Modular Water Pipe System

Abstract

A modular water pipe system is provided. The system comprises a chamber comprising a top flange, a bottom flange, and a tube positioned between the top flange and the bottom flange and an herb base adapter coupled to the bottom flange. The system also comprises an herb bowl connected to the herb base adapter and a mouth piece draw tube connected via adapter to the top flange. Air and vapor are drawn via the mouth piece, tube and herb base adapter through the herb bowl. The herb bowl is in a concave shape and configured to hold substances for burning. Smoke caused by burning is drawn from the herb bowl through the herb base adapter, and through the tube and mouth piece draw tube for inhalation. The tube contains liquid to cool the smoke and produce vapor for inhalation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the [U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 62/367,258 entitled “INFINIUM WATER PIPE”, filed on 27 Jul. 2016 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof.

RELATED CO-PENDING U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF SEQUENCE LISTING PROVIDED AS A TEXT FILE

Not applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection by the author thereof. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure for the purposes of referencing as patent prior art, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE RELEVANT PRIOR ART

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to smoking equipment. More particularly, certain embodiments of the invention relates to a modular water pipe.

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. A typical water pipe works by having a substance that may be smoked in a bowl that in turn connects to a down stem and into a glass bowl containing liquid where a seal is created. When the substance is smoked, vapor from the bowl typically must travel through the liquid as the user draws via inhalation at the top of the water pipe via an opening and up into the user's mouth. Some water pipes may have intricate bubblers and percolators with multiple stages or levels to add further filtration to the vapor. Currently, most water pipes are constructed mainly of glass and are typically static in design with internal parts being fused together. Because of difficulty of inserting cleaning instruments into the intricate air passages of such water pipes, these water pipes may be hard to make clean and free of debris. In addition, many current water pipes cannot be changed or customized other than by adding external glass type fittings to the herb bowl, for example, ash catchers.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional systems and methods leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary modular water pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a partially exploded side view of the water pipe, and FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic top view of an exemplary flange that may be used to connect modules of the water pipe;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary percolator system for a modular water pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of the water pipe, and FIG. 2B is a side perspective view of an exemplary percolator disc;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary water pipe that may comprise a gaming element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary 3-D type percolator for a modular water pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an exemplary percolator system for a modular water pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is diagrammatic side view, and FIG. 5B is an exploded view;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary couplers for connecting various modules of a modular water pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic side view of a basic coupler, and FIG. 6B is a diagrammatic side view of a functional coupler;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary pipe formed by parts of a modular water pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary a vertical style nectar collector formed from parts of a modular water pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary water pipe comprising multiple chambers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

All words of approximation as used in the present disclosure and claims should be construed to mean “approximate,” rather than “perfect,” and may accordingly be employed as a meaningful modifier to any other word, specified parameter, quantity, quality, or concept. Words of approximation, include, yet are not limited to terms such as “substantial”, “nearly”, “almost”, “about”, “generally”, “largely”, “essentially”, “closely approximate”, etc.

As will be established in some detail below, it is well settle law, as early as 1939, that words of approximation are not indefinite in the claims even when such limits are not defined or specified in the specification.

For example, see Ex parte Mallory, 52 USPQ 297, 297 (Pat. Off. Bd. App. 1941) where the court said “The examiner has held that most of the claims are inaccurate because apparently the laminar film will not be entirely eliminated. The claims specify that the film is “substantially” eliminated and for the intended purpose, it is believed that the slight portion of the film which may remain is negligible. We are of the view, therefore, that the claims may be regarded as sufficiently accurate.”

Note that claims need only “reasonably apprise those skilled in the art” as to their scope to satisfy the definiteness requirement. See Energy Absorption Sys., Inc. v. Roadway Safety Servs., Inc., Civ. App. 96-1264, slip op. at 10 (Fed. Cir. Jul. 3, 1997) (unpublished) Hybridtech v. Monoclonal Antibodies, Inc., 802 F.2d 1367, 1385, 231 USPQ 81, 94 (Fed. Cir. 1986), cert. denied, 480 U.S. 947 (1987). In addition, the use of modifiers in the claim, like “generally” and “substantial,” does not by itself render the claims indefinite. See Seattle Box Co. v. Industrial Crating & Packing, Inc., 731 F.2d 818, 828-29, 221 USPQ 568, 575-76 (Fed. Cir. 1984).

Moreover, the ordinary and customary meaning of terms like “substantially” includes “reasonably close to: nearly, almost, about”, connoting a term of approximation. See In re Frye, Appeal No. 2009-006013, 94 USPQ2d 1072, 1077, 2010 WL 889747 (B.P.A.I. 2010) Depending on its usage, the word “substantially” can denote either language of approximation or language of magnitude. Deering Precision Instruments, L.L.C. v. Vector Distribution Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 1323 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (recognizing the “dual ordinary meaning of th[e] term [“substantially”] as connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude”). Here, when referring to the “substantially halfway” limitation, the Specification uses the word “approximately” as a substitute for the word “substantially” (Fact 4). (Fact 4). The ordinary meaning of “substantially halfway” is thus reasonably close to or nearly at the midpoint between the forwardmost point of the upper or outsole and the rearwardmost point of the upper or outsole.

Similarly, the term ‘substantially’ is well recognized in case law to have the dual ordinary meaning of connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude. See Dana Corp. v. American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., Civ. App. 04-1116, 2004 U.S. App. LEXIS 18265, *13-14 (Fed. Cir. Aug. 27, 2004) (unpublished). The term “substantially” is commonly used by claim drafters to indicate approximation. See Cordis Corp. v. Medtronic AVE Inc., 339 F.3d 1352, 1360 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (“The patents do not set out any numerical standard by which to determine whether the thickness of the wall surface is ‘substantially uniform.’ The term ‘substantially,’ as used in this context, denotes approximation. Thus, the walls must be of largely or approximately uniform thickness.”); see also Deering Precision Instruments, LLC v. Vector Distribution Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 1322 (Fed. Cir. 2003); Epcon Gas Sys., Inc. v. Bauer Compressors, Inc., 279 F.3d 1022, 1031 (Fed. Cir. 2002). We find that the term “substantially” was used in just such a manner in the claims of the patents-in-suit: “substantially uniform wall thickness” denotes a wall thickness with approximate uniformity.

It should also be noted that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing clearly limits the scope of claims such as saying ‘generally parallel’ such that the adverb ‘generally’ does not broaden the meaning of parallel. Accordingly, it is well settled that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing (e.g., like the phrase ‘generally parallel’) envisions some amount of deviation from perfection (e.g., not exactly parallel), and that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing are descriptive terms commonly used in patent claims to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter. To the extent that the plain language of the claims relying on such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing are clear and uncontradicted by anything in the written description herein or the figures thereof, it is improper to rely upon the present written description, the figures, or the prosecution history to add limitations to any of the claim of the present invention with respect to such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing. That is, under such circumstances, relying on the written description and prosecution history to reject the ordinary and customary meanings of the words themselves is impermissible. See, for example, Liquid Dynamics Corp. v. Vaughan Co., 355 F.3d 1361, 69 USPQ2d 1595, 1600-01 (Fed. Cir. 2004). The plain language of phrase 2 requires a “substantial helical flow.” The term “substantial” is a meaningful modifier implying “approximate,” rather than “perfect.” In Cordis Corp. v. Medtronic AVE, Inc., 339 F.3d 1352, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2003), the district court imposed a precise numeric constraint on the term “substantially uniform thickness.” We noted that the proper interpretation of this term was “of largely or approximately uniform thickness” unless something in the prosecution history imposed the “clear and unmistakable disclaimer” needed for narrowing beyond this simple-language interpretation. Id. In Anchor Wall Systems v. Rockwood Retaining Walls, Inc., 340 F.3d 1298, 1311 (Fed. Cir. 2003)” Id. at 1311. Similarly, the plain language of claim 1 requires neither a perfectly helical flow nor a flow that returns precisely to the center after one rotation (a limitation that arises only as a logical consequence of requiring a perfectly helical flow).

The reader should appreciate that case law generally recognizes a dual ordinary meaning of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, as connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude; e.g., see Deering Precision Instruments, L.L.C. v. Vector Distrib. Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 68 USPQ2d 1716, 1721 (Fed. Cir. 2003), cert. denied, 124 S. Ct. 1426 (2004) where the court was asked to construe the meaning of the term “substantially” in a patent claim. Also see Epcon, 279 F.3d at 1031 (“The phrase ‘substantially constant’ denotes language of approximation, while the phrase ‘substantially below’ signifies language of magnitude, i.e., not insubstantial.”). Also, see, e.g., Epcon Gas Sys., Inc. v. Bauer Compressors, Inc., 279 F.3d 1022 (Fed. Cir. 2002) (construing the terms “substantially constant” and “substantially below”); Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. v. Hoffinger Indus., Inc., 206 F.3d 1408 (Fed. Cir. 2000) (construing the term “substantially inward”); York Prods., Inc. v. Cent. Tractor Farm & Family Ctr., 99 F.3d 1568 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (construing the term “substantially the entire height thereof”); Tex. Instruments Inc. v. Cypress Semiconductor Corp., 90 F.3d 1558 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (construing the term “substantially in the common plane”). In conducting their analysis, the court instructed to begin with the ordinary meaning of the claim terms to one of ordinary skill in the art. Prima Tek, 318 F.3d at 1148. Reference to dictionaries and our cases indicates that the term “substantially” has numerous ordinary meanings. As the district court stated, “substantially” can mean “significantly” or “considerably.” The term “substantially” can also mean “largely” or “essentially.” Webster's New 20th Century Dictionary 1817 (1983).

Words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, may also be used in phrases establishing approximate ranges or limits, where the end points are inclusive and approximate, not perfect; e.g., see AK Steel Corp. v. Sollac, 344 F.3d 1234, 68 USPQ2d 1280, 1285 (Fed. Cir. 2003) where it where the court said [W]e conclude that the ordinary meaning of the phrase “up to about 10%” includes the “about 10%” endpoint. As pointed out by AK Steel, when an object of the preposition “up to” is nonnumeric, the most natural meaning is to exclude the object (e.g., painting the wall up to the door). On the other hand, as pointed out by Sollac, when the object is a numerical limit, the normal meaning is to include that upper numerical limit (e.g., counting up to ten, seating capacity for up to seven passengers). Because we have here a numerical limit—“about 10%”—the ordinary meaning is that that endpoint is included.

In the present specification and claims, a goal of employment of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, is to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the modified specified parameter, as sanctioned by Pall Corp. v. Micron Separations, Inc., 66 F.3d 1211, 1217, 36 USPQ2d 1225, 1229 (Fed. Cir. 1995) where it states “It is well established that when the term “substantially” serves reasonably to describe the subject matter so that its scope would be understood by persons in the field of the invention, and to distinguish the claimed subject matter from the prior art, it is not indefinite.” Likewise see Verve LLC v. Crane Cams Inc., 311 F.3d 1116, 65 USPQ2d 1051, 1054 (Fed. Cir. 2002). Expressions such as “substantially” are used in patent documents when warranted by the nature of the invention, in order to accommodate the minor variations that may be appropriate to secure the invention. Such usage may well satisfy the charge to “particularly point out and distinctly claim” the invention, 35 U.S.C. §112, and indeed may be necessary in order to provide the inventor with the benefit of his invention. In Andrew Corp. v. Gabriel Elecs. Inc., 847 F.2d 819, 821-22, 6 USPQ2d 2010, 2013 (Fed. Cir. 1988) the court explained that usages such as “substantially equal” and “closely approximate” may serve to describe the invention with precision appropriate to the technology and without intruding on the prior art. The court again explained in Ecolab Inc. v. Envirochem, Inc., 264 F.3d 1358, 1367, 60 USPQ2d 1173, 1179 (Fed. Cir. 2001) that “like the term ‘about,’ the term ‘substantially’ is a descriptive term commonly used in patent claims to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter,” see Ecolab Inc. v. Envirochem Inc., 264 F.3d 1358, 60 USPQ2d 1173, 1179 (Fed. Cir. 2001) where the court found that the use of the term “substantially” to modify the term “uniform” does not render this phrase so unclear such that there is no means by which to ascertain the claim scope.

Similarly, other courts have noted that like the term “about,” the term “substantially” is a descriptive term commonly used in patent claims to “avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter.”; e.g., see Pall Corp. v. Micron Seps., 66 F.3d 1211, 1217, 36 USPQ2d 1225, 1229 (Fed. Cir. 1995); see, e.g., Andrew Corp. v. Gabriel Elecs. Inc., 847 F.2d 819, 821-22, 6 USPQ2d 2010, 2013 (Fed. Cir. 1988) (noting that terms such as “approach each other,” “close to,” “substantially equal,” and “closely approximate” are ubiquitously used in patent claims and that such usages, when serving reasonably to describe the claimed subject matter to those of skill in the field of the invention, and to distinguish the claimed subject matter from the prior art, have been accepted in patent examination and upheld by the courts). In this case, “substantially” avoids the strict 100% nonuniformity boundary.

Indeed, the foregoing sanctioning of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, has been established as early as 1939, see Ex parte Mallory, 52 USPQ 297, 297 (Pat. Off. Bd. App. 1941) where, for example, the court said “the claims specify that the film is “substantially” eliminated and for the intended purpose, it is believed that the slight portion of the film which may remain is negligible. We are of the view, therefore, that the claims may be regarded as sufficiently accurate.” Similarly, In re Hutchison, 104 F.2d 829, 42 USPQ 90, 93 (C.C.P.A. 1939) the court said “It is realized that “substantial distance” is a relative and somewhat indefinite term, or phrase, but terms and phrases of this character are not uncommon in patents in cases where, according to the art involved, the meaning can be determined with reasonable clearness.”

Hence, for at least the forgoing reason, Applicants submit that it is improper for any examiner to hold as indefinite any claims of the present patent that employ any words of approximation.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

References to a “device,” an “apparatus,” a “system,” etc., in the preamble of a claim should be construed broadly to mean “any structure meeting the claim terms” exempt for any specific structure(s)/type(s) that has/(have) been explicitly disavowed or excluded or admitted/implied as prior art in the present specification or incapable of enabling an object/aspect/goal of the invention. Furthermore, where the present specification discloses an object, aspect, function, goal, result, or advantage of the invention that a specific prior art structure and/or method step is similarly capable of performing yet in a very different way, the present invention disclosure is intended to and shall also implicitly include and cover additional corresponding alternative embodiments that are otherwise identical to that explicitly disclosed except that they exclude such prior art structure(s)/step(s), and shall accordingly be deemed as providing sufficient disclosure to support a corresponding negative limitation in a claim claiming such alternative embodiment(s), which exclude such very different prior art structure(s)/step(s) way(s).

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “embodiments of the invention,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every possible embodiment of the invention necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” “an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Moreover, any use of phrases like “embodiments” in connection with “the invention” are never meant to characterize that all embodiments of the invention must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic, and should instead be understood to mean “at least some embodiments of the invention” includes the stated particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

References to “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, may mean a human or non-human user thereof. Moreover, “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, unless expressly stipulated otherwise, is contemplated to mean users at any stage of the usage process, to include, without limitation, direct user(s), intermediate user(s), indirect user(s), and end user(s). The meaning of “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, should not be otherwise inferred or induced by any pattern(s) of description, embodiments, examples, or referenced prior-art that may (or may not) be provided in the present patent.

References to “end user”, or any similar term, as used herein, are generally intended to mean late stage user(s) as opposed to early stage user(s). Hence, it is contemplated that there may be a multiplicity of different types of “end user” near the end stage of the usage process. Where applicable, especially with respect to distribution channels of embodiments of the invention comprising consumed retail products/services thereof (as opposed to sellers/vendors or Original Equipment Manufacturers), examples of an “end user” may include, without limitation, a “consumer”, “buyer”, “customer”, “purchaser”, “shopper”, “enjoyer”, “viewer”, or individual person or non-human thing benefiting in any way, directly or indirectly, from use of, or interaction with, some aspect of the present invention.

In some situations, some embodiments of the present invention may provide beneficial usage to more than one stage or type of usage in the foregoing usage process. In such cases where multiple embodiments targeting various stages of the usage process are described, references to “end user”, or any similar term, as used therein, are generally intended to not include the user that is the furthest removed, in the foregoing usage process, from the final user therein of an embodiment of the present invention.

Where applicable, especially with respect to retail distribution channels of embodiments of the invention, intermediate user(s) may include, without limitation, any individual person or non-human thing benefiting in any way, directly or indirectly, from use of, or interaction with, some aspect of the present invention with respect to selling, vending, Original Equipment Manufacturing, marketing, merchandising, distributing, service providing, and the like thereof.

References to “person”, “individual”, “human”, “a party”, “animal”, “creature”, or any similar term, as used herein, even if the context or particular embodiment implies living user, maker, or participant, it should be understood that such characterizations are sole by way of example, and not limitation, in that it is contemplated that any such usage, making, or participation by a living entity in connection with making, using, and/or participating, in any way, with embodiments of the present invention may be substituted by such similar performed by a suitably configured non-living entity, to include, without limitation, automated machines, robots, humanoids, computational systems, information processing systems, artificially intelligent systems, and the like. It is further contemplated that those skilled in the art will readily recognize the practical situations where such living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention may be in whole, or in part, replaced with such non-living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention. Likewise, when those skilled in the art identify such practical situations where such living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention may be in whole, or in part, replaced with such non-living makers, it will be readily apparent in light of the teachings of the present invention how to adapt the described embodiments to be suitable for such non-living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the invention is thus to also cover all such modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of such adaptations and modifications, at least in part, for such non-living entities.

Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/or parameter names are for example only and not meant to imply any limitations on the invention. The invention may thus be implemented with different nomenclature/terminology utilized to describe the mechanisms/units/structures/components/devices/parameters herein, without limitation. Each term utilized herein is to be given its broadest interpretation given the context in which that term is utilized.

Terminology

The following paragraphs provide definitions and/or context for terms found in this disclosure (including the appended claims):

“Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: “A memory controller comprising a system cache . . . ” Such a claim does not foreclose the memory controller from including additional components (e.g., a memory channel unit, a switch).

“Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” or “operable for” is used to connote structure by indicating that the mechanisms/units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry and/or mechanisms) that performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the mechanisms/unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to (or be operable) for perform(ing) the task even when the specified mechanisms/unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on). The mechanisms/units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” or “operable for” language include hardware—for example, mechanisms, structures, electronics, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a mechanism/unit/circuit/component is “configured to” or “operable for” perform(ing) one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. sctn.112, sixth paragraph, for that mechanism/unit/circuit/component. “Configured to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process to fabricate devices or components that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks.

“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” While B may be a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing conditions, concentrations, dimensions, 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 the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending at least upon a specific analytical technique.

The term “comprising,” which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is a term of art used in claim language which means that the named claim elements are essential, but other claim elements may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the claim.

As used herein, the phase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. When the phrase “consists of” (or variations thereof) appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole. As used herein, the phase “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified elements or method steps, plus those that do not materially affect the basis and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter (see Norian Corp. v Stryker Corp., 363 F.3d 1321, 1331-32, 70 USPQ2d 1508, Fed. Cir. 2004). Moreover, for any claim of the present invention which claims an embodiment “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” a certain set of elements of any herein described embodiment it shall be understood as obvious by those skilled in the art that the present invention also covers all possible varying scope variants of any described embodiment(s) that are each exclusively (i.e., “consisting essentially of”) functional subsets or functional combination thereof such that each of these plurality of exclusive varying scope variants each consists essentially of any functional subset(s) and/or functional combination(s) of any set of elements of any described embodiment(s) to the exclusion of any others not set forth therein. That is, it is contemplated that it will be obvious to those skilled how to create a multiplicity of alternate embodiments of the present invention that simply consisting essentially of a certain functional combination of elements of any described embodiment(s) to the exclusion of any others not set forth therein, and the invention thus covers all such exclusive embodiments as if they were each described herein.

With respect to the terms “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “consisting essentially of,” where one of these three terms is used herein, the presently disclosed and claimed subject matter may include the use of either of the other two terms. Thus in some embodiments not otherwise explicitly recited, any instance of “comprising” may be replaced by “consisting of” or, alternatively, by “consisting essentially of”, and thus, for the purposes of claim support and construction for “consisting of” format claims, such replacements operate to create yet other alternative embodiments “consisting essentially of” only the elements recited in the original “comprising” embodiment to the exclusion of all other elements.

Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.

An embodiment of the present invention may provide a modular water pipe smoking device that can be easily cleaned and internally and externally customized. The modular configuration of such a water pipe may enable the water pipe to be completely broken down into all of its individual parts. In some embodiments a user may be able to change the size of the water pipe from small to large in both diameter and height, and may be able to change the configuration of the water pipe by adding options such as, but not limited to, sound emitting devices, LED lighting, flavoring and aromatic chambers, hygiene friendly mouth pieces, etc. It is contemplated that some embodiments may be implemented for smoking a multiplicity of suitable substances including, without limitation, tobacco, herbs, etc.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary modular water pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a partially exploded side view of the water pipe, and FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic top view of an exemplary flange that may be used to connect modules of the water pipe. In the present embodiment, the water pipe may be built around a base chamber 100 comprising a top flange 105, a bottom flange 110, and a tube 115. Chamber 100 may be made in almost any height by varying length of tube 115. The width of the tube may vary as well. In addition, top and bottom flanges 105 and 110 may be made to nearly any height or width. Tubes and flanges in other embodiments may be made in nearly any shape such as, but not limited to, round, square, rectangular, octagonal, triangular, oval shapes, free form shapes, etc. In the present embodiment, flanges 105 and 110 may be made of metal and tubes 115 may be glass or plastic. It is contemplated that in some embodiments virtually any material currently available or yet to be created may be used to form the various parts of the water pipe. For example, without limitation, in some alternate embodiments the flanges may be made of plastic or ceramic or the tube may be made of metal or plastic. Other materials that may be suitable for various parts of the water pipe may include, without limitation, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, carbon fiber, brass, etc. In the present embodiment, tube 115 may be sealed with top flange 105 and bottom flange 110 with each connection using one or more O-rings 120 to provide sealing and protection for glass tube 115. These O-rings may be made of a variety of materials including, without limitation, rubber or plastic. Some embodiments may utilize other methods to seal the tube at the top and bottom. In the present embodiment, flanges 105 and 110 may each comprise multiple small holes 121 surrounding a center hole 123, and all of these holes may be nestled within a larger diameter female threaded recess 125. Center holes 123 may be configured to accommodate a threaded rod 130 that may extend through the center of tube 115 and through the center holes of flanges 105 and 110. Then a nut or another type of securing device, such as, but not limited to, a clamp or collar, various types of bolts, or set screws, may be placed on each end of threaded rod 130 to tighten flanges 105 and 110 down onto tube 115. It is contemplated that in some embodiments the flanges may be connected to the top and the bottom of the tube using a multiplicity of suitable methods. For example, without limitation, the connections between the tube the flanges may utilize a threaded or slip press fit type coupling or nearly any other internal or external method of attachments such as, but not limited to, threading, internal or external rods, a friction fit with one or more O-rings, quick connect clamps, straps, rubber bands, elastic bands, string, wire, bungee bands, nuts, bolts, coupler nuts, wing nuts, snaps, buttons, set screws, pins, etc. In some embodiments the glass or other material forming the tube may be fused with another type of material that in turn may be used to make the actual connection. In one embodiment an external pressure pot style retention clamp system may be used to clamp the top and bottom flanges to the tube via adjustable rods with wing nuts on the top to provide the final tightening. Two, three or four external rods and retaining flanges and nuts may be used in such embodiments.

This typically completes the base chamber to which various different modules may be coupled at threaded recesses 125 in flanges 105 and 110. In the present embodiment, chamber 100 comprises an air passage way through top and bottom flanges 105 and 110 formed by smaller holes 121 around center holes 123 of flanges 105 and 110. Other embodiments may be implemented with air passage ways formed by one or more holes or slots of various different shapes and sizes. For example, without limitation, in some alternate embodiments, the passageway may be made by a single hole. In some embodiments the holes forming the air passage way may be blocked by inserting plugs or screws into the holes to restrict air flow thereby customizing the user's draw resistance. Alternate embodiments may be implemented with other means for controlling the air flow through the flanges such as, but not limited to, sliding covers that may block a portion of a hole or one or more entire holes. Threaded recess 125 in flanges 105 and 100 may allow for chamber 100 to be coupled in various ways to other cavities or modules to create various configurations and styles of water pipes.

In the present embodiment, top flange 105 may be connected to a threaded adapter 135 that screws into threaded recess 125. Then a mouth piece draw tube 140 of virtually any style or length may be inserted into adapter 135. The mouth piece draw tube 140 can be bent or straight and may or may not have a flared end. Furthermore, mouth piece draw tube 140 may be made of various materials such as, but not limited to, plastic, glass, metal, etc. Mouth piece draw tube 140 may be connected to adapter 135 with or without O-rings. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that coupling adapters between the modules of some embodiments may be made in a multiplicity of suitable sizes, shapes, and materials. For example, without limitation, some other ways of coupling or connecting the modules may include twist lock connections, adapters that may be inserted then twisted, ¼ turn lock adapters, rotational connections, press fits, ½ turn variations, snap in adapters, and O-rings of many types. In embodiments utilizing O-rings, indentions may be created within the modules and/or adapters to help hold the O-rings in place.

In the present embodiment, bottom flange 110 may be mated to an herb base adapter 145 with multiple inlet ports 150, which may enable multiple herb bowls to be connected to chamber 100. Referring to FIG. 1A, an herb bowl 155 attached to an herb bowl adapter 160 may be connected to an herb down stem 170 by a tube coupler 165. Herb bowl 155 may be configured as a male or female fitting and may be almost any size including, without limitation, 10 mm, 14 mm, or 18 mm. Moreover, herb bowl 155 may be a glass herb bowl or other type of bowl that can be used to hold the tobacco, herbs, or other substances to be smoked. This herb bowl assembly may be connected to chamber 100 by an herb plug adapter 175 that may be inserted into one of inlet ports 150 in herb base adapter 145. Inlet ports 150 that are not connected to an herb plug adapter 175 may be sealed by a plug 180 or other means of blocking the port. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, one or more of the plugs used to block the unused ports in the herb base adapter may also serve as a tool to loosen the nut on the threaded rod that may be used to couple the top and bottom flanges together. In some embodiments, these plugs may also be an aesthetic point of customization. In the present embodiment, down stem 170 may be of sufficient height to compensate for the water level inside the adjacent water pipe chamber 100 to typically prevent the water from coming into contact with the contents of herb bowl 155. In some embodiments the down stem may be extended by adding modular stem sections to accommodate virtually any height of water pipe. Other embodiments may be implemented with a basic bottom herb base adapter that may be configured to connect to a single herb bowl to the chamber with no herb bowl expansion possible. In some embodiments, the herb bowl assembly may be fit together without a tube coupler. In such embodiments, the herb bowl adapter and down stem may be screwed together with corresponding male and female threads at either end and then connected to the top of the herb plug adapter.

In typical use of the present embodiment, an herb or other substance that may be smoked may be placed in herb bowl 155 and lit by a fire. Then a user places his mouth on mouth piece draw tube 140 and draws air through the water pipe in a process of inhalation. This air enters herb bowl 155, collecting vapor from the herb contained within, and is pulled through down stem 165 then herb plug adapter 175, herb base adapter 145 and bottom flange 110 to enter chamber 100. Chamber 100 may typically be filled with water or other liquid, and the air and vapor from herb bowl 155 travels through this water to filter and cool the air and vapor as the user draws via mouth through mouth piece draw tube 140 at the top of the water pipe. The air and vapor then passes through top flange 105, adapter 135, and mouth piece draw tube 140 then into the user's mouth.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary percolator system for a modular water pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of the water pipe, and FIG. 2B is a side perspective view of an exemplary percolator disc 201. In the present embodiment, in the center of a bottom flange 210 is a threaded cavity into which a percolator base 215 may be inserted. Base 215 connects to disc 201 comprising many holes 220. Disc 201 is of a suitable diameter to correspond to the diameter of the water pipe. Disc 201 may be permanently attached to base 215 or may be removably attached by various different means including, but not limited to, threading, a friction fit, being cast into the part, a slip fit, an O-ring fit, a press fit, twist locks, a quick connect, ¼ turn or ½ turn, etc. Referring to FIG. 2A, in the present embodiment, base 215 comprises threads that may screw into threads in the cavity of flange 210. Then a threaded rod 225 may go through the center of both base 215 and disc 201 up towards a top flange 230. Additional percolator discs 235 may be threaded onto threaded rod 225 and spaced according to the preference of the user. The number of percolator discs 201 and 235 used to bubble the vapor through the water may also be determined by the user. If desired, spacers, clamps, or nuts may also be threaded onto threaded rod 225 to lock discs 201 and 235 into place, or lock collars may be provided on discs 201 and 235. In some embodiments the central rod may be a non-threaded shaft onto which the percolator discs may slide. In such embodiments, the discs may be held in place by sleeves, collars, or clamps that slide over the rod and provide resting ledges for the discs. Additional spacers may be added to space the discs apart on the rod. The shape of holes 220 in discs 201 and 235 may be virtually any shape and various different sizes. In addition, in some embodiments the discs themselves may have various different shapes such as, but not limited to, concave or convex shapes. In the present embodiment, the ability to customize the percolator systems, for example, without limitation, by changing the number of discs 235 or using discs 201 and 235 with larger or smaller holes, typically enables the user to control how much the vapor is forced to go through percolator discs 201 and 235, which can change the experience for the user.

Referring still to FIG. 2A, in the present embodiment, a manifold 240 with multiple ports may enable multiple mouth piece draw tubes 245 to be connected to the water pipe and promotes simultaneous inhalation therefrom. Manifold 240 can allow up to five draw tubes 245 to be used together. Most current water pipes may not provide a method for handling the hygiene of multiple users using the same draw tubes. Since the present embodiment allows for the use of modular removable mouth piece draw tubes 245, users can each have their own draw tube 245. Also, some draw tubes 245 may be used while others are being disinfected. Some embodiments may be provided with disposable mouth pieces or disposable covers for the mouth pieces. Furthermore, mouth piece draw tubes 245 may be made in a variety of sizes, shapes, lengths, and angles and may be made from many types of material including, without limitation, metal, glass, plastic, stainless steel, titanium, brass, gold, and silver. In some embodiments hose-like draw tubes may be attached to the chamber as in a hookah.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary water pipe that may comprise a gaming element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the water pipe comprises a percolator system utilizing flat percolator discs 301. Discs 301 may be used as level surfaces on which to place water safe entertainment items within the water pipe. For example, as illustrated, dice 305 may be placed on discs 301. As vapor bubbles through the holes in discs 301, these bubbles may cause dice 305 to tumble within the water pipe, which may enable users to play all manner of games. For example, without limitation, if a water pipe is configured with five or six levels of discs 301 with each having a small die on it, the user may play variations of poker and other numbers games. It is contemplated that a multiplicity of suitable items may be placed in water pipes for entertainment according to some embodiments of the present invention such as, but not limited to, LED light orbs, trinkets, coins, decorative plastic shapes, other game items, etc.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary 3-dimensional type percolator 401 for a modular water pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, 3-dimensional percolator 401 comprises several holes 405 through which air and vapor may bubble through into the chamber of the water pipe. Percolator 401 may comprise a base 410 similar to base 215 described by way of example in the foregoing. Base 410 may connect to a bottom flange 415 of a water pipe using various different attachment means such as, but not limited to, O-ring female/male fittings, a threaded connection, a friction fit, and a twist lock connection. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that percolator 401 may be one of many shapes or sizes as long as percolator 401 fits within the chamber of the water pipe and can be mounted to the bottom flange. For instance, in some embodiments percolators may be designed to resemble a tiki statue, a snowman, people, buildings, cars, animals, geometric shapes, holiday themed bubblers, sports logos, or custom designs. These types of percolators may be made using various different methods including, without limitation, computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining, 3-D printing, casting, and glass blowing.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an exemplary percolator system for a modular water pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is diagrammatic side view, and FIG. 5B is an exploded view. In the present embodiment, the percolator system may help minimize water leakage into the herb bowl assembly. This percolator system comprises an inner air shaft 501 with holes 505 towards the top and an outer shroud 510 with four evenly spaced vertical groves 515 and three horizontal grooves 520. Up to three percolator discs 525 can be slid down shroud 510 and rotated into horizontal grooves 520. Discs 525 may comprise notches or protrusions on the inside diameter that may correspond to vertical grooves 515 so that vertical grooves 515 may act as indexing points to enable discs 525 to slide down over shroud 510. In addition, these notches or protrusions may rotate into or onto horizontal grooves 520 so that horizontal grooves 520 may hold discs 525 in place and help prevent discs 525 from floating upward. In some embodiments, the outer shroud may comprise a larger diameter at the bottom to typically enable the discs to self-adjust by adjusting the inner diameter of the discs so that the inner diameters of discs placed towards the top of the shroud are smaller than those towards the bottom of the shroud. In other embodiments the shroud may comprise a step or ledge at one or more levels on which a disc or discs may rest, with or without a tapered outer shroud. These methods of connecting the discs typically rely on the weight of the discs to stay in place. In yet other embodiments, the shroud and discs may have a threaded design where the disc may be rotated into position like a nut on a bolt. In other embodiments the discs may snap into pre spaced grooves. In yet other embodiments the discs may be integrated into the shroud. In the present embodiment, air shaft 501 and shroud 510 may act similar to a diving bell type of air chamber which may help prevent water from leaking down into a lower chamber as long as the water level does not exceed the height of air holes 505 on air shaft 501. The user can choose to use one, two, or all three discs 525 to vary the amount of bubbles. In addition, each disc 525 may have holes of different sizes to vary the size of the bubbles and for micro filtration. This percolator system may be used in water chambers of many different sizes. However, it is contemplated that percolators of this style may be scaled up for taller or wider configurations or down for shorter or narrower configurations. Similarly, the size and number of discs in such embodiments may be scaled up or down accordingly.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary couplers for connecting various modules of a modular water pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic side view of a basic coupler, and FIG. 6B is a diagrammatic side view of a functional coupler. In the present embodiment, referring to FIG. 6A, the basic coupler may be implemented as a male/male fitting comprising two threaded projections 601. A body 605 of the basic coupler may be configured as a flat disc of about one half inch thickness. In alternate embodiments, the body of the coupler may be made in various different shapes and sizes such as, but not limited to, cylindrical tubes, spheres, rectangular tubes, etc. Referring to FIG. 6B, the functional coupler may comprise a larger body 610 with a male threaded projection 615 at each end. In this embodiment, body 610 may be designed to hold various functional devices such as, but not limited to, speakers, lights, chargers, and other electronic components. In some embodiments such couplers may be enabled with Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi® wireless technology. In the present embodiments air passageways run through the centers of bodies 605 and 610 to connect one chamber to another so that vapor may pass through the chambers. Couplers may be designed to be thick or thin and tall or short depending on what is needed and the look desired. In some embodiments, the couplers may serve as chambers without the need for the glass tube or flanges. These self-contained coupler/chambers may be used for many purposes such as, but not limited to, touch screen LCD displays, various filtration systems using carbon or charcoals, future electronic upgrades and functions, self-powered electronic nails, or solar panels.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that a multiplicity of suitable types of chambers may be provided with some embodiments. For example, without limitation, one embodiment may comprise a chamber designed to allow outside air into the air flow at user selectable rates as the user draws through the water pipe to help cool the vapor or to tailor the experience of the user. In other embodiments the resistance draw of the air flow may be customized by a special mouth piece adapter that may enable the user to select draw rates via air ports that may be actuated to restrict or increase the air flow through the mouth piece. Still other chambers may be implemented to enable aromatic flavors to enhance and infuse the vapor with smell and taste. These chambers may be customizable in nature and can hold water, ice, air, oils, plants, fruits, flavorings, etc. Such chambers may be placed in or near a mouth piece adapter so that the aroma or flavor is infused in the last stage of vaporization.

Since many embodiments of the present invention are completely modular, the entire water pipe typically can be broken down into the smallest parts and thoroughly cleaned after every use with minimal debris left inside. Optionally, the parts and pieces of the water pipe may be placed in an ultrasonic cleaning tank or a dishwasher for cleaning. Even the individual bubblers and percolator parts in many embodiments may be removed and thoroughly cleaned.

Current water pipes, which are typically made entirely of glass, may break when bumped or dropped. Some embodiments of the present invention may use more durable materials in key areas as well as glass in areas where users often prefer glass, such as, but not limited to, in the main chambers so they can see the vapor and in the herb bowl where combustion takes place. This mix of materials may make these embodiments more resistant to breakage. Components provided in these embodiments may be repairable for the durations of their useful lives since the parts are modular and replaceable if lost or damaged. In current glass water pipes the heat of combustion within the herb bowl can sometimes cause the main glass body of the water pipe to crack, rendering it useless. The mix of materials used in some embodiments may be designed to displace heat that could damage the glass body of the main chamber. In addition, adapters such as, but not limited to, extenders and angled tubes may be used to move the herb bowls further away from the main chamber tubes. This action may help to minimize any heat damage that could be possible from the combustion in the herb bowls. Such an embodiment is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2A. In some embodiments the tubes of the main chamber may be made of polycarbonate or acrylic for even more heat and breakage resistance.

In many embodiments of the present invention adapters can be utilized to couple one or more chambers together to create smoking devices in a multitude of various styles and looks, mixing tube diameters, tube heights as well as internal bubblers and percolator systems. In many embodiments nearly every aspect of a water pipe may be customized in some way from the materials to the colors, the heights, the widths, the diameters, by the user in the comfort of their home. The user can build and rebuild the modules as the user desires, giving the user many possibilities in changing the look and style of the water pipe as well as the percolation system. This may enable a user to take separate individual parts within the water pipe and use these parts to create other types of water pipes or smoking devices, such as a regular dry type pipe or a vertical nectar collector style water pipe. The user may also connect multiple chambers together to form small or tall water pipes. In theory the height of the water pipe is not limited as the individual chambers may be of a tall size or many chambers may be stacked and coupled together to form a tall water pipe. In some embodiments comprising tall chambers, the tubes may be made in two halves and then joined them in the middle via attachment means such as, but not limited to, threads, a slip fit, and a twist fit.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary pipe formed by parts of a modular water pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the pipe may be made by connecting an herb bowl 701 to an herb bowl adapter 705 and then connecting a mouth piece draw tube 710 to herb bowl adapter 705 with a tube coupler 715.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary a vertical style nectar collector formed from parts of a modular water pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, basic adapters 801 may be placed at the top and bottom of a chamber 805 instead of attaching an herb base adapter to the bottom of chamber 805. A mouth piece draw tube 810 may be attached to the top adapter 801. Then a 14 mm or similar-sized female adapter 815 may be attached to the bottom adapter 801 by an angled adapter tube 820. Into female adapter 815 a titanium nail 825 can be inserted. Titanium nail 825 may be heated with a torch and used to vaporize oils. When used in a vertical style nectar collector, as illustrated by way of example, nail 825 may be heated to red hot. Then, a user may draw on mouthpiece 810 while simultaneously touching nail 825 to oils to be vaporized. The heat of nail 825 may typically vaporize the oil, and the vapor may travel up through nail 825 and into a percolator 830 inside chamber 805 and through mouthpiece 810. Angled adapter tube 820 can offset the placement of titanium nail 825 for easier viewing and use when heating nail 825. Some nectar collector embodiments may comprise a straight adapter tube rather than an angled tube. Other embodiments using this vertical style may be configured with in almost any height or width and with one or more chambers.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary water pipe comprising multiple chambers 901, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, each chamber 901 may comprise a different type of percolator 905. In some embodiments comprising multiple chambers, some of the chambers may contain no percolator. In the present embodiment, the herb bowl assembly is extended by connecting multiple down stems 910 with tube couplers 915 to compensate for the height of the water pipe.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that numerous other options and configurations of smoking devices may be possible using modular components based on some embodiments. For example, without limitation, a travel size water pipe that could be disassembled and placed into a small travel case or bag may be made from the modular pieces. These and other embodiments may also comprise additional adapters that may serve as plugs to seal the water pipe for travel or storage purposes to help prevent leakage. In some embodiments the down stems of the herb bowl assembly may be threaded at both ends to enable the down stems to be coupled together to create any height needed without a need for tube couplers.

It is contemplated that various different decorative features may be provided in some embodiments. For example, without limitation, where metals or other materials that can be drilled are used, attachment points may be provided on the inside and outside of the chambers. These attachment points may be utilized with glass or other decorative items to further customize the inside and outside of the water pipe by attaching these items to the water pipe. These items may include without limitation, be small lights, brackets to hold lights, decorative jewelry type stones, real gemstones, beads, hand or wrist straps. Furthermore, in some embodiments the flanges may be designed to allow for the use of an outer decorative sleeve that may slide over a straight glass tube to further customize and protect the main glass body of the water pipe. The sleeve may be made of metal or other suitable material. Laser etching and other methods can be used to make the sleeve look appealing and further the possible customization options. In other embodiments protective sleeves made of more flexible materials such as, but not limited to, vinyl wraps silicone sleeves, and plastic sleeves. Yet other embodiments may comprise other types of decorative wraps or apron designs.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC §112 (1), all claims must be supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patent specification, and any material known to those skilled in the art need not be explicitly disclosed. However, 35 USC §112 (6) requires that structures corresponding to functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification. Moreover, the USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating and searching prior art under the broadest interpretation of a “mean for” claim limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6) functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a legally valid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of “mean for” claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered a multiplicity of prior art documents including disclosure of specific structures and elements which are suitable to act as corresponding structures to satisfy all functional limitations in the below claims that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) when such corresponding structures are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification. Therefore, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching, Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material herein by reference for the purpose of providing explicit structures that implement the functional means claimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claims construction proceedings and/or examination of patent allowability properly identify and incorporate only the portions of each of these documents discovered during the broadest interpretation search of 35 USC §112 (6) limitation, which exist in at least one of the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO searching and or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) also incorporate by reference the bibliographic citation information to identify all such documents comprising functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892 or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into the present patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3rd parties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the present application to explicitly include citations to such documents and/or explicitly include the functionally corresponding structures which were incorporate by reference above.

Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, Applicant(s) have explicitly prescribed which documents and material to include the otherwise missing disclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patent and/or non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference for the purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC §112 (6). Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents above which are incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC §112 (6) necessarily have a filing and/or publication date prior to that of the instant application, and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated by reference in the instant application.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a modular water pipe according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the modular water pipe may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the water pipes described in the foregoing were principally directed to completely modular implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to water pipes that may have some elements that are permanently attached and other elements that may be removed or exchanged, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. That is, the Abstract is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify any key or essential features of the claimed subject matter. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims.

The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A modular water pipe system, comprising:

a chamber comprising a top flange, a bottom flange, and a tube positioned between the top flange and the bottom flange;

an herb base adapter coupled to the bottom flange;

an herb bowl connected to the herb base adapter; and

a mouthpiece draw tube connected via adapter to the top flange,

wherein air and vapor are drawn via the mouth piece, tube and herb base adapter through the herb bowl.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the herb bowl is configured in a concave shape and is configured to hold substances for burning.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein smoke caused by the burning is drawn from the herb bowl through the herb base adapter, through the tube and through the mouthpiece draw tube for inhalation.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the tube is configured to contain liquid to cool the smoke and produce vapor for inhalation.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the tube is further configured to contain at least one percolator disc to bubble vapor through the liquid.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein a modular structure of the system is configured to promote disassembly of the water pipe and cleaning of the components of the water pipe.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the herb base adapter comprises multiple inlet ports configured to receive smoke from multiple herb bowls.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the herb bowl is attached to an herb bowl adapter constructed from a non-glass material.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is further configured to accommodate access by multiple mouthpiece draw tubes and promote simultaneous inhalation therefrom.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is further configured to accommodate additional chambers assembled in a vertical fashion and separated by additional flanges.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the top flange, the bottom flange, the tube and the herb base adapter are secured together at least one of by a vertical rod and by friction.

12. A method of maintaining a modular water pipe, comprising:

disassembling a modular water pipe into autonomous component parts;

inserting the component parts for cleaning into at least one of an ultrasound cleaning device and a dishwashing device; and

arranging the cleaned components parts to reassemble the modular water pipe.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the autonomous component parts comprise a top flange, a bottom flange, a tube, an herb base adapter, an herb bowl, and a mouth piece draw tube.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein modular structure of the water pipe promotes reassembly of the components after cleaning in a post-cleaning structure different from the pre-cleaning structure.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein cleaning removes debris associated with burning of substances in the herb bowl.

16. A modular water pipe system, comprising:

a chamber for transmission of vaporized smoke drawn from an herb bowl and an herb bowl adapter through a tube containing liquid to a mouthpiece draw tube for inhalation;

a first percolator disc of a diameter equal to a diameter of the tube, the first percolator disc positioned inside the tube and immersed in the liquid, the first percolator disc comprising a plurality of holes through which the vaporized smoke passes; and

a rod extending vertically from a bottom end of the tube containing liquid to the upper end of the tube,

wherein the first percolator disc is held in place by at least one of the rod and by a base attached to a flange at the bottom end of the tube.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein at least a second percolator disc is positioned inside the tube and above the first percolator disc.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the second percolator disc is held in place by the rod.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the chamber is configured to allow in outside air to adjust draw resistance at user selectable rates.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein the chamber is configured to hold enhancements comprising at least one of aromatic herbs, fruits and flavorings for infusion of the vapor with flavor and odor of the enhancements.