FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention involves an improved water pipe and related water pipe accessories for the inhalation of convertible source substances that can be converted into an inhalable gas such as smoke, vapors and aerosols, which substances can include tobacco, herbs including medicinal herbs, and other substances suitable for such activity. More particularly, the improvements are provided in a variety of cap or mouthpiece designs for use with a water pipe.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known to use a water pipe or bong with a source substance which is converted typically by heat into an inhalable gas. The source substances can include a variety of substances such as tobacco, herbs including medicinal herbs, liquids and other substances suitable for such activity. With the application of heat or some other conversion process, the source substance can be combusted or vaporized so as to be converted into an inhalable gas such as smoke, vapors and aerosols depending upon the type of source material and the type of conversion process such as a higher heat causing combustion and the creation of smoke, or a lower heat causing vaporization and the creation of vapors or aerosols.
In one example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,785 discloses a water pipe or bong which has a chamber containing water in its lower portion, and an upper portion serving as a smoke collection reservoir. A bowl for combusting tobacco or medicinal herbs is provided wherein the smoke is directed through a tube to the water chamber below the water wherein the bong includes and a mouth piece for applying suction to the interior of the chamber to inhale the smoke.
To improve the experience associated with such devices, the invention relates to an improved water pipe and water pipe accessories therefor. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved cap or mouthpiece for the water pipe, which provides for an improved experience and deliverance of inhalable gases drawn into the mouth of the user. The invention is not limited to a particular source material and instead relates to a variety of convertible source substances that can be converted into an inhalable gas such as smoke, vapors and aerosols, which substances can include tobacco, herbs including medicinal herbs, liquids and other substances suitable for such activity. Preferably, the improved water pipe and related accessories are used with a heat source to initiate the conversion process and supply the inhalable gas to the water pipe for subsequent inhalation by the user.
With this invention, the various cap designs disclosed herein provide an improved system for inhalation from any of a variety of water pipes. Instead of applying a person's mouth directly to the water pipe, the person uses the cap or mouthpiece. This allows the mouthpiece to be designed for individual or personal use, which is more hygienic and ergonomical, and has improved cleanliness in comparison to water pipe that is shared. Each person typically would have their own mouthpiece for personal use wherein the mouthpiece could be exchanged for another person's mouthpiece on the same water pipe. Further, some inventive designs have multiple ports to allow multiple users while still maintaining hygiene and cleanliness. The inventive designs can be designed for long term use, or for short term use and be disposable. The addition of features to the cap or mouthpiece allows for new ways of cooling, adding flavor, and filtering all in one cap structure that is removably fitted onto the water pipe. For example, the mouthpiece may be designed to be refrigerated or frozen to effect cooling of vapors during use, wherein a suitable material such as glass or plastic can be used that is readily coolable or freezable. The addition of a mouthpiece to a water pipe also serves to prevent splash back or in other words, to prevent water contained in the water pipe from splashing back or up to a person's mouth.
Other objects and purposes of the invention, and variations thereof, will be apparent upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side view of a water pipe or bong provided in combination with an improved cap or mouthpiece which is attachable to the discharge end of the water pipe.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the cap of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates the side wall angle.
FIG. 4 illustrates variations of inhalation ports for the cap.
FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of a cap.
FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of a cap.
FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a cap.
FIG. 8 illustrates a gasket feature of the caps.
FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate shape for the caps.
FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom section of a fifth cap embodiment
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the fifth cap embodiment with a water pipe.
FIG. 12 illustrates a tightening system for the FIG. 11 embodiment.
FIG. 13 illustrates a sixth embodiment of a cap.
FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of the cap of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 illustrates eighth embodiments of telescoping caps.
FIG. 16 illustrates a ninth embodiment of a cap with a hinged lid.
FIG. 17 illustrates a tenth embodiment of a cap.
FIG. 18 illustrates an eleventh embodiment of a cap.
FIG. 19 illustrates a twelfth embodiment of a cap.
FIG. 20 illustrates a thirteenth embodiment of a cap.
FIG. 21 illustrates a fourteenth embodiment of a cap.
FIG. 22 illustrates a fifteenth embodiment of a cap.
FIG. 23 illustrates a sixteenth embodiment of a cap.
FIG. 24 illustrates a seventeenth embodiment of a cap.
FIG. 25 illustrates an eighteenth embodiment of a cap.
FIG. 26 illustrates a nineteenth embodiment of a cap
Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience and reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the words “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “rightwardly” and “leftwardly” will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the arrangement and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to a first embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 is a side view of a water pipe or bong 10 provided in combination with an improved cap or mouthpiece 11 which is attachable to the discharge end 12 of the water pipe 10. With respect to the water pipe 10, such water pipe 10 may be any of a variety of known designs, wherein the illustrated embodiment shows one form thereof. This water pipe 10 has a base 14 at one end and a tubular side wall 15 that preferably is formed as a cylinder, which is closed at the base 14 and open at the discharge end 12. The side wall 15 defines an interior chamber 16 wherein the bottom chamber portion 17A at the base 14 may be provided with a volume of water or other liquid that may serve as a filter, and an upper chamber portion 17B or collection area in which an inhalable gas may collect after travelling through the water in the bottom portion 17A.
A tubular stem 18 is provided which projects from the side wall 15 so as to define a passage there through, which opens into the interior chamber 16. Preferably, the end of the stem 18 also includes a process chamber 19 which may be formed as a removable bowl or some other structure that allows for the conversion process to be performed on a convertible source substance. The process chamber 19 is configured to receive a source substance or material on which a conversion process is performed to convert the source substance into an inhalable gas. In one preferred process, the conversion process may include the application of heat to the source substance which is then converted into an inhalable gas. The source substances can include a variety of substances such as tobacco, herbs including medicinal herbs, liquids and other substances suitable for such activity. With the application of heat or some other conversion process, the source substance can be combusted or vaporized so as to be converted into the inhalable gas such as smoke, vapors or aerosols depending upon the type of source substance or material and the type of conversion process such as a higher heat causing combustion and the creation of smoke, or a lower heat causing vaporization and the creation of vapors or aerosols. In conventional terms, the conversion process may include such practices as smoking or vaping of a variety of source substances. Hence, the present embodiments of the invention may be usable to improve the experience associated with both smoking and vaping.
Further description is not believed to be required as to the conversion process. Generally, the inhalable gas is formed from conversion of the source material and then flows into the bottom chamber portion 17A and flows upwardly in the direction of arrows 21 through the water, which can cool, smooth the gas, or remove impurities. The inhalable gas 20 then collects in the upper chamber portion 17B so that it may be inhaled from an upper rim 23. In a typical water pipe, the user may inhale directly through the open discharge end 12. Since this can require that the user apply their mouth directly to the rim 23, this can be undesirable for various reasons, particularly if the water pipe 10 is used by multiple persons which can by unhygienic.
Referring to the inventive cap or mouthpiece 11 as shown in FIG. 2, this cap 11 is formed with an open-ended, frusto-conical shape, defined by a cap side wall 25 that has an open end 26 bounded by a cap rim 26A and an opposite end closed by an end wall 27. The junction between the side wall 25 and end wall 27 is formed with at least a first inhalation port 28 and one or more optional secondary inhalation ports 29. The presence of multiple ports 28 and 29 allows multiple users to use their own respective port 28 or 29 when using the water pipe 10. The positions of the ports 28 and 29 are spaced apart a distance to avoid contact by the mouth of another person, and may be provided in various optional layouts. Each of the secondary ports 29 can be provided with closable inserts 29A that can selectively close each port 29 if the port 29 is not in use. For example, each port 29 can be closed by an insert 29A while port 28 remains open for use by a single person. The insert 29A may be a detachable, plug-in part or a slidable device that can be slidable between the open and closed positions to form an air-tight closure for such port 29. The mouthpiece 11 as well as other designs disclosed herein preferably is designed for personal use. One mouthpiece 11 can be installed on a water pipe 10 and used hygienically by multiple users or each person might have their own personal mouthpiece 11 which is installed on the water pipe 10 when they are using it and then removed to allow a different mouthpiece 11 to be installed and used. In addition to improved hygiene and cleanliness, the mouthpiece 11 helps prevent breaking of suction due to the smaller ports 28 and 29 which are more easily engaged by a user. Further, the mouthpiece 11 helps remove impurities.
The cap 11 may be formed of foam, plastic, glass or other materials. Preferably, the cap 11 is frusto-conical or tapered although various shapes may be used with a circumference ranging from 1 inch to 4 inches. The convergence angle between one side of the cap wall 25 converging toward the other side of the cap wall 25 may be at various angles ranging preferably ranging between 90 degrees and 45 degrees and possibly 22.5 degrees as indicated by FIG. 3. The vertical length of the cap side wall 25 can be varied depending upon the angle of convergence.
The inside surface of the cap side wall 25 may include an annular gasket or seal 31, which serves to prevent leakage of the inhalable gas from the upper chamber portion 18B. The gasket 31 may also engage the pipe rim 23 to serve as a connector that positively holds the cap 11 on the rim 23.
Also, a cup-like compartment or pocket 33 can be provided which may serve several purposes. The compartment 33 is formed from a cup or panel 34 that can be supported with the cap 11 on the rim 23. The cup 34 preferably is separable from the cap side wall 25, wherein the pocket 33 can be accessed from outside the cap 11 and filled with various materials. For example, the cup 34 may have openings, slots, perforations and the like to allow the inhalable gas to pass there through when a person applies suction through the mouth ports 28 or 29. Ice may be provided in the cup 34 for cooling the inhalable gas such that the cup 34 serves as an ice catch. The ice catch may be in any depth with any material so long as the panel 34 fits into the discharge end 12 of the water pipe 10.
Further, the cup or panel 34 may be formed as a structural cooling apparatus that can include aluminum fins, water filled jackets or the ice. The cooling apparatus may direct the gas flow horizontally or vertically or at angles therebetween.
Also, flavored materials may be provided therein to add flavor to the gas being inhaled, or a filter material may be provided which filters the gas. The panel 34 therefor may form a flavor compartment or cooling compartment or reservoir which can extend various lengths into the water pipe 10. For example, the panel 34 may include vertical slots parallel with the top of the cup 11. The flavor materials may be drops such as liquid drops, balls, pods, cotton swabs or flavored sponges and the like.
The filter materials may be any suitable material such as carbon filter pellets, paper, cotton balls, aluminum plates or a metal mesh. It will be understood that these disclosures and features are also applicable to the remaining embodiments disclosed herein.
Referring to FIG. 4, the closure for selectively closing any of the ports 28 or 29 in the cap 11 may be one of a variety of constructions. As to the top of FIG. 4, the closure may be formed as a movable tab 40 that can be moved into position in the port 29 to close the port 29. As seen in the middle of FIG. 4, the closure may be formed as a dial 41 that has an exposed actuator portion 42 that can be rotated or slid to move a displaceable plug 43 into the port 29 and close same. At the bottom of FIG. 4, a removable plug 43 may be provided which is manually plugged into the opening 29 to close same. With any embodiment, the ports 28 or 29 will be plugged or turned off/on with one of these various designs, such as a simple twist of the dial 41 that displaces the plug or tab 43 into the closed position or opens same.
Referring to FIG. 5, a further cap or mouthpiece 50 removably attaches to the water pipe 10 and is particularly suited for use by multiple people. In this cap, a side wall 51 is provided which mounts like the side wall 25 to the rim 26A of the water pipe 10. In this embodiment, the end wall 52 is enlarged to define a plurality of separate conduits 53 that project radially and are circumferentially spaced apart, and define respective passages that open through ports 54. The ports 54 are configured to mate with hoses or port extensions 55 that can be selectively attached to the ports 54, define inhalation passages, and ordered as options by the customer. Each port 54 receives inhalable gases from the water pipe 10, and allows for use by multiple people. To help distribute the gases to the ports 54, a fan or circular spinning unit 56 may be provided which rotates under suction and helps dispense the gases, such as smoke or vapor, and helps synchronize an even flow of such gases to each of the ports 54.
The cap 50 may also be provided with the cup or panel 34 to perform the various options, enhancements and features described above.
Referring to FIG. 6, a further embodiment is disclosed which illustrates the basic components of a cap or mouthpiece 60. Here again, a water pipe or bong 10 is provided in combination with an improved cap 60 which is attachable to the discharge end 12 of the water pipe 10. The side wall 15 defines an interior chamber 16 wherein the bottom chamber portion 17A at the base 14 may be provided with a volume of water or other liquid that may serve as a filter, and an upper chamber portion 18B or collection area in which an inhalable gas may collect after travelling through the water in the bottom portion 17A. A tubular stem 18 is provided which projects from the side wall 15 so as to define a passage therethrough, which opens into the interior chamber 16. Preferably, the end of the stem 18 also includes a process chamber 19 which may be formed as a removable bowl or some other structure that allows for the conversion process.
Referring to the inventive cap 60 as shown in FIG. 6, this cap 60 is formed with an open-ended, frusto-conical shape, defined by a cap side wall 61 that has an open end 62 and an opposite end closed by an end wall 63. The cap 60 is formed with at least a first inhalation port 64, which may be formed with a half-moon shape. The cap 60 and other caps disclosed herein serve as an air tight substitute for the already exposed opening of the water pipe 10 which normally would be using for inhaling by a person. As disclosed herein, the invention will also be able to filter some resin and impurities which might be associated with the inhalable gas.
As disclosed herein, one advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein would result from the modification of temperature of the inhalable gases by using cooling features such as aluminum fins placed in the cap 60 or other caps disclosed herein prior to attaching the caps to the water pipes. As disclosed in these embodiments, the invention also provides flavor to the inhaled gases through the water pipe to change or enhance flavor of the gases.
Preferably, each of the embodiments is configured to be disposable and recyclable. By the separation of inhalation ports, the invention provides a cap which is more sanitary and hygienic.
Referring to FIG. 7, a further embodiment of the cap is identified by reference numeral 70 which removably attaches to the water pipe 10. In this cap, a side wall 71 is provided which mounts like the side wall 25 to the rim 26A of the water pipe 10. At least one inhalation port 72 is provided. An upper cap portion 73 is enlarged to provide additional space. Proximate the discharge end 12 of the water pipe 10, the cap 70 includes a rebreather mechanism 74 which comprises an axle 75 and a blade unit 76, which rotates about the axle 75. The blade unit 76 spins during intake or suction of the gases by the persons using the cap 70. The rebreather mechanism 74 and blade unit 76 serves as a fan which cools and redirects the inhalable gases to the side allowing no gases to pass until intake or suction by the operator. Preferably, the rebreather mechanism 74 is integrated directly into and supported by the side wall 77. Essentially, the rebreather mechanism 74 serves as a fan or circular spinning unit which rotates under suction or other means including manual or powered rotation, and helps dispense the gases, such as smoke or vapor.
This cap 70 also may be cooled so as to be refrigerated or even frozen before use. The cooled mouthpiece 70 then can function to cool gases passing through the cap 70, wherein the rebreather mechanism 74 improves the cooling of the gases. It will be understood that the other embodiments of the present invention can also be refrigerated or frozen if desired, even if the other cap design also includes additional cooling structures built into the cap.
Referring to FIG. 8, each embodiment of a cap such as cap 80 may be formed with a cushion or band of resilient or compressible material 81 around the bottom half of the cap side wall 82. The band protects against tipping of the water pipe 10 or possible breakage since the cap 80 is positively secured to the top of the water pipe 10.
Referring to FIG. 9, the caps described herein such as cap 12 may preferably be circular. Alternatively, the cap 90 is shown which may have a non-circular shape defined by the side wall 91 and top wall 92. The interior 93 is shown in the bottom view and the exterior 94 in the top view. The shape may be oblong so that when the cap 90 is secured to the water pipe 10, the cap 90 can be twisted to lock same in place. Other non-circular formations are shown in the cap variations 95 and 96.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a cap 100 is shown which is formed as two-part cap having a cap base 101 and cap top 102. The cap 100 fits onto the discharge end 12 of the water pipe 10 wherein the bottom chamber portion 17A at the base 14 may be provided with a volume of water or other liquid, and the upper chamber portion 18B has a collection area in which the inhalable gas collects. The tubular stem 18 is provided which projects from the side wall 15.
In this embodiment, the cap base 101 has a frusto-conical side wall 103 and an interior wall 104. The interior wall 104 is formed with a larger central hole 105, and smaller holes 106 such as pin holes for the passage of the inhalable gas 107 as indicated by arrows 108.
The cap base 101 is constructed to lock with the cap top 102 to form a cap assembly. The cap top 102 includes a top side wall 110 that aligns with the base side wall 103 to form a frusto-conical shape for the cap 100 when the cap base and top 101/102 are joined together. The top side wall 110 also supports vertical, hollow pins 111 that allow for air to pass through during inhalation. The pins 111 may align with the smaller holes 106. Further, the holes 106 may be countersunk or oversized to receive an annular gasket, wherein the pins 111 insert into the gaskets and the gaskets fit tightly in the space or interface between the holes 106 and pins 111. The tight fit of the gaskets with the pins 11 can help hold the cap top 102 on the cap base 101 as on form of a latch.
Referring to FIG. 12, the cap 100 may include another latch system to make the design air tight when the cap 100 is joined to the water pipe 10. For example, a band 112 may be provided with free ends 112A and 112B may respectively include a bar at end 112A and a tightener at end 112B that mate together to draw the ends 112A and 112B together. The mechanism may be like that of a tool box latch.
Referring to FIG. 13, a further embodiment of a cap 120 is shown which fits on the water pipe 10 described above. The cap 120 is defined as a multi-part assembly comprising a cup-like main body 121 and a lid-like top wall or cover 122 which is detachable from the main body 121. The cover 122 preferably is formed with the inhalation ports 123 formed similar to those described above to allow inhalation of the gases from the water pipe 10 as generally indicated by reference arrows 124.
The main body 121 is shown enlarged in FIG. 13 and mounted on the discharge end 12 of the water pipe 10. The main body 121 includes a bottom wall 126 formed with a mounting hole 127 that fits onto the discharge end 12 of the water pipe 10 to allow the inhalable gases to enter the cap 120 from the water pipe 10. A mounting ring 128 fits into a recessed area defining the opening 127, wherein the mounting ring 128 preferably is an elastomeric gasket such as rubber. The mounting ring 128 provides a seal that ensures an air tight connection with the water pipe end 12, and also provides a positive engagement between the cap 120 and water pipe 10.
The bottom wall 126 joins to a side wall 130 that extends upwardly with a taper and then continues vertically to define an interior cap chamber 131. The cap chamber 131 opens into the water pipe 10 through the opening 127 and opens vertically from the top, which open top end is closable by the cover 122.
The cap 120 further includes a removable panel 133 which fits into the interior chamber 131. Preferably, the panel 133 sits on top of the tapered wall portion of the side wall 130 and sub-divides the interior chamber 131 into a bottom chamber section 134 and a top chamber section 135. The panel 133 has openings therein which may be formed as slots or holes and other shapes to allow the inhalable gas from the water pipe 10 to flow from the bottom chamber section 134 to the top chamber section 135.
The panel 134 may have various features configured therein such as cooling fins 134A. The panel 133 includes an upward-facing panel surface 137 which can include various enhancing substances such as ice 138 to further cool and filter the gases flowing through the panel 134 during inhalation. Since the panel 134 is removable, this allows the panel 134 to be replaceable with new panels 134 and alternate panels having different features. Further, the removable cover 122 allows the cover 122 to be replaced to provide alternate patterns of ports 123 or allow different users to provide their own personal cover 122 when sharing a water pipe 10.
Referring to FIG. 14, the bottom wall 126 includes an internal tapered portion 126A that defines the bottom opening 127. The tapered bottom wall portion 126A and remainder of the bottom wall 126 along with the tapered portion of the side wall 130 define an annular reservoir 139 which can store various enhancing substances 140 such as flavored substances preferably in the form of a liquid.
Further, the bottom chamber portion 134 may also include a separable filter 141, which can be formed in a disc or pad shape. The filter 141 fits over the opening 127 such that the inhalable gases pass through the filter 141 during inhalation to effect filtering of the gas. The filter 141 can be formed of various materials such as permeable carbon, padding or the like.
Referring to FIG. 15, several variations of telescoping caps 150 are illustrated and identified by sub-designators “−1”, etc. For example, cap 150-1 comprises a plurality of frusto-conical cap segments 151 nested one outside the other in the upward direction, which segments 151 may be telescopically extended and retracted. Cap 150-2 comprises a plurality of different shaped frusto-conical cap segments 152 nested one inside the other in the upward direction, which segments 152 may be telescopically extended and retracted when mounted on the water pipe 10. Cap 150-3 illustrates an alternate shape for the cap segments 153. Cap 150-4 includes an enlarged base segment 154A, which is open upwardly and downwardly, and includes smaller upper segments 154B and 154C nested one inside the other.
Referring to FIG. 16, the cap 160 has a multi-part design similar to cap 100 of FIG. 11. The cap 160 is formed as two-part cap having a cap base 161 and cap top 162. The cap 160 fits onto the discharge end 12 of the water pipe 10. The cap base 161 and cap top 162 are coupled at joint 160A. In this embodiment, the cap base 101 has a frusto-conical side wall 163 and an interior wall 164, which can support enhancing substances such as ice 164A. The cap base 161 is constructed to lock with the cap top 162 to form a cap assembly.
The cap base 161 also forms an annular reservoir 165 which surrounds a bottom opening 166. The reservoir 165 is provided for storing liquid flavor and other enhancing substances.
At the top end of the cap top 162, an annular rim 166 defines a circular opening 166A, wherein the rim 166 may also include a gasket 166B to help define an air tight seal as described below. A lid or cover 167 is also connected to the cap top 162 by a hinge 168. The cover 167 has one or more notches 169 which define inhalation ports 169A for use as described above. With this design, different lids 167 or different cap bases 161 may be provided, such as in different shapes and sizes.
Referring to FIG. 17, the cap 170 is formed with a frusto-conical side wall 171 that forms a larger opening 172 at the top thereof. The top edge 171A may include an annular lip 171B that projects radially and improves gripping of the cap 170 by a person's mouth when inhaling.
The cap bottom includes an annular throat 173 that engages with the top of the water pipe 10. A bottom wall 174 is formed about the throat 173 which may support a screen 175 or other support panel such as an ice catcher, which can also reduce splash.
Referring to FIG. 18, a cap 180 is mountable to the water pipe 10 in a conventional manner. The cap 180 has a cap base 181 formed as a frusto-conical cylinder which has a tapered side wall 181A. The cap top 182 includes ports 183 formed in the side wall 182A. The cap top 182 and cap base 181 can be detachable with connectors such as screw threads or snap-together gaskets which detachably join the top 182 and base 181 together.
An interior panel 184 may be provided which supports features such as cooling fins, filter, or ice catcher. The cap base 181 would just be used as a an air tight cap or air lock like a closed hole option.
Referring to FIG. 19, a cap 190 is mountable to the water pipe 10 in a conventional manner. The cap 190 has a cap base 191 formed as a cylindrical tube which has a straight side wall 191A. The cap top 192 includes ports and has a drop-in, interior structure 193 that can be in a variety of forms. For example, the structure 193 may have fins or other enhancement features already described herein. The cap top 192 and cap base 191 are detachable even without the interior structure 193. If no interior structure 193, the cap 190 still works since the cap top 192 fits over the cap base 191. For example, the structure 193 formed as fins would be detached or removed from the interior of the cap 190 and a person would just use the holder at the cap base 191 to air lock the cap top 192.
Referring to FIG. 20, a cap 200 is mountable to the water pipe 10 in a conventional manner. The cap 200 is formed with an alternate look or appearance since it is shaped as a cylindrical tube which has a straight side wall 201. The cap top wall 202 includes ports 203 for use as described herein. The side wall 201 has a diameter greater than the entirety of the water pipe 10, and the bottom inside wall 204 is conical so as to fit snug over the pipe rim 23. The bottom wall 204 also includes a hole 205 for the upward flow of inhalable gases. The conical bottom wall 204 has a greater diameter than various water pipes 10 so that the cap 200 is usable with a wide variety of such pipes. As such, an oversized can is formed, preferably of aluminum to assist in cooling of the gases.
Referring to FIG. 21, a further cap 210 is provided on a water pipe 10. The side wall 211 of the cap 210 includes inhalation ports 212 and supplemental air intake holes or passages 213. This allows for air intake above water level in the water pipe 10 which would provide a sort of secondary choke hole. The intake holes 213 would allow a supplemental gas such as air or other vapor to be combined with the intake of the inhalable gases from the water pipe 10. Flavor could be added to the supplemental gas such as forced air, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide or other gases. A supply of such gas could be obtained in a container which has a button to open ports to allow the release of supplemental gas to the cap 210. This release of supplemental gas preferably would be done simultaneously with inhalation of the gases from the water pipe 10.
Referring to FIG. 22, a cap 220 is provided with an external cap wall 221 having the ports 222. An interior cap structure or cap wall 223 is provided in the interior of the cap wall 221 which has passages that are fed with a supplemental gas through a gas fitting 224 for receiving pressurized gas such as air. The cap structure 223 has outlet ports for discharging the supplemental gas into the cap interior during inhalation of the inhalable gas from the water pipe 10. The fitting 224 can have a valve or similar structure and is pressed to release built up air at the time of inhalation for smoother or faster inhales.
Referring to FIG. 23, a cap 230 is provided with an external cap wall 231 having the ports 232. The cap 230 fits on a water pipe 10 as described above. This cap 230 may also include one or more protective bands 233 which fit onto the exterior of the cap wall 231 to protect same. The bands 233 also may fit inside the cap 230 so as to contact the water pipe 10 and prevent breakage thereof when engaged with the cap 230.
Referring to FIG. 23, a further cap 240 is provided on a water pipe 10. The side wall 241 of the cap 240 includes inhalation ports 242 which are formed in a removable or detachable air tight cap 243 that joins to the side wall 241. The cap 240 may be removable or openable to allow insertion of ice 244 or other enhancements such as flavors into the cap 240. The enhancements are stored on the cup 245 in the same manner as described above relative to other embodiments. The cap 240 may be held in place on the side wall 241 by screw threads, O-ring, hinge or the like.
Next as to FIG. 25, an alternate cap 250 is shown which has an adjustable design for fitting onto different sized water pipes 10. The cap has a base 251 and a top 252, which are joinable at a detach point 253. The bottom end of the base 251 has an opening 255 that fits onto a water pipe 10. The opening 255 is defined by radial supports 256 that have outer ends supported on the base wall 257 and inner ends which define the opening 255. The radial supports 256 are radially displaceable to allow the diameter of the opening 255 to be adjusted to accommodate different water pipes 10.
FIG. 26 illustrates another alternate cap 260 which has an adjustable design for fitting onto different sized water pipes 10. The cap has a base 261 and a top 262, which are joinable at a detach point 263. As an example of a different shape, the cap 260 has a rectangular cross section when viewed vertically. The bottom end of the base 261 has an opening 265 that fits onto a water pipe 10. The opening 265 is defined by radial supports 266 that have outer ends supported on the base wall 267 and inner ends which define the opening 265. The radial supports 256 are radially displaceable to allow the diameter of the opening 255 to be adjusted. The base 261 also has a catch basin 268 for ice 269 or other enhancements. The base 261 also has a top wall 261A formed with a rim or collar 261B that defines an opening 261C.
The top 262 is shown flipped on end so that the bottom end 262A can be seen. The bottom end 262A of the top 262 also has an adjustable opening 270 that fits tightly onto the collar 261B. The opening 270 is defined by radial supports 271 that have outer ends supported on the top wall 272 and inner ends which define the opening 270. The radial supports 271 are radially displaceable to allow the diameter of the opening 270 to be adjusted and fit tightly onto the collar 261B. As such, the top 262 can be removed from the base 261 to provide access thereto.
With this invention, the various cap designs disclosed herein provide an improved system for inhalation from any of a variety of water pipes 10. Instead of applying a person's mouth directly to the water pipe 10, the person uses the cap or mouthpiece. The addition of features to the cap or mouthpiece allows for new ways of cooling, adding flavor, and filtering all in one cap structure that is removably fitted onto the water pipe 10.
While many of the mouthpiece designs disclosed herein have a conical shape, other mouthpiece shapes may be used without departing from the present invention. Any of the above-disclosed designs may have a different overall shape while still performing the disclosed functions. The inventive mouthpieces may even have a custom shape. These designs provided for improved suction of gases due to the more ergonomic mouthpieces and ports and the improved engagement with the water pipe 10. The inventive mouthpiece designs provide a universal fitting that can be used with multiple designs and shapes of water pipes 10, and preferably fit over the discharge end 12 rather than being inserted within the opening on this end 12. Here again, this fitment provides for improved suction and sealing between any mouthpiece and the water pipe 10 on which it is installed.
Although particular preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.
Patent Application
20180317546
