Field of Invention

[001] The invention relates to a reusable flexible extinguisher for cigarettes and method of manufacture of the same. The extinguisher is configured as a laminated sheet in the form of a packet or pouch for accommodating at least a portion or butt of a cigarette; at least one inner side of the packet having embossed structures for encouraging the dispersion of hot embers and ash upon entry of the cigarette and dissipation of heat therefrom.

Background of the Invention

[002] An estimated number of one point six billion (1.6 Billion) cigarettes smokers generally leave behind smoked cigarettes in the form of butts in public places for all to see. Canadian Patent No. 1 ,158,515 to Bruce Winnacott (issued December 13, 1983) describes a metal foil pouch as a disposable cigarette extinguisher for extinguishing a burning cigarette and for disposing of it in the foil pouch. However, the very structure of the reflective and thin metal foil pouch necessitates careful handling when used since it is initially subjected to significant heat transmitted directly from the cigarette burning embers, particularly in the area of the embers within the pouch thereby necessitating caution in handling the pouch by the user.

[003] United States Patent No. 5,224,499 to Jesus A. Zayas (issued July 6, 1993) describes a dihedral shaped portable pocket ashtray specifically shaped to accommodate numerous cigarette butt ends and to reduce the amount of oxygen for extinguishing the burning cigarette butts only when the ashtray is securely closed. However, to close the lid of the ashtray both hands are required, one hand to hold steady the ashtray while inserting the cigarette with the other hand, thereby inadvertently subjecting the user to the intense heat.

[004] The aforementioned patents fail in providing adequate protection for the user against injury through burning or through spilling of hot embers on to combustible material. Heretofore, no prior art provides a simple, relatively small and easily carried device for safely extinguishing burning embers of cigarettes, and also having the ability to maintain the integrity of a partially used cigarette or the like if the remaining portion of the cigarette may be used in the future. Summary of the Invention

[005] For the purposes of brevity the reusable cigarette extinguisher will be referred to as a packet or pouch.

[006] An aspect of the present invention provides for a flexible packet device for extinguishing and disposing of hot cigarette embers comprising a folded laminated sheet of a predetermined size configured in the form of the flexible packet having at least one opening for receiving the cigarette, wherein the laminated sheet includes protrusions extending inwards therefrom used for dispersing the hot cigarette embers and for dissipating and rapidly reducing heat therefrom.

[007] An embodiment of the present invention provides for the laminated sheet to include an inner layer, a middle layer and an outer layer, the inner layer of metal is adhered to the middle layer of a first paper which is adhered to the outer layer of a second paper by a first and second adhesive, the outer layer, the middle layer and inner layer or a combination thereof include a fire retardant therebetween in the form of a first or a second adhesive having hollow microspheres of alumina and amorphous silica.

[008] A further embodiment of the present invention provides for the packet of a size to accommodate at least one cigarette, wherein the protrusions are of a predetermined size and shape for dispersing the hot embers in an upper portion of the packet and further reducing the heat of the cigarette in a lower portion of the packet, the protrusions being of a smaller size and shape on the upper portion in contrast to the lower portion of the packet. [009] In a further embodiment of the present invnetion, the protrusions are of a size in the range of between about 0.25cm to about 5.0cm in width and from about 1.0mm to about 1.0cm in height and the packet is of a size to accommodate the size range of the protrusions.

[010] A further aspect of the present invention provides for a method for manufacturing a flexible packet device used for extinguishing and disposing of hot embers and heat therefrom of a cigarette comprising the steps of: a) surface printing an outer layer of a predetermined size and shape, b) applying a first adhesive to a middle layer for adhesion to the outer layer, c) adhering the middle layer to an embossed inner layer with a second adhesive and d) applying ultra-violet light for curing thereof.

[011] In an embodiment of the method only two side of the perimeter edges of the laminate are sealed, a lower portion of the device being mechanically folded to seal the laminate at one end more preferably the laminate is perforated along two adjacent sides of the packet device.

[012] An aspect of the invention provides a flexible packet for extinguishing and disposing of hot cigarette embers comprising: a laminated sheet of a predetermined size configured in the form of a packet having at least one opening for receiving the cigarette, wherein the laminated sheet includes inwardly directed protrusions on at least one inner surface for dispersing embers and dissipating the heat therefrom.

[013] A further aspect of the invention provides a packet for dispersing, extinguishing and disposing of hot embers of a cigarette comprising at least one sheet of a material configured for forming a packet of a predetermined size for accommodating at least one smoked article, wherein the at least one sheet has protrusions extending therefrom for dissipating the hot embers and the heat therefrom of the article placed therein, the configured packet having one side longer than the other for providing a flap or lid used for closing the packet.

[014] In a further embodiment the invention provides a front of the packet device with perforated lines enabling a portion of the front to be lifted for removing cigarette butts and ash therefrom.

[015] A further aspect of the present invention provides a system for dispersing, extinguishing and disposing of hot embers of a cigarette comprising configuring a radiant barrier from metal protrusions extending from a first layer of the packet device for providing a reflective insulation for inducing dissipation of heat about the packet device, wherein the reflective insulation is a combination of the metal protrusions and air pockets trapped therein abutting a second layer in a laminate of the device. [016] An aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a flexible packet device used for dispersing, extinguishing and disposing of hot embers and the heat therefrom of a cigarette comprising the steps of providing a first sheet material of a predetermined size and shape, applying sealant to at least one sheet of different material and of similar shape and size over the first sheet, applying ultra-violet light the sealant used for sealing an edge of first and second sheet together around an inside edged area of the selected shape, further sealing the materials with a second sealant and configuring the combined sheet material to a predetermined shape to form the flexible packet device

[017] A further aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a packet device used for dispersing, extinguishing and disposing of hot embers and the heat therefrom of a cigarette including the steps of forming a predetermined size of at least one sheet of metal foil material, embossing protrusions therein, sealing an edge of said material together on opposing edges forming an open ended packet shape with a lip or flap extending therefrom

[018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a material of the method that is sealed with an adhesive glue activated by ultraviolet light

[019] In a further preferred embodiment, a sealant is used to cover an area of the sheet to provide adequate heat resistant qualities in that the sheet includes hollow micro-spheres therein affixed with alumina and amorphous silica

[020] In a further preferred embodiment the present invention provides for either the first, second or both layers being sealed on to a side opposite the protrusions thereby defining air pockets therein

[021] In another embodiment, the invention provides for the material of the first layer being a metal and the second layer being non metal which is preferably composed of a fibrous material with the hollow micro-spheres

[022] The invention will be appreciated more readily from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[023] FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of sheet material before being configured into the packet of the invention, showing protrusions on the sheet material.

[024] FIGURES 2 and 2a are front views of an embodiment of the packet of the present invention.

[025] FIGURES 3 and 3a are sectional side views taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2, but enlarged to show in more detail the array of protrusions in relation to each other in the laminate.

[026] FIGURE 4 is a sectional side view of the packet illustrating the present invention in use.

[027] FIGURE 5 is a top plan view like Figure 1 of an alternative embodiment of sheet material showing an array of protrusions on only one portion of the material.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[028] The packet 10 as shown in Figures 2 - 5 is configured from sheet material 12 shown in Figure 1. Sheet material 12 is a composite or laminate of an inner metal foil sheet 14 and an outer, paper or the like sheet 16, the two sheets being laminated or glued together.

[029] Protrusions 20, shown in Figure 1 are embossed and formed by an appropriate die assembly on metal foil sheet 14 and are spaced so that when sheet material 12 is folded along line 22, the protrusions on one side 24 of line 22 contact material on the other side 26 without contacting a protrusion or side 26. Accordingly, the protrusions on one side are laterally and longitudinally spaced from one another as evident in Figures 3 and 4. [030] On the outside of sheet material 12 is sheet 16 of paper or the like which will form, when laminated to metal foil sheet 14 having protrusions 20 small air pockets 30 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Such a construction reduces conductive heat transfer to the outside of the pocket. For clarity purposes the number of protrusions shown in Figure 1 is less than that shown in Figures 3 and 4, but it will be appreciated that the air pockets 30 will tend to lessen heat transfer from embers to the outside of the pocket. The interspaced arrangement of protrusions when the packet is formed provides a balanced system of protrusions and controls heat transfer from the embers. A radiant barrier system is effectively created by the configuration of the packet to assist in the disposition of heat within the pocket and lessens the possibility of localized heat directly transferred to the outside of the packet which may cause damage or injury even though the embers may die relatively quickly. Heat transfer from hot embers from a cigarette butt is significantly reduced to the touch of the hand and fingers as a result of the configuration of the packet with air pockets 30.

[031] Figures 1 , 2 or 3 also show a lid or flap portion 40 which is part of and an extension of sheet material 12 without protrusions. After the packet is formed the flap 40 may be folded over opening 42 of the packet as shown by arrow 44 in Figure 2. Closure of the flap will tend to limit the amount of oxygen in the packet and enhance the speed of embers being extinguished. It is however, available to the user of the packet to reopen the pocket 10 and retrieve a partially used cigarette, if so desired.

[032] As previously noted, sheet material 12 is manufactured by embossing a metal foil sheet 14 with protrusions 20 and then laminating the sheet 14 with a paper sheet or the like 15. The sheets 14 and 15 are sealed together to form a plurality of air pockets 30 interspersed throughout the interior of the packet 10. Various methods of laminating or securing sheets 14, 15 or 16 together will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. However, a preferred sealant used sealing the two sheets 14 and 15 together to form the air pockets 30 is one having hollow micro-spheres containing alumina and amorphous silica thereby providing further protection from heat transfer. This form of sealant is commercially known under the trade mark Extendospheres®. The two sides of sheet material when folded along line 22 are sealed around their peripheral sides or edges, preferably by an ultra violet light activated glue. [033] Figure 4 illustrates the packet in use wherein a cigarette 50 is inserted into the pocket 10 as denoted by the arrow 52. The front face 54 is moved outwardly along the abutment of the ember on both sides of the metal- foil protrusions 20 to effect controlled disposition of heat emanating from the cigarette embers.

[034] Figure 2 illustrates a tab 60 associated with front face 62 of packet 20 which along with perforations 64 on the side edges permit the face 62 to be torn away from the bottom of the packet in order to separate the cigarette ash from the packet. This tab and perforated surface structure may also be used with a packet having a flap or lid 40.

[035] Figures 2 and 3 also show in dotted lines, flaps 70, 72 extending respectfully from the front surface 62 and back surface 74 which are part of the paper laminate portion of the packet. These flaps which normally lie flat could be used to assist in opening the packet sufficient to insert the cigarette butt or portion as illustrated in Figure 4.

[036] Figure 3 shows an area A along the length of packet 20 in which the area A of the packet will tend to support a partially smoked cigarette 50 during use of the packet 20. Obviously the distance travelled by the cigarette in the packet is dependent on the length of the cigarette 50. Ash from the cigarette once the embers burn out tend to fall to area B of the packet and will separate from the partially smoked cigarette and will not re- enter the tip of the partially smoked cigarette that would normally spoil the taste of the cigarette when, as may be desired, relit and smoked. Protrusions 20 help to isolate the ash from the end of the cigarette. Thus the user is provided with an unspoiled, undamaged cigarette for reusing. Accordingly, instead of "butting-out" a half smoked cigarette on the ground, causing litter and potential fires, the user applies the present invention to good use not only for the environment but for the user who may over time actually reduce the number of cigarettes smoked, which in turn provides healthier benefits for all smokers and non-smokers at large.

[037] Figure 5 illustrates a sheet 12a which illustrates that other forms of protrusions are contemplated and may be formed only on one side of line 22a, the protrusions contacting the other side of the packet. Although protrusions or the like on both inner sides are preferred, protrusions on one innser side is contemplated as the dispersion of embers is enhanced with the rotation of cigarette as it is inserted into the packet and the enhanced dispersion of the ember also enhances the dissipation of heat from the ember being localized

[038] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents