Smoke Reducer For Cigarette Smokers

What is this patent about?

'088 is related to the field of smoker's articles, specifically cigarette holders and extinguishing devices. The background acknowledges the increasing social pressure on smokers due to concerns about air pollution and the desire to reduce waste and hazards associated with smoking.

The underlying idea behind '088 is to create a self-contained device that allows a smoker to selectively ignite, smoke, and extinguish a cigarette on demand, minimizing smoke emitted into the environment between puffs. This is achieved by enclosing the burning end of the cigarette within a housing and controlling airflow to extinguish it when not actively being puffed.

The claims of '088 focus on a device the size of a cigarette pack that houses a cigarette, an electric lighter, and a mechanism to extinguish the cigarette by controlling airflow. The device includes a mouthpiece for smoking, a sliding switch to activate the lighter and open a vent for airflow, and an ash pit to collect ash.

In practice, the smoker inserts a cigarette into the device, which is held in the hand like a regular cigarette pack. A sliding switch simultaneously activates an internal electric lighter and opens a vent, allowing the cigarette to be lit and smoked. Releasing the switch cuts power to the lighter and closes the vent, starving the cigarette of oxygen and extinguishing it. An internal mechanism advances the lighter element as the cigarette burns, ensuring consistent ignition.

This design differentiates itself from traditional smoking methods by actively controlling combustion and containing ash. Unlike simply placing a cigarette in an ashtray, this device aims to eliminate sidestream smoke and reduce the risk of burns. The integrated lighter and extinguishing mechanism offer a more controlled and less wasteful smoking experience.