Abstract:
A receptacle with a detachable, collapsible handle is provided for. It is constructed out of a receptacle, having a bottom surface and at least one edge; a handle; and an attachment mechanism, wherein said mechanism provides for the removable attachment of the handle to the receptacle. The handle can be extendable, and is optionally equipped with a motor to automatically the extension contraction of this handle. In some embodiments, the handle of the receptacle contains a release mechanism. This can be, for example, a button that disengages an electromagnet, or a lever that disengages a spring clip.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/150,081, entitled “PORTABLE EXTENDABLE RECEPTACLE”, filed on Apr. 20, 2015. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a portable receptacle. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus that allows a plurality of users to share a receptacle when the users are located more than an arm&#39;s reach away from each other. The present invention is suitable for use as an ashtray. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0003]    Since at least 1603, smoking has been part of society where King James of England&#39;s commentary on smoke has been documented. Since that time, smoking has grown in popularity. As smoking has grown in popularity, the market for smoking paraphernalia and accessories has grown in kind. Chief among these accessories has been the ashtray. Made popular in America in the early 1900&#39;s, ashtrays have had a storied history. 
         [0004]    Until the early 20 th  century, ashtrays were not a part of everyday life. However, around that time cigarette manufactures began marketing ashtrays to the American public. With this push, ashtrays became ubiquitous with smoking in America. From the early 1940s to the 1990s many different iterations of ashtrays were developed. Some of these ashtrays were highly ornate, some included functional features such as grooves to rest a lit cigarette in. However, since the early 1990s, the act of smoking has become more and more taboo and a number of laws have been passed preventing people from smoking in a number of outdoor areas. 
         [0005]    As a direct result of this paradigm shift, smoking is becoming an increasingly indoors activity. This migration to confined spaces comes with onerous restrictions on the logistics of sharing an ashtray with a plurality of people. While outdoor spaces provided ample space for people to congregate around an ashtray so that all smokers may simultaneously use the ashtray, frequently the dimensions of various indoor spaces preclude such a use of an ashtray indoors. Thus, there is a need for a device that allows a number of smokers to use an ashtray when it is impossible for all of the smokers to be within an arm&#39;s reach of the ashtray. 
         [0006]    Examples of related art are described below: 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,780 to Wenkman, et al. discloses a beverage container holder kit. This kit can be mounted adjacent to the edge of a horizontal surface, on a vertical surface, on a horizontal surface, or hanging from a narrow object, such as a wall or panel. This kit includes a receptacle element, a support bracket and a mounting element. The mounting element may be physically adhered to the mounting surface and the receptacle element may be either mounted on the mounting element the support bracket. Instead of using the mounting element, the support bracket may be bent to hook over a narrow object. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. D256,279 to Huggins discloses a combination ashtray and beverage can holder. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,108,316 to Peale discloses a single handle which removably locks onto a handleless utensil. These utensils may be selected from a number of related utensils or containers, provided that all of the utensils are otherwise handleless. A combination of a single handle with a multiplicity of otherwise handless containers or utensils is also disclosed. 
         [0010]    None of the art described above addresses all of the issues that the present invention does. 
         [0011]    The need for an apparatus that provides for a way for multiple smokers to simultaneously use the same ashtray when they are limited geospatially. 
       SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0012]    The present invention provides for, an apparatus, comprising: a receptacle, having a bottom surface and at least one edge; a handle; an extension member attached to said handle; and an attachment mechanism, wherein said attachment mechanism is connected to said receptacle and to said extension member, and wherein said mechanism provides for the removable attachment of the extension member to the receptacle. In some embodiments this handle is extendable, and in other embodiments, the present invention is equipped with a power source; and an extension assistance mechanism, wherein said extension assistance mechanism is capable of extending and/or retracting said extension member. 
         [0013]    The present invention contemplates many different attachment mechanisms, including, but not limited to, ball and socket joints, hook and loop fasteners, spring clamp, magnets, bolt and wing nut, complimentary shaped receptacle, pin lock, snap buckle, and ‘C’ clamp. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a release mechanism. This can be, for example, a button that disengages an electromagnet, or a lever that disengages a spring clip. 
         [0014]    In a preferred embodiment, the weight of the present invention is distributed such that it rests evenly when set down on a flat surface. This has the benefit of assisting the prevention of the contents of the receptacle being spilled. In another preferred embodiment, the receptacle is equipped with a lid. In some embodiments, this lid is merely decorative, and in other embodiments said lid is functional. In another preferred embodiment, the receptacle is equipped with at least one receiving slot, suited to accommodate user&#39;s cigarettes, cigars, and other similar products. In another embodiment, the receptacle is equipped with an auxiliary storage area, suitable for holding a number of smoking accoutrements. This auxiliary storage area can be made of mesh, or any other suitable material. 
         [0015]    In alternative embodiments, the present invention may be equipped with any or all of the following: a plurality of light sources, a rubber grip, and/or a storage hook. In a preferred embodiment, storage hook is attached to either receptacle or extension member. Further, in yet another embodiment, the receptacle is comprised of two chambers, an upper chamber to receive contents, and a lower chamber to receive particulate matter that falls through a hole in the upper chamber. 
         [0016]    The present invention provides benefits to members of a number of different industries. 
         [0017]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for receiving ash generated by smoking. 
         [0018]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a convenient means for multiple users to simultaneously share an ashtray while smoking. 
         [0019]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a way to smoke indoors without creating undue mess. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 2A-2C  show side views of an embodiment of the present invention, highlighting its removably attachable nature. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 3A-3E  show side views of various embodiments of the attachment mechanism of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  show front perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention in use, in both a collapsed and extended position. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  show a side view of an embodiment of the present invention, highlighting the mechanism of one embodiment of the extension assistance mechanism. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. 
         [0027]    Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of apparatus  100  is shown. Here, apparatus  100  is shown in an extended position. Handle  101  is connected to extension member  114 . While shown in an extended position here, extension member  114  can be collapsed to provide for easier access to receptacle  102 , as well as increasing the number of places in which apparatus  100  may be stored when not in use. Handle button  108  is located on handle  101 . In a preferred embodiment, handle button  108  controls extension assistance mechanism  112  (See  FIG. 5A ). In one embodiment, extension assistance mechanism  112  is comprised of a hydraulic piston which is allowed to extend upon the engagement of handle button  108 . In this embodiment, handle button  108  may be comprised of a rocker, wherein said rocker is capable of engaging the motor in both a forward and a reverse direction. This functionality provides for a user to enjoy fully automated extension and retraction of apparatus  100 . Further,  FIG. 1  shows receptacle  102  attached to collapsing mechanism  115 , via attachment mechanism  103 , which is attached to extension member  114 . This view also shows second release button  105 . Here, second release button  105  engages collapsing mechanism  115 . In a preferred embodiment, collapsing mechanism  115  is comprised of a spring hinge and a mechanism that allows for collapsing mechanism  115  to be locked in either an extended or collapsed position. Collapsing mechanism  115  is intended to increase the overall portability and ease of storage of apparatus  100 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2C , a side view of an embodiment of the present invention in various states of collapse. Specifically,  FIG. 2A  shows apparatus  100  in a fully extended position, further illustrating the location of handle button  108  and second release button  105 .  FIG. 2B  highlights the detachable nature of receptacle  102  from attachment mechanism  103 . In this embodiment, attachment mechanism  103  is comprised of complementarily charged magnets, but many other attachment mechanisms are contemplated by the current application.  FIG. 2B  also shows extension member  114  being partially collapsed. This is intended to show how this particular embodiment of extension member  114  collapses. In particular, this embodiment of extension member  114  is comprised of a telescoping tube, which sections collapse upon each other.  FIG. 2C  shows this particular embodiment of apparatus  100  being fully collapsed. Of note is how a portion of extension member  114  extends into handle  101  and how collapsing mechanism  115  collapses to be substantially parallel with extension member  114  and handle  101 . In a preferred embodiment, the collapsing illustrated by  FIGS. 2A-2C  is engaged by handle button  108  and second release button  105 . 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3E , a number of embodiments of attachment mechanism  103  are shown.  FIG. 3A  shows attachment mechanism  103  as a ball and socket joint. Here, ball  104   a  is attached to collapsing mechanism  115 . In a preferred embodiment, ball  104   a  is permanently affixed to collapsing mechanism  115 . Further, socket  104   b  is attached to receptacle  102 . In another preferred embodiment, socket  104   b  is permanently affixed to receptacle  102 . Ball  104   a  and socket  104   b  provide for a limited friction fit between collapsing mechanism  115  and receptacle  102 . Specifically, this will allow for receptacle  102  to rest at a plurality of different angles, providing for greater ease of access to receptacle  102 . Ball  104   a  and socket  104   b  can be constructed out of, but not limited to, steel, plastic, wood, or iron. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3B  shows an embodiment of attachment mechanism  103 , wherein attachment mechanism  103  is comprised of hook fasteners  104   c  and loop fasteners  104   d . Hook fasteners  104   c  and loop fasteners  104   d  may be alternatively attached to receptacle  102  and collapsing mechanism  115 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 3C  shows an embodiment of attachment mechanism  103 , wherein attachment mechanism  103  is comprised out of magnets  104   e  and  104   f . In a preferred embodiment, these magnets are inherently magnetic. In another preferred embodiment, magnets  104   e  and  104   f  are electromagnets, whose electromagnetism may be disengaged by depressing second release button  105 . This embodiment of attachment mechanism  103  is intended to provide for easy removable attachment of receptacle  102  to collapsing mechanism  115 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3D  shows an embodiment of attachment mechanism  103 , wherein attachment mechanism  103  is comprised of bolt  104   g  and wing nut  104   h . In this embodiment, bolt  104   g  is permanently attached to receptacle  102 , and collapsing mechanism  115  is equipped with a hole to receive bolt  104   g . Upon insertion of bolt  104   g  into the hole of collapsing mechanism  115 , wing nut  104   h  is used to secure receptacle  102  to collapsing mechanism  115 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 3E  shows an embodiment of attachment mechanism  103 , wherein attachment mechanism  103  is integrated with collapsing mechanism  115  in the form of a complimentary shaped holder, wherein said holder is shaped to receive the bottom of receptacle  102 . While this embodiment of attachment mechanism  103  does not lock receptacle  102  into collapsing mechanism  115 , this construction is a low-cost alternative to the other embodiments. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , and embodiment of the present invention is shown while in use.  FIG. 4A  shows apparatus  100  with extension member  114  in a collapsed position, but collapsing mechanism  115  in an extended position with receptacle  102  still attached.  FIG. 4A  also shows handle button  108 , second release button  105 , and attachment mechanism  103 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 4B  shows a first user holding handle  101  of apparatus  100 , while a second user is utilizing receptacle  102  from a distance away from the first user. Here, extension member  114  and collapsing mechanism  115  are both an in extended position. This view also shows the relative position of receptacle  102 , attachment mechanism  103 , second release button  105 , and handle button  108 . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 5A , a side view of an embodiment of the present invention is provided. Here, extension assistance mechanism  112  is highlighted. In this particular embodiment, extension assistance mechanism  112  comprises a linear actuator, which in turn is comprised of screw  116  and motor  107 . Screw  116  is threaded through motor  107  and on one of its ends is fixed to a portion of extension member  114 . In a preferred embodiment, extension member  114  comprises a telescoping tube. In this preferred embodiment, handle button  108  is in the form of a rocker. This rocker will allow a user to engage motor  107  in both a forward and reverse direction. Accordingly, a user may then use handle button  108  to fully extend or fully collapse extension member  114 . This view also shows receptacle  102 , attachment mechanism  103 , collapsing mechanism  115 , and second release button  105 .  FIG. 5B  shows the same embodiment of the present invention as  FIG. 5A , however, in this view extension member  114  is fully collapsed. Note that in various embodiments the proportion of extension mechanism  114  and handle  101  are subject to change. 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Here, lid  109  is placed over receptacle  102 . Lid  109  may be purely cosmetic, or in a preferred embodiment, it forms an odor-proof seal with receptacle  102 . Alternatively, lid  109  may be shaped such that the contents of receptacle  102  may be placed in lid  109  and subsequently disposed of.  FIG. 6  also shows auxiliary storage area  111 . Preferably, this area is constructed out of fabric, even more preferably a mesh lattice, however a number of suitable materials exist.  FIG. 6  further illustrates the relationship between attachment mechanism  103 , receptacle  102 , collapsing mechanism  115  and second release button  105 . 
         [0039]    In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises an auxiliary storage area, attached to receptacle  102 . In another preferred embodiment, this auxiliary storage area is constructed out of mesh. In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a lid to be placed on top of receptacle  102 . 
         [0040]    In another embodiment, receptacle  102  is comprised of two parts, an upper chamber to receive contents immediately disposed of and a lower chamber, capable of receiving any overflow contents from the upper chamber. Preferably, this lower chamber will be easily removed from the upper chamber to provide for easy cleaning. 
         [0041]    In preferred embodiment, the present invention is constructed without collapsing mechanism  115 . In that instance, extension member is attached directly to receptacle  102 . 
         [0042]    In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is shaped such that it will rest evenly on a flat surface. For example, this could be achieved by distributing the weight of this embodiment appropriately, by utilizing a rectangular prism-like shape for the handle, or by equipping the present invention with at least one pair of legs. 
         [0043]    In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is equipped with a rubber grip. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is equipped with a storage hook, or an alternative storage means. In another embodiment, the present invention is equipped with a plurality of light sources. These lights may be for example, LED, incandescent, or fluorescent lights. 
         [0044]    Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. 
         [0045]    Various other components may be included and called upon for providing for aspects of the teachings herein. For example, additional materials, combinations of materials and/or omission of materials may be used to provide for added embodiments that are within the scope of the teachings herein. In the present application a variety of variables are described, including but not limited to components and conditions. It is to be understood that any combination of any of these variables can define an embodiment of the disclosure. Other combinations of articles, components, conditions, and/or methods can also be specifically selected from among variables listed herein to define other embodiments, as would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0046]    When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
         [0047]    While the disclosure refers to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the spirit thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed.