Patent Publication Number: US-8122894-B2

Title: Cigarette and cigar container and disposal receptacle

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present application is directed to a container and disposal receptacle. More particularly, the present application is directed to a container, an igniter, and a disposal receptacle for various forms of cigarettes, cigars, and the like, and a method of using the same. Further, the present application is directed to a container and disposal receptacle that also functions as a smoke filter. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Cigarettes and cigars produce smoke that is known to have deleterious effects on the environment and health of individuals. Some cigarette and cigar holders in the art include filters that reduce the amount of smoke released to the environment. 
     Cigarettes and cigars also produce ash that must be disposed during and after smoking. Often, a person smoking a cigarette or cigar is not close to a receptacle where the ash can be disposed, so either the person has to make frequent trips to dispose the ashes or the ashes fall to the ground, floor, table or other surfaces around the person smoking. Waste from cigarettes and cigars and accidental fires from unextinguished cigarettes and cigars are tremendous threats to our environment. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a container for storing cigarette or cigar ash has a body, a mouthpiece opening with a connection surface, an end section with an igniting and closure device, a secure and release device, a grip, and a filter. In another embodiment, a container includes an inner tube, a filter, an outer tube, a stopper and a handle, and connecting ends. 
     In yet another embodiment, a disposal receptacle configured to store ash includes a lid and a lower barrel. The lid includes an opening and a plate that covers the opening or exposes it. The components are made of non-flammable material including, but not limited to, non-flammable, hard plastic. 
     In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for using the cigarette or cigar container and the disposal receptacle in combination. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, embodiments are illustrated which, together with the detailed description given below, serve to describe exemplary embodiments. It will be appreciated that the illustrated boundaries of elements (e.g. boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent but exemplary boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, for example, that one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. An element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. The drawings and components therein are not to any scale. Certain components may be omitted and others shown enlarged to facilitate understanding. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container  100  with a cigarette or cigar C; 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  are side views of the container  100  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 3A-C  are cross sections of the secure and release device  135  of the container  100  along the line A-A of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of another embodiment of a container  400 ; 
         FIGS. 5A-B  are cross sections of the secure and release device  510  of the container  400  along the line B-B of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 6A-D  are perspective views of another embodiment of a container  600  and related components; 
         FIG. 6E  is a top view of an upper cap  665 ; 
         FIG. 6F  is a top view of a lower cap  680 ; 
         FIGS. 7A-D  are perspective views of the container  600  showing how the container  600  is used with a cigarette C; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a disposal receptacle  800  with the container  100  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a disposal receptacle  900 ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of disposal receptacle  1000 ; 
         FIGS. 10B-10C  are close up views of the plate and opening sections of the disposal receptacle  1000 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart for a method to use the container  100  with the disposal devices  800 ,  900 , or  1000 ; and 
         FIG. 12  is a flow chart for a method to use the container  600  with the disposal devices  800 ,  900 , or  1000 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A container is provided to hold a cigarette, cigar, and the like while a person smokes and to contain the ash that forms from the burning cigarette and the like. Further, a disposal receptacle is provided to dispose the ash and cigarette remains (e.g., the cigarette mouthpiece and filter) after a person is finished smoking. In one embodiment, the container is a device that can hold various forms of cigarettes, including standard size and larger size cigarettes. The container holds one cigarette at a time and can contain ash and the remaining mouthpiece. In one embodiment, the container is configured to connect with a disposal receptacle so the ash and cigarette remains can be transferred to the disposal receptacle. The disposal receptacle may come in various sizes and is configured to be filled with ash and cigarette or cigar remains until full, when the contents of the disposal receptacle can be discarded. In other embodiments, the container is configured to hold cigars and other smoking items of varying diameters and lengths. A method is also provided to show how to combine the container and the disposal receptacle. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a container  100  holding a cigarette C. The container  100  may be configured to hold a standard size cigarette, a one-hundred size cigarette, a cigar, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the container  100  includes a body  110 , a mouthpiece section  115  and an end section  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the body  110  is in the shape of a cylinder with about a ½″ diameter and about a 2-½″ length. In another embodiment (not shown), the body  110  has about a 3-½″ length. In the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece section  115  is about ¾″ long and the end section  120  is about 1″ long, so a grip (discussed below) takes up the remaining length of ¾″. A standard size cigarette C measures about ¼″ in diameter and about 3″ in length, including about a 1-¼″ long mouthpiece or filter. A one-hundred size cigarette is similar, except it is about 4″ in total length. In other embodiments (not shown), the container  100  can be configured to hold different sizes of smoking products, including, but not limited to, standard cigarettes, one-hundred size cigarettes, cigars of varied diameters and lengths, and the like. For example, cigars come in various lengths and diameters including, but not limited to, Robustos that measure about 4-½″ long and Presidentes that measure about 8-½″ long. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece section  115  includes an opening  125  with external threads (not shown) that fasten the container  100  to a disposal receptacle (discussed below). In other embodiments (not shown), the opening  125  of the mouthpiece section  115  or connection surface includes at least one of the following types of fastening surfaces to allow connection to the disposal receptacle, including: internal or external threads, a snap fit, an interference fit, a tapered shape, and the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a cap  130  is attached to the end section  120  by a hinge  132  and can be opened to permit a person to insert the cigarette C, cigar and the like into the end section  120  and then into the body  110  of the container  100 . The person closes the cap, presses bottom of cap  130  to ignite the cigarette C, cigar and the like and the container is used to contain the ash, mouthpiece or filter, and the like within the body  110  during smoking. The cap  130  prevents ash from falling out of the container  100 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the body  110 , the mouthpiece section  115 , and the end section  120 , are made from non-flammable hard plastic materials with several openings to allow air flow (not shown) and are lined with a filter (not shown) to minimize or eliminate smoke emission from the container  100 . The cap  130  is a smooth top surface (similar to a stove burner) and contains the mechanical and electrical components (including and at least one battery, for example a watch like battery) to ignite a cigarette when the cap is in the closed position and the cap button is manually held in. The cap is made from at least one of the following materials: steel, aluminum, metal alloy, plastic, carbon compounds and the like. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the body  110 , the mouthpiece section  115 , the end section  120 , and the cap  130  are made from at least one of the following materials: steel, aluminum, metal alloy, plastic, carbon compounds, and the like. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), an insulating material coats the body  110 , the mouthpiece section  115 , the end section  120 , and the cap  130  to prevent heat generated from the burning cigarette from reaching these surfaces. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the container  100  includes a secure and release device  135  that is a metal tension pin configured to provide an opening for the cigarette C. A person opens the secure and release device  135  by applying a force F to its perimeter. The secure and release device  135  holds the cigarette C inside the container  100  in a stationary position. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the secure and release device  135  includes an expandable and contractible device (shown in  FIGS. 3A-C  as item  190 ). The expandable and contractible device  190  provides a force F′ against an outer perimeter section of the cigarette C, close to the cigarette&#39;s mouthpiece or filter, to hold the cigarette C in place while the secure and release device  135  is in an open position. In other embodiments (not shown), the secure and release device  135  may be in the form of at least one of the following: a spring loaded mechanism, a clip, an adjustable slip collar, and the like. 
     The presence of the cigarette C biases the expandable and contractible device  190  to an open position. As a person burns a cigarette C, it burns and turns into ash. When the cigarette C burns past the location of the expandable and contractible device  190  the secure and release device  135  moves to a closed position, trapping the ash within the container  100 . The cigarette remains can be pushed and extinguished against the closed secure and release device  135 . After the cigarette remains are distinguished, the secure and release device  135  can be opened to dispose the used filter and remaining cigarette into the body  110  and then closed to store the ash and remaining cigarette. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the container  100  includes a grip  140 . The grip  140  is about ¾″ in length and fits along the perimeter of the container  100 , about 1″ from the open end of the mouthpiece section  115 . The grip  140  is made of a rubber material that is soft to the touch, but also serves as another barrier of insulation to prevent the heat from the burning cigarette to transfer to the outer surface of the container  100 . In other embodiments (not shown), the grip  140  is shorter or longer than about ¾″ and is made from at least one of the following materials: rubber, plastic, steel, plastic covered paper, metal alloys, gold, silver, stainless steel, plastic covered Styrofoam, and the like. In another embodiment (not shown), the container does not include a grip. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  are side views of the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2A  illustrates a side view of the container  100  without the cigarette C. Here the cap  130  is in an open position that allows placement of the cigarette C inside the container  100 .  FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of the container  100  holding a cigarette C. Here the cap  130  is in a closed position after placement of the cigarette C in the container  100 . In the illustrated embodiments, the cap  130  pivots about an axis X or a hinge  132  to seal the end section  120 . In other embodiments (not shown), the cap  130  seals the end section  120  by at least one at least one of the following: metal hinge device, sliding cap, cap with connecting chain, cap with interference fit or tapered fit, and the like. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  are cross-sections of the container  100  and the secure and release device  135  along the line A-A of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3A  illustrates force F applied to both sides of the secure and release device  135 , resulting in the secure and release device  135  forming an opening  170  so a person can insert the cigarette C into the container  100 .  FIG. 3B  illustrates the secure and release device  135  engaging the cigarette C. In the illustrated embodiment, a contact surface  180  is circular and applies an inward force F′ to hold the cigarette C against the cigarette C. The contact surface  180  may be made of a non-flammable plastic material, steel, stainless steel, copper, ceramic, and the like. In other embodiments (not shown), the contact surface  180  can form an oval, square, rectangle, or any geometric shape while it is in its engaging position. 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates a closed position of the secure and release device  135  when there is no force F applied and the cigarette C has been removed or burned and turned into ash  175  (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface  180  of an expandable and contractible device  190  applies an inward force F′ to move the secure and release device  135  into a closed position. The position illustrated in  FIG. 3C  encloses the ash between the secure and release device  135  and the cap  130  until disposal and provides a surface that can be used to extinguish the remaining burning cigarette before it self-extinguishes. The expandable and contractible device  190  includes a plurality of springs (not shown) around its circumference that provide a bias or inward force F′ towards a closed position. The expandable and contractible device  190  may be made of a non-flammable plastic material, steel, copper, and the like. 
       FIG. 4  is a partial side view of an alternative embodiment of a container  400  having a body  410 . The container  400  is substantially the same as container  100 , except for a secure and release device  435  having a spring loaded toggle clip that provides a force around the perimeter of a cigarette C. In the illustrated embodiment, the secure and release device  435  includes contact surfaces  450   a - b  connected to v-shaped rocker assemblies  455   a - b  that include finger plates  460   a - b  opposed by partially compressed springs  465   a - b  that are connected to the body  410 . If the finger plates  460   a - b  opposed by partially compressed springs  465   a - b  are squeezed together, then the contact surfaces  450   a - b  release the cigarette. Alternatively, if the finger plates  460   a - b , opposed by partially compressed springs  465   a - b , are released or not squeezed together, then the contact surfaces  450   a - b  move radially inward and engage the cigarette contained within the container  400 . If there is no cigarette C or it burns and turns into ash, then the contact surfaces  450   a - b  move inward toward each other until they touch to enclose the ash inside the container  400 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are cross-sections of the container  400  and an alternative embodiment of a secure and release device  510  along the line B-B of  FIG. 4 . FIG.  5 A illustrates the position of the contact surfaces  520   a - b  when a force is applied to the finger plates  530   a - b  (not shown) and the formation of an opening  540  that allows placement of a cigarette C into the body  110  of the container  100 . The contact surfaces  520   a - b  move vertically, contact surface  520   a  moves vertically up and contact surface  520   b  moves vertically down when force is applied to the finger plates  530   a - b  (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the opening  170  also remains when the force F is removed and the cigarette C opposes the finger plates  530   a - b  closure. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surfaces  520   a - b  are in the shape of half circles. In other embodiments (not shown), the contact surfaces  520   a - b  form a shape similar to the cross section of the container  100 . 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates the closed position of the secure and release device  510  when there is no force applied to the finger plates  530   a - b  (not shown) or when the cigarette C has been removed or turned into ash. The closed position illustrated in  FIG. 5B  encloses the ash until disposal and provides a surface that can be used to extinguish the remaining burning cigarette before it self-extinguishes. In other embodiments (not shown), the secure and release device  510  can come in the form of other mechanical devices that can hold a cigarette and the like in place without causing damage to the cigarette and then provide a closing feature once the cigarette burns and turns into ash. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a container  600 . The container  600  is similar to the container  100 , except for a reuseable filter  601  to be used when loading non-filtered cigarettes, an inner tube  605 , a filter  610 , an outer tube  615 , and other related components discussed further below. The inner tube  605 , the filter  610 , and the outer tube  615  each include a cutout consisting of a channel and top and bottom slits (discussed further below). In the illustrated embodiment, the filter  610  fits around the circumference of the inner tube  605  so a cutout  620  of the inner tube  605  is aligned with a cutout  620 ′ of the filter. Further, the outer tube  615  fits around the circumference of the filter  610  and the inner tube  605  assembly, and a cutout  620 ″ of the outer tube  615  is aligned with the cutout  620  of the inner tube  605  and the cutout  620 ′ of the filter  620 ′. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the inner tube  605 , the filter  610 , and the outer tube  615  are cylindrical. In other embodiments (not shown), the inner tube  605 , the filter  610 , or the outer tube  615  are any geometric shape. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a perspective view of the inner tube  605 . In the illustrated embodiment, the inner tube  605  is made from steel. In other embodiments (not shown), the inner tube  605  is made from at least one of the following materials: stainless steel, copper, metal alloys, non-flammable plastic, carbon, and the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the inner tube  605  includes the cutout  620  that further includes an upper slit  625 , a lower slit  630 , and a channel  635 . The cutout  620  allows air to enter and permits smoke to exit the container  600 . The cutout  620  must be formed to prevent ash from a cigarette C from falling out of the container  600 . Further, the inner tube  605  includes a guide  640  that guides the cigarette C or the like into the container  600 . The guide  640  is made from at least one of the following materials: steel, stainless steel, metal alloys, non-flammable plastic, carbon, and the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the inner tube  605  further includes a stopper  645  that includes a handle  650 . The stopper  645  is made from at least one of the following materials: steel, stainless steel, copper, metal alloys, non-flammable plastic, carbon, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper  645  is configured to fit inside the inner tube  605 . In another embodiment (not shown), the stopper  645  includes a spring loaded device that provides a one touch open or close feature that permits passage of a cigarette past the stopper  645 . In yet another embodiment (not shown), the stopper  645  includes a mechanical or an electrical device that provides a one touch open or close feature and the mechanics to ignite a cigar, cigarette and the like. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the stopper  645  includes a mechanical or an electrical device that provides a one touch open or close feature and the mechanical and electrical device to ignite a cigar, cigarette and the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical handle  650  is connected to the stopper  645  and is configured to fit in the openings created by the cutout  620 , including the upper slit  625 , the lower slit  630 , and the channel  635 . As discussed below, the handle  650  is configured to fit in the cutout  620 ′ of the filter  610  and the cutout  620 ″ of the outer tube  615 . Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the handle is made from non-flammable plastic, carbon, or other heat resistant material. 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates a perspective view of the filter  610 . In the illustrated embodiment, the filter  610  includes the cutout  620 ′ that further includes an upper slit  625 ′, a lower slit  630 ′, and a channel  635 ′. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter  610  is made from a porous carbon material that removes injurious components from smoke. 
     In other embodiments (not shown), the filter  610  is made from at least one of the following materials: synthetic micas, HEPA filter material, fiber aggregates, activated carbon, and the like. In yet other embodiments (not shown), the filter  610  is made from a flexible material that eliminates the opening formed by the cutout  620 ′ when the handle  650  is not in a portion of the cutout  620 ′ and creates an opening about the size of the handle  650  when the handle  650  is in some portion of the cutout  620 ′. The flexible filter material prevents ash from coming out of the cutout  620 ′ and filters smoke emissions. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the filter  610  is configured to have an inside diameter that fits over the inner tube  605  and an outside diameter that fits inside the outer tube  615 . Further, the filter  610  is illustrated as shorter in length then the inner tube  605 . In other embodiments (not shown), the filter  610  is the same length as the inner tube  605  or is greater in length than the inner tube  605 . 
       FIG. 6D  illustrates a perspective view of the outer tube  615 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outer tube  615  is made from steel. In other embodiments (not shown), the outer tube  615  is made from at least one of the following materials: stainless steel, copper, metal alloys, non-flammable plastic, carbon, and the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the outer tube  615  includes the cutout  620 ″ that further includes an upper slit  625 ″, a lower slit  630 ″, and a channel  635 ″. The cutout  620 ″ is configured to prevent ash from falling out the container  600 , e.g., the cutout  620 ″ may include a rubber flashing (not shown) that allows passage of the handle  650  or the stopper  645 , but not cigarette ash. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer tube  615  is configured to allow the inner tube  605  and the filter  610  assembly to be inserted inside it. In other embodiments (not shown), the outer tube  615  is configured to only allow the inner tube  605  or the filter  610 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the outer tube  615  includes two sliding collars  655 . Each sliding collar  655  includes at least one spring  660  that provides a force that keeps the sliding collar  655  in a position over the upper slit  625 ″ or the lower slit  630 ″ of the outer tube  615 . The sliding collars  655  seal the upper slit  625 ″ and the lower slit  630 ″ to prevent ash from coming out of the container  600 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outer tube  615  further includes guide tracks  665 . The guide tracks  665  allow the sliding collars  655  to be moved away from the upper slit  625 ″ or the lower slit  630 ″ along the circumference of the outer tube  615 , then the stopper  645  can be locked into position in the upper slit  625 ″ or lower slit  630 ″. Further, as discussed above, the guide tracks  665  allow the lower sliding collar  655  to be moved away from the lower slit  630 ″ so the stopper  645  can be opened or closed with the one touch feature. 
       FIG. 6D  further illustrates a perspective view of an upper cap  670  that includes a rubber element  675  with an opening  680 , and further illustrates a perspective view of a lower cap  685 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rubber element  675  and the opening  680  are configured to be smaller than the diameter of a cigarette C or the like, so the rubber element  675  slightly engages the cigarette C as the cigarette C is inserted or adjusted in the container  600 . Further, the rubber element  675  provides a seal to prevent ash from coming out of the container  600  when there is not a cigarette C inserted in the container  600 . In other embodiments (not shown), the rubber element  675  further includes a collapsible flap (not shown) that creates a seal in the opening  680  when the cigarette C is removed from the container  600 . 
       FIG. 6E  illustrates a top view of the upper cap  670  that includes an outer slot  670 ′, a middle slot  670 ″, and an inner slot  670 ′″. The upper cap  670  is made from at least one of the following materials: steel, stainless steel, copper, metal alloys, non-flammable plastic, carbon, and the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the outer slot  670 ′ is configured to hold together the container  600  by engaging the upper end of the outer tube  615 . The upper end of the outer tube  615  is engaged by an interference fit provided by the outer slot  670 ′ of the upper cap  670 . Further, the middle slot  670 ″ is configured to engage the upper end of the filter  610  and the inner slot  670 ′″ engages the inner tube  605 , both by interference fits. In other embodiments (not shown), other structural designs can be used in the upper cap  670  to provide support for the outer tube  615 , the filter  610 , and the inner tube  605 , including at least one of the following: clips, slots, fasteners, and the like. 
       FIG. 6F  illustrates a top view of the lower cap  685  that is substantially similar to the inner structure of the upper cap  670 , including an outer slot  685 ′, a middle slot  685 ″, and a inner slot  685 ′″. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer slot  685 ′ is configured to engage the lower end of the outer tube  615  by an interference fit between the two surfaces. Further, the middle slot  685 ″ is configured to engage the lower end of the filter  610  and the inner slot  685 ′″ is configured to engage the lower end of the inner tube  605 . In other embodiments (not shown), the lower cap  685  further includes a hinged circular structure or door that allows the container  600  to be attached to a disposal receptacle (discussed below) to remove ash and the like from the container  600  without disassembling the lower cap  685  from the container  600 . 
       FIGS. 7A-D  illustrate use of the container  600  with a cigarette C.  FIG. 7A  illustrates the container  600  with the stopper  645  and the handle  650  assembly in an open position of the lower slit  630 ″ that provides a clear opening in the inside tube  605 . In the illustrated embodiment, the clear opening in the inside tube  605  allows the cigarette C to be inserted into the container  600  and ignited by a match or the like. The reuseable filter  601  is used when loading non-filtered cigarettes. 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates the container  600  holding the cigarette C and the stopper  645  and the handle  650  assembly moved into a closed position in the lower slit  630 ″ when the cigarette C is to be smoked. In this position, the stopper contains ash (not shown) inside the inner tube  605  while the cigarette C is smoked. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper  645  and the handle  650  assembly are held in place by spring force provided by the springs  660  of the sliding collar  655 . In another embodiment (not shown), the stopper  645  and the handle  650  are held in place by the spring force provided by the springs  660  of the sliding collar  655  on either side of the channel  635 ″. In yet other embodiments (not shown), a mechanical device known by one skilled in the art holds the stopper  645  and the handle  650  assembly in the closed position. 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates the position of the stopper  645  and the handle  650  assembly and the sliding collars  655  when the stopper  645  and the handle  650  assembly is moved between the lower slit  630 ″ and the upper slit  625 ″. In the illustrated embodiment, the two sliding collars  655  seal the lower slit  630 ″ and the upper slit  625 ″ so ash is contained in the inner tube  605 . 
       FIG. 7D  illustrates the position of the stopper  645  and the handle  650  assembly and the upper sliding collar  655  when the stopper  645  and the handle  650  assembly are in a closed position in the upper slit  625 ″. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper pushes ash that was inside the inner tube  605  into its upper portion and then the cigarette C is pushed against the stopper  645  to extinguish any remaining burning tobacco. After the stopper  645  extinguishes the remaining cigarette C, the stopper  645  and the handle  650  assembly are moved into the open position, as shown in  FIG. 7A  above, so the ash and the like can be disposed as discussed below. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a disposal receptacle  800  showing exemplary container  100  aligned and filled with ash  175 . In the illustrated embodiment, a portable, personal size disposal receptacle  800  includes a lid  805  connected to a lower barrel  810 . The lid  805  and the lower barrel  810  may be connected by at least one of the following: threaded connection, interference fit, interference fit with rubber seal, snap fit, hinged connection, tongue and groove, and the like. In an alternative embodiment, the lid  805  simply rests on top of the receptacle  800 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lid  805  includes a plate  815  that is about 1½″ long and slides from side to side (e.g. as illustrated with dash line plate  815 ′) along the lid  805  to cover or expose an opening  820 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the opening  820  in the lid  805  has ½″ internal diameter threads  825 , so external threads  125  of the mouthpiece section  115  of the container  100 , illustrated in  FIG. 1 , can connect to the disposal receptacle  800 . In other embodiments (not shown), the opening  820  has a structure configured to connect to the mouthpiece section  115 , including at least one of the following connections: a snap fit, interference fit, hinged connection, tongue and groove, and the like. In yet other embodiments (not shown), the opening  820  includes a funnel to collect and direct the ash and the like to the bottom of the lower barrel  810 . In other embodiments (not shown), the opening  820  includes a spring loaded closure device that the containers  100 ,  400 , or  600  can be inserted into for disposal of ash and the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the disposal receptacle  800  is cylindrical in shape with a height of about 2 inches and a diameter of about 2 inches at each end. The lid  805  is about 1 inch in height and the lower barrel  810  is about 1 inch in height. It should be understood that the disposal receptacle  800  and lid  805  may have any desired dimensions. In other embodiments (not shown), the disposal receptacle  800  has a cross section that is of at least one of the following shapes: square, oval, circle, rectangle, diamond, octagon, pentagon, and any geometric shape. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the disposal receptacle  800 , including the lid  805 , the lower barrel  810 , and the plate  815 , is made from non-flammable, polymeric material. In other embodiments (not shown), the disposable receptacle  800  is made of steel, stainless steel, metal alloys, non-flammable hard rubber, carbon fiber, shatterproof glass, and the like. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of a disposal receptacle  900  for car or home use that fits into a standard size cup holder and the like (e.g. the lower barrel has a flat bottom and has a diameter that is about 2 inches). In the illustrated embodiment, the disposal receptacle  900  is substantially similar to the disposal receptacle  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8 , except a lower barrel  910  is 6 inches in height and has a diameter that varies from about 2 inches at the bottom to about 3-½ inches at the top of the lower barrel  910 . In addition, a lid  905  is about 3-½ inches in diameter and has at least one plate  915  that is about 1-½ inches long that slides from side to side to cover or expose an opening  920 . In other embodiments (not shown), the lid  905  may include more than one opening  920  and corresponding plate  915 . It should be understood that the disposal receptacle  900  and the lid  905  may have any desired dimensions. In other embodiments (not shown), the lid  905  further includes an extended sidewall that contains any ash or debris that may be produced from connecting containers  100 ,  400 , or  600  onto the disposal receptacle  900 . 
       FIG. 10A  illustrates another embodiment of a disposal receptacle  1000  for use in public areas, including outside buildings or in public smoking areas and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the disposal receptacle  1000  has a lower base  1005  and an upper disposal section  1010  made from non-flammable, polymeric material. In other embodiments (not shown), the lower base  1005  and the upper disposal section  1010  is made of steel, stainless steel, metal alloys, non-flammable hard rubber, carbon fiber, shatterproof glass, and the like. The lower base  1005  and the upper disposal section  1010  are cylindrical in shape, but it should be understood that the disposal receptacle  1000  may have any desired shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper disposal section  1010  includes a plate and opening section  1015  on the top of the upper disposal section  1010 . The plate and opening section  1015 , exploded view shown in  FIG. 10B , are substantially similar to the plate  815  and the opening  820  in  FIG. 8 . Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the top of the upper disposal section  1010  includes a plate and opening section  1020 . The plate and opening section  1020 , exploded view shown in  FIG. 10C , are substantially similar to the plate  915  and the opening  920  in  FIG. 9 . In other embodiments (not shown), the plate  1015 , the opening section  1020 , or both, may be in various other locations of the disposal receptacle  1000 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a method and related steps for using containers  100 ,  400 , or  600  (discussed above) with the disposal receptacle  800 ,  900 , or  1000  of  FIGS. 8-10 , respectively. First, a person inserts a cigarette C, cigar, or the like into a container  100  while pressing the secure and release device  135  so it is in an open position at  1105 . Second, the person smokes the cigarette C, or and the like using the container  100  until the secure and release device  135  moves into a closed position at  1110 . Third, the remaining cigarette C, cigar and the like is distinguished against the flat surface of the secure and release device  135  in a closed position at  1115 . Fourth, a user connects the external threads  125  of the container  100  to the internal threads of the opening of the disposal receptacle at  1120 . Fifth, once the container  100  and the disposal receptacle are connected, then the user presses the secure and release device  135  and the waste ash  175  and mouthpiece fall into the disposal receptacle at  1125 , then the user releases the secure and release device  135  back to the closed position at  1130 . Sixth, the container  100  is removed from the disposal receptacle  800 ,  900 , or  1000  at  1135  and the user can reuse container  100  at  1140 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a method for using the container  600  (discussed above) with the disposal receptacle  800 ,  900 , or  1000  of  FIGS. 8-10 , respectively. A person inserts a cigarette C, cigar, or the like into a container  600  when the stopper  645  is in an open position at  1205 . Further, a person closes the stopper and depresses bottom button to ignite the cigarette at  1210 . A person smokes the cigarette C, or and the like using the container  600  until the cigarette is almost finished when red ashes may be seen through the upper slit  625  at  1215 . Then a person slides the stopper  645  up the channel  635  to push the ashes to the top, locks the stopper  645  and then extinguishes the cigarette against the stopper  645  at  1220 . A person exposes the open hole of the disposal receptacle  800 ,  900 , or  1000  and connects the bottom of container  600  to the disposal receptacle at  1225 . Then a person moves the stopper  645  into the open position at the top of the container  600  that allows the waste inside the container  600  to fall into the disposal receptacle at  1230 . A person closes the open hole of the disposal receptacle  800 ,  900 , or  1000  to trap the waste (ashes and the used filter) at  1235 . Then a person slides the stopper  645  down the channel  635  in an open position to allow the person to insert another cigarette at  1240  so the person can reuse the container  600  again at  1245 . 
     While the apparatus, methods, and so on have been illustrated by describing examples, and while the examples have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the systems, methods, and so on provided herein. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant&#39;s general inventive concept. Thus, this application is intended to embrace alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the preceding description is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is employed in the detailed description or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed in the claims (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both”. When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Similarly, when the applicants intend to indicate “one and only one” of A, B, or C, the applicants will employ the phrase “one and only one”. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use.