Transformational Multi-Purpose Smoking Apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides for a novel water pipe whereby the main body of the water pipe is formed of expandable/collapsible accordion configured walls and is adaptable for use in multiple configurations for different modes of use.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, there has been an increasing popularity in the use of water pipes for smoking. One of the more popular devices is the hookah. Indeed, across the world, there are establishments dedicated to water pipe smoking utilizing hookahs. Even though there are persons that utilize such devices for the use of illicit substances, the popularity of the hookah clearly demonstrates a significant following of users for legal purposes.

As most persons familiar with the activity will attest, the traditional hookah is large and not easily transported. Although water pipes exist in smaller and more portable forms, there still are deficiencies relating to their efficacy and utilization as a portable device. The present invention addresses this difficulty. Additionally, it provides a means to attach different types of percolators to standard-size hookah-type water pipes currently on the market.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As generally understood, a water pipe is a filtration device generally used for smoking. A substantially air- and water-tight vessel is typically contracted by adding a bowl and stem apparatus that guides air downward to below water level whence it bubbles upward (“bubbler”) during use. In one embodiment, to get fresh air into the pipe a hole known as the “carburetor”, or simply “hole”, is formed somewhere on the lower part of the apparatus above water level, is first kept covered during the smoking process, then opened to allow the smoke to be drawn by pressure. On some devices, the same effect is achieved by removing the bowl instead of uncovering a “hole” or “carburetor”. One particular advantage of a water pipe is that water in the apparatus can trap some heavier particles and water-soluble molecules, preventing them from entering the smoker's airways. Additionally, in one embodiment of the invention, the pipe is self-contained and collapses for ease of portability and for minimizing and/or eliminating odor.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a water pipe apparatus comprising:

• • a main body configured in an accordion configuration constructed and arranged to expand and contract as desired and with an opening for use as an ignition access or gas access;
  • a main body interior cavity formed on the interior of said accordion main body;
  • a removable upper cap constructed to mate with an upper edge of said main body; and with an opening for use as an ignition access or gas outlet;
  • a removable cap constructed to mate with a lower edge of said main body; and with an opening for use as a gas outlet or water outlet;
  • an ignition access; and
  • a gas outlet.

In one embodiment, the invention further includes a mouthpiece utilized with said gas outlet.

In one embodiment, the invention further includes a removably attached mouthpiece utilized with said gas outlet.

In one embodiment, the invention further includes a removable percolator positioned within said interior cavity that is useable with other standard-sized hookah-type water-devices for smoking when combined with an adapter.

In one embodiment, the percolator is one of spiral percolator, a honeycomb percolator, a turbine percolator, a hanging percolator, in-line percolator, a fritted percolator or a filter.

In one embodiment, the invention further includes an ice holding device positioned in said main body.

In one embodiment, the invention further includes an adapter configured for using said apparatus with standard-sized water-smoking devices.

In one embodiment, the invention further includes a configuration for imparting a pressure differential in said interior below standard atmospheric pressure in the absence of air pressure imparted by user inhalation. That is to say, the standard pressure differential that is created by a user inhaling is not required. The configuration imparts a pressure differential without a user sucking or inhaling through the apparatus.

In one embodiment, the invention further includes the filter being constructed and arranged to reduce health risks of smoking.

In one embodiment, the invention further includes the filter being formed of cellulose acetate fiber, paper, activated carbon or combinations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view in a collapsed configuration of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an extended configuration of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is demonstrative of upper and lower cap portions separated from a main body according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sequential view of assembly and introduction of water according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sequential view of assembly and configuration of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sequential view demonstrative of using the present invention in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 7 is a sequential view demonstrative of using an embodiment of the present invention in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 8 is an environment of use in one embodiment of the present invention whereby the assembly is immersed in a separate container of water.

FIG. 9 is a sequential view demonstrative of an additive being presented for use according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a separated view of selectable and replaceable components utilized in embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is demonstrative of a plurality of shapes and configurations all congruous with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a replaceable mouthpiece according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a replaceable mouthpiece according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an embodiment of an alternative shape of a replacement mouthpiece according to one embodiment of the present invention with ability for accessories to be attached

FIG. 15 is demonstrative of a connecting device used for connecting multiple devices together for increased size and shape customization.

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the connector piece from FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an upright embodiment of the mouthpiece in FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a perspective separated view showing position of the mouthpiece from FIG. 17 with an accessory attachment being utilized

FIG. 19 is a perspective separated view showing position of the mouthpiece from FIG. 17 showing environment of use with multiple accessory attachments being utilized

FIG. 20 is a side partial cross section view showing environment of use.

FIG. 21 is a side partial cross section view showing environment of use.

FIG. 22 is a side partial cross section view showing environment of use.

FIG. 23 is a perspective separated view showing position of the mouthpiece from FIG. 17 showing environment of use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is a unitary body constructed and arranged to selectively be in a collapsed configuration 10 and expanded configuration 12 and any desired degree of expansion there between. Accordion body 26 is configured such that a user can expand and contract accordion body 26 as desired. Upper 16 having handle 14 is constructed and arranged to mate with upper body screw threads 30 unitary with accordion body 26. Lower 18 has threads 22 constructed and arranged to meet with lower screw threads 32 unitary with the lower portion of accordion body 26. 18 has internal cavity 20 suitable for positioning water therein.

In one embodiment, demonstrative of the sequential steps in FIG. 4, a user will expand accordion body 26 as desired, remove 16, add water to apparatus interior cavity 34 open 24 and utilize ignition port 36 in order to provide a source of fire in order to burn the desired smoking material.

In an embodiment demonstrated in FIG. 5, accordion body 26 is not only collapsible and expandable as desired, but can be curved as is generally understood. One transformational feature of the invention, as demonstrated in FIG. 5 is that inhalation can be from the opposing end by opening cap 41.

In an embodiment demonstrated in FIG. 6, a user will expand and prepare the apparatus of the present invention ignite the material desire to be smoked in upper ignition port 42 when the device is in a fully collapsed position. Once ignition is taken place, the user will subsequently expand the device remove ignition port 42, collapse the device and inhale smoke 46 exiting the device.

In an embodiment demonstrated in FIG. 7 a user will utilize the apparatus to smoke by expanding the accordion body of the apparatus, removing the top, filling the interior cavity with water, and opening cap 41 on the bottom, thus imparting a vacuum on the interior from the released water. The vacuum formed in this action will fill the interior with smoke.

In one embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 8, the lower 18 is removed, the apparatus is placed in a vessel 50 containing water 52, the upper is removed and a user will inhale from the open upper portion of the device. When the accordion body of the apparatus is expanded while igniting the smoking material, the interior cavity of the accordion boy will fill with smoke.

In one embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 9, a user will have cigarette 54 having an ignited end inserted into port 56 whereby ignited cigarette 54 ignites an additional additive added into port 56, which is then smoked in the device. Even though the figure demonstrates this use with the lit end of a cigarette, any ignition source is contemplated as being useful for this purpose of ignition. Although among hookah enthusiasts, hookahs are known to provide additives, the configuration in the present invention is distinct as it allows a separate ignitable additive to be utilized.

FIG. 10 demonstrates an embodiment whereby a plurality of user selectable additional components are utilized with the apparatus of the present invention or with other standard-size hookah-type apparatuses. Interchangeable percolators and/or filters are utilized to defuse, clean and distribute air more evenly. These include, a spiral percolator 60 a honeycomb percolator 62 a turbine percolator 64 a hanging percolator 66 and in-line percolator 68 and a filter 70. In one embodiment, filter 70 is an air filter. In one embodiment, air filter 70 is a carbon filter. The invention provides filter 70 as a filtering device that is constructed and arranged to reduce negative effects of smoking.

In one embodiment the present invention, as demonstrated in FIG. 10 a user is able to incorporate ice capture 72 whereby smoke travels through ice and is cooled prior to being inhaled by a user.

The present invention contemplates various sizes shapes and other configurations. Although most of the figures demonstrate cylindrical assembly of accordion sides 26, FIG. 11 demonstrates a plurality of shapes colors and other customizable configurations.

As generally understood in FIGS. 12 through 16 replaceable mouthpiece 74 and replaceable mouthpiece 76 are contemplated as additional components of the present invention that can be used with other standard hookah-type devices. Their function is to attach multiple devices together. As desired, connector 78 and 80 are utilized in order to extend mouthpieces outward from the device. FIGS. 12 and 13 demonstrate replaceable mouthpieces for the purpose of reducing health risks associated with sharing mouthpieces. FIGS. 14 and 17 are demonstrative of a movable sealer in a position extending upward or downward as desired. FIGS. 15 and 16 demonstrate the connector used to link together multiple apparatuses for increased size and shape customization.

AS generally understood, when the openings on the apparatus are closed, the apparatus is airtight with the bowl piece (where combustible material is placed prior to ignition) stored inside of it. The purpose of this design is to significantly reduce odor, a common problem with similar products.

Subsequently, when the openings on the apparatus are closed and not in use, the apparatus is waterproof. This allows for a portable waterproof “stash box” inside of the apparatus. The size of the “stash box” can be adjusted as required by either expanding or collapsing the apparatus.

When the openings on the apparatus are closed and not in use, the apparatus is waterproof. This allows for easy cleaning, by filling the apparatus with the desired cleaning solution and shaking the apparatus. Similar products are available on the market, but consist of multiple removable caps to cover the openings of an apparatus to allow for cleaning as described above. There are no products available that have a feature like this built in as part of the configuration In one embodiment, the bowl piece has a spring on it that allows it to be compressed. One purpose of this is compression that will allow the bowl piece to fit inside the apparatus. After the bowl piece is compressed and inserted into the apparatus for storage, it will expand and be held in place by the force of the spring.

As can be seen, one feature unique to the configurations of the present invention is creation of pressure differential or a vacuum for the apparatus to function as desired. Typically, smoking devices function with pressure differential imparted when a user inhales. The present invention is unique in that a pressure differential is imparted without the user inhaling. One advantage to this configuration is the inhalation often produces stress on various components of smoking devices and limits their useful time period. The stresses are often imparted by persons exerting their inhalation, or inhaling hard/deeply. The present invention is unique in that when pressure differential is imparted prior to inhalation, the user merely imparts minimal pressure during inhalation in order to move the smoke from the device into the air passages of the user.

While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A water pipe apparatus comprising:

a main body configured in an accordion configuration constructed and arranged to expand and contract as desired and with an opening for use as an ignition access or gas access;

a main body interior cavity formed on the interior of said accordion main body;

a removable upper cap constructed to mate with an upper edge of said main body; and with an opening for use as an ignition access or gas outlet;

a removable cap constructed to mate with a lower edge of said main body; and with an opening for use as a gas outlet or water outlet;

an ignition access; and

a gas outlet.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a mouthpiece utilized with said gas outlet.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a removably attached mouthpiece utilized with said gas outlet.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a removable percolator positioned within said interior cavity the is useable with other standard-sized hookah-type water-devices for smoking when combined with an adapter.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said percolator is one of spiral percolator, a honeycomb percolator, a turbine percolator, a hanging percolator, in-line percolator, a fritted percolator or a filter.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an ice holding device positioned in said main body.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an adapter configured for using said apparatus with standard-sized water-smoking devices.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 configured for imparting a pressure differential in said interior below standard atmospheric pressure without regarding on air pressure imparted by user inhalation.

10. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the filter is constructed and arranged to reduce health risks of smoking.

11. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the filter is formed of cellulose acetate fiber, paper, activated carbon or combinations thereof.