TRAVEL ASHTRAY

Abstract

A travel ashtray and a method for disposing of ash and butts of a cigar. The travel ashtray includes a cylindrical housing having an open top and an open bottom. A top lid is mounted to the housing and covers the open top. A bottom lid is mounted to the housing to cover the open bottom. Both the top and bottom lids can switch between an open state and a closed state. A dividing plate within the housing divides an inner volume of the housing into an upper compartment and a lower compartment. The dividing plate can be turned between an open state and a closed state. a cigar rest coupled to a top of the housing. A cigar rest is coupled to an inner of the housing in proximity to a periphery of the open top. The cigar rest can flip outside towards a side of the housing.

Claims

1. A travel ashtray comprising: a housing having an open top and an open bottom; a top lid mounted to the housing and configured to cover the open top, the top lid is configured to switch between an open state and a closed state; a bottom lid mounted to the housing and configured to cover the open bottom, the bottom lid is configured to switch between an open state and a closed state; and a dividing plate mounted within the housing dividing an inner volume of the housing into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, wherein the dividing plate is configured to turn between an open state and a closed state.

2. The travel ashtray of claim 1, wherein the dividing plate is configured to be turned by a knob positioned outside the housing and configured to be turned by a hand of a user.

3. The travel ashtray of claim 2, wherein the open top and an upper portion of a side wall of the housing form the upper compartment, and the open bottom and a lower portion of the side wall form the lower compartment.

4. The travel ashtray of claim 3, wherein the travel ashtray further comprises a rotation lock configured to keep the dividing plate in the closed state, wherein force has to be applied to the knob for turning the dividing plate from the closed state to the open state.

5. The travel ashtray of claim 2, wherein the travel ashtray further comprises a cigar rest coupled to a top of the housing.

6. The travel ashtray of claim 5, wherein the cigar rest is coupled to an inner of the housing in proximity to a periphery of the open top, wherein the cigar rest is pivotally mounted and configured to flip outside towards a side of the housing.

7. A method for disposing of ash and butts of a cigar, the method comprising: providing a travel ashtray comprising: a housing having an open top and an open bottom, a top lid mounted to the housing and configured to cover the open top, the top lid is configured to switch between an open state and a closed state, a bottom lid mounted to the housing and configured to cover the open bottom, the bottom lid is configured to switch between an open state and a closed state; and a dividing plate mounted within the housing dividing an inner volume of the housing into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, wherein the dividing plate is configured to turn between an open state and a closed state; switching the top lid to the open state by swiveling outwards the top lid; dropping the ash of the cigar in the upper compartment; and upon collecting the ash in the upper compartment, turning the dividing plate to the open state for collecting the ash in the lower compartment.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the dividing plate is configured to be turned by a knob positioned outside the housing and configured to be turned by a hand of a user.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the open top and an upper portion of a side wall of housing form the upper compartment, and the open bottom and a lower portion of the side wall form the lower compartment.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the travel ashtray further comprises a rotation lock configured to keep the dividing plate in the closed state, wherein force has to be applied to the knob for turning the dividing plate from the closed state to the open state.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the travel ashtray further comprises a cigar rest coupled to a top of the housing.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the cigar rest is coupled to an inner of the housing in proximity to a periphery of the open top, wherein the cigar rest is pivotally mounted and configured to flip outside towards a side of the housing, wherein the method further comprises: pivoting outwards the cigar rest to a side of the housing; and placing the cigar on the cigar rest.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view of a travel ashtray, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a top and side perspective view of the travel ashtray with a top lid in an open state, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a top and side perspective view of the travel ashtray with both the top and bottom lids in the open state, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of the travel ashtray, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a top and side perspective view of the travel ashtray further showing a cigar rest flipped outside, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view of the travel ashtray shown in FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 7 shows the use state of the travel ashtray, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 8 shows the use state of the travel ashtray, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 9 shows a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the travel ashtray having the top lid hidden, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 10, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the travel ashtray in which the housing and the lids are hidden to show the inner components, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0027] The word exemplary is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term embodiments of the present invention does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.

[0028] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises, comprising,, includes and/or including, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0029] The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely to illustrate the general principles of the invention since the allowed claims of any resulting patent will best define the scope of the invention.

[0030] Disclosed is a travel ashtray for cigars and the like smoking articles. The disclosed travel ashtray can be used during travel by consumers. The disclosed travel ashtray is a readily available solution for the cigar consumer on the go. The travel ashtray can fit into most cup holders, such as the cup holders in a car. Moreover, the travel ashtray can be placed on decks or carried to campsites. The disclosed travel ashtray can be carried like a can of beverages and thus is easy and convenient to carry on trips. Thus, the disclosed travel ashtray is versatile in construction and use. A person can easily carry the disclosed travel ashtray in a pocket, hand, or bag during travels. Moreover, the larger capacity of the travel ashtray allows for enjoying multiple cigars. The travel ashtray could be easily emptied off the ashes and buts for reuse. Another chief advantage of the disclosed travel ashtray is that it includes a cigar rest for keeping the cigars while smoking. Thus, the travel ashtray has the advantages of an ashtray, is portable and compact, and has a huge capacity.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-6 which show different views of the disclosed travel ashtray. The disclosed travel ashtray may include housing 110 of a cylindrical hollow profile having an open top and an open bottom. A side wall extends between the open top and the open bottom. It is to be noted that the drawing shows a cylindrical-shape housing as an exemplary illustration, however, the shape of the housing can vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a square-shaped housing is within the scope of the present invention. A top lid 120 is mounted on the top of the housing 110 and is configured to cover the open top. Similarly, a bottom lid 130 is mounted to the bottom of the housing and configured to cover the open bottom of the housing. Each of the top lid 120 and the bottom lid 130 can switch between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the inside of the housing is accessible while not accessible in the closed state.

[0032] The housing can be divided into an upper compartment and a lower compartment by a dividing plate 160. The open top and an upper portion of the housing form the upper compartment, and the open bottom and a lower portion of the side wall form the lower compartment. The dividing plate 160 creates a false bottom for the upper compartment. The dividing plate 160 can be turned within the housing to allow contents from the upper compartment to drop into the lower compartment. The dividing plate 160 can be in the form of a plate of a size corresponding to the inner diameter of the housing 110. The dividing plate 160 can be switched between a closed state and an open state. The dividing plate 160 is aligned parallel to the top lid 120 in the closed state. To turn the divider plate from the closed state to the open state, a knob 140 can be provided. The knob 140 can be connected to a shaft and the shaft can be coupled to the dividing plate through a fastener. Rotating the knob 140 rotates the dividing plate resulting in the opening of a passage between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. FIG. 6 shows the dividing plate 160 positioned within housing 110. The shaft 170 and the fastener 180 can be seen in FIG. 12. It is to be understood that the drawings show an exemplary embodiment of the dividing plate and the turning mechanism; however, the turning mechanism of the dividing plate can be replaced by any other suitable mechanism without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0033] Also, shaft could have a tab (not shown), referred to as rotation lock, which prevents the dividing plate 160 from rotating unintentionally. The user may have to apply some force in rotating the knob 140 against the rotation lock to switch the dividing plate 160 from a closed state to an open state. On releasing the knob 140, the knob has two rubber stops embedded that require an intentional manual rotation to release the false bottom.

[0034] Travel ashtray 100 may also include a cigar rest 200 made from a wire framework. The cigar rest 200 can be mounted inside the housing 110 near the rim of the housing 110. The cigar rest 200 can be mounted pivotally so that the cigar rest 200 can be pivoted and flipped to the side of the housing 110. The cigar rest 200 can pivot about 180 degrees, or more preferably, more than 160 degrees. When not in use, the cigar rest 200 can be flipped inside the housing 110. For use, the cigar rest can be pulled out and flipped to the side of the housing. The cigar rest has an up-facing loop and a down-facing loop. A cigar can be placed in one of the two loops. FIG. 7 shows a cigar 10 placed in the up-facing loop, and FIG. 8 shows the cigar placed in the down-facing loop. The wire framework of the cigar rest may also include an ash bar positioned inside of the housing to prevent the ash from indiscriminately being displaced around the area when the ashtray is being used.

[0035] In certain implementations, each of the top and the bottom lids are configured to switch between an open state and a closed state. The respective lids can be mounted using a suitable fastening mechanism that allows the lids to be switched between the two states. For example, the lid can be mounted to the housing using a spring shaft valve 210 coupling the respective lid to the housing. The spring shaft valve can keep the lid juxtaposed to the rim of the housing. Some force has to be applied to the lid by pulling it longitudinally against the spring force. The lid and housing also include a magnets 220 for securing the lid to the housing preventing the rotation of the lid respective to the housing. Other interlocking mechanisms, such as tab and groove can also be implemented. For example, a groove can be provided in the rim of the housing or that of the lid. Similarly, a tab can be provided in the lid or the rim of the housing, respectively. The tab inserts into the groove preventing the rotation of the lid. The user may have to apply some force against the spring shaft valve to pull the lid away from the housing and against magnetic forces or for taking out the tab out of the groove, thereafter, the lid can be swiveled by rotating the same about the spring shaft valve. The lid swivels out, providing access to the interior of the housing, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] Both the top lid and the bottom lid can be opened and closed similarly, as shown in FIG. 3. Also, rather than providing one magnet, two or more magnetic stops can be provided for partially opening the top lid. For example, the top lid can have three position stops for user's convenience. With a lift and turning motion, the stops can be in the 3 o'clock, 9 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions, wherein the 12 o'clock position being fully open. The 3 and 9 o'clock positions afford the user the option to reduce the ashtray footprint based on cupholder design in vehicles, golf carts or boats, and the like.

[0037] To close the lid, the user can swivel back the lid, so that the magnet 220 can lie against the periphery of the housing. Thereafter, the lid can be pulled away from the housing and swiveled slightly so that the magnet is above the rim of the housing. The lid can be released and adjusted so that the magnet can be engaged with its counterpart. It is to be noted that any other mechanism of mounting the top and bottom lids is within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] In use, the user can collect the ash and butts into the upper compartment. The collected ash can be dropped into the lower compartment by turning the dividing plate. The collected ash in the lower compartment can be disposed of as and when desired by opening the bottom lid.

[0039] In certain implementations, the disclosed travel ashtray can be made from any suitable material. Preferably, the material should be fire resistant as it is used with burning cigars. Also, it may be preferable that the travel ashtray is light in weight and durable for portability. For example, Aluminum can be used to manufacture the travel ashtray that is light in weight, durable, corrosion-resistant, and fire-resistant. Other materials, like plastic and wood, can be used, and any suitable material is within the scope of the present invention. Also, suitable polishing can be done on the outer surface for the aesthetic appearance of the travel ashtray. Suitable designs and logos can also be applied to enhance aesthetic value.

[0040] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.