Combustion Apparatus

Abstract

A combustion apparatus includes a combustion chamber, an air chamber, an air supply, an air supply inlet, and an air supply outlet. The combustion chamber may hold a combustible substance within the air chamber. After the substance is ignited, the air chamber may be closed and pressurized to direct the substance through the combustion chamber and out of the air chamber for ingestion by a user. The apparatus facilitates controlled combustion, consumption, and exhaust of a substance. The apparatus further permits self-contained collection of waste and byproducts that may be generated during combustion of a substance.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for combustion, and more particularly, to an apparatus for controlled combustion of a substance that facilitates consumption of the combusted substance.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Consumption of a combusted substance, such as tobacco, is more commonly known as smoking. Smoking remains a popular activity, notwithstanding health risks associated with the activity and legal restrictions that regulate where the activity may take place. The most common form of smoking is by way of a cigarette, which cigarette is a roll of paper that contains tobacco and a filter. To consume the tobacco in a cigarette, the user ignites the cigarette and tobacco therein, and draws air through the filter and into his or her mouth. The act of drawing air through the filter causes the tobacco to remain ignited, and the user inhales the smoke of the combusted tobacco to consume and enjoy the sensation of smoking.

[0003] This act of consuming tobacco by way of a cigarette suffers from certain drawbacks. For instance, the burnt tobacco and cigarette paper forms an ash, which as needs to be disposed in an ashtray or other receptacle to avoid contaminating the environment. While ashes have some environmental value as a source of carbon or potassium for soil, collection of such ashes in the smoking process can be messy, as ashes are light and subject to being affected and or distributed by even the slightest of wind currents. Further, collection of ashes in ashtrays requires that a user have nearby such a receptacle at all times, which requirement limits a user's mobility. Further an ashtray may require frequent cleaning to reduce the instance of an offensive odor emanating from the ashtray. (Waste baskets and garbage cans are not a preferred receptacle of ashes due to the fact that other contents of the waste baskets or cans may ignite when a user places potentially-still-ignited ashes in such baskets or cans.)

[0004] Another drawback of a cigarette is that environmental conditions may cause it to be extinguished. For instance, the force of wind or the dampness of rain may cause a cigarette to be extinguished, and may further render the cigarette completely unusable (i.e., unable to be reignited.)

[0005] Further, if a cigarette is poorly constructed (e.g., loosely rolled, or packed too tightly with tobacco), it may not burn evenly, and the user's enjoyment of the smoking experience may be diminished accordingly.

[0006] In light of the drawbacks mentioned above, there is a need for a combustion apparatus that facilitates the smoking process that includes a self-contained capacity for collecting waste generated in the smoking process, that allows for a user to smoke in a variety of environmental conditions, and that provides for even and effective burning of tobacco.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a combustion apparatus configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a combustion apparatus for consuming tobacco in a controlled fashion.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a combustion apparatus that allows for the even and effective burning of tobacco regardless of the conditions in the surrounding environment.

[0010] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a combustion apparatus that includes a self-contained mechanism for collecting waste and/or byproducts that are generated in the process of burning tobacco and/or smoking.

[0011] To achieve the above objects, the present disclosure provides a combustion apparatus. The combustion apparatus includes a combustion chamber, an air chamber, an air supply, air supply inlet, and an air supply outlet. The apparatus is capable of maintaining a combustible substance (such as tobacco) in a combustible state for a user to ingest. The apparatus is further capable of regulating exhaust of the substance from the apparatus after the substance has been ignited. The apparatus may also receive and retain waste or byproducts that are generated during the combustion of the substance.

[0012] These together with other aspects of the present disclosure, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0014] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate perspective views of a combustion apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0015] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate an airflow path of a combustion apparatus and exemplary operation of a combustion apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0017] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in composition, structure, and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to a particular combustion apparatus, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0018] Unless limited otherwise, the terms "disposed," "coupled," "attached," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect arrangements. The term "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "first," "second," and the like, herein do not denote any order, elevation or importance, but rather are used to distinguish placement of one element over another. The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

[0019] The present disclosure provides a combustion apparatus for controlling combustion and consumption of a combusted substance. The apparatus comprises a combustion chamber and an air chamber. An air supply is provided for the air chamber may be regulated to facilitate combustion of the substance and consumption of the substance by a user. An air supply inlet and an air supply outlet are provided for regulating the supply of air to the air chamber. The apparatus disclosed herein facilitates for controlled, protected, and effective consumption of a combustible substance, as well as collection of any waste or byproduct generated during the combustion of the combustible substance.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, perspective views of a combustion apparatus 100 are illustrated. Specifically, FIG. 1A shows a cutaway view of a combustion apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 1B and 1C show perspective views of a combustion apparatus 100 in an assembled state. In an embodiment, the combustion apparatus 100 comprises combustion chamber 10 that is operatively coupled to an air chamber 20. The air chamber comprises an air supply inlet 30 and an air supply outlet 40 for regulating the flow and amount of air within the air chamber 20. The apparatus further comprises an air supply 50 for providing air to the air chamber 20.

[0021] Combustion chamber 10 comprises an item that receives a combustible substance (such as tobacco) within at least a portion of the chamber 10. The combustion chamber also has a mouthpiece region 12 with an opening whereby a user may draw or inhale so as to consume the combusted substance. In an embodiment, combustion chamber comprises an open tube that allows a combustible substance to be inserted into the chamber at one end of the tube, and that allows a user to initiate inhalation through other otherwise access the substance after combustion from the other end of the tube. It will be apparent that the combustion chamber 10 may be of any configuration that permits the combustible substance that is contained within the combustion chamber 10 to be disposed within the air chamber 20 and that also permits a user to inhale or receive a combusted substance from the combustion chamber 10. As will be described in more detail below, air chamber 20 removably receives a portion of the combustion chamber 10 therewithin, and more particularly, that portion of the combustion chamber 10 that contains a combustible substance.

[0022] When combustion chamber 10 is received within air chamber 20, an airtight seal may be formed between the external perimeter of the combustion chamber, while still allowing air to pass through the chamber 10 (for instance, from the portion of the chamber 10 that is received within the air chamber 20 out of the mouthpiece region 12 when a user applies vacuum pressure on the mouthpiece region 12.)

[0023] In an embodiment, the combustion chamber 10 comprises a tubular unit that may receive a substance in at least a portion of the length of the tubular unit. The combustion chamber may further comprise an outwardly-extending flange 14 for facilitating the placement of a combustible substance therewithin.

[0024] The air chamber 20 is a container of a configuration that may form a closeable environment. In an embodiment, the chamber 20 may be a transparent container that allows a user to view the accumulation of smoke within the air chamber 20, for example. The air chamber includes an air supply inlet 30 and an air supply outlet 40, which inlet and outlet are sealable for forming a closed environment in the air chamber 20.

[0025] In an embodiment, the air chamber 20 comprises a flask with a neck 22 and an opening 24 proximate to said neck 22. A stopper (such as a rubber stopper) may be removably placed in the neck 22 to seal the opening 24 of the neck. In such an embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the stopper may comprise apertures for receiving the combustion chamber 10 and for comprising the air supply inlet 30. It will be apparent that this flask configuration of the air chamber 20 is exemplary only, and that the air chamber 20 may be of any configuration that may form a closeable system.

[0026] The air chamber 20 further comprises an air supply outlet 40, which outlet may be an openable valve or may be a closeable aperture disposed on the air chamber 20. The air supply outlet 40 allows access to the interior of the air chamber 20 when the outlet is open. In an embodiment, the air supply outlet 40 comprises an aperture that is disposed on a side or face of the air chamber that is a side or face different from which the side or face on which the air supply inlet 30 is disposed. In the embodiment wherein the air chamber 20 comprises a flask, the air supply outlet 40 is disposed away from the neck 22 of the flask and, preferably, on a wall 26 of the flask.

[0027] The air supply inlet 30 is operatively coupled to an air supply 50. In an embodiment, the air supply 50 is comprises an air pump. Preferably, the air pump will be lightweight and battery-powered to facilitate portability of the air pump and apparatus. The air supply 50 may be coupled to the air supply inlet 30 by way of flexible tubing, conduit, or any other means that allows the air supply 50 to direct air into the inlet. In an embodiment where the air chamber comprises a flask that receives a rubber stopper, which rubber stopper comprises an aperture as the air supply inlet 20, tubing joined to the air supply 50 may be securely inserted into an aperture to form a removable but substantially airtight connection between the air chamber 20 and air supply 50. When the air supply is activated, the air supply may transmit air into the air chamber, thus increasing the pressure within the air chamber 20.

[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, an exemplary operation of the combustion apparatus 100 is shown. A user may insert a combustible substance in at least a portion of the combustion chamber 10. In an exemplary configuration, and as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the combustion chamber 10 receives a rolled cigarette in a portion of the combustion chamber 10. It will be apparent that flange 14 of combustion chamber 10 facilitates retention of the cigarette and combustible substance within the combustion chamber 10. The combustion chamber 10 may thereafter be oriented to such that the combustible substance can be disposed within the air chamber 20. In the embodiment where the air chamber 20 comprises the flask and rubber stopper arrangement, the combustion chamber 10 may be securely attached to the stopper such that the portion of the combustion chamber 10 that receives the combustible substance will be disposed within the air chamber 20 and the mouthpiece region 12 of the combustion chamber 10 will be disposed outside of the air chamber 20. In this embodiment, the air pump may be connected (via tubing, for example) to the air supply inlet 30 that is disposed on the stopper so that the air pump may supply air through the air supply inlet 30 into the air chamber 20. It will be apparent that the rubber stopper configuration facilitates quick installation and removal of the combustion chamber 10 and air supply 50 upon or within the air chamber 20. It is further apparent that the rubber stopper forms a substantially airtight seal between the air chamber 20, combustion chamber 10, and air supply 50.

[0029] After configuring the air supply 50 and combustion chamber 10 as described above, the user may ignite the combustible substance and thereafter may install the rubber stopper on the air chamber 20 (as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C). The user may thereafter activate the air pump to supply air through the air supply inlet 30 into the air chamber 20. The supply of air into the air chamber 20 may assist in keeping the combustible substance ignited, and excess air within the air chamber 20 that has been supplied by air supply 50 may exit the air chamber 20 through the air supply outlet 40. When the user desires to ingest the combustible substance, he or she may close the air supply outlet 40 to increase the air pressure within the air chamber 20. After a sufficient pressure is achieved within the chamber, the pressure will direct the substance through the combustion chamber 10 and out of the mouthpiece region 12 thereof such that it may be ingested by the user. In an embodiment where the air supply outlet 40 comprises an aperture on the air chamber, it will be apparent that the user may close the air supply outlet 40 by placing his or her finger over the outlet 40 (as shown in FIG. 2A) to form the seal that will allow pressure to increase within the air chamber 20. With the substance directed out of the mouthpiece region 12 of the combustion chamber 10, the user may ingest the substance with a minimum of inhalation effort. When the user wishes to cease ingesting the substance, he or she may open the air supply outlet 40 (as shown in FIG. 2B) to reduce pressure on the substance within the air chamber 20 and cease the exhaust of the substance out of mouthpiece region 12 of the combustion chamber 10.

[0030] With the combustible substance disposed within the air chamber 20, it will be apparent that byproduct generated during combustion (such as ash) may remain in the combustion chamber 10 or be collected within the air chamber 20 such that resort to a separate collection area or mechanism (such as an ashtray) is not required.

[0031] It will be apparent that the embodiments described herein are exemplary and non-limiting, and that the combustion apparatus disclosed herein may be practiced in any configuration that provides for the selective creation of an airtight seal between the combustion chamber, air supply, air supply inlet, and air supply outlet.

[0032] The combustion apparatus disclosed herein facilitates for controlled consumption of a combustible substance. The apparatus allows a user to consume such substance with a minimum of inhalation effort by the user. The apparatus also allows for controlled combustion and exhaust of a substance such that the substance is not exhausted to the atmosphere when the user is not ingesting the substance, but may instead be retained (to the extent that it is combusted) within the air chamber. The apparatus further provides for self-contained collection of waste or unconsumed byproducts that are generated during the combustion of the substance.

[0033] The combustion apparatus disclosed herein also allows for combustion and ingestion of a substance that is not subject to exterior adverse elements such as wind and rain. Further, the apparatus allows for even burning of a substance as may be directed by the regulation of air pressure in the air chamber.

[0034] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A combustion apparatus, the apparatus comprising a combustion chamber, an air chamber, an air supply, an air supply inlet, and an air supply outlet, wherein the combustion chamber may dispose a combustible substance within the air chamber, wherein the air supply may provide air into the air chamber through the air supply inlet, and wherein the air supply outlet may be selectively closed to close the air chamber, such that upon supplying air to the air chamber and closing the air chamber, the substance may be directed through the combustion chamber and out of the air chamber.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air supply comprises an air pump.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air chamber comprises a flask, said flask comprising an closeable neck region and a stopper for closing said neck region.

4. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said stopper comprises an aperture for receiving the combustion chamber therein.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said combustion chamber comprises a hollow tube with a first end and a second end, and wherein said first end and second ends permit access to the interior of the tube.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air supply outlet comprises an aperture disposed on the air chamber, and which aperture permits entry into and exit from the air chamber.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air supply outlet comprises a valve disposed on the air chamber, and which valve allows selective entry into and exit from the air chamber.