US20080223382A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20080223382A1
Application number: US12/045,801
Authority: US
Inventors: Eric ZEANAH
Original assignee: American Accessories International LLC
Current assignee: American Accessories International LLC
Priority date: 2007-03-14
Filing date: 2008-03-11
Publication date: 2008-09-18
Also published as: WO2008112756A1; RU2009137918A; JP2010521161A

Abstract

A litter disposal device for temporarily storing and containing cigarette ash, butts, and other litter. The litter disposal device includes a cap, a storage system, a pivot system adapted to permit the cap to move between the closed and open positions, and an extinguishing system containable within the storage system and adapted to extinguish the lit end of a cigarette. In the open position, ashes, butts, and unused portions of cigarettes, cigars, and/or other similar products/rubbish can be transported from the outside to the inside of the litter disposal device and vice versa. In the closed position, however, cigarette ash and butts cannot enter or exit the storage system of the litter disposal device. The storage system has a generally flat bottom to enable the litter disposal device to maintain an upright position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/894,732 filed 14 Mar. 2007, the entire contents and substance of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a litter disposal device and, in particular, to a cigarette butt disposal device.

2. Description of Related Art

Smoking is often prohibited in public areas to improve air quality and to prevent discomfort or harm to non-smoking individuals. On the occasions when an individual desires to smoke, the individual typically must remain in a designated area outside. These designated outside areas do not always provide ashtrays or ash containers for proper disposal of cigarette ash, cigarette butts, and other litter. Individuals, therefore, are forced into the objectionable practice of allowing litter, ashes, and cigarette butts to pollute the ground and thus the environment.

When not properly extinguished, lit cigarette butts can become fire hazards. Partially lit cigarette butts can ignite grass or debris, resulting in a larger and more serious fire that could lead to injury or even death. The lack of proper ashtrays and ash containers within designated smoking areas increases the probability that discarded ash and cigarette butts are not adequately extinguished.

Ashtrays and ash containers are limited in portability and, therefore, must remain in a more permanent location, such as cigarette urns and receptacles near benches and door exits, within an automobile, or on a table. These ashtrays and ash containers can be aesthetically unpleasing and are often considered undesirable. Accordingly, smokers are provided with fewer opportunities to properly dispose of litter, ash, and cigarette butts when away from such permanently-located receptacles.

What is needed is a personal litter disposal device that is easily transportable for temporarily containing and storing cigarette ash, cigarette butts, and other litter. It is to such a device that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in preferred form, the present invention is a personal litter disposal device sized for easy transport for temporarily storing and containing cigarette ash, butts, and the like. The litter disposal device includes a cap having an open position and a closed position, a storage system, a pivot system adapted to permit the cap to move between the closed and open positions, and an extinguishing system containable within the storage system and adapted to extinguish the lit end of a cigarette. When the cap is in the open position, ashes, butts, and unused portions of cigarettes, cigars, and/or other similar products/rubbish can be received from the outside of the litter disposal device by the storage system. Additionally, in the open position, the cigarette ash and butts can be removed from the inside of the storage system to the outside of the litter disposal device for proper disposal. In the closed position, however, cigarette ash and butts cannot enter or exit the storage system of the litter disposal device.

The pivot system can comprise a biasing system against accidental opening, for example, a pulling element can be adapted to temporarily maintain the cap in the closed position. More particularly, the pulling element provides an adequate amount of resistance to an opening force, thereby ensuring that the cap of the litter disposal device is not accidentally opened at an inappropriate time, such as while in an individual's pocket.

Further, the storage system comprises a generally flat bottom adapted to enable the litter disposal device to maintain an upright position on a flat surface. The flat bottom of the storage system ensures that the litter disposal device can be placed on a generally flat surface, such as a table, for an extended period of time.

Although the present invention described above refers to systems, the physical elements of the present invention include a cap, a storage body, a pivot hinge element, a pivot groove, and an extinguishing plate element. The cap has an open position when a lower open end of the cap is not engaged with an upper open end of the storage body, and a closed position when the lower open end of the cap is engaged with the upper open end of the storage body. The cap can include an insert plate to provide support to the cap, while maintaining a seal with the storage body so that the contents of the litter disposal device do not accidentally spill from the storage body.

The pivot groove is in communication with the upper open end of the storage body and is adapted to receive and house the pulling element, which is in communication with the lower open end of the cap. Connected together via a pivot hinge element, the pulling element and the pivot groove permit the cap to rotationally move between the open and closed positions.

The extinguishing plate element is removably containable within the storage body and is preferably positioned near the upper open end of the storage body. The extinguishing plate element can be used to knock off, or dislodge, ashes from the end of a cigarette into the storage body. The extinguishing plate element is further adapted to engage and extinguish a lit cigarette. Subsequently, the extinguished cigarette butt can be deposited within the storage body for temporary containment. The extinguishing plate element can also comprise an extinguishing handle element and an extinguishing lip element, such that the extinguishing handle element and the extinguishing lip element permit an individual to easily hold the extinguishing plate element when it is removed from the storage body.

The storage body can further comprise an inner body containable within the storage body. The inner body is preferably shaped cooperatively with the storage body and is adapted to maintain the shape of the storage body, while sealing the storage body with the cap, when in the closed position. Alternatively, the inner body is adapted to absorb and dissipate heat from the storage body. Accordingly, the inner body ensures that external surfaces of the storage body do not exceed a predetermined temperature.

Among the many beneficial features of the personal litter devices include a litter disposal device for adequately containing and storing cigarette ash, butts, and other litter; a cap adapted to allow the cigarette ash and butts to enter and exit a storage body when the cap is in the open position, but not the closed position; a pivot system adapted to permit rotational movement of the cap between the closed and open positions; and an extinguishing system adapted to dislodge ash from the end of a cigarette or extinguish the lit end of a cigarette.

Notably, the personal litter device overcomes many of deficiencies of the prior art because it is preferable that the personal litter device comprise a flat bottom. Most of the prior art personal litter devices included a rounded bottom, and thus prohibited the personal litter device from standing upright on a flat surface. The personal litter device of the present invention overcomes this deficiency.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a litter disposal device, with the cap closed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the litter disposal device ofFIG. 1, with the cap open, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the litter disposal device ofFIGS. 1-2, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view, across line A-A ofFIG. 2, of the litter disposal device with a cap open, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side, cross-sectional view, across line A-A ofFIG. 2, of the litter disposal device with the cap closed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in detail to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, a litter disposal device100 (also referred to herein as “cigarettebutt disposal device100”) ofFIGS. 1-5 is designed for proper disposal, storage, and containment of litter, ashes, butts, and unused portions of cigarettes, cigars, and/or other similar products/rubbish (collectively referred to herein as “cigarette rubbish”). Further, thelitter disposal device100 is designed for portability and, therefore, allows for easy and convenient disposal of cigarette rubbish by an individual on the move. Although the cigarettebutt disposal device100 can be of various shapes and sizes, it is preferably small enough to fit within a coat, shirt, or pant pocket.

When in an open position, the cigarettebutt disposal device100 is configured to permit the receipt of cigarette rubbish into the inside of the cigarettebutt disposal device100, while also permitting the expulsion of cigarette rubbish from the inside to the outside of the cigarettebutt disposal device100. The cigarettebutt disposal device100, however, prevents cigarette rubbish from entering or exiting the cigarettebutt disposal device100, when in a closed position.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1-5, the cigarettebutt disposal device100 comprises acap200, apivot system300, astorage system400, and anextinguishing system500. Thepivot system300 is adapted to enable thecap200 to move between the open and closed positions. Theextinguishing system500 is releasably disposed within thestorage system400, and is adapted to extinguish a cigarette before being disposed within thestorage system400 for proper storage. Further, the extinguishingsystem500 can be used to dislodge, or knock off, ashes from the end of a cigarette into thestorage system400. One skilled in the art would appreciate that thestorage system400 and extinguishingsystem500 are generally constructed of non-flammable, heat-resistant materials.

Thestorage system400 comprises an upperopen end410, such that the upperopen end410 is in communication with an inside and an outside of the cigarettebutt disposal device100 when thecap200 is in the open position. Accordingly, cigarette rubbish can be received by thestorage system400 or removed from thestorage system400, when thecap200 is in the open position. When thecap200 is in the closed position, however, the upperopen end410 of thestorage system400 is not in communication with the outside of the cigarettebutt disposal device100. The cigarette rubbish, therefore, cannot enter or exit thestorage system400 when thecap200 is in the closed position.

Thepivot system300 of the cigarettebutt disposal device100 comprises a biasing system against accidental opening, for example, a pullingelement305 is adapted to temporarily maintain thecap200 in the closed position. The pullingelement305 is designed to ensure that the cigarette rubbish stored within thestorage system400 does not accidentally exit thestorage system400 at an inappropriate or undesired time. More particularly, the pullingelement305 provides proper resistance when an opening force is applied to thecap200 to ensure only an intended opening force will open thecap200. Likewise, the pullingelement305 provides proper resistance when a closing force is applied to thecap200 to ensure an intended closing force closes thecap200.

Thestorage system400 further comprises a bottom415. The bottom415 is preferably rectangularly shaped, though other shapes can be implemented, and the bottom415 is preferably generally flat so that it can rest upon a surface. Further, it is preferable that the bottom415 can be adapted to enable thestorage system400 to maintain an upright position on a generally flat supporting surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the cigarettebutt disposal device100 is purposefully designed to enable an individual to place the cigarettebutt disposal device100 on a flat surface, such as a table, during use. Thebottom415 of thestorage system400 having the generally flat shape enables the cigarettebutt disposal device100 to be used as an ordinary ashtray.

More specifically, the cigarettebutt disposal device100, as illustrated inFIGS. 3-5, comprises acap200, astorage body405 adapted to store and contain cigarette rubbish, apivot system300 adapted to controllably permit thecap200 to move between the closed and open positions, and an extinguishingplate element520 containable within thestorage body405 and adapted to extinguish (or snuff) a cigarette. As an individual smokes, thecap200 of the cigarettebutt disposal device100 can be moved to the open position, allowing for ashes to be deposited within thestorage body405. Once the individual finishes, the cigarette can be extinguished on the extinguishingplate element520, and then the cigarette butt can be deposited within thestorage body405. The individual can then move thecap200 to the closed position before putting the cigarettebutt disposal device100 in his or her pocket.

Thecap200 is moveable between an open and closed position. As described above, thecap200 prevents cigarette rubbish from entering or exiting thestorage body405 when thecap200 is in the closed position. Conversely, thecap200 allows the cigarette rubbish to be received into thestorage body405 for storage or expelled from thestorage body405 to the outside of the cigarettebutt disposal device100 for proper disposal. As illustrated inFIGS. 3-4, thecap200 comprises an upperclosed end205, a loweropen end210, and aperipheral wall215. Theperipheral wall215 extends downwardly from the upperclosed end205 to the loweropen end210, thereby defining a cavity below the upperclosed end205 of thecap200. Further, the loweropen end210 is adapted to engage an upperopen end410 of thestorage body405, when thecap200 is in the closed position.

In an exemplary embodiment, thecap200 further comprises aninsert plate220, such that theinsert plate220 is containable within thecap200. As illustrated inFIG. 3, theinsert plate220 is shaped cooperatively as the upperclosed end205 and the loweropen end210 of thecap200. Theinsert plate220 is adapted to maintain the shape of thecap200 and provide a seal between thecap200 and thestorage body405. Generally, a portion or the entirety of theinsert plate220 can be made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam or rubber to provide a seal between thecap200 and thestorage body405. Theinsert plate220 can prevent unwanted spills from occurring.

Now referring toFIGS. 3-5, thestorage body405 is adapted to temporarily store and contain cigarette rubbish, until the cigarette rubbish can be disposed of properly (e.g., into a standard ashtray or garbage container). Besides the upperopen end410, thestorage body405 further comprises a lowerclosed end415 and aperipheral wall420. Theperipheral wall420 extends downwardly from the upperopen end410 to the lowerclosed end415 and, thereby defines a hollow cavity above the lowerclosed end415. Cigarette rubbish is stored within the formed hollow cavity during use of the cigarettebutt disposal device100. The lowerclosed end415 of thestorage body405 can have a rectangular shape to enable thestorage body405 to maintain an upright position. Additionally, the lowerclosed end415 can be generally flat enabling thestorage body405 to rest on a generally flat surface.

Thepivot system300 is adapted to permit thecap200 to move between the open and closed positions. Thepivot system300 comprises a pullingelement305, and apivot groove320 defined in thestorage body405. The pullingelement305 is in communication with thecap200, such that when thecap200 is closed, the pullingelement305 provides a sufficient resistance enabling thecap200 to remain closed.

The pullingelement305 includes two spaced ends—afirst end305ain communication with thecap200 and asecond end305bthat is containable within thepivot groove320. Thefirst end305adefines a pullingelement aperture310. The pullingelement aperture310 is adapted to receive apivot hinge element315. Thecap200 can include a pair of cap apertures on opposing sides of the proximal end of thecap200. When the pullingelement aperture310 and the cap apertures are properly aligned, thepivot hinge element315 can be slidably contained therein. Thepivot hinge element315 essentially connects thecap200 with thestorage body405 via the pullingelement305. Preferably, thepivot hinge element315 is a hinge pin, although one skilled in the art would appreciate that thepivot hinge element315 can comprise other appropriate hinge devices. Based on thepivot hinge element315 being slidably contained within the pullingelement aperture310 and the cap apertures, thecap200 can be rotationally moved between the open and closed positions, such that the loweropen end210 of thecap200 engages with the upperopen end410 of thestorage body405, when thecap200 is the closed position. The rotational movement of thecap200 can further be described as a rotational pivot at the proximal end of thecap200 andstorage body405.

Thesecond end305bof the pullingelement305 is preferably housed in thepivot groove320. This end of the pullingelement305 can comprise apivot latch element335, such that thepivot latch element335 includes abias element340. In an exemplary embodiment, thebias element340 can be a spring or single pin spring action lever, though as one skilled in the art would appreciate, other bias elements can be implemented. Thebias element340 is adapted to temporarily maintain thecap200 in the closed position, as illustrated inFIG. 5. Thebias element340 is generally positioned at the proximate end of thecap200 and thestorage body405, and can be adapted to receive thesecond end305bof the pullingelement305. One skilled in the art would appreciate that thebias element340 can be effectively used to both hold thecap200 in its open or closed positions. Thebias element340 generally biases thecap200 to the closed position, and provides an adequate amount of resistance to an opening force exerted on thecap200.

In one embodiment, thebias element340 can have approximately the same tension when thecap200 is in the open position as the cap is in the closed position.

Thepivot system300 can further include apivot rod330 that can extend through a pair of alignedstorage body apertures325 located on the proximal end of thestorage body405. Thepivot rod330 provides a pivot point for thecap200 to open/close relative to thestorage body405.

In an exemplary embodiment, thepivot system300 can include alatch element600 adapted to temporarily maintain thecap200 in the closed position. Thelatch element600 can be positioned at a distal end of thecap200 and thestorage body405. One skilled in the art would appreciate that thelatch element600 can be effectively positioned in different locations about the cigarettebutt disposal device100. Thelatch element600 provides an adequate resistance to an opening force, thereby preventing thecap200 from accidentally being moved from the closed position to the open position. For example and not limitation, thelatch element600 can be an external locking means for assuring the cigarettebutt disposal device100 does not accidentally open. Consequently, thelatch element600 prevents cigarette rubbish from exiting thestorage body405 at an inappropriate time (e.g., while still in the pocket of the individual).

Now referring toFIGS. 3-5, the extinguishingsystem500 is adapted to engage and extinguish a lit item, such as a cigarette, before the cigarette is deposited within thestorage body405. The extinguishingsystem500 comprises an upperopen end505, a loweropen end510, aperipheral wall515, and the extinguishingplate element520. Theperipheral wall515 extends downwardly from the upperopen end505 to the loweropen end510, thereby defining a hollow interior that permits the transport of cigarette rubbish from the outside of thestorage body405 to the inside of thestorage body405, or vice versa. The loweropen end510 of theextinguishing system500 is adapted to engage the upperopen end410 of thestorage body405. More particularly, the extinguishingsystem500 is partially containable within thestorage body405, such that the upperopen end505 of theextinguishing system500 engages the loweropen end210 of thecap200, when thecap200 is in the closed position.

The extinguishingplate element520 is in communication with the proximate end of the upperopen end505 of theextinguishing system500. The extinguishingplate element520 narrows the passage between inside and outside of thestorage body405 by partially covering the upperopen end505 of theextinguishing system500. Cigarette rubbish can only enter or exit thestorage body405 via the distal end of the upperopen end505 of theextinguishing system500, unless theextinguishing system500 is actually removed from thestorage body405. When the lit end of a cigarette engages the extinguishingplate element520, ashes at the end of the cigarette can be knocked off into thestorage body405 or the cigarette can be extinguished or snuffed out. The extinguishingplate element520 can be flat or slightly contoured for adequately engaging with the lit end of a cigarette. Additionally, the extinguishingplate element520 can be slanted to assist the ashes that have been knocked off the end of the cigarette to slide easily into thestorage body405, e.g., through anaperture507 of theextinguishing system500.

The extinguishingplate element520 can further comprise anash disposal slot508, such that theash disposal slot508 is adapted to engage the lit end of a cigarette and assists the cigarette ash to fall from the extinguishingplate element520 into thestorage body405. Theash disposal slot508 is configured to allow ash from a cigarette to pass through the extinguishingplate element520 into thestorage body405. Theash disposal slot508, therefore, is generally measured in size between approximately 50% and 70% of the lit end of a cigarette. Theash disposal slot508 can be configured in the shape of a “plus sign” for aesthetics and to also increase the area that burning ashes can be scraped and then fall into thestorage body405. One skilled in the art would appreciate that theash disposal slot508 can include many aesthetically-pleasing shapes that still permits the burning ash, or like litter pieces, to fall into thestorage body405.

The extinguishingsystem500 further comprises an extinguishinghandle element525 that is in communication with the loweropen end510 of theextinguishing system500. The extinguishinghandle element525 extends downwardly from the proximal end of the loweropen end510. The extinguishinghandle element525 comprises an extinguishinglip element530 in communication with the distal end of the extinguishinghandle element525.

When removed from thestorage body405, an individual can hold onto theextinguishing system500 via the extinguishinghandle element525. The extinguishinghandle element525 is properly shaped so that an individual can easily hold theextinguishing system500, while the cigarette rubbish within thestorage body405 is removed. The extinguishinglip element530 provides the individual with a convenient location to put one's thumb while wrapping one's finger about the extinguishinghandle element525. Further, the extinguishinglip element530 is also adapted to properly position the extinguishingsystem500 within thestorage body405 by engaging the inner side of theperipheral wall420 of thestorage body405. As positioned, the extinguishinglip element530 provides support to theextinguishing system500 during use.

The extinguishinghandle element525 is also adapted to receive themoveable pivot system300. When thecap200 is moved from the closed position (seeFIG. 5) to the open position (seeFIG. 4), thepivot system300 extends into a portion of thestorage body405. Specifically, thebias element340 and the pullingelement305 of thepivot system300 extend into a portion of thestorage body405 when thecap200 is in the open position. The extinguishinghandle element525 has an arcuate shape that receives the inwardly-extendingpivot system300, when thecap200 is in the open position. The arcuate shape not only protects thepivot system300, but also reduces the amount of cigarette rubbish that will interact with thepivot system300. Preferably, the extinguishinghandle element525 is shaped to prevent ash and other rubbish from interfering with thepivot system300.

One skilled in the art would recognize that the cigarettebutt disposal device100, including thecap200,pivot system300,storage system400, and extinguishingsystem500, and all of the components and/or elements thereof can be made of a variety of suitable heat-resistant materials including, but not limited to, polymers, rubber, metal, ceramic, silicone, or other suitable materials or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a cigarette butt disposal unit. The cigarette butt disposal unit includes a cap; a storage system to store rubbish, the storage system comprising an upper open end; a pivot system permitting the cap to move between a closed position in which discarded rubbish is secured in the storage system and an open position in which rubbish can be inserted into the storage system; and an extinguishing system carried by the storage system, the extinguishing system adapted to extinguish a cigarette when the cigarette contacts the extinguishing system. The pivot system comprises a latch element adapted to temporarily maintain the cap in the closed position against accidental openings. The storage system comprises a flat bottom that is adapted to enable the storage system to maintain an upright position. The pivot system comprises a pivot lug element in communication with the cap, the pivot lug element extending downwardly from a proximal end of a lower end of the cap; and a pivot groove element in communication with the storage system, the pivot groove element adapted to receive the pivot lug element.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a cigarette butt disposal device. The cigarette butt disposal device includes a cap; a storage body adapted to store cigarette ash and butts; a pivot system adapted to permit the cap to move between a closed position and an open position; and an extinguishing system releasably containable within the storage body, the extinguishing system adapted to extinguish a cigarette.

The cap of the cigarette butt disposal device includes an upper closed end; a lower open end adapted to engage an upper open end of the storage body when the cap is in the closed position; and a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper closed end of the cap to the lower open end of the cap. Further, the cap includes an upper insert plate containable within the cap; and a lower insert plate containable within the cap, wherein the upper insert plate and the lower insert plate are adapted to dissipate heat within the storage body.

The storage body of the cigarette butt disposal device further includes a lower closed end, wherein the lower closed end is flat to enable the storage body to maintain an upright position; and a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper open end of the storage body to the lower closed end of the storage body.

The pivot system of the cigarette butt disposal device includes a pivot lug element in communication with the cap, the pivot lug element extending downwardly from a proximal end of the lower open end of the cap; and a pivot groove element in communication with the storage body, the pivot groove element adapted to receive the pivot lug element and extending downwardly from a proximal end of the upper open end of the storage body. The pivot lug element defines a pivot lug aperture. The pivot groove element defines a pivot groove aperture. The pivot system further includes a pivot hinge element adapted to engage the pivot lug element and the pivot groove element. The pivot hinge element can be contained within the pivot lug aperture and the pivot groove aperture.

The cigarette butt disposal device further includes a latch element adapted to temporarily maintain the cap in the closed position.

In addition, the extinguishing system of the cigarette butt disposal device includes an upper open end; a lower open end adapted to engage the storage body; a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper open end of the extinguishing system to the lower open end extinguishing system; and an extinguishing plate element in communication with a proximal end of the upper open end, wherein the extinguishing plate element is adapted to engage and extinguish a lit item. The extinguishing system further comprises an extinguishing handle element in communication with the lower open end of the extinguishing system, the extinguishing handle element extending downwardly from a proximal end of the lower open end of the extinguishing system. The extinguishing handle element comprises an extinguishing lip element in communication with a distal end of the extinguishing handle element.

Moreover, the storage body further includes an inner body containable within the storage body; the inner body includes an upper open end; a lower closed end that is flat; and a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper open end of the inner body to the lower closed end of the inner body. The extinguishing system further includes an extinguishing pocket containable within the extinguishing system, and the extinguishing pocket is in communication with the proximal end of the upper open end of the extinguishing system and is adapted to engage and extinguish the cigarette.

Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of structure and function. While the invention has been disclosed in several forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts, can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the following claims. Therefore, other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.

Claims

1. A cigarette butt disposal unit comprising:

a cap;

a storage system to store rubbish, the storage system comprising an upper open end;

a pivot system permitting the cap to move between a closed position in which discarded rubbish is secured in the storage system and an open position in which rubbish can be inserted into the storage system; and

an extinguishing system carried by the storage system, the extinguishing system adapted to extinguish a cigarette when the cigarette contacts the extinguishing system.

2. The cigarette butt disposal unit ofclaim 1, the pivot system comprising a latch element adapted to temporarily maintain the cap in the closed position against accidental openings.

3. The cigarette butt disposal unit ofclaim 1, the storage system comprising a flat bottom adapted to enable the storage system to maintain an upright position.

4. The cigarette butt disposal system ofclaim 3, the pivot system comprises:

a pivot lug element in communication with the cap, the pivot lug element extending downwardly from a proximal end of a lower end of the cap; and

a pivot groove element in communication with the storage system, the pivot groove element adapted to receive the pivot lug element.

5. A cigarette butt disposal device comprising:

a cap;

a storage body adapted to store cigarette ash and butts;

a pivot system adapted to permit the cap to move between a closed position and an open position; and

an extinguishing system releasably containable within the storage body, the extinguishing system adapted to extinguish a cigarette.

6. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 5, the cap comprising:

an upper closed end;

a lower open end adapted to engage an upper open end of the storage body when the cap is in the closed position; and

a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper closed end of the cap to the lower open end of the cap.

7. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 6, the cap further comprising:

an upper insert plate containable within the cap; and

a lower insert plate containable within the cap,

wherein the upper insert plate and the lower insert plate are adapted to dissipate heat within the storage body.

8. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 7, the storage body further comprising:

a lower closed end, wherein the lower closed end is flat to enable the storage body to maintain an upright position; and

a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper open end of the storage body to the lower closed end of the storage body.

9. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 8, wherein the pivot system comprises:

a pivot lug element in communication with the cap, the pivot lug element extending downwardly from a proximal end of the lower open end of the cap; and

a pivot groove element in communication with the storage body, the pivot groove element adapted to receive the pivot lug element and extending downwardly from a proximal end of the upper open end of the storage body.

10. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 9, the pivot lug element formed to define a pivot lug aperture.

11. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 10, the pivot groove element formed to define a pivot groove aperture.

12. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 11, the pivot system further comprising a pivot hinge element adapted to engage the pivot lug element and the pivot groove element.

13. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 12, the pivot hinge element containable within the pivot lug aperture and the pivot groove aperture.

14. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 9, further comprising a latch element adapted to temporarily maintain the cap in the closed position.

15. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 14, wherein the extinguishing system comprises:

an upper open end;

a lower open end adapted to engage the storage body;

a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper open end of the extinguishing system to the lower open end extinguishing system; and

an extinguishing plate element in communication with a proximal end of the upper open end, wherein the extinguishing plate element is adapted to engage and extinguish a lit item.

16. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 15, the extinguishing system further comprising:

an extinguishing handle element in communication with the lower open end of the extinguishing system, the extinguishing handle element extending downwardly from a proximal end of the lower open end of the extinguishing system.

17. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 16, the extinguishing handle element comprising an extinguishing lip element in communication with a distal end of the extinguishing handle element.

18. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 17, the storage body further comprising an inner body containable within the storage body; the inner body comprising:

an upper open end;

a lower closed end that is flat; and

a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper open end of the inner body to the lower closed end of the inner body.

19. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 18, the extinguishing system further comprising an extinguishing pocket containable within the extinguishing system, and the extinguishing pocket in communication with the proximal end of the upper open end of the extinguishing system and is adapted to engage and extinguish the cigarette.