WO2021022164A1

WO2021022164A1 - Smoking pipe bowl extinguishing device

Info

Publication number: WO2021022164A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/044512
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory S. JACQUES
Original assignee: Jacques Gregory S
Priority date: 2019-07-31
Filing date: 2020-07-31
Publication date: 2021-02-04
Also published as: US20220273027A1; EP4003070A4; CA3146970A1; EP4003070A1

Abstract

A device worn by the user capable of extinguishing the ignited contents of the bowl of a smoking pipe. The device may also be used to transport, store and maintain the freshness of said contents of said bowl for future use.

Description

SMOKING PIPE BOWL EXTINGUISHING DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0000] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/881,003 filed on July 31, 2019. The entire contents thereof are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Pipe smoking is the practice of tasting (or, less commonly, inhaling) the smoke produced by burning a substance, most commonly tobacco, in a pipe. It is the oldest traditional form of smoking. Although it has declined somewhat in popularity it is still widely practiced.

[0002] A tobacco pipe, often called simply a pipe, is a device specifically made to smoke tobacco. It comprises a chamber (the“bowl”) for the tobacco from which a thin hollow stem (the “shank”), an airtight channel that delivers airflow, ending in a mouthpiece (the“bit”). In many cases, pipes also contain a second air channel known as a carb that is used to influence the maximum delivery of airflow through the mouthpiece. The broad anatomy of a pipe typically comprises mainly the bowl and the stem. The bowl which is a round basin deep enough to pack herbs in, the part hand-held while packing, holding and smoking a pipe, is also the part

"knocked" top-down to loosen and release impacted spent tobacco. When the user inhales through the bit, the general stem delivers the smoke from the bowl to the user's mouth.

[0003] Inside the bowl is an inner chamber space holding tobacco pressed into it. This draught hole, is for air flow where air has travelled through the tobacco in the chamber, taking the smoke with it, up the shank. At the end of the shank, the pipe's mortise and tenon join is an air-tight, simple connection of two detachable parts where the mortise is a hole met by the tenon, a tight- fitting "tongue" at the start of the stem. Known as the bore, the inner shaft of this second section stays uniform throughout while the outer stem tapers down to the mouthpiece or bit held in the smoker's teeth, and finally ends in the "lip", attenuated for comfort.

[0004] Traditionally, pipes used for tobacco smoking purposes were made out of material such as wood, bamboo, com cobs, meerschaum, or even ceramics. Recently, pipes were manufactured from a variety of materials such as polymers, metals, glasses and/or combinations thereof. Pipes at the time of filing are widely made using borosilicate glass, as the medium is incredibly versatile.

[0005] Pipes can vary widely in shape and size, as well as in complexity, functionality, and availability. Many pipes utilize water to filter smoke and cool it prior to inhalation. Other pipes are basic and take a physical form many refer to as a“spoon.”

[0006] Preparing tobacco or herbs for smoking a bowl is essential in order to maximize airflow through the pipe. Breaking down the tobacco or herbs creates a homogenous airflow through the bowl where smoke can pass through evenly once the contents of the pipe’s bowl is set on fire.

[0007] Users of smoking pipe bowls have had a desire for saving the residual contents within the bowl. The method for saving these contents is through oxygen deprivation which will extinguish the fire and prevent all of the continuous burning of the remaining contents. In order to deprive the smoking pipe bowl of oxygen a user must cover the entire bowl of the pipe. The covering techniques in common use today for extinguishing the fire in the smoking pipe bowl

include using your hand (thumb or palm depending on the size of the bowl) or a quarter to cover the entire diameter of the bowl. It should be appreciated, that such devices, can result in fires if flammable materials are used and, in some instances, serious bums to the user.

[0008] Several tobacco tamping tools for a smoking pipes may be found in the prior art. One example consists of a cylindrical hollow body and a stem having a tamping head at one end telescopingly received within said hollow body member and a spring within said hollow body member normally urging said stem and tamping head to a normally protracted position. The prior art devices are used to pack down, clear the shank of debris, or aerate tightly

packed contents within the smoking pipe. Other prior art devices require the user to purchase special pipes to use the device.

[0009] There is a need for a universal smoking pipe bowl extinguisher capable for use with any smoking pipe that provides for a cleaner and safer means for extinguishing the lit contents of a smoking pipe while also allowing for manipulation of the contents within the bowl. This instant invention will provide users with an easy and cheap method for extinguishing and subsequently preserving the contents within the smoking pipe bowl. There are existing smoking pipes with built in smoking pipe covers, however, this invention is a universal smoking pipe bowl extinguishing device which can be used on any standard smoking pipe and does not require the purchase of a separate pipe. In addition, the finger ring holes in this invention allow users to hold the smoking pipe bowl extinguishing device in their hand while simultaneously using other smoking devices such as a lighter.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This invention will provide users with an easy and cheap method for extinguishing and subsequently preserving the contents found within the bowl of a smoking pipe. There are existing smoking pipes with built in smoking pipe covers, however, this invention is a universal smoking pipe bowl extinguishing device which can be used with any standard smoking pipe and does not require the purchase of a separate pipe. The finger ring holes of the instant invention allow users to hold the smoking pipe bowl extinguishing device in their hand while

simultaneously using other smoking devices such as a lighter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The following detailed description of the invention reference is made to the

accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and logical changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of an example of the claimed device comprising, generally, a solid body having an inverted conical section (hereinafter referred to as a or the “cone”) extending outward from one end of said body;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing showing an embodiment of the claimed invention being worn by a user; [0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic rendition of an embodiment of the claimed device having straight sides and 90° corners. This embodiment further comprises a hole in which to attach the device to a keychain, cord, chain, carabiner and/or other device;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic rendition of an embodiment of the claimed device having an inwardly facing, relative to the palm of the user when the device is worn, rounded edge;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic rendition of an embodiment of the claimed device having a rounded, outwardly facing, relative to the palm of the user when the device is worn, rounded edge;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a composite schematic rendition of a device having the features of FIGs. 4 and 5;

[0018] FIG. 7 is the top view of an embodiment wherein the body is not situated completely above the cone of the claimed device;

[0019] FIG. 8 is the top view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 having an inwardly facing, relative to the palm of the user when the device is worn, rounded edge;

[0020] FIG. 9 is the top view of an embodiment having straight sides wherein the body is situated directly above the cone of the claimed device;

[0021] FIGs. 10-14 are schematic cross-sectional representations of the bottom section of the claimed device having diameters equal to or greater than the diameter of the bowl of the smoking pipe and can be flat (FIG. 10) conical (FIG. 11), dome shaped (FIG. 12), dome-cone hybrid shaped (FIG. 13) and dome-cone hybrid shaped with the lip on the edge for engaging the outer walls of a smoking pipe bowl (FIG. 14);

[0022] FIGs. 15-25 illustrate the various shapes for an embodiment of the instant application having a flat bottom (FIG.10), including, but not limited to, a heart (FIG. 15), pentagon (FIG. 16), hexagon (FIG. 17), square (FIG. 18), diamond (FIG. 19), star (FIG. 20), triangle (FIG.

21), octagon (FIG. 22), decagon (FIG. 23), dodecagon (FIG. 24) and circle (FIG. 25);

[0023] FIG. 26 shows a side view of the device depicting a small extension at the edge of the cone for manipulation of the contents within the bowl and a hole for a keyring, keychain, chain, carabiner or cord;

[0024] FIGs. 27 and 28 represent a front (FIG. 27) and top (FIG. 28) view of the device depicting a small extension at the edge of the cone for manipulation of the contents within the bowl; [0025] FIG. 29 represents a side view of the device depicting a small extension at the edge of the cone for manipulation of the contents;

[0026] FIGs. 30 and 31 depict a top (FIG. 31) and front (FIG. 30) view of the device having a small extension at the edge of the cone for manipulation of the contents within the bowl;

[0027] FIG. 32 illustrates an embodiment of the claimed invention wherein said device is incorporated into a hemp wick;

[0028] FIGs. 33, 34 and 35 are side views of the different embodiments of the claimed device having one finger hole (FIG. 33) three finger holes (FIG. 34) and four finger holes (FIG. 35);

[0029] FIG. 36 is a three-dimensional side view of one embodiment of the claimed invention having two finger holes and a flat circular bottom; and

[0030] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional schematic illustrating the space created when the claim device is place over the opening of the bowl of a smoking pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] For convenience, certain terms employed in the specification, examples and appended claims are collected here. These definitions should be read in light of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art.

[0032] As used herein, the terms“comprises,”“comprising,”“includes,”“including,”“has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive“or” and not to an exclusive“or.” For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present) or both A and B are true (or present). Also, use of“a” or“an” are employed to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention.

This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as the identification of various system components, to provide an understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In still other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of various embodiments of the invention. Reference throughout this specification to“one embodiment,”“an embodiment,”“another embodiment” or“a further embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases“in one embodiment” or“in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0033] The articles“a” and“an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one ( i.e ., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. The term“and/or” as used herein is defined as the possibility of having one or the other or both. For example,“A and/or B” provides for the scenarios of having just A or just B or a combination of A and B. If the claim reads A and/or B and/or C, the composition may include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B but not C, B and C but not A, A and C but not B or all three A, B and C as components.

[0034] Reference throughout this specification to“smoking pipe bowl” or“bowl” is used. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the invention should not be limited to these terms and that the terms are used as a general term for any device for smoking leafy contents that would benefit from the described invention. [0035] As used herein, the term“cone” refers to the end of the claimed device that is placed over the bowl of a smoking pipe to choke the oxygen from the burning contents found therein.

[0036] As used herein, the term“finger holes” refers bore holes formed in a solid body that allows a user to insert his/her fingers and wear the claimed device, like a ring or a set of brass knuckles.

[0037] As used herein, the term“cover” refers the act of sealing off the opening of a traditional smoking pipe so that atmospheric oxygen is unable to enter into the bowl of a smoking pipe.

[0038] References to certain fingers are colloquial terms traditionally used to refer to a certain finger of a human being.

[0039] As used herein, the term“detachably affixed” refers to the ability to attach and detach one object to another whereas“permanently affixed” refers to the inability to detach one object from another.

[0040] As used herein, the term“relatively” means viewed in comparison with something else rather than absolutely.

[0041] As an overview, one embodiment of the invention is disclosed for a smoking pipe bowl extinguishing device that allows users to extinguish recently lit tobacco in a bowl without the need to use a tampering device. The smoking pipe bowl extinguishing device is designed with finger ring holes which allow users to hold the smoking bowl extinguishing device in their hand while simultaneously using other smoking devices such as a lighter.

[0042] The smoking pipe bowl extinguishing device is designed to cover the entire open area of the bowl of a smoking pipe and/or other smoking devices containing a bowl. The device may also be used to extinguish a fire by covering other similarly sized openings such as small candles or lanterns. [0043] Generally, the device is comprised of a solid body having sufficient thickness and size (FIG 36) so that one (FIG. 33), two (FIGs. 3-6), three (FIG. 34) or four (FIG. 35) holes to accommodate a user’s fingers (hereinafter“the finger holes”) may be formed therein together with a means in which to block, or choke, the oxygen to the burning contents of a tobacco pipe bowl. In the preferred embodiment, the body is rectangular in shape, although this is not a requirement as other shapes, such as an oval, are possible. In other embodiments, the body may consist of one or two or more rings that are fused or linked together, or in an alternative embodiment, the rings may be affixed with a snap-fit functionality that allows the user to add or subtract one or more rings and/or the cone from the series of rings, as desired. In another embodiment, the cone further comprises a protruding part or locking feature and said ring or two or more linked rings further comprises an undercut or hole wherein when said protruding part or locking feature is inserted into said undercut or hole forged into said ring or two or more linked rings, said protruding part or locking feature is hook or a stud that is slightly deflected during the joining operation and snaps back into an undercut or hole in the mating part.

[0044] As shown in the example of FIG. 1, one end of the body (in this and all of the illustrative examples provided herein is rectangular), is shaped into a solid conical body (hereinafter referred to“the cone”) having a generally shallow, circular bottom that extends outward from all sides of the body. In most examples, the cone is relatively uniform in size and shape and the extended portions of the cone are generally equal in size. The shallow, circular bottom is at least the size of, but more often greater in size than, the opening of a bowl of a standard, smoking pipe. It should be appreciated that the shallow, circular bottom of the device is not always triangular in shape. In the preferred embodiment, the cone diameter is approximately 31.5 mm and the cone depth is 5 mm.

[0045] FIG. 2 depicts the claimed device as worn by the user on the baby and ring fingers, although the user is not limited to wearing the claimed device on any particular fingers or use all of the finger holes provided. For instance, a user may wear the example depicted by FIG. 36 on his or her index finger or on the user’s index and ring fingers, if so desired, but it is desirable to use all of the finger holes provided using adjacent fingers for safety and comfort purposes. As depicted in FIG. 2, the user has clenched their fingers forming a fist. When finished smoking, the user merely rotates their clenched fist (the clenching of a user’s fist in not necessary to use the claimed device as an open hand may also be used) so that the cone faces downward and places the bottom of the cone over the bowl of the smoking pipe to smother the embers of a lit bowl.

[0046] The side of the body situated over the user’s knuckles when worn is generally flat. In addition, this“outwardly facing side” of the device may be customized. As shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, the side of the body covering the user’s knuckle has been imprinted with the trademark BOWL BUDDY®. It should be appreciated that the outward facing side may also be adorned with ornamental designs.

[0047] FIGS. 3-6 represent side views of various embodiments of the present invention. In these embodiments, two finger holes have been formed into the body. FIG. 3 is an embodiment wherein the body is a true rectangular solid with comers that are 90° and straight sides. FIG. 3 also shows an embodiment having means in which to attach the claimed device to a keyring, keychain, chain, carabiner or cord. FIG. 4 is another embodiment in which the side of the body that engages the user’s palm when the user forms a fist as the device is worn is curved. The curved side provides greater comfort to the user when the device is worn. FIG. 5 is an embodiment have a rounded, outer comer. The rounded corner found in FIG. 5 prevents the device from poking or tearing objects that may come in contact with the device. FIG. 6 represents a composite of FIGs. 4 and 5 wherein the device has an outer rounded corner and an inner rounded side. It should be appreciated that the finger holes may vary in size and/or shape to better fit the hand of an average woman or average man or both. Larger and smaller sizes, such as extra-small, small, medium, large and extra-large of the claimed device are envisioned as well as devices that are custom-made for a particular user and devices that are mass-produced.

[0048] It should be appreciated that the body of the device need not be directly above the extinguishing cone. FIG. 7 depicts the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 3 only in this derivative example the body is not completely above the smoking pipe bowl extinguishing cone. Likewise, the embodiment represented by FIG. 4 may also be redesigned with the body only over part of the cone. FIG. 9 depicts the preferred embodiment wherein the body is completely over the cone.

[0049] The cone of the claimed device may take various forms. As depicted in FIG. 10, it may be solid with a relatively flat bottom of various shapes such as a heart, star or diamond (FIGs, 15-25). In the preferred embodiment, the edge of the cone extends outward from the body forming a flange that encircles the outer edge of the cone. In another example, the cone may be formed with a pyramidal indention as shown in FIG. 11. This indention creates a closed, interior space when the device is placed over a hot pipe bowl. A flange also encircles the edge of the cone in this example. As depicted in FIG. 12, a circular indentation forming a dome may be formed into the body. For instance, the height of the dome may be approximately 5 mm while the width of the dome from one edge of the encircling flange to the opposing edge of the encircling flange may be 31.5 mm. When this example is placed over an open smoking pipe bowl, a circular space is created FIG. 37. A flange may also encircle the edge of the cone as shown in FIG. 13.

[0050] The cone of the claimed device, is preferably, made from a heat-resistant and non flammable, material, however, in some examples, a heat-resistant, non-flammable lining, coating or heat shield may be affixed to the bottom side or inner surfaces of the cone to prevent the device from melting or catching on fire. A heat shield may also be affixed to the outer surface of the cone so that it remains cool to the user’s touch. It should be appreciated that the body and the cone may be made from different materials with the cone being affixed to the body after both parts are manufactured separately. It is preferred that the cone and/or any lining or heat shield affixed or coated thereon be made from a substance that is noncarcinogenic and non-toxic. As the bowl and/or any lining or heat shield affixed thereon may deteriorate over time, use of a biodegradable and/or recyclable material is preferred. Materials suitable for manufacturing the claimed device or any heat shields used, include but are not limited to, silicone, bioplastic, quartz, glass, glass fiber, clay, fiberglass, metal, flame-retardant plastic, polymers, polyester resin, e-glass epoxy composite, s-glass epoxy composite, carbon-fiber reinforced polymer, stone, nano-dispersed montmorillonite clay in a polymer matrix, organo-modified clays, T1O2 nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, layered double hydroxides, carbon nanotubes, polyhedral silsesquioxanes and combinations thereof.

[0051] In one embodiment, the claimed device is manufactured from aluminum. A rubber gasket is attached, using known attachment means including, but not limited to acrylics, bio adhesives, contact adhesive, cyanoacrylics, epoxy, glue, hot melt adhesives, paste, polyester resins, polyols, polyurethane and pressure sensitive adhesive, to the outer edge of the cone. The rubber gasket is required to create an airtight seal when the claimed device is in use. The device provided several advantages for the user, such as minimizing packed, sticky ash remaining in the bowl of the smoking pipe after use, making it easier to clean the bowl of a pipe after use, minimizing the amount of ambient smoke after smoking, retaining un-inhaled smoke in the bowl of the pipe and extending the life of ash screens found in most pipes as the claimed device prevents the packing of resin onto the screen making it less effective. The aluminum devices may also be anodized to increase corrosion resistance and to allow dyeing or coloring. The anodic layer is also insulative. When exposed to air at room temperature, or any other gas containing oxygen, pure aluminum self-passivates by forming a surface layer of amorphous aluminum oxide 2 to 3 nm thick that provides very effective protection against corrosion.

[0052] The parts of the claimed device may be formed by any known processes known or will be known in the art to make solid structures made from any solid substance, in particular, those mentioned previously, such as molding, such as with silicon molds (AccuPad, Inc., Anderson, SC), vacuum forming or thermal forming processes. If one or more of the parts of the claimed devices is formed from metal, one or more metal working processes such as casting, bulk forming, sheet and tube forming, cutting, milling, turning, threading, grinding, filing, broaching, electron beam machining and ultrasonic machining may be used. New techniques, such as 3D printing processes (Mill-it-Mini CNC Milling System, 16 mm Cutter in C250 Jig Plate, Stoney CNC, Hereford, UK) may also be used. The preferred embodiment is manufactured out of plastic using an injection molding process (MARS 2000, Inc., Warwick, RI).

[0053] As mentioned previously, the body may consist of one or two or more traditional rings fused together or forged as a single unit during manufacturing. In an alternative embodiment, the body may be formed as one solid unit with the finger holes created thereafter by either drilling, punching, carving or any other process known, or to will be known, for forming bores in a solid object. The body and cone may be manufactured separately, either from the same or different materials, or as one unit. After both parts are manufactured, the cone is permanently attached to the body using any known means of attachment, such as gluing, welding, soldering and the like. In some embodiments, the cone is purposely not permanently affixed to the body. This provides the user with the ability of storing the body and the cone separately or to switch out one cone for another. Any means to detachably affixing the cone and the body known, or will be known, may be employed, such as a snap fit. In addition, both the body and the cone may be formed with compatible threading so that the cone may be screwed onto the body.

Another embodiment utilizes a hinge or hinge-like device to secure the cone to the body allowing the user to rotate the cone toward to body making the device more compact for storage.

[0054] Some embodiments of the claimed invention included means in which to access the contents of the bowl of a smoking pipe after the claimed device has been installed onto the bowl of a smoking pipe. Small extensions at the edge of the cone allow for the manipulation of the contents within the bowl, as illustrated in FIGs. 26-31. The extensions have small openings providing access to the interior of the bowl using a pick or similar tool to stir the ignited contents of the bowl of a smoking pipe.

[0055] In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the outwardly extending flange may also include a wall that extends downward from the outer edge of said flange. The downward wall allows for the device to engage the outer walls of the smoking pipe bowl. Once engaged, the device is secured to the pipe on which it is installed. This allows the user to store the pipe with the unused tobacco or herbs remaining in the bowl of the pipe. The finger holes may be used as a handle in which to transport the smoking pipe. When the user decides to finish smoking the unused contents, the claimed device is simply detached. Preferably, the downward extending wall should be manufactured from a heat-resistant, non-flammable material. It should also remain cool to the touch so that the user may seal the contents contained in the bowl of the pipe and then store said covered pipe shortly after smoking to continue smoking the contents at a later time. [0056] The claimed device may also include additional features to store and/or retain pipe smoking tools. FIG. 3 includes a bore hole that can retain a pick. The instant device may be modified to include holding means for other smoking devices such as lighters, stirrers, reamers, cleaning rods and the like. For instance, a shallow cone in which a traditional lighter may be held, may be fused into or attached alongside the body. In the preferred embodiment of this example, the cone is manufactured from a material with elastic qualities, such as rubber or a rubber-like material.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, the device may also include means in which to keep tobacco, herbs or other perishable products stored in the bowl of a smoking pipe at an optimal freshness.

In particular, a seal or other device may be attached to the device wherein when the device engages the smoking pipe, an air-tight seal is formed. Additionally, the device may be designed to contain means in which to hold a removable desiccant device capable of removing moisture from the contents of the bowl.

[0058] In yet another embodiment, the claimed device may be incorporated into a hemp wick. A hemp wick is a length of hemp twine (hereinafter referred to as a“cord”) coated in beeswax. As depicted in FIG. 32, the hemp wick encircles the length of the body, which in this embodiment, is tubular in shape, extending upward from the cone, ending in point. The hemp wick may be wrapped around the outer casing of the body or enclosed within the housing. The tip of the housing has an opening from which the hemp wick may be pulled out of the housing as needed. The housing is designed with an interior space in which to accommodate the hemp wick when not in use. In another expression of this embodiment, the claimed device is formed with indentations that allow for the hemp wick cord to be wrapped around the body of the device so as to be better secured to the claimed device when not in use.

[0059] The claimed device may also be designed to encase a common disposable lighter, or in another embodiment, the lighter may replace the solid body of the claimed device. In this embodiment, the lighter is manufactured with finger holes or finger holes are attached to the side of the lighter. A cone, as described above, would be attached (or formed during manufacturing of the lighter) at the bottom of the lighter (or at the end of the lighter opposite of the spark wheel). In other embodiments, the device may further comprise a metal rod, used for cleaning pipes, that is attached to the device by a hinge that allows it to swing outward when in use and inward until it is flush with the device when the rod is not in use.

EQUIVALENTS

[0060] While specific embodiments of the subject invention have been discussed, the above specification is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of this specification. The full scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the claims, along with their full scope of equivalents, and the specification, along with such variations.

[0061] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention.

[0062] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principle and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations, combinations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:

1. A device comprising means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a smoking pipe; means in which to wear said device on the hand of a user of the device; and

means in which to attach said pipe bowl cover to said means in which to wear said device.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said means in which to wear said device is selected from the group consisting of a ring, two or more rings linked together and a solid body having one or more bores formed therein capable of engaging one or more fingers of a human.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein said means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a tobacco pipe is detachably affixed to said means in which to wear said device.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a tobacco pipe is permanently affixed to said means in which to wear said device.

5. The device according to claim 2, comprising two linked rings.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein said linked rings are designed to be worn over the ring and baby fingers.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein said linked rings are designed to be worn over the index and middle fingers.

8. The device according to claim 2, comprising three linked rings.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein said linked rings are designed to be worn over the middle, ring and baby fingers.

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein said linked rings are designed to be worn over the index, middle and ring fingers.

11. The device according to claim 2, comprising four linked rings designed to be worn over the index, middle, ring and baby fingers.

12. The device according to claim 2, wherein said means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a tobacco pipe has a relatively flat bottom.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein said means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a tobacco pipe is a conical body.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein said means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a tobacco pipe is a pyramidal body.

15. The device according to any one of claims 12 - 14, wherein said means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a tobacco pipe is manufactured from a heat-resistant material.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein said material is noncarcinogenic and non-toxic.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein said material is biodegradable and/or recyclable.

18. The device according to any one of claims 15-17, wherein said means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a tobacco pipe is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of silicone, bioplastic, quartz, glass, glass fiber, clay, fiberglass, metal, flame-retardant plastic, polymers, polyester resin, e-glass epoxy composite, s-glass epoxy composite, carbon-fiber reinforced polymer, stone, nano-dispersed montmorillonite clay in a polymer matrix, organo-modified clays, T1O2 nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, layered double hydroxides, carbon nanotubes, polyhedral silsesquioxanes and combinations thereof.

19. The device according to claim 2, wherein said means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a tobacco pipe is fused to said means in which to wear said device.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein said device is manufactured as a single unit.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein said device is constructed using a molding, vacuum forming or thermal forming process.

22. The device according to claim 2, wherein said ring or two or more linked rings are fused into a relatively solid body.

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein said solid body has one or more curved sides and/or one or more rounded corners.

24. The device according to any one of claims 5 - 11 wherein said device is designed to be worn by a human male.

25. The device according to any one of claims 5 - 11, wherein said device is designed to be worn by a human female.

26. The device according to any one of claims 5 - 11, wherein said device is designed to be worn by either human sex.

27. The device according to claim 11, wherein said flat bottom is circular in shape.

28. The device according to claim 27, wherein said flat bottom has a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the bowl of a tobacco pipe.

29. The device according to claims 13 or 14, wherein said means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a tobacco pipe extends upward from the upper edge of the bowl of the tobacco pipe it covers creating an interior space.

30. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a lip surrounding the outer edge of the means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a tobacco wherein said lip engages the outer walls of the bowl of the tobacco pipe on which the device is placed.

31. The device according to claim 30, further comprising means in which to detachably affix said device to the bowl of a tobacco pipe.

32. The device according to claim 31, wherein said means in which to attach said device to said bowl of a tobacco pipe can be used while said bowl of said pipe contains burning material.

33. The device according to claim 32, wherein said means in which to attach said device to said bowl of a tobacco pipe is heat-resistant and does not become hot when said means in which to attach said device to said bowl of a tobacco pipe engages the bowl of a tobacco pipe containing a burning material.

34. The device according to claim 33, wherein means in which to attach said device to said bowl of a tobacco pipe allows the user to save and store the pipe upon which the device is attached and the contents with the bowl of said pipe for later use.

35. The device according to claim 32, wherein said ring or two or more linked rings act as a handle.

36. The device according to claim 12, wherein said flat bottom is formed into a distinct shape selected from the group consisting of a heart, hexagon, pentagon, polygon, square, diamond, star and triangle.

37. The device according to claim 1, further comprising means in which to retain a cigarette lighter, stirrer and/or other pipe tools

38. The device according to claim 37, wherein said pipe tools are selected from the group consisting of pick, reamer and cleaning rod.

39. The device according to claim 37, wherein said means in which to retain a cigarette lighter comprises a shallow cone.

40. The device according to claim 39, further comprising an means in which to attach said shallow cone to said device.

41. The device according to claim 40, wherein said means in which to attach said shallow cone to said device exhibits the ability to resume its normal shape after being stretched or compressed.

42. The device according to claim 41, wherein said elastic means and said cone are manufactured from rubber or a rubber-like material.

43. The device according to claim 1, further comprising means in which to access the contents of the bowl of a tobacco pipe after said device has been placed over said bowl.

44. The device according to claim 1, further comprising means in which to attach a keyring, keychain, chain, cord or carabiner to said device when said device is not in use.

45. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is designed to engage a hemp wick.

46. The device according to claim 18, wherein said device is forged out of a metal using one or more metal working processes selected from the group consisting of casting, bulk forming, sheet and tube forming, cutting, milling, turning, threading, grinding, filing, broaching, electron beam machining and ultrasonic machining.

47. The device according to claim 18, wherein said device is manufactured using a 3D printing process.

48. The device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more heat shields.

49. The device according to claim 48, wherein said heat shield lines the inside of the bowl of a tobacco pipe.

50. The device according to claim 48, wherein said heat shield lines the outside of the bowl of a tobacco pipe.

51. The device according to claim 48, wherein said heat shield lines both the inside and the outside of the bowl of a tobacco pipe.

52. The device according to any one of claims 48-51, wherein said heat shield is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of quartz, glass, glass fiber, clay, fiberglass, metal, flame-retardant plastic, polymers, polyester resin, e-glass epoxy composite, s-glass epoxy composite, carbon-fiber reinforced polymer, stone, nanodispersed montmorillonite clay in a polymer matrix, organomodified clays, T1O2 nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, layered double hydroxides, carbon nanotubes, polyhedral silsesquioxanes and combinations thereof.

53. The device according to claim 2, wherein said means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a tobacco pipe comprises and said a ring or two or more linked rings, with holes for the fingers, that is worn on the hand are designed with a snap fit functionality.

54. The device according to claim 53, wherein said means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a tobacco pipe further comprises a protruding part or locking feature and said ring or two or more linked rings further comprises an undercut or hole wherein when said protruding part or locking feature is inserted into said undercut or hole forged into said ring or two or more linked rings, said protruding part or locking feature is hook or a stud is slightly deflected during the joining operation and snaps back into an undercut or hole in the mating part.

55. The device according to claim 4, wherein said means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a tobacco pipe is permanently affixed to said ring or two or more linked rings during manufacturing.

56. The device according to claim 55, wherein said means in which to cover the opening of the bowl of a tobacco pipe is permanently affixed to said ring or two or more linked rings by welding, gluing or any other technique used to join two different components.

57. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is manufactured in multiple sizes.

58. The device according to claim 57, wherein said sizes are extra-small, small, medium, large and extra-large.

59. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is designed to engage a tobacco pipe manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of wood, com cobs, and meerschaum.

60. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is designed to engage a tobacco pipe manufactured from a polymer, metal, glass or any combinations thereof.