Cigarette container for collecting cigarette butts

Description

Technical field

[0001] The subject of the present invention relates to the field of urban ashtrays.

[0002] The subject of the present invention relates more particularly to an urban ashtray intended for collective use and making it possible to collect cigarette butts or equivalents in an urban environment to encourage the recovery of these butts and send them to industrial channels specializing in the decontamination and recycling of these butts.

[0003] The object of the present invention thus finds numerous advantageous applications by addressing communities (town halls, agglomerations, communities of agglomerations, large metropolises, etc.) which seek to set up in urban spaces a network of connected ashtrays of an ecological and environmental nature.

[0004] Obviously, it is understood that the object of the present invention also finds numerous other advantageous applications by addressing all entities such as administration, business, restaurant, café or others which are concerned about the environment and public space, and which seek to install collective ashtrays for their employees and / or their customers.

[0005] By ashtray, we mean throughout the following description all types of devices capable of containing and / or storing objects such as flammable objects such as cigarette butts or equivalent. Prior art

[0006] It is known that cigarette butts, once smoked, are classified as hazardous waste under HP6 (acute toxicity) properties by calculation and HP14 (ecotoxicity) by ecotoxicity tests.

[0007] The nicotine concentration in the cigarette butt is the main factor behind this classification.

[0008] In addition to this toxicity, cigarette butts represent one of the most significant wastes in the world with more than 4,300 billion cigarette butts thrown into nature each year; this represents, for example, nearly 40% of the waste present in the oceans.

[0009] It should be noted here that a cigarette butt decomposes in nature after about 15 years; during this period, the cigarette butt alone pollutes up to 500 liters of water.

[0010] For these reasons, recycling cigarette butts has become a real ecological and environmental issue.

[0011] However, despite this proven toxicity and alarming figures, the Applicant notes that very few resources have been deployed to date to implement the recycling of cigarette butts, for technical, financial and / or ecological / environmental reasons.

[0012] Today, the Applicant has developed a technology for decontaminating cigarette butts by bringing the fibers from cigarette butts into contact with a dense fluid under pressure, preferably a fluid in a supercritical state (also called supercritical fluid).

[0013] Such supercritical fluid decontamination technology is described in document WO2021 / 079050A1.

[0014] Bringing a supercritical fluid into contact with the fibers to be decontaminated makes it possible to extract from the fibers a very large majority of toxic substances (mainly nicotine) and odors accumulated in cigarette filters.

[0015] Such extraction of toxic substances and odors accumulated in cigarette filters by supercritical fluid technology allows reliable and efficient decontamination of the fibers; after decontamination, these fibers become clean and are suitable for reuse for new materials and / or other applications.

[0016] Such supercritical fluid decontamination technology is also environmentally friendly.

[0017] Its performance (efficiency, respect for the environment, cost) makes it possible to envisage the development of a genuine industrial recycling sector for cigarette butts, making it possible to recover the decontaminated fibres.

[0018] Such decontaminated fibers are in fact highly valued for their thermal and / or acoustic properties, their filtering capacities and / or their mechanical properties, but also for their low cost and their ecological and environmentally friendly nature.

[0019] If the pollution control technology exists, the Applicant is now faced with a real difficulty in collecting the raw material, namely cigarette butts.

[0020] The Applicant submits that the ashtrays known from the prior art, for example from document JP2000041650A, do not currently allow for the optimization of cigarette butt collection.

[0021] Communities seeking to set up urban ashtray networks such as those known from the prior art often encounter real difficulties in the effectiveness of the system.

[0022] The Applicant submits that the prior art solutions in this field focus mainly on problems related to the cleanliness of sidewalks.

[0023] On the other hand, none of the prior art solutions provide solutions adapted to the handling of operators taking into account the level of toxicity of cigarette butts which are today considered to be true toxic waste (classification HP6 and HP 14). The Applicant further observes that the service companies and municipal agents (or others) in charge of the maintenance and management of these networks are forced to make their rounds periodically, which can prove fruitless: very often, their rounds are not optimized because some ashtrays are empty while others are full, or even overflowing. The carbon footprint linked to this collection is therefore very high, which can hinder certain actors in this approach which is basically ecological and respectful of the environment.

[0024] The Applicant submits that none of the prior art solutions are fully satisfactory. Summary of the invention

[0025] The present invention aims to improve the situation described above.

[0026] The present invention aims more particularly to remedy at least one of the various drawbacks mentioned above by proposing an urban ashtray which facilitates in particular the handling of operators and the collection of cigarette butts.

[0027] The subject of the present invention is an ashtray for flammable objects of the cigarette butt type according to claim 1, which more particularly comprises a stepped hollow structure comprising a first so-called upper compartment and a second so-called lower compartment arranged under the upper compartment.

[0028] According to the invention, the upper compartment comprises inside a hopper having at the bottom an actuable hatch, the actuation of which allows the passage from a storage configuration in which the hatch is closed for storing the cigarette butts in a storage volume defined by the internal wall of the hopper to a hopper emptying configuration in which the hatch is open for gravity discharge of the cigarette butts through the open hatch.

[0029] According to the invention, the lower compartment is configured to receive a container for collecting cigarette butts which is positioned under the hatch of the hopper so as to be able to fill with cigarette butts when the hatch is opened in the emptying configuration. Advantageously, the internal wall and / or the bottom of the hopper are made at least partially of a fireproof material.

[0030] The use of fireproof material allows for safe storage of cigarette butts without the risk of fire.

[0031] It can be a material such as aluminum or steel.

[0032] Of course, it is understood here that any other type of material with fire resistance and thermal insulation properties similar to those of aluminum or steel can be used.

[0033] Advantageously, the container under the hopper can be of the waterproof bag type.

[0034] Preferably, the waterproof bag comprises closing means comprising, for example, two quick-closing buckles.

[0035] Preferably, it is also possible to roll the opening of the bag several times on itself and close the bag tightly.

[0036] Advantageously, the hopper also comprises two quick-release closure loops capable of cooperating in a repeatable manner with the two closure loops of said bag so as to allow the bag to be attached to the hopper by snap-fastening.

[0037] Alternatively, the attachment of the container under the hopper can also be achieved via magnets or temporary assembly means using Velcro ® type loops. Advantageously, the ashtray according to the present invention comprises means for displaying the filling level of the hopper.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, the viewing means comprise at least one viewing window provided on the upper compartment and configured to view the storage volume of the hopper.

[0039] Other means of visualization are possible here.

[0040] The Applicant submits that the presence of these visualization means also has an educational character and helps to raise awareness among the population about the process of collecting cigarette butts.

[0041] The ashtray according to the present invention further comprises an electronic module for monitoring the filling level of the hopper.

[0042] This module comprises at least one filling level sensor configured to measure a filling level of said hopper and transmit information relating to the measured filling level to a central processing unit which is configured to process this information by comparing it to a predetermined threshold filling level.

[0043] The central processing unit is configured to, when following the comparison the filling level reaches the predetermined threshold filling level, generate and transmit a filling signal to a remote central server via communication means.

[0044] In one embodiment, the at least one hopper fill level sensor is configured to measure the hopper fill level periodically, for example every hour or every day.

[0045] Advantageously, the at least one fill level sensor is a scale configured to measure a total mass of cigarette butts stored in the hopper.

[0046] Advantageously, the at least one filling level sensor is a laser sensor capable of performing a telemetric distance measurement and configured to perform a measurement of the filling level of the hopper.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment, the upper compartment comprises on its peripheral periphery at least one opening sized for the passage of a cigarette butt, the at least one opening opening into the hopper for the introduction of cigarette butts from outside the ashtray into the hopper.

[0048] In this mode, it can be envisaged, for example, that the at least one fill level sensor is a counter positioned at the opening and configured to count the number of cigarette butts passing through this opening.

[0049] Advantageously, the at least one fill level sensor is an infrared camera oriented towards the storage volume to capture an image including the cigarette butts stored in the hopper.

[0050] Advantageously, the electronic module comprises geolocation means configured to transmit to the central server via the communication means geolocation information of the ashtray concurrently with the transmission of the filling signal. Advantageously, the electronic module is powered by electrical power supply means comprising at least one solar panel incorporating photovoltaic cells.

[0051] Such means may integrate one or more long-life batteries.

[0052] Preferably, the at least one solar panel at least partially covers the upper portion of the upper compartment.

[0053] Power can also be supplied from the electrical network.

[0054] Advantageously, the lower compartment includes a door which, when opened, allows access to the hatch under the hopper and to the collection container.

[0055] Preferably, the closure of the access door is secured by locking / unlocking means actuated by a key, for example a spanner or equivalent.

[0056] Preferably, the locking / unlocking means comprise an electromagnet capable of securing the closing of the door, such an electromagnet being able to be actuated remotely with a communication terminal.

[0057] Advantageously, the lower compartment comprises means for holding the collection container in position under the hopper.

[0058] Thus, through the various functional and structural technical characteristics above, the Applicant proposes a container for the storage of a toxic object particularly suitable for facilitating the collection and handling of operators responsible for collecting cigarette butts. Brief description of the figures

[0059] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description below with reference to the figures 1 to 5 annexed illustrating two examples of embodiment which are devoid of any limiting character and on which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 represents a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an ashtray in storage configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [ Fig.2 ] There figure 2 represents a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an ashtray in emptying configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [ Fig.3 ] There figure 3 represents a schematic sectional view of an example of an ashtray conforming to the figures 1 And 2 ; [ Fig.4 ] There figure 4represents a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an electronic module for monitoring the filling level of the hopper of an ashtray; and [ Fig.5 ] There Figure 5 represents a schematic perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an ashtray in storage configuration according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Description of the embodiments

[0060] The present invention will now be described in the following with reference to the figures 1 to 5 attached to the description.

[0061] As mentioned in the preamble, the recycling of cigarette butts is a problem for which there are currently few effective solutions.

[0062] On the other hand, the Applicant now has an effective technology for decontaminating cigarette butt fibres by applying a supercritical fluid.

[0063] The implementation of such a technology covered in particular by document WO2021 / 079050A1 makes it possible to envisage the development of a real sector for the recovery of decontaminated fibers by allowing the use of these fibers to design in particular thermal and / or sound insulation, filters, biodegradable plastic objects with commercial outlets in the fields of construction, textiles and any other field requiring an insulating fiber.

[0064] To achieve this, it is necessary to improve the collection systems for cigarette butts.

[0065] Here, a cigarette butt is understood to mean the remains of the cigarette after it has been consumed, such a butt being considered here as toxic waste due to the presence of a large quantity of nicotine. Obviously, a cigarette butt should be understood to mean any type of cigarette including (or not) a filter.

[0066] One of the objectives of this document is to provide a solution for storing and collecting cigarette butts that takes into account the associated health, safety and ecological risks.

[0067] The present invention makes it possible to achieve the various objectives mentioned above by designing an ashtray 100 such as that illustrated in particular in figures 1 Or 2 , which comes in the form of real street furniture that can be installed anywhere in public spaces.

[0068] In the example described here and illustrated on these figures 1 And 2 , the ashtray 100 has the shape of a prism with a hexagonal base. It will be understood here that other shapes could of course be considered.

[0069] Conventionally, the ashtray 100 according to the present invention comprises a base (not shown here) capable of being sealed to the ground to allow the ashtray 100 to be fixed.

[0070] Such a base sealed to the ground prevents the theft of ashtray 100.

[0071] In this example, the ashtray 100 has a stepped hollow structure comprising an upper compartment 10 and a lower compartment 20 arranged under the upper compartment 10.

[0072] As will be understood from the rest of the description, the upper compartment 10 is intended for storing cigarette butts while the lower compartment 20 is intended for collecting cigarette butts.

[0073] This upper compartment 10 is located at eye level, which makes it easier for the end consumer (here the smoker) to use. The lower compartment 20 is for the exclusive use of the operator in charge of collection.

[0074] In this example, the upper compartment 10 has a hopper 11 inside it.

[0075] This hopper 11 is characteristic of the present invention.

[0076] It has a base 11a and an internal wall 11b which follows the internal perimeter of the upper compartment 10.

[0077] In this example, the internal wall 11b and / or the bottom 11a are made at least partially of steel and / or aluminum, which gives it fireproof properties allowing the hopper 11 to contain flammable objects without risk of fire.

[0078] Hopper 11 is thus configured to store cigarette butts sustainably.

[0079] In this example, smokers can thus introduce their consumed cigarette butts into the various openings 14 which are provided on the external wall of the upper compartment 10 and which each open onto a storage volume defined by the hopper 11.

[0080] Here, the openings 14 are sized for the passage of a cigarette butt.

[0081] It is also possible to envisage that smokers can come and dump all their cigarette butts stored at home into the ashtray 100 in order to provide a voluntary drop-off point. In this case, the ashtray 100 includes another opening of larger dimensions (not shown here), for example another hatch opening into the storage volume of the hopper.

[0082] When the hopper 11 is full, two methods are possible for detecting it: an automatic approach according to the invention as claimed and a visual approach in addition to the automatic approach.

[0083] In this example, both methods are implemented.

[0084] According to the so-called visual method, the upper compartment 10 comprises on its peripheral periphery viewing means 13 making it possible to view the level of cigarette butts stored in the hopper 11. These means 13 may for example consist of one or more windows 13a serving as a gauge to view the filling level. Such a display also makes it possible to raise awareness among the user-smoker. For example, the volume of cigarette butts collected can be affixed to this gauge with the possible outlets, which will encourage the latter to use the ashtray.

[0085] According to the automated method, the integration of an electronic module 30 ( figure 3 ) which is configured for automated monitoring of the hopper fill level.

[0086] For this purpose, the module 30 comprises at least one sensor 31 of the IOT (for “Internet Of Things”) type configured to measure a filling level of the hopper 11.

[0087] In this example, the sensor 31 is therefore configured to measure a physical quantity relating to a filling level of the hopper.

[0088] Such a sensor 31 may for example be in at least one of the following forms: a scale capable of measuring the total mass of cigarette butts stored in the hopper; and / or an infrared camera preferably oriented towards the storage volume to capture an image including the cigarette butts stored in the hopper 11; and / or a laser rangefinder capable of measuring a filling distance (level) a counter; and / or brightness sensors on different thresholds. These sensors are covered and actuated by the filling of the butts, lowering the brightness; and / or contact sensors positioned at defined spacings; and / or an optical sensor; and / or an ultrasonic sensor positioned on the top of the tank allowing the spacing and the filling rate to be calculated.

[0089] In this example, the sensor 31 therefore takes a measurement relating to the filling level of the hopper, preferably periodically (for example every 2 or 3 hours).

[0090] This information is recorded on storage means (not shown here) then transmitted to the central processing unit 32 which processes this information.

[0091] In this example, the storage means may take the form of, for example, volatile and / or non-volatile memory and / or a memory storage device which may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, or the like.

[0092] The central unit 32 can take the form of an integrated circuit, a processor, an electronic chip, a CPU or any equivalent module capable of integrating embedded intelligence (type Arduino card (registered trademark) or Raspberry (registered trademark).

[0093] In this example, the central unit 32 compares the information relating to the measured filling level with a predetermined threshold filling level. This may be, for example, a number of cigarette butts, a total mass of cigarette butts, a change in distance, etc.

[0094] The central unit 32 therefore compares a measured physical quantity representative of the actual filling level with a determined value representative of a determined threshold filling level.

[0095] If this comparison leads to a result allowing it to be deduced that the hopper is full or almost full, the central unit 32 then generates a filling signal which is transmitted via communication means 33 (integrated SIM card, LPWAN and WAN type network, or module defined for Arduino and Raspberry card type RJ45 network or ENC2 chip, I.OT network. to a central server SC which is remote.

[0096] The filling signal is sent together with information relating to the geographical position of the ashtray 100 which is provided by geolocation means 34 of GPS for example.

[0097] The central server SC can therefore collect in real time the filling information of a network of 100 ashtrays scattered throughout a city or a given urban area and can then generate a route map for the operator who is responsible for collecting the cigarette butts. In this example, the operator receives a route map with the different ashtrays filled or almost full for which a collection is necessary. At the same time, he receives all the quantities of cigarette butts collected as well as the benefits of the action (water saved, CO2 not emitted, etc.)

[0098] This route map can, for example, be transmitted directly to the operator's communication terminal T, for example a "Smartphone".

[0099] It is also possible to provide for the integration in the ashtray 100 of a gyroscope type sensor or vibration sensor (not shown here) to detect any attempt at vandalism of the ashtray and thus warn the operator in real time on his terminal T that an attempt at vandalism or theft of the ashtray has been made. It will be noted here that, in the interest of using environmentally friendly technologies (zero carbon emissions), it is provided in this example to equip the upper part 10a of the upper compartment 10 with at least one solar panel integrating photovoltaic cells.

[0100] It is therefore understood here that the operator is warned on his terminal T that the ashtray 100 is full of cigarette butts and that a collection of these cigarette butts is necessary to empty the hopper.

[0101] Once there, the operator, equipped with a spanner-type key, operates the locking / unlocking means 22 to open the door 21 and access the interior of the lower compartment 20.

[0102] In the example described here, it is a simple locking system which operates with a spanner-type key that only the operator has. Obviously, any other locking / unlocking systems can be envisaged within the framework of the present invention. In this example, the bottom 11a of the hopper 11 comprises a hatch 12 accessible from the lower compartment 20. This hatch 12 comprises in this example gripping means 12a such as for example a handle.

[0103] The operator by pulling this handle 12a towards him triggers the transition from the storage configuration C1 illustrated in figure 1in which the hatch 12 is closed to allow the storage of cigarette butts in the storage volume defined by the internal wall 11b of the hopper 11 towards the emptying configuration C2 illustrated in figure 2 in which the hatch 12 is open and allows gravity discharge of the cigarette butts through the open hatch 12.

[0104] This manipulation is very intuitive for the operator who must first position a collection bag (or container) under the hopper 11, which may already have been pre-positioned during the previous intervention.

[0105] In this example, provision is made for the implementation under the hopper 11 of means for holding the collection container in position 23 under the hopper 11; this may for example be a strapping under the hopper with a system for fixing the container (for example by snap-fastening, magnetization or other).

[0106] After opening the door 21, positioning the container under the hopper and operating the handle 12a to open the hatch 12, the cigarette butts are poured into the container. The operator can then remove the filled container and possibly position a new container for the next collection operation.

[0107] It is important to understand that this is a significant safety and protection benefit. Indeed, this operation is carried out with optimal handling safety for the operator, who is not put in direct contact with the cigarette butts, unlike other solutions.

[0108] He then closes door 21 and locks it with the key; then, the latter can resume his tour according to the route map to go to the next closest filled ashtray as determined by the central server SC.

[0109] The example of the Figure 5includes all the technical characteristics of the example of figures 1 , 2 And 3 and further comprises an additional compartment 40 having access opening onto an additional hopper 41.

[0110] Such an additional section 40 constitutes a genuine voluntary contribution point.

[0111] The present invention thus makes it possible to provide communities or others with a connected urban ashtray capable of providing real-time information on the fill level of the ashtray in order to then centralize this information and determine an optimal route aimed at collecting only full or almost full ashtrays.

[0112] This avoids and overcomes the drawbacks observed in the prior art, the solutions to date having the disadvantage of either an overflow of the ashtray with soil pollution, or a passage of empty space resulting in a significant CO2 footprint for transport.

[0113] The present invention also offers a practical and intuitive ashtray that constitutes a real piece of furniture by adapting discreetly to the urban environment.

[0114] The present invention, by distinguishing the "storage" part from the "collection" part, makes it possible to secure storage in a fireproof environment to avoid fires and collection by facilitating operator handling, cigarette butts being toxic waste with a very high nicotine content.

[0115] Thus, the present invention provides an ashtray allowing smokers and operators responsible for collecting cigarette butts to recover a plurality of ashes and cigarette butts and transport them without damaging the environment and limiting as much as possible their exposure to the toxic particles generated.

[0116] It should be noted that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but that in no case does this description have any limiting character with respect to the subject matter of the invention; the scope of the protection being represented by the claims which follow.

[0117] It should also be noted that the reference signs placed in parentheses in the following claims are in no way limiting; these signs have the sole purpose of improving the intelligibility and understanding of the following claims as well as the scope of the protection sought.

Claims

1. Ashtray (100) for flammable objects such as cigarette butts, comprising a hollow stepped structure with a first so-called upper compartment (10) and a second so-called lower compartment (20) arranged under the upper compartment (10), wherein said upper compartment (10) includes a hopper (11) in its interior, having at the bottom (11a) an operable hatch (12), the actuation of which allows the passage of a storage configuration (C1) in which the trapdoor (12) is closed for the storage of cigarette butts in a storage volume defined by the inner wall (11b) of said hopper (11) towards an emptying configuration (C2) of said hopper (11) in which said trapdoor (12) is open for the gravitational discharge of cigarette butts through said open trapdoor (12) open hatch (12), in which said lower compartment (20) is configured to receive a container for collecting cigarette butts, which is positioned under said hatch (12) of the hopper (11) so that it can be filled with said butts when said hatch (12) is opened in the emptying configuration (C2), characterized in that it also includes an electronic module (30) for monitoring the filling level of the hopper (11) including at least one filling level sensor (31) configured to measure a filling level of said hopper (11) and transmit information relating to said measured filling level to a central processing unit (32) which is configured to process said information by comparing it with a predetermined threshold filling level filling level reaches the predetermined threshold filling level, said central processing unit (32) being configured to generate and transmit a filling signal to a remote central server (SC) via communication means (33) when, following said comparison, the filling level reaches the predetermined threshold filling level.

2. Ashtray (100) according to claim 1, in which the internal wall (11b) and / or the base (11a) are made at least partially of a fireproof material.

3. Ashtray (100) according to claim 1 or 2, which includes means (13) for displaying the fill level of the said hopper (11).

4. Ashtray (100) according to claim 3, in which the display means (13) comprise at least one viewing window (13a) provided on the upper compartment (10) and configured to display the storage volume of the hopper (11).

5. Ashtray (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said at least one sensor of the filling level (31) of the hopper (11) is configured to measure the filling level of the said hopper (11) periodically, for example every hour or every day.

6. Ashtray (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said at least one fill level sensor (31) is a scale configured to measure a total mass of cigarette butts stored in said hopper (11).

7. Ashtray (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said upper compartment (10) includes on its peripheral edge at least one opening (14) sized for the passage of a cigarette butt, said at least one opening opening into the hopper (11) for the introduction of cigarette butts from outside the ashtray into the hopper.

8. Ashtray (100) according to claim 7, in which said at least one fill level sensor (31) is a counter positioned at said at least one opening (14) and configured to count the number of cigarette butts passing through said opening (14).

9. Ashtray (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one fill level sensor (31) is an infrared camera directed toward the storage volume to capture an image including said cigarette butts stored in the hopper (11).

10. Ashtray (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said electronic module (30) includes geolocation means (34) configured to transmit geolocation information of said ashtray (100) to said central server (CS) via said communication means (33) concomitantly with the transmission of the fill signal.

11. Ashtray (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said electronic module (30) is powered by electrical power supply means comprising at least one solar panel integrating photovoltaic cells.

12. Ashtray (100) according to claim 11, in which the at least one solar panel at least partially covers the upper part (10a) of the upper compartment (10).

13. Ashtray (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said lower compartment (20) includes a door (21) whose opening allows access to the hatch (12) under the hopper (11) and to the collection container.

14. Ashtray (100) according to claim 13, in which the door (21) is secured by locking / unlocking means (22) that can be operated by a key such as a triangular key or equivalent.

15. Ashtray (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said lower compartment (20) comprises means (23) for holding the collection container in position under the hopper (11).