U.S. patent application number 17/580899 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-12 for pipe lighter holder and tool.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lifted Limited, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Lifted Limited, LLC. Invention is credited to Leslie Renea Bodenchuk, Matthew Robert Bodenchuk.
Application Number | 20220142240 17/580899 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220142240 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bodenchuk; Matthew Robert ;
et al. |
May 12, 2022 |
PIPE LIGHTER HOLDER AND TOOL
Abstract
A standard smoking lighter slides into a hole on top of a
plastic sheath so that only the top of the lighter is exposed. The
bottom of the sheath has a hammer like protrusion at one end to
stuff tobacco or other herb into a pipe. The opposite end of the
bottom has a pivot point for a poker which serves to mix the herb
and ash within the pipe and/or clean the debris from the pipe. The
poker folds up into the sheath when not in use. Thus, a three
function pipe tool provides a lighter, a stuffer and a poker.
Inventors: |
Bodenchuk; Matthew Robert;
(Grand Junction, CO) ; Bodenchuk; Leslie Renea;
(Grand Junction, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lifted Limited, LLC |
Boulder |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Lifted Limited, LLC
Boulder
CO
|
Appl. No.: |
17/580899 |
Filed: |
January 21, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16514601 |
Jul 17, 2019 |
11259564 |
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17580899 |
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16237232 |
Dec 31, 2018 |
10694779 |
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16514601 |
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15921059 |
Mar 14, 2018 |
10201183 |
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16237232 |
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13760442 |
Feb 6, 2013 |
9930912 |
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15921059 |
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61595532 |
Feb 6, 2012 |
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International
Class: |
A24F 9/02 20060101
A24F009/02 |
Claims
1. A smoker's pipe tool, comprising: a sheath, including an
interior surface and an exterior surface, extending along a
longitudinal axis, wherein: the sheath includes a recess extending
along the longitudinal axis; and the recess is defined by the
interior surface of the sheath and is sized to hold a lighter; a
poker having first and second end portions, the poker is configured
to move from a closed position to an open position, wherein: the
first end portion is insertable into a pipe bowl when the poker is
in the open position; and the second end portion is spaced from the
pipe bowl when the first end portion is inserted into the pipe
bowl; and a pipe bowl tamper sized to be insertable into a pipe
bowl.
2. The smoker's pipe tool of claim 1, further comprising a slot
configured to receive the poker.
3. The smoker's pipe tool of claim 2, wherein when the poker is in
the closed position, at least a portion of the poker is disposed in
the slot.
4. The smoker's pipe tool of claim 2, wherein the slot is a
longitudinal slot that extends substantially along the longitudinal
axis.
5. The smoker's pipe tool of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of
the slot is formed between the interior surface and the exterior
surface of the sheath
6. The smoker's pipe tool of claim 1, wherein the sheath includes a
top surface that includes an opening of the central recess, wherein
the top surface is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis so
that a flame from the lighter does not contact the sheath.
7. The smoker's pipe tool of claim 1, wherein the sheath defines an
inner geometric profile that conforms to an outer shape of a
lighter so that the central recess firmly secures the lighter.
8. The smoker's pipe tool of claim 1, wherein the sheath includes
an exterior recess that extends from the exterior surface to the
interior surface such that the exterior recess exposes a lighter
disposed in the central recess.
9. The smoker's pipe tool of claim 1, wherein when the poker is in
the closed position, the at least a portion of the poker contacts
the sheath.
10. The smoker's pipe tool of claim 1, wherein at least a portion
of the poker has a cross-sectional width that is substantially the
same as a cross-sectional width of the slot so that the slot
receives the poker and so that a user must pry on the poker to
remove the poker from the slot.
11. The smoker's pipe tool of claim 1, wherein the poker is an
elongated, metal, foldable poker.
12. The smoker's pipe tool of claim 11, wherein the poker connects
to the smoker's pipe tool at a pivot point such that the poker is
pivotable about the pivot point.
13. A method of using a smoker's pipe tool, the method comprising:
providing a smoker's pipe tool, the tool including: a sheath,
including an interior surface and an exterior surface, extending
along a longitudinal axis, wherein: the sheath includes a recess
extending along the longitudinal axis; and the recess is defined by
the interior surface of the sheath and is sized to hold a lighter;
a poker having first and second end portions, the poker is
configured to move from a closed position to an open position,
wherein: the first end portion is insertable into a pipe bowl when
the poker is in the open position; and the second end portion is
spaced from the pipe bowl when the first end portion is inserted
into the pipe bowl; and a pipe bowl tamper sized to be insertable
into a pipe bowl; moving the poker to the open position; inserting
the poker into a pipe bowl; inserting the pipe bowl tamper into the
pipe bowl; and moving the poker to the closed position.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the tool further includes a
slot configured to receive the poker, wherein at least a portion of
the slot is formed between the interior surface and the exterior
surface of the sheath, and wherein when the poker is in the closed
position, at least a portion of the poker is disposed in the
slot.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the sheath includes a top
surface that includes an opening of the central recess, wherein the
top surface is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis so that a
flame from the lighter does not contact the sheath.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the sheath defines an inner
geometric profile that conforms to an outer shape of a lighter so
that the central recess firmly secures the lighter.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the sheath includes an exterior
recess that extends from the exterior surface to the interior
surface such that the exterior recess exposes a lighter disposed in
the central recess.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein when the poker is in the closed
position, the at least a portion of the poker contacts the
sheath.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the poker
has a cross-sectional width that is substantially the same as a
cross-sectional width of the slot so that the slot receives the
poker and so that a user must pry on the poker to remove the poker
from the slot.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the poker is an elongated,
metal, foldable poker, wherein the poker connects to the smoker's
pipe tool at a pivot point such that the poker is pivotable about
the pivot point.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/514,601, filed Jul. 17, 2019, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/237,232
filed Dec. 31, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/921,059 filed Mar. 14, 2018, and issued as
U.S. Pat. No. 10,201,183, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/760,442 filed Feb. 6, 2013, and issued as
U.S. Pat. No. 9,930,912, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/595,532 filed Feb. 6, 2012, the disclosures of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a combination
pipe/cigarette lighter holder, a pipe poker, used to clean the herb
from the pipe and/or mix the herb and ash in the pipe, and a
tobacco or an herb stuffer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Combination cigarette lighter holders and cigarette cases
are well known in the art. Also known are lighter holders with
pockets. Also known is a pipe lighter holder that actually forms a
miniature pipe. The traditional pipe smoker must use a lighter as
well as a tobacco stuffer and a pipe poker to enjoy his pipe.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The main aspect of the present invention is to provide a
pocket sized sheath for a standard cigarette or smoking lighter,
wherein the base of the sheath has a hammer like end and a folding
poker end. The present invention provides a plastic case to hold a
standard lighter. The case has a hammer shaped base on one side to
serve as a tobacco or an herb stuffer. The other side of the base
has a hinged poker to provide a metal rod to mix the tobacco or
other herb and/or clean the pipe. When not in use the poker folds
into the case.
[0005] In one aspect, a smoker's pipe tool is provided. The pipe
tool may include a sheath having a top, a bottom, and at least one
sidewall extending between the top and the bottom along a
longitudinal axis of the sheath. The sheath may define a central
recess that extends along at least a portion the longitudinal axis
and that is configured to slidingly receive a lighter. The sheath
may also define an additional recess that extends alongside at
least a portion of the central recess. The pipe tool may also
include an elongated poker that is removably coupled with the
sheath. The elongated poker may have a first end and a second end.
The first end may be thicker than the second end and may be
configured to function as a pipe bowl tamper. The additional recess
may be configured to retain the elongated poker when the elongated
poker is slidingly received within the additional recess.
[0006] In another aspect, a smoker's pipe tool includes a sheath
having a top, a bottom, and at least one sidewall extending between
the top and the bottom along a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The
sheath may define a central recess that extends along the
longitudinal axis and that may be configured to slidingly receiving
a lighter. The sheath may define a slot or an additional recess
that extends along at least a portion of the length of the sheath
and the sheath may also define a closeable compartment that is
spaced apart from the central recess and the slot or the additional
recess. The pipe tool may also include an elongated poker that is
coupled with the sheath and is movable between a stowed position
and an open position. When the elongated poker is in the stowed
position, at least a portion of the elongated poker may be disposed
within the slot or the additional recess. When the elongated poker
is in the open position at least a portion of the elongated poker
may be at least partially disengageable from the slot or the
additional recess such that a tip of the elongated poker is
insertable into a pipe bowl. One or both of the sheath or the
elongated poker may include a pipe bowl tamper portion.
[0007] In another aspect, a smoker's pipe tool may include a sheath
having a top, a bottom, and at least one sidewall extending between
the top and the bottom along a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The
sheath may define a central recess that extends along the
longitudinal axis and that may be configured to slidingly receiving
a lighter. The sheath may define a slot or an additional recess
that extends along at least a portion of the length of the sheath.
The pipe tool may also include a carb cap that may be configured to
cover an opening of a pipe and an elongated poker that may be
coupled with the sheath and may be movable between a stowed
position and an open position. When the elongated poker is in the
stowed position, at least a portion of the elongated poker may be
disposed within the slot or the additional recess. When the
elongated poker is in the open position at least a portion of the
elongated poker may be at least partially disengageable from the
slot or the additional recess such that a tip of the elongated
poker is insertable into a pipe bowl. One or both of the sheath or
the elongated poker may include a pipe bowl tamper portion.
[0008] Other aspects of this invention will appear from the
following description and appended claims, reference being made to
the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification
wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in
the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a lighter holder and
tool showing a poker extended therefrom according to embodiments of
the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a is a top plan view thereof.
[0011] FIG. 3 is bottom plan view thereof.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view thereof.
[0013] FIG. 5 is front elevation view thereof.
[0014] FIG. 6 is right side elevation view thereof.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a left side elevation view thereof.
[0016] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the invention used as
a lighter.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the invention used as
a stuffer.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the invention used as
a poker.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a left side elevation view of a lighter holder
and a poker according to embodiments of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a left side elevation view of a lighter holder
having a closeable storage compartment according to embodiments of
the invention.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a left side elevation view of a lighter holder
having removable tools according to embodiments of the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a left side elevation view of a lighter holder
having replaceable tools according to embodiments of the
invention.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a left side elevation view of a lighter holder
having a carb cap according to embodiments of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a left side elevation view of a lighter holder
having outdoor accessories according to embodiments of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 18 is a left side elevation view of a lighter according
to embodiments of the invention.
[0027] Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present
invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of the particular
arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other
embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose
of description and not of limitation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Referring first to FIG. 1 a pipe tool 1 is preferably made
from a plastic mold, but may also be made from a variety of
materials such as silicon, metal, wood, stone, etc., and/or
combinations thereof. A central recess 2 at the top section T is
sized to hold a standard smoking lighter 4 such as a BIC.RTM.
classic lighter, BIC.RTM. mini lighter, and/or any other disposable
and/or reusable lighter. The lighter 3 has a thumb actuator 4 and
gas release button 5, all standard in the art.
[0029] The bottom section B has a protrusion 6 which faces down and
out from a central axis A of the pipe tool 1. Opposite the
protrusion 6 is a pivot point 7 which secures the base of a
foldable poker 8. The poker 8 is preferably a metal rod. Poker 8
folds in direction C into slot 9 in the passive mode. To move the
poker 8 to the active mode shown, a recess 10 is provided to allow
the user to pry up on section 11 of the poker 8. A ledge 12 at the
base section B stops the poker 8 at about a 90.degree. angle to
axis A. A hole 13 allows the poker 8 to pivot around pivot point
7.
[0030] Referring next to FIGS. 2 and 3 the top and bottom views in
the active mode are shown. FIG. 4 shows the protrusion 6 which is
used as an herb or tobacco stuffer when loading and/or smoking a
pipe. FIG. 5 shows the passive mode in a front elevation view.
[0031] In FIGS. 6 and 7 the active mode of pipe tool 1 is shown. A
horizontal line C is drawn at a 90.degree. angle to axis A from the
very top 20 of pipe tool 1. A space S is formed between the line C
and the lower top segment 21. This body shape increases the
distance from the flame F to the top segment 21 which allows a wide
range of tilt angles for the pipe tool to be used without burning
the pipe tool 1.
[0032] In FIG. 8 the central recess 2 is shown to be sized to
firmly secure the lighter 3. In FIG. 9 the user's thumb T is about
to light the tobacco or other herb (not shown) in the bowl B of
pipe P.
[0033] In FIG. 10 the user's thumb T and index finger Fuse the end
6 to stuff down the tobacco or other herb (not shown) in direction
PP.
[0034] In FIG. 11 the user's fingers, the thumb T and index finger
F, support the pipe tool 1 so as to move the poker 8 in directions
down SD, left SL and right SR. The poker 8 is in the active mode
position.
[0035] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a pipe tool 200.
Pipe tool 200 may be similar to pipe tool 1. For example, pipe tool
200 may be formed from plastic, wood, and/or other natural and/or
synthetic material and may include a sheath 202 having a top 204
and a bottom 206. At least one sidewall 208 may be disposed between
the top 204 and the bottom 206 of the sheath 202, extending along a
longitudinal axis of the sheath 202. The sheath 202 may define a
central recess 210 that extends into a body of the sheath 202 from
the top 204 of the sheath 202 and extends along at least a portion
of the longitudinal axis. The central recess 210 may be sized and
shaped to hold a standard smoking lighter 212, such as a BIC.RTM.
lighter. For example, the lighter 212 may be slidingly received
within the central recess 210 and retained using a friction fit,
snap-fit, latch, and/or other releasable securement mechanism.
[0036] Rather than (or in addition to) having a slot similar to
pipe tool 1, the sheath 202 may also define an additional recess
214 that extends alongside (and spaced apart from) at least a
portion of the central recess 210. While shown with additional
recess 214 extending along all or a substantial portion of the
length of the sheath 202, it will be appreciated that in some
embodiments the additional recess 214 may extend along a small
portion of the length, such as between about 25% and 75% of the
length, or any other portion of the length. The additional recess
214 may be sized and shaped to receive and retain all or a portion
of an elongated poker 216, such as by the elongated poker 216 being
slid into and out of the additional recess 214. For example, the
additional recess 214 may be configured to retain the elongated
poker 216 using a friction fit, snap fit, and/or other securement
mechanism. In some embodiments, a magnetic element (not shown) may
be provided within the additional recess 214 that attracts a metal
portion of the elongated poker 216 and retains the elongated poker
216 within the additional recess 214 until withdrawn by a user. In
some embodiments, one end of the additional recess 214 may be fully
or partially closed such that the material that at least partially
closes the end serves as a stop for the elongated poker 216 when
inserted within the additional recess 214.
[0037] As illustrated, elongated poker 216 includes a first end 218
and a second end 220, with the second end 220 being thicker than
the first end 218. This allows the second end 220 to be utilized as
a pipe bowl tamper, while the first end 218 may be used as a poker
to mix tobacco or other herb and/or to clean a pipe. In some
embodiments, the elongated poker 216 may gradually taper (with a
constant and/or variable degree of taper) from the first end 218 to
the second end 220. In some embodiments, such as illustrated in
FIG. 12, the elongated poker 216 may include a step that provides
an abrupt transition between thicknesses of the first end 218 and
the second end 220. In some embodiments, rather than having the
pipe bowl tamper being formed from the second end 220, the tamper
may be formed from a protrusion extending from the sheath 202,
similar to protrusion 6 described above. In such embodiments, the
elongated poker 216 may or may not be fully removable from the
additional recess 214. For example, in some embodiments the
elongated poker 216 may be slidable such that a portion of the
elongated poker 216 extends from a body of the sheath 202 while a
remaining portion of the elongated poker 216 is retained within the
additional recess 214. For example, the larger second end 220 may
contact a narrower portion of the additional recess to stop the
elongated poker 216 from sliding fully out of engagement with the
additional recess 214.
[0038] In some embodiments, the sheath 204 may define one or more
cutout portions 222 that extend through the sidewall(s) 208 and
provide access to a medial portion of an interior of the central
recess 210 and/or the additional recess 214. These cutout portions
22 may allow a user to push on a medial portion of the lighter 212
and/or the elongated poker 216 to help the user more easily remove
the component from the sheath 202.
[0039] In some embodiments, the bottom 206 of the sheath 202
includes a bottle opener 224. Bottle opener 224 may be formed
integrally with the sheath 202 or may be a separate component that
is affixed to the bottom 206 (or other portion) of the sheath 202.
When the bottle opener 224 is a separate component, the bottle
opener 224 may be formed from a different material than the sheath
202. For example, if the sheath 202 is made from a plastic
material, the bottle opener 224 may be formed from metal or similar
material to provide greater durability.
[0040] FIG. 13 depicts another embodiment of a pipe tool 300. Pipe
tool 300 may be similar to and may include any of the features
described in association with pipe tool 1 and/or pipe tool 200
described above. For example, the pipe tool 300 may include a
sheath 302 that includes a central recess 304 for receiving a
lighter 316. The sheath 302 may define a slot (similar to slot 9)
and/or an additional recess (similar to additional recess 214) that
extends along at least a portion of the length of the sheath 302
and that is spaced apart from the central recess 304. The slot
and/or additional recess may be configured to receive and retain at
least a portion of an elongated poker 306, which may be similar to
poker 8 and/or elongate poker 216 described above. The elongated
poker 306 may be movable between a stowed position and an open
position. In the stowed position, at least a portion of the
elongated poker is disposed within the slot or the additional
recess. For example, the stowed position may involve the elongated
poker 306 being pivoted into the slot as described in relation to
FIG. 1 or may involve the elongated poker 306 being slidingly
received within the additional recess as described in relation to
FIG. 12. In the open position at least a portion of the elongated
poker 306 is at least partially disengageable from the slot or the
additional recess such that a tip of the elongated poker 306 is
insertable into a pipe bowl. For example, the open position may
involve the elongated poker 306 being pivoted out of the slot such
that a tip of the elongated poker 306 extends away from a body of
the sheath 302 and is insertable into a pipe bowl as illustrated in
relation to FIGS. 1-11. In other embodiments, the open position may
involve the elongated poker 306 being partially and/or fully slid
out of and/or otherwise removed from the additional recess.
[0041] The pipe tool 300 may also include a tamper portion. For
example, the elongated poker 306 may include a tamper portion
similar to second end 220 described in relation to FIG. 12. In
other embodiments, the tamper portion may be formed into the sheath
302, similar to protrusion 6 described in relation to FIGS.
1-11.
[0042] The sheath 302 may further define at least one storage
compartment 308. The compartment 308 may be used to store any
number of objects, such as matches, tobacco and/or other herb,
rolling papers, tools, and the like. The compartment 308 may extend
partially through the sheath 302 such that the compartment 308
includes a back wall 310 and at least one side wall 312 that define
a size and shape of the compartment 308. As illustrated, a hinged
cover 314 is provided that is configured to be moved between an
open position in which the interior of the compartment 308 is
accessible and a closed position in which the cover 314 covers an
opening to the compartment 308. The cover 314 may be configured to
latch and/or snap into engagement with the compartment 308 and/or
edges of the compartment 308 such that the cover 314 is retained in
the closed position until actuated by a user. The cover 314 may
include one or more protrusions, slots, and/or textured elements
(not shown) that may allow a user to grasp and/or otherwise
manipulate the cover 314 between the closed and open positions. In
some embodiments, a sealing element, such as an O-ring, gasket,
and/or other sealing mechanism may be provided on the portion of
the sheath 302 defining the compartment 308 and/or the cover 314
such that the compartment 308 is sealed, in some embodiments with a
watertight seal, when the cover 314 is in the closed position.
[0043] While illustrated as a stationary compartment 308 having a
hinged cover 314, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments
other compartment designs are possible. For example, a slidable
drawer may be configured to slide in and out of a recess formed
within a body of the sheath 302. The drawer may be used to store
any number of objects. In some embodiments, a sealing member may be
provided at an interface of the drawer and a surface of the sheath
302 to seal the drawer. In some embodiments, the sealing member may
have an x-shaped cross-section, which may help prevent the sealing
member from twisting as the drawer is slid in and out.
[0044] While shown with compartment 308 being formed in a major
surface of the sidewall of the sheath 302, it will be appreciated
that other locations (such as on a minor surface of the sidewall
and/or a bottom of the sheath 302) may be contemplated in
accordance with the present invention. Moreover, in some
embodiments, the compartment 308 may be defined in multiple faces
of the sheath 302. Additionally, the compartment 308 may have any
size and/or shape to match the needs of a particular pipe tool
300.
[0045] In some embodiments, the sheath 302 may define an aperture
318 that is configured to receive a retention ring 320, keychain,
lanyard, and/or other mechanism that allows the pipe tool 300 to be
secured to another object.
[0046] FIG. 14 depicts a pipe tool 400 that may be similar to the
other pipe tools described herein. For example, pipe tool 400 may
include a sheath 402 that includes a central recess 404 for
receiving a lighter 414. The sheath 402 may define a slot (similar
to slot 9) and/or an additional recess (similar to additional
recess 214) that extends along at least a portion of the length of
the sheath 402 and that is spaced apart from the central recess
404. The slot and/or additional recess may be configured to receive
and retain at least a portion of an elongated poker 406, which may
be similar to poker 8 and/or elongate poker 216 described above.
The pipe tool 400 may also include a tamper portion. For example,
the elongated poker 406 may include a tamper portion similar to
second end 220 described in relation to FIG. 12. In other
embodiments, the tamper portion may be formed into the sheath 402,
similar to protrusion 6 described in relation to FIGS. 1-11.
[0047] In some embodiments, the sheath 402 may include a magnet 408
that is affixed to at least one sidewall of the sheath 402. As
illustrated here, the magnet 408 is secured to a major sidewall 410
(with major sidewalls having larger surface areas than minor
sidewalls) of the sheath 402, although other locations are
possible. The magnet 408 may be secured to the sheath 402 using an
adhesive and/or mechanical connection. A number of tools 412 may be
provided that are formed of ferromagnetic materials that may be
secured to a side of the sheath 402 by the magnet 408. For example,
the tools 412 may include a knife, a dabber, a poker, tweezers, a
clip, scissors, a corkscrew and/or other small tools that may be
secured to the sheath 402, typically with minimal protrusion from a
side of the sheath 402. In some embodiments, the magnet 408 may be
formed or otherwise embedded within a body of the sheath 402 such
that all or a substantial portion of the surface of the magnet 408
is not exposed, thereby providing a more uniform, finished
appearance while still allowing various tools to be magnetically
attached to the sheath 402. Additionally, in some embodiments the
magnet 408 may have sufficient magnetic force to allow the pipe
tool 400 (including any attached tools, accessories other stored
items, and/or lighter) to be magnetically secured to a
ferromagnetic structure, such as a refrigerator and/or
ferromagnetic beam, plate, etc.
[0048] FIG. 15 depicts a pipe tool 500 that may be similar to the
other pipe tools described herein. For example, pipe tool 500 may
include a sheath 502 that includes a central recess 504 for
receiving a lighter 512. The sheath 502 may define a slot (similar
to slot 9) and/or an additional recess (similar to additional
recess 214) that extends along at least a portion of the length of
the sheath 502 and that is spaced apart from the central recess
504. The slot and/or additional recess may be configured to receive
and retain at least a portion of an elongated poker 506, which may
be similar to poker 8 and/or elongated poker 216 described above.
The pipe tool 500 may also include a tamper portion. For example,
the elongated poker 506 may include a tamper portion similar to
first end 218 described in relation to FIG. 12. In other
embodiments, the tamper portion may be formed into the sheath 502,
similar to protrusion 6 described in relation to FIGS. 1-11.
[0049] Pipe tool 500 may include a number of removable and/or
replaceable tools 508. Tools 508 may include a knife, a dabber, a
poker (in some cases this poker may replace elongated poker 506,
while in other embodiments both a fixedly coupled and a removably
coupled poker may be included on a single pipe tool 500), tweezers,
a clip, scissors, magnifying glass, and/or other small tools that
may be secured to the sheath 502. In some embodiments, each tool
508 may be pivotable out of a slot formed in the sheath 502 using a
pivotable connector 510, similar how to the pivotable poker 8
operates as described with respect to FIGS. 1-11. In some
embodiments, the pivotable connectors 510 may allow the tools to be
removed and/or replaced from the pipe tool 500. For example, each
pivotable connector 510 may include a connection mechanism 514,
such as a clasp, hook, magnet, threaded connector, and/or other
mechanical connector that allows the pivotable connector 510 to be
removably coupled with a corresponding connector formed on a
particular tool 508. This allows the arrangement and composition of
the tools 508 to be modified and also allows the tools 508 to be
removed from the pipe tool 500 for easier use, cleaning, repair,
etc.
[0050] FIG. 16 depicts a pipe tool 600 that may be similar to the
other pipe tools described herein. For example, pipe tool 600 may
include a sheath 602 that includes a central recess 604 for
receiving a lighter 614. The sheath 602 may define a slot (similar
to slot 9) and/or an additional recess (similar to additional
recess 214) that extends along at least a portion of the length of
the sheath 602 and that is spaced apart from the central recess
604. The slot and/or additional recess may be configured to receive
and retain at least a portion of an elongated poker 606, which may
be similar to poker 8 and/or elongated poker 216 described above.
The pipe tool 600 may also include a tamper portion. For example,
the elongated poker 606 may include a tamper portion similar to
second end 220 described in relation to FIG. 12. In other
embodiments, the tamper portion may be formed into the sheath 602,
similar to protrusion 6 described in relation to FIGS. 1-11.
[0051] In some embodiments, the pipe tool 600 may include a carb
cap or pipe bowl cover, which may be used to cover an opening of a
pipe bowl to help retain heat within the pipe bowl. There are
several ways in which the carb cap may be implemented into pipe
tool 600. For example, in some embodiments, a carb cap 608 may be
formed into a sidewall 610 of the sheath 602. For example, the carb
cap 608 may be molded into the sheath 602 and/or a separate carb
cap 608 body may be affixed to the sheath 602 using an adhesive,
magnet, and/or mechanical fastener. In such embodiments, the pipe
tool 600 itself may be positioned over the pipe bowl, with the
portion of the sheath 602 forming the carb cap 608 being positioned
directly over and in contact with edges of the pipe bowl.
[0052] In other embodiments, a carb cap may be extendable and/or
removable from the sheath 602. For example, in some embodiments, a
carb cap 612 may be removably coupled with the sheath 602, such as
by using a snap fit and/or other disengageable connection. As
illustrated here, the carb cap 612 is configured to be removably
coupled with a bottom of the sheath 602, although in some
embodiments the carb cap 612 may be coupled with a sidewall of the
sheath 602. In some embodiments, rather than being fully removable,
the carb cap may be configured to extend outward beyond an outer
periphery of the sheath 602 such that a user may hold the sheath
602 to position the protruding carb cap over a pipe bowl. In yet
other embodiments, a carb cap may be formed on an end of the
elongated poker 606. For example, a second of the elongated poker
606 (similar to second end 220) may be shaped to act as a carb cap
when the elongated poker 606 is removed from an additional recess
formed in the sheath.
[0053] FIG. 17 depicts a pipe tool 700 that may be similar to the
other pipe tools described herein. For example, pipe tool 700 may
include a sheath 702 that includes a central recess 704 for
receiving a lighter 724. In some embodiments, the sheath 702 may be
formed from a material that is sufficiently buoyant such that the
entire pipe tool 700 floats, even when holding a lighter and/or any
materials stored within a compartment formed within the pipe tool
700. The sheath 702 may define a slot (similar to slot 9) and/or an
additional recess (similar to additional recess 214) that extends
along at least a portion of the length of the sheath 702 and that
is spaced apart from the central recess 704. The slot and/or
additional recess may be configured to receive and retain at least
a portion of an elongated poker 706, which may be similar to poker
8 and/or elongate poker 216 described above. The pipe tool 700 may
also include a tamper portion. For example, the elongated poker 706
may include a tamper portion similar to second end 220 described in
relation to FIG. 12. In other embodiments, the tamper portion may
be formed into the sheath 702, similar to protrusion 6 described in
relation to FIGS. 1-11.
[0054] In some embodiments, the sheath 702 may define a whistle
708. The whistle 708 may be formed along at least one edge of the
sheath 702 such a user may easily place their lips over the whistle
708 to produce a noise. As illustrated here, the whistle is formed
in a corner of the sheath 702, however other locations are
possible. The sheath 702 may further define one or more
compartments 710. Compartment 710 may be similar to the compartment
308 described above, and may have an interior that is usable to
store any number of objects. A cover (not shown) such as a door
and/or drawer front may be included that allows the compartment to
be covered and/or sealed when in a closed position. While shown
with compartment 710 being formed along a minor face of the sheath
702, is will be appreciated that other locations may be used for
the compartment 710.
[0055] In some embodiments, a mirror 712 may be affixed to the
sheath 702, such as by using an adhesive and/or mechanical
connection. Similarly, a navigation compass 714 may also be
included affixed to the sheath 702. While both the mirror 712 and
the compass 714 are illustrated as being secured to the same major
surface of the sheath 702, in some embodiments one or both of the
mirror 712 and the compass 714 may be positioned on a different
surface of the sheath 702. Additionally, it will be appreciated
that in some embodiments, the pipe tool 702 may only include one of
the mirror 712 or the compass 714. In some embodiments, a flint
striker 716 is affixed on an exterior surface of the sheath 702.
For example, the flint striker 716 may be secured to an edge and/or
face of the sheath 702 and allows a user to generate sparks to
start a fire.
[0056] In some embodiments, the pipe tool 700 may include a
flashlight 718 that is embedded and/or otherwise secured to the
sheath 702. For example, the flashlight 718 may include a light
element (such as a light emitting diode (LED), a power element
(such as a battery), and an actuator (such as a button) that allows
a user to selectively activate the flashlight 718. The flashlight
718 may be positioned at any location on the sheath 702. In some
embodiments, the flashlight 718 may have simple on/off functions,
while in other embodiments, by manipulating the actuator multiple
times and/or in different ways various functions of the flashlight
718 may be activated. For example, different functions of the
flashlight 718 may include color changes of the emitted light, an
intensity adjustments of the emitted light, whether the light is a
steady beam or flashing, a frequency of flashes, and/or other
functions.
[0057] In some embodiments, the pipe tool 700 may include a wind
cover 720. The wind cover 720 may be pivotally attached to the
sheath 702 and/or may be fully removable from the sheath 702 and
may be retained in an engaged position using a snap fit connection,
magnets, and/or other mechanical connector. The wind cover 720 may
be configured to be disposed over the central recess 704 such that
the wind cover extends over a top of a lighter secured within the
central recess 704. For example, the wind cover 720 may be
generally cone-shaped such that the wind cover 720 tapers toward a
position where a tip of a flame from the lighter is located. A tip
of the wind cover 720 may define an opening 722 that provides
access to the tip of the flame. Such a wind cover 720 protects the
light flame from lateral wind. The wind cover 720 may be configured
to provide access to a spark wheel and/or other lighting mechanism
of the lighter such that the lighter may be activated while the
wind cover 720 is engaged. In some embodiments, one or more small
apertures may be formed in a side of the wind cover 720 to provide
some additional oxygen to reach the flame while still blocking a
majority of any wind. In some embodiments, rather than having
opening 722 formed in a top of the wind cover 720, the opening may
be formed in a lateral side of the wind cover. Such a design allows
the lighter to be held horizontally to light an object.
[0058] In some embodiments, the pipe tool 700 may include removable
and/or pivotable tools as described above in relation to pipe tools
400 and 500. In some embodiments, the tools may be the same or
similar to those described elsewhere herein, while in other
embodiments the tools may be directed to personal care. For
example, the tools may include one or more types of makeup brushes,
tweezers, a comb, other makeup applicators, eyebrow stencils,
makeup removal tools, and the like. It will be appreciated that the
above list is not exhaustive and that other self-care tools, makeup
devices, and the like may be incorporated into pipe tool 700.
[0059] In some embodiments, rather than providing a sheath or
holder for a disposable and/or reusable lighter, a lighter may have
a built-in housing or casing that contains any number of tools. For
example, FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of a lighter 800 having
a casing that includes one or more tools. Lighter 800 may be a
disposable lighter that may be thrown away, recycled, and/or
otherwise discarded after all of the lighter fluid has been
utilized. In other embodiments, the lighter 800 may be refillable
such that the lighter 800 may be used indefinitely by adding new
lighter fluid and/or replacing flints and/or other ignition
mechanisms. In such embodiments, the casing of the lighter 800 may
define one or more sealable fluid ports that allow a lumen and/or
other lighter fluid refill device to be interfaced with a fuel
reservoir of the lighter 800 for refueling purposes.
[0060] In some embodiments, the housing of lighter 800 may define a
slot (similar to slot 9) and/or an additional recess (similar to
additional recess 214) that extends along at least a portion of the
length of the housing of the lighter 800. The slot and/or
additional recess may be configured to receive and retain at least
a portion of an elongated poker 802, which may be similar to poker
8 and/or elongate poker 216 described above. The elongated poker
802 may be movable between a stowed position and an open position.
In the stowed position, at least a portion of the elongated poker
is disposed within the slot or the additional recess. For example,
the stowed position may involve the elongated poker 802 being
pivoted into the slot as described in relation to FIG. 1 or may
involve the elongated poker 802 being slidingly received within the
additional recess as described in relation to FIG. 12. In the open
position at least a portion of the elongated poker 802 is at least
partially disengageable from the slot or the additional recess such
that a tip of the elongated poker 802 is insertable into a pipe
bowl. For example, the open position may involve the elongated
poker 802 being pivoted out of the slot such that a tip of the
elongated poker 802 extends away from housing of the lighter 800
and is insertable into a pipe bowl as illustrated in relation to
FIGS. 1-11. In other embodiments, the open position may involve the
elongated poker 802 being partially and/or fully slid out of and/or
otherwise removed from the additional recess.
[0061] The lighter 800 may also include a tamper portion 804. For
example, the elongated poker 802 may include a tamper portion
similar to second end 220 described in relation to FIG. 12. In
other embodiments, such as illustrated here, a tamper portion 804
may be formed into the housing of lighter 800, similar to
protrusion 6 described in relation to FIGS. 1-11.
[0062] Lighter 800 may also include one or more additional tools or
features, such as those described in FIGS. 12-17. For example, the
housing of lighter 800 may further define at least one storage
compartment similar to those described in relation to FIG. 13. A
keyring and/or other attachment mechanism may also be included
and/or formed into the housing of lighter 800. In some embodiments,
one or more tools may be permanently and/or removably attached to
the housing of lighter 800. For example, in some embodiments a
magnet may be affixed to at least one sidewall of the housing of
lighter 800 that allows various tools to be magnetically attached
to the housing of lighter 800 and/or allows the lighter 800
(including any attached tools, accessories other stored items,
and/or lighter) to be magnetically secured to a ferromagnetic
structure as described in relation to FIG. 14. In other
embodiments, a number of tools may be secured to the lighter 800 in
a manner similar to that described in relation to the sheath of
FIG. 15. In some embodiments, lighter 800 may include a carb cap
such as described in relation to FIG. 16. In other embodiments,
features of FIG. 17 may be incorporated into the lighter 800. For
example, the housing of the lighter 800 may be formed from a
material that is sufficiently buoyant such that the entire lighter
800 floats. In some embodiments, the housing of the lighter 800 may
define a whistle. In some embodiments, a mirror, flint striker,
and/or navigation compass may be affixed to the exterior of the
housing of the lighter 800, such as by using an adhesive and/or
mechanical connection. In some embodiments, the lighter may include
a flashlight that is embedded and/or otherwise secured to the
housing of the lighter 800. In some embodiments, the lighter 800
may include a wind cover and/or additionally removable and/or fixed
tools.
[0063] It will be appreciated that the pipe tools and lighters
described herein may include some or all of the features described
in relation to the various embodiments described herein. Any
combination of the features described herein may be utilized in a
particular embodiment to provide a pipe tool and/or lighter having
the desired combination of features and capabilities.
[0064] It should be noted that the systems and devices discussed
above are intended merely to be examples. It must be stressed that
various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures
or components as appropriate. Also, features described with respect
to certain embodiments may be combined in various other
embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may
be combined in a similar manner. Also, it should be emphasized that
technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and
should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.
[0065] Specific details are given in the description to provide a
thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments
may be practiced without these specific details. For example,
well-known structures and techniques have been shown without
unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
This description provides example embodiments only, and is not
intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the
invention. Rather, the preceding description of the embodiments
will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description
for implementing embodiments of the invention. Various changes may
be made in the function and arrangement of elements without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0066] Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized
by those of skill in the art that various modifications,
alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without
departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above
elements may merely be a component of a larger system, wherein
other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the
application of the invention. Also, a number of steps may be
undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are
considered. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken
as limiting the scope of the invention.
[0067] Also, the words "comprise", "comprising", "contains",
"containing", "include", "including", and "includes", when used in
this specification and in the following claims, are intended to
specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or
steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or
more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or
groups.
[0068] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly or conventionally
understood. As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" refer to one
or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical
object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one
element or more than one element. "About" and/or "approximately" as
used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount,
a temporal duration, and the like, encompasses variations of
.+-.20% or .+-.10%, .+-.5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, as
such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems,
devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described
herein. "Substantially" as used herein when referring to a
measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, a physical
attribute (such as frequency), and the like, also encompasses
variations of .+-.20% or .+-.10%, .+-.5%, or +0.1% from the
specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the
context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other
implementations described herein.
[0069] As used herein, including in the claims, "and" as used in a
list of items prefaced by "at least one of" or "one or more of"
indicates that any combination of the listed items may be used. For
example, a list of "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any of
the combinations A or B or C or AB or AC or BC and/or ABC (i.e., A
and B and C). Furthermore, to the extent more than one occurrence
or use of the items A, B, or C is possible, multiple uses of A, B,
and/or C may form part of the contemplated combinations. For
example, a list of "at least one of A, B, and C" may also include
AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.
* * * * *