MULTI-FUNCTIONAL ACCESSORY FOR SMOKERS

Abstract

A multi-functional accessory for smokers includes a first compartment, a second compartment and a base stand. The second compartment is configured to a bottom portion of the first compartment, and the base stand is rotatably coupled to a bottom portion of the second compartment. The first compartment includes a top closable opening having a narrow passage portion. The first compartment is capable of receiving burnt articles through the top closable opening. Further, the narrow passage portion is capable of providing a support for holding a lit article. The second compartment includes a slidable member for receiving articles. Furthermore, the base stand is capable of being rotated to provide a support for placing the multi-functional accessory on a surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to smoking accessories, and more particularly, to a multi-functional and portable smoking accessory for use as an ashtray, and a storage cabinet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While smoking either at indoor sites, such as within houses, pubs, and bars, or at outdoor sites, such as parks, streets and other public places, smokers need to dispose of ashes and cigarette butts. Particularly, while smoking at the indoor sites, the smokers dispose of the ashes and the cigarette butts in ashtrays available at such sites. More often then not, the ashes and the cigarette butts disposed in the ashtrays may be dislodged from the ashtrays, thereby polluting environment and/or littering surroundings of the indoor sites.

In contrast to the above, such ashtrays may not be available to the smokers when present at the outdoor sites, and accordingly, the smokers dispose of the ashes and the cigarette butts in the parks, onto the streets or in such similar public places. Such a disposal of the ashes and the cigarette butts may lead to accumulation of trash on ground and/or littering of the ground.

Accordingly, various attempts to remedy a disposal problem of the ashes and the cigarette butts at the outdoor sites and at the indoor sites have been made. Such attempts include development of various ornamentally designed ashtrays and enclosures. Such ashtrays and enclosures may be carried by the smokers in their pockets or purses for being used at the outdoor sites to dispose the ashes and the cigarette butts therein. Usually, such an enclosure includes a top opening and a covering arrangement to cover the top opening. The covering arrangement of the enclosure is operated to provide accessibility to an inner space of the enclosure through the top opening for disposing the ashes and the cigarette butts in the inner space. Generally, covering arrangements of such enclosures include complicated mechanical configurations that may gradually become inoperable due to problems such as jamming (i.e. components may get stuck and are then rendered immobilized) after a regular use thereof. In addition, it is inconvenient for a user to clean the enclosures in order to effectively remove the ashes and the cigarette butts disposed there within. The term, “user” may refer to either a smoker or a non-smoker.

Moreover, it has also been observed that the smokers may misplace or lose a lighting apparatus, such as a lighter required for lighting cigarettes. Such problems may prohibit the smokers to light their cigarettes, as and when desired.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a multi-functional accessory that includes simple configuration, and may easily and conveniently be opened and closed. Further, there exists a need for a multi-functional accessory that may easily and conveniently be cleaned in order to effectively remove ashes and cigarette butts disposed in the multi-functional accessory for a subsequent use. Furthermore, there exists a need for a multi-functional accessory that may be used either at an outdoor site or at an indoor site, as per a smoker's requirement. Moreover, there exists a need for a multi-functional accessory that may facilitate smokers to avoid a situation where the smokers may either misplace or lose lighting apparatuses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the forgoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional accessory, to include all advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional accessory for smokers with a simple configuration, such that, the multi-functional accessory is capable of being easily opened to receive ashes and cigarette butts, and thereafter capable of being easily closed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional accessory for smokers that may be easily and conveniently cleaned in order to effectively remove ashes and cigarette butts from the multi-functional accessory for a subsequent use thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional accessory for smokers that may be used either at an outdoor site or at an indoor site, as per a smoker's requirement.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional accessory for smokers that may allow smokers to avoid a situation where the smokers may either misplace or lose lighting apparatuses, which may be required to light cigarettes, as and when desired.

To achieve the above objects, in an aspect of the present invention, a multi-functional accessory for smokers is provided. The multi-functional accessory comprises a first compartment, a second compartment, and a base stand. The first compartment includes a top closable opening having a narrow passage portion. The first compartment is capable of receiving the burnt articles through the top closable opening. Further, the narrow passage portion is capable of providing a support for holding a lit article. Furthermore, the second compartment is configured at a bottom portion of the first compartment. The second compartment comprises a slidable member for receiving articles. Moreover, the base stand is rotatably coupled to a bottom portion of the second compartment. The base stand is capable of being rotated to provide a support for placing the multi-functional accessory.

This together with the other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterized the present invention, is pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forms a part of the present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-functional accessory for smokers having a top closable opening in an open configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-functional accessory of FIG. 1 having the top closable opening in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the multi-functional accessory of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For a thorough understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the following detailed description, including the appended claims, in connection with the above-described drawings. Although the present invention is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “coupled,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect couplings.

The terms, “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, elevation or importance, but rather are used to distinguish placement of one element over another. Further, the terms, “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

The present invention provides a multi-functional accessory for smokers. The multi-purpose accessory is capable of being used as an ashtray at indoor sites, such as inside houses, pubs and bars; and at outdoor sites, such as parks, streets and other such public places. Further, the multi-purpose accessory is capable of accommodating one or more lighting apparatuses, such as a lighter, a match box, and the like, thereby serving as a storage cabinet. Furthermore, the multi-purpose accessory may be easily and conveniently cleaned in order to effectively remove ashes and cigarette butts from the multi-functional accessory for a subsequent use thereof. The multi-functional accessory is explained in detail in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-functional accessory 1000 for smokers (not shown) having a top closable opening in an open configuration; and FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-functional accessory 1000 for the smokers having the top closable opening in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the multi-functional accessory 1000 includes a first compartment 100, a second compartment 200, and a base stand 300. The second compartment 200 is configured at a bottom portion (not shown) of the first compartment 100, and the base stand 300 is rotatably coupled to a bottom portion (not shown) of the second compartment 200.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first compartment 100 and the second compartment 200 are jointly configured by two pairs of opposite sidewalls 400a and 400b (hereinafter referred to as ‘sidewalls 400a’ and ‘sidewalls 400b’), a top curved member 400c, and a bottom flat member 400d. More particularly, the sidewalls 400a, the sidewalls 400b, the top curved member 400c, and the bottom flat member 400d are joined together to define a hollow space (not shown) therebetween. Further, a curved intermediate member 400e is disposed in the hollow space to define a partition, for configuring the first compartment 100 and the second compartment 200 within the hollow space. More particularly, a top portion formed by the curved intermediate member 400e is the first compartment 100, and a bottom portion formed by of the curved intermediate member 400e is the second compartment 200. Preferably, the multi-functional accessory 1000 including the first compartment 100, the second compartment 200 and the base stand 300 have a height of about 8 centimeters, a length of about 6 centimeters, and a width of about 2 centimeters. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the dimension of the multi-functional accessory 1000 may be based on a manufacturer's preference. Accordingly, the multi-functional accessory 1000 may have any suitable height, length, and width.

The multi-functional accessory 1000 including the first compartment 100, the second compartment 200, and the base stand 300 are made of a material, which is capable of withstanding high temperatures, and is a fire resistant material. A suitable example of such a material may be a plastic material that may withstand a high temperature. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that any other fire retardant or fire resistant material may be used to manufacture the multi-functional accessory 1000 of the present invention.

The first compartment 100 of the multi-functional accessory 1000 includes a top closable opening 102 having a narrow passage portion 104, as shown in FIG. 1. The top closable opening 102 is configured on the top curved member 400c. The first compartment 100 is capable of receiving burnt articles 500, such as cigarette butts and ashes, through the top closable opening 102. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art to construct or arrange the first compartment 100 having the top closable opening 102 of the multi-functional accessory 1000 for being used in connection with other types of burnt articles, such as burnt cigars.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the top closable opening 102 extends to a portion 400c₁ of the top curved member 400c for defining the narrow passage portion 104. The narrow passage portion 104 is constructed in such a manner that, the narrow passage portion 104 is capable of providing a support for holding a lit article 600, such as a lit cigarette. For example, while smoking, a smoker may secure the lit article 600 in the narrow passage portion 104. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art to construct or arrange the narrow passage portion 104 for being used in connection with other types of lit articles, such lit cigars, and the like.

Further, the burnt articles 500 received in the first compartment 100 through the top closable opening 102 may be disposed from the first compartment 100 for subsequent use of the multi-functional accessory 1000. Specifically, the burnt articles 500 are capable of being disposed from the first compartment 100 through the top closable opening 102 for subsequent use of the multi-functional accessory 1000.

Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first compartment 100 includes a slidable assembly 106 configured to open and close the top closable opening 102 for receiving and disposing the burnt articles 500 from the first compartment 100.

The slidable assembly 106 includes a pair of spaced apart parallel rail members 106a and 106b (hereinafter referred to as ‘rail members 106a and 106b’), and a movable slab 106c. Each of the rail members 106a and 106b are spaced apart, and disposed on the top curved member 400c of the first compartment 100 in a manner such that the top closable opening 102 lies therebetween. Further, the movable slab 106c is slidably disposed between the rail members 106a and 106b. The movable slab 106c is capable of being slid between the rail members 106a and 106b to open and close the top closable opening 102. The movable slab 106c includes an indenture 106d, such as a thumb indenture. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art to construct an indenture, such as the indenture 106d, of any other shape. The indenture 106d facilitates the smokers to slide the movable slab 106c between the rail members 106a and 106b to open and close the top closable opening 102.

More particularly, in FIG. 1, the top closable opening 102 is at the open configuration. Specifically, the top closable opening 102 is opened by sliding the movable slab 106c between the rail members 106a and 106b, in a downward direction. Further, in FIG. 2, the top closable opening 102 is at the closed configuration. Specifically, the top closable opening 102 is closed by sliding the movable slab 106c between the rail members 106a and 106b, in an upward direction.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the slidable assembly 106 may include a spring loaded mechanism (not shown) and a latch mechanism (not shown) for automatically opening and closing the top closable opening 102. More specifically, the latch mechanism may latch the movable slab 106c at the open configuration. Further, when the movable slab 106c is de-latched, the spring loaded mechanism enables the movable slab 106c to slide between the rail members 106a and 106b to obtain the closed configuration.

Further, as disclosed above, the burnt articles 500 received in the first compartment 100 may be disposed from the first compartment 100 for subsequent use of the multi-functional accessory 1000. For disposing the burnt articles 500, a longitudinal member 108 is provided. The longitudinal member 108 is slidably coupled to the first compartment 100. The longitudinal member 108 enables in cleaning the burnt articles 500 from the first compartment 100 through the top closable opening 102.

More particularly, as shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal member 108 is slidably coupled to a portion of a sidewall of the sidewalls 400b of the multi-functional accessory 1000. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal member 108 is slidably coupled to an inner portion 400b₁ of the sidewall of the sidewalls 400b by a cannular arrangement 110. The cannular arrangement 110 is configured on the inner portion 400b₁ of the sidewall of the sidewalls 400b for slidably receiving the longitudinal member 108 therein. The cannular arrangement 110 configures slidable coupling of the longitudinal member 108 with the multi-functional accessory 1000. The smokers or users may take out the longitudinal member 108 from the cannular arrangement 110, and use the longitudinal member 108 to clean the burnt articles 500 from the first compartment 100 of the multi-functional accessory 1000.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, the multi-functional accessory 1000 includes the second compartment 200. The second compartment 200 includes a slidable member 202 for receiving one or more articles (not shown), such as lighters, match-box, and the like. Specifically, the slidable member 202 is in the form of a slidable drawer. The second compartment 200 is cut to configure a horizontal passage 204 (as shown in FIG. 1) for receiving the slidable member 202 therethrough. The slidable member 202 is capable of being slid inwardly and outwardly in the horizontal passage 204. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 1, the slidable member 202 is positioned outwardly from the horizontal passage 204 for receiving the articles. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the slidable member 202 is positioned inwardly to reside within the horizontal passage 204. In one embodiment of the present invention, a handle 206 is provided for a smoker to apply force in order to slide the slidable member 202 in the horizontal passage 204, and to slide the slidable member 202 outwardly from the horizontal passage 204. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that any other arrangement to slide the slidable member 202 in the horizontal passage 204 may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a bottom view of the multi-functional accessory 1000 is illustrated to describe the base stand 300, according to an embodiment of the present invention. References of FIGS. 1 and 2 will be made to describe the base stand 300.

As described herein, the base stand 300 is rotatably coupled to the bottom portion of the second compartment 200. More particularly, the base stand 300 is rotatably coupled to the bottom flat member 400d by either a rivet fastener, a screw fastener, or a bolt fastener. In the present embodiment of the invention, a rivet fastener 302 provides such rotatable coupling. For such rotatable coupling, through holes (not shown) are configured at respective center portions (not shown) of the bottom flat member 400d and the base stand 300, and are correspondingly placed in order to receive the rivet fastener 302 therethrough for configuring the rotatable coupling between the bottom flat member 400d and the base stand 300. The base stand 300 may be rotated to provide a support for placing the multi-functional accessory 1000 on a surface (not shown), such as a table, and the like.

More particularly, FIG. 2 shows the base stand 300 in a rotated position. At the rotated position, the base stand 300 provides a support for placing the multi-functional accessory 1000 on the surface. Furthermore, a bottom surface (not shown) of the bottom flat member 400d includes extension members 400d₁ and 400d₂ at end portions thereof. The extension members 400d₁ and 400d₂ provide balancing support to the multi-functional accessory 1000 when the base stand 300 is at the rotated position. The extension members 400d₁ and 400d₂ and the base stand 300 properly secure the multi-functional accessory 1000 on the surface. Thicknesses of the extension members 400d₁ and 400d₂, and the base stand 300 are equal for providing better balancing support to the multi-functional accessory 1000 on the surface.

It is understood from the preceding description that the multi-functional accessory 1000 provides the top closable opening 102 for conveniently receiving the burnt articles 500 into the first compartment 100, and for conveniently disposing the burnt articles 500 from the first compartment 100. The smokers may conveniently slide the movable slab 106c between the rail members 106a and 106b by placing a thumb on the indenture 106d, and applying a downward force for enabling the top closable opening 102 to be opened. Upon opening the top closable opening 102, the smokers may enable the burnt articles 500 to be received into the first compartment 100 through the top closable opening 102. Thereafter, the smokers may close the top closable opening 102 by sliding the movable slab 106c between the rail members 106a and 106b by placing the thumb on the indenture 106d, and by applying an upward force, thereon. Such a closing of the top closable opening 102 prevents a situation where the burnt articles 500, which are present within the multi-functional accessory 1000, may be blown by effect of wind. Furthermore, the multi-functional accessory 1000 also provides the smokers to retain his/her lit articles, such as the lit article 600 onto the narrow passage portion 104. In another embodiment of the present invention, a multi-functional accessory, such as the multi-functional accessory 1000, may include more than one narrow passage portion, such as the narrow passage portion 104, for providing multiple supports to the smokers to retain their lit articles, such as the lit article 600 thereon.

Moreover, the smokers may also dispose the burnt articles 500 held within the first compartment 100, upon observing that the first compartment 100 is incapable of holding any further quantity of burnt articles, such as the burnt articles 500. The smokers may conveniently dispose the burnt articles 500 by opening the top closable opening 102. The top closable opening 102 may be opened and closed in a similar manner as disclosed above for disposing the burnt articles 500 from the first compartment 100. More particularly, the longitudinal member 108 may be utilized for cleaning the first compartment 100, and accordingly disposing the burnt articles 500 from the first compartment 100 through the top closable opening 102. After disposing the burnt articles 500, the first compartment 100 is vacated for subsequent use, i.e., for receiving burnt articles, such as the burnt articles 5

In addition, the multi-functional accessory 1000 is also equipped with the second compartment 200. The second compartment 200 facilitates the smokers to store the articles, such as lighters, match-boxes, and the like. Use of the second compartment 200 helps circumventing problems related to misplacement or loss of the articles by the smokers. Moreover, the base stand 300 may be rotated at an angle ranging from about 0 degrees to about 360 degrees, for providing a support to secure the multi-functional accessory 1000 on the surface located at any indoor site. Further, the base stand 300 may be aligned in a parallel orientation with respect to the second compartment 200, thereby existing as a compact structure that may easily be carried in a pocket of a smoker for use at an outdoor site.

A multi-functional accessory, such as the multi-functional accessory 1000 of the present invention offers the following advantages. The multi-functional accessory offers smokers a portable ashtray and storage cabinet for their ease and convenience. The multi-purpose accessory is capable of being used as an ashtray at indoor sites, such as inside houses, pubs, bars, restaurants and casinos; and at outdoor sites, such as parks, streets and other public places. Further, the multi-purpose accessory is capable of accommodating one or more lighting apparatuses, such as a lighter, a match box, and the like, thereby facilitating the smokers to secure the lighting apparatuses within the multi-functional accessory. Such a property of the multi-functional accessory helps circumventing problems related to misplacement or loss of the articles by the smokers. Further, the multi-functional accessory allows the smokers to properly dispose ash therewithin, thereby preventing littering of the environment and the surroundings, and preventing messy ash disposal. Furthermore, a simple mechanical configuration of the multi-functional accessory facilitates a user to clean the multi-functional accessory in order to effectively remove the ashes and the cigarette butts disposed there within. Moreover, the multi-functional accessory is lightweight and easy to store.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention

Claims

1. A multi-functional accessory for smokers, the multi-functional accessory, comprising:

a first compartment comprising a top closable opening having a narrow passage portion, wherein first compartment is capable of receiving burnt articles through the top closable opening, and wherein the narrow passage portion is capable of providing a support for holding a lit article;

a second compartment configured at a bottom portion of the first compartment, the second compartment comprising a slidable member for receiving articles; and

a base stand rotatably coupled to a bottom portion of the second compartment, the base stand capable of being rotated to provide a support for placing the multi-functional accessory on a surface.

2. The multi-functional accessory of claim 1, wherein the burnt articles are capable of being disposed from the first compartment through the top closable opening.

3. The multi-functional accessory of claim 2, further comprising a longitudinal member slidably coupled to the first compartment, the longitudinal member enables in disposing the burnt articles from the first compartment through the top closable opening.

4. The multi-functional accessory of claim 1, further comprises a slidable assembly configured to open and close the top closable opening.

5. The multi-functional accessory of claim 1, wherein the base stand is rotatably coupled to the second compartment by a rivet fastener.

6. The multi-functional accessory of claim 1, wherein the base stand is rotatably coupled to the second compartment by a screw fastener.

7. The multi-functional accessory of claim 1, wherein the base stand is rotatably coupled to the second compartment by a bolt fastener.

8. The multi-functional accessory of claim 1, wherein the first compartment is made of a plastic material.

9. The multi-functional accessory of claim 1, wherein the second compartment is made of a plastic material.

10. The multi-functional accessory of claim 1, wherein the base stand is made of a plastic material.