main panel (20);

- a first side panel (21 ) connected to the main panel (20) by means of a first lateral folding line (31) disposed on the first side (20c) of the main panel (20); said first side panel (21 ) being suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the main panel (20) when the die cut (F) is in volume configuration;

- a second side panel (22) connected to the main panel (20) by a second lateral folding line (32) disposed on the second side (20d) of the main panel (20); said second side panel (22) being suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the main panel (20) when the die cut (F) is in volume configuration;

- a third side panel (23) connected to the second side panel (22) by means of a third lateral folding line (33); said third side panel (23) being suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the second side panel (22) and for being parallel to the main panel (20) when the die cut (F) is in volume configuration;

- a fourth side panel (24) connected to the third side panel (23) by a fourth lateral folding line (34); said fourth side panel (24) being suitable for being folded by 90° with respect to the third side panel (23) and for being disposed side by side with the first side panel (21 ) and for being attached to the first side panel (21) when the die cut (F) is in volume configuration.

18) The die cut (F) of claim 17, wherein said lower portion (6) comprises:! 8) The table (100) of claim 17, wherein said lower portion (6) comprises:

- a first quadrangular lower panel (51) connected to the lower side (20b) of the main panel (20) by a first lower folding line (71);

- a second quadrangular lower panel (62) connected to the first lower panel (61) by a second lower folding line (72) parallel to the first lower folding line (71); said second lower panel (62) being suitable for being perpendicular to the first lower panel (61) when said die cut (F) is in volume configuration.

19) The die cut (F) of claim 18, comprising two lateral elements (8) connected on two opposite sides (65) of the first lower panel (61 ); each lateral element (8) comprising:

- a first tab (81) with a first side connected to the side (65) of the first lower panel (61) by a folding line (L), and a second side perpendicular to said first side and aligned with the second lower folding line (72); and - a second tab (82) connected to the second side of the first tab (81) by a folding line (U).