Abstract:
An apparatus for commercial advertising and treating environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in heavy user environments utilizing a fire resistant housing and high efficiency particle air filters (HEPA) is provided. The structure of the housing provides for efficient and effective use in heavy user environments, and functions to enable selective forms of advertisement. A filter system is provided in the housing to filter particle and gas-phase ETS contaminants. A fragrance, air freshener, deodorizer or the like can also be dispensed. A DC battery powered fan is used to draw ETS up and through apparatus and across HEPA filters and carbon filter. The filtering capacity and commercial grade design specifications are targeted toward heavy ETS environments. This apparatus more effectively directs ETS smoke over filter components, to remove ETS particle contaminants and provides design features for commercial advertisement.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/474,056, filed May 29, 2003, and is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention is directed toward a device combining commercial advertising and treating environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus which can function as a tabletop advertising display while simultaneously functioning as a commercially robust and reliable “smokeless ashtray” reducing ETS particle and gas-phase contaminants within heavy ETS environments.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     As medical research mounts, public awareness of the adverse health effects of second-hand smoke increases. This public awareness has created a demand for a number of devices aimed at reducing non-smokers&#39; exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).  
         [0004]     ETS refers to the complex mixture of over 4,000 chemicals present in both particle and gas phase found in smoke from cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other tobacco products. The dominant contributor to ETS is the sidestream smoke (SS) which issues from a smoldering tobacco product. The minor contributor to ETS is the mainstream smoke (MS) exhaled by the smoker. Based on several studies, potential adverse health effects on humans from exposure to SS emissions have been found to be often greater than those from comparable exposure to MS emissions. Of particular concern is the finding that, of the five known and suspected human carcinogens present in ETS, SS emissions contain greater amounts of these carcinogens than MS emissions. Several States have enacted laws that prohibit smoking in governmental buildings, public spaces and in certain instances restaurants and bars/taverns based on the findings of these studies.  
         [0005]     The majority of so-called “smokeless ashtrays” have been designed for use primarily in home or residential environments accommodating a single smoker/user in an attempt to reduce any non-smokers exposure to ETS. While there are smokeless ashtrays available, none of these devices provide an easily used, heavy duty, effective system for use by multiple smokers in a heavy ETS environment. Many of such devices are useful at capturing and filtering smoke from a single tobacco or other product placed in the ashtray, but do not eliminate ETS from the local surrounding. Multiple smokers are defined as more than one and typically less than three user/smokers. A heavy ETS environment is defined as a commercial space where multiple smokers frequently smoke multiple cigarettes or other smoking products. Bars and taverns are an example of a heavy ETS environment but such environments may also be represented by a restaurant, hotel, airport, teachers lounge, break room or the like. Commercially available HVAC ventilation systems that would eliminate the ETS in these environments are cost prohibitive, particularly for Bar and Tavern owners. Further, older buildings, in which most Bars and Taverns exist, may not structurally accommodate the additional HVAC ductwork that would be required. None of the commercially available smokeless ashtrays have been designed with enough filtering capacity and the fan strength to be effective in these heavy ETS environments.  
         [0006]     Also, present smokeless ashtrays do not provide commercial quality design and construction with commercial quality filter capacity, commercial quality fan strength and commercial capacity battery life to allow for continuous use in environmental conditions prone to heavy ETS. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus of design and material that will be durable and robust in heavy ETS environments, cost effective, and compact, which will effectively reduce ETS odor, particle and gas-phase contaminants from the air.  
         [0007]     Also, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus which would allow for selective or various forms of advertising. Most heavy ETS environments (bars, restaurants, hotels) continually promote the products that are used in those same environments; bars advertise alcohol, restaurants advertise food specials. This type of advertising typically takes the form of a table or bar top design constructed out of heavy paper. It would be advantageous to allow for the combination of the ashtray and the advertising allowing for area or space savings on the bar or tabletop. It would also be advantageous to provide a visual focal point that would enhance the efforts of the advertising, and additionally provide protection to the advertising, adding to its useful life.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0008]     Therefore, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for effectively filtering environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) particle and gas-phase contaminants in heavy ETS environments while providing surface area and design features for advertising in a durable, robust, cost effective and compact manner.  
         [0009]     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a smokeless ashtray for filtering particle and gas-phase contaminants found in tobacco smoke environmental tobacco smoke environments comprising a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion comprising a receptacle for positioning a smoke-producing product and containing ash therefrom. The bottom portion may support a typical ashtray, which is then selectively removable from the housing. A fan is positioned within the top of the housing for drawing smoke through an inlet opening in the housing. At least one filter is positioned in the top portion of the housing for filtering environmental tobacco smoke or the like. At least one advertising section is provided in association with the housing for the display of promotional material.  
         [0010]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a smokeless ashtray for filtering particle and gas-phase contaminants found in smoky environments, such as from tobacco smoke, comprising a portable fire resistant housing having a housing, wherein the housing includes a removable bottom portion used for positioning a smoking product and retaining ash therefrom.  
         [0011]     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a smokeless ashtray designed for commercial and/or heavy environmental tobacco smoke environments comprising a portable rigid fire resistant housing having a means for filtering particle and gas-phase contaminants found in smoke, and a fan system for drawing air from the adjacent environment for filtering thereof. The housing has inlet and outlet openings dimensions to allow flow of air from the local environment beyond the housing to be filtered.  
         [0012]     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smokeless ashtray for filtering particle and gas-phase contaminants found in smoke, comprising a housing and receptacle for positioning a smoking product and containing ash therefrom, the housing having a fan positioned in the top component of the housing for drawing smoke through at least one filter, and an indicating mechanism to indicate when the at least one filter requires changing.  
         [0013]     According to a further aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes structures to facilitate commercial advertising as part of or on apparatus. The apparatus housing may include one or more advertising card housings for selective placement of advertising materials. The housing may also have illuminated portions to highlight integrated advertising material or selectively positioned materials. Other advertising related structures also might be provided.  
         [0014]     Other aspects and advantages of the present invention can be seen upon review of the figures, the detailed description, and the claims which follows. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus for advertising and reducing ETS particle contaminants according to the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of the apparatus as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the apparatus as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus for advertising and reducing ETS particle contaminants as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a schematic of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, with external walls removed.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  illustrates the exterior of the apparatus for advertising and reducing ETS particle contaminants as shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  illustrates a further embodiment of an apparatus for advertising and reducing ETS particle contaminants according to the present invention with external walls removed.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  illustrates the exterior of the embodiment of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of the invention providing alternative access to internal components such as filters, fans, and batteries.  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment to allow the display commercial advertising via advertising card slots.  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  illustrates the top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10  for advertising and reducing ETS particle contaminants according to the present invention without advertising signage present. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate an embodiment of the present invention, with apparatus  10  provided for advertising and reducing ETS particle and gas-phase contaminants from a heavy user environment. Apparatus  10  is aesthetically pleasing while providing health benefits and commercial value. The apparatus  10  comprises an upper portion  11  and a lower portion  11   b . The upper portion  11  comprises four faces, including a front face, rear face, and two side faces, and includes a plurality of securing clips  30  preferably located on the exterior sides or corners of apparatus  10 . The securing clips  30  permit advertising material to be selectively inserted on the front and two side faces of apparatus  10 . A retaining lip  31  is positioned at the bottom portion of the front and two side faces of apparatus  10 . The combination of securing clips  30  and retaining lip  31  hold a selected advertising material in place until replaced with different advertising material as desired.  
         [0027]     Apparatus  10  is designed such that the area between the ashtray section  12  and intake vents  32  allows for the insertion and removal of various sizes of standard ashtrays. Apparatus  10  is designed to maintain a substantially uniform flow rate with the aid of a DC battery-driven fan  18  located in upper portion  11  that draws contaminated air into apparatus  10  through intake vents  32 . The smoke then passes through a plurality of filters and finally returns the filtered air through outlet vents  33  to the environment. Fan  18  is also capable of drawing contaminated air from the local area found outside of apparatus  10 . The plurality of filters may include a pre-filter  16   a  followed by HEPA filter  16   b  and finally a carbon pad filter  17   a . In an alternate embodiment, a fragrance pad is included or substituted for carbon filter pad  17   a . The plurality of filters are housed within upper portion  11  of apparatus  10  and are accessible through hinged access door  34  that is secured by latch  35  located on the rear face of apparatus  10 . A 3-way switch  36  controls the DC battery-driven fan  18 . On the bottom of apparatus  10 , hinged access door  37  is secured by latch  38 , and provides access to a battery compartment  41  where a plurality of batteries  39  are housed. A plurality of pads  40  are secured to door  37  in order to prevent apparatus  10  from sliding and scratching on a surface, such as a wood table.  
         [0028]     Further details and aspects of the invention will be understood with reference to the additional figures; wherein  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate a similar embodiment of the invention, with apparatus  10  provided for advertising and reducing ETS particle contaminants from a heavy user environment. Apparatus  10  may stand approximately 9 inches high with an approximate cross-section of 4.5 inches x 4.5 inches. The apparatus  10  comprises an upper portion  11  and an ashtray section  12 , selectively detachable from the upper portion  11 . The upper portion  11  includes the housing  11   a , a top  13 , and an internal assembly  11   b  comprising at least one filter. In the embodiment shown, a plurality of fiber filters  16   a - b , and a granular activated carbon filter  17  may be used, and a fan  18  is provided to draw air therethrough. The housing  11   a  and ashtray  12  may be made of any commercially available fire resistant material, preferably a fire resistant plastic.  
         [0029]     At least one fiber filter  16   a - b , granular activated carbon filter  17 , and fan  18  are selectively inserted and removably stored within the internal housing  11   b . These components may be secured within the housing  11   b  via snap in slots, which are integral to the housing and created during the plastic molding process. Other securing methods are contemplated. The internal assembly  11   b  can then be inserted into housing  11   a , with tolerances maintained to prevent significant amounts of ETS from either escaping the housing untreated, or bypassing the treatment process, thereby enhancing the amount of ETS treated.  
         [0030]     A tobacco product such as a cigarette, pipe, cigar, or the like may be placed in the ashtray  12 . For example, cigarette  14  is shown placed in ashtray  12 . Cigarette  14  generates ETS  15  (in particular sidestream smoke). The present invention is constructed such that the natural tendency of smoke to rise is used advantageously in the treatment process of ETS  15 . In typical smokeless ashtrays, smoke is drawn down or sideways through filters. The present invention apparatus  10  is designed to allow ETS  15  to rise naturally upward through fiber filters  16   a - b  and carbon filter  17  in addition to being directed by fan  18  across the filters. Hence, the ETS  15  is filtered and exhausted through fan  18 , resulting in exhaust  19 . ETS  15  is also drawn into the device  10  from the local environment due to the fan strength and throughput volume of treated air provided by the apparatus  10 . In the embodiments of the invention, the fan  18  is designed to produce at least an airflow of at least 10 CFM and more preferably at least 20 CFM, so as to draw a sufficient volume of air from the local environment adjacent and exterior to apparatus  10 . The particular characteristics of the fan  18  may be dependent upon the static pressure created by the filter system. As most smoke in heavy ETS environments is not located or generated at the site of an ashtray positioned in or associated with device  10 , it is desirable to draw in contaminated air from the surrounding environment. To achieve this, the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  provides sufficient volume entry slots  32 , positioned to be accessible to the local environment, as well as relative to an ashtray positioned therein. In the embodiment of  FIG. 5  as well as other embodiments, the access opening the fan draws air into is again of sufficient volume to draw in surrounding contaminated air.  
         [0031]     In the embodiments of the invention, a plurality of filters may be provided to effectively cleanse contaminated from treated air. For example, fiber filters  16   a - b  are glass fiber high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filters with a 2.5 cm pleat. The pleats provide additional surface area on filters  16   a - b  allowing for a smaller pressure drop across the filters and lower power use by the fan.  
         [0032]     By allowing the fiber filters  16   a - b  to first intercept the ETS  15  within the apparatus  10 , fiber filters  16   a - b  first remove any particle contaminants having a boiling point near or above room temperature. These contaminants are in a solid phase. Several of them are in a semi-volatile solid state transitioning to a gas state or possibly generating gas-phase contaminants. Filtering these particles early in the treatment process before the particles contribute to gas phase contaminants allows for a more efficient filter process. It is contemplated that more than one fiber filter  16   a  may be used in apparatus  10 .  
         [0033]     In the present embodiment, the carbon filter  17  comprises an approximately 2.5 cm thick layer of activated carbon; although it is contemplated the layer may be any thickness. The activated carbon is granulated in order to increase the surface area in contact with ETS. Granulated activated carbon is included in apparatus  10  for filtering gas-phase, non-polar and polar organic compounds, respectively, from tobacco combustion products. These vapor-phase controls are downstream of, and in series with the HEPA filters  16   a - b . It is contemplated that more than one carbon filter  17  may be used in apparatus  10 . As an example, the filter system may comprise a prefilter  16   a , which may be a Absorber filter, being a polyester coated fiberglass and activated charcoal pad, as produced by WEB Products or a 1″ HEPA filter, being a mini-pleated polyester and non-flaking fiberglass media, such as sold by Discount Air Filter. A primary filter  16   b , may be a HEPA filter, produced by WEB Products or Discount Air Filter. If two HEPA filters are used for filters  16   a  and  16   b , it may be desirable to rotate one filter 90°. A carbon pad filter  17  sold by Discount Air Filter may be used.  
         [0034]     The fan  18  operates on a suitable on-board battery supply. It is contemplated that more than one fan  18  may be used in apparatus  10 .  
         [0035]     The flow rate through the apparatus as generated by fan  18  is desired to introduce a volume of air from the local vicinity as described, to pull the contaminated air through filters  16   a - b  and optional carbon filter  17 , such that the air is not released through any seams or other openings in the housing  11   a . For use in a heavy user environment, it is desirable to provide a flow rate which will draw a greater volume of ETS  15 . In a commercial environment, flow rates of three to ten times the natural volumetric flow rate of smoking articles producing ETS  15  are desired for example.  
         [0036]     In this embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the top  13  may include cavity  13   a , which may be used for placing matches, and exhaust openings  13   b , used for releasing the filtered ETS  19 . In an embodiment, a treatment agent may be added to the exhaust to freshen, scent, sanitize or otherwise treat the exhaust and thereby the local environment. For example, a scent may be dispersed to freshen the air, or an odoractant or disinfectant may be atomized and dispersed. The treatment agent may be continuously dispersed when fan  18  is on, or may be intermittently dispersed if desired. Dispersal of the agent may also be performed other than by fan  18 . As an example, a fragrance pad may be provided in place of or in addition to carbon pad  17 .  
         [0037]     Turning to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the housing  11   a  includes means for attaching advertising material  21 . The attachment means may comprise slots  20  located at the exterior corners of the housing  11   a . The corner slots  20  allow from a receptacle for insertion of advertising material  21 . In this way, different advertising material  21  may be selectively inserted and used with device  10 . Alternatively, the space may have advertising material incorporated directly thereon. The configuration provides significant advertising space for advertising signage  21  to be mounted onto the apparatus  10 .  
         [0038]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus  10 ′ is designed similarly to apparatus  10  and is distinguished by having one fiber filter  16   a ′ and thus having a shorter height, such as approximately 6 inches high. It is contemplated that the height may be varied depending on the height requirements for the application.  
         [0039]     Turning to  FIG. 9 , apparatus  10 ′ also distinguishes previous embodiments by providing illumination, such as a backlit banner  22 ′. Banner  22 ′ may be included on any side of the housing  11   a ′. The banner may utilize a transparent or semitransparent sign  23 ′ selectively attached to the housing and a light source (not shown) mounted behind the sign and attached to the housing. The light source may comprise any commercially accessible light source, preferably a LED. Alternatively, the banner  22 ′ may comprise a programmable LED sign  23 ′, utilizing numerous LED&#39;s to programmably generate any desirable message other illumination, whether to highlight advertising or simply provide illumination to the local area may be provided. It is contemplated that the banner  22 ′ may be incorporated into any embodiments the invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 9  illustrates a further possible embodiment, wherein alternative accessibility and removability of the interior components of the internal assembly  11   b  from the apparatus is provided. This allows the user to access, remove, and replace any filter or fan when such user desires, such as when a filter is clogged. By lifting the top component portion, the internal assembly easily slides out for maintenance.  
         [0041]     The effectiveness of smokeless ashtrays  10  decreases as filters  16   a - b  are progressively clogged with ETS particle contaminants. However, an indicating device, such as a flowmeter  42 , can be included in the internal assembly  11   b  to monitor flow rate of the filter system and indicate decreased flow rate representative an increase in pressure across the filters when they get clogged, and thus indicate the need to replace the filters.  
         [0042]     The apparatus  10  may include a 3-way switch. In the OFF position, the apparatus will be switched OFF and disconnected from the DC battery. In the STANDBY of AUTO position, the apparatus will be activated for 6 minutes following the introduction of a cigarette  14  in the ash container  12 . For these 6 minutes the fan will remain activated. Furthermore an alarm will signal within this period if the cigarette  14  is removed from the ash container  12  for more than 5 seconds, thus reminding the user to return cigarette  14  to apparatus  10  after each puff. In the third, ON position, the fan will be activated continuously and the alarm will be disabled. The preferred mechanism to sense the placement/removal of cigarette  14  in ash container  12  is a photoelectrical switch. The preferred alarm mechanism to request return of cigarette  14  to ash container  12  is an auditory beeping signal.  
         [0043]     Further, a small high intensity lamp  30  may be provided, and can be directed toward exhaust  19  in order to visibly demonstrate the filtering process of apparatus  10  to users. The light from high intensity lamp  30  will illustrate ETS free exhaust.  
         [0044]     The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.