WO2010061108A1 - Storage device, in particular for storing cigarettes and/or ash - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage device (1), comprising a first storage compartment (2) serving as a cigarette case, and a second storage compartment (3) serving as an ashtray and suitable for acting as a protective cover for said first storage compartment (2); the device (1) comprising linking means (4) positioned between said first and second storage compartments (2 and 3), which are suitable for consecutively enabling a vertical translation (T1) of said second storage compartment (3) relative to said first storage compartment (2), followed by a rotation (R1) of said second storage compartment (3) relative to a vertical axis.

Description

 STORAGE DEVICE, PARTICULARLY SUITABLE FOR STORING CIGARETTES AND / OR ASHES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is in the field of cases, and in particular cigarette cases; the object of the present invention being particularly suitable for storing both a pack of cigarettes as well as ashes and cigarette butts.

Of course, it will be understood throughout the present description that the object of the present invention finds many other advantageous applications.

By way of non-limiting examples, applications such as the storage of tablets, pills, cereal bars and / or small equipment such as lighters, calculators, mobile phones or bank cards can be mentioned.

Earlier state of Kart

In recent years, many national laws have come into force to ban the consumption of cigarettes in public places. In France for example, since ¹ February 2007, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed and covered places that welcome the public or which constitute places of work and in the means of public transport.

This prohibition is extended from 1 ^January 2008 to the pubs, casinos, gaming circles, tobacconists, discos, hotels and restaurants.

Deprived of his cigarette after coffee, the smoker is now condemned to smoke his cigarette on the sidewalk.

This sudden change, without any transitional measures, is not without many problems, this for both the smoker and the non-smoker: as examples, we see more and more butts that litter the ground in front of restaurants, cafes, and businesses. In addition, the cleavage between smokers and non-smokers is increasing; this cleavage can be at the origin of certain tensions, between residents and customers of restaurants for example.

This prohibition therefore requires the adoption of new behaviors by smokers, particularly with regard to public space and the freedom of other citizens.

To support these changes, some companies have set up closed rooms for tobacco consumption. These rooms should preferably meet certain standards: be ventilated, equipped with automatic closures, do not constitute a place of passage, and not exceed a certain surface.

This type of solution, which represents a significant investment for companies, forces the smoker to find himself in a closed place, which is not a very friendly way to devote his break. These rooms are therefore often deserted; the sidewalk remains the favorite playground for smokers, who can share their breaks with other smokers and non-smokers.

Alternative solutions have been proposed with more or less success to encourage this coexistence between smokers and non-smokers. Thus, many public actions led this reflection, and tried to provide solutions: some large cities have distributed, especially when the entry into force of these various laws, pocket ashtrays.

These pocket ashtrays are just like round cachous box-type metal cans. This small useful accessory is intended to set the tone for smoking in authorized places, while affirming a willingness to adopt an urban attitude respectful of public space and other citizens, whether smokers or not.

This type of ashtray, low cost, is an interesting solution. However, this distribution of ashtrays aims more to sensitize smokers to the respect of the environment and the freedoms of each one than to offer them a practical and really useful solution. Parallel to this type of approach, restaurants, cafés and businesses have been equipped with street ashtrays, which are often very unsightly and enthroned at the entrance of these establishments.

These ashtrays, which solve some of the problems related to the cleanliness of sidewalks and are very convenient for customers of restaurants and cafes, as well as for employees of companies, often create groups of people.

These groupings can be a source of real noise nuisance, especially for the residents, who do not have to be the victims of these new laws against smoking in public places.

Moreover, these ashtrays are obviously not mobile, and are not intended for personal use.

To partially overcome the disadvantages mentioned above, it is known in the state of the art, particularly in the document FR 2 839 495, devices for cigarettes; these devices comprising two cases, inside and outside.

In this type of device, the two cases are arranged together so as to form an ashtray case for storing both cigarettes and butts. More specifically, these two outer and inner cases are nested one inside the other, and are dimensioned so as to allow sliding of one relative to the other to form a dual compartment case.

Thus, the inner case corresponds to the fixed compartment, and the interior space released between the two sliding cases creates an expandable compartment. The fixed compartment serves as a storage compartment for cigarettes, or a pack of cigarettes; and the extensible compartment, one of whose faces comprises a recess, serves as a storage compartment for butts.

However, this type of device has a number of drawbacks that can be listed in a non-exhaustive way: It is noted that the storage of the butts necessarily entails the sliding of the cases relative to each other, which implies an opening of the fixed compartment giving access to cigarettes. This dependence of the butts storage function with the sliding of the two cases giving access to the cigarettes can prove to be inconvenient, and even detrimental in certain cases, especially when it is raining or when the user does not want to show that he still has cigarettes. Moreover, this type of device is not particularly suitable for containing the smells of butts.

In addition, this type of device is not an ashtray case itself because the extensible compartment only allows the storage of butts, not the storage of ashes. Similarly, this sliding of the two cases relative to each other can be done accidentally in the pocket of the user.

In this case, both the cigarettes and the butts can pour into the user's pocket, which is obviously not acceptable.

The ergonomics of these ashtrays are also not adapted to the expectations of the consumers as well in terms of design as in terms of maneuverability and use.

We can see many constraints in terms of the volume occupied by this type of device, and the requirement to use this kind of device in all situations, especially when traveling in vehicles.

Indeed, this kind of devices is intended for smokers, who can be described as nomads.

However, we can notice that the transport of it is not very practical: it is not possible to use this kind of device when traveling, especially in a car, since it is not It is possible to carry it only in a jacket or trouser pocket, which is not without risk if the cases slide accidentally.

The same kinds of disadvantages are also encountered with the storage devices as disclosed in US 1,371,731, US 5,605,226, or FR 2,612,494.

In these devices, it is found that the first storage compartment of ashes and butts is arranged in the second compartment of storing cigarettes so that, when seeking access to the second compartment, the contents of the first compartment very often pours on the user.

The state of the art therefore has many disadvantages in the field of the present invention, particularly with regard to the handling, use, ergonomics, and functionality of this kind of storage devices for nomadic people. . Obiet and summary of the invention

The object of the invention therefore attempts to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks; One of the problems solved by the object of the invention is in particular to make independent access to cigarettes and access to the ashtray.

Of course, simplification and manufacturing cost are among the various constraints related to the subject of the invention.

For this purpose, the subject of the present invention relates to a storage device; this device being adapted in particular for the storage and transport of both cigarettes or pack of cigarettes, butts and ashes.

The storage device according to the present invention comprises on the one hand a first storage compartment; this first compartment can serve as a cigarette case.

The storage device according to the present invention further comprises a second storage compartment; this second compartment can serve as an ashtray.

According to the present invention and advantageously, the second storage compartment is arranged to act as a protective cover for the first storage compartment.

By protective cover, it should be understood throughout the present description that the second storage compartment is dimensioned so as to completely cover the upper portion of the first storage compartment. Thus, the second storage compartment is adapted to fit at least partially on the upper portion of the first storage compartment.

This specific arrangement of the two compartments makes it possible to obtain a unique smoking device that is ergonomic and practical for transport; this arrangement to protect and transport cigarettes while allowing to have an ashtray.

As mentioned above, the storage device according to the present invention is also suitable for other applications such as the storage of tablets, pills, cereal bars and / or small equipment such as lighters, calculators, cell phones or bank cards.

Preferably, this device comprises connecting means between the first and second storage compartments.

These connecting means are able to successively allow a vertical translation of the second storage compartment relative to the first storage compartment, then a rotation of the second storage compartment relative to a vertical axis so as to allow disengagement of the second compartment relative to in the first compartment and then allow access to the first storage compartment. The arrangement of the connecting means is adapted so as to have easy access to the first compartment while simultaneously having access to the second compartment.

This configuration of the various elements of the device allows functional independence between the two compartments. Advantageously, the connecting means between the first and second compartments allow temporary assembly of the first compartment relative to the second compartment.

Furthermore, this configuration and the kinematics of the second compartment relative to the first compartment allows, when holding the device in a vertical plane, to maintain the second planar compartment throughout the access operation to the first compartment. Thus, a smoker who has a storage device according to the present invention can have access to his cigarettes while having the possibility of using the ashtray without spilling the butts.

Moreover, these connecting means cooperating with the second storage compartment constitute a closure and opening system very convenient for the smoker.

Advantageously, the second storage compartment has a cover that allows access to the interior of the second storage compartment. Preferably, this cover allows hermetic sealing, for example by using a seal.

Thus, the user of a device according to the present invention can thus carry his cigarette pack, and smoke in the authorized premises while being environmentally friendly. Once his cigarette or cigarettes smoked and the device stored in his pocket, the latter will not be bothered by the smell of the butts.

Advantageously, the device according to the present invention comprises fastening means adapted to fix the device to a part of a user's clothing. These fastening means hook-type or hook clamp allow to hang the device to a part of a garment such as the belt or a pocket of a pair of trousers.

Advantageously, the first storage compartment may be substantially semi-cylindrical in shape. Advantageously, the first storage compartment may also comprise on its lower part stabilization means specially adapted to give at least at the lower part of the device a complementary circular or cylindrical shape; this complementary shape for insertion and stabilization of the device in a cylindrical receptacle type cup holder.

Thus, the device is adapted to be transported stably in a cup holder, in particular in the cup holder of a car. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizing means consist of a tongue whose end has the shape of a circular arc and has an edge which extends vertically.

This tongue is adapted to be pulled outwardly relative to the device to an extreme position so that the device has at least at its lower part a substantially cylindrical shape.

In another particularly advantageous embodiment, the stabilizing means consist of a substantially semicircular cup which may present along its periphery an edge which extends vertically.

This cup is adapted to rotate along a vertical axis so that the device has at least at its lower part a substantially circular shape or cylindrical depending on the thickness of the edge of its periphery. Preferably, the first storage compartment may comprise first and second receptacles.

The storage device according to the present invention is thus adapted for nomadic persons who wish to store and transport secure small objects such as a pack of cigarettes and / or a lighter and / or butts; this storage device being particularly easy to use, intuitive and practical. Brief description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description below, with reference to the appended figures which illustrate exemplary embodiments without any limiting character and on which:

- Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the storage device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 represents a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the storage device according to FIG. 1; FIGS. 3-1 and 3-2 show schematic perspective views of an operating mode of the storage device according to FIG. 1;

- Figure 3-3 shows a schematic bottom view of the storage device according to Figure 1; FIG. 4 represents a schematic perspective view of a second variant embodiment of the storage device according to the present invention;

- Figure 5 shows a schematic cross sectional view of the storage device according to Figure 4; FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2 show schematic perspective views of the operation of the storage device according to FIG. 4; detailed description

A storage device according to the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. More specifically, two distinct embodiments will be described in the following: FIGS. 1 to 3 refer to a first variant embodiment of the device, and Figures 4 to 6 refer to a second embodiment of the device.

The storage device 1 according to the present invention comprises a first storage compartment 2, and a second storage compartment 3.

In the embodiment described here, and in accordance with FIGS. 2, 5 and

6-2, the first storage compartment 2 has two receptacles 10 and 9 which may be particularly useful for storing cigarettes or a pack of cigarettes respectively, and housing an object such as a lighter or a pack of matches.

As mentioned above, you will notice that this first storage compartment 2 can also be used for other applications that make the storage device 1 particularly useful: storing a mobile phone, a bank card, etc. Still in the embodiment described here, the second storage compartment 3 is adapted to serve as a portable ashtray. In the same way, this second storage compartment 3 can serve as storage means for other objects such as tablets, pills, etc.

In the embodiment described here and as illustrated in FIGS. 3-1 and 3- 2, the second compartment 3 comprises on its upper part a hermetic cover 5 which allows an opening in a rotation R3 with respect to a horizontal axis, leaving a access to the user to deposit his ashes and / or store his butt.

Allowing the smoker to respect his environment by preventing him from throwing his ashes and butt into public spaces and in particular onto sidewalks, while offering him the possibility of storing and transporting his cigarettes is one of the objectives of the present invention.

To this end, the two compartments are arranged together to offer the smoker a unique, ergonomic, portable and easy to use that protects cigarettes during transport while allowing to have at hand an ashtray.

The fact that the content of the ashtray does not pour over its user is also one of the objectives of the present invention.

It may be noted, particularly in FIGS. 2 and 5, that the second compartment 3 is dimensioned so as to be specially adapted to fit on the upper part of the first compartment 2.

As mentioned above, this configuration allows the second compartment 3 to serve as a protective cover while providing, independently, its ashtray function. Advantageously, the first and second compartments 2 and 3 are temporarily assembled relative to each other (not shown here).

In the embodiment described here, access to the various receptacles 9 and 10 is allowed by a specific kinematics implemented by connecting means 4 positioned between the two compartments 2 and 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 3-2, and 6-1 and 6-2, this kinematics consists of a translation T1 of the second compartment 3 along a vertical axis so as to allow the dislocation of the second compartment 3 relative to the first compartment 2.

This translation T1 is followed by a rotation R1 of the second compartment 3 with respect to the first compartment 2 to give access to the receptacles 9 and 10.

It will obviously be understood that the closure of the second compartment will require the same kinematics, but in the order and the opposite direction.

Note also that when the storage device 1 is kept straight, the second storage compartment 3 is kept flat so that throughout its use the contents of the second storage compartment 3 does not pour over its user.

It will be understood that the implementation of other connection means to give access to the first compartment may be envisaged by those skilled in the art.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, these connecting means 4 consist on the one hand of an elongated element fixed on the second compartment 3 which extends perpendicular thereto, and which comprises at its distal end a protuberance which preferably extends in a plane perpendicular to the elongate member.

In this preferred embodiment, the connection means 4 consist on the other hand in receiving means adapted to receive the elongate element, and having an opening whose shape is adapted to receive the elongate element, and in particular its part distal. Thus, the receiving means and the elongated element are adapted to cooperate together so that, when the elongated element is introduced into the receiving means, the second compartment is secured to the first compartment while allowing the translation Tl and rotation Rl.

In addition, in this transportation problem related to the present invention, one of the main constraints is the occupied volume; the objective being obviously to occupy the device 1 a minimum volume to be able to transport everywhere without being congested. For this reason, the first compartment 2 has substantially the shape of a half-cylinder, preferred to the shape of a complete cylinder that occupies more space.

However, the semi-circular base of a half-cylinder does not allow great stability of the device, especially in vehicles. It is therefore not very practical to smoke in a car and use the device 1 as an ashtray.

In order to propose a complete solution to the smoker, the device 1 comprises transport-specific means for making it possible to stabilize the device in a receptacle whose shape is cylindrical, for example in the cup holder of a car.

According to a first preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-1 to 3-3, the first compartment 2 comprises at its base stabilization means composed of a hollow or solid cup 8 forming substantially a semicircle or a half -disque, whose peripheral edges can go back substantially to the vertical (characteristic not shown in the figures).

The rotation R2 of this cup 8 along a centered vertical axis, illustrated in FIG. 3-2, makes it possible to partially complete the volume of the cylinder so that the device 1 can be positioned in the cup holder, and stably. According to another variant embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2, the first compartment 2 comprises at its base stabilizing means composed of a tongue 7 whose end is substantially circular and has an edge which 'extends vertically.

The translation T2 of this tongue 7 in a direction opposite to the device 1, illustrated in FIG. 6-2, makes it possible to partially complete the volume of the cylinder so that the device 1 can be positioned in the cup holder, and this so stable.

Correlatively, the device 1 may comprise a clamp hook 6 which allows a practical attachment of the device 1 to a part of a garment. The device 1 illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 is particularly suitable for the nomadism of the smoker concerned about his environment, public space and respect for others. Conversely to the embodiment described above, it may be envisaged the realization of a device whose first compartment is located at the upper part of the device, and the second compartment is located at the bottom of the device. This variant embodiment is advantageous for access to the second compartment during the transport of the device when the latter is hooked to a part of the user's clothing by means of the clip hook, in particular when the device is hooked on the of a belt.

I! It should be observed that this detailed description relates to two embodiments of the device, but in no case this description is of any limiting nature to the subject of the invention; quite the contrary, this description aims to remove any inaccuracies or misinterpretations of the claims that follow.

Claims

The storage device (1), adapted in particular for storing and transporting both cigarettes and / or butts, comprising a first storage compartment (2) suitable for use as a cigarette case, and a second compartment of storage (3) suitable for serving as an ashtray, and adapted to act as a protective cover for said first storage compartment (2), said storage device (1) being characterized in that it comprises positioning means (4) positioned between said first (2) and second (3) storage compartments, and capable of successively allowing a vertical translation T1 of said second storage compartment (3) with respect to said first storage compartment (2), then a rotation R1 of said second compartment storage (3) with respect to a vertical axis, so as to allow disengagement of said second compartment (3) with respect to said first compartment (2) and then to allow access to said first storage compartment (2), 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means (4) are adapted to allow temporary assembly of the first compartment (2) with the second compartment (3). 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said second storage compartment (3) comprises a cover (5) at its upper part allowing access to said second storage compartment (3). 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said cover (5) is adapted to allow a hermetic closure of said second storage compartment (3). 5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises fastening means (6) adapted to fix said device (1) to a portion of a garment of the user. 6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first storage compartment (2) is of substantially semi-cylindrical shape, and in that said first storage compartment (2) comprises at the level of its base of the stabilizing means (7 or 8) specially adapted to give at least at the lower part of said device (1) a circular or cylindrical shape adapted for the insertion of said device (1) in a cylindrical receptacle of type gobballet. 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said stabilizing means consist of a tongue (7) whose end forms a circular arc and has an edge (7a) which extends vertically, and in that said tongue (7) is adapted to be pulled outwards with respect to said device (1) in a translation T2 to an extreme position so that the device (1) has at least at its part lower a substantially cylindrical shape. 8. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said stabilizing means consist of a cup (8) substantially semi-circular, and in that said cup (8) is adapted to rotate R2 seion vertical axis so that the device (1) has at least at its lower part a substantially circular or cylindrical shape. 9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said cup (8) has along its periphery an edge which extends vertically to enhance the stability of the device when inserted into the receptacle. 10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said first storage compartment (2) comprises a first receptacle (10) for holding a pack of cigarettes or cigarettes, and a second receptacle (9) to hold a lighter-type object or matchbox.