urban ashtray for collecting cigarette butts including fixing means adaptable to all types of posts.

Abstract

The present invention relates to an urban ashtray (100) fixed to a post (P), said ashtray (100) comprising a main body (10) having a rear face (10a) provided with fastening means (30) comprising: - a fastening flange (31) having a substantially U-shaped cross-section adapted to enclose a portion of said post (P); and - a removable intermediate wedge (35) intended to be positioned in the space between the fastening flange (31) and the rear face (10a) of the main body (10), said wedge (35) being in the form of a rigid plate comprising a notch (36) whose shape is complementary to that of said post (P), the arms (34) of said U each being provided with a slot (37) into which a lateral portion (35a) of said wedge (35) is inserted and abuts against the fastening tab (33). [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: urban ashtray for the collection of cigarette butts comprising fixing means adaptable to all types of posts. technical field

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

[0002] The object of the present invention relates more particularly to an urban ashtray intended for collective use and enabling the collection of cigarette butts or equivalents in an urban environment to promote the recovery of these butts and send them to industrial channels specializing in the depollution and recycling of these butts.

[0003] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an ashtray that adapts to all types of posts, particularly along the route of pedestrian smokers in the city.

[0004] One of the other objectives of the present invention is to offer an ashtray which integrates into the urban environment without the addition of a support fixed to the ground and which occupies a minimum of space, thus respecting the space of PMR (Person with Reduced Mobility).

[0005] The object of the present invention thus finds many advantageous applications by addressing communities (town halls, agglomerations, agglomeration communities, large metropolises, etc.) which seek to set up in urban spaces a network of possibly connected ashtrays of an ecological and environmental nature.

[0006] Obviously, it is understood that the object of the present invention also finds many other advantageous applications by addressing all entities such as administration, company, restaurant, cafe or others which are concerned about the environment and public space and which seek to install collective ashtrays for their employees and / or customers.

[0007] The term ashtray means in the entirety of the following description all types of devices suitable for containing and / or storing objects such as flammable / incandescent objects such as cigarette butts or equivalents. Previous art

[0008] Cigarette butts from smoked cigarettes are classified as hazardous waste under the properties HP6 (acute toxicity) by calculation and HP14 (ecotoxicity) by ecotoxicity tests.

[0009] It is known that the concentration of nicotine in the butt of consumed cigarettes represents the main element at the origin of this classification.

[0010] In addition to this toxicity, cigarette butts represent one of the most important types of waste in the world, with more than 4,300 billion cigarette butts thrown into nature each year; this represents, for example, almost 40% of the waste present in the oceans.

[0011] It should be noted here that a cigarette butt decomposes in nature after about 15 years; during this period, the cigarette butt pollutes up to 500 litres of water on its own.

[0012] For these reasons, the recycling of cigarette butts has become a real ecological and environmental issue.

[0013] However, despite this proven toxicity and alarming figures, the Applicant notes that very few resources have been deployed so far for the implementation of cigarette butt recycling, for technical, financial and / or ecological / environmental reasons.

[0014] Today, the Applicant has developed a technology for depolluting cigarette butts by bringing the fibers from the cigarette butts into contact with a dense fluid under pressure, preferably a fluid in a supercritical state (also called a supercritical fluid).

[0015] Such a supercritical fluid pollution control technology is described in document W02021 / 079050A1.

[0016] Bringing a supercritical fluid into contact under specific conditions with the fibers of cigarette butts to be depolluted makes it possible to extract from these fibers a very large majority of the toxic substances (mainly nicotine) and odors accumulated in cigarette filters.

[0017] Such extraction of toxic substances and odors accumulated in cigarette filters by a supercritical fluid technology allows reliable and efficient depollution of the fibers; after such depollution, these fibers become clean and are suitable for reuse for new materials and / or other applications.

[0018] Such a supercritical fluid pollution control technology is also environmentally friendly.

[0019] Its performance (efficiency, respect for the environment, cost) makes it possible to consider the development of a genuine industrial recycling sector for cigarette butts, allowing the recovery of depolluted fibers.

[0020] Such depolluted fibers are indeed 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.

[0021] Such decontaminated fibres can be used for example for the manufacture of clothing.

[0022] If the pollution control technology exists, the Applicant is currently facing a A real difficulty arises in collecting the raw material, namely cigarette butts.

[0023] The Applicant submits that the ashtrays known from the prior art do not currently allow for the optimization of cigarette butt collection, which represents a hindrance to this sector.

[0024] Communities that are concerned about the environment and that seek to set up urban ashtray networks such as those known from the prior art often encounter real difficulties in the effectiveness of the system.

[0025] The Applicant submits that prior art solutions in this field focus mainly on issues related to the cleanliness of sidewalks.

[0026] However, we know from document WO 2023 / 012412 Al belonging to the Applicant an urban ashtray adapted to the handling of operators taking into account the level of toxicity of cigarette butts (classification HP6 / HP 14).

[0027] The ashtray proposed in document WO 2023 / 012412 Al has for this purpose a hollow, tiered structure with an upper compartment equipped with a hopper and a hatch, the actuation of which allows the passage from a storage configuration to a hopper emptying configuration in which the hatch is open for gravity discharge of cigarette butts into the lower compartment.

[0028] Such a multi-compartment ashtray remains cumbersome to deploy on an urban network.

[0029] It is expensive and has a larger footprint.

[0030] Therefore, despite the advantages offered, the installation of such ashtrays is not widespread in the city routes of smokers.

[0031] The Applicant submits that none of the prior art solutions are fully satisfactory. Summary of the invention

[0032] The present invention aims to improve the situation described above.

[0033] The present invention is more particularly aimed at remedying at least one of the Addressing the various drawbacks mentioned above, we offer an easy-to-install urban ashtray that can be attached to all types of existing supports in the urban environment (signposts, lampposts, utility poles, etc.) and facilitates handling by operators and the collection of cigarette butts.

[0034] The present invention also aims to provide an ashtray that is more flexible for technical teams who can dismantle it, move it and reassemble it according to needs and activities (festival, parties etc...).

[0035] The object of the present invention relates to an urban ashtray intended to be fixed on a post of the type having a cross-section of any shape.

[0036] It is understood here that one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a Ashtray solution adaptable to all types of uprights.

[0037] Advantageously, the ashtray according to the present invention comprises a main body serving as a support for a container configured to hold cigarette butts.

[0038] Advantageously, the main body includes a rear face.

[0039] Advantageously, the main body comprises a front face.

[0040] Advantageously, the rear face of the main body is provided with fastening means configured to securely attach the ashtray to the upright.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the assembly means comprise:

[0042] - at least one fixing flange; and

[0043] - a removable intermediate wedge.

[0044] Advantageously, at least one of the fixing flanges has a substantially U-shaped cross-section suitable for encircling a portion of said upright. It is therefore understood here that the U partially surrounds said upright.

[0045] Advantageously, the ends of the U are extended by fixing tabs which attach to the rear face of the main body.

[0046] Advantageously, the wedge is intended to be positioned in the space between the fixing flange and the rear face of the main body, said wedge being in the form of a rigid plate comprising a notch whose shape is complementary to that of said upright.

[0047] Advantageously, the arms of the U are each provided with a slot into which a lateral portion of the wedge is inserted and butted against the fixing tab so that said intermediate wedge is firmly held in the fixing flange and conforms to the shape of said upright.

[0048] It is therefore understood here that the fixing flange includes slots made on its lateral sides and that the wedge is dimensioned in relation to the flange so that the lateral edges of the latter fit into the slots and protrude from them so as to block any vertical translation of the wedge.

[0049] Similarly, the two lateral edges of the wedge come against the two fixing tabs and the upper edge of the wedge comes against the base of the U, thus preventing any horizontal translation of said wedge.

[0050] It is thus understood that once the wedge is inserted into the flange, the notch of the wedge is positioned so that it is in contact with the upright. Thanks to the shape of the notch, the wedge adapts to the shape of the upright.

[0051] There is no longer any relative movement of the wedge with respect to the flange: The flange, by cooperating with the wedge, adapts to the shape of the upright and ensures a firm fixing between the main body of the ashtray and the upright.

[0052] Advantageously, the notch is rectangular or circular in shape.

[0053] Advantageously, the notch has several dimensions.

[0054] A set of shims with notches of various shapes and sizes can thus be used to adapt to different existing uprights. Simply replace the shim according to the shape and dimensions of the upright and slide it into the notch of the fixing bracket.

[0055] Advantageously, the base of the U includes at least one opening for the passage of a screw-type fixing element for screwing the flange onto the upright.

[0056] Once the fixing flange and the wedge are clamping the upright, it is possible for the operator to fix the ashtray to the upright by screwing it in.

[0057] Advantageously, the rear face of the main body has a longitudinal recess which extends vertically to receive a portion of the upright when the main body is fixed to the upright.

[0058] The presence of this recess drastically reduces the ashtray's footprint when it is mounted on a post. Indeed, the ashtray's footprint must be minimized so as not to obstruct the surrounding space, particularly for people with reduced mobility (PRM) using wheelchairs on the sidewalk. It is clear that such ashtrays are intended for installation on sidewalks, and it is important that they do not obstruct pedestrians and PRM, thus occupying minimal space on the sidewalk.

[0059] The post therefore fits into the recess and comes as close as possible to the ashtray, which reduces its size.

[0060] It is even possible with such a recess to fix two ashtrays on the same post; this can prove useful for a festival for example.

[0061] It should be noted here that the presence of this recess allows the bulk of the upright to be absorbed.

[0062] Advantageously, the container has an opening on its side wall for the insertion of cigarette butts. Such an opening is sized at least to allow the passage of one cigarette butt.

[0063] It is therefore understood that it can have a circular shape with a diameter greater than the diameter of a cigarette butt. Obviously, other equivalent shapes and dimensions adapted for the passage of a cigarette butt can be considered.

[0064] The fixing flange has fixing slots so that it can also be fixed to walls or flat vertical supports.

[0065] Advantageously, the container includes, in the immediate vicinity of said opening, a cigarette butt scraping area. "Immediate proximity" here means that the scraping area is adjacent to the opening or that the opening is so close to said opening that the user intuitively extinguishes their cigarette butt. extinguish the cigarette butt before inserting it into the opening.

[0066] Advantageously, the container includes a drain opening in the upper part, said drain opening being covered by a closing cap capable of having a locked position in which the closing cap covers the drain opening and an unlocked position in which the drain opening is released from said protective cap.

[0067] In an advantageous embodiment, the container is mounted via a pivot joint on a lower part of the main body so as to allow the container to tilt forward relative to the main body when the closing cap is unlocked. This tilting then allows the cigarette butts to be emptied by gravity from the container through the discharge opening.

[0068] By simply unlocking the protective cover, the operator can, in a single movement, activate the tilting of the container and empty it.

[0069] Advantageously, the main body includes arms in its lower part that are offset forward. Preferably, the container is mounted on these arms so as to facilitate the forward tilting of the container relative to the main body.

[0070] The presence of these arms allows the pivot axis of the ashtray to be offset, which promotes tilting forward.

[0071] Advantageously, the closing hood in the locked position has an inclined slope to promote rain runoff.

[0072] Such a slope prevents any stagnation of rainwater which would promote the degradation of the ash container.

[0073] Advantageously, the closing hood includes locking / unlocking means for locking / unlocking the closing hood using a key or a tool of the type for example tricoise or equivalent.

[0074] Preferably, the locking / unlocking means include an electromagnet suitable for securing the closure of the door, such an electromagnet being able to be operated remotely with a communication terminal.

[0075] Advantageously, the inner wall and / or the bottom of the container are made at least partially of a fire-resistant material.

[0076] The use of a fire-resistant material allows for the safe storage of cigarette butts without risk of fire.

[0077] This may be a material such as stainless steel, aluminum or other types of steel.

[0078] Obviously, it is understood here that all other types of material having fire resistance and thermal insulation properties similar to those of aluminium or steel can be used.

[0079] Such a container may also include inside a bag whose walls internals include a layer of a fire-retardant material.

[0080] The Applicant further observes that service companies and municipal (or other) agents responsible for the maintenance and management of ashtray networks are required to make their rounds periodically, which can prove fruitless: often, their rounds are not optimized because some ashtrays are empty while others are full, or even overflowing. The carbon footprint associated with this collection is therefore very high, which may discourage some stakeholders from this approach, which is fundamentally ecological and environmentally friendly.

[0081] To overcome this problem, the ashtray according to the present invention may include an electronic module for monitoring the fill level of the container.

[0082] In an advantageous embodiment, this module includes at least one fill level sensor configured to measure a fill level of said container and transmit information relating to the measured fill level to a central processing unit which is configured to process this information by comparing it to a predetermined threshold fill level.

[0083] Preferably, the central processing unit is configured to, when following the comparison the fill level reaches the predetermined threshold fill level, generate and transmit a fill signal to a remote central server via communication means.

[0084] In one embodiment, at least one container fill level sensor is configured to measure the container fill level periodically, for example every hour or every day.

[0085] Advantageously, at least one fill level sensor is a scale configured to measure a total mass of cigarette butts stored in the container.

[0086] Advantageously, the at least fill level sensor is a laser sensor capable of performing a telemetric distance measurement and configured to perform a measurement of the fill level of the container.

[0087] In this mode, it is possible to consider, for example, that at least one sensor of the fill level is a counter positioned at the level of the opening and configured to count the number of cigarette butts passing through this opening.

[0088] Advantageously, at least one fill level sensor is an infrared camera directed towards the storage volume to capture an image including the cigarette butts stored in the container.

[0089] Advantageously, the electronic module includes geolocation means configured to transmit to the central server via communication means geolocation information of the ashtray concomitantly with the transmission of the filling signal.

[0090] Advantageously, the electronic module is powered by the power supply means electrical including at least one solar panel incorporating photovoltaic cells.

[0091] Such means may incorporate one or more long-life type batteries.

[0092] Preferably, at least one solar panel covers at least partially the upper part of the ashtray.

[0093] Power can also be supplied from the electrical network.

[0094] Thus, by the various functional and structural technical characteristics above, the Applicant proposes an ashtray which adapts to the urban environment by having a minimum of bulk and by attaching to all types of posts, said ashtray according to the present invention being further adapted to facilitate the handling of operators in charge of collecting cigarette butts. Brief description of the figures

[0095] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description below with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 5 illustrating two embodiments which are not limiting in any way and on which:

[0096] [Fig.1]

[0097] Fig. 1 represents a schematic perspective view of an example of an embodiment of an ashtray according to an example of the present invention;

[0098] [Fig.2]

[0099] Fig. 2 represents a schematic top view of an ashtray conforming to Fig. 1;

[0100] [Fig.3]

[0101] Fig. 3 represents a rear perspective view of an example of an ashtray with its protective cover open;

[0102] [Fig.4]

[0103] Fig. 4 represents a rear perspective view of an example of an ashtray whose protective cover is open and which is turned upside down for emptying its contents by gravity discharge;

[0104] [Fig.5]

[0105] Fig. 5 represents a front perspective view of an example of an ashtray with the protective cover closed;

[0106] [Fig.6]

[0107] Fig. 6 represents a front perspective view of an example of an ashtray with the protective cover open;

[0108] [Fig.7]

[0109] Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of an example of an embodiment of an ashtray that is turned upside down for emptying its contents by tipping. gravity; and

[0110] [Fig.8]

[0111] Fig. 8 represents a schematic view of an example embodiment of an electronic module for monitoring the fill level of the hopper of an ash container.

[0112] Detailed description of an embodiment

[0113] The present invention will now be described in the following with joint reference to Figures 1 to 8 annexed to the description.

[0114] As mentioned in the preamble, the valorization of cigarette butts is a problem for which there are currently few effective solutions.

[0115] On the other hand, the Applicant now holds an effective technology for decontaminating cigarette butt fibers by applying a supercritical fluid.

[0116] The implementation of such a technology covered in particular by document WO2021 / 079050Al makes it possible to consider the development of a real sector for the recovery of depolluted fibers by allowing the use of these fibers to design in particular thermal and / or acoustic insulation, filters, biodegradable plastic objects with commercial outlets in the field of building, textiles and any other field requiring an insulating fiber.

[0117] To achieve this, it is necessary to improve the devices for collecting cigarette butts.

[0118] Herein, the term "cigarette butt" refers to the remains of a cigarette after it has been smoked. Such a butt is considered toxic waste due to the presence of a large quantity of nicotine. Obviously, the term "cigarette butt" should be understood to mean any type of cigarette, whether or not it has a filter.

[0119] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a solution for the storage and collection of cigarette butts taking into account the associated health, safety and environmental risks.

[0120] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an urban ashtray solution that integrates into the environment by attaching to all types of posts regardless of their dimensions or shape.

[0121] The present invention makes it possible to achieve the various objectives mentioned above by the design of an ashtray 100 such as that illustrated in particular in figures 1 to 7, which is presented in the form of a true piece of street furniture which can be installed anywhere in the public space by attaching itself to existing posts such as for example a signpost or a lamppost.

[0122] In the example described here and illustrated in particular in [Fig. 1], the ashtray 100 is fixed on a post-type upright P having a circular cross-section.

[0123] This is one example among many possible ones. A person skilled in the art will understand from the description that it is possible to consider fixing it to a post presenting a rectangular cross-section.

[0124] Obviously, a person skilled in the art will also understand that the system can be adapted to all pole dimensions.

[0125] In the example described here, the ashtray 100 conventionally comprises a main body 10 serving as a support for a container 20 configured to hold cigarette butts.

[0126] The main body 10 thus has a front face 10b against which the container 20 is placed, and a rear face 10a which will be attached to the post P.

[0127] In this example, the container 20 includes a storage hopper (not shown here) which has a bottom and an internal wall which follows the internal contour of the container.

[0128] In this example, the inner wall and the bottom are made at least partially of stainless steel or aluminum, which gives it fire-resistant properties allowing the hopper to contain flammable objects without risk of fire.

[0129] The hopper is thus configured to store cigarette butts permanently.

[0130] Obviously, it is understood here that the hopper can be integrated directly into the container 20.

[0131] In this example, smokers can thus insert their spent cigarette butts into the opening 21 which is provided on the front part of the side wall 20a of the container

[0132] In this example, a scraping area 22 is also provided on this side wall 20a in the immediate vicinity of the opening 21, allowing users to scrape their cigarette butts before inserting them into the container 20.

[0133] In this example, the opening 21 is sized for the passage of a cigarette butt.

[0134] It is also conceivable that smokers could empty all their cigarette butts stored at home into ashtray 100, thus providing a voluntary collection point. In this case, ashtray 100 includes another, larger opening (not shown here), for example, another hatch leading into the hopper's storage volume.

[0135] Fixing the ashtray to any type of post P is one of the objectives of the present invention.

[0136] For this purpose, fixing means 30 are provided on the rear face 10a of the main body 10, which are adapted to fix the ashtray 100 securely to the upright P. In the example described here and as illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the fastening means 30 comprise a set of two fastening flanges 31 each capable of cooperating with a wedge 35.

[0137] The flange 31 and the wedge 35 are characteristic of the present invention.

[0138] In the example described here and as illustrated in [Fig.2], the fixing flange 31 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section whose ends 32 are extended by fixing tabs 33.

[0139] In the example described here, the fixing plates 33 have holes allowing the fixing flange 31 to be fixed by screwing onto the rear face 10a of the main body.

[0140] In the example described here, the shim 35 is in the form of a rigid metal plate which will be positioned in the space between the fixing flange 31 and the face rear 10a of the main body 10.

[0141] The flange 31 and the wedge 35 are capable of cooperating together.

[0142] For this purpose, the wedge 35 is machined to present a notch 36 whose shape is complementary to that of post P.

[0143] In this example, the notch 36 has a circular shape sized to fit the peripheral circumference of the post P. It will be understood here that the machining of the notch 36 allows for a shape adapted to the post P; a rectangular notch shape could be considered. It should be noted here that posts P are generally standardized and always have essentially the same dimensions and shapes (circular or rectangular) depending on their function, which significantly reduces the number of possible notches.

[0144] It should also be noted here that the wedge 35 has dimensions significantly larger than the U of the flange 31.

[0145] In order to ensure cooperation between the shim 35 and the flange 31, slots 37 are provided to be made on the arms of the U of the flange 31. These slots 37 are dimensioned to receive the shim 35. Taking into account the larger dimensions of the shim 35, a lateral portion 35a protrudes on either side of the flange to butt against the fixing tab 33.

[0146] Thus, there are fastening means 30 composed of two metal parts that cooperate by inserting one into the other. The operator in charge of installing the ashtray 100 on a post P will therefore choose the wedge 25 adapted to the post P on which he decides to fix the ashtray 100.

[0147] He then slides the selected wedge 35 into the slots 37 provided on the arms of the U of the flange 35. These slots 37 have a dimension slightly greater than the thickness of the wedge 35.

[0148] It will be noted that these slots extend over the entire height of the arms of the U so that the upper part of the wedge 35 comes to rest against the base of the U and the lateral portions 35a of the wedge 35 protrude from said slots 37 and come to rest against the fixing tabs 33. Once inserted into the flange 31, the wedge 35 has only one degree of freedom with respect to the flange 31. The operator then positions the wedge-clamp assembly so that the notch 36 comes into contact with the post P. It is then sufficient for the latter to fix the fixing flange 31 to the rear face 10a of the main body 10 by means of the fixing tabs 33.

[0149] The operator repeats this operation twice so as to have two points of fixation.

[0150] The latter can then adjust the height of the ashtray 100 on the post P and screw the ashtray 100 onto the post P.

[0151] There are lights 38 provided on the base of the U to carry out such screwing.

[0152] The combination of this wedge 35 comprising a notch 36 and this flange 31 including 37 slots allows for a simple-to-use fixing system that is adaptable to all types of posts.

[0153] In the example described here and as illustrated in [Fig.2], a longitudinal recess 11 is provided which extends vertically on the rear face 10a of the main body and which allows a portion of said upright P to be received when the main body 10 is fixed to said upright P.

[0154] The presence of this recess allows the container 20 to be as close as possible to the post P, which reduces the footprint of the ashtray 100 on the road.

[0155] Facilitating the handling of the operator in charge of collection is also one of the objectives of the present invention.

[0156] Given the toxicity of cigarette butts, it is important to limit contact.

[0157] In the example described here and illustrated in Figures 3 to 7, the container 20 comprises a drain opening 23 in upper part 20b.

[0158] In this example, the opening 23 is covered by a closing cover 24.

[0159] Such a hood 24 mounted in pivot connection on the container 20 so as to allow passage from a locked position PI (for example [Fig.5]) in which the closing hood 24 covers the discharge opening 23 and an unlocked position P2 (for example Fig.6) in which the discharge opening 23 is released from the closing hood 24.

[0160] In this example, the closing hood 24 in the locked position PI has a slope of inclination 24a to promote rain runoff.

[0161] In this example, the main body 10 includes in its lower part 10c arms offset 12 towards the front on which the container 20 is mounted according to a pivot joint so as to allow a forward tilting of said container 20 relative to the main body 10.

[0162] This switching is automated by providing locking / unlocking means 25 of the type for example tricoise which ensures locking / unlocking of the closing cover 24.

[0163] Thus, by releasing the opening 23 of the protective cover 24, the container 20 is freed also and the pivot axis offset to the front ensures an automatic tilting of the container 20 forward as illustrated in figures 3-4 and 6-7.

[0164] This forward tilting ensured by the pivot connection of the container on the arms offset in the lower part of the main body 10 is triggered by the opening of the closing hood 24 using the tricoise.

[0165] With the opening 23 of the container 20 released following unlocking, the tilting ensures a gravity discharge of the cigarette butts.

[0166] Thus, it is understood that the configuration of the ash 100 proposed here provides a solution allowing the operator to empty the ash by simply operating the tricoise.

[0167] It is desirable to be able to organize collections.

[0168] When the storage hopper of container 20 is full, two methods are possible to detect it.

[0169] A visual approach through the holes of the scraper and an automatic approach.

[0170] In this example, both methods are implemented.

[0171] According to a first, so-called visual method, the container 20 includes visualization means (not shown here) around its periphery for viewing the level of cigarette butts stored in the hopper. These means may, for example, consist of one or more windows serving as a gauge to visualize the fill level. Such visualization also helps to raise awareness among the user / smoker. For example, the volume of cigarette butts collected, along with possible disposal options, could be displayed on this gauge, thus encouraging the user to use the ashtray.

[0172] According to a second automated method, an electronic module 40 ([Fig.8]) is to be integrated, which is configured for automated monitoring of the hopper filling level.

[0173] For this purpose, the module 40 includes at least one IoT (Internet Of Things) type sensor 41 configured to measure a hopper fill level.

[0174] In this example, the sensor 41 is therefore configured to measure a physical quantity relating to a hopper filling level.

[0175] Such a sensor 41 may, for example, take 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 pointed towards the storage volume, to capture an image including the cigarette butts stored in the hopper; and / or - a laser rangefinder capable of measuring a filling distance (level) - a counter; and / or - Light sensors with different thresholds. These sensors are covered and activated by the filling of cigarette butts, reducing the brightness; and / or - contact sensors positioned at defined intervals; and / or - an optical sensor; and / or - an ultrasonic sensor positioned on the top of the tank allowing calculation of spacing and fill rate.

[0176] In this example, the sensor 41 therefore makes a measurement relating to the filling level of the hopper, preferably periodically (for example every 2 or 3 hours).

[0177] This information is recorded on storage means (not shown here) and then transmitted to the central processing unit 42 which processes this information.

[0178] In this example, the storage means may take the form, for example, of 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 other.

[0179] The central unit 42 can take the form of an integrated circuit, a processor, an electronic chip, a CPU or any equivalent module capable of integrating embedded intelligence (such as an Arduino (registered trademark) or Raspberry (registered trademark) board).

[0180] In this example, the central unit 42 compares the information relating to the measured fill level with a predetermined threshold fill level. This could be, for example, the number of cigarette butts, the total mass of cigarette butts, a change in distance, etc.

[0181] The central unit 42 therefore compares a measured physical quantity representative of the actual filling level with a determined value representative of a determined threshold filling level.

[0182] If this comparison leads to a result allowing us to deduce that the hopper is full or almost full, the central unit 42 then generates a filling signal which is transmitted via communication means 43 (integrated SIM card, LPWAN and WAN type network, or module defined for Arduino and Raspberry card type RJ45 network or ENC2 chip, LOT network. to a central server SC which is remote.

[0183] The fill signal is sent together with information relating to the geographical position of the ashtray 100 which is provided by geolocation means 44 of GPS for example.

[0184] The central SC server can therefore collect in real time the fill information of a network of 100 ashtrays dispersed throughout a city or a determined urban area and can then generate a route map for the operator who is in charge of collecting the cigarette butts.

[0185] In this example, the operator receives a route map showing the various ashtrays that are full or nearly full and require collection. At the same time, they receive information on the quantity of cigarette butts collected, as well as the benefits of the action (water saved, CO2 emissions avoided, etc.).

[0186] This route map can for example be transmitted directly to the operator's communication terminal T, for example a "Smartphone".

[0187] The ashtray 100 can also be equipped with a gyroscope or vibration sensor (not shown here) to detect any attempt to vandalize the ashtray and thus alert the operator in real time on their terminal T that an attempt at vandalism or theft of the ashtray has occurred. It should be noted that, in order to use environmentally friendly technologies (zero carbon emissions), this example provides for equipping the upper part of the container 20 with at least one solar panel incorporating photovoltaic cells.

[0188] It is therefore understood here that the operator is notified 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.

[0189] Once on site, the operator equipped with the tri-type key activates the locking / unlocking means to open the closing hood and tilt the ash 100 for emptying.

[0190] 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 the ashtrays that are full or almost full.

[0191] This avoids and makes it possible to remedy the observed disadvantages of the prior art, the solutions so far having the disadvantage either of an overflow of the ashtray with soil pollution, or an empty passage resulting in a significant CO2 footprint for transport.

[0192] The present invention also offers a practical and intuitive ashtray which constitutes a true piece of furniture by discreetly adapting to the urban environment.

[0193] The ashtray according to the present invention also makes it possible to secure storage in a fireproof environment to prevent fires and collection by facilitating handling by the operator, cigarette butts being toxic waste with a very high presence of nicotine.

[0194] Finally, the ashtray according to the present invention adapts to all types of posts and occupies a minimum of space in the urban environment.

[0195] Thus, the present invention provides an ashtray enabling both smokers and operators responsible for collecting cigarette butts to recover a plurality of ashes and cigarette butts and transporting them without damaging the environment and limiting as much as possible one's exposure to the toxic particles generated.

[0196] It should be noted that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but in no way does this description limit the scope of the invention; on the contrary, its purpose is to remove any possible inaccuracy or misinterpretation of the following claims.

[0197] Thus, the cigarette butt ashtray-type container can be replaced by another type of container, such as a trash can. In this case, a trash can incorporating the features described herein within the scope of the present invention can be provided. This will result in a trash can that can be attached to all types of urban street supports using a wedge and clamp system as described above.

[0198] It should also be noted that the reference symbols placed in parentheses in the following claims are in no way intended to be limiting; these symbols are solely intended to improve the intelligibility and understanding of the following claims and the scope of the protection sought.

Claims

Demands

1. Urban ashtray (100) intended to be fixed to a post (P) of the type having a cross-section of any shape, said ashtray (100) comprising a main body (10) serving as a support for a container (20) configured to contain cigarette butts, in which said main body (10) comprises a rear face (10a) provided with fastening means (30) configured to securely fix said ashtray (100) to said post (P), said ashtray (100) being characterized in that the fastening means (30) comprise: - at least one fastening flange (31) having a substantially U-shaped cross-section capable of enveloping a portion of said post (P), the ends (32) of the U being extended by fastening tabs (33) to be fixed to the rear face (10a) of the main body (10);and - a removable intermediate wedge (35) intended to be positioned in the space between the fixing flange (31) and the rear face (10a) of the main body (10), said wedge (35) being in the form of a rigid plate comprising a notch (36) whose shape is complementary to that of said upright (P), the arms (34) of said U each being provided with a slot (37) into which a lateral portion (35a) of said wedge (35) is inserted and comes to rest against the fixing tab (33) so that said intermediate wedge (35) is firmly held in the fixing flange (31) and conforms to the shape of said upright (P).;

2. Ashtray (100) according to claim 1, wherein the notch (36) is rectangular or circular in shape.

3. Ashtray (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base of the U includes at least one opening (38) for the passage of a screw-type fixing element for screwing the fixing flange (31) onto said upright (P).

4. Ashtray (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear face (10a) of said main body (10) has a longitudinal recess (11) which extends vertically to receive a portion of said upright (P) when said main body (10) is fixed to said upright (P).

5. Ashtray (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the container (20) has on its side wall (20a) an opening (21) for the introduction of said cigarette butts.

6. Ashtray (100) according to claim 5, wherein the container (20) includes a cigarette butt scraping area (22).

7. Ashtray (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (20) comprises a drainage opening (23) in the upper part (20b), said drainage opening (23) being covered by a closing cap (24) capable of having a locked position (P1) in which the closing cap (24) covers the drainage opening (23) and an unlocked position (P2) in which the drainage opening (23) is released from said closing cap (24).

8. Ashtray (100) according to claim 7, in which the container (20) is mounted in the lower part (20c) of said main body (10) by means of a pivot joint so as to permit a forward tilting of said container (20) relative to said main body (10) when the closing cover (24) is in the unlocked position (P2) for gravity discharge of cigarette butts from said container (20) via the discharge opening (23).

9. Ashtray (100) according to claim 8, wherein the main body (10) comprises in its lower part (10c) arms offset (12) towards the front and on which said container (20) is mounted so as to promote the forward tilting of said container (20) relative to the main body (10).

10. Ashtray (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the closing cover (24) in the locked position (PI) has an inclined slope (24a) to promote rain runoff.

11. Ashtray (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the closing hood (23) includes locking / unlocking means (25) for locking / unlocking said closing hood (24) using a key or a tool of the type for example a tricoise.

12. Ashtray (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an electronic module (40) for monitoring the fill level of the container (20) comprising at least one fill level sensor (41) configured to measure a fill level of the container (20) and transmit information relating to said measured fill level to a central processing unit (42) which is configured to process said in- training by comparing it to a predetermined threshold filling level, said central processing unit (42) being configured to, when following said comparison the filling level reaches the predetermined threshold filling level, generate and transmit a filling signal to a remote central server (SC) via communication means (43).

13. Ashtray (100) according to claim 12, wherein said at least one container (20) fill level sensor (41) is configured to measure the fill level of the container (20) periodically, for example every hour or every day.

14. Ashtray (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said at least one fill level sensor (41) is a scale configured to measure a total mass of cigarette butts stored in the container (20).

15. Ashtray (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 14 related at least to claim 5, wherein said at least one fill level sensor (41) is a counter positioned at said at least one opening (22) and configured to count the number of cigarette butts passing through said opening (22).

16. Ashtray (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein said at least one fill level sensor (41) is an infrared camera directed towards the storage volume to capture an image including said cigarette butts stored in the container (20).

17. Ashtray (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein said electronic module (40) comprises geolocation means (44) configured to transmit to said central server (SC) via said communication means (43) geolocation information of said ashtray (100) concomitantly with the transmission of the filling signal.

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