US20220378091A1

US20220378091A1 - Box or container with integrated ash tray for smoking product

Info

Publication number: US20220378091A1
Application number: US17/334,981
Authority: US
Inventors: Christian Luis Eiroa
Original assignee: Cle Cigar Co
Current assignee: Cle Cigar Co
Priority date: 2021-05-31
Filing date: 2021-05-31
Publication date: 2022-12-01

Abstract

According to some illustrative embodiments, a container with an integrated ash tray for smoking products, such as, e.g., most especially, cigars, includes: a) an upper ash-tray portion having: a central panel; a plurality of perimeter walls extending around a perimeter of the central panel; at least one of the perimeter walls having at least one cut-out recess extending downward from an end the at least one of the perimeter walls, each the at least one cutout having a curved or arcuate surface for supporting a smoking product during use as an ash tray and for facilitating grasping by a user during separation of the upper ash-tray portion; b) a bottom-holder portion having: a bottom floor panel; a plurality of perimeter walls extending around a perimeter of the bottom floor panel; and c) wherein the bottom-holder portion operates as a holder for smoking products, and the upper ash-tray portion operates as both a cover for closing the container in a closed position and as an ash-tray when the upper ash-tray portion is moved from the closed position to an open inverted position.

Description

INTRODUCTION

This invention relates to the field of smoking products, such as, e.g., cigars, cigarettes and/or the like, and preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to a novel container for smoking products employing a uniquely integrated ash tray.

SUMMARY

The preferred embodiments of the present invention improve upon and overcome various problems and limitations of the related art. According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a novel container or box for smoking products is provided that includes an integrated ash tray, wherein the integrated ash tray is uniquely and advantageously configured.
In the most preferred embodiments, the container or box includes two separatable sections, including an upper ash-tray portion and a lower or base holder-portion. In the preferred embodiments, the upper ash-tray portion operates as a cover for the container during shipping, handling, storage or the like, but can be readily removed for use as an ash tray during usage. Moreover, after usage, the upper ash-tray portion can preferably be readily cleaned and replaced over the top of the lower base-portion to close the container until future usage.
According to some preferred embodiments, a container with an integrated ash tray for smoking products is provided that includes: a) an upper ash-tray portion having: a central panel; a plurality of perimeter walls extending around a perimeter of the central panel; at least one of the perimeter walls having at least one cut-out recess extending downward from an end of the at least one of the perimeter walls, each the at least one cutout having a curved or arcuate surface for supporting a smoking product during use as an ash tray and for facilitating grasping by a user during separation of the upper ashtray portion; b) a bottom-holder portion having: a bottom floor panel; a plurality of perimeter walls extending around a perimeter of the bottom floor panel; and c) wherein the bottom-holder portion operates as a holder for smoking products, and the upper ashtray portion operates as both a cover for closing the container in a closed position and as an ash-tray when the upper ash-tray portion is moved from the closed position to an open inverted position.
In some preferred embodiments, the bottom-holder portion includes a plurality of raised inner wall members that extend upwardly around an interior of the plurality of perimeter walls extending around a perimeter of the bottom floor panel.
In some preferred embodiments, the raised inner wall members include inner wall members having a height greater than a height of the plurality of perimeter walls extending around the perimeter of the bottom floor panel.
In some preferred embodiments, the raised inner wall members have a width that is substantially narrower than the width of the plurality of perimeter walls extending around the perimeter of the bottom floor panel.
In some preferred embodiments, the raised inner wall members extend a height greater than a height of the plurality of perimeter walls extending around the perimeter of the bottom floor panel by an amount that is at least as large as a depth of the at least one cut-out recess.
In some preferred embodiments, the upper ash tray portion is entirely separatable from the bottom-holder portion.
In some preferred embodiments, the upper ash tray portion includes fire-resistant, fire-retardant or fire-proof material.
In some preferred embodiments, the ash tray portion is made with wood, and includes fire-resistant, fire-retardant or fire-proof material.
In some preferred embodiments, the fire-resistant, fire-retardant or fire-proof material includes a layer provided over a surface of the bottom floor panel.
In some preferred embodiments, the layer is a metallic layer.
In some preferred embodiments, the metallic layer is a silver-colored layer.
In some preferred embodiments, the layer includes a logo, symbol or indicia thereon.
In some preferred embodiments, a width of the plurality of perimeter walls extending around a perimeter of the central panel of the upper ash-tray portion is between about 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches.
In some preferred embodiments, a width of the plurality of perimeter walls extending around a perimeter of the central panel of the upper ash-tray portion is between about 0.25 inches to 0.7 inches.
In some preferred embodiments, a width of the plurality of perimeter walls extending around a perimeter of the central panel of the upper ash-tray portion is between about 0.3 inches to 0.6 inches.
In some preferred embodiments, a method of using the container with an integrated ash tray of any of the above embodiments is performed that includes: a) storing a plurality of smoking products within the container with the container in a closed condition with the upper ash tray portion covering the bottom holder portion; b) moving the upper ash tray portion from the closed condition to an inverted position for use of the upper ash tray portion as an ash tray.
In some preferred embodiments, the method further includes after the storing in step a) and before the moving in step b), transporting the container for retail.
In some preferred embodiments, the method further includes the storing in step a) and before the moving in step b), selling said container to an end consumer, and having the end consumer perform said moving in step b).
In some preferred embodiments, the method further includes the end consumer using the upper ash tray portion as an ash tray, with the upper ash tray portion entirely separated from the bottom holder portion, the end consumer removing ashes from the upper ash tray portion freely due to separation of the upper ash tray portion from the bottom holder portion, and then the end consumer replacing the upper ash tray portion on the bottom holder portion to return said container in a closed condition.
The above and/or other embodiments, aspects, features and/or advantages of various embodiments will be further appreciated in view of the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Various embodiments can include and/or exclude different aspects, features and/or advantages where applicable. In addition, various embodiments can combine one or more aspect or feature of other embodiments where applicable. The descriptions of aspects, features and/or advantages of particular embodiments should not be construed as limiting other embodiments or the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown by a way of example, and not limitation, in the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view showing two containers with integrated ash trays in a closed condition according to some illustrative embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of the two containers shown in FIG. 1 , with the containers in an open state with the base holder-portion alongside the upper ash-tray portion of the containers;

FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of one of the two containers shown in FIG. 1 in a closed condition;

FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of a bottom of the container shown in FIG. 3 in a closed condition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of a side of the container shown in FIG. 3 in a closed condition;

FIG. 6 is a perspective top view showing the container shown in FIG. 3 during use with a user removing the upper ash-tray portion of the container from the base holder-portion of the container;

FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of the container shown in FIG. 3 during use with a user placing the upper ash-try portion of the container in a use condition on a support surface;

FIG. 8 is a perspective top view of the container shown in FIG. 3 during use after the user has placed the upper ash-try portion of the container in a use condition on a support surface;

FIG. 9 is another perspective top view of the container shown in FIG. 3 after the user has placed the upper ash-try portion of the container in a use condition on a support surface; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective top view of the container shown in FIG. 3 showing the base holder-portion within which cigars or other smoking products can be maintained during use of the upper ash-tray portion of a container.

Although various embodiments of the present invention can include various modifications in sizes and dimensions, the accompanying figures show illustrative embodiments of the invention, to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, the illustrative embodiments are described herein with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as providing examples of the principles of the invention and that such examples are not intended to limit the invention to preferred embodiments described herein and/or illustrated herein.
According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a novel container or box for smoking products is provided that includes an integrated ash tray.
In the most preferred embodiments, the container or box includes two separatable sections, including an upper ash-tray portion and a lower or base holder-portion. In the preferred embodiments, the upper ash-tray portion operates as a cover for the container during shipping, handling, storage or the like, but can be readily removed for use as an ash tray during usage. Moreover, after usage, the upper ash-tray portion can preferably be readily cleaned and replaced over the top of the lower base-portion to close the container until future usage.
With reference to FIG. 1 , this figure is a perspective top view showing two containers with integrated ash trays in a closed condition according to some illustrative embodiments, including a first container 1 shown in a closed condition and a second container 100 shown in a closed condition.
FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of the two containers 1 and 100 shown in FIG. 1 , with the containers in an open state with their respective base holder-portions (20 of container 1 and 120 of container 100) alongside their respective upper ash-tray portions (10 of container 1 and 110 of container 100).
As shown in FIG. 2 , the base- holder portions 20, 120 include a rectangular shape as seen in a top plan view, with a rectangular base floor surrounded by four upwardly extending perimeter walls (24 of container 1 and 124 of container 100). In the preferred embodiments, the perimeter walls 24, 124 extend a sufficient height above the base floor to retain smoking products, such as, e.g., cigars, cigarettes, or the like, therein. Additionally, the perimeter walls 24, 124 preferably have a width that is substantially the same as the width of the perimeter walls 14, 114 of the respective upper ash- tray portions 10, 110. As also shown in FIG. 2 , the base- holder portions 20, 120 also preferably include a raised inner wall member (25 of container 1 and 125 of container 100) which extends upwardly around an interior of the perimeter walls 24, 124. In the preferred embodiments, the raised inner wall members 25, 125 are formed by inner wall members having a height greater than the height of the perimeter walls 24, 124. In the preferred embodiments, the raised inner wall members 25, 125 also have a width that is substantially narrower than the width of the perimeter walls 24, 124. In the preferred embodiments, the raised inner wall members 25, 125 advantageously help to align and retain the upper ash-try portion upon the lower holder-portion. Towards that end, the outer edges of the raised inner wall members 25, 125 preferably fit within the inner sides of the perimeter walls 14, 114 of the upper ash-tray portions. Preferably, this fit of the inner wall members 25, 125 within the inner sides of the perimeter walls 14, 114 of the upper ash-tray portions is snug such that there is some friction there-between upon placement thereover. In the preferred embodiments, the raised inner wall members 25, 125 also increase the retaining wall height of the holder- portions 20, 120, such as to facilitate accommodating a large quantity of cigars or other smoking products within the holder portions 20, 120, even if the perimeter walls 24, 124 are reduced in height.
As also shown in FIG. 2 , the ash- tray portions 10, 110 include a rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 2 , with a rectangular floor (15 of the ash- tray portion 10 and 115 of the ash-tray portion 110) surrounded by four upwardly extending perimeter walls (14 of the ash- tray portion 10 and 114 of the ash-tray portion 110). As indicated above, the perimeter walls 14, 114 preferably have a width that is substantially the same as the width of the perimeter walls 24, 124 of the respective lower holder- portions 20, 120. Moreover, as indicated above, the perimeter walls 14, 114 are preferably configured to fit around the outer sides of the raised inner wall members 25, 125.
In the preferred embodiments, the width of the perimeter walls 14, 114 is sufficient to maintain structural rigidity of the ash- tray portions 10, 110 during use as an ash tray. In the preferred embodiments, the width of the perimeter walls 14, 114 is also sufficient to enable a smoking product, such as, e.g., a cigar or the like, to be supported on the top of the perimeter wall. In some preferred embodiments, the width of the perimeter walls 14, 114 is also sufficient to enable the smoking product, such as, e.g., a cigar or the like, to be entirely balanced on the perimeter walls 14, 114 without ends of the smoking product resting on the floor 15, 115 of the ash-tray portion.
In the preferred embodiments, the perimeter walls 14, 114 of the ash- tray portions 10, 110 include smoking product cut-out sections (13 of ash- tray portion 10 and 113 of ash-tray portion 110) which are configured to receive a corresponding smoking product, such as, e.g., a cigar or the like, therein. In this manner, a cigar or the like can be retained upon the cut-out sections in a manner to extend transverse to the respective perimeter wall 14, 114 of the cut-out section, with a burning end of the cigar or the like located within the periphery of the perimeter walls 14, 114 and over the rectangular floor 15, 115.
In the preferred embodiments, as shown, the cut-out sections 13, 113 are substantially curved in shape or substantially arcuate in shape. In some preferred embodiments, the cut-out sections 13, 113 are substantially semi-circular in shape. In some preferred embodiments, as shown, four cut-out sections 13, 113 are provided, with a single cut-out section along each of the perimeter walls 14, 114, as shown in FIG. 2 . However, in other embodiments, one or more of the perimeter walls 14, 114 can include two, three or more such cut-out sections. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the perimeter walls 14, 114 can omit a cut-out section.
In the preferred embodiments, the ash- tray portions 10, 110 are configured to be fire-resistant, fire-retardant, and/or fire-proof. In some embodiments, the ash- tray portions 10, 110 can be made entirely with fire-proof or fire-resistant materials, such as, e.g., ceramic, metal (e.g., brass, aluminum, copper and/or other metal materials), glass and/or other fire-proof or fire-resistant materials. In some embodiments, the ash- tray portions 10, 110 can be made with wood materials. However, when wood materials are provided, the ash- tray portions 10, 110 preferably include features for inhibiting charring, burning, or combustion for use as ash-tray portions.
In some preferred embodiments, the ash- tray portions 10, 110 and the bottom holder portions 20, 120 are made with woods. In some of the preferred embodiments, the woods employed include mahogany, cherry, walnut, maple, oak, and/or cedar.
In some examples, the ash- tray portions 10, 110 can include features for inhibiting charring, burning or combustion, such as, e.g., fire-resistant, fire-retardant, and/or fire-proof coatings and/or layers. For example, in some embodiments, the bottom surface can include a fire-resistant, fire-retardant, and/or fire-proof layer that extends entirely over the bottom surface. By way of example, in some embodiments, a metallic layer can be placed over the surface of the rectangular floor 15, 115. For example, in the embodiments shown, the bottom surface of the rectangular floor 15, 115 include a metal layer that extends across the rectangular floor 15, 115. In the illustrated embodiments, the metallic layer is an aluminum layer. However, or materials such as, e.g., ceramics, glass and other metals can be employed in other embodiments. In some embodiments, such as, e.g., with an aluminum layer, the bottom of the ash-try portion will have a shiny finish, such as, e.g., a shiny silver-colored metallic finish. First, this finish can help to enhance a user's appreciation of the fire-resistant, fire-retardant and/or fire-proof nature of the ash tray. Second, this finish can help to attract the user's attention to the surface of the ash tray. Notably, in the preferred embodiments, the center of the ash-tray portion or floor also presents an advantageous location for the providing of advertising information or product logos or tradenames or trademark information, as such location will be prominently displayed and presented during usage of the ash-tray portion. Moreover, the users' attention to such portion will be repeatedly achieved as the user uses the ash-tray portion, cleans the ash-tray portion and the like. Moreover, the center of the ash-try or floor also, thus, presents a desirable and advantageous location for the presentation of artwork and/or images for the user. For example, as shown in, e.g., FIG. 2 , logos, images and/or other indicia 16, 116 are advantageously applied within the ash-tray portions. And, as shown in the figures, during usage of the ash-tray portions, such logos, images and/or other indicia 16, 116 are fully and directly presented.
Although FIG. 2 and other figures herein show a metallic covering only along the bottom floor 15, 115, in some other embodiments, a metallic or other covering can be applied along the interior of the perimeter walls 14, 114, along the upper ends of the perimeter walls 14, 114, and/or entirely surrounding the ash- tray portions 110, 110.
In the preferred embodiments, as best shown in, e.g., FIG. 5 , the cut-out sections 13, 113 are entirely occluded by the raised inner wall members 25, 125. Towards that end, the heights of the raised inner wall members 25, 125 is preferably at least as heigh above the perimeter walls 24, 124 as the cut-out sections 13, 113 are recessed below the upper ends of the perimeter walls 14, 114. Additionally, in some embodiments, the raised inner wall members also include colored (e.g., darkened) outer peripheries at least at the regions 25 a corresponding to the locations of the cut-out sections 13, 113. In this manner, as shown in FIG. 5 , the cut-out sections 13, 113 as observed outside of the box can include such colored (e.g., darkened) regions for aesthetic enhancement and/or to create the impression of a finger-hole at the cut-out sections 13, 113.
In the preferred embodiments, the cut-out sections 13, 113 not only function as a means to support a smoking product during use of the ash-tray portion as an ash tray, as discussed above, but the cut-out sections 13, 113 also function to facilitate removal of the upper ash- tray portion 10, 110 by use of the cut-out sections 13, 113 as finger-receiving openings with which a user can insert one or more finger to facilitate separation of the ash-try portions 10, 110 from the bottom holder portions 20, 120. In some embodiments, the cut-out sections have a depth from an end of the perimeter wall 14, 114 to the bottom of the cut-out section of between about 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches. In some embodiments, the cut-out sections have a depth of between about 0.25 inches to 0.7 inches. In some embodiments, the cut-out sections have a depth of between about 0.3 inches to 0.6 inches.
As indicated herein above, in some preferred embodiments of the invention, a box or container integrated with an ash tray can be configured, sized and dimensioned as shown in the figures, with the figures showing an exemplary embodiment of the invention to scale. Accordingly, in some preferred embodiments, the relative sizes, dimensions and relationships between parts are as shown in the figures. In some alternative embodiments, the relative sizes, dimensions and relationships between parts can be like that shown plus or minus 20%, or, in some embodiments, plus or minus 15%, or, in some embodiments, plus or minus 10%.
Although various embodiments can include various different sizes or dimensions, in some illustrative embodiments, the box 1, 100 can have a length 1 L of between about 8 to 16 inches. In some other illustrative embodiments, the box 1, 100 can have a length 1 L of between about 10 to 14 inches. In some other illustrative embodiments, the box 1, 100 can have a length 1 L of between about 11 to 13 inches.
Although various embodiments can include various different sizes or dimensions, in some illustrative embodiments, the box 1, 100 can have a width 1W of between about 5 to 12 inches. In some other illustrative embodiments, the box 1, 100 can have a width 1W of between about 6 to 11 inches. In some other illustrative embodiments, the box 1, 100 can have a length 1 L of between about 7 to 10 inches.
Although various embodiments can include various different sizes or dimensions, in some illustrative embodiments, the box 1, 100 can have a depth (e.g., the combination of the depth of the heights 20H and 10H shown in FIG. 5 ) of between about 1 to 4 inches. In some other illustrative embodiments, the box 1, 100 can have a depth of between about 1.25 to 3 inches. In some other illustrative embodiments, the box 1, 100 can have a depth of between about 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
Although various embodiments can include various different sizes or dimensions, in some illustrative embodiments, the box 1, 100 can include perimeter walls 14, 114 and/or perimeter walls 24, 124 with thickness of between about 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches. In some other illustrative embodiments, the box 1, 100 can include perimeter walls 14, 114 and/or perimeter walls 24, 124 with thickness of between about 0.25 inches to 0.7 inches. In some other illustrative embodiments, the box 1, 100 can include perimeter walls 14, 114 and/or perimeter walls 24, 124 with thickness of between about 0.3 inches to 0.6 inches. In some other illustrative embodiments, the box 1, 100 can include perimeter walls 14, 114 and/or perimeter walls 24, 124 with thickness of between about 0.3 inches to 0.5 inches.
With reference to FIG. 3 , FIG. 3 is a top view of the container 1 shown in FIG. 1 in a closed condition. With reference to FIG. 4 , FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of a bottom of the container 1 shown in FIG. 3 in a closed condition. With reference to FIG. 5 , FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of a side of the container 1 shown in FIG. 3 in a closed condition. As discussed above, the container 1 has a depth that is a combination of the heights 20H and 10H shown in FIG. 5 . Towards this end, the height 20H corresponds to the height of the perimeter walls 24, 124 and the height 10H corresponds to the height of the perimeter walls 14, 114. As shown in FIG. 5 , in the preferred embodiments, the heights 10H and 20H are preferably substantially the same in this illustrative embodiment. In this manner, the cut-out recesses 13, 113 are advantageously centrally or close to centrally located to facilitate manipulation and opening. Moreover, in this manner, a symmetrical and aesthetically desirable configuration is achieved. In some alternative embodiments, the height 10H can be smaller than the height 20H, such as, e.g., 10% smaller in some embodiments, or 20% smaller in some embodiments, or 30% smaller in some embodiments, or 40% smaller in some embodiments, or 50% smaller in some embodiments. In some alternative, although less preferred, embodiments, the height 20H can alternatively be smaller than the height 10H, such as, e.g., 10% smaller in some embodiments, or 20% smaller in some embodiments, or 30% smaller in some embodiments, or 40% smaller in some embodiments, or 50% smaller in some embodiments.
With reference to FIG. 6 , FIG. 6 is a perspective top view showing the container 1 shown in FIG. 3 during use with a user removing the upper ash-tray portion 10 of the container 1 from the base holder-portion 20 of the container. As shown, separation is facilitated by the user grasping the cut-out section 13 with the user's thumb in this illustrative example. With respect to FIG. 7 , FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of the container 1 shown in FIG. 3 during use with a user placing the upper ash-try portion 10 of the container in a use condition on a support surface (such as, e.g., a table), FIG. 8 is a perspective top view of the container 1 during use after the user has placed the upper ash-try portion of the container in a use condition on the support surface, and FIG. 9 is another perspective top view of the container 1 after the user has placed the upper ashtry portion of the container in a use condition on the support surface.
With reference to FIG. 10 , FIG. 10 is a perspective top view of the container 1 shown in FIG. 3 showing the base holder-portion within which cigars or other smoking products can be maintained during use of the upper ash-tray portion of a container. Although not shown, in some preferred embodiments, the box or container includes a plurality of cigars or other smoking products therein. For example, in some embodiments, the container 1, 100 can include between about 20 to 60 cigars or smoking products supported therein. In some illustrative embodiments, the container 1, 100 includes about 25 to 50 cigars or smoking products therein.
Although the preferred embodiments of the invention described herein include ashtray portions and bottom-holder portions that are not fixedly connected together. In some alternative embodiments, the portions can be connected together, such as, e.g., by clips, or the like, or, can even be hinged together. However, the two portions are preferably separatable such that the ash-tray portions can be used entirely independently from the holder-portions.
Broad Scope of the Invention While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described herein, the present invention is not limited to the various preferred embodiments described herein, but includes any-and-all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based on the present disclosure. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. For example, in the present disclosure, the term “preferably” is non-exclusive and means “preferably, but not limited to.” In this disclosure and during the prosecution of this application, means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; b) a corresponding function is expressly recited; and c) structure, material or acts that support that structure are not recited. In this disclosure and during the prosecution of this application, the terminology “present invention” or “invention” may be used as a reference to one or more aspect within the present disclosure. The language present invention or invention should not be improperly interpreted as an identification of criticality, should not be improperly interpreted as applying across all aspects or embodiments (i.e., it should be understood that the present invention has a number of aspects and embodiments), and should not be improperly interpreted as limiting the scope of the application or claims. In this disclosure and during the prosecution of this application, the terminology “embodiment” can be used to describe any aspect, feature, process or step, any combination thereof, and/or any portion thereof, etc. In some examples, various embodiments may include overlapping features. In this disclosure, the following abbreviated terminology may be employed: “e.g.” which means “for example.”
The use of individual numerical values is stated as approximations as though the values were preceded by the word “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately.” Similarly, the numerical values in the various ranges specified in this application, unless expressly indicated otherwise, are stated as approximations as though the minimum and maximum values within the stated ranges were both preceded by the word “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately.” In this manner, variations above and below the stated ranges can be used to achieve substantially the same results as values within the ranges. As used herein, the terms “about”, “substantially”, and “approximately” when referring to a numerical value shall have their plain and ordinary meanings to a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed subject matter is most closely related or the art relevant to the range or element at issue. The amount of broadening from the strict numerical boundary depends upon many factors. For example, some of the factors which may be considered include the criticality of the element and/or the effect a given amount of variation will have on the performance of the claimed subject matter, as well as other considerations known to those of skill in the art. As used herein, the use of differing amounts of significant digits for different numerical values is not meant to limit how the use of the words “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately” will serve to broaden a particular numerical value or range. Thus, as a general matter, “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately” broaden the numerical value. Also, the disclosure of ranges is intended as a continuous range including every value between the minimum and maximum values plus the broadening of the range afforded by the use of the term “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately.” Thus, recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. It is to be understood that any ranges, ratios and ranges of ratios that can be formed by, or derived from, any of the data disclosed herein represent further embodiments of the present disclosure and are included as part of the disclosure as though they were explicitly set forth. This includes ranges that can be formed that do or do not include a finite upper and/or lower boundary. Accordingly, a person of ordinary skill in the art most closely related to a particular range, ratio or range of ratios will appreciate that such values are unambiguously derivable from the data presented herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A container with an integrated ash tray for smoking products, comprising:

a) an upper ash-tray portion having:

a central panel;

a plurality of perimeter walls extending around a perimeter of the central panel;

at least one of said perimeter walls having at least one cut-out recess extending downward from an end of said at least one of said perimeter walls, each said at least one cutout having a curved or arcuate surface for supporting a smoking product during use as an ash tray and for facilitating grasping by a user during separation of the upper ash-tray portion;

b) a bottom-holder portion having:

a bottom floor panel;

a plurality of perimeter walls extending around a perimeter of the bottom floor panel; and

c) wherein said bottom-holder portion operates as a holder for smoking products, and said upper ash-tray portion operates as both a cover for closing the container in a closed position and as an ash-tray when the upper ash-tray portion is moved from said closed position to an open inverted position.

2. The container with an integrated ash tray for smoking products of claim 1, wherein said bottom-holder portion includes a plurality of raised inner wall members that extend upwardly around an interior of the plurality of perimeter walls extending around a perimeter of the bottom floor panel.

3. The container with an integrated ash tray for smoking products of claim 2, wherein the raised inner wall members include inner wall members having a height greater than a height of the plurality of perimeter walls extending around the perimeter of the bottom floor panel.

4. The container with an integrated ash tray for smoking products of claim 3, wherein the raised inner wall members have a width that is substantially narrower than the width of the plurality of perimeter walls extending around the perimeter of the bottom floor panel.

5. The container with an integrated ash tray for smoking products of claim 3, wherein said raised inner wall members extend a height greater than a height of the plurality of perimeter walls extending around the perimeter of the bottom floor panel by an amount that is at least as large as a depth of said at least one cut-out recess.

6. The container with an integrated ash tray for smoking products of claim 1, wherein said upper ash tray portion is entirely separatable from the bottom-holder portion.

7. The container with an integrated ash tray for smoking products of claim 1, wherein said upper ash tray portion includes fire-resistant, fire-retardant or fire-proof material.

8. The container with an integrated ash tray of claim 1, wherein said ash tray portion is made with wood, and includes fire-resistant, fire-retardant or fire-proof material.

9. The container with an integrated ash tray of claim 7, wherein said fire-resistant, fire-retardant or fire-proof material includes a layer provided over a surface of said bottom floor panel.

10. The container with an integrated ash tray of claim 9, wherein said layer is a metallic layer.

11. The container with an integrated ash tray of claim 9, wherein said metallic layer is a silver-colored layer.

12. The container with an integrated ash tray of claim 9, wherein said layer includes a logo, symbol or indicia thereon.

13. The container with an integrated ash tray of claim 10, wherein said layer includes a logo, symbol or indicia thereon.

14. The container with an integrated ash tray of claim 13, wherein a width of the plurality of perimeter walls extending around a perimeter of the central panel of the upper ash-tray portion is between about 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches.

15. The container with an integrated ash tray of claim 13, wherein a width of the plurality of perimeter walls extending around a perimeter of the central panel of the upper ash-tray portion is between about 0.25 inches to 0.7 inches.

16. The container with an integrated ash tray of claim 13, wherein a width of the plurality of perimeter walls extending around a perimeter of the central panel of the upper ash-tray portion is between about 0.3 inches to 0.6 inches.

17. A method of using the container with an integrated ash tray of claim 1, comprising:

a) storing a plurality of smoking products within the container with the container in a closed condition with the upper ash tray portion covering the bottom holder portion;

b) moving the upper ash tray portion from the closed condition to an inverted position for use of the upper ash tray portion as an ash tray.

18. The method of claim 17, further including after said storing in step a) and before said moving in step b), transporting said container for retail.

19. The method of claim 17, further including after said storing in step a) and before said moving in step b), selling said container to an end consumer, and having said end consumer perform said moving in step b).

20. The method of claim 19, further including the end consumer using the upper ash tray portion as an ash tray, with the upper ash tray portion entirely separated from the bottom holder portion, the end consumer removing ashes from the upper ash tray portion freely due to separation of the upper ash tray portion from the bottom holder portion, and then the end consumer replacing the upper ash tray portion on the bottom holder portion to return said container in a closed condition.