Patent 3,745,595, was granted in 1973.

This patent covered an improved ashtray — specifically, a ashtray incorporating an attached, constantly moist sponge that would more effectively and safely extinguish cigarettes placed in it, reducing the risk of fire from incompletely extinguished cigarettes.

The design addressed a genuine safety concern: cigarette fires were a significant cause of household fires and fire-related injuries and deaths in the era when cigarette smoking was significantly more prevalent than it is today.

The ashtray invention demonstrates Kenner’s attention to safety as well as convenience.