Urban ashtray for collecting cigarette butts, comprising attachment means that adapt to all types of poles

Abstract

The present invention relates to an urban ashtray (100) attached to an upright (P), said ashtray (100) comprising a main body (10) comprising a rear face (10a) provided with attachment means (30), comprising: - an attachment flange (31) having a substantially U-shaped section capable of wrapping around a portion of said upright (P); and - a removable intermediate shim (35) intended to be positioned in the space between the attachment flange (31) and the rear face (10a) of the main body (10), said shim (35) being in the form of a rigid plate comprising a notch (36), the shape of which is complementary to the shape of said upright (P), the arms (34) of said U each being provided with a slit (37) in which a lateral portion (35a) of said shim (35) is inserted and abuts against the attachment tab (33).

Description

[0001] Title: Urban ashtray for collecting cigarette butts including fixing means suitable for all types of posts.

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The subject of the present invention relates to the field of urban ashtrays.

[0004] 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.

[0005] One of the objectives of the present invention is to propose an ashtray which adapts to all types of posts, in particular on the path of pedestrian smokers in town.

[0006] One of the other objectives of the present invention is to propose an ashtray which fits 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 PRM (Person with Reduced Mobility).

[0007] 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 ashtrays, possibly connected, of an ecological and environmental nature.

[0008] 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.

[0009] By ashtray, we mean throughout the following description all types of devices capable of containing and / or storing objects such as flammable / incandescent objects such as cigarette butts or equivalent.

[0010] Prior art

[0011] Cigarette butts from smoked cigarettes are classified as hazardous waste under HP6 (acute toxicity) by calculation and HP14 (ecotoxicity) by ecotoxicity tests. It is known that the nicotine concentration in the butt of consumed cigarettes is the main factor behind this classification. In addition to this toxicity, cigarette butts represent one of the most significant wastes in the world with more than 4,300 billion butts thrown into nature each year; this represents, for example, nearly 40% of the waste present in the oceans.

[0012] 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.

[0013] For these reasons, recycling cigarette butts has become a real ecological and environmental issue.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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).

[0016] Such supercritical fluid decontamination technology is described in document W02021 / 079050A1.

[0017] By bringing a supercritical fluid into contact under specific conditions with the cigarette butt fibers to be decontaminated, it is possible to extract from these fibers a very large majority of the toxic substances (mainly nicotine) and odors accumulated in cigarette filters. Such extraction of toxic substances and odors accumulated in cigarette filters by supercritical fluid technology allows reliable and effective decontamination of the fibers; after such decontamination, these fibers become clean and are suitable for reuse for new materials and / or other applications.

[0018] Such supercritical fluid decontamination technology is also environmentally friendly.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] Such decontaminated fibers can be used, for example, to make clothing. While the decontamination technology exists, the Applicant is currently facing a real challenge in collecting the raw material, namely cigarette butts.

[0022] 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 barrier to this sector. 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 efficiency of the system.

[0023] The Applicant submits that the prior art solutions in this field focus mainly on problems related to the cleanliness of sidewalks.

[0024] However, document WO 2023 / 012412 Al belonging to the Applicant discloses an urban ashtray suitable for operator handling, taking into account the toxicity level of cigarette butts (HP6 / HP 14 classification).

[0025] The ashtray proposed in document WO 2023 / 012412 A1 has for this purpose a stepped hollow structure with an upper compartment provided with a hopper and a hatch, the actuation of which allows the transition from a storage configuration to a hopper emptying configuration in which the hatch is open for gravity discharge of the cigarette butts into the lower compartment.

[0026] Such a multi-compartment ashtray remains cumbersome to deploy on an urban network.

[0027] It is expensive and has a larger footprint.

[0028] Also, despite the proposed advantages, the installation of such ashtrays is not widespread in the city where smokers travel.

[0029] The Applicant submits that none of the prior art solutions are fully satisfactory.

[0030] Summary of the invention

[0031] The present invention aims to improve the situation described above.

[0032] The present invention aims more particularly to remedy at least one of the various drawbacks mentioned above by proposing an easy-to-install urban ashtray which can be fixed to all types of uprights existing in the urban environment (uprights for traffic signs, lampposts or streetlight poles, electricity poles, etc.) and which facilitates the handling of operators and the collection of cigarette butts. I

[0033] 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.). The object of the present invention relates to an urban ashtray intended to be fixed on a post-type upright having a cross-section of any shape.

[0034] It is understood here that one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an ashtray solution adaptable to all types of uprights.

[0035] Advantageously, the ashtray according to the present invention comprises a main body serving as a support for a container configured to contain cigarette butts.

[0036] Advantageously, the main body comprises a rear face.

[0037] Advantageously, the main body comprises a front face.

[0038] Advantageously, the rear face of the main body is provided with fixing means configured to securely fix the ashtray to the upright.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the assembly means comprise:

[0040] - at least one fixing flange; and

[0041] - a removable intermediate wedge.

[0042] Advantageously, the at least one fixing flange has a substantially U-shaped section capable of enveloping a portion of said upright. It is therefore understood here that the U partially surrounds said upright.

[0043] Advantageously, the ends of the U are extended by fixing lugs which are fixed to the rear face of the main body.

[0044] Advantageously, the shim is intended to be positioned in the space between the fixing flange and the rear face of the main body, said shim being in the form of a rigid plate comprising a notch whose shape is complementary to that of said upright.

[0045] Advantageously, the branches of the U are each provided with a slot into which a lateral portion of the wedge is inserted and comes into abutment against the fixing lug so that said intermediate wedge is firmly held in the fixing flange and comes to match the shape of said upright.

[0046] It is therefore understood here that the fixing flange comprises slots arranged on its lateral sides and that the wedge is dimensioned in relation to the flange so that the lateral edges of the latter are housed in the slots and protrude from them so as to block any vertical translation of the wedge. In the same way, the two lateral edges of the wedge come into abutment against the two fixing lugs and the upper edge of the wedge comes into abutment against the base of the U, thus preventing any horizontal translation of said wedge.

[0047] We thus understand that once the shim is inserted into the flange, we position the notch of the shim so that it is in contact with the upright. Thanks to the shape of the notch, the shim adapts to the shape of the upright.

[0048] There is no longer any relative movement of the wedge in relation 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.

[0049] Advantageously, the notch is rectangular or circular in shape.

[0050] Advantageously, the notch has several dimensions.

[0051] This allows you to have a set of shims with notches of shapes and sizes to adapt to the 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 flange.

[0052] Advantageously, the base of the U comprises at least one slot for the passage of a screw-type fixing element for screwing the flange onto the upright.

[0053] Once the fixing flange and the wedge are clamped around the upright, the operator can screw the ashtray to the upright.

[0054] Advantageously, the rear face of the main body includes a longitudinal recess which extends vertically to receive a portion of the upright when the main body is fixed to the upright.

[0055] The presence of this recess makes it possible to drastically reduce the size of the ashtray when it is fixed to a post. Indeed, the size of the ashtray must be reduced so as not to obstruct the space around it, particularly for people with reduced mobility (PRM) who use wheelchairs on the sidewalk. It is understood that such ashtrays are intended to be installed on sidewalks and that it is important that these ashtrays do not obstruct pedestrians and people with reduced mobility and that they therefore take up a minimum of space on the sidewalk.

[0056] The post is therefore fitted into the recess and comes as close as possible to the ashtray, which reduces its size.

[0057] It is even possible with such a recess to fix two ashtrays on the same upright; this can be useful for a festival for example. It should be noted here that the presence of this recess makes it possible to absorb the bulk of the upright.

[0058] Advantageously, the container has an opening on its side wall for the introduction of cigarette butts. Such an opening is sized at least for the passage of one cigarette butt.

[0059] It is therefore understood that it can have a circular shape with a diameter greater than the diameter of a cigarette butt. Of course, other equivalent shapes and dimensions suitable for the passage of a cigarette butt can be considered. The fixing flange has fixing slots so that it can also be fixed to walls or flat vertical supports.

[0060] Advantageously, the container comprises, in the immediate vicinity of said opening, a zone for scraping cigarette butts. Here, the expression "immediate proximity" is understood to mean that the scraping zone is juxtaposed with the opening or that the latter is close to said opening so that the user intuitively crushes his cigarette butt in order to extinguish it before inserting it into the opening.

[0061] Advantageously, the container comprises an emptying opening in the upper part, said emptying opening being covered with a closing cover capable of having a locked position in which the closing cover covers the emptying opening and an unlocked position in which the emptying opening is released from said protective cover.

[0062] In an advantageous embodiment, the container is pivotally mounted 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 cover is unlocked. Such tilting then allows the cigarette butts to be poured out of the container by gravity via the emptying opening.

[0063] By simply unlocking the protective cover, the operator can tilt the container and empty it in a single movement.

[0064] Advantageously, the main body comprises in the lower part arms offset towards the front. Preferably, the container is mounted on these arms so as to promote the forward tilting of the container relative to the main body.

[0065] The presence of these arms allows the pivot axis of the ashtray to be offset, which facilitates forward tilting.

[0066] Advantageously, the closing hood in the locked position has a slope to encourage rain runoff. Such a slope prevents any stagnation of rainwater which would promote the deterioration of the ashtray.

[0067] Advantageously, the closing hood comprises locking / unlocking means for locking / unlocking the closing hood using a key or tool such as a spanner or equivalent.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Advantageously, the internal wall and / or the bottom of the container are made at least partially of a flame-retardant material.

[0070] The use of fireproof material allows for safe storage of cigarette butts without the risk of fire.

[0071] It can be a material such as stainless steel, aluminum or other types of steel.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Such a container may also include within it a bag whose internal walls comprise a layer of a flame-retardant material.

[0074] The Applicant further observes that the service companies and municipal (or other) agents responsible for the maintenance and management of ashtray 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 stakeholders in this approach which is fundamentally ecological and environmentally friendly.

[0075] To overcome this problem, the ashtray according to the present invention may include an electronic module for monitoring the filling level of the container.

[0076] In an advantageous embodiment, this module comprises at least one filling level sensor configured to measure a filling level of said container 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.

[0077] Preferably, 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.

[0078] In one embodiment, the at least one container fill level sensor is configured to measure the container fill level periodically, for example every hour or every day.

[0079] Advantageously, the at least one fill level sensor is a scale configured to measure a total mass of cigarette butts stored in the container.

[0080] 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 container.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 container.

[0083] Advantageously, the electronic module comprises geolocation means configured to transmit to the central server via the communication means geolocation information for the ashtray at the same time as the transmission of the filling signal.

[0084] Advantageously, the electronic module is powered by electrical power supply means comprising at least one solar panel incorporating photovoltaic cells.

[0085] Such means may integrate one or more long-life batteries.

[0086] Preferably, the at least one solar panel at least partially covers the upper portion of the ashtray.

[0087] Power can also be supplied from the electrical network.

[0088] Thus, through the various functional and structural technical characteristics above, the Applicant proposes an ashtray which adapts to the urban environment by presenting a minimum of bulk and by being fixed to all types of uprights, 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

[0089] The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description below with reference to the appended figures 1 to 5 illustrating two exemplary embodiments which are devoid of any limiting character and in which:

[0090] [Fig.l]

[0091] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an ashtray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0092] [Fig.2]

[0093] Figure 2 represents a schematic top view of an ashtray according to Figure 1;

[0094] [Fig.3]

[0095] Figure 3 shows a perspective view from behind of an exemplary embodiment of an ashtray with the protective cover open;

[0096] [Fig.4]

[0097] Figure 4 represents a perspective view from behind of an exemplary embodiment of an ashtray whose protective cover is open and which is turned over for emptying its contents by gravity discharge;

[0098] [Fig.5]

[0099] Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an ashtray with a closed protective cover;

[0100] [Fig.6]

[0101] Figure 6 shows a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an ashtray with the protective cover open;

[0102] [Fig.7]

[0103] Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an ashtray which is turned upside down for emptying its contents by gravity discharge; and

[0104] [Fig.8]

[0105] Figure 8 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an electronic module for monitoring the filling level of the hopper of an ashtray.

[0106] Detailed description of an embodiment

[0107] The present invention will now be described in the following with reference to Figures 1 to 8 attached to the description.

[0108] As mentioned in the preamble, the recovery of cigarette butts is a problem for which there are currently few effective solutions. On the other hand, the Applicant currently has an effective technology for decontaminating cigarette butt fibers by applying a supercritical fluid.

[0109] The implementation of such a technology covered in particular by document W02021 / 079050A1 makes it possible to envisage the development of a real sector for the recovery of decontaminated fibres by allowing the use of these fibres 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 fibre.

[0110] To achieve this, it is necessary to improve the collection systems for cigarette butts.

[0111] 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.

[0112] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a solution for storing and collecting cigarette butts taking into consideration the associated health, safety and ecological risks.

[0113] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an urban ashtray solution that fits into the environment by attaching to all types of uprights regardless of their dimensions or shape.

[0114] 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 to 7, which is in the form of genuine street furniture which can be installed anywhere in the public space by being fixed to existing uprights such as for example a road sign post or a street lamp post.

[0115] In the example described here and illustrated in particular in FIG. 1, the ashtray 100 is fixed to an upright P of the post type having a circular cross-section.

[0116] This is one example among others. A person skilled in the art will understand from reading the description that it is possible to envisage a fixing on a post having a rectangular cross-section.

[0117] Of course, the person skilled in the art will also understand that the system can be adapted to all post dimensions.

[0118] In the example described here, the ashtray 100 conventionally comprises a main body 10 serving as a support for a container 20 configured to contain cigarette butts. 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 fixed to the post P.

[0119] In this example, the container 20 comprises a storage hopper (not shown here) which has a bottom and an internal wall which follows the internal perimeter of the container.

[0120] In this example, the inner wall and bottom are made at least partially of stainless steel or aluminum, which gives it flame-retardant properties allowing the hopper to contain flammable objects without risk of fire.

[0121] The hopper is thus configured to store cigarette butts sustainably.

[0122] Obviously, we understand here that the hopper can be integrated directly into the container 20.

[0123] In this example, smokers can thus insert their consumed cigarette butts into the opening 21 which is provided on the front part of the side wall 20a of the container.

[0124] In this example, a scraping zone 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.

[0125] In this example, opening 21 is sized for the passage of a cigarette butt.

[0126] 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.

[0127] Fixing the ashtray to any type of post P is one of the objectives of the present invention. For this purpose, fixing means 30 are provided on the rear face 10a of the main body 10 which are adapted to securely fix the ashtray 100 to the upright P.

[0128] In the example described here and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the fixing means 30 comprise a set of two fixing flanges 31 each capable of cooperating with a shim 35. The flange 31 and the shim 35 are characteristic of the present invention.

[0129] In the example described here and as illustrated in Figure 2, the fixing flange 31 has a substantially U-shaped section whose ends 32 are extended by fixing lugs 33.

[0130] In the example described here, the fixing lugs 33 have holes allowing the fixing flange 31 to be screwed onto the rear face 10a of the main body. 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 rear face 10a of the main body 10.

[0131] The flange 31 and the wedge 35 are able to cooperate together.

[0132] For this purpose, the wedge 35 is machined so as to have a notch 36 whose shape is complementary to that of the post P.

[0133] In this example, the notch 36 has a circular shape sized to fit the peripheral perimeter of the post P. It will be understood here that the machining of the notch 36 makes it possible to have a shape adapted to the post P; a rectangular notch shape could be considered. It will be noted here that the posts P are generally standardized and always have substantially the same dimensions and the same shapes (circular or rectangular) depending on their function, which significantly reduces the number of possible notches.

[0134] It will also be noted here that the shim 35 has dimensions significantly greater than the U of the flange 31.

[0135] In order to ensure cooperation between the wedge 35 and the flange 31, slots 37 are provided on the branches of the U of the flange 31. These slots 37 are sized to receive the wedge 35. Given the larger dimensions of the wedge 35, a lateral portion 35a protrudes on either side of the flange to abut against the fixing lug 33. Thus, fixing means 30 are provided composed of two metal parts which will cooperate together 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.

[0136] It then slides the selected shim 35 into the slots 37 provided on the branches of the U of the flange 35. These slots 37 have a dimension slightly greater than the thickness of the shim 35.

[0137] It will be noted that these slots extend over the entire height of the branches of the U so that the upper part of the wedge 35 comes into abutment against the base of the U and the lateral portions 35a of the wedge 35 protrude from said slots 37 and come into abutment against the fixing lugs 33. Once inserted into the flange 31, the wedge 35 only has one degree of freedom relative to the flange 31.

[0138] The operator then positions the wedge-flange assembly so that the notch 36 comes into contact with the post P. The latter then simply has to screw the fixing flange 31 to the rear face 10a of the main body 10 by means of the fixing lugs 33. The operator repeats this operation twice so as to have two fixing points.

[0139] The latter can then adjust the height of the ashtray 100 on the post P and screw the ashtray 100 onto the post P.

[0140] 11 are provided with slots 38 arranged on the base of the U to carry out such screwing.

[0141] The combination of this wedge 35 comprising a notch 36 and this flange 31 comprising slots 37 makes it possible to have a simple-to-use fixing system which is adaptable to all types of posts.

[0142] In the example described here and as illustrated in Figure 2, a longitudinal recess 11 is provided which extends vertically on the rear face 10a of the main body and which makes it possible to receive a portion of said upright P when the main body 10 is fixed to said upright P.

[0143] The presence of this recess allows container 20 to be placed as close as possible to post P, which reduces the size of ashtray 100 on the road.

[0144] Facilitating the handling of the operator in charge of collection is also one of the objectives of the present invention.

[0145] Given the toxicity of cigarette butts, it is important to limit contact.

[0146] In the example described here and illustrated in figures 3 to 7, the container 20 comprises an emptying opening 23 in the upper part 20b.

[0147] In this example, the opening 23 is covered with a closing hood 24.

[0148] Such a cover 24 mounted in pivot connection on the container 20 so as to be able to allow the passage from a locked position PI (for example figure 5) in which the closing cover 24 covers the emptying opening 23 and an unlocked position P2 (for example fig 6) in which the emptying opening 23 is released from the closing cover 24.

[0149] In this example, the closing hood 24 in the locked position PI has a slope 24a to promote rain runoff.

[0150] In this example, the main body 10 comprises in the lower part 10c offset arms

[0151] 12 forwards on which the container 20 is mounted according to a pivot connection so as to allow a forward tilting of said container 20 relative to the main body 10. This tilting is automated by providing locking / unlocking means 25 of the type for example a spanner which ensures a locking / unlocking of the closing cover 24. Thus, by releasing the opening 23 of the protective cover 24, the container 20 is also free and the pivot axis offset towards the front ensures an automatic tilting of the container 20 towards the front as illustrated in figures 3-4 and 6-7. 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 cover 24 using the spanner.

[0152] The opening 23 of the container 20 being released following unlocking, the tilting ensures gravitational discharge of the cigarette butts.

[0153] Thus, it is understood that the configuration of the ashtray 100 proposed here makes it possible to provide a solution allowing the operator to empty the ashtray by simply operating the spanner.

[0154] It is desirable to be able to organize collections.

[0155] When the storage hopper of container 20 is full, two methods are possible to detect it.

[0156] A visual approach through the scraper holes and an automatic approach.

[0157] In this example, both methods are implemented.

[0158] According to a first so-called visual method, the container 20 comprises on its peripheral periphery visualization means (not shown here) making it possible to visualize 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 filling level. Such a visualization 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.

[0159] According to a second automated method, the integration of an electronic module 40 (figure 8) is provided, which is configured for the automated monitoring of the filling level of the hopper.

[0160] For this purpose, the module 40 comprises at least one sensor 41 of the IOT (for “Internet Of Things”) type configured to measure a filling level of the hopper.

[0161] In this example, the sensor 41 is therefore configured to measure a physical quantity relating to a filling level of the hopper.

[0162] Such a sensor 41 may for example be in at least one of the following forms:

[0163] - a scale capable of measuring the total mass of cigarette butts stored in the hopper; and / or

[0164] - an infrared camera preferably oriented towards the storage volume to capture an image including the cigarette butts stored in the hopper; and / or

[0165] - a laser rangefinder capable of measuring a filling distance (level)

[0166] - a counter; and / or brightness sensors on different thresholds. These sensors are covered and activated by the filling of cigarette butts, lowering the brightness; and / or contact sensors positioned at defined spacings; and / or

[0167] - an optical sensor; and / or

[0168] - an ultrasonic sensor positioned on the top of the tank to calculate the spacing and the filling rate.

[0169] In this example, the sensor 41 therefore takes a measurement relating to the filling level of the hopper, preferably periodically (for example every 2 or 3 hours).

[0170] This information is recorded on storage means (not shown here) then transmitted to the central processing unit 42 which processes this information.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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 (type Arduino card (registered trademark) or Raspberry (registered trademark).

[0173] In this example, the central unit 42 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] If this comparison leads to a result allowing it to be deduced 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.

[0176] The filling 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.

[0177] 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 responsible for collecting cigarette butts.

[0178] In this example, the operator receives a route map with the various full or almost full ashtrays 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.)

[0179] This route map can, for example, be transmitted directly to the operator's communication terminal T, for example a "Smartphone".

[0180] 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 of the container 20 with at least one solar panel integrating photovoltaic cells.

[0181] We therefore understand 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.

[0182] Once on site, the operator, equipped with the spanner-type key, operates the locking / unlocking means to open the closing cover and tilt the ashtray 100 for emptying it.

[0183] 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.

[0184] This avoids and makes it possible to remedy the drawbacks observed in the prior art, the solutions up to now having the disadvantage of either an overflow of the ashtray with soil pollution, or a passage empty resulting in a significant CO2 footprint for transport.

[0185] The present invention also offers a practical and intuitive ashtray that constitutes a real piece of furniture by adapting discreetly to the urban environment.

[0186] The ashtray according to the present invention also 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.

[0187] Finally, the ashtray according to the present invention adapts to all types of posts and takes up a minimum of space in the urban environment.

[0188] Thus, the present invention provides an ashtray allowing smokers and operators responsible for collecting cigarette butts to recover a plurality of cigarette ashes and butts and transport them without damaging the environment and limiting as much as possible their exposure to the toxic particles generated.

[0189] 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 of the invention; on the contrary, its objective is to remove any possible imprecision or misinterpretation of the claims which follow.

[0190] Thus, the container of the ashtray type for cigarette butts can be replaced by another container of the type for example trash can. In this case, a trash can can be provided which integrates the characteristics described here within the framework of the present invention. We will then have a trash can which can be fixed to all types of uprights in the urban environment with a wedge and fixing flange system as described above.

[0191] 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

CLAIMS 1. Urban ashtray (100) intended to be fixed on an upright (P) of the post 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 fixing means (30) configured to securely fix said ashtray (100) to said upright (P), said ashtray (100) being characterized in that the fixing means (30) comprise: - at least one fixing flange (31) having a substantially U-shaped section capable of enveloping a portion of said upright (P), the ends (32) of the U being extended by fixing lugs (33) which are 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 branches (34) of said U each being provided with a slot (37) in which a lateral portion (35a) of said wedge (35) is inserted and comes into abutment against the fixing lug (33) so that said intermediate wedge (35) is firmly held in the fixing flange (31) and comes to match the shape of said upright (P).

2. An 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 comprises at least one slot (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) comprises 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, wherein 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) comprises a scraping zone (22) for cigarette butts.

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

8. Ashtray (100) according to claim 7, wherein the container (20) is mounted in the lower part (20c) of said main body (10) according to a pivot connection so as to allow 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 emptying opening (23).

9. Ashtray (100) according to claim 8, in which the main body (10) comprises in the lower part (10c) arms (12) offset 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, in which the closing cover (24) in the locked position (PI) has an inclination slope (24a) to promote rain runoff.

11. Ashtray (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the closing cover (23) comprises locking / unlocking means (25) for locking / unlocking said closing cover (24) using a key or tool such as a spanner, for example.

12. Ashtray (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an electronic module (40) for monitoring the filling level of the container (20) comprising at least one filling level sensor (41) configured to measure a filling level of the container (20) and transmit information relating to said measured filling level to a central processing unit (42) which is configured to process said information 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 filling level sensor (41) of the container (20) is configured to measure the filling level of the container (20) periodically, for example every hour or every day.

14. An 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 stored cigarette butts of the container (20).

15. Ashtray (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 14 attached at least to claim 5, wherein said at least one filling 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. An ashtray (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein said at least one fill level sensor (41) is an infrared camera oriented towards the storage volume to capture an image comprising 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 for said ashtray (100) concomitantly with the transmission of the filling signal.

Images