Patent · US Expired

Smokeless ashtray system

US5542438A · kind A · utility

8Cited by
37References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 21, 1994
Grant dateAug 6, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 21, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA24F19/00
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A smokeless ashtray system includes a vacuum manifold connecting a plurality of ashtrays to a charcoal filter and a vacuum blower/motor assembly. The vacuum manifold includes spiral wound metal flexible metal tubing segments secured to connectors by heat shrink tubing. L connectors connect end most ashtray locations to the manifold, T connectors connect intermediate ashtray locations, and a four-way connector connects a central ashtray location to the manifold and to the charcoal filter and blower/motor assembly. Each ashtray location includes a flue member having a first end threaded into the associated connector and a second end inserted within a recess formed centrally in a bottom surface of a cup-shaped ashtray. A connector mounting bracket includes locating apertures engaging alignment pins extending from a flat upper surface of the connector, and a flange on the flue member clamps the bracket to the connector. Screws secure mounting flanges of the bracket to the underside of a table or other mounting surface. A central chimney in the ashtray includes a shield dome covering an open top end to prevent ashes and other debris from entering the air flow path. A replaceable disposa…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.