SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SNUFFING A LIVE EMBER

Abstract

A snuffer device for extinguishing live embers comprises a clip and a heat-resistant tube coupled to the clip. The tube includes a closed bottom, an open top, and at least one wall. The clip is U-shaped with spring-biased first and second sides, where the first side includes a face with a slide cutout allowing the tube to pivot for a lower profile. The tube extends from the clip at an angle between 35 and 45 and has a diameter between 6-12 mm and length between 1.5-4 cm. The closed bottom of the tube is removable and aligns flush with the clip face. The clip may be plastic while the tube is metal, both being dishwasher-safe materials. The invention also includes an ashtray with a detachable snuffer and a method of manufacturing the snuffer by coupling the tube to the clip at the specified angle.

Claims

1. A snuffer for putting out a live ember, the snuffer comprising: a clip; a tube coupled to the clip, the tube having a heat-resistant closed bottom, an open top and at least one wall.

2. The snuffer of claim 1, wherein the clip is a u-shaped clip having a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the first side is spring biased to contact the second side.

3. The snuffer of claim 2, wherein the first side has a face with a slide cutout, wherein the tube pivots to fit within the slide cutout such that the snuffer may be selectively pivoted to have a lower profile.

4. The snuffer of claim 1 wherein the clip has a face and wherein the closed end of the tube is substantially flush with the face of the clip.

5. The snuffer of claim 1 wherein the tube is pivotally coupled to the clip.

6. The snuffer of claim 1 wherein the tube is detachably coupled to the clip.

7. The snuffer of claim 1 wherein the clip is a plastic and the tube is a metal.

8. The snuffer of claim 1 wherein the closed bottom is removeable.

9. The snuffer of claim 1, wherein the clip and the tube are made from dishwasher safe materials.

10. The snuffer of claim 1 wherein the tube extends from the clip at an angle between 35 and 45.

11. The snuffer of claim 1 wherein the tube has a diameter between 6 mm and 12 mm.

12. The snuffer of claim 1 wherein the tube has a length between 1.5 cm and 4 cm.

13. The snuffer of claim 1 wherein the clip has a wall and wherein the tube is coupled to the clip such that the wall is the bottom of the tube.

14. A snuffer tray comprising: a bowl having a side wall; a snuffer detachably coupled to the bowl, wherein the snuffer has a tube that at an angle between 35 and 45.

15. The ashtray of claim 10 wherein the snuffer is a clip configured to attach to the side wall.

16. A method of manufacturing a snuffer, the method comprising the acts of: providing a clip having a wall; coupling a tube to the clip such that the wall is the bottom of the clip, wherein the tube has an axis and the wall is at an angle between 35 and 45 relative to the axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

[0034] FIG. 1 depicts an overhead perspective view of a snuffer according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 2 depicts a side pers perspective view of the snuffer according to the embodiment FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 3 depicts an overhead perspective view of the snuffer according to FIG. 1 alongside an ashtray;

[0037] FIG. 4 depicts an overhead perspective view of the snuffer of FIG. 3 clipped to the ashtray; and

[0038] FIG. 5 depicts an overhead view of multiple different clips that may be used in connection with one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0039] Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1-FIG. 5 a snuffer is shown generally at 10. In one application of the invention, the snuffer 10 is provided for extinguishing a live ember. The snuffer 10 comprises a clip 12 and a tube 14 coupled to the clip. The tube has a heat-resistant closed bottom 16, an open top 18, and at least one wall 20. The tube may be any heat-resistant material, such as glass, ceramic, metal or metal alloy, melamine, or stone. The tube 14 may have an internal diameter that is close to the diameter of the item the tube is intended to extinguish. For example, for a common cigarette having a diameter around 8 millimeters (mm), the tube 14 may have a diameter between 8 mm and 10 mm. For including slim and some larger cigarettes, the diameter may be between 6 mm and 12 mm. Cigar or blunt snuffers may have a diameter to match the cigar ring gauge of the blunt or cigar. For example, Petit Corona cigars have a ring gauge around 40-42 (about 16 to 17 mm), Robustos a ring gauge around 50 (about 20 mm), Toros a ring gauge around 52-54 (about 21 to 22 mm), Churchills, a ring gauge around 48-50 (about 19 to 20 mm), and Gordos a ring gauge around 60 or more (about 24 mm or larger). In alternative embodiments, the tube may feature a tapered design to accommodate different ember sizes within a single unit, or may incorporate multiple internal chambers for enhanced oxygen deprivation. The tube may also include ventilation holes with adjustable covers for controlled airflow management, or feature a telescoping design allowing for adjustable length to accommodate different item sizes.

[0042] The clip 12 may serve as a safety and functional component of the snuffer assembly 10, providing secure retention of the tube 14 while enabling safe extinguishing of live embers without exposing users to burn hazards or creating fire risks. The clip may have a U-shaped configuration having a first side member 22 and an opposing second side member 24. The clip can have an integral spring-bias mechanism, whereby the first side member 22 naturally exerts a continuous compressive force against the second side member 24. This spring-loaded interaction creates reliable clamping pressure that anchors the tube 14, preventing any unwanted movement, slippage, or separation during both storage and active use. In alternative embodiments, the clip may incorporate a magnetic attachment mechanism either in place of or in addition to the spring-bias mechanism, or may feature adjustable tension settings through a screw or cam mechanism for customizable grip strength. The clip may also include integrated rubber or silicone grip pads for enhanced friction and secure mounting. A locking mechanism may be incorporated to secure the tube in specific positions, particularly useful during storage or transport.

[0043] Referring especially to FIG. 5, The first side 22 of clip 12 incorporates a face 26 that features a slide cutout 28, which serves multiple functional purposes in the assembly. The slide cutout 28 can be specifically dimensioned and configured to accommodate pivotal movement of tube 14, enabling the tube to rotate and nest within the cutout's geometrical constraints. This pivotal interaction between the tube 14 and slide cutout 28 provides a transformative capability, allowing the snuffer assembly to transition between an extended operational configuration and a compact storage position. Alternative embodiments may incorporate a ball-joint or multi-axis pivot mechanism to support multiple mounting orientations and enhanced positioning flexibility. The pivotal mechanism may also include position-locking features or detents to secure the tube at specific angles during use.

[0044] The clip 12 can have a face 26 that can establish a coplanar relationship with the closed end of tube 14, such that when the tube is fully engaged with the clip, the tube's end surface achieves substantial flush alignment with the clip face 26. This precise dimensional relationship serves multiple functional purposes, including ensuring proper tube retention, maintaining consistent positioning, and achieving an aesthetically refined appearance.

[0045] The assembly may incorporate a pivotal coupling mechanism between the tube 14 and clip 12, enabling selective angular adjustment of the tube relative to the clip body. This pivotal functionality may be enhanced through various mounting options, including surface-mounted bases, vehicle cup holder adaptors, temporary adhesive mounting systems, suction cup attachments, rail mounting systems, or integrated table clamps. The mounting system may also incorporate quick-release mechanisms for rapid deployment or emergency situations.

[0046] In addition to its pivotal capabilities, the coupling mechanism between tube 14 and clip 12 can be selectively detachable, enabling complete separation of the components when desired. The bottom closure mechanisms may include various innovative features such as spring-loaded trap doors, sliding mechanisms for easy ash removal, integrated filter elements, or automated cleaning mechanisms. The bottom may also incorporate a cooling element or heat sink for enhanced safety, or feature a removable ash collection chamber for convenient maintenance.

[0047] The clip 12 can be fabricated from various durable materials selected to provide the necessary mechanical properties, including but not limited to appropriate strength, resilience, wear resistance, and environmental stability. Advanced material options may include composite materials with different thermal properties, antimicrobial coatings or materials, self-cleaning surface treatments, impact-resistant reinforcements, UV-resistant additives, and fire-retardant materials. Environmental considerations may include the use of biodegradable materials, recycled material construction, or sustainable manufacturing processes.

[0048] The tube 14 can incorporate various safety features including a heat-insulating outer sleeve or coating, temperature indicators or warning markers, emergency release mechanisms, non-slip gripping surfaces, and auto-sealing mechanisms when excessive heat is detected. The tube 14 may also feature graduated markings for depth reference or incorporate heat-reactive color-changing materials for visual safety indicators.

[0049] The materials selected for both the clip 12 and tube 14 are specifically chosen to withstand automated dishwashing processes, including exposure to elevated temperatures, chemical cleaning agents, and high-pressure water impingement typically encountered in dishwashing appliances. Maintenance features may include quick-release cleaning mechanisms, modular component replacement capabilities, self-diagnostic indicators, wear indicators, automated cleaning cycles, and replaceable protective liners.

[0050] The tube 14 is specifically engineered to project from clip 12 at a predetermined angle ranging between 35 degrees and 45 degrees relative to the clip body. The defined angular range enables users to effectively approach and engage live embers while maintaining appropriate distance between their fingers and the heat source, thereby maximizing both operational effectiveness and user safety.

[0051] The tube 14 has a diameter measuring between 6 millimeters and 12 millimeters. This specific dimensional range has been determined to provide optimal containment characteristics for typical ember sizes encountered during use. The selected diameter range ensures sufficient clearance for ember insertion while maintaining close proximity between the tube walls and the ember, thereby maximizing the oxygen-depleting effectiveness of the snuffing action. The relationship between the tube diameter and typical ember dimensions can allow for reliable extinguishing performance across a range of expected usage scenarios.

[0052] The tube 14 further incorporates an overall length dimension ranging between 1.5 centimeters and 4 centimeters. This length specification has been determined to provide adequate depth for complete ember containment while maintaining compact overall device proportions. The defined length range ensures sufficient volume for oxygen depletion while preventing excessive material usage or unwieldy device dimensions. The relationship between tube length, diameter, and projection angle has been optimized to achieve reliable ember extinguishing performance while maintaining practical size considerations for both operation and storage.

[0053] The clip 12 can have a face portion 26 that is specifically engineered to serve as an integral bottom 16 of tube 14 when the components are coupled together. This dual-function configuration establishes a unified structural relationship wherein the face 26 performs both its clip-related functions and simultaneously serves as the tube's bottom closure member. The integration of these components eliminates the need for a separate tube bottom element while ensuring secure mechanical engagement between the clip 12 and tube 14.

[0054] The unified face/bottom configuration creates a precisely defined dimensional relationship between the clip 12 and tube 14, preventing any unwanted protrusion of the tube beyond the clip's profile. This integrated design approach achieves multiple beneficial objectives, including minimizing the overall spatial envelope of the assembly, reducing the total number of components, and establishing a mechanically robust connection between the clip and tube. The elimination of a separate bottom component further enhances the aesthetic refinement of the device by maintaining clean lines and avoiding visible seams or joints in this critical area of the assembly.

[0055] The integration of the clip face 26 with the tube bottom 16 can address both functional requirements and manufacturing efficiency considerations while maintaining the essential performance characteristics of both components. The precise engineering of the face/bottom geometry ensures optimal performance in both its clip-related functions and its tube closure role, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness and reliability of the device.

[0056] The present invention also relates to an ashtray 30 comprising a bowl 32 having a side wall 34 and a snuffer 10 detachably coupled to the bowl 32. The snuffer has a tube 14 that extends at an angle between 35 and 45. This design allows the user to easily and safely extinguish a live ember. The snuffer has a clip 12 configured to attach to the side wall 34 of the bowl 32. This design allows the snuffer 10 to be easily accessed and used, providing a user-friendly design. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a snuffer. The method comprises the acts of providing a clip 12 and coupling a tube 14 to the clip 12 at an angle between 35 and 45. This method allows for the efficient and cost-effective production of the snuffer, ensuring that the snuffer is affordable and accessible to all users.

[0057] In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.

[0058] Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. The terms including and such as are not limiting and should be interpreted as including, but not limited to, and such as, for example, respectively. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.