COMBINATION CHILLUM AND ENCLOSED PRE-ROLL PACKAGE SMOKING APPARATUS

Abstract

A combination pre-roll container and chillum device comprises a cylindrical member; a bowl at a first end of the cylindrical member for holding a smokable substance; a mouthpiece at a second end of the cylindrical member for drawing air; and a lumen fluidly connecting the bowl and mouthpiece so that smoke from burning smokable substance can be inhaled through the mouthpiece. The lumen includes a region of reduced dimensions so that smoke can pass, while helping to prevent the smokable substance from further entering the lumen. A first cap is positionable on the first end to cover the bowl and a second cap is positionable on the second end to cover the mouthpiece. The lumen is an airtight container for the pre-roll and smokable substance in the bowl is protected with the first cap positioned on the first end and the second cap positioned on the second end.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to a package that can be used as a smoking apparatus. The disclosure also relates to a smoking apparatus that can also be used as a watertight or airtight sealable package.

BACKGROUND

As is well-known, packages and smoking pipes come in many different shapes and sizes and are generally made of metal or glass. With the growth of the hemp industry in general, the demand for such products has skyrocketed. This has led to concerns about the environmental effect of packaging, even with recycling and re-use.

Such concerns have been exacerbated by certain products, which have skyrocketed in popularity due to the legalization of recreational and medical use of cannabis or marijuana. One such product is a pre-roll. A pre-roll is a joint or blunt of hemp (less than 0.3 THC), marijuana, or similar substance (e.g. tobacco) that was prepared before its intended time of consumption. One can purchase pre-rolls at a dispensary, which prove to be helpful if an individual does not want to roll a joint or does not know how to properly roll a joint. A pre-roll package is typically a container permanently enclosed on one end with some type of removable cover (which sometimes is resealable) such as a cap or a cork so that the pre-roll inside the container can be accessed. Prior to being accessed, the pre-roll is protected from exposure by the enclosure provided by the container, sealed end and cover.

Another product raising environment concerns is a chillum, also known as a one-hitter or bat. A chillum is a simple tubular or conical hand pipe and typically comprises an opening (the bowl) at one end to put the smokable product. The lumen of the tube can include some type of restriction to allow smoke to pass but prevent the smokable product from entering the mouth. There is also a mouthpiece on the other end to draw air from and inhale smoke from the smokable product. In use, a person drawing on the mouthpiece or pipe stem pulls the air to draw smoke in as the substance is being lit.

Although chillums are intended to be reusable, they frequently are not since one or more of the ends can be damaged or become soiled or otherwise undesirable for reuse.

Thus, there exists a need for an improved package having a smoking apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the combination device according to the disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows the combination device of FIG. 1 with a smokable substance.

FIG. 3 shows the combination device of FIG. 1 with the caps secured thereto.

FIG. 4 shows the combination device of FIG. 1 with a pre-roll.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the combination device according to the disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the combination device according to the disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows the combination device of FIG. 6 with elongated caps or sleeves secured thereto.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a commercial display for the combination device according to the disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A combination pre-roll container and chillum device comprises a generally cylindrical member; a bowl at a first end of the cylindrical member for holding a smokable substance; a mouthpiece at a second end of the cylindrical member for drawing air; and a lumen fluidly connecting the bowl and mouthpiece so that smoke from burning smokable substance is inhalable through the mouthpiece. The lumen includes a region of reduced dimensions to allow smoke to pass but help prevent the smokable substance from passing further into the lumen.

A first cap is positionable on or in the first end of the cylindrical member to cover the bowl, with the first cap removable to provide access to the bowl. A second cap is positionable on or in the second end of the cylindrical member to cover the mouthpiece, with the second cap removable to provide access to the mouthpiece. The lumen is an airtight packaging or container for an object such as a pre-roll with the first cap positioned on or in the first end and the second cap positioned on or in the second end; and smokable substance in the bowl is protected with the first cap positioned on or in the first end and the second cap positioned on or in the second end. The device can come pre-packaged, including the smokable substance and/or the pre-roll. At least one of the first and second caps can include a tamper evident or tamper resistant seal.

In an embodiment, a first portion of the cylindrical member includes threads to threadably receive a threaded portion of the first cap to cover the bowl and a second portion of the cylindrical member is threaded to threadably receive a threaded portion of the second cap to cover the mouthpiece. In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion is the first end of the cylindrical member and the second portion is the second end of the cylindrical member. A spacer can be provided and positioned between the first and second caps with the first cap positioned on the first end and the second cap positioned on the second end. In an embodiment, the first and second caps enclose the device with the first cap positioned on the first end and the second cap positioned on the second end.

In one embodiment, the region of reduced dimensions forms a portion of the bowl. The region of reduced dimensions can have an hourglass shape. Alternatively, the region of reduced dimensions is a disc with at least one hole.

The disclosure also relates to a combination pre-roll container and chillum device comprising: a generally cylindrical member; a bowl at a first end of the cylindrical member for holding a smokable substance; a mouthpiece at a second end of the cylindrical member for drawing air; and a lumen fluidly connecting the bowl and mouthpiece so that smoke from burning smokable substance is inhalable through the mouthpiece, with the lumen including a region of reduced dimensions.

The first end is threaded to threadably receive a threaded first cap to cover the bowl and the second end is threaded to threadably receive a threaded second cap to cover the mouthpiece such that: a) the lumen serves as an airtight packaging or container for an object such as a pre-roll, when the device is not being used as a chillum; and b) any smokable substance that remains in the bowl can be kept in the bowl between uses of the device as a chillum. The device can come pre-packaged including the smokable substance and/or the pre-roll. Further, at least one of the first and second caps can include a tamper evident or tamper resistant seal.

In an embodiment, the region of reduced dimensions forms a portion of the bowl. The region of reduced dimensions can have an hourglass shape or the region of reduced dimensions can be a disc with at least one hole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that the devices described below can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present subject matter in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the concepts.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as “connected,” although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items can be used, and only one item in the list can be needed. For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, and C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A alone; B alone; and C alone.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a first embodiment of the disclosure relates to a dual use or combination pre-roll container and chillum device 10. As shown, device 10 is generally cylindrical in shape, but could be any suitable shape as well, such as, for example, conical. Further device 10 can have a portion that is one shape (e.g. cylindrical) that transitions to another shape (e.g. conical). Device 10 can be made of any material that allows the dual use as a container/packaging and chillum/smoking apparatus. Such materials include, but are not limited to, metals, polymers, glass, ceramics, composites, and combinations thereof.

Device 10 includes a bowl 12 at one end for holding the smokable material or substance and a mouthpiece 14 at the other end for drawing air to inhale smoke from the combusting smokable material. Non-limiting examples of smokable material include tobacco, marijuana, or similar substances. Device 10 can come pre-packaged with a smokable material that the user consumes and then the user can add any suitable smokable material for further use of device 10. Alternatively, device 10 is not pre-packed with a smokable material.

An axial bore 16 or lumen serves as a passage between the bowl 12 and mouthpiece 14. Lumen 16 has a region 18 of smaller volume or dimensions (for example, a small hourglass shape restricted area) allowing the smoke to pass through without pulling in any of the unburnt substance being smoked that remains in bowl 12. Region 18 also helps keep the smokable substance in bowl 12 without entering lumen 16 when device 10 is not in use. As the embodiment of FIG. 5 demonstrates, the disclosure contemplates that structures other than the hourglass shape of region 18 can be used to create the smaller volume or dimensions.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, each end of device 10 has threads 20, 22 that threadably mate with threads 21, 23 on cap 24, 26 so that bowl 12 and mouthpiece 14 can be selectively covered and uncovered. Although the drawings show the ends having threads on an outer surface of device 10 and caps having internal threads, the disclosure contemplates that the threads on device 10 can be internal and the threads on caps 24, 26 can be external so that cap 24, 26 inserts into device 10 upon threading. Cap 24 and/or cap 26 can be provided with means to make tampering and/or prior removal evident. Although such means are well-known to those of ordinary skill of the art, one non-limiting example is a label that tears upon twisting of cap 24, 26. Additionally, a child-resistant opening mechanism such as those used for medication or other potentially hazardous substances can be incorporated into cap 24 and/or cap 26.

As cap 24 and cap 26 ideally create air-tight seals when positioned on or in device 10, odor is retained in device 10. This eliminates or minimizing a common problem with smoking and marijuana paraphernalia. Additionally, any smokable substance that remains in bowl 12 after use of device 10 can be kept in bowl 12 during transportation and storage, helping to reduce loss of the smokable substance, exposure of the smokable substance (e.g. moisture), and preserve freshness and integrity.

Further, caps 24, 26 allow device 10 to also be used as a container/packaging for a pre-roll 28 located in lumen 16 (or any other object or substance that will fit in lumen 16). As a result, if device 10 is used, for example by a dispensary as packaging for pre-roll 28, pre-roll 28 can be consumed in one or more occasions (storing in lumen 16 between uses protecting against risk of contamination). When pre-roll 28 is totally consumed, device 10 can be used as a chillum. In this regard and as previously discussed, device 10 can include the smokable substance in bowl 12 or bowl 12 can be provided initially empty or with one or more pieces or gum, mint, or other candy. Of course, device 10 can be provided initially without pre-roll 28 so that the consumer can purchase their pre-roll of choice to place in lumen 16 or a joint of their own making or any other object or substance that fits in lumen 16.

As the embodiment of FIG. 5 demonstrates, the disclosure contemplates that mechanisms other than threading can be used to achieve the water-tight and/or air-tight seal of caps 24, 26. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a device 30 according to the disclosure. In FIG. 5, the same reference numerals used in connection with device 10 are used for like elements of device 30. Device 30 includes a bowl 12 at one end for holding the smokable material or substance and a mouthpiece (not visible) at the other end for drawing air to inhale smoke from the combusting smokable material.

An axial bore 16 or lumen serves as a passage between the bowl 12 and mouthpiece. Lumen 16 includes a disc 38 having one or more holes allowing the smoke to pass through without pulling in any of the unburnt substance being smoked that remains in bowl 12. Disc 38 also helps keep the smokable substance in bowl 12 without entering lumen 16 when device 30 is not in use.

Removable caps 34, 36 can be placed on or in each end of device 30 so that bowl 12 and the mouthpiece can be selectively covered and uncovered. Unlike device 10, the ends of device 30 do not include threading. Accordingly, caps 34, 36 do not include threading, but are configured and dimensioned to snugly fit on or in the ends of device 30. Another non-limiting example of cap 34, 36 is a plug or cork that inserts into the ends of device 30. Cap 34 and/or cap 36 can be provided with means to make tampering and/or prior removal evident. Although such means are well-known to those of ordinary skill of the art, one non-limiting example is a label that tears upon removal of cap 34, 36. Additionally, a child-resistant opening mechanism, such as making the fit sufficiently tight so that a child does not have the strength to remove cap 34, 36 from device 30, can be provided.

As cap 34 and cap 36 ideally create air-tight seals when positioned on or in device 30, odor is retained in device 30. This eliminates or minimizing a common problem with smoking and marijuana paraphernalia. Additionally, any smokable substance that remains in bowl 12 after use of device 30 can be kept in bowl 12 during transportation and storage, helping to reduce loss of the smokable substance, exposure of the smokable substance (e.g. moisture), and preserve freshness and integrity.

Further, caps 34, 36 allow device 30 to also be used as a container/packaging for a pre-roll located in lumen 16 (or any other object or substance that will fit in lumen 16). As a result, if device 30 is used, for example by a dispensary as packaging for a pre-roll, the pre-roll can be consumed in one or more occasions (storing in lumen 16 between uses protecting against risk of contamination). When the pre-roll is totally consumed, device 30 can be used as a chillum. In this regard and as previously discussed, device 30 can include the smokable substance in bowl 12 or bowl 12 can be provided initially empty or with one or more pieces or gum, mint, or other candy. Of course, device 30 can be provided initially without a pre-roll so that the consumer can purchase their pre-roll of choice to place in lumen 16 or a joint of their own making or any other object or substance that fits in lumen 16.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show another embodiment of a device 40 according to the disclosure. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the same reference numerals used in connection with device 10, 30 are used for like elements of device 40. Device 40 includes a bowl 12 at one end for holding the smokable material or substance and a mouthpiece 14 at the other end for drawing air to inhale smoke from the combusting smokable material.

An axial bore 16 or lumen serves as a passage between the bowl 12 and mouthpiece 14. Lumen 16 has a region 18 of smaller volume or dimensions (for example, a small hourglass shape restricted area) allowing the smoke to pass through without pulling in any of the unburnt substance being smoked that remains in bowl 12. Region 18 also helps keep the smokable substance in bowl 12 without entering lumen 16 when device 10 is not in use. As the embodiment of FIG. 5 demonstrates, the disclosure contemplates that structures other than the hourglass shape of region 18 can be used to create the smaller volume or dimensions.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, device 40 has threads 41, 42 that threadably mate with threads on cap 44 and cap 46 so that bowl 12 and mouthpiece 14 can be selectively covered and uncovered. As is evident from the drawings, the locations of threads 41, 42 differ from the locations of threads 20, 22 of device 10. Further, the sizes of cap 44, 46 differ from the sizes of cap 24, 26 of device 10. As a result, cap 44, 46 enclose device 40 when placed on device 40. Device 40 can be provided with a spacer 43, which can be either integrally formed or placed on device 40. Cap 44 and/or cap 46 can be provided with means to make tampering and/or prior removal evident. Although such means are well-known to those of ordinary skill of the art, one non-limiting example is a label that tears upon twisting of cap 44, 46. Additionally, a child-resistant opening mechanism such as those used for medication or other potentially hazardous substances can be incorporated into cap 44 and/or cap 46.

As cap 44 and cap 46 ideally create air-tight seals when positioned on device 40, odor is retained in device 40. This eliminates or minimizing a common problem with smoking and marijuana paraphernalia. Additionally, any smokable substance that remains in bowl 12 after use of device 40 can be kept in bowl 12 during transportation and storage, helping to reduce loss of the smokable substance, exposure of the smokable substance (e.g. moisture), and preserve freshness and integrity.

Further, caps 44, 46 allow device 40 to also be used as a container/packaging for a pre-roll located in lumen 16 (or any other object or substance that will fit in lumen 16). As a result, if device 40 is used, for example by a dispensary as packaging for a pre-roll, the pre-roll can be consumed in one or more occasions (storing in lumen 16 between uses protecting against risk of contamination). When the pre-roll is totally consumed, device 40 can be used as a chillum. In this regard and as previously discussed, device 40 can include the smokable substance in bowl 12 or bowl 12 can be provided initially empty or with one or more pieces or gum, mint, or other candy. Of course, device 40 can be provided initially without a pre-roll so that the consumer can purchase their pre-roll of choice to place in lumen 16 or a joint of their own making or any other object or substance that fits in lumen 16.

As the embodiment of FIG. 5 demonstrates, the disclosure contemplates that mechanisms other than threading can be used to achieve the water-tight and/or air-tight seal of caps 44, 46.

One particular application for device 10, 30, 40 is so-called private labelling for promotional and recreational use. For example, at a conference or convention, it is known to have candies, trade items and other relevant promotional items labelled with the convention name and/or a sponsor of the convention that can be given or sold to attendees. Since most items are traditionally discarded (with or without recycling) after use, the marketing impact of private labelled products is questionable. With device 10, 30, 40, because of the combined use as a container/packaging for a pre-roll and a chillum with the features described herein, there is a greatly increased chance of long-term retention of device 10, 30, 40, thereby enhancing the marketing value and potential. FIG. 8 is an exemplary embodiment of a commercial display and also shows one potential application of brand labelling.

All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale.

There are many different features to the present disclosure and it is contemplated that these features may be used together or separately. Thus, the disclosure should not be limited to any particular combination of features or to a particular application of the disclosure. Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure might occur to those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Accordingly, all expedient modifications readily attainable by one versed in the art from the disclosure set forth herein that are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure are to be included as further embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A combination pre-roll container and chillum device comprising:

a generally cylindrical member;

a bowl at a first end of the cylindrical member for holding a smokable substance;

a mouthpiece at a second end of the cylindrical member for drawing air;

a lumen fluidly connecting the bowl and mouthpiece so that smoke from burning smokable substance is inhalable through the mouthpiece, the lumen including a region of reduced dimensions;

a first cap positionable on or in the first end of the cylindrical member to cover the bowl, the first cap removable to provide access to the bowl;

a second cap positionable on or in the second end of the cylindrical member to cover the mouthpiece, the second cap removable to provide access to the mouthpiece;

wherein the lumen is an airtight packaging or container for an object such as a pre-roll with the first cap positioned on or in the first end and the second cap positioned on or in the second end; and

wherein smokable substance in the bowl is protected with the first cap positioned on or in the first end and the second cap positioned on or in the second end.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the cylindrical member includes threads to threadably receive a threaded portion of the first cap to cover the bowl and a second portion of the cylindrical member is threaded to threadably receive a threaded portion of the second cap to cover the mouthpiece.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the first portion is the first end of the cylindrical member and the second portion is the second end of the cylindrical member.

4. The device of claim 2, further comprising a spacer positioned between the first and second caps with the first cap positioned on the first end and the second cap positioned on the second end.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the first and second caps enclose the device with the first cap positioned on the first end and the second cap positioned on the second end.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the first end is threaded to threadably receive a threaded portion of the first cap and the second end is threaded to threadably receive a threaded portion of the second cap.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device includes the smokable substance.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the region of reduced dimensions forms a portion of the bowl.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the region of reduced dimensions has an hourglass shape.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the region of reduced dimensions is a disc with at least one hole.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second caps includes a tamper evident or tamper resistant seal.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the device includes the object and the object is a pre-roll.

13. A combination pre-roll container and chillum device comprising:

a generally cylindrical member;

a bowl at a first end of the cylindrical member for holding a smokable substance;

a mouthpiece at a second end of the cylindrical member for drawing air;

a lumen fluidly connecting the bowl and mouthpiece so that smoke from burning smokable substance is inhalable through the mouthpiece, the lumen including a region of reduced dimensions;

wherein the first end is threaded to threadably receive a threaded first cap to cover the bowl and the second end is threaded to threadably receive a threaded second cap to cover the mouthpiece such that: a) the lumen serves as an airtight packaging or container for an object such as a pre-roll, when the device is not being used as a chillum; and b) any smokable substance that remains in the bowl can be kept in the bowl between uses of the device as a chillum.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the device includes the smokable substance.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the region of reduced dimensions forms a portion of the bowl.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the region of reduced dimensions has an hourglass shape.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the region of reduced dimensions is a disc with at least one hole.

18. The device of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first and second caps includes a tamper evident or tamper resistant seal.

19. The device of claim 13, wherein the device includes the object and the object is a pre-roll.