Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FILTERING SMOKE
The present invention relates to a device and method for
filtering tobacco smoke.
The fact that smoking tobacco can damage the health has
been known for some considerable time. Many campaigns have
already been mounted by, among others, governments in order
to persuade people to stop smoking, or at least to influence
smoking behaviour. The purpose of these campaigns has always
been until very recently to persuade smokers to stop smoking
altogether, wherein the argument has been that smoking is
hazardous to the health of the smoker him/herself. It is
however becoming increasingly apparent that smoking can not
only damage the health of the smoker him/herself, but also of
passive smokers present in the vicinity of the smoker. A
passive smoker is here understood to mean any random person
who, although this person does not him/herself smoke, is
nevertheless forced to inhale tobacco smoke of someone else.
The health of passive smokers can hereby be seriously
affected.
While a smoker can defend himself with the argument that
it is up to him/her to decide whether he/she indulges in
habits damaging to his/her own health, the passive smoker
does not have this option. This is an important reason why
smoking is being officially forbidden more and more in public
places. The consequence hereof is that the smoker is often
forced to go outside public buildings to be able to enjoy a
smoke. This is a problem, particularly for the hardened
smoker, who will go to great lengths to be able to enjoy
his/her tobacco.
It is an object of the invention to resolve the above
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stated problems. It is more specifically an object of the
present invention to provide a method and device with which
the passive smoker is protected from harmful substances from
the tobacco smoke of a smoker.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a device for filtering tobacco smoke from a
tobacco product, comprising a housing in which the tobacco
product can be arranged, and a filter for filtering tobacco
smoke, the housing comprising:
- a tobacco reservoir for holding tobacco,
- an outside air feed for feeding, from the environment,
outside air necessary for the combustion of the tobacco,
- a tobacco smoke discharge for discharging tobacco
smoke caused by the combustion,
- a filter connected to the tobacco smoke discharge for
filtering substances harmful to the environment from the
tobacco smoke which can be guided therealong,
- a mouthpiece which is connected to the tobacco
reservoir and~the smoke discharge and with which a smoker can
inhale the tobacco smoke from the tobacco reservoir and can
exhale the tobacco smoke to the tobacco smoke discharge.
In the device not only is tobacco smoke filtered when
the smoker has lit the tobacco and is not (yet) inhaling the
smoke, but also the tobacco smoke once it has been inhaled
and then blown out again by the smoker. This means that
practically all tobacco smoke is filtered, and people in the
vicinity of the smoker are therefore no longer inconvenienced
by the fact that the smoker is smoking. The device makes it
possible for instance to smoke in a small closed space
without others in the space having to be passive smokers.
According to a preferred embodiment, the tobacco smoke
discharge and the tobacco reservoir are arranged relative to
each other for generating, as a result of convection, one or
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more forced gas flows in the smoke discharge, by which flow
tobacco smoke is continuously discharged. In this embodiment
use is made of the fact that hot air tends to rise. The
tobacco in the tobacco reservoir causes hot smoke which rises
to a filter provided above the tobacco reservoir. The filter
removes the harmful substances from the smoke and discharges
the filtered part of the smoke. No electrical or mechanical
means are therefore necessary in this embodiment to realize
the required discharge of tobacco smoke, which results in,
among other things, an unlimited lifespan and a relatively
simple construction.
According to another preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises gas displacing means for generating one
or more forced gas flows in the smoke discharge, by which
flow tobacco smoke is discharged. Measures are taken in this
embodiment to generate the gas flows required for discharge
of tobacco smoke using mechanical and/or electronic means,
such as suction means with which smoke can be drawn from the
tobacco reservoir. In a particularly advantageous embodiment,
the gas displacing means comprise one or more fans. The gas
displacing means can also be embodied in the form of pumps,
for instance of the centrifugal type or the membrane type.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the fan can be driven
with an electric motor, and in the housing there is provided
a compartment in which the electric power supply, in
particular one or more batteries, can be accommodated.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the device comprises regulating means for guiding
the gas flows through the smoke discharge and the mouthpiece.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the regulating means
comprise at least a first non-return valve between the
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tobacco reservoir and the smoke discharge, at least a second
non-return valve between the tobacco reservoir and the
mouthpiece and at least a third non-return valve between the
mouthpiece and the smoke discharge.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the non-return valves
are adapted, in a standby situation in which the tobacco has
been lit and no inhalation or exhalation is taking place, to
allow through the gas flow from the tobacco reservoir to the
smoke discharge and to prevent the gas flow from the
reservoir to the mouthpiece.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the non-return valves
are adapted, in an inhaling situation where tobacco smoke is
being inhaled by a user via the mouthpiece, to allow through
the gas flow from the reservoir to the mouthpiece.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the non-return valves
are adapted, in an exhaling situation where the user exhales
the inhaled air via the mouthpiece, to prevent the gas flow
from the mouthpiece to the reservoir and allow through the
gas flow from the mouthpiece to the smoke discharge.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the regulating means
comprise a closing membrane with which the throughfeed in a
determined direction can be prevented and the throughfeed in
the opposite direction can be left substantially clear.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device which is adapted, in a standby
situation in which the tobacco has been lit and no inhalation
or exhalation is taking place, for forced discharge of the
tobacco smoke via the tobacco smoke discharge.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
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invention comprises a device which is adapted, also in an
exhaling situation where at least a part of the inhaled air
is being exhaled by the user via the mouthpiece, for forced
discharge of the tobacco smoke via the tobacco smoke
5 discharge.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the tobacco smoke
discharge comprises a first discharge channel for discharging
tobacco smoke in the standby situation and a second discharge
channel for discharging the tobacco smoke exhaled in the
exhaling situation.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein a fan is arranged in the
first discharge channel.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the first and second
discharge channel are combined to form a single smoke
discharge channel, and the fan is arranged in the combined
smoke discharge channel.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein at the position of the
tobacco reservoir the housing comprises a removable closing
cover to enable placing of tobacco in the tobacco reservoir,
and wherein the outside air feed is formed by a number of
throughflow openings provided in the closing cover.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the outside air feed
comprises an air passage extending from the outside of the
housing to the tobacco reservoir.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the air passage is
embodied to enable lighting of the tobacco via the passage.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
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invention comprises a device wherein the pressure caused by a
fan is lower than the pressure caused by inhalation by the
user.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the forced gas flow has
a flow rate of a maximum of 100 of the flow rate of the
inhaled or exhaled gas flow.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the device comprises holding means for holding the
tobacco product such as a cigarette or a cigar.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the tobacco product is
rolling tobacco.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device which can be held by the mouth
of a person.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the total weight amounts
to a maximum of 1 kg, preferably a maximum of 300 g.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a device comprises a supply compartment for
temporary storage of additional tobacco.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a device comprises a lighter compartment for
storing a lighter with which the tobacco can be lit.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a device comprises a switch for switching on one
or more of the fans.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a device comprises a detector arranged in or close
to the tobacco reservoir for directly or indirectly detecting
tobacco smoke, wherein the detector is coupled to the switch
for switching on the one or more fans in the case of tobacco
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smoke and switching them off in the absence of tobacco smoke.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a device comprises
- a temperature sensor arranged in or close to the
tobacco reservoir for generating a temperature signal
representative of the temperature,
- a control means coupled to the temperature sensor, the
one or more fans and/or to the switch for switching on the
one or more fans above a preset temperature and switching
them off below a preset temperature, this on the basis of the
temperature signal.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the filter contains
active carbon.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
invention comprises a device wherein the filter is an ion
filter.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a device comprises a cathode and an anode between
which the smoke can be guided for ionizing at least some of
the substances in the smoke under the influence of an
electric field between the cathode and anode, and collecting
means for collecting the ionized substances.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a device comprises means for generating aromatic
substances.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a device comprises a filter compartment which is
provided in the housing and which can be closed off from the
environment with a removable closing valve, wherein one or
more replaceable filters can be placed in the filter
compartment.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present
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invention comprises a device wherein the tobacco reservoir is
open at its top and along the upper edges thereof there are
provided a number of openings connecting to the tobacco smoke
discharge for the purpose of drawing off the smoke produced
in the tobacco reservoir.
It is further possible for instance to arrange a number
of components of the device, such as the power supply, the
control and/or the filter, in a separate second housing. The
second housing can for instance be carried in an (inside)
pocket of the clothing of the smoker, or be fastened via a
strap to the belt or round the neck of the smoker. The
connection between the two housings takes place by means of
electric wiring for the power supply and the control and an
air tube along which the air to be inhaled and/or exhaled can
be guided. In this embodiment the first housing, which is
held in the mouth by the smoker, can be given a lighter form,
which may in some cases enhance the comfort of the device.
This embodiment also provides the option of a more powerful
power supply with a longer lifespan or a more extensive
filter for cleaner filtering of the tobacco smoke.
In a further preferred embodiment the housing is
therefore constructed from a first housing part and a second
housing part, wherein at least the mouthpiece, the tobacco
reservoir and the feed for outside air are arranged in the
first housing part and wherein at least the tobacco smoke
discharge, the filter and the gas displacing means are
distributed over the first and second housings.
According to a second aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for filtering tobacco smoke from a
tobacco product, comprising of:
- arranging the tobacco product in a tobacco reservoir
in a housing provided with one or more filters for filtering
tobacco smoke;
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- lighting the tobacco product;
- continuously discharging gases containing tobacco
smoke from the tobacco reservoir via a first tobacco smoke
discharge provided in the housing, guiding the gases through
said filter and subsequently discharging the filtered gases
to the outside air;
- carrying gases containing tobacco smoke, during
inhalation, from the tobacco smoke reservoir to a mouthpiece
connected to the housing;
- during exhaling of previously inhaled gases containing
tobacco smoke, guiding the gases through the filter via the
mouthpiece and a second tobacco smoke discharge provided in
the housing, and subsequently discharging the filtered gases
to the outside air.
The method preferably also comprises of generating one
or more forced gas flows in the smoke discharge, the gases
containing tobacco smoke being discharged by this flow. The
method can also comprise of drawing gases containing tobacco
smoke substantially continuously from the tobacco reservoir
to the tobacco smoke discharge and driving thereof through
the filter.
The method preferably comprises of forced discharge of
the tobacco smoke via the tobacco smoke discharge in a
standby situation in which the tobacco has been lit and no
inhalation or exhalation is taking place. The method
furthermore preferably comprises of forced discharge of the
tobacco smoke in an exhaling situation where at least a part
of the inhaled air is being exhaled by the user via the
mouthpiece.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the method
comprises of:
- providing a detector arranged in or close to the
tobacco reservoir;
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- directly or indirectly detecting tobacco smoke in the
tobacco reservoir;
- generating said gas flows for discharging tobacco
smoke only when tobacco smoke is present.
5 In another particularly advantageous embodiment, the
method comprises of:
- measuring the temperature in or close to the tobacco
reservoir;
- generating said gas flows for discharging the tobacco
10 smoke only at a preset maximum temperature or in the case of
a maximum temperature increase.
In the two latter embodiments the forced gas flow by the
gas displacing means is only activated when smoking actually
takes place, i.e. when the tobacco is actually lit. This
means that the smoker himself no longer has to activate the
device (for instance with an on/off switch) and this prevents
the gas displacing means by mistake not being switched on or
remaining switched on for too long. In the former case
unfiltered smoke could enter the environment, while in the
30 latter case the power supply of the gas displacing means will
be quickly exhausted.
In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises
one or more solar cells for converting solar energy to
electrical energy, wherein the solar cells are connected to
the power supply for charging thereof. Depending on the
amount of sunlight, the solar cells ensure that the power
supply does not have to be separately recharged, for instance
via the mains electricity in the case of a rechargeable power
supply, or must be replaced in the case a non-rechargeable
power supply such as batteries is applied, or at least that
the power supply is exhausted less rapidly.
Further advantages, features and details of the present
invention will be elucidated on the basis of the description
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of several preferred embodiments thereof. Reference is made
in the description to the accompanying figures, in which:
- figure 1 shows a cross-section, partly in perspective,
of a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
- figure 2 shows a partly cut-away top view of a second
preferred embodiment of the invention;
- figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of figure
2;
- figure 4 shows a cross-section, partly in perspective,
of a third preferred embodiment;
- figure 5 shows a cross-section, partly in perspective,
of a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention; and
- figures 6a and 6b show views of a fifth preferred
embodiment of the invention.
Figure 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of the
invention. Device 1 is here constructed from a housing 2
which is provided at a proximal end with a mouthpiece 3 and
provided at a distal end with a cover 5 provided with
throughflow openings. In the shown embodiment the casing 2
takes the form of a pipe. However, within certain limits
lying within reach of the skilled person, the device can take
a random different form.
Housing 2 has an elongate part 3 and an upright part 4
connected thereto. Arranged on an outer end of elongate part
3 is mouthpiece 3 which in known manner takes a form such
that it can be held readily and comfortably in the mouth by a
smoker. The upright part 4 is provided on the opposite end of
elongate part 3 of housing 2.
Provided in elongate part 3 is a filling flap 6 which
can be folded open and shut in known manner, for instance
using hinges 57. In elongate part 3 adjoining the inner side
of filling flap 6 is provided a reservoir 7 in which the
tobacco product, for instance one or more cigarettes,
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optionally provided with cigarette filter, or a cigar, can be
arranged. For the case that a cigar or cigarettes) are
applied, a holding element 8 is provided in compartment 7.
Holding element 8 can be embodied in many ways. The element
can for example be constructed from a clip 9 of resilient
material attached to the wall 10 of compartment 7. The
cigarettes) can be fixed inside compartment 7 using this
clip 9.
In addition to the closable space 7 in which the tobacco
product can be arranged, the elongate part 3 comprises a
lighting channel 11 which extends from the outer surface of
elongate part 3 of housing 2 and the inner wall of
compartment 7. The channel forms an open connection between
the outside air and the space 7 inside elongate part 3, this
such that lighting channel 11 debouches at a position
suitable for lighting tobacco possibly placed in space 7. In
the case of a cigar or cigarette this means that lighting
channel 11 debouches in the vicinity of the outer end
thereof. If however loose rolling tobacco is placed in the
space, the positioning of lighting channel 11 is of less
importance, just as long as channel 11 debouches at a
position where tobacco is situated.
Lighting channel 11 also has the function of supplying
the oxygen necessary for combustion of the tobacco from the
outside air to tobacco compartment 7 in housing 2. Once the
lighting channel has been used to light the tobacco, it
therefore functions as air feed channel.
Also provided in elongate part 3 is a smoke discharge
channel 12 which extends from the proximal end of tobacco
compartment 7 into the upright part 4 and which connects onto
cover 5. Between space 7 and smoke discharge channel 12 there
are provided one or more openings 13 which can be closed
using one-way valve 14, also referred to as non-return valve.
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In the shown embodiment a one-way valve 14 is made up of a
membrane, for instance of rubber, arranged on the wall of
smoke discharge channel 12 at one fixing point 15. The one-
way valve 14 herein closes said openings 13 between space 7,
in which the tobacco is situated, and smoke discharge channel
12. Because one-way valve 14 is manufactured from flexible
membrane, air flowing from space 7 to smoke discharge channel
12 will open the valve so that this air is carried almost
freely or at least with little resistance from space 7 to
smoke discharge channel 12, while an airflow in the opposite
direction, i.e. from smoke discharge channel 12 to space 7,
causes valve 14 to close so that the airflow from smoke
discharge channel 12 to space 7 is interrupted.
As already mentioned, a mouthpiece 3 is provided at the
proximal end of the elongate part. In the shown embodiment
this has a funnel shape. Other forms can however also be
envisaged. Between the space 7 in which the tobacco product
can be arranged and the mouthpiece 3 there is provided a
partition wall 32 which, in accordance with the above
described method, is provided with a number of openings and
on which is mounted a one-way valve in the form of a membrane
33. One-way valve 33 is mounted such that an airflow from
space 7 to the interior of mouthpiece 3 can take place
practically unimpeded, while a displacement in the opposite
direction through valve 33 is prevented. A partition wall 34
is likewise provided between mouthpiece 3 and smoke discharge
channel 12. In partition wall 34 are arranged one or more
openings which can be closed using a further one-way valve
35. This latter is embodied here such that an airflow from
mouthpiece 3 to smoke discharge space 12 can take place
practically unimpeded, while a displacement of gases in the
opposite direction is prevented.
Many variants of said one-way valve are possible, all
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falling within the scope of the present invention. A one-way
valve should be understood to mean all means which ensure
that a gas flow in a first direction is impeded much less
than a gas flow in the opposite direction. No gas, or only
little gas will herein pass through the valve in the blocking
direction, while a gas flow along the valve is possible in
the release direction. Depending on the embodiment, a gas
flow will encounter more or less resistance when passing
through the valve in the release direction. This resistance
can be preset and can be applied to ensure a correct flow of
the gases through the different channels of the device.
Figure 1 shows that between the elongate part 3 and the
upright part 4 of device 1 there is provided a partition wall
17 which is provided with a circular opening 18. Fixed
against the rear of partition wall 17 is a support 19 to
which a fan 20 is coupled. Fan 20 is embodied here such that
the blades 21 thereof extend substantially in one plane with
partition wall 17. Fan 20 is connected via electric wiring 22
to one or more batteries 23 which are accommodated in a
battery compartment arranged separately in upright part 4. In
the shown embodiment wiring 24 is also provided which is
connected to an on/off switch 25 which can be operated from
the outside of housing 2 and with which fan 20 can be
switched on and off.
Provided in partition wall 17 are additional openings 26
which can be closed with one or more further one-way valves
27. The one-way valve is arranged on the downstream side of
partition wall 17 so that airflow from the smoke discharge
channel to upright part 4 is possible with a relatively low
resistance, while an airflow in the opposite direction is
prevented.
Two walls 17 are otherwise shown in figure 2 for the
sake of clarity. In reality however, there is a single wall
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in which the opening for the fan and the openings for
membrane 27 are both arranged. One-way valve 27 hereby
provides an "overflow" option parallel to throughflow opening
18 to enable processing of sudden, large quantities of smoke
5 resulting from exhalation by the smoker.
A filter 28 is arranged downstream of fan 20. In the
shown embodiment the filter consists of an exchangeable disc-
like filter component 28. The filter component consists of a
filter pad in which active carbon or another suitable
10 absorption material is arranged with which the harmful
substances can be filtered out of the smoke gases. The pad
extends in a position transversely of the direction of
displacement of the smoke in order to make the active area
thereof as large as possible.
15 In an alternative embodiment, such as for instance in
the embodiments of figures 4 and 5, an electrically driven
ion filter is provided instead of the absorption filter. The
operation of the filter will be described hereinbelow with
reference to the embodiments shown in figures 4 and 5.
In the embodiment shown in figure 1 the filter 28 rests
on a wall 29 which is provided with throughflow openings (not
shown) and which is placed transversely over the full cross-
section of upright part 4. As stated above, the upright part
4 is closed with a cover plate 5 provided with throughflow
openings 30. The cover plate is mounted on the upright part 4
of device 1 using hinges 31. At a position opposite that of
the hinges there is provided a handle 55 by which the cover
plate can be grasped to open or close it (arrow P1). In the
closed position the part 4 is fixed relative to upright part
4 by means of a snap connection (not shown).
During use the device 1 functions as filter mechanism
for the smoke gases caused by the burning tobacco, so that
harmful substances from the smoke gases do not enter the
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environment, or only do so to a greatly reduced extent. The
use of the device is described hereinbelow on the basis of a
number of situations. In the standby situation the tobacco in
the tobacco compartment is lit, but no inhalatidn or
exhalation by the smoker takes place. In the "inhale"
situation the smoker inhales via mouthpiece 3 tobacco smoke
from tobacco smouldering in tobacco reservoir 7. In the
"exhale" situation the smoker finally exhales the inhaled air
via the mouthpiece.
An example of the method and use of the device according
to the invention is described hereinbelow. The smoker first
arranges a filter 28 in the device by folding open the
discharge plate, placing on wall 29 and optionally clamping a
filter pad 28 using means which are not shown, and once again
closing discharge plate 25. The smoker then opens filling
flap 6 by pivoting it open, whereby the tobacco space 7 is
left clear. In the tobacco space is then placed the tobacco
product, i.e. one or more cigarettes, one or more cigars
and/or rolling tobacco. After filling flap 6 has once again
been closed, the device is ready for use. To this end the
tobacco in space 7 is lit via lighting channel 11. When a
cigarette or cigar is arranged, an outer end is brought to
combustion for this purpose. When rolling tobacco is used,
this is lit at a random position via lighting channel 11.
After filter 28 has been placed in the above described
manner, the user switches on fan 20 by operating on/off
switch 25. Fan 20 provides an underpressure in smoke
discharge channel 12. As a consequence of this underpressure
the membrane 14 is opened and gases flow from tobacco
compartment 7 into smoke discharge channel 12. As a result of
the fact that the exit of the air feed channel (lighting
channel) 11 is disposed at the one end of the compartment and
openings 13 are placed at the opposite end, a draught of air
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is created which is sufficient to keep the tobacco burning.
The pressure drop over openings 13 and valve 14 is set here
such that it is smaller than the pressure drop over membrane
35 and the associated openings in wall 34. This prevents air
being drawn in particularly via the mouthpiece, which could
cause a reduced draw of the tobacco.
Fan 20 thus draws in the smoke gases of the smouldering
tobacco, causes the smoke gases to pass through membrane 27
and carries them to the interior of the upright part 4 and
subsequently guides them to the outside via filter 28 and
discharge plate 5.
As set forth above, there occurs in the standby
situation a weak flow of a mixture consisting of air supplied
via lighting channel 11 and smoke caused by combustion of the
tobacco via the one-way valve 14, one-way valve 27 and filter
28 (arrows PZ-P6), since the pressure to be overcome by the
air over one-way valve 14 is lower than the pressure which
must be overcome between tobacco space 7 and via the
combination of one-way valves 33 and 35. In the standby
situation (practically) no smoke flows via mouthpiece 3 to
the outside, and virtually all smoke gases will therefore
reach the outside world via filter 28 and discharge valve 4.
This means that as long as the smoker does not make use of
mouthpiece 3, all smoke gases are filtered by filter 28, so
that no harmful smoke gases, or at least only a smaller
quantity thereof, will reach the environment.
When a smoker makes use of mouthpiece 3 and inhales the
smoke (inhaling situation), the smoke gases in tobacco space
7 will be inhaled via one-way valve 33 and mouthpiece 3
(arrow P~ and arrow P$). One-way valves 14 and 35 further
prevent flows from smoke discharge channel 12 via tobacco
compartment 7 to mouthpiece 3 or from smoke discharge channel
12 directly to mouthpiece 3. These latter flows are of course
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undesirable since they contain mainly outside air.
When the smoker now blows out the inhaled smoke again
(exhaling situation) into mouthpiece 3 (arrow P9), the smoke
is held back by one-way valve 33 (shown as a membrane in
figure 1) so that the smoke does not enter tobacco space 7.
The smoke is carried via one-way valve 35 into smoke
discharge channel 12 and discharged in the above described
manner mainly via the additional openings 26 and via filter
28 (arrows PZ-P6). The additional openings 26 are provided in
order to enable processing of the relatively high flow rate
of exhaled air (the flow rate of the inhaled air is generally
much smaller). Valve 14 moreover prevents exhaled smoke which
has entered smoke discharge channel 12 being blown back again
to tobacco space 7. This means that all smoke gases inhaled
by the smoker via mouthpiece 3, to the extent at least that
these have not been absorbed by the body itself, are
discharged once again via mouthpiece 3, wherein a filtering
of the exhaled smoke gases takes place. This prevents the
exhaled smoke gases reaching the environment.
Figures 2 and 3 show an alternative embodiment of the
present invention. In this embodiment the device 1' is built
up of a droplet-shaped casing 2 which is provided on one side
with a mouthpiece 3. Although this mouthpiece differs in form
from the mouthpiece shown in figure 1, the present mouthpiece
has a similar function. In the shown embodiment a tobacco
space 40 is provided in which a quantity of tobacco (in this
case rolling tobacco) can be arranged. Tobacco space 40 is
provided on the top with a removable cover flap 41 so that it
can be readily filled by the user. Cover flap 41 is provided
with throughflow openings 42 which are provided for the
supply of oxygen used in the process of combustion of the
tobacco in tobacco space 40. Provided between tobacco space
and mouthpiece 3 is a first channel 43. Arranged
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transversely thereof is a partition wall 44 in which a one-
way valve 45 is placed in above described manner. The one-way
valve is embodied here such that gases from the tobacco space
to mouthpiece 3 can pass practically unimpeded through
partition wall 44, while a displacement in the opposite
direction is prevented. On either side of the first channel
43 openings are further arranged in the channel wall which
can be closed using two further one-way valves 47 and 47'.
Valves 47 and 47' are arranged on the outer side of the
channel wall, so that while smoke from channel 43 can be
discharged outward, flow in the opposite direction is
prevented. On the side walls of channel 43 are arranged smoke
discharge channels 48 and 48' which debouch in a single
common discharge channel 49. Channel 49 is closed using a
smoke filter 50 which can be arranged in the manner to be
described below.
In addition to the above stated channel 43 between
tobacco space 40 and mouthpiece 3, on an opposite side of the
tobacco space there is provided a suction channel 52 arranged
concentrically relative to the common channel 49. A partition
wall 53 provided with an opening is arranged in suction
channel 52. A fan 54 also arranged on partition wall 53 can
herein draw in gases from tobacco space 40 via said openings
in partition wall 53.
The above mentioned channels 48,48' debouch in the
common channel 49 via a number of openings arranged in the
respective channel walls 60,60' and one-way valves 61 and 61'
arranged in the respective channels. The one-way valves are
once again arranged such that gases from channels 48,48' can
reach the common channel 49, but gases from the common
channel 49 cannot penetrate into channels 48,48'.
In use a user first places a filter 50 in device 1 by
removing cover flap 56, which is arranged on casing 2 using a
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snap connection, placing a filter pad 50 and once again
fastening cover plate 56 to casing 2. The user then switches
on fan 54 by operating an on/off switch 62 which is connected
to fan 54 using electric wires 63,63' and batteries 64,64'
5 and wires 65,65'.
In the standby situation the fan 54 draws in air via
openings 42 in valve 41. The fan herein draws the membrane 45
fixedly against partition wall 44 so that no air is sucked
into tobacco space 40 via mouthpiece 3. the air drawn into
10 tobacco space 40 enables combustion of the tobacco in
combustion space 40. A mixture of this air and combustion
gases from tobacco space 40 is further carried away via
channel 52 (arrow P1) in the direction of filter 50. The air
enters the common channel 49 (arrow PZ) and the mixture
15 enters the environment via openings 51 in cover plate 56.
When the smoker is therefore not using his/her mouthpiece,
the smoke gases, as a result of combustion of the tobacco in
tobacco space 40, enter the environment via channel 52,
channel 49, filter 50 and cover flap 56.
20 When the smoker then places his/her mouth on mouthpiece
3 and inhales (inhaling situation), one-way valve 45 is
pulled open and smoke gases enter the body of the smoker via
tobacco space 40, channel 43 and mouthpiece 3. Valves 47,47'
(and additional valves 61,61') ensure that no outside air is
drawn to mouthpiece 3 via channel 49 and channels 48,48'.
When the smoker (in the exhaling situation) then exhales
the inhaled smoke gases again into mouthpiece 3 (arrow PS~,
one-way valve 45 is pressed shut and valves 47,47' on either
side of channel 43 are pressed open. The exhaled smoke gases
hereby enter respective channels 48,48' and are discharged
via one-way valves 61,61' into the common discharge channel
49 (arrow P6,P~). Valves 61,61' or valves 47,47' can be
omitted in another embodiment. Only one set of valves,
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21
arranged at a random position in the channels (access to or
discharge from) 48,48', is in principle necessary to ensure a
correct operation of the device. It is however recommended to
provide the valves as close as possible to the vicinity of
mouthpiece 3 so as to prevent smoke gases in channels 48 and
48' nevertheless entering the environment via the mouthpiece
in the standby situation, even though this is unlikely to
occur.
In the embodiment shown in figures 2 and 3 a separate
supply compartment 67 is also provided. A supply of tobacco
products, for instance a quantity of rolling tobacco, can be
stored in this compartment for later use. Also provided in
this embodiment is a compartment 68 in which a lighter (A)
can be arranged. This lighter can be of a standard type and
can be taken out of compartment 68 to light the rolling
tobacco in tobacco compartment 40. It will be apparent that
many variants for lighting the tobacco are still possible. A
lighter placed fixedly in the casing can thus be envisaged,
the nozzle of this lighter emerging inside tobacco space 40
so that the tobacco can be lit. This variant has the
advantage that the tobacco can be lit directly and the
lighter does not have to be taken out of the compartment.
Figure 4 shows a third preferred embodiment of the
invention. The parts corresponding to the above described
embodiments are designated as far as possible in the figure
with the same numerals, and the description of such parts is
for the most part dispensed with. The embodiment comprises a
pipe-like part 70 which is provided on a proximal end with a
per se known mouthpiece 3. On the distal end of pipe-like
part 70 there is provided a tobacco burning space 71 in which
a quantity of pipe tobacco (T) can be placed. The burning
space 71 is not closed in this embodiment, but is open at the
top. Provided along the peripheral edge on the top of pipe 70
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22
are suction openings 72 which are connected to an discharge
channel 73 (only shown schematically in figure 4). Discharge
channel 73 is connected to a suction channel 74 in which is
arranged a partition wall 66 provided with a fan 76. The
suction channel debouches in a collecting space 75 in which
an ion filter 76 is arranged. A partition wall 77 is provided
between collecting space 75 and suction channel 74. Arranged
in partition wall 77 are openings (not shown) which can be
closed using a one-way valve (in the form of a membrane) 78.
An inhaling channel 79 is further connected to the burning
space 71, preferably on the underside thereof. The inhaling
channel 79 debouches in mouthpiece 3. A wall 80 is again
arranged in inhaling channel 79, which wall is provided with
openings (not shown) and against which is arranged a one-way
valve (in the form of a membrane) 81. From mouthpiece 3 an
exhaling channel 82 also runs to a further collecting space
69. Provided between collecting space 75 and collecting space
69 of exhaling channel 82 is a partition wall 83 in which a
large number of openings (not shown) are arranged and against
which one-way valves (in the form of a membranes) 84,84',84"
are arranged.
Arranged in collecting space 75 is an ion filter 76
which is powered via electrical wires and a power supply 86.
The power supply is provided in a power supply component 87.
Power supply 86 can be switched on and off by means of an
on/off switch 88 connected via electrical wires 89 to power
supply 86.
Further provided between power supply 86 and the ion
filter is a control 85 for controlling the ion filter. The
control comprises for instance a transformer for increasing
the voltage to a value suitable for a proper operation of
filter 76. The control can also contain an electronic circuit
(for instance a microcontroller) with which the ion filter
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can be controlled on the basis of measuring signals from a
smoke detector or temperature sensor (not shown) discussed
hereinbelow.
The operation of ion filter 76 is as follows. The
airflow consisting of a mixture of outside air and tobacco
smoke is drawn in by fan 76 and guided along a number of
metal plates 86 under high voltage (several kV). Particles in
the airflow are hereby negatively charged. By then guiding
the air along a positively charged filter 87 (only shown
schematically in the figures), the particles will deposit
there. Filter 87 filters particles from the airflow which are
as small as 0.1 micron or smaller, whereby the filter is
especially effective in filtering tobacco smoke. After
leaving ion filter 76, the purified air is discharged via
discharge openings 88 provided in pipe 70.
In another preferred embodiment which is not shown, the
purified air passes through an additional absorption filter
after the ion filter. In an absorption filter harmful
constituents are removed from the smoke gases by absorption.
In most cases an active carbon filter will be applied, but
filters which make use of other absorption material are also
possible. Because the air is first already filtered by the
ion filter, the carbon filter can be given a relatively thin
form, whereby the airflow encounters less resistance (the
resistance over the ion filter is in any case negligible
compared to the resistance over a carbon filter). The carbon
filter moreover requires less cleaning or replacement.
In a further preferred embodiment (not shown), a
mechanical filter can be applied instead of or in addition to
the above stated filters, for instance a filter in which the
smoke gases are guided along a metal grid or fabric of small
mesh width, such as for instance in the form of high
efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters known in the field.
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In other embodiments use is made of UV radiation
filters, centrifugal filters, ozone filters and the like
known per se in the field. In a particularly advantageous
embodiment, filtering takes place in a number of steps, for
instance first by a mechanical filter, subsequently by an
absorption filter and finally by an electrostatic filter or
(preferably) by an ozone filter, so that not only harmful
particles andlor gases are removed from the smoke gases but
the smell of the smoke gases, which is perceived as
unpleasant, is also diminished.
In use the smoker lights the tobacco (T) in tobacco
space 71 in the usual manner. The air required for the
combustion is available via the upper side of the tobacco
space, since this is open. The smoke generated in the tobacco
space is then drawn off via suction openings 72 close to the
edge of pipe 70 and guided in the direction of the ion filter
via discharge channel 73 and suction channel 74. After being
filtered in ion filter 76 and after optionally being filtered
in an additional carbon filter provided downstream, clean air
leaves the pipe via openings 88. Owing to the suction action
of electric motor 76, in the standby situation the drawn-off
air will move toward the outside via suction channel 74 and
the space 75.
In the inhaling situation the smoker inhales via
mouthpiece 3 the tobacco smoke supplied via discharge
openings 72, discharge channel 73 and inhalation channel 79.
Owing to the great force with which the smoker inhales the
resistance provided by valve 81 is overcome so that the smoke
can continue on its way via inhalation channel 79 until the
smoke reaches mouthpiece 3. In the exhaling situation the
smoker blows the smoke, once again via the mouthpiece, into
an exhalation channel 82, which smoke is guided via a number
of one-way valves 84,84',84" to ion filter 76. There the air
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is filtered and discharged via opening 88. The one-way valve
81, which has a blocking function in the direction opposed to
direction Plo, moreover prevents exhaled air being blown back
via inhalation channel 79 into tobacco space 71.
5 Finally, figure 5 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of
the invention. In this embodiment no use is made of a fan to
draw in air, but use is made of the principle that air rises
through being heated (convection). In figure 5 there is
provided an upright tube 90 which is provided at its bottom
10 end with a closing c~ver 91. This latter is attached to tube
90 using hinges and can be readily folded open and shut by
gripping a closing handle 92. Arranged in closing cover 91
are air feed openings 93 along which air can be carried into
the tube (P11). A cigarette (S) is fixed clampingly in the
15 tube using a clamping sleeve 94, this such that the outer end
for lighting points downward. The cigarette is arranged in a
tobacco space 112 which is closed with a first wall 95 which
defines a compartment in which the power supply 107 and
control 108 of ion filter 101 are placed. Tobacco space 112
20 is also closed with a wall 110 in which, in above described
manner, a number of openings are arranged and against which a
one-way valve 103 in the form of a membrane is mounted.
Finally, tobacco space 108 is closed using a further
partition wall 97 against which a membrane 104 is arranged.
25 Between walls 97 and 110 a further partition wall 96 extends
to the top of tube 90. Partition wall 96 defines a filter
space 99 and an air feed/discharge space 98. The air
feed/discharge space 98 connects onto a mouthpiece 105.
During use the smoker opens closing cover 91 using
handle 92, places a cigarette or cigar in clamping sleeve 94
and lights the cigarette or cigar S at the outer end remote
from clamping sleeve 94. Once the cigarette begins to burn,
the smoker closes the cover 91 again. As a result of openings
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93 in the cover, air required for combustion of the tobacco
in cigarette S is supplied (arrow P11). As a result of the
fact that the air is heated by the combustion at the lower
end of tube 90, convection of the air (mixture of outside air
and smoke gases) occurs and the air is displaced upward
(arrow P12) in the direction of membrane 104. This latter is
embodied such that it is slightly open at all times, so that
the resistance in upward direction is extremely low. Air
(outside air and smoke gases) will hereby flow as a result of
convection into filter space 99 via the openings provided in
wall 97. As a consequence of the very low air resistance over
ion filter 101 the convection in filter space 99 is
sufficient to guide the contaminated air along the ion filter
and discharge it via openings 102 in tube 90 (arrow P16). One-
way valve 103 further has a resistance in the direction of
arrow P14 which is much greater than that of membrane 104.
This means that upward flowing air cannot enter the
feed/discharge space 98 via the openings in wall 110.
When the smoker draws on mouthpiece 105 (inhaling
situation), said resistance of valve 103 is overcome and the
smoke at the clamping sleeve end of the cigarette will be
drawn directly through the openings in wall 110. The air then
enters the smoker via feed/discharge space 98 and mouthpiece
105.
When the drawn-in smoke is once again blown into the
mouthpiece (exhaling situation), the following takes place.
One-way valve 103 fulfils a blocking function in a downward
direction, which means that the blown-out smoke cannot enter
space 112 via this valve. Some openings are however provided
in partition wall 96 which are closed with one-way valves in
the form of membranes 100,100'. The exhaled smoke now enters
filter space 99 (arrow P1~) and is guided along ion filter
101. After being filtered, the exhaled air is discharged via
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openings 102 (arrow Pls)
Membrane 104 has a negligible resistance in upward
direction. In downward direction however, membrane 104
fulfils a blocking function, just as the other membranes.
This blocking function ensures that exhaled smoke, which has
entered filter space 99 via membranes 100,100', cannot
penetrate into tobacco space 112 via partition wall 97.
Suction means, such as for instance one or more fans,
can therefore be omitted in the present embodiment as long as
tube 90 remains disposed somewhat vertically. This means that
power supply 107 only need be used for ion filter 101, and
can therefore have a relatively long lifespan.
In the shown embodiment the power supply 107 is embodied
with pill-like exchangeable batteries 111, also referred to
as button cells) which have a relatively long lifespan. The
batteries are connected to the ion filter via a control 108,
for instance in the form of electronic circuits, such as a
microcontroller, a transformer and so on.
In the shown embodiment a saliva collector 106 is also
provided in the feed/discharge space 98 of tube 90, this on
the side of mouthpiece 105. The device could otherwise become
clogged as a result of saliva present in the exhaled air and
entering feed/discharge space 98. Saliva collector 106 can be
cleaned via removal of a saliva drain plug 107.
In other embodiments a detector is arranged in or close
to tobacco space 7,40,71,112 which detects the presence of
smoke in the tobacco space. Detectors can be envisaged here
which measure the presence of smoke directly. Variants can
however also be envisaged wherein the presence of smoke is
not determined directly but in indirect manner, for instance
by making use of a temperature sensor. When the temperature
for instance exceeds a value pre-stored in the control unit,
or when the temperature inside the tobacco space rises
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relatively quickly in a short period, the control unit or the
detector concludes that the tobacco in the tobacco space has
been lit and generates an electrical signal representative
thereof. On the basis of this signal the control unit then
activates the fan, so that from that moment the forced flow
is excited in the channels of the device. Likewise, when the
temperature falls below a determined value or in the case of
a relatively rapid drop in the temperature in a determined
time period, the control can conclude that the tobacco in the
tobacco space is no longer burning. The control unit then
deactivates the fan, optionally with a preset time delay.
This prevents the fan being active for too long and ensures a
long lifespan of the power supply.
In an embodiment which is not shown, means are also
provided for generating aromatic substances. When the fan is
activated, for instance by operating the switch or by the
above stated activation by the control unit, a per se known
component can also be activated with which aromatic
substances are generated. The aromatic substances preferably
enter the smoke discharge channel and are carried outside
together with the flow of smoke gases. The aromatic
substances ensure that the smell of tobacco smoke, which for
many people is unpleasant, is eliminated.
Figures 6A and 6B show a further preferred embodiment of
the invention. Figure 6A shows a device 113 which is
constructed from a housing 114 with an elongate droplet
shape, wherein the housing is provided on the top side with a
first pivotable cover 115 and provided on the underside with
a second pivotable cover 125. In similar manner as in the
above described embodiments, housing 114 is provided with
channels and one-way valves with which a correct flow of
smoke gases can be realized. Figure 6A shows that, in order
to protect the health of the user when cover 115 is opened,
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an (additional) filter 118 can be arranged close to the
mouthpiece 116 of housing 114, this such that the smoke gases
from a cigarette drawn in via a one-way valve 119 must first
pass through filter 118 before they can be drawn in by the
user. This ensures that the air finally inhaled by the user
is always pre-filtered. The filter is arranged by being
clamped between wall 127 and a part of outer wall 128 of
housing 114 (direction P1B). A cigarette (S) can then be
pushed into a clip 117 intended for this purpose (direction
P19). Once the cigarette has been arranged, the cover 115 is
closed (Pzo)
Housing 114 is also provided with a rotatable flap 125
in which the above mentioned carbon pad 123 can be laid.
After closure (P21) of flap 125, the smoke gases can be
readily filtered by the carbon filter and leave the device
via openings 129. This situation is shown in figure 6B. The
device is now ready for use. The cigarette is now lit by a
lighter (not shown) provided close to the outer end of the
cigarette.
The invention is not limited to the above described
preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined
by the following claims, within the scope of which many
modifications can be envisaged.
