U.S. patent application number 15/257718 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-13 for water pipe.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bill Reimann. Invention is credited to Bill Reimann.
Application Number | 20170099872 15/257718 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58498402 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170099872 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reimann; Bill |
April 13, 2017 |
Water Pipe
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a water pipe having an
elastic body that defines an air passage. The water pipe also
includes a stem having a bowl receiving portion. A groove is formed
in the bowl receiving portion and an elastic lip formed adjacent to
the groove. A flange formed about the upper edge of bowl fits in
the groove and the elastic lip holds the flange compressively
within the groove. The elastic body and the stem are formed of a
heat resistant silicone. The bowl may be formed of stainless steel,
brass, titanium, glass or ceramic.
Inventors: |
Reimann; Bill; (Boise,
ID) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Reimann; Bill |
Boise |
ID |
US |
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Family ID: |
58498402 |
Appl. No.: |
15/257718 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14877138 |
Oct 7, 2015 |
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15257718 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 1/30 20130101; A24F
5/04 20130101; A24F 1/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 1/30 20060101
A24F001/30; A24F 1/32 20060101 A24F001/32; A24F 5/04 20060101
A24F005/04 |
Claims
1. A water pipe comprising: an elastic body defining an air
passage; a stem comprising a bowl receiving portion formed at an
upper end of the stem and a trunk portion in fluid communication
with and extending from the bowl receiving portion, the trunk
adapted for insertion into the air passage; and a bowl positioned
in the bowl receiving portion of the stem, the bowl including one
or more airflow apertures.
2. The water pipe of claim 1 wherein the elastic body further
comprises a heat resistant silicone.
3. The water pipe of claim 1 wherein the stem further comprises an
elastic, heat resistant silicone.
4. The water pipe of claim 1 wherein the bowl further comprises a
bowl removably positioned in the bowl receiving portion of the
stem, the bowl formed of a material selected from the group of
materials including stainless steel, brass, titanium, glass and
ceramic.
5. The water pipe of claim 1 further comprising a diffuser ring
removably inserted within the air passage of the pipe body.
6. The water pipe of claim 1 further comprising a diffuser ring
removably inserted within the air passage of the pipe body, the
diffuser ring formed of an elastic, heat resistant silicone.
7. The water pipe of claim 1 further comprising: the bowl removably
positioned in the bowl receiving portion of the stem, the bowl
including a flange formed about a circumference of an upper edge of
the bowl; an elastic lip formed proximate to an upper end of the
bowl receiving portion; a groove formed downstream of the elastic
lip and about an inner circumference of the bowl receiving portion;
and the flange configured to seat within the groove and the elastic
lip adapted to hold the flange compressively within the groove.
8. The water pipe of claim 1 further comprising a means for airflow
regulation formed in the elastic body.
9. The water pipe of claim 10 further comprising a removable cap
configured to fit over an upper edge the bowl receiving
portion.
10. A water pipe comprising. an elastic body formed of a heat
resistant silicone, the elastic body defining an air passage; a
stem comprising an elastic, heat resistant silicone, the stem
further comprising a bowl receiving portion formed at an upper end
of the stem and a trunk portion that extends from the bowl
receiving portion for insertion into the elastic body; and a bowl
defining a combustion chamber, the bowl removably positioned within
the bowl receiving portion, the bowl including one or more airflow
apertures.
11. The water pipe of claim 10 wherein the stem further comprises
an elastic, heat resistant silicone.
12. The water pipe of claim 10 wherein the bowl further comprises a
bowl formed of a material selected from the group of materials
including stainless steel, brass, titanium, glass and ceramic.
13. The water pipe of claim 10 further comprising: the bowl
including a flange formed about a circumference of an upper edge of
the bowl; an elastic lip formed proximate to an upper end of the
bowl receiving portion; a groove formed downstream of the elastic
lip and about an inner circumference of the bowl receiving portion;
and the flange configured to seat within the groove and the elastic
lip adapted to hold the flange compressively within the groove.
14. The water pipe of claim 10 further comprising a means for
airflow regulation formed in the elastic body.
15. The water pipe of claim 10 further comprising a diffuser ring
removably inserted within the air passage of the pipe body
16. The water pipe of claim 10 further comprising a diffuser ring
removably inserted within the air passage of the pipe body, the
diffuser ring formed of an elastic, heat resistant silicone.
17. The water pipe of claim 12 further comprising a removable cap
configured to fit over the bowl receiving portion upper edge.
18. A water pipe comprising. an elastic body defining an air
passage, the elastic body formed of a heat resistant silicone; a
stem comprising an elastic, heat resistant silicone, the stem
further comprising a bowl receiving portion formed at an upper end
of the stem and a trunk portion that extends from the bowl
receiving portion for insertion into the elastic body, the trunk
extending into the air passage, the stem further comprising an
elastic lip formed proximate to an upper end of the bowl receiving
portion and a groove formed downstream of the elastic lip and about
an inner circumference of the bowl receiving portion; a bowl
defining a combustion chamber, the bowl including one or more
airflow apertures the bowl including a flange formed about a
circumference of an upper edge of the bowl, the flange configured
to seat within the groove and the elastic lip adapted to hold the
flange compressively within the groove; and a diffuser ring
removably inserted within the aid passage of the pipe body, the
diffuser ring formed of an elastic, heat resistant silicone.
19. The water pipe of claim 18 further comprising a means for
airflow regulation formed in the elastic body.
20. The water pipe of claim 18 wherein the bowl further comprises a
bowl formed of a material selected from the group of materials
including stainless steel, brass, titanium, glass and ceramic.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the
priority of an application entitled Smoking Pipe filed Oct. 7,
2015, Ser. No. 14/877,138.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates generally to water pipes and
more particularly to a water pipe having an elastic body formed of
a heat resistant polymer.
[0004] Background
[0005] Water pipes are well known and have been in use for
thousands of years by cultures spanning the globe. Pipes, including
water pipes, are well known in the prior art.
[0006] According to the prior art, pipes typically include a bowl
attached to a stem portion. A bore extends through the stem and
connects to the bottom of the bowl. The stem extends from the bowl
and a bore extends through the stem. In the case of a water pipe,
at some point downstream of combustion, smoke and/or vapor is
delivered through an air passage at least a portion of which serves
as a reservoir containing a cooling medium typically a liquid such
as water. The interior of the bowl forms a combustion chamber into
which a combustible or vaporizable material is placed and then
heated. Smoke and/or vapor is drawn by the user through the bore,
the smoke and/or vapor releasing into the air passage, rising
upwardly through the cooling medium and the air passage to be
inhaled by the user at a mouthpiece or other accommodation for
inhalation.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,872,872 to Kahler discloses a water pipe
having a first tube configured to retain fluid and a second tube,
one end of which is inserted into the first tube and the other end
extends outwardly from the first tube and is adapted to receive a
reversible smoking bowl. The smoking bowl is connected to the
second tube and is adapted to retain smoking tobacco. The
reversible bowl is provided with two independent smoking
compartments of different sizes, both smoking compartments having
the same diameter such that they each fit over the open end of the
second elongated tube. An orifice, connecting the first and second
smoking compartments, is provided to enable the smoke to pass into
the second tube, through the fluid, and out through the first
tube.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,881,499 to McFadden discloses a water pipe
or bong having a water chamber for cleaning the smoke of ash and
for cooling the smoke located above an ash and contaminant trap.
Smoke tubes from the trap to the water chamber end at different
levels in the water. The bowl is heat insulated by refractory
material from the rest of the pipe which is made of Plexiglas.
[0009] At its website, Gray Labs describes a glass water pipe that
includes a diffuser disc that is located within the reservoir
portion of the air passage below the water line. The diffuser has a
honeycomb configuration that is designed breakup the flow of air
containing smoke and/or vapor as it is diffused into the cooling
medium producing smaller air bubbles that are thought to cool more
rapidly. See
http://www.gray.com/product/44mm-grav-labs-flare-base-water-pipe-with-hon-
ey-comb-disc/.
[0010] Historically pipes have been fashioned of materials that are
rigid by nature. The prior art also includes pipes made of glass,
various metals, ceramic materials and stone. All of these pipes
have a single common feature, their relative frailty. Pipes
including water pipes are known to break when subjected to forces
that exceed their mechanical strength characteristics.
[0011] Advantage may be found in providing a water pipe that
includes parts formed of an elastic material that is readily
deformable while having the capability of returning substantially
to the pipe's original shape and configuration. Therefore an object
of the present invention is to provide a water pipe having a pipe
body that includes a water pipe body formed of an elastic material
so that it may be folded, bent, crushed and generally deformed
while retaining the capability of returning to its original shape
configuration.
[0012] Advantage may also then be found in providing a water pipe
that includes a stem that is readily separable from the body
section and a bowl that is readily separable from the stem in order
to facilitate cleaning of the water pipe. Therefore another object
of the present invention is to provide a water pipe that includes a
stem that is readily separable from the body section and a bowl
that is readily separable from the stem to facilitate cleaning of
the water pipe parts. Advantage may also then be found in providing
a water pipe including a body section, a stem and a bowl that are
each formed of materials that may be cleaned by immersion in a
liquid that acts as a mild solvent or cleaning solution that
readily removes built up residue from surfaces of the pipe
components. A further object of the present invention then is to
provide a water pipe wherein the body section, the stem and the
bowl are each formed of a material that may be cleaned by immersion
in a liquid that acts as a mild solvent or cleaning solution.
[0013] Advantage may also then be found in providing a water pipe
including a diffuser ring that is may be inserted or removed from
the air passage at a selectable depth to serve either to hold one
or more ice cubes at a selected depth within the body section to
cool smoke and/or vapor as they pass through the tube. Alternately,
the diffuser ring may be submerged within the cooling medium held
in the reservoir portion of the air passage to function as a
diffuser to make air bubbles smaller as they emerge and rise in the
tube through the cooling medium to cool smoke and/or vapor as they
pass through the tube. Therefore another object of the present
invention is to provide a water pipe that includes a diffuser ring
that may be inserted or removed from the air passage by the user,
the diffuser ring being capable of being set at a depth that is
selectable by the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a water
pipe that includes a body section defining an air passage a lower
portion of which is adaptable to serve as a reservoir for holding a
cooling liquid, the body section formed of a highly elastic polymer
that is heat resistant and which may be subjected to cleaning with
boiling water, detergents, isopropyl alcohol and even mild solvents
without degradation of the material. Similarly, the present
invention is directed to a water pipe that includes a stem formed
of a highly elastic polymer that is heat resistant and which may be
subjected to cleaning with boiling water, detergents, isopropyl
alcohol and even mild solvents without degradation of the material.
In the preferred embodiment, the water pipe also includes a bowl
that is readily insertable into or separable from the stem, the
bowl formed of a material that is heat and flame resistant and
which may be subjected to cleaning with boiling water, detergents,
isopropyl alcohol and even mild solvents without degradation of the
material.
[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, silicone is
employed to fashion the body and the removable stem of the water
pipe, as silicone is a material characterized by suitable levels of
thermal stability, elasticity and chemical resistance. Also in the
preferred embodiment of the invention, a food grade stainless steel
is used to form the bowl of the pipe, as food grade stainless steel
is characterized by suitable levels of flame and heat resistance
and chemical stability.
[0016] The elasticity and resilience of silicone employed in the
manufacture of the body and stem distinguishes the water pipe of
the present invention over historically used and know water pipes.
The water pipe of the present invention is foldable, bendable and
generally deformable, so that it can be used safely without fear of
breakage or injury. Furthermore, the pipe will easily return to its
original shape, absent any appreciable wear or fatigue to the
material, thereby enabling the water pipe to be stored in a smaller
space than required by water pipes formed from rigid materials. An
added advantage of the choice of silicone as a forming material
permits the mouthpiece of the tubular body to be formed as a
"comfort" mouthpiece which is shaped and, due to the pliability of
silicone material, conforms to and fits comfortably about a user's
mouth when in use.
[0017] The bowl may be formed of any refractory material including
for example stainless steel, brass, titanium, glass or ceramic and
includes a flange around its uppermost edge. The bowl is formed
including one or more draft apertures formed in the lower segment
of the bowl. The flange of the bowl is configured to fit snugly
within a groove formed near the uppermost edge in the stem of the
water pipe. An elastic lip is formed just above a groove near the
uppermost edge in the bowl receiving portion of the pipe body. To
insert the bowl, the uppermost edge of the bowl receiving portion
is stretched about the flange of the bowl. The bowl is inserted
into the bowl receiving portion of the stem until the flange seats
within a groove. The bead closes snugly against the flange of the
bowl forming an airtight seal between the pipe body and the
bowl.
[0018] Inasmuch as the water pipe of the present invention includes
a removable bowl and a pipe body each formed of a material that is
resistant to boiling water, detergents, isopropyl alcohol and even
mild solvents without degradation of the material, the water pipe
may be readily cleaned when required.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0019] FIG. 1 is a representative exploded first side view of a
water pipe according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a representative cutaway first side view of a
water pipe according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a representative top view of a diffuser ring for a
water pipe according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a representative detail cutaway side view of a
bowl and stem of a water pipe according to the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a representative detail cutaway side view of a
stem shown inserted into the pipe body of a water pipe according to
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a representative detail cutaway side view of a
stem shown inserted into the pipe body of a water pipe according to
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of water pipe 10
according to the present invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 show water pipe
10 including tubular pipe body 11 supported by base 12. FIG. 2
shows pipe body 11 defining in part air passage 17. A lower portion
of air passage 17 is configured to serve as a reservoir and is
shown containing a cooling fluid, in this case water W. In the
preferred embodiment, pipe body 11, including base 12 and stem
receiving portion 15, is molded as a singular piece of silicone.
Pipe body 11 is formed having comfort mouthpiece 14 which due to
the pliable nature of silicone fits comfortably about a user's
mouth when in use. Airflow regulation aperture 19 is formed through
sidewall 31 of pipe body 11 and which may be employed to regulate
airflow through pipe body 11 by selectively covering or uncovering
airflow regulation aperture 19. Bowl 35 is cold formed of a food
grade stainless steel and includes a plurality of airflow apertures
40.
[0026] Stem 25 is shown including trunk portion 26 in fluid
communication with and extending from tapered bowl receiving
portion 27. A plurality of air vents 28 are formed about the
periphery of trunk portion 26. Referring to FIG. 2, trunk portion
26 is adapted for insertion into stem receiving portion 15 of pipe
body 11 to extend into air passage 17. As shown in FIG. 1 stem 25
is separable from stem receiving portion 15 and bowl 35 is
separable from stem 25. FIG. 1 also shows water pipe 10 including
removable cap 45 configured to fit snugly over upper end 30 of
tapered bowl receiving portion 27 so that a charge may be placed in
bowl 35 and covered for later use.
[0027] In FIG. 1 diffuser ring 20 is shown positioned above an open
end of pipe body 11 for insertion into pipe body 11. FIG. 2 shows a
pair of diffuser rings 20A and 20B deployed within air passage 17
of pipe body 11. The first, diffuser ring 20A is shown deployed to
function as a diffuser and is positioned within ring retention
groove 24 formed within the interior of sidewall 31 of pipe body
11. Diffuser ring 20A is positioned beneath an upper surface of
water W such that as air bubbles, (not shown), are emitted from the
plurality of air vents 28 and lower end aperture 29 of stem 25, the
air bubbles pass through the various apertures formed through
diffuser ring 20A to refine and decrease the size of the air
bubbles. Diffuser ring 20B is positioned above an upper surface of
water W and is used in this instance to support one or more pieces
of ice C, for cooling air flow as it passes through pipe body
11.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a top view of diffuser ring 20 shown including
diffuser body 21 having primary diffuser aperture 22 and a
plurality of smaller secondary diffuser apertures 23 formed there
through diffuser body 21. As shown in FIG. 3, primary diffuser
aperture 22 is defined by inner surface 23 that is irregular in its
configuration. As with pipe body 11 and stem 25, (shown in FIGS. 1
and 2), in the preferred embodiment, diffuser ring 20 is formed of
an elastic, heat resistant silicone.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a detail cutaway side view showing the cooperative
fit between bowl 35 and tapered bowl receiving portion 27 of stem
25. More particularly FIG. 4 shows bowl 35 positioned within
interior 31 of bowl receiving portion 27. Bowl 35 is shown
including sidewall 36 which defines in part combustion chamber 37.
Additionally, FIG. 4 shows bowl 35 including flange 38 formed about
a circumference of upper end 39 of bowl 35. Elastic lip 32 is
formed proximate to upper end 30 of bowl receiving portion 27 and
groove 33 is formed downstream of elastic lip 32 and about an inner
circumference of bowl receiving portion 27. To insert bowl 35 into
bowl receiving portion 27, elastic lip 32 is rolled back slightly
allowing flange 38 of bowl 35 to be inserted and seated within
groove 33 formed beneath and proximate to elastic lip 32. Once
flange 38 is seated within groove 33, elastic lip 32 is released
and returns substantially to its non-deformed configuration.
Elastic lip 32 seals against flange 38 forming a secure and
substantially airtight interface between bowl 35 and bowl receiving
portion 27.
[0030] FIGS. 5 and 6 are detail cutaway side views of stem 25 shown
inserted into stem receiving portion 15. Stem 25 is defined in part
by trunk portion 26 and tapered bowl receiving portion 27. As seen
in FIG. 5, trunk portion 26 is shown inserted into stem receiving
aperture 16 and stem 25 is pushed firmly into stem receiving
aperture 16 until tapered bowl receiving portion 27 is pressed
snugly into stem receiving aperture 16. In the preferred
embodiment, stem seal 18 is adapted to form a substantially
airtight fit between stem 25 and stem receiving portion 15 as it
seals against stem seal detent 34.
[0031] Alternately stem 25 may be positioned in stem receiving
aperture 16 with stem seal band 18 positioned above stem seal
detent 34 as shown in FIG. 6 such that stem 25 may be selectively
slid into stem receiving aperture 16 such that stem seal band 18
alternately seals against an interior surface of stem receiving
aperture 16 forming a substantially airtight fit between stem seal
band 18 and the interior surface of stem receiving aperture 16 or
stem 25 may be pulled slightly out from stem receiving aperture 16
as shown in FIG. 6 allowing additional airflow A to be drawn
through air passage 1, (shown in FIG. 2), to clear air passage 17.
In this manner airflow regulation through air passage 17 is also
achieved.
[0032] The foregoing description of the illustrated embodiments has
been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise form or to exemplary embodiment(s) and implementation(s)
disclosed. Modifications and variations will be apparent to
practitioners skilled in this art. Process steps described might be
interchangeable with other steps in order to achieve the same
result. At least one preferred embodiment was chosen and described
in order to best explain the principles of the invention and a best
mode of practical application, thereby to enable others skilled in
the art to understand the invention and the various modifications
that are suited to the particular use or implementation
contemplated. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims
appended hereto and their equivalents. Reference to an element in
the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless
explicitly so stated, but rather means "one or more." No claim
element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C.
Sec. 112, sixth paragraph unless the element is expressly recited
using the phrase "means for . . . "
* * * * *
References