WINDPROOF ASHTRAY ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An ashtray assembly for temporarily storing and containing rubbish, such as the ash and butts of cigarettes and cigars. In one aspect, the ashtray assembly can include a base assembly, an insert assembly, and a cover assembly. The base assembly can comprise a flexible body, which can include a storage container adapted to receive the rubbish. The flexible body can be made of a flexible material and can be manufactured by a molding process. Because the flexible body can be a silicon-container polymer, it may discolor when a lit end of a cigarette makes contact with the base assembly. The insert assembly can comprise an extinguishing member adapted to extinguish cigarettes, cigars, or both, and can be made of a generally non-marking and rigid material. The insert assembly can provide structural integrity and can be removably secured within the base assembly. The cover assembly covers a portion of the base assembly and can protect contents in the storage container.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/109,469, filed 25 Apr. 2008, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/914,183, filed 26 Apr. 2007, the entire contents and substance of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Aspects of the present invention relate to ashtray assemblies and, more particularly, to ashtray assemblies having a flexible component and a removable cover assembly to protect rubbish contained in the ashtray.

Ashtrays are well-known in the art. Generally, ashtrays are receptacles used by smokers to deposit trash, such as ash and butts of a cigarette or cigar. Ashtrays are available in a number of sizes, shapes, colors, and materials.

Often, ashtrays are designed with three or more notches along the ashtray's edge. These notches are effective cigarette retaining members, as they correspond to the diameter of a cigarette or cigar and serve as a resting place for same while burning.

Due to the popularity of cigarettes, and the corresponding need for ashtrays, ashtray designs have changed over time. When cigarettes were at their peak, ashtrays were common household items, and decoration was part of their theme. For portability purposes, ashtrays even made their way into automobiles, and portable ashtrays having a cap for transporting rubbish to a larger ashtray or waste site were developed.

Ashtrays are conventionally manufactured having an open top, such that when placed, for example, outside a gust of wind can blow the rubbish contained therein away.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, various embodiments of the present invention provide an ashtray assembly for temporarily storing and containing rubbish, such as the ash, butts, and other waste of cigarettes and cigars. The ashtray assembly can primarily comprise a base assembly, an insert assembly, and a cover assembly.

The base assembly can comprise a flexible body. The flexible body can have a shape adapted to receive the rubbish, and an insert assembly for providing structural integrity. The flexible body defines a storage container adapted to receive and store rubbish. The storage container includes a bottom, an inner wall, and a crest or flange section, which collectively form and define the container of the flexible body. The bottom, or inner bottom surface, of the storage container can have a flat or, in the alternative, a generally concave shape and can extend outwardly toward the inner wall. One or both of the bottom and inner wall can define cutout, which can generally take the shape of at least a portion of the insert assembly. The cutout can define a lip or ridge overhanging the cutout, which lip can fold from the inner wall over a portion of the bottom. The inner wall can extend upwardly away from the bottom toward the flange section. The flange section is a peak or rim of the storage container. The flange section can define a plurality of cigarette retaining members, for example, for holding one or more cigarettes, for example in a lit stage, such that ash from the cigarette falls into and burns within the storage container. The opposing side of the flange section extends downwardly to an outer wall or leg that supports the flexible body. The outer wall can be configures to allow the base assembly to rest upon a generally flat surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible body of the base assembly is made of a flexible material, such that it can be made by a molding process. For example and not limitation, the flexible body of the base assembly can be a silicon-based or silicon-containing polymer for ease of manufacturing and cleaning. Because the flexible body base assembly can be a silicon-containing polymer, it may discolor when a lit end of a cigarette makes contact with the flexible body.

The insert assembly can comprise an extinguishing member. The extinguishing member can be composed of a generally rigid material and can be adapted to extinguish cigarettes. The material of the extinguishing member, in some embodiments, can be made to not deform or discolor when contacted with, for example, a lit object, such as a cigarette or cigar. Further, the extinguishing member can be made of a generally non-marking material such that a lit end of a cigarette will not mark the extinguishing member. The insert assembly can be disposed within the storage container of the base assembly. For example, the insert assembly can be removably secured within the base assembly. The lip of the flexible body can provide the means to releasably secure the insert assembly to the base assembly.

The cover assembly is adapted to cover a portion of the storage container of the base assembly. For example and not limitation, approximately one half of the storage container can be covered by the cover assembly. The cover assembly comprises a cover, which is adapted to be placed over the base assembly. In some embodiments, the cover is releasably securable to the base assembly. In some embodiments, the cover can be carried by the base assembly. For example, the cover can be snap-fit or sized to encircle a portion of the perimeter of the outer wall of the base assembly.

In some embodiments, the cover comprises an upper closed end, a lower open end, and a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall extends downwardly from the upper closed end to the lower open end, thereby forming a cavity below the upper closed end of the cover. This cavity can receive a portion of the base assembly when cover the base assembly. In addition, when the cover is protecting the storage container, a portion of the peripheral wall is in contact with the outer wall of the base assembly.

Like the flexible body of the base assembly, the cover assembly can comprise a flexible body. The flexible body of the cover assembly is made of a flexible material, such that it can be made by a molding process. For example and not limitation, the flexible body of the cover assembly can be a silicon-based or silicon-containing polymer for ease of manufacturing and cleaning.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of an ashtray assembly having a base assembly, an insert assembly, and a cover assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top, perspective view of the assembled ashtray assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom, perspective view of the assembly ashtray assembly of FIGS. 1-2, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top, perspective view of the base assembly of the ashtray assembly of FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the base assembly of the ashtray assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view across line 6-6 of FIG. 5 of the base assembly of the ashtray assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a stack of a plurality of base assemblies, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the stack of the plurality of base assemblies of FIG. 7, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view across line 9-9 of FIG. 8 of the stack of the plurality of base assemblies, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a back side view of the assembled ashtray assembly of FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the assembled ashtray assembly of FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front side view of the assembled ashtray assembly of FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the assembled ashtray assembly of FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view across line 14-14 of FIG. 12 of the assembled ashtray assembly of FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom view of the assembled ashtray assembly of FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a stack of a plurality of cover assemblies, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the stack of the plurality of cover assemblies of FIG. 16, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view across line 18-18 of FIG. 17 of the stack of the plurality of cover assemblies, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a flow chart of a manufacturing process of the ashtray assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To facilitate an understanding of the aspects, principles, and features of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention are explained hereinafter with reference to their implementation in illustrative embodiments. In particular, aspects of the invention are described in the context of an ashtray assembly with a flexible component having a cover assembly. The ashtray assembly, however, is not limited to its use as an ashtray. Rather, the ashtray assembly can be implemented whenever a storage container partially covered by a cover for housing an object would be beneficial.

The materials and components described hereinafter as making up the various elements of the ashtray assembly are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials and components that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of various aspects of the ashtray assembly. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, for example, materials that are developed after the development of the assembly.

Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the views, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

An ashtray assembly 10 is designed for disposal, storage, and containment of litter, ashes, butts, and unused portions of cigarettes, cigars, and/or other waste (collectively referred to herein as “rubbish”). The ashtray assembly 10 is designed for stability and, therefore, enables easy and rather convenient disposal of rubbish. Although the ashtray assembly 10 can be of various sizes and shapes, the ashtray assembly 10 is preferably large enough to store one or more cigarette or cigar butts or other rubbish.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of the ashtray assembly 10; FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the assembled ashtray assembly 10; and FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the assembled ashtray assembly 10. As illustrated in the figures, the ashtray assembly 10 can comprise a base assembly 100, an insert assembly 200, and a cover assembly 300. At least a portion of the base assembly 100 can have a shape adapted to receive rubbish. For example, the base assembly 100 defines a storage container. The insert assembly 200 can provide structural integrity to the base assembly 100. By design, the ashtray assembly 10 is adapted to rest on a generally flat surface. The cover assembly 300 can cover a portion of the container of the base assembly 100 to protect the contents, e.g., rubbish, of the container.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the base assembly 100 of the ashtray assembly 10. The base assembly 100 can comprise a flexible portion, such as a flexible body 102. The flexible body 102 can define a storage container 105 for receiving and storing rubbish. Accordingly, rubbish can be received by the storage container 105 or removed from the storage container 105, as needed or desired.

In some embodiments, the storage container 105 can comprise a sealing cap, lid, or top that can have open and closed positions. If the storage container 105 includes a cap, the cap can restrict the amount of rubbish that can enter or exit the container when the cap is closed. Further, one skilled in the art would also appreciate that such a cap could be either fittable atop the storage container or pivotally connected thereto.

As shown in FIGS. 4-9, the storage container 105 comprises a bottom 110, an inner wall 115, and a flange section 125, which collectively form the container 105. The bottom 110, or inner bottom surface, of the storage container 105 can extend outwardly toward the inner wall 115. The bottom 110 can have a generally flat shape. Alternatively, the bottom 110 can have a generally concave shape, but other receiving shapes can be implemented. The inner wall 115 can extend upwardly away from the perimeter of the bottom 110 toward the flange section 125. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner wall 115 can be approximately normal to the bottom 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner wall 115 can be angled away from the bottom 110, forming an obtuse angle relative to the bottom 110 to produce a larger opening than the area of the bottom surface 110. A lip 120 can be positioned between the bottom 110 and the inner wall 115, and is described in detail below.

The flange section 125 is a peak, edge, or rim of the storage container 105. The flange section 125 is the perimeter for the storage container 105 of the base assembly 100, and thus is the outermost portion. The flange section 125 can also be the top most portion of the storage container 105.

The flange section 125 can define a plurality of cigarette retaining members 130 for holding one or more cigarettes, for example when lit, such that ash from the cigarettes falls into and remains within the storage container 105. Opposite the inner wall 115, the flange section 125 extends downwardly forming an outer wall 135, or leg, that supports the base assembly 100. The outer wall 135 provides the support to allow the base assembly 100 to rest upon a generally flat surface. An outer bottom surface 140 (e.g., see FIG. 3) is located opposite the inner bottom surface 110, i.e., on the underside of the flexible body 102. The outer wall 135 can be longer in length than the depth of the terminus of the bottom 110, such that bottommost portion of the outer wall 135—rather than the bottom 110—rests on the surface. That is, the outer wall 135 extends below the outer bottom surface 140 when the flexible body 102 is in an upright position, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In this orientation rubbish contained in the storage container 105 is not in direct contact with the surface upon which the ashtray assembly 10 rests, and thus there is a gap between the outer bottom surface 140 and the surface upon which the ashtray assembly 10 rests. This may be desirable to prevent damage to the surface, due to the high temperature of the rubbish contained in the storage container 105.

The storage container 105 can have many shapes and sizes. It is preferred that the storage container 105 includes at least the bottom 110, the inner wall 115, and the flange section 125.

The flexible body 102 can be composed of a flexible material, such that it can be made by a molding process. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible body 102 can be a silicon-containing polymer for ease of manufacturing and cleaning. Because the flexible body 102 can be a silicon-containing polymer, it may discolor when a high temperature object/item makes contact with the base assembly 100. For example, because the flexible body 102 can be a silicon-containing polymer, it may discolor when a lit end of a cigarette makes contact with the base assembly 100. Often silicon-containing polymers will discolor when a flame or, for example, an end of a lit cigarette, touches it. Thus, different colors can be implemented to help reduce the severity of the discoloration of the polymer.

The flexible body 102 can also be made of some other polymer. For example not limitation, the flexible body 102 can be made of a polymer material, such as DERLIN®, which provides a durable and smooth finish. The flexible body 102 can also be constructed from other polymer materials, such as polyolefins, which include without limitation ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylenes, low, medium, and high density polyethylenes, polyurethanes, polyamides, and copolymers, and combinations thereof.

The base assembly 100 can take many shapes, and include many unique aesthetic qualities. For example not limitation, the shape of base assembly 100 can be rectangular, circular, triangular, or oval, and can include a logo or design 137 thereon. If it is desired that the ashtray assembly 10 display a logo 137, the mold to make the flexible body 102 can be adapted accordingly.

In some embodiments, the base assembly 100 can have one or more feet attached to, protruding from, or in communication with a lower portion, e.g., the bottommost portion of the outer wall 135 of the base assembly 100. The feet, which for example and not limitation in some embodiments can be nubs, can support the ashtray assembly 10 and, if varying heights of feet are provided on a single ashtray assembly 10 or if the feet are provided only on a portion of the base assembly 100, the feet can level the ashtray assembly 10 when the ashtray assembly 10 is set on an angled or uneven surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible body 102 is adapted to be generally shatter-proof. If the flexible body 102 is dropped, for example from a height of about ten feet, it will not break, deform, or shatter. Conventional ashtrays are commonly manufactured from glass, stoneware, porcelain, metals, wood, marble, or clay. Many of these materials break or permanently deform if dropped from a height at which ashtrays often rest. The flexibility and durability of the flexibly body 102 can enable the ashtray assembly 10 to fall from given heights without breaking, deforming, or shattering.

In some embodiments, a plurality of base assemblies 100 can be stacked. As illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, a plurality of base assemblies 100 can be stacked atop one another. By being able to stack the base assemblies 100, shipping costs can be reduced and eased, shipping sizes and packaging can be reduced, and storing the base assemblies, among other things, are improved.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, the bottom 140 of the storage container of a first base assembly 100A can be inserted into the storage container of a second base assembly 100B, and so forth.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the insert assembly 200 of the ashtray assembly 10 is illustrated in the exploded, perspective view. The insert assembly 200 can comprise an extinguishing member 202 adapted to extinguish cigarettes are cigars.

The extinguishing member 202 is preferably made of a generally rigid material for supporting the base assembly 100 or for easily extinguishing a cigarette. For instance, the extinguishing member 202 can be composed of a metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, or a combination thereof. The extinguishing member 202 is manufactured from a material that is lightweight and can withstand a flame, preferably without discoloring. Further, the extinguishing member 202 can be made of a generally non-marking material.

The extinguishing member 202 is sufficiently smooth enough for easy extinguishing of a lit end of a cigarette. The extinguishing member 202 can be a hardened piece or, alternatively, can be a sheet with flexibility along its body.

The insert assembly 200 can be disposed within the storage container 105 of the base assembly 100. The insert assembly 200 can be removably or releasably secured within the base assembly 100 by the lip 120.

In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the insert assembly 200 can have a generally flat shape. In other exemplary embodiments, the insert assembly 200 can have a generally concave shape. It is preferable that the shape of the insert assembly 200 mirrors, or is at least complimentary to, the shape of the storage container 105 of the base assembly 100. Such a shape can provide a method of assembling the insert assembly 200 within the base assembly 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view across line 6-6 of FIG. 5 of the assembled ashtray assembly 10, showing the insert assembly 200 disposed within the base assembly 100. The insert assembly 200 is cooperatively shaped to fit along the bottom 110 of the storage container 105, and the edge 205 or perimeter/circumference of the insert assembly 200 can be nestled beneath the lip 120 of the storage container. The inner wall 115, the bottom 110, or both can define a cutout 207, which cutout can define the lip 120. The lip 120 can be located in the inner wall 115 or between the bottom 110 and the inner wall 115, such that the lip 120 extends over the cutout 207 and the bottom 110. The cutout 207 can be of the generally the same shape of at least a portion of the insert assembly 200.

The insert assembly 200 can be positioned within the storage container 105, such that at least one edge 205 of the extinguishing member 202 rests beneath the lip 120 of the storage container 105. In this arrangement, the insert assembly 200 can have restricted movement. The entire edge 205 of the extinguishing member 202 can be sealed within the base assembly 100, or more specifically within the storage container 105. A portion of the bottom 210 of the insert assembly 200 or the inner bottom surface 110 of the flexible body 102 can be lined with an adhesive for improved securing of the insert assembly 200 within the base assembly 100. Alternatively, the insert assembly 200 can be removably secured within the base assembly 100, such that there is no adhesive between the insert assembly 200 and the base assembly 100. Such securing can be provided by the lip 120.

In some embodiments, a plurality of insert assemblies 200 can be stacked. By being able to stack the insert assemblies 200, shipping costs can be reduced and eased, shipping sizes and packaging can be reduced, and storing the base assemblies, among other things, are improved.

FIGS. 10-15 illustrate additional views of the fully assembled ashtray assembly 10. As mentioned above, the ashtray assembly 10 includes the base assembly 100, the insert assembly, and the cover assembly 300.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cover assembly 300 covers a portion of the storage container 105 of the base assembly 100. For example, as illustrated in the figures, approximately one half of the storage container can be covered by the cover assembly 300.

The cover assembly 300 comprises a cover 305. The cover 305 is adapted to be placed over the base assembly 100. The cover 305 can be releasably securable to the base assembly. In some embodiments, the cover 305 can be carried by the base assembly 100. The cover 305 can be snap-fit or sized to encircle a portion of the perimeter of the outer wall of the base assembly 100. Alternatively, the cover 305 can be fittable within the storage container 105, and thus can fit within the inner wall(s) 115.

The cover 305 protects rubbish from unintentionally exiting the storage container 105 of the base assembly 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 305 can prevent rubbish from exiting the storage container, for example, when the ashtray assembly 10 is outside and a gust of wind strikes the ashtray assembly 100. The cover 305 prevents rubbish from flying out of the storage container 105, because it can be a barrier to wind and other elements where the ashtray assembly 10 resides.

In some embodiments, the cover 305 comprises an upper closed end 310, a lower open end 315, and a peripheral wall 320. The peripheral wall 320 extends downwardly from the upper closed end 310 to the lower open end 315, thereby forming a cavity below the upper closed end 310 of the cover 305. When the cover 305 is protecting the storage container 105, a portion of the peripheral wall 320 is in contact with the outer wall of the base assembly 100. In an example, the cavity can receive a portion of the base assembly 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity can be placed within the storage container 105, and thus within the inner wall 115 of the base assembly 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, the cover assembly 300, like the base assembly 100, can comprise a flexible body. That is, the cover 305 can be a flexible body. The cover 305 can be made via the same process(es) as the flexible body of the base assembly 100, as described above, and with the same materials, as also described above. The cover 305 is adapted to be generally shatter-proof. If the cover 305 is dropped, for example from a height of about ten feet, it will not break, deform, or shatter. The flexibility and durability of the cover 305 can enable the ashtray assembly 10 to fall from given heights without breaking, deforming, or shattering.

In some embodiments, a plurality of cover assemblies 300 can be stacked. As illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, a plurality of cover assemblies 300 can be stacked atop one another. By being able to stack the cover assemblies 300, shipping costs can be reduced and eased, shipping sizes and packaging can be reduced, and storing the base assemblies, among other things, are improved.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, the cavity of the first cover can be inserted over, and thus house, the upper closed end of the second cover, and so forth.

The cover 305 is removably secured to the base assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, an inner wall of the peripheral wall 305 of the cover 305 can slip directly over and thus be in contact with the outer wall 140 of the base assembly 100. The cover 305 includes an interior open cavity, which can receive the base assembly 100, and still permit rubbish to be inserted into the storage container 105.

FIG. 19 illustrates a flow chart of a manufacturing process of the ashtray assembly 10. Each box in FIG. 19 represents a sub-process of the manufacturing process. The sub-processes illustrated in FIG. 19 need not be undertaken in the order illustrated, and one or more of the sub-processes can be segments of other indicated processes. Further, not all of the processes illustrated need be undertaken in every embodiment of the present invention.

In an exemplary embodiment, the manufacturing process can comprise molding the base assembly, or molding the portion of the base assembly comprising the flexible body at 510. At 520, the flexible body can be configured with the lip to secure the insert assembly, which can occur during the molding process (510), and/or formed manually or machine cut. The base assembly or a portion of the base assembly, such as the flexible body, can be provided with the retaining members for retaining cigarettes over the container at 530; the retaining member can be formed via the molding process, via a manual-cut process, and/or via a machine cut process. The manufacturing process can further include providing an insert assembly at 540, and at 550, adapting the insert assembly to be releasably securable to the base, i.e., positioning the insert assembly into the storage container of the base assembly. In addition, at 560, the manufacturing process can comprise molding the cover assembly, or molding a portion of the cover assembly to comprise the flexible cover. At 570, the cover assembly can be placed over a portion the base assembly.

Herein, the use of terms such as “having,” “has,” “including,” or “includes” are open-ended and is intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” or “comprises” and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as “can” or “may” is intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such.

While embodiments of the ashtray assembly have been disclosed in exemplary forms, many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An ashtray assembly comprising:

a base assembly comprising a flexible body for receiving rubbish, the flexible body comprising: an inner bottom surface for supporting the rubbish; an inner wall extending upwardly from the inner bottom surface; a crest section defining a peak of the inner wall; an outer wall extending downwardly from the crest section; and an outer bottom surface opposing the inner bottom surface on an underside of the flexible body of the base assembly, the outer bottom surface extending no farther downward than a bottom of the outer wall;

an insert assembly comprising an extinguishing member, the insert assembly fittable into the base assembly upon the inner bottom surface; and

a cover assembly comprising a flexible body for covering a portion of the base assembly to protect contents of the base assembly; the cover assembly comprising: an top surface; an open bottom; a peripheral wall extending generally downwardly from the top surface to the open bottom, wherein the top surface, the open bottom, and the peripheral wall define a cavity, and wherein the cover assembly covers a portion of the storage container of the base assembly.

2. The ashtray assembly of claim 1, the inner wall of the flexible body of the base assembly defining a cutout for securing the perimeter of the insert assembly within the flexible body of the base assembly.

3. The ashtray assembly of claim 1, the insert assembly having a shape complimentary to the shape of the inner bottom surface of the base assembly.

4. The ashtray assembly of claim 1, wherein the insert assembly provides structural integrity to the base assembly.

5. The ashtray assembly of claim 1, the crest section defining one or more retaining members.

6. The ashtray assembly of claim 1, the inner bottom surface and the inner wall of the flexible body of the base assembly collectively defining a container.

7. The ashtray assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible body of the base assembly is composed of one or more silicon-containing polymers.

8. The ashtray assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible body of the cover assembly is composed of one or more silicon-containing polymers.

9. The ashtray assembly of claim 1, the insert assembly secured to the base assembly by an adhesive.

10. The ashtray assembly of claim 1, the extinguishing member composed of a rigid, flame resistant material.

11. An ashtray assembly comprising:

a base assembly comprising a flexible body, the flexible body of the base assembly comprising: a bottom; an inner wall extending generally upwardly from the bottom, the bottom and inner wall defining a storage container for receiving rubbish; a flange section positioned at the peak of the inner wall and comprising a rim, the rim comprising one or more retaining members; and an outer wall extending downwardly from the flange section, a bottom of the outer wall adapted to support the flexible body; and

a cover assembly comprising a flexible cover, the flexible cover of the cover assembly comprising: an upper closed end; a lower open end; and a peripheral wall extending generally downwardly from the upper closed end to the lower open end; the upper closed end and the peripheral wall defining a cavity;

wherein the cover assembly covers a portion of the storage container of the base assembly.

12. The ashtray assembly of claim 11, further comprising an insert assembly for providing structural integrity to the base assembly, the insert assembly fittable into the base assembly and having a shape complimentary to the shape of the bottom of the base assembly.

13. The ashtray assembly of claim 12, the inner wall of the flexible body of the base assembly adapted to releasably secure the insert assembly to the base assembly.

14. The ashtray assembly of claim 11, wherein the flexible body of the base assembly is composed of one or more silicon-containing polymers.

15. The ashtray assembly of claim 11, wherein the flexible body of the cover assembly is composed of one or more silicon-containing polymers.

16. The ashtray assembly of claim 11, an underside of the bottom of the flexible body of the base assembly is disposed no lower than the bottom of the outer wall of the flexible body of the base assembly, wherein the ashtray assembly sits on the bottom of the outer wall

17. A method for manufacturing an ashtray assembly, the method comprising:

molding a base assembly, the base assembly comprising a flexible body to store rubbish;

molding a cover assembly, the cover assembly comprising a flexible body to cover a portion of the base assembly;

providing the base assembly with one or more retaining members, each retaining member adapted and sized to hold an elongated object; and

providing an insert assembly comprising an extinguishing member, the extinguishing member insertable into the base assembly.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising configuring the flexible body with a lip adapted to releasably secure the extinguishing member to the base assembly.