US20200107576A1

US20200107576A1 - Modular Tobacco Water Pipe Body

Info

Publication number: US20200107576A1
Application number: US16/592,413
Authority: US
Inventors: Brian Rains
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-10-03
Filing date: 2019-10-03
Publication date: 2020-04-09

Abstract

A modular water pipe body assembly for a smoking device aims to solve the issues and limitations often associated with conventional tobacco water pipes such as lacking modularity, being brittle, being filled with residual smell, and being prone to damage during cleaning, handling, and transportation. The components of the modular water pipe body assembly are detachably and telescopically fit on to one another in a slip-fit fashion, thus eliminating the need for a secondary sealing mechanism or threads when fully expanded for use with a smoking device. When not in use, the assembly can be efficiently disassembled and cleaned manually or through an apparatus such as a dishwasher. Further, the modular components of the assembly can be conveniently detached and compacted into a compartmentalized form for effective handling, storage, and transportation, thus making the assembly more modular, durable, and economical compared to said conventional systems.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/740,778 filed on Oct. 3, 2018.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tobacco water pipes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular tobacco water pipe body for a smoking device, which can easily be disassembled/reassembled and compartmentalized for efficient cleaning, storage, transportation, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In present times, individuals are looking for a modular tobacco water pipe that is durable, easy to clean, and easy to travel with. Conventional systems often lack such modularity, where the whole tobacco water pipe body construction is constructed through one singular piece making them unsuitable for travel due to their bulky and unusual shape. Additionally, these conventional systems are often molded/fabricated out of glass and/or any other brittle materials, making them prone to damage during handling.
The present invention aims to solve these limitations and issues by providing an improved tobacco water pipe body that is suitable for individuals who wish to travel with their water pipes. The present invention can be detached into multiple detachable pieces that can be stowed into a dedicated case of their choice. The present invention can also be arranged into a compartmentalized configuration, where the detached pieces of the present invention can be housed inside the foundational pieces of the present invention. The present invention incorporates slip-fitting constraints of the foundational body, eliminating the complexity and vulnerabilities of other constraints used in conventional systems such as threads, latches, rubber seals, etc. These slip fitting constraints not only make the present invention easier to manufacture, but also provides an easier and effective means to disassemble/reassemble the present invention at the user's convenience. This allows the user to easily and effectively reach all surfaces of the foundational body for manual cleaning or through an apparatus such as a dishwasher. When not in use, the present invention can be easily compacted for convenient handling, storage, and transportation. The present invention will be made of stainless steel, as there is no other viable material suitable for incorporating the slip fitting mechanism. Additionally, stainless steel offers superior durability and produces no residual taste for the user as with plastics or other metals. The primary slip-fit sealing mechanism of the foundational components relies on very fine tolerances to achieve a watertight fitment that is solely based on forcing the self-tightening components together. There can be no threads throughout the entire design of the present invention that would be subjected to wear and tear. This further allows the present invention to be easily cleaned and sterilized without the risk of breakage, which ultimately leads to a longer lasting tobacco water pipe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A modular water pipe body assembly for a smoking device aims to solve the issues and limitations often associated with conventional tobacco water pipes such as lacking modularity, being brittle, being filled with residual smell, and being prone to damage during cleaning, handling, and transportation. The components of the modular water pipe body assembly are detachably and telescopically fit on to one another in a slip-fit fashion, thus eliminating the need for a secondary sealing mechanism or threads when fully expanded for use.
A modular water pipe body assembly can be detached into multiple standalone pieces that can be efficiently and effectively cleaned to completely remove the tar and residual smell and stowed into a dedicated case of their choice. The modular water pipe body assembly can also be arranged into a compartmentalized configuration, where the detached pieces of the present invention can be housed inside the foundational pieces of the modular water pipe body assembly. This allows the present invention to become its own standalone case. The present invention incorporates slip-fitting constraints of the foundational body, eliminating the complexity and vulnerabilities of other constraints used in conventional systems such as threads, latches, rubber seals, etc. These slip fitting constraints not only make the present invention easier to manufacture, but also provides an easier and effective means to disassemble/reassemble the present invention at the user's convenience.
The modular water pipe body assembly is preferably made of stainless steel, as there is no other viable material suitable for incorporating the slip fitting mechanism. While offering superior durability and producing no residual taste for the user as with plastics or other metals. The primary slip-fit sealing mechanism of the foundational components relies on very fine tolerances to achieve a watertight fitment that is solely based on forcing the self-tightening components together. This enables the present invention to provide a reliable modular water pipe body assembly for any type of water pipe smoking device. When not in use, the modular water pipe body assembly can be efficiently disassembled and cleaned and sterilized manually or through an apparatus such as a dishwasher without the risk of breakage which ultimately leads to a longer lasting tobacco water pipe. Further, the modular components of the assembly can be conveniently detached and compacted into a compartmentalized form for effective handling, storage, and transportation, thus making the assembly more modular, durable, and economical compared to said conventional systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cup used in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cone used in the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tube used in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a seal used in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece used in the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a stem used in the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bowl used in the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, the present invention comprises a water pipe body assembly. More specifically, the water pipe body assembly is a modular water pipe used for smoking activities. The water pipe body assembly can be efficiently and effectively assembled and/or disassembled at the user's convenience. In the assembled configuration, the water pipe body assembly is held together by slip-fit constraints, where high fabrication tolerances allow this means of holding the water pipe body assembly together. In the disassembled configuration, the water pipe body assembly can be fully deconstructed such that the pieces can be stowed away individually and/or can be housed within the foundational pieces of the water pipe body assembly such that the present invention takes on a compartmentalized form, as seen in FIG. 10.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water pipe body assembly comprises a cup 10, a cone 20, and a tube 30. In various embodiments of the present invention, the water pipe body assembly may further comprise a mouthpiece 40, a stem 50, and a bowl 60. The foundational pieces of the present invention include all aforementioned components of the water pipe body assembly except the stem 50 and the bowl 60. The cup 10 comprises a base 11 and a cup brim 13. The cup brim 13 is terminally positioned on the cup 10 opposite base 11, which provides the support to the present invention, as seen in FIG. 4. The cone 20 comprises a flare 21, a shoulder 22, a hole 24, and a taper 23. The hole 24 is positioned on the shoulder 22, and the flare 21 and taper 23 are terminally positioned on the shoulder 22, opposite each other. The cup 10 is telescopically connected inside the cone 20 at the cup brim 13 through the flare 21 as seen in FIG. 5. Further, the tube 30 comprising a tube brim 31 and a port 33. The tube brim 31 and the port 33 are terminally positioned on the tube 30, opposite each other. Further, the cone 20 is telescopically connected inside the tube 30 at the tube brim 31 through the taper 23 of the cone 20. The hole 24 of the cone 20 is configured to detachably receive a stem and bowl assembly of the smoking device.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the cup 10 and the tube 30 can be telescopically and concentrically connected to the cone 20, and wherein the cup 10 and the tube 30 are positioned opposite to each other through the cone 20. Additionally, the cup 10 may be slip-fitted to the inside of the cone 20, and the cone 20 may be slip-fitted to the inside of the tube 30, both of which are implemented and/or fabricated with substantially fine tolerance to achieve a watertight fitment that is solely based on self-tightening components together. Further, the present invention can be made of at least one material including, but not limited to, stainless steel, any other suitable metal, steel, plastic, composite material, etc.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the cup 10 is the foundational piece of the water pipe body assembly that sits on the ground, and/or any surface the user places the water pipe body assembly on. More specifically, the cup 10 serves as the main stabilization piece for the water pipe body assembly such that it adequately balances and supports the proceeding pieces attached on to the cup 10 from tipping, and/or slipping. Additionally, the cup 10 serves as the liquid receptacle of the water pipe body assembly. Furthermore, the cup 10, when paired with the cone 20, can serve as a storage receptacle for the remaining pipe pieces such that it houses all the pieces within the cup 10 and the cone 20 in its compartmentalized configuration, as seen in FIG. 10.
The cup 10 further comprises a base 11, a wall 12, a cup brim 13, a cup outer surface 14, and a cup inner surface 15. In reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the base 11 of the cup 10 resides on the ground, and/or any surface the user places the water pipe body assembly on. More specifically, the base 11 is the closed bottom segment of the cup 10 that serves as the main foundational piece in supporting and stabilizing the water pipe body assembly. Additionally, the base 11 is liquid impermeable such that it prevents liquid from leaking out of the base 11 end of the cup 10. As can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the wall 12 of the cup 10 is the main chassis of the cup 10. More specifically, the wall 12 is liquid impermeable such that it prevents the liquid housed in the cup 10 from leaking, and also serves as the main storage compartment when the water pipe body assembly is in its compartmentalized configuration. Additionally, the wall 12 also serves as an attachment platform for the cup brim 13. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the cup brim 13 is incorporated on to the wall 12 end of the cup 10, opposite to the base 11. More specifically, the cup brim 13 is the open top of the cup 10 that allows smoke to traverse through the cup 10 end of the pipe. Additionally, the cup brim 13 allows the pipe pieces to be stored within the cup 10 in the pipe's compartmentalized configuration. Furthermore, the cup brim 13 serves as a slip-fit attachment point, such that it secures the cup 10 to the cone 20. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the cup outer surface 14 of the cup 10 is the outside portion of the cup 10. More specifically, the cup outer surface 14 serves as the attachment site of cup 10, such that the cup outer surface 14 is encapsulated by the cone 20 shown in FIG. 1. Additionally, the cup outer surface 14 is fabricated with high-tolerances such that it conforms and flushes with the cone 20, where the cone 20 slip-fits on to the cup 10. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the cup inner surface 15 of the cup 10 is the inside portion of the cup 10. More specifically, the cup inner surface 15 serves as the liquid receptacle site, where liquid can be added and held in the confines of the cup inner surface 15. Additionally, the cup inner surface 15 serves as the main compartment site, where the pipe pieces can be housed inside the cup inner surface 15 in its compartmentalized configuration.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 4, the cone 20 proceeds after the cup 10. More specifically, the cone 20 serves as the main connection piece of the water pipe body assembly that slip-fits all the pipe pieces together. Additionally, the cone 20 serves as the capped piece of the water pipe body assembly that secures and holds the stored pieces of the water pipe body assembly from falling out of the cup brim 13 end of the cup 10 when in compartmentalized form as seen in FIG. 10. The cone 20 further comprises a flare 21, a shoulder 22, a taper 23, a hole 24, a cup outer surface 25, a cone inner surface 26, a seal 27, and an outer edge 28. As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 4, the flare 21 of the cone 20 is directly adjacent to the cup brim 13 end of the cup 10. More specifically, the flare 21 is a widened connection member that allows the cone 20 to slip-fit on to the cup 10. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flare 21 is fabricated with high tolerances such that the flare 21 end of the cone 20 encapsulates the cup brim 13 of the cup 10. As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 4, the shoulder 22 proceeds the flare 21 end of the cup 10. More specifically, the shoulder 22 serves as the main chassis of the cone 20. Additionally, the shoulder 22 serves as the connection platform for the taper 23. Furthermore, the shoulder 22 serves as the connection platform for the stem 50. As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 4, the taper 23 is incorporated on the shoulder 22 end of the cone 20, opposite to the flare 21 end. More specifically, the taper 23 is a narrowed connection member that allows the cone 20 to slip-fit on to the tube 30. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the taper 23 is fabricated with high tolerances such that the flare 21 end of the cone 20 encapsulates the cup brim 13 of the cup 10. The outer edge 28 of the cone 20 is terminally positioned on the cone 20 opposite the cone brim 21. As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 4, the hole 24 is bored through the shoulder 22 portion of the cone 20. Additionally, the hole 24 is directed towards the base 11 end of the cup 10. More specifically, the hole 24 is a connection and access opening for the stem 50 to enter into the foundational body of the water pipe body assembly. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the cone outer surface 25 is the outside area of the cone 20. More specifically, the cone outer surface 25 serves as the attachment site for the tube 30. Additionally, the cone outer surface 25 is fabricated with high-tolerances such that it conforms and flushes with the tube 30, where the tube 30 slip-fits on to the cone 20. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the cone inner surface 26 is the inside area of the cone 20. More specifically, the cone inner surface 26 serves as the attachment site for the cup 10 such that it is directly adjacent to the cup outer surface 14 of the cup 10. Additionally, the cone inner surface 26 is fabricated with high-tolerances such that it conforms and flushes with the cup brim 13 end of the cup 10, where the cup 10 slip-fits on to the cone 20. As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 6, the seal 27 is attached along the perimeter of the hole 24. More specifically, the seal 27 is a grommet that provides an air-tight press-fit seal between the hole 24 and the stem 50 as shown in FIG. 1.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 5, the tube 30 proceeds the taper 23 end of the cone 20, opposite to the flare 21 end. More specifically, the tube 30 serves as the smoke outlet piece of the water pipe body assembly. Additionally, the tube 30 is scaled to match the traversing profile of the compartmentalized water pipe body assembly, equating the span of the base 11 end of the cup 10 to the taper 23 end of the cone 20. This allows the tube 30 to be housed inside of the cup 10 and the cone 20 in the compartmentalized configuration of the water pipe body assembly. The tube 30 comprises a tube brim 31, a neck 32, a port 33, a tube outer surface 34, and a tube inner surface 34. As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 5, the tube brim 31 is situated on the taper 23 end of the cone 20, opposite to the cup brim 13 of the cup 10 when assembled. More specifically, the tube brim 31 is the open bottom of the tube 30 that allows smoke to traverse through the cone 20 end of the pipe. Additionally, the tube brim 31 serves as a slip-fit attachment point, such that it secures the tube 30 to the cone 20. As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 5, the cone 20 proceeds the tube brim 31 end of the tube 30. More specifically, the tube 30 is the elongated channel of the present invention that allows smoke to traverse through. As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 5, the port 33 is located on the neck 32 end of the tube 30, opposite the tube brim 31. More specifically, the port 33 is the open top outlet of the tube 30 that allows the user to access and inhale the smoke that traverses through the tube 30. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the tube outer surface 34 is the outside area of the tube 30. More specifically, the tube outer surface 34 encapsulates the taper 23 end of the cone 20. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the tube inner surface 35 is the inside area of the tube 30. More specifically, the tube inner surface 35 is directly adjacent to the cone outer surface 25 of the cone 20. Additionally, the tube inner surface 35 is fabricated with high-tolerances such that it conforms and flushes with the taper 23 end of the cone 20, where the tube 30 slip-fits on to the cone 20.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the water pipe body assembly can comprise the mouthpiece 40, the bowl 60, and the stem 50. As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 7, the mouthpiece 40 is attached on to the port 33 end of the pipe assembly. More specifically, the mouthpiece 40 serves as a rubber cover for the port 33 of the tube 30 such that it allows the user to comfortably place their lips on to the port 33 end of the water pipe body assembly to inhale the incoming smoke.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 8, the stem 50 is inserted into the hole 24. Additionally, the stem 50 is slip-fitted on to the seal 27, such that the connection site is air-tight. More specifically, the stem 50 bridges and directs the incoming smoke from the burning smoke media to the liquid housed in the cup 10. Additionally, the stem 50 serves as an attachment platform for the bowl 60. The stem 50 further comprises a straw 51, and a tip 52. As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 8, the straw 51 end of the stem 50 resides in the cup 10 portion of the water pipe body assembly. More specifically, the straw 51 directs the incoming smoke to the liquid. In reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 8, the tip 52 end of the stem 50 projects out of the water pipe body assembly, opposite to the straw 51 end. More specifically, the tip 52 serves as an attachment point to secure on the bowl 60. As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, and FIG. 9, the bowl 60 is attached on to the tip 52. More specifically, the bowl 60 serves as a receptacle, and burn site of the smoking media.
As can be seen in FIG. 10, the modular water pipe body assembly of the present invention comprises a compacted configuration. The modular components of the present invention can be detached and compacted into a compartmentalized form. More specifically, the tube 30 is removably compacted inside the cup 10 and the cone 20, wherein the tube brim 31 is positioned inside the cup 10 and in contact with the base 11 of the cup 10, and wherein the port 33 is flush with the outer edge 28 of the taper 23 of the cone 20, following the contour of the cone inner surface 26. In this configuration, the stem 50 and the bowl 60 are removed so that the present invention can be efficiently and effectively compacted into a substantially compartmentalized form for storage, transportation, etc. Further, the stem 50 and the bowl 60 can be stored inside the present invention so that the user can keep everything in one place for the ultimate convenience.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A modular water pipe body for a smoking device comprising:

a cup;

a cone;

a tube;

the cup comprising a base and a cup brim;

the cup brim being terminally positioned on the cup opposite the base;

the cone comprising a flare, a shoulder, a hole, and a taper;

the hole being positioned on the shoulder;

the flare and taper being terminally positioned on the shoulder, opposite each other;

the cup being telescopically connected inside the cone at the cup brim through the flare;

the tube comprising a tube brim and a port;

the tube brim and the port being terminally positioned on the tube, opposite each other;

the cone being telescopically connected inside the tube at the tube brim through the taper of the cone; and

the hole of the cone being configured to detachably receive a stem and bowl assembly of the smoking device.

2. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

the cup being slip-fitted to the inside of the cone; and

the cone being slip-fitted to the inside of the tube.

3. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

a mouthpiece; and

the mouthpiece being connected to the port of the tube.

4. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

the tube being removably compacted inside the cup and the cone;

wherein the tube brim being positioned inside the cup and in contact with the base of the cup; and

wherein the port being flush with the outer edge of the taper of the cone.

5. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said modular water pipe body is made of stainless steel.

6. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

the cone comprising a seal; and

the seal being concentrically sealing the hole against the stem and bowl assembly.

7. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

the tube being removably compacted inside the cup and the cone;

wherein the port being flush with the outer edge of the taper of the cone.

8. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cup and the tube are telescopically and concentrically connected to the cone, and wherein the cup and the tube are positioned opposite to each other through the cone.

9. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

a stem;

a bowl;

the stem being terminally and concentrically connected to the hole of the cone; and

the bowl being concentrically and terminally connected to the stem opposite the cone.

10. A modular water pipe body for a smoking device comprising:

a cup;

a cone;

a tube;

a mouthpiece;

the cup comprising a base and a cup brim;

the cup brim being terminally positioned on the cup opposite the base;

the cone comprising a flare, a shoulder, a hole, and a taper;

the hole being positioned on the shoulder;

the tube comprising a tube brim and a port;

the cone being telescopically connected inside the tube at the tube brim through the taper of the cone;

the hole of the cone being configured to detachably receive a stem and bowl assembly of the smoking device; and

the mouthpiece being connected to the port of the tube.

11. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 10 comprising:

the cup being slip-fitted to the inside of the cone; and

the cone being slip-fitted to the inside of the tube.

12. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 10 comprising:

the tube being removably compacted inside the cup and the cone;

wherein the port being flush with the outer edge of the taper of the cone.

13. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the said modular water pipe body is made of stainless steel.

14. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 10 comprising:

the cone comprising a seal; and

15. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 10 comprising:

the tube being removably compacted inside the cup and the cone;

wherein the port being flush with the outer edge of the taper of the cone.

16. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cup and the tube are telescopically and concentrically connected to the cone, and wherein the cup and the tube are positioned opposite to each other through the cone.

17. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 10 comprising:

a stem;

a bowl;

18. A modular water pipe body for a smoking device comprising:

a cup;

a cone;

a tube;

a mouthpiece;

a stem;

a bowl;

the cup comprising a base and a cup brim;

the cup brim being terminally positioned on the cup opposite the base;

the cone comprising a flare, a shoulder, a hole, and a taper;

the hole being positioned on the shoulder;

the cup being telescopically connected to and slip-fitted inside the cone at the cup brim through the flare;

the tube comprising a tube brim and a port;

the mouthpiece being connected to the port of the tube.

the cone being telescopically connected to and slip-fitted inside the tube at the tube brim through the taper of the cone;

the hole of the cone being configured to detachably receive a stem and bowl assembly of the smoking device;

19. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the said modular water pipe body is made of stainless steel.

20. The modular water pipe body for a smoking device as claimed in claim 18 comprising:

the tube being removably compacted inside the cup and the cone;

wherein the port being flush with the outer edge of the taper of the cone.