WO2008143946A1 - A device for aiding users in packing a smoking container - Google Patents

Abstract

There is a device for aiding users in packing and clearing a smoking container or bowl. The device comprises a first upper tray. There is a support element coupled to the upper first tray, and a lower second tray below is also coupled to the support element. The support element can be formed as a plurality of legs coupled to the first upper tray and second lower tray. The lower second tray is formed as a planar or concave surface and is spaced opposite the second side of the first tray's planar surface. This lower second tray section has ridges or grooves so that a removable ashtray can rest within this lower second tray section. The upper first tray has a channel, which extends through the planar surface on the upper first tray.

Description

TITLE

A DEVICE FOR AIDING USERS IN PACKING A SMOKING CONTAINER

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part application and hereby claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 120 from Application no. 11/748,251 filed on May 14, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for aiding users in packing and clearing a smoking container. The smoking container (hereinafter referred to as a "bowl") can be in the form of a bowl with stem which is the type used with a water pipe.

If users do not have a device for packing and clearing a bowl, then it can be relatively cumbersome to handle and pack the bowl with the tobacco or smoking condiments, and attempts to clear and pack the bowl can result in a user making a mess of the surrounding area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention relates to a device for aiding users in packing and clearing a bowl. The device includes a tray comprised of at least one hole in the tray for receiving the bowl, and a support element for supporting the tray above a surface. Because this tray is supported above a surface, a user can insert a section of the bowl into the hole in the tray and have this bowl supported by the tray for purposes of allowing the user to clear and then pack the supported bowl. There can be more than one hole in the tray for receiving more than one bowl for packing and clearing. The hole(s) in the tray can be centralized and/or non-centralized within the tray and the holes can be various shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the tray also serves to hold and store the tobacco or smoking condiments.

While any variation of this basic design is possible, a more complex embodiment comprises an upper first tray comprising an edge region forming a rim and a base region forming a planar or concave surface having a first side and a second side. There is a support element coupled to the upper first tray, and a lower second tray below is also coupled to the support element. The lower second tray is formed as a planar or concave surface having a first side and a second side and is spaced opposite the second side of the first tray's planar surface. This lower second tray section has ridges or grooves so that a removable ashtray can rest within this lower second tray section. The upper first tray has a channel, which extends through the planar surface on the upper first tray. This channel comprises a frusto-conical opening, extending away from the first side on the planar surface of the upper first tray and an extending region extending from the second side on the planar surface. This frusto-conical opening within the upper first tray is for receiving the bowl, and wherein the extending channel section is for holding the bowl in place. Other optional features include a clearing poker element to be used with the bowl. The clearing poker element is selectively connected to the device. For example, part of the support element of the device can have an optional receptacle for receiving the clearing poker element. This clearing poker element could also be optionally attached to the device through any known attachment means such as a string, or cord. Additionally, the clearing poker element can have a male ground glass joint attached to the base of the clearing poker element, and the device can have an attached female ground glass joint receptacle for receiving and holding the clearing poker element in a secure glass-on-glass fitment.

Other optional features include a place on the device to securely hold multiple bowls. This optional feature can be located anywhere on the device, including in the form of an additional ledge(s) surrounding the outer rim of the upper first tray having holes within the outer-rim ledge to hold and secure the bowls. If a user has multiple bowls, it is beneficial to have the device offer the capability to securely hold and store extra bowls insofar as the bowls are typically made of breakable material.

Other optional features include a cover, which can be snapped on, screwed on, attached with a hinge, or in any known manner, to the top of the upper first tray in order to securely cover the upper first tray and its contents, and the upper first tray can be in the form attached to the support element or can be in the form of an upper first tray that is removable from the support element. Another optional feature is that the support element of the device is in the form of one or more legs that are formed as either solid components, or as telescoping leg(s). In addition, the leg(s) can be formed integral with the upper first tray and the lower second tray, or selectively connected to the trays at each end via an optional connection interface on the trays. The optional connection interface between the upper first tray, the lower second tray, and the leg(s) can be in the form of ground glass joint connection(s). In this way, the leg(s) can be connected into these connection interfaces in order to join the upper first tray and the lower second tray securely together.

In one embodiment, the device is made from blown glass wherein there is: a body that is formed from a base section, a support element or set of legs, and a cradle. A removable tray for supporting a bowl can be inserted into the cradle, or alternatively, a removable aroma burner tray can be inserted into the cradle instead of the bowl tray. Below the cradle is the lower second tray base section, which receives a removable ashtray. This lower second tray base section has ridges or grooves so that a removable ashtray can rest within this lower second tray section. The removable bowl tray includes at least one female ground joint which is fused to the bowl tray, the ground joint forming a grommet for allowing a bowl to rest therein. The ground joint(s) can also be made of female ground glass joint(s) fitted to hold bowls that have male ground glass joints. Additionally, the ground joints can be of any size diameter, in order to accommodate various bowl diameter sizes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the top tray showing multiple variations;

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the device;

FIG. 5 is a top view of multiple variations of the bottom tray;

FIG. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of the upper tray;

FIG. 7 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment; FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of another embodiment; FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of another embodiment; and

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of another embodiment;

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16A; and

FIG. 16C is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the device 10 which includes an upper tray 20, having a beveled or angled region 23, and a channel 26 disposed in a center region of tray 20. There is also a lower tray 30 which has a beveled region 34 and a center indent 134 for receiving water or other materials which can be dispensed from a bowl 50. Bowl 50 can be selectively inserted into channel 26 wherein stem 54 inserts into a lower substantially cylindrical region 29, while the bowl section 52 rests in a frusto-conical section 28 wherein this conical section or channel can be of various shapes and sizes. Channel 26 and frusto-conical section 28 can be made of a conically-tapered female ground glass joint of any size. Once this bowl 50 is disposed in channel 26 it can rest there and then be filled with any desired condiments. Tray 20 is connected to tray 30 via legs 42, 44, and 46.

FIG. 2 discloses a perspective view of the device 10. Device 10 includes an upper tray 20, a lower tray 30 and a plurality of legs 40 which connects lower tray 30 to upper tray 20. These legs 40 keep these two trays 20 and 30 spaced apart from each other. Upper tray 20 includes a top edge or rim 22, a sloped side edge or beveled edge 23 and a bottom base section 24. In a substantially central region of base section 24 is opening or channel 26 having a hole 27 (See FIG. 3) extending inside of channel 26. Channel 26 extends below upper tray 20 into a lower region 29 formed in this case as a cylinder. An upper region of channel 26 includes frusto-conical opening 28 for receiving a bowl 50. The frusto-conical opening 28 is designed as radiating out as it extends up such that it forms an opening that easily receives a downward extending portion 54 of a bowl 50. Bowl 50 includes an upper open region 52 and a tab region 56. Bowl 50 can be selectively inserted into channel 26 and thereby be stabilized by the sides of channel 26 by extending down into lower region 29.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the top tray and also discloses a plurality of optional connection interfaces 125, 127, and 129. Each connection interface is designed to connect to an associated leg such as legs 42, 44 and 46. This type of connection can be in any way known, such as via legs 42, 44, or 46 (See Fig. 2) selectively inserting into any one of connection interfaces 125, 127, 129. In addition, these legs can also selectively insert into opposite connection interfaces 35, 37, and 39 (See FIG. 5).

Legs 42, 44 and 46 (See FIG. 2) can be formed as solid extending legs, formed in at least one embodiment integral with either of upper tray 20 or lower tray 30. Alternatively, trays 20 and 30 can be selectively detached from legs 42, 44 and 46 (See FIG. 4) such that this device can then be collapsed. Legs 42, 44, and 46 can be formed as solid legs or can alternatively be formed as telescoping legs, such that legs 42, 44 and 46 can be extended up or down to adjust the height or distance of spacing of upper tray 20 from lower tray 30. Additionally, an optional connection interface between the upper tray 20, the lower tray 30, and the leg(s) 42, 44 and 46, can be in the form of ground glass joint connection(s).

For example, FIG.4 discloses a series of legs wherein each leg for example leg 42 is formed as two sets of legs 42a and 42b which are formed as top and bottom telescoping legs. Leg 44 includes a top portion 44a, a bottom portion 44b while leg 46 includes a top portion 46a and a bottom portion 46b. For example, with this design the top legs such as legs 42a, 44a, and 46a slide into bottom legs 42b, 44b, and 46b such that upper tray 20 can be collapsed in the lower tray 30. The movement of legs 42, 44, and 46 can be selectively locked via locks 42c, 44c, and 46c which in this case are formed as collars which clamp down on the respective legs 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b, and 46a and 46b to stop any movement of these legs.

In addition, in this view, there is shown a cover 60 which can be snapped on, screwed on, in any known manner to upper tray 20 to cover upper tray 20. Accordingly, upper tray 20 can be formed in many different ways. For example, in one embodiment, upper tray 20 can include an optional rim or flange 21 which extends along an outer region of top edge for rim 22, which allows top cover 60 to snap onto upper tray 20 over optional rim or flange 21. Alternatively, upper tray 20 can include threads 120, for allowing a corresponding cover 60 to screw onto upper tray 20, or a hinge 220 which allows cover to fold up or down from an open position to a closed position.

There can also be a clearing poker element 70 which includes a body section 72 and a head 74 which is larger in surface area than body section 72. This clearing poker element 70 is used to poke a clearing hole in bowl 50. For example, body section 72 can be used to insert through an open region of bowl 50 to poke and clear any ashes, resins or residue left after using bowl 50 for smoking. When the user inserts this clearing poker element 70 into the open region of bowl 50, the ashes, resins and/or other resulting residue falls into a removable ashtray 230 (See FIG. 7), which is located in the base lower tray 30.

Head section 74 is wider than body section 72. Head section 74 can be used to pack any type of tobacco or other smoking condiments into bowl 50. For example, a user can grasp any tobacco or smoking condiments which may be residing in upper tray 20 and hand pack these elements into bowl section 52 of bowl 50 (See FIG. 2). To pack more tobacco or smoking condiments into this area, the user may wish to use the head section 74 of clearing poker element 70 to further push and pack the tobacco or smoking condiments into the bowl section 52 of bowl 50.

When this clearing poker element 70 is not being used, it can be inserted into an insert or hole region 49 (See FIG. 3) in the device, for example, an insert or hole region within leg 42. Leg 42 which extends up to upper tray 20 can have a hole in the top of this region to allow clearing poker element 70 to insert therein. In addition, clearing poker element 70 can also include an optional attachment element 78, which can be in the form of a string or cord for attaching clearing poker element 70 to the device 10. For example, a string or cord can be attached to clearing poker element 70 at a first end and at an opposite end to leg 42. In this way, the optional attaching element 78 keeps clearing poker element 70 with the rest of the device to keep it from being lost. In addition, the clearing poker element 70 can have a male ground glass joint attached to the base of the clearing poker element 70, and the device can have an attached female ground glass joint insert receptacle 49 for receiving and holding the clearing poker element 70 in a secure glass-on-glass fitment.

FIG. 5 is a top view of lower tray 30 (See FIG. 4). In this view, there is shown a lower tray section 36 which forms a base, which can have one or more indents or receptacles 38 that are proportionate and aligned under the number of hole(s) in the upper tray which receive the bowl(s). The indent(s) or receptacle(s) can be used to receive any water or any remaining liquid type residue drip from the bowl that would reside in lower base tray section 36. Accordingly, bottom tray or lower tray 30 can be used as an ashtray such that users who wish to smoke cigarettes or other rolled smoking condiments can use the side rim 32 to rest and ash the lit cigarette(s) or rolled smoking condiments into the lower base section 36, if necessary. By having the optional indent(s) or receptacle(s) 38, the residue water which remains in this base section drips into the receptacle and is accordingly kept away from any lit cigarette(s) or other rolled smoking condiments. The upper rim or edge 32 (See Fig. 4), can also have optional indents 33, for receiving these cigarette(s) or rolled smoking condiments and holding them in place (See FIG. 4). Alternatively, lower tray 30 and lower tray section 36 which forms a base, can also be used as a base section with ridges or grooves so that a removable ashtray can rest within lower tray 30 and 36 sections.

The device can be assembled as follows: first, legs 42, 44, and 46 can be attached to lower tray 30 in any manner known such as inserting these legs into connecting elements 35, 37 and 39 (See FIG. 5). These legs can then be inserted into connection elements 125 127 and 129 (FIG. 6) on top upper tray 20 (See FIG. 3). Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the device can be formed as a single molded unit wherein legs 40 are molded to both upper tray 20 and lower tray 30. Once upper tray 20 and lower tray 30 are connected together via legs 40 the device can be used. For example, if these legs are formed as solid elements then, the user only has to insert bowl 50 into channel 26 to start using the product. Alternatively, if legs 40 are telescoping legs such as shown in FIG. 4, then the height of these legs can be adjusted by the user to adjust the spacing distance between upper tray 20 and lower tray 30.

Accordingly, with this design, a user can easily clear and pack tobacco or other smoking condiments into a bowl 50, without losing any valuable tobacco or other smoking condiments from the upper tray 20. The upper tray 20 forms a container for this valuable tobacco or other smoking condiments, while the lower tray 30 forms a planar or concave base type receptacle to accommodate a removable ashtray allowing a user to dispose of the bowl's ashes, resins or residue into the removable ashtray that rests within lower tray 30. The lower tray 30 can also serve as an ashtray such that users who wish to smoke cigarettes or other rolled smoking condiments can use the side rim 32 to rest and ash the lit cigarette(s) or rolled smoking condiments into the lower base section 36 (See FIG. 2). In addition, because upper tray 20 can be closed off by an optional cover, such as cover 60, this upper tray 20 which can also be sealed at a bottom region, can form a sealed container for holding this valuable tobacco or other smoking condiments. In addition, there is the added feature that this device is detachable and collapsible for easy storage. Last, with this design a user has multiple benefits from this stacked tray to create an easier, practical and more enjoyable overall smoking experience.

FIG. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of an upper tray. In this view, the tray has an additional rim section 140 which has a plurality of holes 150, 152, 154, 156, and 158 which are spaced apart around this rim section. These plurality of holes are for receiving additional bowls or packing containers. Also, these plurality of holes can be made of conically-tapered female ground glass joints of any size. Thus, this additional rim section serves as a storage element for receiving these additional bowls.

FIG. 7 is a side view of another embodiment 210 of the invention. In this view, there is an upper tray 220 which is connected to a lower base section 250 via a set of legs 242 and 244. A removable ashtray 230 is disposed on top of base section 250. A lock 246 is used to couple legs 242 and 244 together and can be selectively adjusted to allow leg 242 to slide up or down on lock 246. Lock 246 is in the form of a clamp which selectively clamps to these legs via a butterfly adjustment knob 247. Butterfly adjustment knob 247 can be turned to selectively tighten this clamp or loosen this clamp. A bowl 50 can be selectively inserted into holder 226 which can be frusto-conical in shape and can be made of conically-tapered female ground glass joints of any size and the bowl 50 rests inside of this section so that it can be packed with smokeable material. When the bowl is cleaned or cleared, residue from this bowl then flows into and is collected in the removable ashtray 230 that rests within lower tray 250.

FIG. 8 shows a design that can be one piece which can be made from a one piece molded plastic, carved from wood, or blown from glass. For example FIG. 8 shows another design 310 which includes an upper tray 320, a base section 350 and a support or leg 342 which is formed one piece with upper tray 320 and base section 350. A holder 326 which forms a hole inside is formed frusto-conically but can be formed from any usable shape. This holder 326 is for holding a bowl such as bowl 50 shown in FIG. 1. and can be made of conically-tapered female ground glass joints of any size. A removable lower tray 330, which is in the form of a removable ashtray 330 can be placed on base section 350 which can have a substantially circular rim 352 for centering this removable lower tray or removable ashtray 330 on base section 350. Because this design is made from one piece (other than the removable lower tray /ashtray 330), it is simple in design and easily manufactured.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention. With this view, there is shown another embodiment 400 which includes a tray 410 having a body section 411 which has a holder 412 which can be in the form of a ground joint, which can be made from any type of material such as glass and which forms a hole 414 for receiving a bowl or pipe 50. The body of the ground joint 416 extends up and down into body section 411 to form the actual ground joint section 418. This tray is removable and can be replaced by an aroma burning tray instead 420.

The aroma burning tray 420 can be concave to receive aroma oils or can have at least one indent 422 to receive aroma oils which are inserted into this indent 422. Both aroma burning tray 420 as well as indent(s) 422 are completely sealed.

There is also a body section 401 which includes a cradle 430, a series of arms 440 and 442, as well as a bottom base section 450. All parts of this body section can be formed from molded or blown glass and in this embodiment are formed as a one piece device. For example, cradle 430 is formed so that it receives either tray 410 or aroma burning tray 420 in a releasable manner. These trays are designed to rest on cradle 430, so that cradle 430 acts as a receptacle to receive either one of these trays. Either one of these trays can be lifted off of the cradle and replaced with another tray.

Cradle 430 and trays 410 and 420 can be made from any material but in at least one embodiment are made from molded or blown glass. In addition, base 401 can be made from any material but in at least one embodiment is made from molded or blown glass.

Removable ashtray 460 can be made from any material but in at least one embodiment is made from molded or blown glass. Removable ashtray 460 rests within section 452 of bottom base section 450.

Bottom base section 450 has a rim 452 which essentially forms a receiving region which is designed to receive either a removable ashtray 460 or alternatively a small candle when the device is being used as an aroma burner. When the device is being used as an aroma burner (using aroma oils in aroma burning tray 420 that rests on cradle 430), the removable ashtray 460 is removed from section 452 of bottom base section 450 and a small candle used for burning aroma oils is then placed within section 452 of bottom base section 450. The candle when lit heats the aroma oils that lie within the aroma burning tray 420 that sits within cradle 430 above the candle.

Removable ashtray 460 also has a small hollow tube-shaped holder 462 (See FIG. 9) on or within the removable ashtray, which is designed to hold an incense stick or other burning element and positioned to allow the ashes of the incense stick or other burning element to fall within the removable ashtray 460. When removable ashtray 460 is placed into holder or rim 452, it rests in holder or rim 452.

Body section 401 also includes an arm 480 which extends out from arm 442 and which has a holder 482 to hold a poker 490. Arm 480 and holder 482 are formed in this example from glass but can be formed from any suitable material as well. Holder 482 is formed as a round receiving section for receiving poker 490. Additionally, arm 480 and holder 482 can be made as a female ground glass joint receptacle for receiving and holding a poker that has a male ground glass joint attached to the base of the poker, allowing for a secure glass-on-glass fitment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention. With this design, the components can be made from any known material and in at least one embodiment are made from shaped or blown glass. With this view, there is shown another embodiment 500 of a modifiable design which includes a body section 501, tray 510, tray 520, and ashtray 560. Body section 501 includes a base section 550, arms 540 and 542, and a cradle 530.

Tray 510 has a body section 511 which has a holder 512 which can be in any form but in particular can be ground glass joint, which forms a hole 514 for receiving a bowl or pipe 50. The body of the ground glass joint 516 extends up and down into body section 511 to form the actual ground glass joint section 518. This tray is removable and can be replaced by an aroma burning tray instead 520.

The aroma burning tray 520 can be can be concave to receive aroma oils or can have at least one indent 522 to receive aroma oils which are inserted into this indent 522. Both aroma burning tray 520 as well as indent(s) 522 are completely sealed.

All parts of this body section 501 are formed from molded or blown glass and in this embodiment are formed as a one piece device. For example, cradle 530 is formed so that it receives either bowl tray 510 or aroma burning tray 520 in a releasable manner. Thus, bowl tray 510 and aroma burning tray 520 rest in cradle 530 when placed in cradle 530. In this way, cradle 530 acts as a receptacle to receive either one of these trays. Either one of these trays can be lifted off of the cradle and replaced with another tray.

Removable ashtray 560 can be made from any material but in at least one embodiment is made from molded or blown glass. Removable ashtray 560 rests within section 552 of bottom base section 550.

Bottom base section 550 has a rim 552 which essentially forms a receiving region which is designed to receive either a removable ashtray 560 or alternatively a small candle when the device is being used as an aroma burner. When the device is being used as an aroma burner (using aroma oils in aroma burning tray 520 that rests on cradle 530), the removable ashtray 560 is removed from section 552 of bottom base section 550 and a small candle used for burning aroma oils is then placed within section 552 of bottom base section 550. The candle when lit heats the aroma oils that lie within the aroma burning tray 520 that sits within cradle 530 above the candle.

Removable ashtray 560 also has a small hollow tube-shaped holder 562 (See FIG. 10) on or within the removable ashtray, which is designed to hold an incense stick or other burning element and positioned to allow the ashes of the incense stick or other burning element to fall within the removable ashtray 560. When removable ashtray 560 is placed into holder or rim 552, it rests in holder or rim 552.

Body section 501 also includes an arm 580 which extends out from arm 542 and which has a holder 582 to hold a poker 590. Arm 580 and holder 582 are formed in this example from glass but can be formed from any suitable material as well. Holder 582 is formed as a round receiving section for receiving poker 590. Additionally, arm 580 and holder 582 can be made as a female ground glass joint receptacle for receiving and holding a poker that has a male ground glass joint attached to the base of the poker, allowing for a secure glass-on-glass fitment.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9. This view shows tray 410 resting in corresponding cradle 430 with ground glass joint, grommet, or holder 412 (See FIG. 9) where an associated pipe or bowl 50 would extend there through. This ground joint 412 as with ground joint 512 (See FIG. 10) have angled sections 414 and 514 which allow for glass on glass fittings or connections using conically tapered ground glass joints or any other type of material connections.

In addition, tray 410 can also be designed to have more than one ground joint to accommodate multiple bowls 50.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment wherein this embodiment is essentially a double slanted version of a tray and stand combination. In this embodiment 600, there is a body section including sides 602 and 604, with grooves 608 and 612 being formed from respective lips 606 and 610. Lip 606 curves up from side 602 while lip 610 curves up from side 604. An ashtray 614 sits under these sides and is designed to collect any reside from any bowl being packed. In addition, there are bowl holders 622, 624, 626, and 628 which are used to hold multiple bowls which are to be packed. These holders can be in the form of a ground joint. The ground joint(s) can be made of female ground glass joint(s) fitted to hold bowls that have male ground glass joints. Additionally, the ground joints can be of any size diameter in order to accommodate various bowl diameter sizes. A poker such as poker 860 can be inserted into poker holder 620 and retained there. Poker holder 620 can be made as a female ground glass joint receptacle for receiving and holding a poker that has a male ground glass joint attached to the base of the poker 860, allowing for a secure glass-on-glass fitment. Sides 602 and 604 serve to elevate these holders 620-628 above removable ashtray 614.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment, which shows a tray such as tray 640, which has a base region 654, an edge region 650 and a bowl holder 656. Tray 640 can also be designed to have more than one bowl holder 656 to accommodate multiple bowls 50. The bowl holder(s) 656 can be in the form of a ground joint. The ground joint(s) can be made of female ground glass joint(s) fitted to hold bowls that have male ground glass joints. Additionally, the ground joints can be of any size diameter in order to accommodate various bowl diameter sizes. The base of bowl holder 656 can either be open in the bottom region, or it can be closed in the bottom region to collect any items poked from the bowl which is held in bowl holder 656. With this design, the bowl can be supported in bowl holder 656, while packable smoking material can be grasped from within the region bounded by edge region 650 and then inserted and packed into an associated bowl which can be placed within bowl holder 656. Thus, with this design, there is no need for legs or support elements to support the top tray above a surface.

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of another embodiment 700 which has side legs 710 supporting a top sloped surface 720. Top sloped surface 720 has a plurality of holders 740, 742, 744, and 746 which are used to hold multiple bowls which are to be packed. These holders can be in the form of a ground joint. The ground joint(s) can be made of female ground glass joint(s) fitted to hold bowls that have male ground glass joints. Additionally, the ground joints can be of any size diameter in order to accommodate various bowl diameter sizes. A poker such as poker 860 (See Fig. 15) can be inserted into poker holder 730 and retained there. Poker holder 730 can be made as a female ground glass joint receptacle for receiving and holding a poker that has a male ground glass joint attached to the base of the poker 860 (See Fig. 15), allowing for a secure glass-on-glass fitment. Legs 710 have lips 750 and 754 on the sides. In addition, there is a front lip 752 which is used to contain the packable smoking material on top sloped surface 720. In addition there is a bottom tray 760 which can be in the form of a removable ashtray which is used to receive any excess material which is pushed through the bowl when a bowl is cleaned. The top sloped surface 720 acts as a catch basin wherein any packable material which does not end up in the bowl slides down top sloped surface 720 towards front edge 752.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of another embodiment 800. In this embodiment, there is a rounded or hexagonal shaped top tray 804 having a rim 802, and a plurality of bowl holders 810, 812, 814, and 820 disposed around a peripheral region of top tray 804, which are used to hold multiple bowls. These holders can be in the form of a ground joint. The ground joint(s) can be made of female ground glass joint(s) fitted to hold bowls that have male ground glass joints. Additionally, the ground joints can be of any size diameter in order to accommodate various bowl diameter sizes. Bowl holders 810, 812, and 814 can have either a sealed or open bottom region, however the center bowl holder 820 has an open bottom wherein this holder 820 is used as the packing holder. Bowl holder 820 can be disposed in a central region 806 which is formed as a recessed region. Top tray 804 is disposed above bottom tray 850 via legs 840 and 842. Bottom tray 850 has an inner ring 852 and a bottom surface 854. In addition there is a bottom tray 854 which can be in the form of a removable ashtray which is used to receive any excess material which is pushed through the bowl when a bowl is cleaned. When removable ashtray 854 is placed into holder or rim 852, it rests in holder or rim 852. A poker such as poker 860 can be inserted into poker holder 816 and retained there. Poker 860 has an open bottom and has a shaft section 862, a tapered section 864, forming a male ground joint, adapted to fit into a female ground joint such as ground joint 816, allowing for a secure glass-on-glass fitment. There is also a top gripper region 866 as well. Shaft section 862 is designed to insert through the hole of a bowl region to loosen material from the bowl 50. Alternatively, poker 860 can also be stored in a hollow shaft 830 which is formed from an opening in top tray 804 and extends down through leg 840, which receives shaft section 862.

FIGS. 16 A, 16B and 16C are perspective views of another embodiment. For example, FIG. 16A shows a front perspective view which shows a triangular design 900. Coupled to top platform are a plurality of bowl holders 902, 904, 906, 908 and 909, wherein holder 909 is the center holder which receives bowls for packing. These holders can be in the form of a ground joint. The ground joint(s) can be made of female ground glass joint(s) fitted to hold bowls that have male ground glass joints. Additionally, the ground joints can be of any size diameter in order to accommodate various bowl diameter sizes. Bowl holders 902, 904, 906, and 908 can have either a sealed or open bottom region, however the center bowl holder 909 has an open bottom wherein this holder 909 is used as the packing holder. Coupled to top platform 910 are legs 912, 914, and 916 for supporting top platform 910 above a surface. In addition there is a bottom platform 918 coupled to legs 912, 914, and 916. Disposed on bottom platform 918 is an ashtray 920 which can be removed. These elements are also shown in detail in FIGS. 16B and 16C. Essentially ashtray 920 is removable from raised surface bottom platform 918, wherein when a bowl is placed in central holder 909, and cleared, residue would fall into removable ashtray 920. In addition, other bowls can be held in place by holders 902, 904, 906, and 908. Packable smoking material can be held on top surface 910 and held in place via lip 913. Lip 913 keeps the packable smoking material from falling off of top surface 910. A poker such as poker 860 can be inserted into poker holder and retained there. Poker 860 has an open bottom and has a shaft section 862, a tapered section 864 (See Fig. 15), forming a male ground joint, adapted to fit into a female ground joint such as ground joint 816 (See Fig. 15) coupled to top platform 910, allowing for a secure glass-on-glass fitment. In addition, poker 860 can be stored such that its shaft extends into leg 916 in a known manner. Accordingly, while a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A device for aiding users in packing and clearing a smoking container comprising:

a) a tray having a surface, said surface having at least one hole; and

b) a base wherein said tray is disposed on said base and said tray is disposed above a surface.

2. The device as in claim 1 , further comprising at least one additional tray which is insertable into said base.

3. The device as in claim 1 , wherein said base further comprises at least one leg.

4. The device as in claim 3, wherein said at least one leg is in the form of a plurality of legs.

5. The device as in claim 4, wherein said tray is a first tray and the device further comprises at least one second tray in the form of a removable ashtray.

6. The device as in claim 5, wherein said plurality of legs are spaced apart from each other to create a gap for receiving said removable ashtray.

7. The device as in claim 3, wherein said at least one leg is formed integral with said base.

8. The device as in claim 1, wherein said base further comprises at least one cradle.

9. The device as in claim 1, further comprising at least one poker clearing and packing element.

10. The device as in claim 1 , further comprising a cover, for selectively covering said tray.

11. The device as in claim 1 , wherein said tray further comprises a grommet forming a hole in said tray, said grommet forming an opening for receiving a device for packing smokable condiments.

12. The device as in claim 1 , wherein said grommet comprises a ground joint coupled to the tray.

13. The device as in claim 12, wherein said ground joint has an angled end in the form of a frusto-conical opening for said hole.

14. The device as in claim 12, wherein said ground joint further comprises a shaft section which is substantially cylindrical.

15. A device for aiding users in packing and clearing a smoking container comprising:

a) a first tray comprising an edge region forming a rim and a base region having a first side and a second side;

b) a support element comprising at least one leg and at least one cradle wherein said first tray is supportable, and removable from said cradle;

c) a second tray wherein said second tray is formed as a removable ashtray and is spaced opposite said second side of said planar surface;

d) a channel coupled to said first tray, said channel extending through said planar surface on said first tray, wherein said channel comprises a frusto-conical opening, extending away from said first side on said base region and an extending region extending from said second side on said base region, wherein said frusto-conical opening is for receiving the smoking container, and said extending channel section is for holding the smoking container in place.