WO2009040392A1

WO2009040392A1 - Disposable ashtray

Info

Publication number: WO2009040392A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/062822
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Gibson
Original assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
Priority date: 2007-09-27
Filing date: 2008-09-25
Publication date: 2009-04-02
Also published as: GB0718982D0

Abstract

A disposable ashtray (20) has a receptacle portion (18) for receiving ash and two panels (2,8) attached to opposing edges of the rim of the receptacle portion. The ashtray has a first configuration in which the receptacle portion is folded flat between the two panels, a second configuration in which the panels provide legs for supporting the open receptacle portion in an upright position, and a third configuration in which the panels are folded over the top of the receptacle portion to cover the ashtray, thereby closing the receptacle portion.

Description

DISPOSABLE ASHTRAY

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a disposable ashtray.

Background of the Invention

The smoking of a cigarette or other smoking article produces waste, for example in the form of ash and also a cigarette butt. This waste must be disposed of properly to avoid litter and also to guard against potential injury, such as due to hot ash. An ashtray is commonly used to receive this waste. However, such ashtrays are not always readily available. For example, if the smoking occurs outdoors, which is becoming more common due to legislative restrictions on smoking indoors, there may not be an ashtray conveniently to hand.

Disposable and/or very lightweight, portable ashtrays are known from a variety of documents. For example, US 2071394 discloses an ashtray that doubles as a business card; FR 2122706 discloses a pyramid-shaped ashtray; and US 2179081 discloses a disposable ashtray made by folding a blank. Other examples of similar ashtrays include WO 94/13561, US 4349036, US 1364556, US 3342317, FR 2636814 and US 4901739.

However, existing disposable ashtrays have not provided an entirely satisfactory combination of convenience and effectiveness.

Summary of the Invention

One embodiment of the pack provides a disposable ashtray having a receptacle portion for receiving ash and two panels attached to opposing edges of the rim of the receptacle portion. The ashtray has a first configuration in which the receptacle portion is folded flat between the two panels, a second configuration in which the panels provide legs for supporting the open receptacle portion in an upright position, and a third configuration in which the panels are folded over the top of the receptacle portion to cover the ashtray, thereby closing the receptacle portion.

Such an arrangement, in which the supporting legs also double as a lid, provides an ashtray that is safe in use and in disposal. In particular, the legs allow the receptacle portion to function as a stable, standalone ashtray. Moving the leg panels to cover the open receptacle portion helps the user to dispose safely of the ashtray (and the waste it contains). For example, contents such as ash, that might still be hot and/or combustible, are retained inside the receptacle by the lid. In addition, the ashtray is also lightweight and can be folded flat for ease of packing and transportation.

In one embodiment, the receptacle portion comprises two walls connected to one another along an edge. The walls are folded flat against one another in the first configuration, and are rotated away from one another about the edge to provide a V- shaped bottom for the receptacle portion in the second and third configurations. Overall, the ashtray (legs plus receptacle portion) may have an M-shaped profile or cross-section.

In one embodiment, in the first configuration, each one of the opposing panels is folded flat against a corresponding one of the two walls of the receptacle portion, such that the ashtray is substantially planar. Each end of the receptacle portion comprises a pair of first and second triangles having a common edge. The first and second triangles within each pair are folded flat against one another along the common edge in the first configuration. This helps the folded ashtray to have a compact configuration for easy carrying.

In one embodiment, in the third configuration, the panels overlap in closing the receptacle portion. At least one overlapping panel surface may be provided with adhesive for holding the panels together. This helps to keep the waste contents in the ashtray. In one embodiment, the ashtray includes a lock mechanism to hold the panels in the position in which they close the receptacle portion (in the third configuration). This prevents ash or other debris escaping from the ashtray if the ashtray is tipped over, for example while carrying. In one particular embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises one or more tabs on one panel for engaging respective slots on the other panel. The skilled person will be aware of various other suitable lock or latch mechanisms. Note that the lock mechanism may be intended for one-off use, i.e. the Hd cannot be opened again after closing, especially if the ashtray is intended for disposal immediately after use. Alternatively, the lock mechanism may support re-use of the ashtray, by allowing the Hd Io open for emptying the ashtray (and then to lock shut again after further use).

In one embodiment, the ashtray may be formed from a unitary blank of a flat sheet of material that is then folded to make tlic ashtray. The blank may be shaped and demarked with fold lines for forming the disposable ashtray. The ashtray may be formed from flame-retardant material, such as foil-lined paper or metallised paper.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a pack of smoking articles includes one or more ashtrays as described above. The ashtrays may be held in the first (folded) configuration against the exterior of the pack for easy access. Another possibility is that the folded ashtrays are supplied in the pack itself. The ashtrays can be sized to assist with such an arrangement, for example by having dimensions just slightly smaller than the pack surface to which they are attached. Supplying the ashtrays with a pack of smoking articles helps lυ ensure that an ashtray is readily available when smoking one of the smoking articles.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a blank according to one embodiment of the invention from which a disposable ashtray is made; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an ashtray formed from the blank of Figure 1 in an open configuration;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the ashtray of Figure 2 in a folded cυnfigmaϋυii and a sleeve for receiving the folded ashtray; Figure 3 A shows an end view of the ashtray of Figure 2 accommodated within the sleeve of Figure 3;

Figure 3B shows a side view of the ashtray of Figure 2 accommodated within the sleeve of Figure 3;

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a packet of smoking articles together with the folded ashtray (and sleeve) of Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows an end view of the ashtray of Figure 2 in a folded configuration;

Figure 6 shows an end view of the ashtray of Figure 2 in the open configuration; Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the ashtray of Figure 2 in use;

Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the ashtray of Figures 2 and 7A in a closed configuration;

Figures 8A to 8C provide a sequence of end views of the ashtray of Figure 2 progressing from an open configuration to a closed configuration; Figures 9A and 9B show perspective views of an ashtray having a locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the invention in a closed and open configuration respectively; and

Figures 10A and 10B show perspective views of an ashtray having a locking mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the invention in a closed and open configuration respectively.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a blank 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The blank is made of (from) a single sheet of material, such as paper or card, and includes fold lines 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 (shown as broken lines) about which the blank 1 may be folded to form an ashtray 20 (see Figure 2). The fold lines may be incorporated into the blank, for example by scoring. The blank 1 is substantially rectangular and is divided by parallel told lines 3, 5 and 7 into four smaller rectangular sections 2, 4, 6, 8 (in the illustrated example the rectangles arc all substantially the same size). A Uiangular portion 10, 12, 14 16, is defined at each end of the two central rectangular sections 4, 6. The triangular portions 10, 12, 14, 16 are used for forming the ends of a receptacle portion of the ashtray 20.

Each triangle 10, 12, 14, and 16 is bounded by: (a) a side edge of the blank 1; (b) the central fold line 5 separating the two central rectangular sections 4, 6; and (c) a respective fold line 9, 11, 13, 15 which demarcates the triangle from the corresponding rectangular section 4, 6. The fold line 9, 11, 13, 15 of each triangle 10, 12, 14, 16 extends from where the fold lines 3, 7 that define the limits of the two central rectangular sections 4, 6 reach the side edges of the blank 1 to a point partway along the fold line 5 along the centre of the blank 1.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an ashtray 20 according to one embodiment of the invention. The ashtray 20 is shown in an expanded and open configuration. To make the ashtray 20 from the rectangular blank 1 illustrated in Figure 1, the blank 1 is folded in a concertina fashion about the fold lines 3, 5, and 7 such that the two outer rectangular sections 2, 8 extend downwards from opposing edges of the central rectangular sections 4, 6. The two central rectangular sections 4, 6 provide the side walls of a receptacle portion 18 suitable for receiving ash and cigarettes ends.

The ends of the receptacle portion 18 are formed by folding the triangular portions 10, 12, 14, 16 inwards (towards one another) about their respective fold lines. In particular, each end of the receptacle portion 18 comprises a pair of triangular portions separated by fold line 5. The two pairs of triangular portions are pushed inwards, parallel to fold line 5. The ashtray 20 of Figure 2 can be collapsed into a folded configuration 2OA, such as shown in Figure 3. In this configuration, the ashtray 20 is again folded in concertina fashion, but this time rectangular sections 2, 4, 6 and 8 are close up against one another. In this configuration, the triangular portions 10, 12, 14 and 16 arc folded (inwards) between rectangular sections 4 and 6.

The folded configuration 2OA is in effect planar, and in this configuration the ashtray can be received and accommodated within sleeve 22. In particular, the folded ashtray can be slid into sleeve 22, which then holds the ashtray in the closed, compact arrangement until it is to be used. Figures 3A and 3B provide a side view and an end view respectively of the ashtray in the folded configuration 2OA within sleeve 22. The sleeve 22 acts to keep the ashtray in its compact and substantially flat arrangement until it is needed, at which time the ashtray can be removed from sleeve 22 (as indicated by arrow 24), and expanded to the open configuration shown in Figure 2, thereby forming receptacle portion 18. It will be appreciated that the folded configuration 2OA of the ashtray is more convenient for packing and carrying, and also renders the ashtray less vulnerable to damage. Furthermore, a single sleeve may be used to accommodate multiple ashtrays in the folded configuration 2OA.

Figure 4A illustrates a pack 21 of cigarettes or other smoking articles in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, in which one or more ashtrays in the folded configuration 2OA are included in the pack. The ashtray(s) is(are) folded flat against the side wall of the pack. The ashtray(s) inside pack may be contained within a sleeve 22, or simply held in position by the smoking articles in the pack. Figure 4B illustrates a pack 21 of cigarettes or other smoking articles in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, in which one or more ashtrays in the folded configuration 2OA are held by a sleeve attached to the outside wall of the pack.

In the embodiments of Figures 4A and 4B, the ashtray(s) in the folded configuration 2OA has(have) similar dimensions to the side wall of a conventional packet of smoking articles (the side wall being defined by the longest edge and the shortest edge of the pack). For example, in one embodiment, the side wall ot a pack might have dimensions 85x22 mm, with the ashtray in the folded configuration 2OA having similar (or slightly smaller) dimensions. NJB the dimensions of the ashtray in the folded configuration 2OA are determined by the larger of rectangular sections 2 and 4 (assuming that the ashtray is symmetric about centre fold 5).

It will be appreciated that other dimensions may be used as appropriate for the ashtray, depending upon the particular dimensions of pack 21. In addition, the ashtray(s) may be attached to a different panel of the pack from that shown in Figure 4B - e.g. either the front or back panels, or one of the end panels.

Accommodating the ashtray(s) with pack 21, either on the inside or the outside, provides a convenient facility for protecting and carrying the ashtrays, and helps to ensure that an ashtray is always at hand when a cigarette is to be smoked. Note also that having the long dimension of the ashtray and receptacle portion 18 correspond approximately to the length of a cigarette or other smoking article (such as shown in Figure 4B) assists use of the ashtray. In particular, a user can rest a cigarette with one end positioned on the end walls of the ashtray (e.g. Mangle portions 10 and 12), and with the other end sloping down into the base of receptacle portion 18, without risk of the ashtray over-balancing.

Figure 5 illustrates the opening of an ashtray from the folded configuration of Figures 3 and 4 to the open configuration of Figure 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Thus arrows 26 represent the outer panels 2, 8 being pulled outwards to expand the folded configuration 2OA into the (fully) open configuration, for example after the ashtray has been removed from sleeve 22.

Figure 6 illustrates an end view of the ashtray 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention after it is been pulled out to the open configuration. In this open configuration, ashtray 20 includes an open receptacle portion 18 along the centre of the ashtray. The sides of the receptacle portion are formed by rectangular sections 4 and 6 that are directed downwards and inwards to provide the V-shaped bottom of the receptacle portion. The two outer rectangular sections 2, 8 of the blank are attached to opposing edges of the rim of the receptacle portion 18, and extend downwards on either side of the ashtray to form two supporting legs. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the supporting legs 2, 8 are shown vertical and parallel. However, in other embodiments, the supporting legs 2, 8 may be inclined somewhat to the vertical, either outwards or inwards (having the legs 2, 8 slope outwards as they go down provides a wider footprint, which can aid stability).

Note that the V-shaped bottom of the receptacle portion 18 may or may not rest on the ground, depending on the relative sizes of the rectangular sections 2 and 8 (compared to 4 and 6), the fold angles along lines 3 and 7 (between the rim of the receptacle portion and the legs 2, 8), and also the fold angle along line 5 (the base of the receptacle). The ashtray 20 is stable on legs 2, 8 providing the base of the receptacle portion 18 is not lower that the bottom of these legs. Having such stability allows the ashtray 20 to be used in a standalone mode, i.e. without a user having to hold the ashtray continuously in order for it to remain in an upright position.

Figure 7A illustrates the ashtray 20 in the open configuration and in use, receiving ash from a lit cigarette 27. When the cigarette is finished, the butt can also be deposited in ashtray 20. If the ashtray 20 is no longer needed, e.g. no more cigarettes are to be smoked, the ashtray can be altered into the closed configuration shown in Figure 7B. In this closed configuration, the supporting legs 2, 8 have now been folded over the top of the receptacle portion to function as a lid 30, thereby closing the used ashtray 20.

Figures 8A, 8B and 8C show how the supporting legs 2, 8 close over the ashtray in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In particular, legs 2, 8 rotate upwards and then together, as indicated by the arrows 32 (see Figures 8A and 8B) to provide a lid that covers the top of the receptacle portion 18. Figure 8C shows an end view of the ashtray 20 in a closed configuration in accordance wiih one embodiment of the invention. In this configuration, the panels 2 and 8 lie substantially flat over the lop of the receptacle portion 18. One supporting log (outer panel) 2 overlaps the other supporting leg (outer panel) 8 to piovide a secure lid for the receptacle portion 18.

In some embodiments, the ashtray may be provided with a locking mechanism or other facility to hold the ashtray in the closed configuration. For example, Figures 9A and 9B show the closed and open configurations respectively of an ashtray including a locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In Figures 9A and 9B, a single tab 34 and a single slot 36 are illustrated. The tab 34 is provided on the outer edge of panel 2 of the lid, while the slot 36 is provided on panel 8. To keep the ashtray 20 closed, the tab 34 is inserted into the slot 36 as panel 2 closes over panel 8.

Having such a lock mechanism allows the waste contents of the ashtray (cigarette ash and/or butt) to be retained in the ashtray until the ashtray itself can be disposed of. For example, the closed ashtray might be carried in a pocket or bag from where the cigarette has been smoked, and thrown into a rubbish (garbage) bin at some later time.

Figures 1OA and 1OB illustrate a locking mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, two tabs 34 are provided on panel 2 and two corresponding slots 36 are provided on panel 8. Again, each tab 34 can be inserted into its corresponding slot 36 to keep the ashtray 20 closed.

It will be appreciated that various other arrangements might be used to keep the ashtray closed, in addition or alternatively to the tab 34 and slot 36 arrangements of Figures 9 and 10. For example an adhesive strip could be applied to one or both panels 2, 8 such that when the panels 2, 8 overlap to close the ashtray 20 they stick together. Other suitable methods of closing the ashtray include hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro®). Furthermore, the panels 2, 8 may lock or adhere to the £>ide υr end walls υf the receptacle portion instead of (or In addition to) each other.

In some embodiments, the ashtray may be intended for a single use, in which case there is no need to be able to open any locking device on the ashtray (it may be a one-off closure). In other embodiments, it may he intended to re-use the ashtray. For example, after smoking, the ashtray could be carried in the closed configuration to a bin and emptied in order to become available again for further use.

The ashtray 20 is formed of a flame retardant in view of the hot ash and cigarette ends being placed in the receptacle portion. The material used to make the ashtray may, for example, comprise metallic paper, or paper or cardboard coated with a flame proof coating. One possibility is that the ashtray is made of paper or cardboard that is lined with foil.

In conclusion, although a variety of embodiments has been described herein, this is provided by way of example only, and there are many further possible combinations of the features described herein. Furthermore, many variations and modifications on the described embodiments will be apparent to the skilled person and will fall within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A disposable ashtray having a receptacle portion for receiving ash and two panels attached to opposing edges of the rim of the receptacle portion, the ashtray having a first configuration in which the receptacle portion is folded flat between the two panels, a second configuration in which the panels provide legs for supporting the open receptacle portion in an upright position, and a third configuration in which the panels are folded over the top of the receptacle portion to cover the ashtray, thereby closing the receptacle portion.

2. An ashtray according to Claim 1, wherein the receptacle portion comprises two walls connected to one another along an edge, wherein said walls are folded flat against one another in the first configuration, and are rotated away from one another about the edge to provide a V-shaped bottom for the receptacle portion in the second and third configurations.

3. An ashtray according to Claim 2, wherein in the first configuration, each one of the opposing panels is folded flat against a corresponding one of the two walls of the receptacle portion, such that the ashtray is substantially planar.

4. An ashtray according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein each end of the receptacle portion comprises a pair of first and second triangles having a common edge, wherein the first and second triangles within each pair are folded flat against one another along the common edge in the first configuration.

5. An ashtray according to any preceding Claim, wherein in the third configuration, the panels overlap in closing the receptacle portion.

6. An ashtray according to Claim 5, wherein at least one overlapping panel surface is provided with adhesive for holding the panels together to close the receptacle portion in the third configuration.

7. An ashtray according to any preceding Claim, further comprising a lock mechanism to hold the panels in position to close the receptacle portion m the third configuration.

8. An ashtray according to Claim 7, wherein the lock mechanism comprises one or more tabs on one panel for engaging respective slots on the other panel.

9. An ashtray according to any preceding Claim, wherein the ashtray is formed from flame retardant material.

10. An ashtray according to Claim 9, wherein the flame retardant material comprises foil-lined paper.

11. An ashtray according to Claim 9, wherein the flame retardant material comprises metallised paper.

12. An ashtray according Io any preceding Claim, wherein the ashtray is formed from a unitary blank.

13. A pack of smoking articles including one or more ashtrays according to any preceding Claim.

14. A pack according to Claim 13, wherein the one or more ashtrays are held in said first configuration against the exterior of the pack.

15. A pack according to Claim 14, whereby the one or more ashtrays are held flat against one side of the pack, and the panels of the ashtray are no greater in size than said side of the pack.

16. A blank shaped and demarked with fold lines for forming the disposable ashtray of any of Claims 1 to 12.