U.S. patent application number 11/204914 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-15 for disposable water pipe liner.
Invention is credited to Frank Affinito.
Application Number | 20070034219 11/204914 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37741472 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070034219 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Affinito; Frank |
February 15, 2007 |
Disposable water pipe liner
Abstract
A Disposable Water Pipe Liner is disclosed. Also disclosed is a
liner that is insertible into the chamber tube of conventional
water pipe whereby it prevents tar buildup on the inside walls of
the chamber tube. The chamber tube liner also has a pre-formed
aperture designed to be aligned with the stem aperture in the
chamber tube. The liner further has a plurality of guidelines
inscribed upon it to aide users in trimming its length such that it
is fitted to that user's water pipe. The liner also includes a stem
tube liner for slipping over the inner end of the stem to also
prevent its being coated with tar and other deposits.
Inventors: |
Affinito; Frank; (Lomita,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Karl M. Steins;Steins & Associates
Suite 120
2333 Camino del Rio South
San Diego
CA
92108
US
|
Family ID: |
37741472 |
Appl. No.: |
11/204914 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/329 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 1/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/329 |
International
Class: |
A24F 25/00 20060101
A24F025/00 |
Claims
1. A liner for water pipes, comprising: a flat sheet of flexible
material defining a top edge, a bottom edge and right and left
edges; and a stem-oriented aperture formed in said sheet.
2. The liner of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of radial
slits emanating from said stem-oriented aperture, said radial slits
formed though said sheet.
3. The liner of claim 2, wherein said longitudinal slit is
generally perpendicular to said bottom edge.
4. The liner of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of
guidelines inscribed on said sheet in generally parallel spaced
relation.
5. The liner of claim 4, wherein said guidelines are generally
parallel to said bottom edge.
6. The liner of claim 5, wherein said bottom edge and said top edge
are parallel and said left and right edges are parallel, said right
and left edges being perpendicular to said top and bottom
edges.
7. The liner of claim 6, wherein said flat sheet further comprises
a longitudinal slit formed therethrough and extending between said
stem-oriented aperture and said bottom edge.
8. A liner and sheath combination for water-fillable smokers'
pipes, said water pipes comprising a chamber tube having a height
and a stem tube inserted into said chamber tube through a stem tube
aperture, the combination comprising: a liner comprising: a flat
sheet of flexible material defining a top edge, a bottom edge and
right and left edges; a stem-oriented aperture formed in said
sheet; and a sheath defining a generally cylindrical shape having
an inner sheath diameter adequate to receive said stem tube
therein.
9. The combination of claim 8, wherein said liner further comprises
a plurality of radial slits emanating from said stem-oriented
aperture, said radial slits formed though said sheet.
10. The combination of claim 9, wherein said liner further
comprises a plurality of guidelines inscribed on said sheet in
generally parallel spaced relation.
11. The combination of claim 10, wherein said liner guidelines are
generally parallel to said bottom edge.
12. The combination of claim 11, wherein said liner bottom edge and
said top edge are parallel and said left and right edges are
parallel, said right and left edges being perpendicular to said top
and bottom edges.
13. The combination of claim 12, wherein said liner further
comprises a longitudinal slit extending between said stem-oriented
aperture and said bottom edge.
14. The combination of claim 13, wherein said longitudinal slit is
generally perpendicular to said bottom edge.
15. A method for installing a protective liner and sheath into a
water-fillable smokers' pipe having a chamber tube defined by a
generally cylindrical wall and having a stem penetrating said wall,
the method comprising the steps of: disassembling said water pipe;
rolling a flat sheet of flexible material into a tube, said sheet
defining a top edge, a bottom edge and right and left edges, a
stem-oriented aperture formed in said sheet, and a longitudinal
slit formed though said sheet between said stem-oriented aperture
and said bottom edge; inserting said rolled up sheet into said
chamber tube; and releasing said chamber tube.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising a sheath insertion
step following said sheet inserting step, said sheath insertion
step comprising slipping a stem tube sheath over said stem
tube.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said liner of said rolling,
inserting and releasing steps further comprises a plurality of
radial slits emanating from said stem-oriented aperture, said
radial slits formed though said sheet.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said liner of said rolling,
inserting and releasing steps further comprises a plurality of
guidelines inscribed on said sheet in generally parallel spaced
relation.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said longitudinal slit of said
liner of said rolling, inserting and releasing steps is generally
perpendicular to said bottom edge.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to smoking accessories and,
more specifically, to a Disposable Water Pipe Liner.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Water pipes are a widely used apparatus for recreational
smoking of tobacco and other materials. FIG. 1 depicts a
conventional water pipe.
[0005] Although available in limitless sizes and shapes, the
typical pipe 10, as depicted here, has an upright chamber tube 12.
The chamber tube 12 terminates at its upper end in a mouth 14.
Here, soft plastic rim cover 16 has been attached to the mouth 14,
in order to improve the comfort and functionality of the pipe
10.
[0006] The chamber tube 12 is held in an upright and stable
position by the base 10. As stem 20 extends from an aperture formed
through the wall of the chamber tube 12. The stem 20 terminates in
the bowl 22 for placing and lighting the smoking materials. A soft
(typically rubber or the like) grommet 24 seals the stem 20 to the
chamber tube 12 to prevent air or liquid from entering or exiting
the stem aperture 32 formed in the wall of the chamber tube 12. In
many pipes, a carburetor aperture 26 is formed in the wall of the
chamber tube 12 as well, in a position above the stem aperture 32.
If we now turn to FIG. 2, we can examine the functioning of this
device.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a cutaway side view of the pipe 10 of FIG. 1. The
chamber tube 12 defines a chamber 28 bounded on its top end by the
mouth 14, and further has an open bottom end. The inner surface 29
of the tubular wall of the chamber tube 12 is smooth (since it
generally is made from a translucent plastic or glass material. The
bottom end is covered by a removable, liquid-tight bottom cap 38.
The bottom cap 38 is typically obscured from view by the base 18.
The bottom cap 38 can be removed (such as for cleaning, etc.) after
first pulling off the base 18.
[0008] The stem 20 extends through the chamber tube 12 wall and
into the bottom portion of the chamber 28. Before use, the operator
adds enough water or other liquid such that the inside end of the
stem 20 is submerged, i.e. just below the stem aperture height
34.
[0009] As should be apparent, when the operator sucks on the mouth
14, it will cause airflow to be pulled down the stem 20 and through
the liquid 30 in the bottom of the chamber 28. As the smoke is
drawn through the liquid 30, it will be cooled as well as being
"scrubbed" somewhat by the liquid. The grommet 24 prevents air from
leaking into the chamber 28 when under suction, and further
prevents liquid 30 from leaking out around the stem 20. For future
reference, the stem 20 is cylindrical and has an outer diameter 36.
The carburetor aperture 26 is an optional feature on water pipes 10
that is covered and uncovered by the operator as desired to improve
the smoking experience.
[0010] The problem with these water pipes 10 is that the liquid
tends to become soiled, smelly and unsightly if not cleaned
thoroughly fairly often. As the liquid becomes soiled, it in turn
transfers the contaminants to the inside surface 29 of the chamber
tube in the form of brown stains. Serious scrubbing of the
disassembled water pipe 10 many times will not be sufficient to
remove all remnants of the brown stains.
[0011] What is needed, then, is a device and method that prevents
the tar buildup on the walls and stem of a conventional water pipe
without the need to modify its original design.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In light of the aforementioned problems associated with the
prior devices and methods, it is an object of the present invention
to provide a Disposable Water Pipe Liner. The liner should be
insertible into the chamber tube of conventional water pipe such
that it prevents tar buildup on the inside walls of the chamber
tube. The chamber tube liner should also have a pre-formed aperture
designed to be aligned with the stem aperture in the chamber tube.
The liner may further have a plurality of guidelines inscribed upon
it to aide users in trimming its length such that it is fitted to
that user's water pipe. The liner should also include a stem tube
liner for slipping over the inner end of the stem to also prevent
its being coated with tar and other deposits.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The objects and features of the present invention, which are
believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the
appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization
and manner of operation, together with further objects and
advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following
description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, of
which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional water
pipe;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cutaway side view of the pipe of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the
chamber tube liner of the present invention;
[0017] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective and cutaway side views of a
preferred embodiment of a stem tube sheath of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cutaway side view of the pipe of FIGS. 1 and 2
having the liner and sheaths of FIGS. 4A/4B and 5 installed
therein; and
[0019] FIG. 6 depicts the method for installing the devices of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The following description is provided to enable any person
skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the
best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his
invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles
of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to
provide a Disposable Water Pipe Liner.
[0021] The present invention can best be understood by initial
consideration of FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a front view of a preferred
embodiment of the chamber tube liner 40 of the present invention.
The liner 40 is preferably formed from a thin sheet 42 of flexible
plastic material. The sheet 42 is defined by a top edge 44, a
bottom edge 46 and first and second side edges 48A and 48B. A
stem-oriented aperture 50 is formed though the sheet 42 at a
distance referred to here as the stem-oriented aperture height 52
from the bottom edge 46 of the sheet 42. The stem (see FIG. 2) will
protrude through the stem-oriented aperture 50 when the liner 40 is
installed in the pipe.
[0022] A plurality of radial slits 54 radiate outward from the
perimeter of the stem-oriented aperture 50. The radial slits 54
allow the aperture 50 to expand to accommodate stems having larger
diameters.
[0023] One long longitudinal slit 56 interconnects the aperture 50
with the bottom edge 46 of the sheet 42. The longitudinal slit will
allow the liner 40 to be inserted into the water pipe chamber (and
removed therefrom) without the need to remove the stem from the
chamber tube.
[0024] In some versions, there may be one or more guidelines 60
running parallel to the bottom edge 46 in spaced relation thereto.
The guidelines 60 provide easy reference guides for the operator to
cut a strip off of the bottom of the sheet 42 so that the
stem-oriented aperture height 52 is equal to the stem aperture
height (see FIG. 2).
[0025] Since the designs change from water pipe to water pipe, the
liner 40 will not typically be provided with a carburetor-oriented
aperture 58 pre-formed in the sheet 42. It is a simple matter of
forming the carburetor-oriented aperture 58 in the sheet 42 by
pressing a hot paperclip or the like through the carburetor
aperture (in the chamber tube) and through the liner sheet 42 once
the liner 42 is installed in the chamber tube as shown in FIG. 5.
FIGS. 4A and 4B depict another element of the present
invention.
[0026] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective and cutaway side views of a
preferred embodiment of a stem tube sheath 62. In order to prevent
the stem from becoming coated with tar and other deposits, a sheath
of plastic material is slipped over the portion of the stem
extending into the chamber of the water pipe.
[0027] The sheath 62 is tubular in shape, with an outer surface 68
defined by the cylindrical wall 64 of the sheath 62. The sheath 62
further has a first end 66A and a second end 66B.
[0028] The inner sheath diameter 72 is large enough to allow the
typical stem to slip into the sheath 62. Referring back to FIG. 3,
it is noted that the radial slits also serve to hold the sheath 62
in place on the stem, even where there is excessive space between
the inner surface 70 of the sheath 62 and the outer surface of the
stem. The sheath 62 is preferably made from material similar to the
thin sheet of the liner of FIG. 3, but could also be formed from
material having somewhat more heat-resistant properties. The
protected water pipe is shown in FIG. 5.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a cutaway side view of the pipe 10 of FIGS. 1 and
2 having the liner and sheaths of FIGS. 4A/4B and 5 installed
therein. As shown, the chamber tube liner 40 is inserted into the
chamber tube 12 and is flat against the inner surface of the
chamber 28. The liner 40 preferably extends over the entire height
of the chamber 28, both above and below the level of the liquid
30.
[0030] Likewise, the stem tube sheath 62 protects any exposed
surfaces of the stem 20 extending into the chamber 28. With the
liner 40 and sheath 62 installed, the tar buildup will collect on
the liner 40 and sheath 62, rather than the chamber and stem. Once
the liner and sheath become soiled, it is a simple matter of
removing them and inserting a clean and fresh liner and sheath.
Finally, we will turn to FIG. 6 to examine the installation method
for the liner and sheath.
[0031] FIG. 6 depicts the method 80 for installing the devices of
the present invention. First, the water pipe is disassembled 100.
This means emptying the liquid and removing the base and bottom
cap, as well as the rim cover (if one is provided). If the stem
tube sheath is not going to be installed, then the base and bottom
cap do no have to be removed, but only the rim cover, if
appropriate.
[0032] Once disassembled appropriately, the stem tube sheath is
inserted into the chamber tube so that one end is aligned with the
stem aperture. The stem may need to be slid out of the grommet
partially so that the sheath can be slid over the end of the stem
104.
[0033] The chamber tube liner may need to be cut down in length 108
so that the stem-oriented aperture height is equal to or less than
the stem aperture height.
[0034] The chamber tube liner is then rolled into the shape of a
tube 106, such that it has a diameter that is less than the chamber
tube diameter. Once rolled up, the chamber tube liner is inserted
into the chamber tube 110. Once fully inserted, the operator needs
to simply release the grasp on the liner 112, and the liner should
expand outwardly until it is flat against the wall of the chamber
tube.
[0035] If the pipe has a carburetor formed in its chamber tube
wall, the carburetor-oriented aperture is formed at this point 116
by poking a sharpened or heated tool through the carburetor and the
rolled up liner. The water pipe can then be reassembled 114, and
placed into service.
[0036] In some versions of the invention, a variety of creative
designs and effects may be incorporated into the liner to add to
the aesthetic beauty of the water pipe, as well as to hide any
partial tar buildup. Because the liner and sheath are disposable,
they will provide a very low-cost way of personalizing the water
pipe.
[0037] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred
embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that,
within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be
practiced other than as specifically described herein.
* * * * *