Abstract: An ash tray for use with disposable ash collection vessels that receive and collect cigarette and/or cigar ashes and butts. The vessels may be inserted and removed from the ash tray to provide for ash and butt collection and disposal. In an exemplary embodiment, the vessels comprise previously used beverage cans that might otherwise be disposed of in land fills or thrown on the ground as litter. The ash tray comprises a lid that securely engages a base thereof to substantially prevent the escape of smoke therefrom. The ash tray further comprises multiple tapered funnels with flanges that extend into the vessels to direct ashes and butts into the vessels and to significantly block the escape of smoke therefrom. The ash tray still further comprises multiple slots for receiving advertising panels that advertise the goods and/or services of vendors, making the ash tray particularly suitable for use in commercial establishments.

Abstract: The present invention is a battery powered, portable microprocessor based early warning alarming ashtray. It provides the smoker two different time limited unattended cigarette alarms, as well an alarm for a tipped ashtray; an alarm for a bumped ashtray; an alarm based on nearby or lower elevation smoke by either of the two smoke detection devices; and a low power alarm. It offers “full protection” for most of the likely scenarios encountered by smokers that could result in a fire. Emptying of the ashtray by tipping overrides and disables the tipping alarm momentarily. Since the apparatus is microprocessor controlled, the timing intervals and magnitude of the different alarm notifications can be preprogramed as well as the sensitivity of the smoke detector devices.