Pocket with a deposit system for recovering recyclable materials produced by smokers

Abstract

A deposit-return pouch for the recovery of recyclable materials produced by smokers. The current system of random collection of recyclable materials produced by smokers presents problems; the invention of a specific container combined with a deposit-return system should be able to solve most of this problem. This deposit-return pouch, distributed to smokers when purchasing cigarettes at tobacconists or from vending machines, includes: a compartment for the new pack of cigarettes, a system for extinguishing cigarette butts, and a compartment for used filters. When returning to purchase new cigarettes, the smoker will bring back the deposit-return pouch with filters and the now-empty pack; in exchange, they will receive a new pouch.This deposit system allows for a more quantitative and rapid recovery of several recyclable materials (cardboard, aluminized paper, cellophane sheets, and filters). The device according to the invention is particularly designed to make the recovery of materials from cigarette consumption more efficient.

Description

Title of the invention: Pouch with deposit method for the recovery of recyclable materials produced by smokers

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for the recovery of recyclable materials resulting from the consumption of cigarettes by smokers.

[0002] Previously, the quantity of recyclable materials produced daily by smokers was enormous; only a tiny part was recovered by a random system, the other very quantitative part generally ended up in household waste, hence the problem posed.

[0003] The answer to this recovery problem is to intervene technically with suitable equipment to which a process must be associated to manage the use of this equipment.

[0004] The device according to the invention, characterized by the association of a process managing the use of equipment, is based on an environmental policy directive of the European Union 2004 / 35 / EC of which the PPP (Polluter Pays Principle) is one of the fundamental principles.

[0005] The device according to the invention comprises a pocket-shaped container with which a deposit method is associated. This deposit method provides continuity in the path of recyclable materials towards their transformation.

[0006] The responsibility for returning the deposited bags will rest with the smoker. These will have a monetary value which can be requested or returned to the smoker.

[0007] The device according to the invention comprises a lightweight pocket-shaped container capable of permanently containing the packet of cigarettes and all the used filters. When the packet is emptied of its cigarettes, the empty packet remains in the pocket as well as the filters.

[0008] As a non-limiting example, the pouch presented is suitable for the most widely marketed pack model with a capacity of 20 cigarettes; for larger capacities, only the dimensions of the pouch vary, the principle of functionality remains identical to the characterizations of the invention.

[0009] The device according to the invention, characterized by a pocket of classic cigarette packaging shape, has 2 distribution possibilities, either by the most developed currently which are tobacconists, or for the future as envisaged by the European Union, by automatic distributors.

[0010] For automatic distributors, the pocket having practically no excess thickness around the cigarette packet means that the assembly can be placed directly in the mechanisms of the devices without any modification to them.

[0011] For the return of deposits, an additional mechanism is currently under study, it will be attached to the automatic distributor.

[0012] This pocket has at one of its ends an opening through which it is possible to insert a packet of cigarettes.

[0013] By introducing this packet, a space large enough to insert the cigarette filters after they have been consumed will be formed between the base of the packet and the bottom of the pocket. An orifice is cut out on one side of the pocket to insert the used filters. This orifice will be open or closed depending on whether the packet containing the cigarettes is slid into the pocket.

[0014] On one of the lateral sides of the pocket is placed a scraping system to proceed with the extinction and separation of the part of burning tobacco from the filter.

[0015] To avoid dirt from scraping, a flap protects the scraper.

[0016] At the opening of the pocket, a notch is made on the 2 lateral sides to facilitate the gripping of short packages.

[0017] The blank spaces on the sides and top face are reserved for sponsorship to finance the manufacture of the pockets.

[0018] The underside is intended to receive the mandatory acronyms and information.

[0019] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention.

[0020] [Fig. 1] represents the functionality of the device.

[0021] [Fig.2] shows the pre-cut pocket cardboard before folding.

[0022] With reference to these drawings, the device comprises a pocket-shaped container (1) made of a single piece of cardboard [Fig.2] of low thickness which, once folded and glued, corresponds to the dimensions adopted by many brands of cigarette packets. The material making up this pocket (1) may be different depending on the manufacturers' desire to use new materials in compliance with current standards.

[0023] This pocket (1) has an opening (3) allowing the passage of a packet of cigarettes (2) which can be slid inside the pocket (1); to facilitate this maneuver a notch is cut on the lateral sides (9) and (10) of the pocket (1). By sliding the packet (2) a space (4) of variable capacity is formed between the base of this packet (2) and the bottom of the pocket (1) which will be used to put the used filters (6) of the consumed cigarettes. To put the filters (6) in this space (4) an orifice (5) is cut in the front face of the pocket (1) this orifice (5) can be opened or closed by simply sliding the packet (2) into the pocket (1).

[0024] Before introducing the filters (6) in the form of cigarette butts with a burning part through the orifice (5), it will be necessary to extinguish this part on the scraper (7) located on one of the sides of the pocket (1).

[0025] This scraper, depending on the embodiments, can be obtained by applying glue with sprinkling of fine sand or by gluing any support of abrasive material.

[0026] In order to avoid soiling which may result from scratching, a protective flap (8) is pre-cut on a part of the cardboard making up the pocket (1).

[0027] The device according to the invention, characterized by a method of consigning ephemeral material to be financed by sponsorship, the blank locations on the sides and the top face (11) will be reserved for this use and must not have any link in favor of prohibited advertising.

[0028] The device according to the invention is particularly intended to facilitate and guarantee greater recovery of recyclable materials.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for recovering recyclable materials produced by smokers, characterized in that it comprises a pocket-shaped container (1) having an opening (3) into which a packet of cigarettes (2) will be introduced and also has an orifice (5) for the introduction of used filters (6) from smoked cigarettes.

2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the pocket (1) has on one of its ends, an opening (3) through which a packet (2) of cigarettes will be introduced which can be slid inside this pocket (1).

3. Device according to claim 1 and claim 2 characterized in that the sliding of the cigarette packet (2) in the pocket (1) providing an empty space (4) between the base of the packet (2) and the bottom of the pocket (1) is here used to put the used filters (6) there.

4. Device according to the preceding claims, characterized in that an orifice (5) is cut out on one of the faces of the pocket (1) at the level of the empty space (4). This orifice (5) is designed for the introduction of used filters (6) into the space (4).

5. Device according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding of the packet (2) of cigarettes into the pocket (1) will produce at the orifice (5), either an opening for introducing the used filters (6), or a closing of this same orifice (5) preventing the filters (6) from falling outside the pocket (1).

6. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the pocket (1) is provided on one of its lateral sides with an abrasive part (7) made to separate the burning tobacco from the used filter (6).

7. Device according to claim 1 and claim 6 characterized in that the pocket (1) comprises a flap (8) for protecting the abrasive part (7) to avoid possible soiling which may occur with traces of extinguishing the tobacco.

8. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the pocket (1) has on each of its lateral sides, at the level of the opening (3) a notch (9) and (10) to facilitate the gripping of packets of cigarettes of small lengths.

9. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the blank-looking surfaces (11) are intended for sponsorship financing the

10. manufacturing of the pockets. The surface of the underside of the pocket (1) is intended for regulatory display. Device according to all of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a deposit method is associated with the pocket (1) in order to be able to apply Directive 2004 / 35 / EC on environmental policy with the PPP.

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