Device For Filtering Second-Hand Smoke

Abstract

A device for filtering second-hand smoke from a burning tobacco product includes a first chamber for receiving the lit end of the tobacco product. Users of the device can inhale smoke from the tobacco product through a first aperture in the first chamber, while a filter communicating with the first chamber filters smoke from the burning end of the tobacco product. A second chamber is configured to receive smoke and air exhaled by the user. The smoke is filtered by the second filter and the filtered air is passed through to the surrounding environment.

1 . An apparatus for containing smoke from a burning tobacco product, the apparatus comprising:
 a first chamber for receiving at least a lit end of a tobacco product therein;   an aperture communicating with said first chamber and through which a user can inhale smoke from the tobacco product;   a first filter in communication with said first chamber, whereby smoke exiting said first chamber is removed by said first filter;   a second chamber configured to receive smoke and air exhaled by a user of the apparatus; and   a second filter in communication with said second chamber and operable to remove smoke from air exhaled from a user of the apparatus.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a fan in communication with said first chamber and operable to draw air and smoke from said first chamber through said first filter. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said aperture supports a tobacco product with the lit end disposed within said first chamber, and an inhalation end of the tobacco product extending outside said first chamber. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least part of said first chamber is transparent or translucent to facilitate viewing the tobacco product within said first chamber. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising a power source associated with said fan. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein at least one of said filters and said power source are removable from the apparatus. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second chambers are interconnected. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a collar having a bore sized to receive the tobacco product, said collar cooperating with said aperture in said first chamber to support the lit end of the tobacco product within said first chamber. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said collar is tethered to the apparatus. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a mouthpiece in fluid communication with at least one of said first and second chambers. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said mouthpiece is separate from said aperture communicating with said first chamber, said mouthpiece communicating with said second chamber to direct smoke and air exhaled by a user to said second chamber. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said mouthpiece comprises:
 a smoke channel adapted for engagement with the mouth of a user;   an inlet passage communicating with said smoke channel and said first chamber;   an outlet passage communicating with said smoke channel and said second chamber;   a first check valve disposed in said inlet passage and adapted to pass smoke and air from said first chamber to said smoke channel when a user inhales through said mouthpiece; and   a second check valve disposed in said outlet passage and adapted to pass smoke and air exhaled by the user through said smoke channel to said second chamber.   
   
   
       13 . A method of filtering smoke from a tobacco product comprising:
 burning a tobacco product;   filtering the smoke from the tobacco product through a first filter;   inhaling the unfiltered smoke from the tobacco product;   exhaling the smoke; and   filtering the exhaled smoke through a second filter.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising drawing smoke through the first filter with a fan. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising removing at least one filter for cleaning or replacement. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said fan includes a motor coupled to a power source, further comprising replacing the power supply for the fan. 
   
   
       17 . A method of filtering second-hand smoke from a tobacco product using at least a first chamber, a support collar coupled to the first chamber, and at least first and second filters, wherein the method comprises:
 supporting the tobacco product with the collar;   burning the tobacco product;   filtering the smoke from the tobacco product through a first filter;   inhaling the unfiltered smoke from the tobacco product;   exhaling the smoke; and   filtering the exhaled smoke through a second filter.