U.S. patent application number 17/747288 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-01 for smoking pipe with improved draft holes.
The applicant listed for this patent is Matt Miller. Invention is credited to Matt Miller.
Application Number | 20220273025 17/747288 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006336866 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220273025 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Matt |
September 1, 2022 |
SMOKING PIPE WITH IMPROVED DRAFT HOLES
Abstract
A brass smoking pipe is modified with numerous improvements. It
is nickel-brass plated to prevent tarnishing. The draft holes are
enlarged from the standard 1/16'' to 3/32'' diameter and drilled at
an angle. The tar trap is drilled into a new deep-dish
configuration. These modifications improve the pipe's draw. A
titanium or quartz crystal retaining rod is provided, both to store
multiple quartz crystal bowls in the storage canister and to serve
as a domeless nail, converting an herb pipe to a concentrate pipe.
A push nut holds quartz crystal bowls on the retaining rod. An
oversized poker, available in brass, titanium, or glass, holds the
tar trap in place and removes the tar trap for cleaning. The poker
may be fitted with an easy-pull grip nut or a removal tool to
remove the retaining rod and quartz crystal bowls from the storage
canister.
Inventors: |
Miller; Matt; (Long Beach,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Miller; Matt |
Long Beach |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006336866 |
Appl. No.: |
17/747288 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16865399 |
May 3, 2020 |
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17747288 |
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62872159 |
Jul 9, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 3/00 20130101; A24F
1/32 20130101; A24F 5/10 20130101; A24F 5/08 20130101; A24F 9/10
20130101; A24F 9/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 1/32 20060101
A24F001/32; A24F 5/10 20060101 A24F005/10; A24F 9/16 20060101
A24F009/16; A24F 3/00 20060101 A24F003/00; A24F 9/10 20060101
A24F009/10; A24F 5/08 20060101 A24F005/08 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. A smoking pipe assembly, comprising a brass smoking pipe
comprising a brass bowl with a center; a central draft hole at the
center of the brass bowl; one or more peripheral draft holes in the
brass bowl, not at the center; said central draft hole and
peripheral draft holes measuring at least 3/32'' inch in diameter;
said peripheral draft holes drilled at an angle of
10.degree.-30.degree. toward the center of the brass bowl.
9. The smoking pipe assembly of claim 8, further comprising a
storage canister with a storage canister diameter; a plurality of
quartz crystal bowls smaller than the brass bowl and smaller than
the storage canister, each quartz crystal bowl having a top rim, a
bottom surface, and a central draft hole centered in the bottom
surface; said quartz crystal bowls stacked to form a cartridge; a
retaining rod passing through the central draft holes of all the
quartz crystal bowls in the cartridge; a support attached to the
retaining rod and underneath the closed bottom surface of the
bottom-most quartz crystal bowl; said quartz crystal bowls,
retaining rod, and support stored inside the storage canister; a
diameter of the retaining rod; a removal tool, in the form of a
cylinder with at least one open end, a hollow interior, and a
diameter of the hollow interior equal to the diameter of the
retaining rod.
10. The smoking pipe assembly of claim 9, wherein the retaining rod
is composed of a material with melting point above 1,600.degree.
C.; the central draft hole of each quartz crystal bowl is at least
3/32 inches in diameter.
11. The smoking pipe assembly of claim 10, wherein each support is
a washer with a concave face, a convex face, and a central hole;
further comprising a layer of nickel plated onto the brass smoking
pipe; a layer of brass plated onto the layer of nickel; and further
comprising a hollow chamber underneath the brass bowl; a poker stem
opening into the hollow chamber; a poker with first end and second
end, with the first end fitted into the poker stem; a grip nut on
the second end of the poker; said poker stem opening into the
hollow chamber; said first end of the poker protruding through the
poker stem into the hollow chamber; a tar trap in the hollow
chamber, said tar trap having a vertical exterior wall; a groove
carved partly through the vertical exterior wall of the tar trap;
so that the first end of the poker fits into the groove.
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
Description
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is in the field of smoking pipes,
specifically brass pipes.
2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The classic smoking pipe is made of hard wood. It is used to
smoke dry herbs such as tobacco. The pipe has a bowl to contain the
leaves, which are then lit to produce smoke. The smoke is then
inhaled through a hollow stem. Modern pipes are made of glass or
metal. In addition to dry leaves, modern pipes are also used to
smoke vapors from hot oils.
3. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED TECHNOLOGY
[0003] In the 20.sup.th century, Phil Jergenson invented the
popular brass smoking pipe marketed as the Proto Pipe.RTM., the
subject of U.S. Pat. D259,587. The Proto Pipe.RTM. has a brass bowl
for containing dry herbs. The bottom of the bowl is perforated with
draft holes. Directly beneath the draft holes is a hollow chamber.
The smoke channel leads out of this hollow chamber into the stem.
At the bottom of the hollow chamber is a tar trap, which collects
gummy residue that drips through the draft holes when the herbs are
burned.
[0004] One well known problem with the Proto Pipe.RTM. is that it
is notoriously difficult to remove the tar trap for cleaning. The
tar glues the trap into place. Another problem is that the pipe
tarnishes over time. Further, the pipe is a product of earlier
times when herbs were harder to clean. The draft holes are limited
to 1/16'' in diameter in order to keep dirt from falling into the
hollow chamber. The small draft holes limit the pipe's airflow
capacity, known in the art as the draw.
4. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is a modification of the Proto
Pipe.RTM. with several improvements. It is nickel-and-brass plated
to prevent tarnishing. It has enlarged draft holes and an enlarged
tar trap for increased draw. The invention provides a groove and
O-ring around the tar trap for greater ease of removal and
cleaning.
[0006] A quartz crystal bowl is provided. The quartz crystal bowl
is useful for smoking dry herb, oil, or oil-infused herb. The
invention provides a plurality of quartz crystal bowls, which fit
inside the storage chamber as a cartridge. Other improvements will
be presented in detail below.
5. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a top view looking into the brass bowl.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a first perspective view of the bottom of the
invention. This figure shows a tar trap positioned to be inserted
into a chamber on the bottom of the invention, and a quartz crystal
bowl positioned to be inserted into the quartz crystal bowl on the
top of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a second perspective view of the bottom of the
invention, looking into the tar trap chamber.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the "deep dish" tar trap of
the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the deep dish tar trap,
cut along a diameter. This view showcases the groove-and-O-ring
feature of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 6, subfigures 6A-6E, depicts variations of the poker
grip nut.
[0013] FIG. 7 shows a small removable glass smoking bowl inside the
invention's fixed brass bowl.
[0014] FIG. 8 shows a perforated washer modified to form a push
nut. It also shows such a washer inserted onto a retaining rod.
[0015] FIG. 9 shows a retaining rod inserted into a quartz crystal
bowl. The quartz crystal bowl is supported by a push nut.
[0016] FIG. 10 shows the configuration of FIG. 9 inserted into the
brass pipe, as a flame heats the quartz crystal bowl.
[0017] FIG. 11 shows a quartz crystal bowl inserted onto one end of
a retaining rod.
[0018] FIG. 12 shows a plurality of quartz crystal bowls inserted
onto a retaining rod. They are being lowered into a storage
canister, like cartridges in a magazine.
[0019] FIG. 13 shows all the components of the smoking pipe
assembly.
6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Each part of the invention is numbered with a digit that
indicates the figure in which the part first appears. For example,
part 221 first appears in FIG. 2. If that part has sub-parts in the
same figure, then the sub-part number begins with the part number.
For instance, part 221 is the first sub-part of part 22.
[0021] The invention is a modified brass smoking pipe. Production
begins with a standard solid brass pipe 11, ideally the Proto
Pipe.RTM. or a similar article. The essential parts of the
unmodified pipe are a brass bowl 111 with a central draft hole 1111
and peripheral draft holes 1112, a mouthpiece 112, a storage
canister 113, a removable poker 114 that fits into a poker stem 23,
a hollow chamber 21 beneath the brass bowl, and a removable tar
trap 22 that fits within the hollow chamber.
[0022] The improved pipe is coated with a plate of nickel, which is
then plated with another layer of brass. This plating is enough to
keep the pipe from tarnishing.
[0023] The draft holes in a standard brass pipe are 1/16 inch in
diameter. This is a holdover from days when available herbs were
dryer and dirtier than today (about 5% dirt by volume). With
today's cleaner product, the pipe can function with larger holes.
The next modification is to use a drill to expand each draft hole
1111 and 1112 to a diameter of 3/32 inch. See FIG. 1. Furthermore,
each peripheral draft hole 1112 is drilled at an angle deviating
10-30.degree. (optimally 15.degree.) from vertical. This helps to
reduce tar trap buildup.
[0024] The tar trap 22 is a solid brass plug that is concave on top
to collect tar from burning herbs. The next major improvement in
the current invention is a deepening of the tar trap. FIGS. 4 and 5
show the modified and improved tar trap with its improved deep dish
41. The deep dish 41 is created with a drill press. It has a depth
of 1/4 inch. Note the vertical interior walls 411 and concavity
412. These features are improvements over the Proto Pipe.RTM.. The
Proto Pipe.RTM. tar trap only has a shallow depression on top. The
deep dish serves two advantages. First, it works with the larger
draft holes to increase the pipe's draw. Secondarily, it gives the
tar trap greater capacity for increased use between cleanings. The
deep dish helps to cool smoke before it is drawn through the smoke
hole 221 into the mouthpiece 112. The dish is also deep enough to
accommodate a flavor pad.
[0025] Note that the deep-dish concavity 412 sits essentially below
the smoke hole 221. This keeps smoke and tar from seeping out of
the tar trap into the hollow chamber 21. In a traditional Proto
Pipe.RTM., this seepage creates a layer of residue around the tar
trap, gluing the tar trap into the hollow chamber.
[0026] The improved tar trap is modified to fit better into the
hollow chamber for easier insertion and removal. The Proto
Pipe.RTM. tar trap is tapered and then press fit into the hollow
chamber. By contrast, the modified tar trap has a vertical external
wall 223. The external wall has a circumferential groove 51. An
O-ring 222 fits into the circumferential groove 51. The O-ring
provides a tight seal for the tar trap when it is inserted into the
hollow chamber. Because of this seal, it is not necessary to press
fit the modified tar trap into the hollow chamber. The tar trap is
removed for cleaning much more easily.
[0027] The poker 114 is a multi-functional tool. Normally, it fits
in place on the underside of the pipe, as shown best in FIG. 2. The
improved poker comes in two lengths: standard length and
low-profile length. Since it is important to insert and remove the
poker regularly, one embodiment of the present invention provides
an improved grip nut 61 welded to the first end 1141 of the poker,
as shown best in FIG. 6A. The grip nut provides for good grip and
an easy pull to remove the poker from the poker stem 23. The grip
nut comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, as
illustrated in FIGS. 6B-6E. FIG. 6B shows a 1/72 solid brass grip
nut. FIG. 6C is the daisy screen copper grip nut. FIG. 6D shows a
4/40 solid brass grip nut. FIG. 6E shows a 4/40 stainless steel
grip nut. The grip nut also serves as an improved packing tool for
the herb.
[0028] The Proto Pipe.RTM. uses only a straight steel wire to hold
the tar trap in place. The improved pipe has an enlarged poker 114.
A second end 25 of the poker 114 protrudes into the hollow chamber
21, as visible in FIGS. 2 and 3. The second end of the poker fits
into the poker groove 42, locking the tar trap into place. This not
only secures the tar trap in the hollow chamber, but maintains the
correct orientation so the smoke hole 221 correctly aligns with the
entrance to the mouthpiece 112.
[0029] The poker is also used to remove the tar trap. The second
end 25 of the poker 114 fits through the central draft hole 1111 of
the brass bowl and pushes down on the tar trap 22. This action
easily removes the tar trap. The same action is notoriously
difficult for the Proto Pipe.RTM.. In the Proto Pipe.RTM., the tar
trap is press fit. Furthermore, without the O-ring, the Proto
Pipe.RTM. tar trap tends to get completely glued into the hollow
chamber with tar.
[0030] In an alternative embodiment (not shown in the figures) the
poker may take the form of a hex key or Allen wrench, with a
90.degree. bend in the first end 1141. The 90.degree. bend replaces
the grip nut. In this embodiment, the second end 25 has a hexagonal
cross-section. The hexagonal cross-section fits into the screw 115
to adjust the screw more loosely or tightly. The screw, in turn,
secures the lid 116 of the pipe.
[0031] The poker may be formed of brass or a material with a high
melting point such as grade 2 titanium or glass. Brass, titanium,
and some forms of glass have melting points above 1,600.degree. C.
A heat-resistant poker is useful when the poker is used to dab
concentrates.
[0032] Some smokers prefer to keep their herb in a quartz crystal
bowl 24. The quartz crystal bowl is made of quartz crystal glass.
It fits inside the brass bowl, as shown in FIG. 7. The quartz
crystal bowl provided in the present invention has a central draft
hole 241 and four peripheral draft holes 242. The peripheral draft
holes are drilled, while the central draft hole is laser-cut. The
central draft hole is oversized, with a diameter of 3/32 inch. When
fitted into the brass bowl, as seen in FIG. 7, the draft holes of
the quartz crystal bowl align with the draft holes of the brass
bowl. Regardless of the quartz crystal bowl's orientation, its
oversized central draft hole 241 will always align fully with the
central draft hole 1111 of the brass bowl, allowing for maximal
draw. After the pipe's first use, the burned herbs will form a
resin or tar that will hold the quartz crystal bowl in place within
the brass bowl.
[0033] The improved invention modifies a brass pipe to serve as a
concentrate pipe. A concentrate is an herbal oil made into a
concentrated wax or liquid. For example, e-juice is a tobacco
concentrate used in e-cigarettes. To set up the pipe to smoke
concentrate, a retaining rod 81 is fitted through the central draft
hole of a quartz crystal bowl as seen in FIG. 9. The other end of
the retaining rod is secured in the brass bowl 111, as shown in
FIG. 10. A stabilizing hole (not shown) can be drilled in the
center of the deep-dish tar trap for this purpose. The
configuration shown in FIG. 10 is also known in the art as a
domeless nail. A flame is then used to heat and vaporize the
concentrate. Since it is subject to intense heat, the retaining rod
81 is made of material with a high melting point, ideally titanium
or quartz crystal glass, which have melting points above
1,600.degree. C.
[0034] FIG. 11 shows a quartz crystal bowl 24 fitted to a retaining
rod 81. The retaining rod is long enough to accommodate up to six
quartz crystal bowls, as seen stacked adjacently in FIG. 12. This
configuration forms a cartridge system. The retaining rod has
substantially the same length as the storage canister, making it
difficult to remove the cartridge assembly from the storage
canister with fingers. For this purpose, a removal tool 11-1 is
provided. This is a hollow metallic stem that fits snugly over the
retaining rod. A divot or slight indentation (not shown) can be
added to the removal tool to make it hold the retaining rod more
tightly. It is then easy to grab the removal tool and pull the
cartridge assembly out of the storage canister. In the embodiment
of the invention shown in FIG. 13, the removal tool 11-1 is
permanently secured to the first end 1141 of the poker 114; such a
poker does not have a grip nut 61.
[0035] A push nut 82 is provided to facilitate holding a quartz
crystal bowl 24 on a retaining rod 81. A push nut is a washer with
a concave face 821 and a convex face 822 (not shown directly). The
washer is perforated with a central hole 823. The configuration of
the push nut makes it unidirectional. When a push force is applied
to the convex face, the central hole is slightly opened, allowing
the push nut to slide along the rod in the direction of its concave
face. However, when a push force is applied to the concave face,
the central hole is slightly closed, making the push nut seize up
on the retaining rod. In this regard, the push nut is like a
Tinnerman washer.
[0036] The push nut provides support for one or more quartz crystal
bowls on a retaining rod. FIGS. 9 and 10 show a quartz crystal bowl
24 sitting atop a push nut 82 on the retaining rod 81. A push nut
would also be used to support the cartridge of quartz crystal bowls
on the retaining rod, just out of sight in FIG. 12.
[0037] FIG. 13 shows all the parts of the assembly. When they are
all put back together, the retaining rod 81 and the removal tool
11-1 fit in the storage canister. The poker 114 fits into the poker
stem 23 and the tar trap 22 fits into place in the hollow chamber
beneath the brass bowl 111.
* * * * *