US20040237975A1

US20040237975A1 - Disposable unit for cigarette butts

Info

Publication number: US20040237975A1
Application number: US10/847,517
Authority: US
Inventors: Linda Marie Steeves-Haith; Susan Carol Fry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-05-27
Filing date: 2004-05-17
Publication date: 2004-12-02
Also published as: WO2004110895A1

Abstract

The disposable unit for cigarette butts is simply a cylinder shaped container with a bottom and removable top. When the top of the unit is removed and an inner seal, the unit will allow easy access for a smoker to extinguish smoking material. The cylinder unit will contain a material that is a fire retardant and also is odor absorbent. The top may be placed back on the unit to maximize odor control or fixed to the bottom. The unit will fit into most cup holding devices in automobiles or stand independently.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of PPA application No. 60/473,942 filed on date May 27, 2003 by Linda Steeves-Haith and Susan Fry.[0001]

FEDERALLY SPONCERED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to a disposable unit that will be used for cigarette butts and other smoking material.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

2. Discussion of Prior Art

Litman Law Offices, Ltd., Patent Law Building, 3717 Columbia Pike, Arlington, Va. 22204 conducted a patent search in September 2002. The docket number is 21633.00. The search was for international patents also.

U.S. Pat. No. 307,947 Wells et al. May 1990 represents 3 portable disposable ashtrays. Some other patents that were similar to Wells et al. were U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,901,073, 3,401.702, 3,620,225, and 3,977,416 as they were all various containers. None of the designs would fit into a car cup holder. None of the designs had a fire retardant odor absorbent material.

In U.S. Pat. No. 3,977,416 August 1996 Japan, Mr. Akiba designed a cigarette with a snuffer. Each cigarette came with an individual sleeve of non-combustible material.

Another U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,895 May 1992 Germany, Mr. Jaeger invented a disposable ash container that resembles a small lunch bag. The bag would be folded at the top securely to contain the odor.

None of the previously patented designs accomplished all the benefits of the unit, My Ash Trash. It fits conveniently into cup holders, it has an odor absorbent quality, and it is a fire retardant.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

This invention will allow a convenient way for smokers to dispose of their smoking material. Many drivers are spending a lot of money and effort on their cars. They don't want their cars to smell. This invention will help eliminate the smoker's odor. Many smokers are guilty of disposing their cigarettes road side as evidenced by our highways. The unit will provide an easy way for drivers to dispose of their smoking material. This could help prevent costly damage to auto interior and accidental burns. It could help prevent land and forest fires. A driver needs a brief movement to place the burning end of the smoking material into the contents of the unit. This would be a quicker safer method than crushing the cigarette until the fire is extinguished. My Ash Trash can be made very economically so that it is affordable for those who need it. This would give most smokers a cheap easy method to properly dispose of their smoking material. It is against the law

Patent Application for Linda Steeves-Haith and Susan Fry for Disposable Unit for Cigarette Butts continued to litter. The fine for cigarette butt littering in California can be $5000.00.

My Ash Trash will give people a way to stop breaking the law and follow their conscience. None of the previously discussed inventions had all the qualities that the My Ash has. There seems to be a real need for a unit such as this to be available for use for public use.

There are a couple other benefits to My Ash Trash. The contents can be used as a fire extinguisher in an emergency. It could be used as cleaning agent when mixed with water. The contents can also be used a first aid treatment for bee stings when it is mixed with water to form a paste.

SUMMARY

In accordance of the present invention, My Ash Trash, will provide a great service. My Ash Trash is simply a small cup sized unit that will allow smokers on the move, a legal and safe way to dispose of their smoking materials.

DRAWINGS

Drawing Details

When filing the PPA, document No. 60/473,942, the art displayed a double unit for the sake of convenience and marketing. [0017]
The patent will simply view the basic unit. [0018]
FIG. 1 shows the front view of the unit. [0019]
FIG. 2 shows a see through perspective of the unit.[0020]

DRAWINGS-REFERENCE NUMERALS

a. Top-removable probably composed of plastic or cardboard and aluminum. [0021]
b. Inner lining-probably composed of plastic or paper. Patent Application of Linda Steeves-Haith and Susan Fry for “Disposable Unit for Cigarette Butts” continued-Page 6 [0022]
c. Cylinder composed of 2 layers probably cardboard and aluminum. [0023]
d. Contents probably consisting of sodium bicarbonate or other fire retardant material. [0024]
e. Bottom non-removable and nonflammable metal or like material. [0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION-FIGS. 1 and 2-PREFERED EMBODIMENT

In FIG. 1—The unit is displayed front view. The cylinder diameter is about the size of a soda can or approximately 21 centimeters in circumference. An outer layer of cardboard, plastic or similar composition acts to stabilize the structure. The cardboard would preferably be of a recycled nature. A decorative cover may also be an option. Each unit has a cardboard or plastic top that will fit securely to the top and the bottom for easy retrieval. [0026]
Patent Application for Linda Steeves-Haith and Susan Fry for Disposable Unit for Cigarette Butts continued [0027]
FIG. 2—The unit is displayed with a see through slightly over the top perspective from the viewers side view. The cylinder wall may be made of two layers. The outer layer is structural. The inner liner is aluminum or similar material to act as a fire retardant. The unit will also have a removable inner plastic or paper seal to prevent accidental opening or contamination before purchasing. The contents of the unit are approximately 100 grams of sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking powder. Fragrance and coloring can be an option. The unit will fit into most cup holders or it can be free standing. [0028]

Operation

The user will remove the card board/plastic top of unit. The top can be set aside or secured on the bottom of the unit for easy location when needed. The inner seal will then be removed and discarded. The user may use the unit as a receptacle for ashes while smoking. When ready to dispose of the cigarette, the user will place the burning end of the cigarette into the contents of the unit. [0029]
The cigarette will instantly be extinguished. The contents will also absorb the odor of the smoking material. [0030]
The top should be placed back on top of the unit after each use to maximize the containment of the odor. [0031]
The amount of cigarettes that may effectively be extinguished in one unit is subjective as there is room for more than 20. The odor control will be challenged with over use. The most important quality, that the burning end will be extinguished, will not be compromised with use. [0032]
The unit is designed to be used for cigarettes though cigars and other smoking elements, or burning things may be extinguished. [0033]
This unit was designed to be mobile. It may be used in cars or free standing. At this time cup holders are primarily cylindrical in shape but in the interest of space efficiency, some time in the future they may become square. [0034]

Claims

1. A disposable unit to contain cigarette butts and other like smoking materials comprising of:

a. an elongated cylindrical holder composed of two layers of materials, the outer layer being supportive and the inner layer being of a noncombustible nature, designed to fit in a car cup holder and

b. a bottom secured to said cylinder of similar noncombustible material and

c. a top removable to said cylinder consisting of like material or pliable material to lend itself to repeat use and

d. a thin covering of plastic or paper to secure contents from contamination adhered to top of said cylinder and

e. contents of said cylinder consisting of a nonflammable material most likely sodium bicarbonate

whereby said unit will provide smokers a safe and convenient method of disposal for their smoking material.