Device For Filtering Second-Hand Smoke

Abstract

A device for filtering second-hand smoke from a burning tobacco product includes a first chamber for receiving the lit end of the tobacco product. Users of the device can inhale smoke from the tobacco product through a first aperture in the first chamber, while a filter communicating with the first chamber filters smoke from the burning end of the tobacco product. A second chamber is configured to receive smoke and air exhaled by the user. The smoke is filtered by the second filter and the filtered air is passed through to the surrounding environment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to devices for smoking tobacco products, and more particularly to a device that filters second-hand smoke from a burning tobacco product.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Second-hand smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products has been linked to several health problems and produces a smell that is offensive to many persons. Many devices have been proposed to reduce or eliminate second-hand smoke released into the surrounding atmosphere by smokers while smoking a tobacco product. While improvements have been made in the field, there are still problems to be solved. For example, one common problem with previous smoke filtering devices is that they do not allow users to replace the filters without needlessly replacing other components of the device. Other devices detract from smokers' enjoyment by requiring users to wear what is essentially a mask covering their nose and mouth. The most common problem with ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]A device for filtering second-hand smoke in accordance with the principles of the present invention overcomes drawbacks of current smoke filtering devices, such as those discussed above. The device reduces a non-smoker's exposure to second-hand smoke through containment and filtering while maintaining the taste of a tobacco product and more closely mimicking conventional smoking than prior devices. To this end, a device for filtering second-hand smoke in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes a first chamber that surrounds at least the lit end of a tobacco product and which has a first filter to filter the smoke from the tobacco product. A second chamber has a second filter into which second-hand smoke is exhaled and filtered before being released into the air.

[0004]In another embodiment of a device for filtering second-hand smoke in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the first and second chambers are removably coupled such that the apparatus forms an integrated unit. A fan may be located after the filter in the first chamber so as to draw smoke out from the first chamber and maintain air circulation to keep the tobacco product lit.

Problems solved by technology

The dual-chamber structure separates the tobacco product from exhaled smoke, which would otherwise cause the tobacco product to lose its taste.

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