Packaging system with a receptacle for storing debris

Abstract

A convenient, safe and economical packaging system has an open receptacle that collapses to a reduced closed receptacle for storing debris. An outer sleeve and a container are connected through at least one accordion section. An accordion section folds by pushing the container into the outer sleeve collapsing the open ashtray receptacle to the closed receptacle. A removable lining may optionally cover the walls of the closed receptacle. With the container pulled out the open ashtray receptacle is easily assessable through an access hole in the sleeve. A folded cutout attached to a panel of the sleeve and a bottom of the container covers the access hole in the closed position. The packaging system is particularly useful for packaging cigarettes and can be used several time before emptying the closed receptacle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority from, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/805,450 filed on Mar. 7, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/643,322 filed on Aug. 21, 2000, which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to a package having a compartment to hold debris. More particularly, this invention relates to a package for cigarettes with an ashtray compartment that collapses to a concealed compartment for storing cigarette debris such as ashes and filters.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] There are several cigarette containers with built-in ashtrays disclosed in prior art. Most of the prior art discloses cigarette containers having pivoting flaps or pivoting members that open and serve as temporary receptacles to hold cigarette debris. For examples of prior art cigarette containers with pivoting ashtray members see; Dement in U.S. Pat. No. 2,349,488; Card in U.S. Pat. No. 2,396,827; Peel et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 2,944,555; Adams in U.S. Pat. No. 2,958,417; Posavic in U.S. Pat. No. 3,018,877; Sandacz in U.S. Pat. No. 3,090,482; and Kim in U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,059. The devices disclosed do not serve as permanent receptacles for smoking debris because to close the pivoting ashtray members, the ashtray must be empty or nearly empty. Thus with each use, the ashtray must be emptied prior to storing the container in a pocket or a purse.

[0004] Draucker et al. in U.S. Pat No. 5,480,025 discloses a cigarette package to hold short cigarettes using a package of similar size used to hold conventionally sized cigarettes. The package has a receptacle at the bottom of the package to support the short cigarettes and the receptacle is further supplied with an access aperture that can be used for discarding cigarette ashes and filters. The cigarette package disclosed, however, does not address the potential fire hazards associated with burning cigarette filter or ashes. Further the package's design only provides for a very small access aperture that can easily be used for inserting cigarette filters into the receptacle, but is extremely inconvenient to use as an ash tray during a smoking session.

[0005] The German Pat. No. 4,210,959 discloses a cigarette package with a drawer-like receptacle at the bottom of the cigarette package that can be pulled out and used as an ashtray. After the ashtray is used the drawer be retracted back into the package and stored. The ashtray does not require emptying after each use and is not a convenient to use as an ashtray because the receptacle is very small.

[0006] Arthur in U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,781 describes a multi-component cigarette package that contains an ashtray. The package has an outer sleeve and an inner compartment for holding cigarettes, whereby the inner compartment slides into the outer sleeve. The adjustable cavity formed between the bottom of the inner compartment and bottom of the outer sleeve is used as the ashtray. A receptacle hole in a side of the outer sleeve is used to access the cavity when the inner compartment is pulled sufficiently far outward from the outer sleeve. After disposing the smoking debris in the ashtray, the hole is closed by sliding the inner compartment inward into the outer sleeve. These designs provide mechanisms for suffocating burning smoking debris, assuming that the inner section fits in the outer section sufficiently snug to suffocate any smoldering debris and that the inner compartment of the package is inserted far enough into the outer sleeve to completely cover the receptacle hole. However, if the receptacle hole is made large enough to be useful as an ashtray, a small outward displacement of the inter compartment will cause a portion of the receptacle hole to be open and smoking debris will spill out or smoldering debris will re-ignite. This situation is highly likely since there is no mechanism to secure the outer section and the inner section in a closed position. Further, since the inside wall of the outer sleeve serves as the bottom of the ashtray it will become highly soiled with ash. After using the ashtray, the inner section is pushed back inward to close the receptacle hole and the outside wall of the inner compartment that overlaps the outer sleeve will also become soiled with ash. Thus, in subsequent uses of the ashtray the soiled inner compartment will be pulled out and the hands of the user and the surface where the package is rested will also become soiled. Further, the cigarette container and outer sleeve may become completely separated allowing the smoking debris to escape for the top portion of the outer sleeve.

[0007] What is needed is a cigarette-packaging system that provides an ashtray unit that is functional, safe and clean to use. The ashtray unit needs to be accessible through a large receptacle hole for ashing cigarettes and have a receptacle container for storing smoking debris from several smoking sessions, whereby smoking debris will not cause the packaging system to burn and spillage of smoking debris is unlikely. It would also be beneficial if the packaging system could be configured such that debris may be property disposed of while part or all of the packaging components may be recycled.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0008] Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a packaging system for elongated smoking members that has a closed receptacle compartment for storing smoking debris and a larger open receptacle for ashing and disposing of smoking debris.

[0009] It is a further object of the invention to provide a packaging system for elongated smoking members that has an open receptacle compartment for disposing smoking debris through a large access hole that is easily used for an astray.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging system for elongated smoking members that has a large open receptacle compartment that compresses to a closed receptacle compartment for permanently storing smoking debris, wherein the smoking debris is secured within closed receptacle and is unlikely to spill or leak-out during storage of the packaging system.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging system for elongated smoking members that has an open receptacle compartment and closed receptacle compartment that are substantially fire resistant.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging system for smoking members that has an open receptacle compartment that compresses to a closed receptacle compartment through at least one accordion member that is attached to a container for holding smoking members and is further attached to an outside sleeve. In a particular embodiment, at least one accordion member is used to keep smoking debris contained in the closed receptacle compartment, wherein the at least one accordion member serves as a bottom portion of the ashtray with the system in a open position preventing smoking debris from collecting on the walls of the container after multiple uses.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a receptacle compartment which is removable from the packaging system such that debris may be properly disposed of and part or all of the packaging system may be recycled.

[0014] Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a packaging system for conventional cigarettes, that has an ashtray that is safe, easy to use, clean and can be adapted to conventional cigarette packages already produced by cigarette manufactures.

SUMMARY

[0015] The objects and advantages of the invention are accomplished by a packaging system that provides a receptacle for storing debris. The packaging system generally comprises an outer sleeve with a bottom panel, front and back panels and side wall panels. The sleeve has a cross-sectional geometry substantially similar to a container, such as a cigarette package. The sleeve is inserted over the container and the container is capable of sliding inward within the outer sleeve to a closed position and outward within the outer sleeve to an extended open position. The outer sleeve also has an access hole that is substantially covered by a wall of the container in the closed position and is open to an open receptacle compartment in the expanded open position. The open receptacle compartment is the volume within the outer sleeve between the bottom portion of the container and the bottom portion of the sleeve. The closed receptacle container is defined as the region between the folded accordion member(s) and the bottom of the sleeve with the container in the closed position.

[0016] The packaging system includes at least one accordion member for connecting the outer sleeve and the container whereby each accordion member is positioned within the outer sleeve. The accordion member could be position between the outer sleeve bottom and the container bottom. The accordion member could also be position between one of the two sleeve walls and the container. Each accordion member has at least two folding sections connected along a folding edge. Additionally a first flap and a second flap could be used to attach each accordion member to the outer sleeve with the first flap and the container with the second flap. The geometry of a folding section could be substantially similar to a width of the sleeve bottom and the container bottom. Additionally, the geometry of a folding section could be sized to close the closed receptacle. The present invention includes at least one accordion member being attachable to the container bottom to flatten at least one accordion member to serve as a debris bottom with the container in an extended open position and the container is prevented from being removed from the outer sleeve, a surface of at least one accordion member and the sleeve bottom form the closed receptacle. The packaging system of the present invention also includes that debris received on at least one accordion member when the outer sleeve is in open position is entirely contained within the closed receptacle when the outer sleeve is in closed position.

[0017] An accordion member is substantially flat with the container in the extended open position and against a wall opposite of the access hole. An accordion member could serve as a bottom portion of the open receptacle ashtray with the container in the extended open position and is folded in the closed position forming a closed receptacle for storing smoking debris. The folding sections are sized to tightly close said closed receptacle and suffocate smoldering debris contained in the closed receptacle.

[0018] A removable receptacle lining may also be positioned within the closed receptacle container. The interior portion of this lining would form an annulus suitable for containing debris. The lining may be attachable to the accordion member, whereby forming a substantially closed receptacle when the accordion member is in a substantially folded state.

[0019] In a specific embodiment of the invention the packaging system has a substantially rectangular container for holding elongated smoking members and an open end for inserting elongated smoking members. The packaging system also has a substantially rectangular outer sleeve that fits over the container, wherein the container is capable of sliding inward within the outer sleeve to a closed position and outward within the outer sleeve to an extended open position. The outer sleeve has an access hole that is substantially covered by a wall of the container in the closed position and is open to an open receptacle compartment in an extended open position. An accordion member is connected near to the bottom of the container and an inside wall of the outer sleeve. The accordion member has at least two rectangular sections with substantially similar geometries to the rectangular bottom of the container. The accordion member unfolds with the container in the expanded open position to be substantially flat against a wall within the sleeve, wherein the substantially flat accordion member(s) serve(s) as a bottom portion of the ashtray. The accordion member is folded and held substantially folded forming a closed receptacle compartment for storing smoking debris with the container in the closed position.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the packaging system is a packaging system for storing cigarettes with an open receptacle ashtray and closed receptacle for storing smoking debris. The cigarette packaging system has a rectangular container made of a material that is preferably 0.25 mm to 2 mm thick. The container has an open end for inserting and storing cigarettes length wise, wherein the container has outside dimensions of 8 to 12 cm long, 4 to 7 cm wide and 1.5 to 3.5 cm deep. The cigarette packaging system has outer rectangular sleeve with inside dimensions similar to the outside dimensions of the container and an open end for inserting the container. The container is capable of sliding inward within the outer sleeve to a closed position and outward within said outer sleeve to an extended open position. The outer sleeve has an access hole that is covered by the container in the closed position and is open to an open receptacle ashtray in the extended open position.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the accordion member is attached to a receptacle lining in place of being attached to the outer sleeve. The lining has a depth substantially similar to the distance between the container bottom and the sleeve bottom when the packaging system is in a closed position. The receptacle lining further has a cross section substantially similar to the sleeve bottom. Thus when positioned in proximity to the bottom of the outer sleeve, within the packaging system, the receptacle lining forms an annulus suitable for containing debris, and further forms a closed receptacle compartment when the accordion member is in a substantially folded position.

[0022] The container, the outer sleeve, the accordion member, and the receptacle lining are preferably constructed of cardboard for easy recycling/disposal, but may alternatively be made of metal or other material that is capable of being reused. Further, it is preferred that the interior surfaces be accessible to smoking debris within the closed receptacle compartment and the open receptacle ashtray be covered with a fire resistant material such as a metal or fiber glass coating.

[0023] The accordion member and receptacle lining are preferably separable from the outer sleeve such that debris may be properly disposed of and the sleeve recycled. Based on design preference the container may or may not be separable from the accordion member and receptacle lining.

[0024] The access hole for ashing and disposing of smoking debris can be any shape, but is preferably large enough to be used as a functional ashtray. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention the access hole is on the larger side of the rectangular sleeve and opposite to the bottom of the open ashtray receptacle. Alternatively, the access hole can also be on the smaller rectangular side of the outer sleeve without loss to the benefits of the packaging system, except that the access hole can not be as large. In a further embodiment the access hole has an attached lid, but a lid is not required to keep smoking debris contain in the closed receptacle because the access hole is closed with the container in the closed position and thus containing the stored debris.

[0025] The invention also preferably has a top to hold the smoking members in the container and a means to secure the container in the closed position to contain the stored smoking debris. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the smoking member are secured in the container by a flip-top. In a particular embodiment of the invention the flip-top is attached to the outer sleeve and serves to contain the smoking members in the container and to secure the container in the closed position within the outer sleeve. Additionally, the packaging system may further include a pouch for holding a lighter or a book of matches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] FIG. 1A shows a cigarette packaging system according to the invention with the cigarette container in the closed position.

[0027] FIG. 1B shows a cigarette packaging system according to the invention with the cigarette container in the open position with showing the open receptacle compartment being used as an ashtray.

[0028] FIG. 2A shows a standard cigarette package with a flip-top used as a container in the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2B shows an unfolded portion of the outer sleeve used in the cigarette packaging system of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2C shows an exemplary accordion member used in the cigarette packaging system of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2D shows an illustration of a potential design for the receptacle lining as described in the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2E shows a further illustration of an alternate design for the receptacle lining as used in the cigarette packaging system of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2F shows an exemplary illustration of an accordion member in conjunction with a receptacle lining used in the cigarette packaging system of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3A shows a view of a partially assembled cigarette packaging system of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 3B shows a view of a container, accordion member, and receptacle lining shown as separable from an outer sleeve according to the cigarette packaging system of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 4A shows a cigarette packaging system according to the invention with the cigarette container in an extended open position and the access hole, on a smaller rectangular side of the outer sleeve, open to the open ashtray receptacle.

[0037] FIG. 4B shows a cigarette packaging system according to the invention with the cigarette container in a position between an extended open position and a closed position to illustrate the positioning and motion of the accordion member.

[0038] FIG. 4C shows a cigarette packaging system according to the invention with the cigarette container in a closed position and with a flip top attached to the outer sleeve to secure the cigarette container in the closed position.

[0039] FIGS. 5A-C shows, in addition to accordion member shown in FIG. 2F, different exemplary accordion members according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following preferred embodiment of the invention is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

[0041] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Packaging system 100 of the invention is capable of forming an open receptacle that compresses to a closed receptacle for storing smoking debris. Packaging system 100 is preferably a packaging system for cigarettes, but is suitable for packaging any elongated smoking member. In fact, the packaging system is well suited for packaging any tobacco related smoking product that may require an ashtray and a receptacle for storing smoking debris. Furthermore, although specific embodiments of the invention dealing with smoking members are described below, those of skill in the art will recognize that the packaging system disclosed herein may be used for storing other types of debris for later disposal. Other possible applications of packaging system 100 include cigars, chewing tobacco matches, chewing gum, nuts with shells, candy, crackers, medicines, contraceptive devices and any other commodities that produce trash as a byproduct of ordinary use. Furthermore, the closed receptacle need not be used for storing debris but may alternatively be used for storing accessories to the products contained in packaging system 100. For example, in the case of a cigarette container, the closed receptacle may be used to store matches. In case of a package of crackers, the closed receptacle may store cheese or other spread to put on the crackers.

[0042] Packaging system 100 preferably generally comprises an outer sleeve 102. Outer sleeve 102 is, for example, rectangular and sized to receive a rectangular container 104. In a most particular embodiment of this invention container 104 is a standard cigarette box with a flip-top lid 106. Outer sleeve 102 has inside dimensions similar to the outside dimensions of container 104 so that outer sleeve 102 is capable of slidably receiving container 104 to a closed position as shown in FIG. 1A. Further, packaging system 100 may optionally be equipped with a pouch 108, e.g. attached to outer sleeve 102, for holding a lighter or a book of matches. Closed receptacle 110 is defined between the bottom of container 104 and outer sleeve 102 when packaging system 100 is in the closed position. A receptacle lining 112 may optionally cover the walls of outer sleeve 102 forming closed receptacle 110. Receptacle lining 112 is positioned flush to the walls of outer sleeve 102 within closed receptacle 110 and may be removable from packaging system 100. Outer sleeve 102 includes a folded cutout section 114 that covers an access hole 116 as shown in FIG. 1B in outer sleeve 102 when packaging system 100 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 1A. Folded cutout 114 is attached at a first end 118 to the outer sleeve 102. A second end 120 of folded cutout 114 is attachable to container 104, e.g., by adhesive tab or other means, at or near a bottom 130 thereof. Folded cutout 114 is folded between first 118 and second 120 ends.

[0043] Now referring to FIG. 1B, container 104 is capable of extending outward within outer sleeve 102 to an extended open position as shown. In the open position, folded cutout 114 folds up such that access hole 116 is open to an open receptacle 122 bounded by outer sleeve 102 and a bottom 124 of container 104. Open receptacle 122 may be used, e.g., as an ashtray for ashing and resting a smoking member such as a cigarette. Folded cutout section 114 serves to cover access hole 116 when packaging system 100 is in the closed position. If packaging system 100 is used for smoking members, the folded cutout 114 may optionally include a notch 126 for holding an elongated smoking member such as a cigarette. Folded cutout section 114 may further serve to restrict the range of movement of container 104 within outer sleeve 102. For example, when container 104 slides to the right in FIG. 1B to close the packaging system 100, folded cutout 114 may act as a stop to prevent container 104 from moving too far to the right. Thus, folded cutout 114 may be used to assure that receptacle 110 has some minimum volume for storing debris when the packaging system 100 is in the closed position. When container 104 slides to the left in FIG. 1B to open packaging system 100, folded cutout 114 folds up and may prevent container 104 from moving too far to the right. Thus, folded cutout 114 may be used to prevent container 104 from being withdrawn from outer sleeve 102.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows packaging system 100 optionally comprises an accordion member 128 that has at least two rectangular folding sections having substantially similar geometry to the bottom portion of the container. In general, the present invention has at least two accordion members as is discussed below in more detail. Accordion member 128 is attachable to container 104 and outer sleeve 102 and is substantially folded within outer sleeve 102 with packaging system 100 in closed position. A portion of accordion member 128 and a bottom 130 of outer sleeve 102 form a closed receptacle 110 for storing debris when packaging system 100 is in closed position. Accordion member 128 typically lies substantially flat when container 104 is in the extended open position. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the accordion member lies substantially against a wall of outer sleeve 102 opposite of access hole 116 when packaging system 100 is in open position. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, accordion member 128 serves as a bottom portion of open receptacle 122. Debris, such as a cigarette filter and ashes, may be placed in open receptacle 122 and, when container 104 is returned to the closed position shown in FIG. 1A, the debris is enclosed in the closed receptacle 110. Preferably, one or more of the folding sections of accordion member 128 are sized to tightly close closed receptacle 110 and suffocate smoldering debris such as cigarette ashes or matches contained in closed receptacle 110.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, receptacle lining 112 is incorporated into packaging system 100. Receptacle lining 112 is positioned flush against the walls of outer sleeve 102 within closed receptacle 110 formed between sleeve 102 and container 104. Accordion member 128 is attachable to container 104 and receptacle lining 112 and is substantially folded within outer sleeve 102 with packaging system 100 in the closed position as shown in FIG. 1A. Thus a portion of accordion member 128 and receptacle lining 112 form a closed receptacle 110 when packaging system 100 is in closed position.

[0046] Again referring to FIG. 1B, because accordion member 128 serves as a bottom portion of the ashtray, outer sleeve 102 is not soiled with ashes when container 104 is returned to the closed position after smoking and, therefore, will not soil the users hands or other surfaces that packaging system 100 may come in contact with after multiple uses. If container 104 has an opening that aligns with access hole 116 when packaging system 100 is in closed position, folded cutout 114 covers that opening and protects the user's hands and pockets from being soiled with debris when packaging system 100 is closed. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the inside portions of outer sleeve 102, the exposed surface of accordion member 128, receptacle lining 112, and the bottom of container 104 that form the open and closed receptacles are coated with a fire resistant material. When the fire resistant material coats a non-fire resistant material, e.g., cardboard, paper, wood, thermal plastic etc., the non-fire resistant material becomes fire resistant. In a particular embodiment, the fire resistant material is a thin layer of metal or adhesive backed metal tape. Alternatively, the fire resistant material can be fiber glass or any other material that provides protection against fire during use of the packaging system.

[0047] FIGS. 2A-2C show the individual unassembled components of a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2A depicts container 104. In the embodiment shown, container 104 is a typical cigarette box or standard manufactured cigarette package, but is preferably constructed from cardboard. Container 104 may include a flip-top 106 to hold one or more cigarettes in container 104. FIG. 2B is a flat member 102A of assembled outer sleeve 102 shown in FIG. 1. Flat member 102A has been cut, as shown in FIG. 2B, preferably from a piece of card board. Flat member 102A generally comprises front and back wall panels 200, 202 attached to a bottom wall panel 130 and flaps 204, 206 208, 210, 212, and 214. Flat member 102A may be folded on the dashed lines 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, and 230 and glued on flaps 204, 206 208, 210, 212, and 214 to form outer sleeve 102 of packaging system 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B. Wall panel 202, which forms a front wall panel of outer sleeve 102, may be cut along solid lines 232, 234, and 236 and folded along lines 238, 240, and 242 to form panels 244 and 246 and flap 248 of the folded cutout section 114 as shown in FIG. 1. The terms front, back, bottom and side are used herein for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0048] A side of flat member 102A, that is the interior of outer sleeve 102, is preferably coated with a fire resistant material either prior to cutting member 102A or after cutting flat member 102A. It is particularly useful to coat flat member 102A using a metallic adhesive tape, but flat member 102A can be coated with a fire resistant material by any suitable method. Larger wall panels 200 and 202 have substantially similar widths WI to a larger rectangular side 250 of container 104 and the flaps have substantially similar widths W2 to a smaller rectangular side 252 of container 104 as shown in FIG. 2A, but are generally slightly larger so that when outer sleeve 102 is formed from flat member 102A container 104 will easily slide inside. Further, wall panel 130 of flat member 102A, which serves as a bottom section of outer sleeve 102, has a similar size and geometry to that of bottom 254 of container 104.

[0049] FIG. 2C illustrates an accordion member 128 prior to its assembly into packaging system 100 of the present invention. Accordion member 128 has two rectangular folding sections 256, 258 and two flaps 260 and 262. In this particular embodiment, the rectangular folding sections typically have substantially the same size and geometry as bottom 254 of container 104, shown in FIG. 2A. Again referring to FIG. 2C, flaps 260 and 262 may be coated with adhesive to attach accordion member 128 to wall 202 of member 102A and bottom 254 of container 104. Sections 260 and 262 are preferably made form a cardboard material coated with a fire resistant material on at least one side, namely, the side that serves as a bottom portion of the open ashtray receptacle (corresponding to the back side of accordion member 128 as shown in FIG. 2C). It is convenient to coat accordion member 128 with a fire resistant metallic tape wherein the tape extends beyond accordion sections 256 and 258 to form flaps 260 and 262. The adhesive of the metallic tape that form flaps 260 and 262 provides a means to attach accordion member 128 to bottom 254 of container 104 and wall 200 of outer sleeve 102, while providing a fire resistant coating to bottom 254 of container 104. It is clear, however, that accordion sections 256 and 258 can be attached to outer sleeve 102 and container 104 by several alternative means.

[0050] FIGS. 2D-2E show two variations, 112A and 112B, of unassembled receptacle lining 112. FIG. 2D depicts unfolded receptacle lining 112A. Unfolded receptacle lining 112A generally comprises front, back and side wall panels 264, 266, 268 and 270 attached to bottom wall panel 272 and flaps 274, 276, 278 and 280 attached to side wall panels 268 and 270. On folding members of receptacle lining 112A along the illustrated dashed lines flaps 274 and 278 may be attached to back wall panel 266, and flaps 276 and 280 may be attached to front wall panel 264 with an adhesive to form an open container. FIG. 2E depicts unfolded receptacle lining 112B comprising front and back panels 282 and 284 attached to bottom panel 290, side panels 286 and 288 attached to front panel 282, and flaps 292 and 294. On folding at the illustrated dashed lines flaps 292 and 294 are attachable with an adhesive to side wall panels 286 and 288.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the surfaces of the open container formed on folding 112A or 112B are coated with a fire resistant material similar to that applied to the internal surface of outer sleeve 102. The dimensions of the open container formed on folding 112A or 112B are suitable in cross section and depth such that folded receptacle lining 112A or 112B will fit flush within the closed receptacle container formed between outer sleeve 102 and container 104 when packaging system 100 is in closed position.

[0052] FIG. 2F shows a preferred embodiment of partly assembled accordion member 128 in conjunction with receptacle lining 112B to form a single accordion/receptacle (A/R) component 296. Back wall panel 284 of receptacle lining 112B is attached to folding section 258 of accordion member 128 in place of flap 262 as shown in FIG. 2C. As discussed above, flap 260 may be further attached to bottom 254 of container 104. The surface geometry of bottom wall panel 290 of A/R component 296 is substantially similar to the cross section of bottom wall panel 130 of outer sleeve 102. On folding at the dashed lines, A/R component 296 forms an open container with hinged lid. The geometry of folded sections 256 and 258 is such that on folding, they form a substantially closed receptacle with the container formed by receptacle lining 112B. The surfaces of A/R component 296 are preferably coated with a fire-resistant material.

[0053] FIG. 3A shows a partially assembled cigarette packaging system 100 of the present invention. Flap 260 of accordion member 128 is attached to the bottom of the container 104 as shown and flap 262 is attached to a wall panel, e.g. wall panel 202 of outer sleeve member 102A. Adhesive is applied to selected surfaces of flaps 204, 206 208, 210, 212 and 214 in order to assemble the sleeve. Flaps 204,206, 208 and 210 fold along dotted lines 228,216,218 and 230 respectively. Panels 200 and 202 fold along lines 224 and 226 respectively. Flaps 212 and 214 attach to panel 130. Flap 204 attaches to flap 206 to form a first side wall panel and flap 208 attaches to flap 210 to form a second sidewall panel. Member 102A thus folds to form outer sleeve 102 of packaging system 100.

[0054] FIG. 3B shows a preferred embodiment of a partially assembled cigarette packaging system 100 described in FIG. 3A. In this embodiment A/R component 296 is utilized in place of accordion member 128. Flap 260 is similarly attached to the bottom 254 of container 104.

[0055] FIGS. 4A-4C further show embodiments, particulars and adaptations of packaging system 100. Further, FIGS. 4A-4C show the motion and positioning of accordion member 128, receptacle lining 112, and folded cutout section 114 as container 104 moves in or out of outer sleeve 102. Referring to FIG. 4A, container 102 is in the extended open position 0, wherein access hole 116 is open to open receptacle 122 defined by the volume within outer sleeve 102 that is between bottom 254 of container 104 and the top of receptacle lining 112 (indicated in FIG. 1, but not indicated in FIG. 4), and the volume contained within annulus 400 formed by the interior surface of receptacle lining 112. Accordion member 128 is in a substantially flat position within outer sleeve 102 and serves as a bottom portion of the open ashtray receptacle 122. Folded cutout section 114 folds up to expose access hole 116.

[0056] FIG. 4B shows the position of accordion member 128 within outer sleeve 102 when container 104 is between the extended open position and the closed position. In FIG. 4C, container 104 is in closed position C and accordion member 128 is folded. Closed receptacle 110 is defined by the volume bounded by bottom 254 of container 104, and annulus 400 defined by the interior surface of receptacle lining 112. When accordion 128 is used, one or more of the folding sections 256, 258 of accordion member 128 and the interior surface of receptacle lining 112 bound the closed receptacle. Outer sleeve 102 may optionally include a flip-top 402 capable of being closed over the flip-top 106 of container 104 in order to secure container 104 in closed C position. Flip-top 106 is unnecessary in this embodiment, as it is clear flip-top 402 will serve both purposes of holding smoking members in container 104 and securing container 104 in the closed position within outer sleeve 102.

[0057] Again referring to FIG. 4A, in a most preferred embodiment of the invention, packaging system 100 is a cigarette package made from a material that is preferably 0.25 mm to 2 mm thick and is cardboard. The outside dimension of the of cigarette container 104 are 8 to 12 cm long L, 4 to 7 cm wide W and 1.5 to 3.5 cm deep D. Cigarette packaging system 100 has an outer rectangular sleeve 102 with inside dimensions similar to the outside dimensions of container 104 and A/R component 296 within the tolerances of +/−0.5 cm.

[0058] FIG. 5 shows alternative exemplary embodiments of the accordion member of packaging system 100. The present invention is not limited to only one accordion member, as it could, for instance, also have two accordion members, as is shown in FIG. 5. In general, the present invention could include at least one accordion member. FIG. 5 shows four different examples of accordion members and how these members are placed within packaging system 100. The general principle as it has been discussed above is quite similar for the accordion members shown in FIG. 5.

[0059] FIG. 5A shows accordion members 500 and 502. Accordion member 500 has rectangular folding sections 504 and 506 and flaps 508 and 510. Similarly, accordion member 502 has rectangular folding sections 512 and 514 and two flaps, 516 and another one (referred to as 518) that is not visible in the view of FIG. 5A, but is position at the bottom of container 104.

[0060] Accordion members 500 and 502 together could have a smaller size and geometry compared to bottom 254 of container 104 as shown in FIG. 2A.

[0061] Flaps 508 and 510 could be attached to wall 202 of outer sleeve 102 and bottom of container 104, respectively. Similarly, flaps 516 and 518 could also be attached to wall 202 of outer sleeve 102 and the bottom of container 104, respectively. The flaps of accordion members 500 and 502 could be position anywhere to wall 202 and bottom of container 104, such as, for instance, but not limited to, either side of wall 202. The flaps could, for instance, be positioned to the inside of bottom 130

[0062] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, FIG. 5B shows accordion members 520 and 522 in the opposite position as accordion members 500 and 502 as shown in FIG. 5A. Accordion member 520 has rectangular folding sections 524 and 526 and flaps 528 and 530. Similarly, accordion member 522 has rectangular folding sections 532 and 534 and two flaps, 536 and another one (referred to as 538) that is not visible in the view of FIG. 5B, but is position at the bottom of container 104.

[0063] Accordion members 520 and 522 together could have a smaller size and geometry compared to bottom 254 of container 104 as shown in FIG. 2A.

[0064] Flaps 528 and 530 could be attached to wall 200 of outer sleeve 102 and bottom of container 104, respectively. Similarly, flaps 536 and 538 could also be attached to wall 200 of outer sleeve 102 and the bottom of container 104, respectively. The flaps of accordion members 520 and 522 could be position anywhere to wall 200 and bottom of container 104, such as, for instance, but not limited to, either side of wall 200. The flaps could, for instance, be positioned to the inside of bottom 130

[0065] In yet another alternative exemplary embodiment, FIG. 5C shows accordion members 540 and 542 now positioned perpendicular to accordion members 500 and 502 as shown in FIG. 5A as well as accordion members 520 and 522 as shown in FIG. 5B. Accordion member 540 has rectangular folding sections 544 and 546 and flaps 548 and 550. Similarly, accordion member 542 has rectangular folding sections 552 and 554 and two flaps, 556 and another one (referred to as 558) that is not visible in the view of FIG. 5C, but is position at the bottom of container 104.

[0066] Flaps 548 and 550 could be attached to flap 204 or 206 of outer sleeve 102 and bottom of container 104, respectively. Similarly, flaps 536 and 538 could also be attached to flap 208 or 210 of outer sleeve 102 and the bottom of container 104, respectively. The choice of attachment of flap 204 or 206 depends on how flap 204 and 206 are attached to each other and which one becomes the inside of outer sleeve 102. The choice of attachment of flap 208 or 210 depends on how flap 208 and 210 are attached to each other and which one becomes the inside of outer sleeve 102.

[0067] Accordion members 540 and 542 could have a similar size and geometry compared to bottom 254 of container 104 as shown in FIG. 2A. In addition, accordion members 540 and 542 could be made so that tip 560 of accordion member 540 touches tip 562 of accordion member 542 when packaging system 100 is in closed position. Alternatively, accordion members 540 and 542 could be made so that tip 560 of accordion member 540 overlaps tip 562 of accordion member 542 when packaging system 100 is in closed position. One skilled in the art might readily acknowledge many variation in position, size and folding/accordion mechanism of the accordion members.

[0068] It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the above embodiment may be altered in many ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, container 104 can be held in the closed position by any means such as a strap. Furthermore, while the access hole 116 is depicted herein as being rectangular, any shape access hole, e.g., round, elliptical, triangular, etc is within the scope of the invention. Similarly, although container 104 and outer sleeve 102 are depicted herein as being substantially rectangular in shape, other container shapes, e.g., round, elliptical, triangular, spherical, cylindrical, etc may be used. Packaging system 100 may also be of any size and is not in any way limited solely to packaging for cigarettes. Furthermore, pouch 108 may be attached to any of the walls of outer sleeve 102. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A packaging system having an open receptacle for dispensing debris and a closed receptacle for storing said debris, comprising:

(a) an outer sleeve comprising a front sleeve wall, a back sleeve wall, two side sleeve walls and a sleeve bottom connecting adjacent ends of said front sleeve wall, said back sleeve wall and said two side sleeve walls, said front sleeve wall having a folded cutout section defining an access hole to said open receptacle, said folded cutout section being attached at a first end to said front sleeve wall, said folded cutout section having a free second end, said access hole being positioned a distance from said sleeve bottom to provide space for said closed receptacle; and

(b) a container sized to be slidably received in said outer sleeve for movement between an open position and a closed position, said free second end of said folded cutout section being attachable to said container adjacent a container bottom to lie said folded section substantially flat to substantially cover said access hole in said closed position and to fold said folded section to substantially uncover said access hole in said open position.

2. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said container is sized for holding smoking members.

3. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said debris is smoking debris.

4. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said closed receptacle is substantially air tight to suffocate a smoldering debris contained in said closed receptacle.

5. The packaging system of claim 1, further comprising at least one accordion member for connecting said outer sleeve and said container, and said at least one accordion member positioned within said outer sleeve.

6. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein said at least one accordion member is positioned between said outer sleeve bottom and said container bottom.

7. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein said at least one accordion member is positioned between one of said two sleeve walls and said container.

8. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein each of said at least one accordion member comprises at least two folding sections connected along a folding edge.

9. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein each of said at least one accordion member further comprises a first flap and a second flap to attach said each accordion member to said outer sleeve with said first flap and said container with said second flap.

10. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein one or more of said at least two folding sections having a geometry substantially similar to a width of said sleeve bottom and said container bottom.

11. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein one or more of said at least two folding sections having a geometry substantially similar to a depth of said sleeve bottom and said container bottom.

12. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein one or more of said of least two folding sections are sized to close said closed receptacle.

13. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein at least one accordion member being attachable to said container bottom to flatten said at least one accordion member to serve as a debris bottom with said container in said extended open position and said container is prevented from being removed from said outer sleeve, a surface of said at least one accordion member and said sleeve bottom form said closed receptacle.

14. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein said debris received on said at least one accordion member when said outer sleeve is in said open position is entirely contained within said closed receptacle when said outer sleeve is in said closed position.

15. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein said at least one accordion member further comprises cardboard.

16. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein said at least one accordion member is covered with a fire resistant material.

17. The packaging system of claim 16, wherein said fire resistant material is selected from the group consisting of a metal and fiberglass.

18. The packaging system of claim 16, wherein said fire resistant material is an adhesive backed metal tape.

19. The packaging system of claim 1, further comprising a receptacle lining comprising a front lining panel section, back lining panel section, two side lining panel sections, and bottom lining panel section, positioned along walls of said outer sleeve such that said receptacle lining is entirely contained within said closed receptacle when said outer sleeve is in said closed position.

20. The packaging system of claim 19, wherein said receptacle lining forms an annulus suitable for containing debris.

21. The packaging system of claim 19, wherein said receptacle lining being attachable to said outer sleeve.

22. The packaging system of claim 19, wherein said receptacle lining being removable from said outer sleeve.

23. The packaging system of claim 19, wherein said at least one accordion member shall be attached to said receptacle lining.

24. The packaging system of claim 19, wherein said receptacle lining is covered with a fire resistant material.

25. The packaging system of claim 24, wherein said fire resistant material is selected from the group consisting of a metal and fiberglass.

26. The packaging system of claim 24, wherein said fire resistant material is an adhesive backed metal tape.

27. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said container further comprises a front container wall, a back container wall, two side container walls and a container bottom connecting adjacent ends of said front container wall, said back container wall and said two side container walls, said container being capable of slidably extending from said outer sleeve to said open position to open said access hole, and thereby opening said open debris receptacle between said sleeve bottom and said container bottom, said container also being capable of slidably retracting within said outer sleeve to said closed position and stopping to a distance away from said sleeve bottom to close said access hole by a portion of said front container wall.

28. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said outer sleeve further comprises a flip-top attached to a top portion of said outer sleeve.

29. The packaging system of claim 1, further comprising a means to secure said outer sleeve in said closed position.

30. The packaging system of claim 29, wherein said means to secure said outer sleeve in said closed position is a flip-top connected to a top edge of said outer sleeve.

31. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said container further comprises a flip-top attached to a top portion of said container.

32. The packaging system of claim 1, further comprising a means to secure said container in said closed position.

33. The packaging system of claim 32, wherein said means to secure said container in said closed position is a flip-top connected to a top edge of said outer sleeve.

34. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said outer sleeve further comprises cardboard.

35. The packaging system of claim 1 wherein one or more inside surfaces of said outer sleeve is covered with a fire resistant material.

36. The packaging system of claim 35, wherein said fire resistant material is selected from the group consisting of a metal and fiberglass.

37. The packaging system of claim 35, wherein said fire resistant material is an adhesive backed metal tape.

38. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said container comprises cardboard.

39. The packaging system of claim 1 wherein one or more inside surfaces of said container is covered with a fire resistant material.

40. The packaging system of claim 39, wherein said fire resistant material is selected from the group consisting of a metal and fiberglass.

41. The packaging system of claim 39, wherein said fire resistant material is an adhesive backed metal tape.

42. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein said folded cutout section includes a notch for holding an elongated smoking member.

43. The packaging system of claim 1, further comprising a pouch attached to said outer sleeve.