GB2138267A - Extinguishing cigarettes - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable tubular body (2) can be stood on a flat surface. A lighted end of a cigarette can be placed in the bore (6) of the tubular body and, as the oxygen within the tubular body is consumed, so the cigarette is extinguished. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Extinguishing cigarettes This invention relates to cigarettes, and is particularly concerned with methods of and means for extinguishing the same.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of extinguishing a lighted cigarette, comprising the step of inserting the lighted end of the cigarette into a tubular body the bottom of which is substantially closed, such that the lighted end of the cigarette consumes the available oxygen within the tubular body and thereafter becomes extinguished.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for extinguishing cigarettes, the device comprising a tubular body adapted to receive a lighted end of a cigarette, the body being of such weight and dimensions that it may support a whole cigarette substantially upright with only the end of the cigarette in the body, and the tubular body being arranged to be closed at its bottom such that, when the lighted end of the cigarette is placed therein, the oxygen within the tubular body becomes consumed and the cigarette is thereafter extinguished.

The device may have a base which closes the bottom of the tubular body. However, it is preferred that the bottom of the tubular body is open and substantially flat,such that it may be placed upon a substantially ievel surface which therefore serves to close the bottom of the tubular body, in use. This arrangement is preferred because less debris will accumulate in the tubular body if it is open at the bottom, and therefore the device may readily be kept more clean, such that it is suitable for carrying about one's person.

The tubular body may have a length in the range 10 mm - 40 mm. Advantageously, the length is in the range 20 - 30 mm. I have found that a length of substantially 25 mm is preferred, in order that both full length cigarettes can be safely supported, whilst the device may be conveniently used with short stub ends.

The tubular body may have an internal diameter in the range 8 - 16 mm. Advantageously, the internal diameter is in the range 10 - 14 mm. I have found an internal diameter of 12 mm to be preferred. It will be appreciated that the internal diameter must not be too great, as a free flow of oxygen into and out of the tubular body must be prevented, in use.

The wall thickness of the tubular body at its bottom should preferably be at least 2 mm,to ensure that the body may be supported in a sufficiently stable manner. The wall thickness is preferably between 2 and 6 mm, and I find that a wall thickness of substantially 4 mm is preferable.

The tubular body should have sufficient weight to give it stability in use. If the device is not intended to be carried about, it may be as heavy as desired.

However, for portable use, the device should not be unduly heavy, and therefore the weight of the tubular body may be in the range 50 to 60g. With advantage, the weight may be in the range 20 to 40g, and a weight of substantially 30 g is preferred.

The device may include an ashtray upon which the tubular body is mounted. It may be so mounted to be permanent. Alternatively, it may be readily removable and/or free standing.

In an alternative arrangement, the device is intended to be portable, such that it may be readily carried about in the pocket, in a handbag, etc. In such an arrangement, it is preferred that the tubular body is symmetrical, such that either end of the body may serve as its bottom, in use.

Preferably, the outer surface of the tubular body is provided with a pattern in relief, to assist grip of the body.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawing, in which: Figure 1 shows a cigarette extinguishing device, in side elevation; and Figure2showsthe device in end elevation.

The illustrated cigarette extinguishing device 1 comprises a tubular body 2 which is machined of brass. The body 2 is substantially 25 mm in length, and at its ends, has a wall thickness of substantially 4 mm. It will be seen that the tubular body 2 is symmetrical about both its longitudinal axis and a central plane perpendicular thereto. It is formed on its outer surface with two barrelled portions 3, separated from each other and from the end portions 4 of the body 2 by means of grooves 5. The weight of the device 1 is substantially 30g.

It will thus be appreciated that the device 1 is of a very convenient size to be carried about in the pocket, together with a packet of cigarettes, or in a handbag or pouch. To use the device 1, the tubular body 2 is stood upon either of its ends, upon a substantially flat surface. The lighted end of a cigarette is then placed in the bore 6 within the tubular body 2. The weight and configuration of the tubular body 2 is such as that even a full length cigarette can be readily supported in a substantially upright position.

As soon as the lighted end of the cigarette is placed within the bore 6, the relatively small supply of oxygen within the bore begins to be consumed, and the supply of oxygen is exhausted within a very short time - for example, within one or two seconds.

Therefore, the cigarette immediately becomes extinguished, for want of oxygen. The configuration of the tubular body 2 is such that it can readily accommodate both full size cigarettes and short stub ends. It will be appreciated thatthe device 1 could equally well be used with small cigars.

Smokers will be well acquainted with the problem of having to extinguish a cigarette, with no ashtray or other convenient receptacle to hand. This usually happens at the most embarrassing moments.

However, with the illustrated device 1 in his pocket, the smoker simply needs to place it on a flat surface, such as a cigrette box, for example, place it on a flat surface, such as a cigarette box, for example, place the lighted cigarette into the bore 6, and the cigarette is extinguished almost immediately. In fact, the cigarette becomes extinguished so quickly that it is possible to place the tubular body 2 on virtually any surface. For example, I have used the device 1 on the flat of the hand, and found that the cigarette has been extinguished before it has had time to cause any burning at all. Also,l have used the device 1 on the surface of an expensive leather briefcase, without causing any damagethereto.

Therefore, the invention may provide a device which can be carried by all smokers, and which enables them to extinguish their cigarettes with safety, wherever they may be.

Claims (17)

1. A method of extinguishing a lighted cigarette or cigar comprising the step of inserting the lighted end of the cigarette or cigar into a tubular body the bottom of which is substantially closed, such that the lighted end of the cigarette or cigar consumes oxygen within the tubular body and thereafter becomes extinguished.

2. A method of extinguishing a lighted cigarette or cigar substantially as herein specificially described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

3. A cigarette or cigar extinguishing device comprising a tubular body adapted to receive a lighted end of a cigarette or cigar, the body being of such weight and dimensions that it may support a whole cigarette or cigar substantially upright with onlythe end of the cigarette or cigar in the body, and the tubular body being arranged to be closed at its bottom end such that, when the lighted end of a cigarette or cigar is placed therein, oxygen within the tubular body is consumed and the cigarette or cigar is thereafter extinguished.

4. A device as claimed in Claim 3 in which the bottom of the tubular body is open and substantially flat.

5. A device as claimed in Claim 3 including a base which closes the bottom of the tubular body.

6. A device as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 5 in which the tubular body has a length in the range of 10 to 40 mm, or in the range 20 to 30 mm or preferably of substantially 25 mm.

7. A device as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 6 in which the interior of the tubular body is of circular cross-section with a diameter in the range from 8 to 16 mm, or in the range 10 to 14 mm or preferably of 12 mm.

8. A device as claimed in Claim 4 or any preceding claim when dependant on Claim 4 in which the thickness of the tubular body at its bottom end is at least 2 mm and is preferably in the range between 2 and 6 mm and advantageously of substantiaily 4 mm.

9. A device as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 8 in which the tubular body is between 50g and 60g in weight.

10. A device as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 8 in which the tubular body is between 209 and 409 in weight and is preferably of substantially 309 in weight.

11. A device as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 11 in which the tubular body is arranged to be mounted on an ashtray.

12. A device as claimed in Claim 11 in which the tubular body is arranged to be removably mounted on the ashtray.

13. A device as claimed in Claim 11 in which the tubular body is permanently mounted on the ashtray.

14. A device as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 13 which is portable.

15. A device as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 14 in which the outer surface of the tubular body includes a pattern in relief.

16. A cigarette or cigar extinguishing device substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

17. Acigarette orcigarextinguishing device as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 16 when used in a method as claimed in Claim 1 or 2.