AIRFLOW DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to airflow devices and related methods. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to airflow devices as well as associated methods for applications such as, for example, vaporizing and/or smoking.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to airflow devices that are generally used in the context of vaporizing and/or smoking. According to some embodiments, an airflow device may include a first body defining a central cavity. The airflow device may additionally include a second body configured to be received within the first body. In additional embodiments, the first body may define a first opening in fluid communication with the central cavity to form a first fluid passageway extending through the first body. The second body may further define a second opening and a third opening in fluid communication with the second opening to form a second fluid passageway extending through the second body. Additionally, the second fluid passageway of the first body may be substantially aligned with the first fluid passageway of the first body.

According to some embodiments, an airflow device may include a first body defining a central cavity. The airflow device may further include a second body positioned within the first body. In additional embodiments, the first body may further define a first opening in fluid communication with the central cavity to form a first fluid passageway extending through the first body. The second body may define a second opening and a third opening in fluid communication with the second opening to form a second fluid passageway extending through the second body. The second body may be positioned within the first body such that the second fluid passageway of the second body is substantially aligned with the first fluid passageway of the first body.

According to some embodiments, a method of manufacturing an airflow device may include forming a first body. In some embodiments, the first body may be a flexible material and may include a first portion defining a central cavity and a first opening. The first body may include an elongated tubular portion connected to the first portion. The central cavity, the first opening, and the elongated tubular portion may cooperatively define a first fluid passageway through the first body. The central cavity may be sized, shaped, and configured to receive a second body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational, exploded view of an example airflow device in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the airflow device of FIG. 1 in a fully assembled state, in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first body of the airflow device of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second body of the airflow device of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the airflow device of FIG. 1 in a partially assembled state and in a first position, in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the airflow device of FIG. 1 in a partially assembled state and in a second position, in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another first body of the airflow device of FIG. 1, in accordance with additional embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top, cross-sectional view of the first body of the airflow device of FIG. 7, in accordance with additional embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another second body of the airflow device of FIG. 1, in accordance with additional embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a top, cross-sectional view of the second body of the airflow device of FIG. 9, in accordance with additional embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a top, cross-sectional view of the airflow device including the first body of FIG. 7 and the second body of FIG. 9 in a partially assembled state and in a third position, in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example method of manufacturing the airflow device of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Brief Summary above and in the Detailed Description, the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method acts) of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the disclosure includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular embodiment, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments described herein.

The following description provides specific details, such as components, assembly, and materials in order to provide a thorough description of embodiments of the disclosure. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without employing these specific details.

The use of the term “for example,” means that the related description is explanatory, and though the scope of the disclosure is intended to encompass the examples and legal equivalents, the use of such terms is not intended to limit the scope of an embodiment or this disclosure to the specified components, acts, features, functions, or the like.

Drawings presented herein are for illustrative purposes, and are not necessarily meant to be actual views of any particular material, component, structure, or device. Thus, embodiments described herein are not to be construed as being limited to the particular shapes or regions as illustrated, but include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as box-shaped may have rough and/or nonlinear features, and a region illustrated or described as round may include some rough and/or linear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded, and vice versa. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and do not limit the scope of the present claims. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Additionally, elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation.

As used herein, the term “configured to” in reference to a structure or device intended to perform some function refers to size, shape, material composition, material distribution, orientation, and/or arrangement, etc., of the referenced structure or device.

As used herein, the terms “comprising” and “including,” and grammatical equivalents thereof include both open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method acts, and more restrictive terms such as “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” and grammatical equivalents thereof.

As used herein, the term “may” with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure and such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term “is” so as to avoid any implication that other, compatible materials, structures, features and methods usable in combination therewith should or must be excluded.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

As used herein, relational terms, such as “first,” “second,” etc., are used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings and does not connote or depend on any specific preference, orientation, or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the term “about,” when used in reference to a numerical value for a particular parameter, is inclusive of the numerical value and a degree of variance from the numerical value that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand is within acceptable tolerances for the particular parameter. For example, “about,” in reference to a numerical value, may include additional numerical values within a range of from 90.0 percent to 110.0 percent of the numerical value, such as within a range of from 95.0 percent to 105.0 percent of the numerical value, within a range of from 97.5 percent to 102.5 percent of the numerical value, within a range of from 99.0 percent to 101.0 percent of the numerical value, within a range of from 99.5 percent to 100.5 percent of the numerical value, or within a range of from 99.9 percent to 100.1 percent of the numerical value.

As used herein, the term “substantially” in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a degree of variance, such as within acceptable tolerances. By way of example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0 percent met, at least 95.0 percent met, at least 99.0 percent met, at least 99.9 percent met, or even 100.0 percent met.

As used herein, the terms “smoking and/or vaporizing substance,” refers to one or more dry herbs for smoking, concentrates for smoking, and/or concentrates for vaporizing (e.g., “dab” concentrates, such as shatter, crumble, wax, budder, rosin, live resin, etc.) that are made of or include any suitable herb that can be dried and smoked, or from which smoking and/or vaporizing concentrates can be made. As non-limiting examples, “smoking and/or vaporizing substances,” may be derived from herbs, such as cannabis, tobacco, blue cornflower, blue vervain, calamus, calendula, catnip, chamomile, chrysanthemum, damiana, echinacea, eucalyptus, gotu kala, hawthorn, hibiscus, holy basil, jasmine, lavender, lemongrass, licorice root, linden, marshallow leaf, mugwort, mullein, nettle, passionflower, peppermint, raspberry leaf, rose, sage, skullcap, saint john's wort, uva ursi, wild dagga, wormwood, violet, yarrow, yerba santa, combinations of two or more of the foregoing, etc.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an example airflow device 100. The airflow device 100 may be utilized in the context of vaporizing and/or smoking, although the use of the airflow device 100 is in no way limited to the vaporizing and/or smoking context. In the vaporizing and/or smoking context, the airflow device 100 may function as what is colloquially referred to as a “handpipe” or “straw.” Thus, the airflow device 100 may be utilized to pass airflow, including vapors, and/or smoke through the airflow device 100. The airflow device 100 generally includes a first body 102 and a second body 104 configured to be received within the first body 102. The airflow device 100 may additionally include a first cap 106 and a second cap 108. As will be discussed in further detail below, the second body 104 may be positioned within the first body 102 to facilitate and direct airflow through the airflow device 100.

The first body 102, the second body 104, the first cap 106, and the second cap 108 may each be capable of removably connecting to one another such that the device can be configured (e.g., assembled) as desired. The airflow device 100 may include a disassembled state, in which the second body 104, the first cap 106, the second cap 108, and the first body 102 are separated from one another. The airflow device 100 may include a partially assembled state, in which the first body 102 is connected to one or more of the second body 104, the first cap 106, and/or the second cap 108. In addition, the airflow device 100 may include a fully assembled state, in which the second body 104 is received within the first body 102, and the first cap 106 and the second cap 108 are secured to respective sides of the first body 102. In the partially or fully assembled state, there may be at least two functional configurations (e.g., positions) for the airflow device 100 (shown and described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5).

In addition to one or more functional configurations, the airflow device 100 may also be used as a container to store a smoking and/or vaporizing substance. In embodiments in which the airflow device 100 is configured to be used as a storage container, the first body 102 may be connected to the first cap 106 and/or the second cap 108 to form an enclosed storage chamber within the first body 102. In some embodiments, the second body 104 may be positioned within the first body 102, and an upper surface of the second body 104 may be used to store the smoking and/or vaporizing substance. In additional embodiments, the second body 104 may be omitted from the airflow device 100. For example, the smoking and/or vaporizing substance may be placed directly within the first body 102 before sealing an end of the first body 102 with the first cap 106 and/or the second cap 108. Additionally, or alternatively, a separate container (e.g., a jar) of a suitable shape and/or size may be loaded with the smoking and/or vaporizing substance, and then the loaded separate container may be positioned within the first body 102 before connecting the first cap 106 and/or the second cap 108.

The first body 102, the second body 104, the first cap 106, and the second cap 108 may each be made of or include any desired material, such as one or more metals (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, metal alloys, etc.), glasses (e.g., soda-lime, borosilicate, fiberglass, aluminosilicate, non-silicate, etc.), ceramics (e.g., quartz, aluminum oxide, clay, porcelain, etc.), polymers (e.g., hemp, shellac, amber, wool, silk, natural rubber, cellulose, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, synthetic rubber, phenol formaldehyde resin (or Bakelite), neoprene, nylon, polyacrylonitrile, PVB, silicone, etc.), and/or composites (e.g., metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, reinforced plastics (e.g., fiberglass), composite wood, etc.).

FIG. 2 is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the airflow device 100 in the fully assembled state. The first cap 106 and the second cap 108 may each be configured to removably connect to the first body 102. For example, the first cap 106 may be configured to removably connect to a first end 116 of the first body 102. The second cap 108 may be configured to removably connect to a second end 118 of the first body 102, opposite the first end 116.

To facilitate the removable connections, the first body 102 may include a first connection feature 119 configured to connect to the first cap 106, and a second connection feature 120 configured to connect to the second cap 108. The first connection feature 119 may be located at the first end 116 of the first body 102 and a second connection feature 120 may be located at the second end 118 of the first body 102. In some embodiments, the first connection feature 119 is the same size, shape, etc., as the second connection feature 120. Thus, in some embodiments, the first connection feature 119 and the second connection feature 120 may each be configured to removably connect to both the first cap 106 and the second cap 108. In additional embodiments, the first connection feature 119 is different than the second connection feature 120 in terms of size and/or shape, etc. Thus, in additional embodiments, the first connection feature 119 may be configured to only connect to the first cap 106, and the second connection feature 120 may be configured to only connect to the second cap 108.

The first connection feature 119 and the second connection feature 120 may exhibit any suitable size, shape, etc., to facilitate connection(s) to the respective cap(s) 106, 108. In addition, the first connection feature 119 and the second connection feature 120 may each include any suitable feature to facilitate a removable connection between the first body 102 and the caps 106, 108. For example, the connection features 119, 120 may include threads, protrusions (e.g., ridges, pins, etc.), or openings (e.g., grooves, holes, etc.) on the first body 102 that are configured to engage with corresponding (e.g., complementary) features, such as threads, openings (e.g., grooves, holes, etc.), protrusions (e.g., ridges, pins, etc.) on the caps 106, 108.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first body of the airflow device 100. Referring to FIG. 3, the first body 102 may include may include a first portion 121 and a second portion 122. The first portion 121 of the first body 102 may be configured to at least partially receive the second body 104. For example, the first portion 121 of the first body 102 may define a central cavity 123 configured to at least partially receive the second body 104.

The first portion 121 may exhibit any desired shape. For example, the first portion 121 of the first body 102 may exhibit a cylinder shape, a conical shape, a pyramid shape, a rectangular box shape, a dome shape, a chisel shape, a pillar shape, a truncated version of one of the foregoing shapes, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing shapes. In some embodiments, the first portion 121 exhibits a substantially hollow cylinder shape.

In addition, the first portion 121 may exhibit any desired dimensions, including any desired lateral dimensions (e.g., in the X-direction and Z-direction) and any desired longitudinal dimensions (e.g., in the Y-direction).

The first portion 121 may include an outer wall 124 and a base portion 125 at a first end 116 of the first body 102. The outer wall 124 may extend from the base portion 125 to a second end 118 of the first body 102. Interior surfaces of the outer wall 124 and the base portion 125 may define the central cavity 123 within the first body 102. The size and shape of the outer wall 124 and the base portion 125 may determine the size and shape of the central cavity 123 of the first portion 121. In some embodiments, the central cavity 123 may exhibit a size and shape complementary to the size and shape of at least a portion of the second body 104 configured to be received within the central cavity 123.

In addition to the central cavity 123, the first portion 121 may define a first opening 126 extending through the outer wall 124 or the base portion 125 of the first body 102. The first opening 126 may be in fluid communication with the central cavity 123 such that the first opening 126 and the central cavity 123 cooperatively define at least part of a first fluid passageway extending through the first portion 121 of the first body 102. The first opening 126 may exhibit any desired shape and/or size. In addition, the first opening 126 may be located anywhere on the first portion 121. In some embodiments, the first opening 126 may be located on and extend through the outer wall 124 of the first portion 121 of the first body 102.

The first portion 121 of the first body 102 may be made of or include any desired material. The first portion 121 may include one or more metals (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, metal alloys, etc.), glasses (e.g., soda-lime, borosilicate, fiberglass, aluminosilicate, non-silicate, etc.), ceramics (e.g., quartz, aluminum oxide, clay, porcelain, etc.), polymers (e.g., hemp, shellac, amber, wool, silk, natural rubber, cellulose, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, synthetic rubber, phenol formaldehyde resin (or Bakelite), neoprene, nylon, polyacrylonitrile, PVB, silicone, etc.), and/or composites (e.g., metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, reinforced plastics (e.g., fiberglass), composite wood, etc.).

During assembly and disassembly of the airflow device 100, the first portion 121 of the first body 102 may be manipulated into alternate geometries. Once the airflow device 100 is assembled or disassembled, the first portion 121 may return to its original configuration. In some embodiments, the first portion 121 may include a flexible material and the manipulation of the first portion 121 of the first body 102 may include stretching, compressing, folding etc., at least part of the first portion 121. In additional embodiments, the first portion 121 may include a rigid material and may include features to facilitate manipulation of the first portion 121 relative to itself or any other element of the airflow device 100 for assembly or disassembly. Such features may include, for example, hinges, threaded portions, clips, etc. To facilitate assembly and disassembly of the airflow device 100, the base portion 125 may also be flexible relative to the outer wall 124 of the first portion 121 (as shown and described below in FIGS. 4-6).

The first body 102 may further include a second portion 122 adjacent to the first portion 121. The second portion 122 may include a hollow stem 127 connected to and extending away from the first portion 121. The second portion 122 (e.g., the hollow stem 127) may be in fluid communication with the first portion 121.

The second portion 122 (e.g., the hollow stem 127) may exhibit any desired tubular shape. For example, the second portion 122 of the first body 102 may exhibit a hollow cylinder shape, a hollow conical shape, a hollow pyramid shape, a hollow rectangular box shape, a truncated version of one of the foregoing shapes, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing shapes. In some embodiments, the second portion 122 exhibits a substantially hollow cylinder shape.

In addition, the second portion 122 may exhibit any desired dimensions, including any desired lateral dimensions (e.g., in the Y-direction and Z-direction) and any desired longitudinal dimensions (e.g., in the X-direction). For example, the second portion 122 may exhibit a length L₁in a longitudinal direction (e.g., along the X-direction) that is within a range of from about 1.5 times to about 10 times, such as from about 3 times to about 7 times (e.g., about 5 times) greater than the lateral dimensions (e.g., in the X-direction or Z-direction) of the first portion 121. In embodiments in which the first portion 121 exhibits a cylindrical shape, the length L₁of the second portion 122 may be from about 1.5 times to about 10 times greater than a diameter (e.g., in the X-Z plane) of the first portion 121. In certain embodiments, the length L₁of the second portion may be from about 1 inch (about 2.5 centimeters (cm)) to about 5 inches (about 12.7 cm), such as about 3 inches (about 7.6 cm).

The second portion 122 (e.g., the hollow stem 127) may define a fourth opening 128 that extends through the second portion 122. Thus, the hollow stem 127 may define a fluid passageway extending through the second portion 122 of the first body 102. The fourth opening 128 may further extend through the outer wall 124 of the first portion 121 such that the fourth opening 128 is in in fluid communication with the central cavity 123. Accordingly, the first fluid passageway may extend continuously through the first opening 126 and the central cavity 123 of the first portion 121, and the fourth opening 128 of the second portion 122. In other words, the first fluid passageway of the first body 102 may be cooperatively defined by the first opening 126, the central cavity 123, and the fourth opening 128.

While the first opening 126 and the fourth opening 128 are shown in FIG. 3 as being on opposite sides of the first portion 121, the first opening 126 and the fourth opening 128 may be located anywhere on the first portion 121 such that the first opening 126 and the fourth opening 128 are in fluid communication with the central cavity 123. For example, the first opening 126 and the fourth opening 128 may each be positioned anywhere along a height (e.g., in the Y-direction) of the outer wall 124 of the first portion 121. In addition, the first opening 126 and the fourth opening 128 may each be positioned at any location around the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the outer wall 124 of the first portion 121. In some embodiments, the first opening 126 may be diametrically opposite the fourth opening 128 on the outer wall 124 (e.g., offset by an angle of 180°).

The second portion 122 may be made of or include any desired materials. For example, the second portion 122 may include one or more metals (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, metal alloys, etc.), glasses (e.g., soda-lime, borosilicate, fiberglass, aluminosilicate, non-silicate, etc.), ceramics (e.g., quartz, aluminum oxide, clay, porcelain, etc.), polymers (e.g., hemp, shellac, amber, wool, silk, natural rubber, cellulose, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, synthetic rubber, phenol formaldehyde resin (or Bakelite), neoprene, nylon, polyacrylonitrile, PVB, silicone, etc.), and/or composites (e.g., metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, reinforced plastics (e.g., fiberglass), composite wood, etc.).

In some embodiments, the first body 102 comprises a unitary structure that includes both the first portion 121 and the second portion 122. In additional embodiments, first portion 121 and the second portion 122 are formed separately and combined together. The first portion 121 may be made of or include a first material that may be the same as or different than a second material of the second portion 122. In embodiments in which the first portion 121 includes a different material than the second portion 122, the first portion 121 and the second portion 122 may be configured to be coupled together using a fastener, for example, a threaded connection, a clip type connection, a pin, etc. Accordingly, the first body 102 may include continuous fluid passageways regardless of the materials and manufacturing processes of the first portion 121 and the second portion 122.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second body of the airflow device 100. Referring to FIG. 4, the second body 104 may include a first portion 130 and a second portion 132. The first portion 130 of the second body 104 may be configured to be received within the central cavity 123 of the first portion 121 of the first body 102, and the second portion 132 may be configured to be received within the fourth opening 128 of second portion 122 of the first body 102.

The first portion 130 may exhibit any desired shape and size. For example, the first portion 130 of the second body 104 may exhibit a cylinder shape, a conical shape, a pyramid shape, a rectangular box shape, a dome shape, a chisel shape, a pillar shape, a truncated version of one of the foregoing shapes, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing shapes. In some embodiments, the first portion 130 of the second body 104 may exhibit substantially the same shape and size as the central cavity 123 (e.g., the base portion 125 and outer wall 124) of the first portion 121 of the first body 102. In additional embodiments, the first portion 130 of the second body 104 may exhibit a different shape and/or size than the central cavity 123 (e.g., the base portion 125 and outer wall 124) of the first portion 121 of the first body 102.

The first portion 130 may include a housing 133 including a base at a first end, sidewalls connected to the base, and a recessed surface 142 spanning between the sidewalls at a second, opposite end of the housing 133. The recessed surface 142 extends from sidewalls of the housing 133 toward a central region within the interior of the housing 133. The recessed surface 142 may exhibit any shape, such as, for example, a conical shape, a chisel shape, a pyramid shape, a dome shape, an elliptical cylinder shape, a circular cylinder shape, a pillar shape, a truncated version of one of the foregoing shapes, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing shapes. Inner surfaces of the base, sidewalls, and the recessed surface 142 of the housing 133 define an additional central cavity 143 within the housing 133. The sidewalls of the housing 133 of the first portion 130 may additionally define a second opening 144 in the first portion 130. In addition, the recessed surface 142 may include a fifth opening 145 at a base (e.g., lowermost point) of the recessed surface 142.

The second opening 144 may be in fluid communication with the additional central cavity 143 and the fifth opening 145 such that the second opening 144, the additional central cavity 143, and the fifth opening 145 cooperatively define at least part of a second fluid passageway extending through the first portion 130 of the second body 104. The second opening 144 may exhibit any desired shape and/or size. In addition, the second opening 144 may be located anywhere on the first portion 130. In some embodiments, the second opening 144 may be located on and extend through a side of the housing 133 of the first portion 130 of the second body 104.

The first portion 130 of the second body 104 may be made of or include any desired material. The first portion 130 may include one or more metals (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, metal alloys, etc.), glasses (e.g., soda-lime, borosilicate, fiberglass, aluminosilicate, non-silicate, etc.), ceramics (e.g., quartz, aluminum oxide, clay, porcelain, etc.), polymers (e.g., hemp, shellac, amber, wool, silk, natural rubber, cellulose, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, synthetic rubber, phenol formaldehyde resin (or Bakelite), neoprene, nylon, polyacrylonitrile, PVB, silicone, etc.), and/or composites (e.g., metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, reinforced plastics (e.g., fiberglass), composite wood, etc.).

The second body 104 may further include a second portion 132 adjacent to the first portion 130. The second portion 132 may include an additional stem 146 connected to and extending away from the first portion 130 of the second body 104. The second portion 132 (e.g., the additional stem 146) may be in fluid communication with the first portion 130.

The second portion 132 (e.g., the additional stem 146) may exhibit any desired tubular shape. For example, the second portion 132 of the second body 104 may exhibit a hollow cylinder shape, a hollow conical shape, a hollow pyramid shape, a hollow rectangular box shape, a truncated version of one of the foregoing shapes, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing shapes. In some embodiments, the second portion 132 exhibits a substantially hollow cylinder shape.

The lateral dimensions (e.g., in the Y-direction and Z-direction) of the second portion 132 may correspond to the size of the first opening 126 of the first body 102 such that the second portion 132 may fit within the first opening 126 of the first body 102. In addition, the second portion 132 may exhibit any desired longitudinal dimensions (e.g., in the X-direction). For example, the second portion 132 may exhibit a length L₂in a longitudinal direction (e.g., along the X-direction) that is within a range of from about 1.5 times to about 10 times, such as from about 3 times to about 7 times (e.g., about 5 times) greater than the lateral dimensions (e.g., in the X-direction or Z-direction) of the first portion 130. In embodiments in which the first portion 130 exhibits a cylindrical shape, the length L₂of the second portion 132 may be from about 1.1 times to about 6 times greater than a diameter (e.g., in the X-Z plane) of the first portion 130. In certain embodiments, the length L₂of the second portion may be from about 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) to about 3 inches (about 5.6 cm), such as about 2 inches (about 5.1 cm).

The second portion 132 (e.g., the additional stem 146) may define a third opening 147 that extends through the second portion 132. Thus, the additional stem 146 may define a fluid passageway extending through the second portion 132 of the second body 104. The third opening 147 may further extend through the housing 133 of the first portion 130 such that the third opening 147 is in in fluid communication with the additional central cavity 143. Accordingly, the second fluid passageway may extend continuously through the second opening 144 and the additional central cavity 143 of the first portion 130, and the third opening 147 of the second portion 132. In other words, the first second passageway of the second body 104 may be cooperatively defined by the second opening 144, the additional central cavity 143, and the third opening 147.

While the second opening 144 and the third opening 147 are shown in FIG. 4 as being on opposite sides of the housing 133 of the first portion 130, the second opening 144 and the third opening 147 may be located anywhere on the first portion 130 such that the second opening 144 and the third opening 147 are in fluid communication with the additional central cavity 143. For example, the second opening 144 and the third opening 147 may each be positioned anywhere along a height (e.g., in the Y-direction) of the housing 133 of the first portion 130. In addition, the second opening 144 and the third opening 147 may each be positioned at any location around the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the housing 133 of the first portion 130. In some embodiments, second opening 144 may be diametrically opposite the third opening 147 on the housing 133 (e.g., offset by an angle of 180°).

The second portion 132 may be made of or include any desired materials. For example, the second portion 132 may include one or more metals (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, metal alloys, etc.), glasses (e.g., soda-lime, borosilicate, fiberglass, aluminosilicate, non-silicate, etc.), ceramics (e.g., quartz, aluminum oxide, clay, porcelain, etc.), polymers (e.g., hemp, shellac, amber, wool, silk, natural rubber, cellulose, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, synthetic rubber, phenol formaldehyde resin (or Bakelite), neoprene, nylon, polyacrylonitrile, PVB, silicone, etc.), and/or composites (e.g., metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, reinforced plastics (e.g., fiberglass), composite wood, etc.).

In some embodiments, the second body 104 comprises a unitary structure that includes both the first portion 130 and the second portion 132. In additional embodiments, first portion 130 and the second portion 132 are formed separately and combined together. The first portion 130 may be made of or include a first material that may be the same as or different than a second material of the second portion 132. In embodiments in which the first portion 130 includes a different material than the second portion 132, the first portion 130 and the second portion 132 may be configured to be coupled together using a fastener, for example, a threaded connection, a clip type connection, a pin, etc. Accordingly, the second body 104 may include continuous fluid passageways regardless of the materials and manufacturing processes of the first portion 130 and the second portion 132. In addition, the continuous fluid passageways of the second body 104 may be aligned with the continuous fluid passageways of the first body 102 when the airflow device 100 is partially or fully assembled.

FIGS. 5-6 show the airflow device 100 in a partially assembled state and in a first position (FIG. 5), and in a second position (FIG. 6). The first body 102 may be configured to receive the second body 104 in one or more positions. In addition the airflow device 100 may transition from the first position to the second position, and vice versa. The first body 102 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the second body 104 such that the second fluid passageway of the second body 104 is substantially aligned with the first fluid passageway of the first body 102 regardless of the position of the airflow device 100. The position of the airflow device 100 may be primarily determined by the position (e.g., orientation) of the second portion 132 of the second body 104 relative to the position (e.g., orientation) of the second portion 122 of the second body 104. Thus, regardless of the position, the first portion 130 of the second body 104 may be received within the first portion 121 of the first body 102. The first body 102 may be configured to receive the second body 104 in both the first position (FIG. 5) and the second position (FIG. 6), which is different from the first position. Additionally, there may be more than two possible positions for the second body 104 to be positioned relative to the first body 102.

To transition from the first position (FIG. 5) to the second position (FIG. 6), the second body 104 may be removed from the first body 102, rotated, and then the second body 104 may be repositioned within the first body 102. To facilitate positioning the second body 104 within the first body 102, and removing the second body 104 from the first body 102, the base portion 125 of the first body 102 may be flexible. In other words, the base portion 125 may be a flexible portion.

The base portion 125 may be configured to move between a neutral position and an operative position. In the neutral position, all of the base portion 125 lies substantially in the same plane (e.g., the X-Z plane). The base portion 125 may then be manipulated into the operative position. The operative position may be, for example, when the base portion 125 may be at least partially displaced relative to the first portion 121 (e.g., in the Z direction). An exemplary operative position is represented by a dotted line. The base portion 125 may be displaced more or less than the exemplary operative position. When the base portion 125 is displaced into the operative position the base portion 125 may contact the second body 104. The contact of the base portion 125 with the second body 104 may facilitate the separation of the second body 104 from the first body 102. In an additional embodiment, the base portion 125 may at least partially seal the second end 118 of the first body 102.

In embodiments in which the base portion 125 comprises a flexible portion, the base portion 125 may be thinner and more flexible when compared to the outer wall 124 of the first portion 121 of the first body 102. As non-limiting examples, the base portion 125 may exhibit a thickness within a range of from about 5% to about 90% of the thickness of the outer wall 124, such as from about 20% to about 80%, or from about 40% to about 60% (e.g., about 50%) of the thickness of the outer wall 124. The thickness of the base portion 125 may be within a range of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, from about 1 mm to about 3 mm (e.g., about 2 mm). In additional embodiments the base portion 125 may exhibit a similar thickness and/or rigidity to the outer wall 124.

In some embodiments, the base portion 125 may exhibit a substantially constant thickness across the entirety of the base portion 125. In additional embodiments, the base portion 125 may exhibit a non-uniform thickness. For example, a central region of the base portion 125 may be thinner than a surrounding exterior region of the base portion 125.

The base may be made of or include the same or different materials than the outer wall 124 of the first portion 121 of the first body 102.

In certain embodiments, at least part of the base portion 125 may be absent from the first body 102 such that an opening is present within the base portion 125.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the airflow device 100 is in the first position. The second body 104 may be configured to be received in the first body 102 such that the second portion 132 (e.g., the additional stem 146) of the second body 104 may be positioned within the second portion 122 (e.g., the hollow stem 127) of the first body 102. For example, the second body 104 may be received within the central cavity 123 of the first body 102 such that the second opening 144 of the second body 104 is adjacent to, and coaxially aligned with the first opening 126 of the first body 102. The second opening 144 and/or the first opening 126 may also be coaxially aligned with the third opening 147 on an opposite side of the housing 133 of the second body 104. For example, the third opening 147 may be adjacent to the second portion 122 of the first body 102. At least part of the first fluid passageway that extends through the second portion 122 (e.g., the hollow stem 127) of the first body 102 may be configured to receive the second portion 132 (e.g., the additional stem 146) of the second body 104.

The inner dimensions (e.g., diameter) of the second portion 122 may vary throughout the longitudinal length (e.g., in the X-direction) of the hollow stem 127, which is defined by a distance from an end of the second portion 122 to an outer surface of the outer wall 124 proximate the fourth opening 128. For example, the inner diameter of the second portion 122 may have a first section 148 having a first inner diameter and a second section 149 having a second inner diameter that is different (e.g., smaller) than the first inner diameter. While FIG. 5 shows the second inner diameter as being smaller than the first inner diameter, in additional embodiments, the second inner diameter is larger or the same size as the first inner diameter. The region between the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter may include a transition that includes a hard step, a gradual transition, a ramp, a transition with a curved profile, etc., or any combination of the foregoing. The first inner diameter of the second portion 122 of the first body 102 may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second portion 132 of the second body 104 to facilitate the assembly of the first body 102 and the second body 104. The first inner diameter being substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second portion 132 may also facilitate a substantially air-tight connection between the first fluid passageway and the second fluid passageway.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first fluid passageway through the first body 102 is substantially aligned with the second fluid passageway through the second body 104. Accordingly, the airflow device 100 may be used in operation in the first position. For example, a smoking and/or vaporizing substance may be positioned on the recessed surface 142 of the second body 104, and heat may be applied to vaporize and/or combust the smoking and/or vaporizing substance. A user may apply a suction force to the end of the second portion 122 (e.g., the free end opposite the first portion 121) of the first body 102 to draw the resulting vapor, smoke, and/or air through the first fluid passageway and the second fluid passageway of the airflow device 100. For example, vapor, smoke, and/or air may be drawn through the fifth opening 145 of the recessed surface 142, which may mix with air drawn through the first opening 126 and the third opening 147. The mixture of vapor, smoke, and/or air may then travel through the first and second fluid passageways toward the end of the second portion 122 and exit the airflow device 100. To change the concentration of vapor and/or smoke to air being drawn through the airflow device 100, the first opening 126 may be obstructed (e.g., partially obstructed or fully obstructed) such that airflow is primarily or only drawn in through fifth opening 145 of the recessed surface 142 along with the vapor and/or smoke.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the airflow device 100 is in the second position. The second body 104 may be configured to be received in the first body 102 such that the second portion 132 (e.g., the additional stem 146) of the second body 104 is positioned within and extending through the first opening 126 of the first body 102. For example, the second body 104 may be received within the central cavity 123 of the first body 102 such that the third opening 147 of the second body 104 is adjacent to, and coaxially aligned with the first opening 126 of the first body 102. The third opening 147 and/or the first opening 126 may also be coaxially aligned with the second opening 144 on an opposite side of the housing 133 of the second body 104. For example, the second opening 144 may be adjacent to the second portion 122 of the first body 102. Thus, the second portion 132 (e.g., the additional stem 146) may be coaxially aligned with the second portion 122 (e.g., the hollow stem 127), while the second portion 132 is arranged on an opposite side of the airflow device 100 relative to the second portion 122.

Although the second portion 132 is positioned on an opposite side relative to the second portion 122, the first fluid passageway through the first body 102 is substantially aligned with the second fluid passageway through the second body 104. Accordingly, the airflow device 100 may be used in operation in the second position. For example, the second portion 132 (e.g., the additional stem 146) of the second body 104 may be heated to vaporize a smoking and/or vaporizing substance at or proximate an end (e.g., the free end opposite the first portion 130) of the second body 104. A user may apply a suction force to the end of the second portion 122 (e.g., the free end) of the first body 102 to draw the resulting vapor, smoke, and/or air through the first fluid passageway and the second fluid passageway of the airflow device 100. For example, vapor, smoke, and/or air may be drawn through the third opening 147 of the second portion 132 (e.g., through the additional stem 146), which may mix with air drawn through the fifth opening 145 of the recessed surface 142. The mixture of vapor, smoke, and/or air may then travel through the first and second fluid passageways toward the end of the second portion 122 and exit the airflow device 100. To change (e.g., increase) the concentration of vapor and/or smoke to air being drawn through the airflow device 100, the fifth opening 145 may be obstructed (e.g., partially obstructed or fully obstructed) such that airflow is primarily or only drawn in through the third opening 147 along with the vapor and/or smoke. For example, the first cap 106 may be secured to the first end 116 of the first body 102 to obstruct the fifth opening 145.

FIGS. 7-11 show additional embodiments of first and second bodies of the airflow device 100, which may be configured to be positioned in more than two functional positions. In addition, the device may be configured to transition from any position to any other position, and vice versa. Referring collectively to FIGS. 7-10, a first body 202 may include each of the features of the first body 102 (FIGS. 1-6). In addition, the second body 204 may include each of the features of the second body 204. Accordingly, the airflow device 100 may be configured to function in both the first position (FIG. 5), and the second position (FIG. 6). To facilitate additional functional positions, the first body 202 may include one or more additional openings (e.g., a first additional opening 152 and a second additional opening 154) that may be in fluid communication with the central cavity 123, the first opening 126, and the fourth opening 128 to form the first fluid passageway. Thus, the first additional opening 152 and the second additional opening 154 may at least partially define the first fluid passageway. Similarly, the second body 204 may include a first additional opening 156 and a second additional opening 158, that may each be in fluid communication with one another, and the second opening 144, the third opening 147, and the additional central cavity 143. The first additional opening 156, the second additional opening 158, the second opening, the third opening 147, and the additional central cavity 143 collectively form the second fluid passageway. Thus, the first additional opening 156 and the second additional opening 158 may at least partially define the second fluid passageway.

FIG. 8 is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the first body 202 of the airflow device 100, in accordance with additional embodiments of this disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, the first additional openings 152 may be located within the first portion 121 anywhere on the outer wall 124. For example, the first additional openings 152 may be offset by an angle (01) measured from the center of the first opening 126 to the center of the first additional opening 152 (e.g., counterclockwise in the X-Z plane). The angle (01) may be any angle within a range of from about 0° to about 90°, such as from about 10° to about 80°, from about 20° to about 70°, from about 30° to about 60°, or from about 40° to about 50°. As specific non-limiting examples, the angle (θ₁) may be about 5°, about 10°, about 15°, about 20°, about 25°, about 30°, about 35°, about 40°, about 45°, about 50°, about 55°, about 60°, about 65°, about 70°, about 75°, about 80°, or about 85°. In some embodiments, the first additional opening 152 may be at a different height (e.g., in the Y-direction) relative to the first opening 126 and/or the fourth opening 128.

The second additional opening 154 may be located within the first portion 121 anywhere on the outer wall 124. For example, the second additional opening 154 may be offset by an angle (θ₂) measured from the center of the first opening 126 to the center of the second additional opening 154 (e.g., clockwise in the X-Z plane). The angle (θ₂) may be any angle within a range of from about 0° to about 90°, such as from about 10° to about 80°, from about 20° to about 70°, from about 30° to about 60°, or from about 40° to about 50°. As specific non-limiting examples, the angle (θ₂) may be about 5°, about 10°, about 15°, about 20°, about 25°, about 30°, about 35°, about 40°, about 45°, about 50°, about 55°, about 60°, about 65°, about 70°, about 75°, about 80°, or about 85°. In some embodiments, the second additional opening 154 may be at a different height (e.g., in the Y-direction) relative to the first opening 126 and/or the fourth opening 128.

The second body 204 may be configured to be received in the first body 202 such that the second portion 132 (e.g., the additional stem 146) of the second body 204 is positioned within and extending through the first additional opening 152 or the second additional opening 154 of the first body 202. For example, the second body 204 may be received within the central cavity 123 of the first body 202 such that the third opening 147 of the second body 204 is adjacent to, and coaxially aligned with the first additional opening 152 of the first body 202.

FIG. 10 is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the second body 204 of the airflow device 100, in accordance with additional embodiments of this disclosure. Referring to FIG. 10, to maintain a second fluid passageway aligned with the first fluid passageway, the positions of each of the first additional opening 156 and the second additional opening 158 of the second body 204 may depend on the position of the additional opening 150 of the first body 202. For example, the first additional opening 156 may be oriented at an angle (θ₃) measured in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise direction) from the center of the fourth opening 128 to the center of the first additional opening 156 (e.g., in the X-Z plane). The value of the angle (θ₃) may be the same as the value of the angle (θ₁). The second additional opening 158 may be oriented at an angle (θ₄) measured in a second direction (e.g., clockwise direction) from the center of the fourth opening 128 to the center of the second additional opening 158 (e.g., in the X-Z plane). In one or more instances, the value of the angle (θ₄) may be determined by subtracting the angle (θ₃) from 180 degrees. In additional embodiments, the value of angle (θ₄) may be the same as the value of (θ₂). Accordingly, the first additional opening 156 may be on an opposite side of the second body 204 relative to the second additional opening 158.

FIG. 11 is a top, cross-sectional view of the airflow device 100 including the first body 202 and the second body 204 in a partially assembled state and in a third position, in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure. Referring to FIG. 11, when the airflow device 100 is in the third position, the fourth opening 128 of the first body 202 may be substantially aligned and coaxial with the second additional opening 158 of the second body 204. In addition, the first additional opening 152 of the first body 202 may be substantially aligned with and coaxial with the third opening 147 of the second body 204. Further, the first opening 126 of the first body 202 may be substantially aligned and coaxial with the first additional opening 156 of the second body 204.

When the airflow device 100 is in the third position, the first fluid passageway through the first body 202 and the second fluid passageway through the second body 204 are interconnected so air may pass through the device. Accordingly, the airflow device 100 may be used in operation in the third position. For example, the second portion 132 (e.g., the additional stem 146) of the second body 204 may be heated to vaporize a smoking and/or vaporizing substance at or proximate an end (e.g., the free end opposite the first portion 130) of the second body 204. A user may apply a suction force to the end of the second portion 122 (e.g., the free end) of the first body 202 to draw the resulting vapor, smoke, and/or air through the first fluid passageway and the second fluid passageway of the airflow device 100. For example, vapor, smoke, and/or air may be drawn through the third opening 147 of the second portion 132 (e.g., through the additional stem 146), which may mix with air drawn through the fifth opening 145 of the recessed surface 142, and additional air drawn through the first opening 126 and the first additional opening 152. The mixture of vapor, smoke, and/or air may then travel through the first and second fluid passageways toward the end of the second portion 122 and exit the airflow device 100. To change (e.g., increase) the concentration of vapor and/or smoke to air being drawn through the airflow device 100, the first opening 126 of the first body 202, the first additional opening 152 of the first body 202, and/or the fifth opening 145 of the second body 204 may be obstructed (e.g., partially obstructed or fully obstructed) such that airflow is primarily or only drawn in through the third opening 147 along with the vapor and/or smoke. For example, the first cap 106 may be secured to the first end 116 of the first body 202 to obstruct the fifth opening 145, and objects (e.g., the user's fingers) may be used to obstruct the first opening 126 and/or the first additional opening 152.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example method of manufacturing an airflow device 300. The method of manufacturing an airflow device 300 may include forming a first body, as shown in act 302. The first body may include a first portion which may comprise a flexible material. The first portion may define a central cavity and a first opening. The first portion may further include an elongated tubular portion connected to the first portion, the central cavity, the first opening, and the elongated tubular portion cooperatively defining a first fluid passageway through the first body. The central cavity may be sized, shaped, and configured to receive a second body.

In additional embodiments, the method of manufacturing the airflow device 300 may include forming a second body, as shown in optional act 304. The second body may include a first portion which may be comprised of a rigid material. The first portion of the second body may define an additional central cavity and a third opening. The first portion may further include an elongated tubular portion connected to the first portion, the central cavity, the third opening, and the elongated tubular portion cooperatively defining a second fluid passageway through the second body.

In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing the airflow device 300 may further include forming a first cap, as shown in optional act 306. The first cap may be configured to removably connect to the first body. The method may additionally include assembling any combination of the first body, the second body, the first cap, into any of the configurations and/or positions described above and shown in the figures.

In additional embodiments, the method of manufacturing the airflow device 300 may further include forming a second cap, as shown in optional act 308. The method may include assembling any combination of the first body, the second body, the first cap, and the second cap into any of the configurations and/or positions described above and shown in the figures.

The forming of any of the elements described above may include any one of or any combination of the following manufacturing processes. Additive manufacturing may be utilized in which components may be formed by depositing material, layer upon layer, in precise geometric shapes. Some examples of additive manufacturing include injection molding, powder bed fusion, binder jetting, direct energy deposit, material extrusion, material jetting, sheet lamination, vat polymerization, etc. Additionally, traditional manufacturing methods may be utilized such as turning, boring, milling, shaping, broaching, slotting, grinding etc.

The airflow devices of the embodiments described above may allow a single device to be used for multiple types of smoking and/or vaporizing substances. For example, airflow devices described above may include a first configuration and/or position that can be used for smoking (e.g., combusting dry herbs), and one or more additional configurations and/or positions that can be used for vaporizing concentrates. In addition to multiple uses in operation, the airflow devices previously described may also be used for storing smoking and/or vaporizing substances. Accordingly, the airflow devices described herein may be relatively small and compact, providing for easier travel that traditional devices intended to perform a single function.

While embodiments of this disclosure have been described and illustrated herein with respect to specific airflow devices, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that features and elements from different embodiments may be combined to arrive at further, additional airflow devices and methods as contemplated by the inventors.

AIRFLOW DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS

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