SMOKING DEVICE

Abstract

A Cannabis device for smoking a substance, such as Cannabis, enables users to inhale smoke from a lit joint through a pipe assembly of the device, rather than directly through the joint itself, as well as from the substance held in a bowl of the device. The device further comprises a mouthpiece or adapter which may securely insert into a bong, water pipe, or other similar device, enabling users to inhale smoke from a lit joint through the bong, water pipe, or other similar device rather than directly through the joint itself.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for smoking a substance, and in particular, for smoking Cannabis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cannabis is a narcotic substance derived from the hemp plant Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa. The leaves and stalks of hemp plants are referred to as marijuana; Cannabis is derived from the female flowering heads of hemp, and the resin obtained from the flowering heads is known as cannabin. Furthermore, derived materials of Cannabis include cannabinoid, an alkaloid cannabine, and an oil cannabinol. In this specification, the Cannabis and the other derivatives, are referred to generically as Cannabis.

In general, Cannabis smoking refers to the inhalation of smoke or vapors released by heating or burning the flowers, leaves, or extracts of Cannabis. The main psychoactive chemical, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is released during heating of Cannabis and is absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs.

Traditionally, there are many methods for smoking Cannabis. One of the most common traditional methods is smoking through a joint cigarette, also known simply as a “joint”. Joints are typically hand-rolled and smoked like a tobacco cigarette held in the user's fingers or with a clip. Particularly, the last bit is “roached” to reduce the likelihood of inhaling the filter tip (burned cardboard) and so that it is easier to hold. Rolling papers are the most common rolling medium; however, brown paper, cigarettes or beedies with the tobacco removed, receipts, newspapers and modern papers including rice, hemp, and flax, are also used. In addition, joints may be rolled by machine and in various markets, pre-rolled joints are also now available.

Another popular traditional method of smoking Cannabis is smoking through a pipe. Particularly, the pipe comprises a bowl for keeping Cannabis herb from which a thin hollow stem (shank) emerges ending in a mouthpiece. Typically, the Cannabis herb is directly kept in the bowl, lit, and smoked through the pipe.

Yet another popular traditional method of smoking Cannabis is smoking through a hookah. Particularly, the hookah pulls smoke from a metal cup through water or another type of liquid prior to inhalation.

However, all of the traditional methods of smoking Cannabis have one or more disadvantages. For example, disadvantages of using a joint include the following: (a) if one smokes a joint without a roach clip, one's hands smell of Cannabis; (b) people who don't have the dexterity and motor control due to diseases have a difficult time smoking a joint (holding it, putting it down etc.); (c) smoking a joint traditionally also requires putting the burning tip of the joint closer to your face and hair which may increase the risk of burns; and (d) in the winter, it becomes difficult to hold a joint with gloves on. A disadvantage of using a pipe is that Cannabis has to be frequently reloaded in the bowl to smoke. Disadvantages of using a hookah include that hookahs are bulky, difficult to transport and generally not configured to accept a rolled product, such as a cigarette.

There remains a need in the art for alternative devices or methods to smoke Cannabis products or derivatives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for smoking a substance, such as Cannabis.

In one aspect, the present invention comprises a Cannabis smoking device comprising a pipe assembly, an inner chamber, and defining at least one joint holder defined by a tapered opening. The pipe assembly comprises a bowl, a pipe defined by a main passage, and a mouthpiece. The inner chamber, the bowl, the at least one joint holder and the mouthpiece are joined by internal passages. Drawing air through the device by inhaling through the mouthpiece will result in air entering either through the bowl or the joint holder, or both, depending on if one or both are restricted or not.

The pipe may be defined by a tapered shape, a round shape, or another shape. The at least one joint holder is configured to securely fit a conventional joint with a typical tapered shape and size. The joint holder may be tapered to accept joints of different shapes and sizes.

In some embodiments, the Cannabis smoking device may comprise more than one joint holder, in which case each additional joint holder is connected to the inner chamber by a separate connection passage. Optionally, the Cannabis smoking device may comprise at least one removable plug to close the at least one joint holder when not in use.

In one embodiment, the mouthpiece has a tapered opening having a maximum depth of about ⅛″ and maximum inner penetration diameter of about ⅛″. Moreover, the outside wall penetration diameter is as large as needed by the user. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece has a tapered opening having a depth of about ¼″. In yet another embodiment, the mouthpiece has a tapered opening having a depth of about 5/16″ and a diameter of about 1 5/16″.

In some embodiments, the inner chamber has a volume which has enables users to inhale greater amounts of smoke, and which additionally cools the Cannabis smoke as it passes through the inner chamber. In these embodiments, the inner chamber may be easier to clean and may require less frequent cleaning.

In some embodiments, users may inhale smoke from a lit joint inserted in the at least one joint holder through the mouthpiece. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece securely inserts into a bong, water pipe, or other similar device, enabling users to inhale smoke from a lit joint inserted in the at least one joint holder through the bong, water pipe, or other similar device.

In some embodiments, when smoking a joint that has been inserted into the at least one joint holder, the bowl can be used as a choke, which cools the smoke prior to inhaling. In some embodiments, the bowl may have a larger diameter, which further cools the smoke prior to inhaling. In some embodiments, the user covers the bowl, such as with one or more fingers, causing smoke produced from a lit joint inserted in the at least one joint holder to be directed into the inner chamber. When the user releases the cover from the bowl and continues to inhale, air enters the bowl and pushes smoke inside the device directly into the lungs of the user.

In some embodiments, the Cannabis smoking device is cooled prior to use by placing in a refrigerator, freezer or by other means.

In some embodiments, the Cannabis smoking device comprises a heat tolerant or resistant material including wood, stone, soapstone, metal, high temperature silicone or other heat resistant materials. Moreover, different heat resistant materials provide a different flavour profile to the smoke of the Cannabis smoking device.

In one embodiment, the Cannabis smoking device has at least one flat side. In another embodiment, the Cannabis smoking device has at least two flat sides. In particular, the first flat side allows the Cannabis smoking device to sit stably on a flat surface when using the bowl and the other flat side allows the Cannabis smoking device to sit stably when smoking a joint that has been inserted into the at least one joint holder.

In some embodiments, a joint inserted into the at least one joint holder is positioned at an upright angle, enabling the joint to extinguish faster by allowing ash from the burning joint to settle at the top of the joint.

In some embodiments, the Cannabis smoking device further comprises a metal screen filter, which is inserted into the bowl. The metal screen filter may be comprised of stainless steel filter mesh or similar metal mesh. In some embodiments, the metal screen filter has a diameter of about 5/16″. In some embodiments, dried Cannabis, including the remaining Cannabis from a joint which has been mostly smoked (i.e. a “roach”), may be placed in the metal screen filter, enabling a user to smoke dried Cannabis directly from the bowl. Moreover, when inhaling from the mouthpiece, air is drawn through the tapered opening of the at least one joint holder into the inner chamber, providing a flavourful profile of the dried Cannabis to the user. Furthermore, the excess air drawn allows the dried Cannabis to burn at a lower temperature and increases the air to flame ratio on all sides of the dried Cannabis.

In another aspect, the invention may comprise a method of smoking Cannabis, using a device as described herein, comprising the steps of:

• • a) Drawing smoke from a joint in the joint holder into the second passage while blocking the second orifice;
  • b) Drawing air from the second orifice while inhaling the smoke from step (a); and optionally
  • c) moving a remnant of the joint into the bowl and smoking the remnant by blocking the third orifice and inhaling through the first orifice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1A shows a top view of a device of the present invention for smoking Cannabis, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a side view of the device of FIG. 1A. Internal passageways are shown in both.

FIG. 2A shows a second embodiment of a device of the present invention for smoking Cannabis, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. FIG. 2B shows the device of FIG. 2A with a metal screen filter.

FIG. 3A shows a third embodiment of device of the present invention for smoking Cannabis, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. FIG. 3B shows another view of the device of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4A shows a fourth embodiment of a device of the present invention for smoking Cannabis, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. FIG. 4B shows another view of the device of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C shows the device of FIG. 4A with a metal screen filter inserted into the bowl thereof, and a joint inserted into the joint holder thereof.

FIG. 5A shows a fifth embodiment of a device of the present invention for smoking Cannabis, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. FIG. 5B. shows another view of the device of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of a device of the present invention for smoking Cannabis, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, when the mouthpiece thereof is securely inserted into a bong bowl of a bong and a joint is inserted in the second joint holder of the device.

FIG. 7 shows an eighth embodiment of a device of the present invention for smoking Cannabis, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, where the device is made of soapstone, and is resting on one flat surface to enable placement of a joint inserted in the third orifice.

FIG. 8A shows another view of the device of FIG. 7, showing the metal screen filter removed from the second orifice. FIG. 8B another view of the device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a ninth embodiment of a device of the present invention for smoking Cannabis, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 10A shows an embodiment of a device of the present invention for smoking Cannabis, in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention. FIG. 10B shows another view of the device of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10C shows another view of the device of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10D shows the device of FIG. 10A when the adapter thereof is securely inserted into a bong bowl. FIG. 10E shows the device of FIG. 10A when the adapter thereof is securely inserted into a bong bowl and a joint inserted into the joint holder of the device.

FIG. 10F is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10G is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a device for smoking a substance, such as Cannabis.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a top view, and a side view, respectively, of one embodiment of a device (10) of the present invention for smoking Cannabis. In this embodiment, the device (10) includes a body (11) (also referred to herein as a pipe assembly). The body (11), has a mouthpiece (1) that the user can place to their mouth, which mouthpiece (1) defines a first orifice (12) through which a user can inhale Cannabis smoke. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece (1) tapers (i.e., narrows in width) as it extends in the direction toward the first orifice (12). The body (11) has a bowl (3) for holding Cannabis and defining a second orifice (4). In this embodiment, the bowl (3) includes an annular horizontal ledge surrounding the second orifice (4) and extending upwardly into a vertical wall. The body (11) also defines a third orifice (6), also referred to herein as a joint holder. In some embodiments, the joint holder (6) tapers (i.e., narrows in width)) as it extends inwardly into the body (10). The body (11) defines a first internal passage (2) connecting the second orifice (4) to the first orifice (12). The body (11) also defines a second internal passage (5) connecting the joint holder (6) to the bowl (2) internal volume. In some embodiments, the joint holder may have an internal passage leading directly to the mouthpiece first orifice (12).

In some embodiments, the body (11) has a first flat base surface (7) for placement of the device (10) on a table or other surface such that the bowl opens upwards. This orientation permits smoking of dried Cannabis placed on a metal screen filter (200) (see FIG. 2B in respect to a similar embodiment) that is supported on the ledge of bowl (3) or on a screen in the bowl. In some embodiments, the device (10) has a second flat base surface (8) for placement of the device (10) on a table or other flat surface such that the joint holders points upwards, which would elevate a Cannabis cigarette joint (100) that is held in the joint holder (6) (as shown in FIG. 4C). In this embodiment, the first and second flat base surfaces (7, 8) are at different orientations from each other.

The flat base surfaces (7 or 8) stabilize the device when placed on a flat surface such as a table.

FIGS. 2A to 2B shows another embodiment of a device (10) for smoking Cannabis comprising a pipe assembly or body (11), similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B but differing in external shape.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece (1) has a tapered shape having a maximum depth of about ⅛″ and maximum inner penetration diameter of about ⅛″. Moreover, the outside wall penetration diameter is as large as needed by the user. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (1) has a tapered shape having a depth of about ¼″. In yet another embodiment, the mouthpiece (1) has a tapered shape having a depth of about 5/16″ and a diameter of about 1 5/16″.

FIG. 2B shows the device oriented such that the joint holder points upwards. Also shown is a metal screen filter (200) which may be inserted into the second orifice (4) so as to be supported upon the ledge of the bowl (3). The metal screen filter (200) may be comprised of stainless steel round filter meshes or alike metal meshes. Furthermore, the metal screen filter (200) may be cleaned. In some embodiments, the metal screen filter (200) has a diameter of about 5/16″. In some embodiments, dried Cannabis, including the remnant (remaining Cannabis from a joint which has been mostly smoked i.e. a “roach”), may be placed in the metal screen filter (200), enabling a user to smoke dried Cannabis directly from the bowl (3). Moreover, when inhaling from the mouthpiece (1), air is drawn through the second orifice (4) and the tapered joint holder (6) into the first internal passage (2), providing a flavourful profile of the dried Cannabis to the user. Furthermore, the excess air drawn allows the dried Cannabis to burn at a lower temperature and increases the air to flame ratio on all sides of the dried Cannabis.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show another embodiment of the device (10) of the present invention, with like elements labelled with like reference numbers used in the preceding Figures. FIG. 3A illustrates the bowl (3). The device (10) has two flat base surfaces (7, 8), such that the device (10) may rest stably on a flat surface with the ledge of the bowl (3) and second orifice (4) facing upward when flat base surface (7) rests on a table (as shown in FIG. 3A), or with the joint holder (6) facing upward when flat base surface (8) rests on a table (as shown in FIG. 3B).

FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C show another embodiment of the device (10), with like elements labelled with like reference numbers used in the preceding Figures.

Referring to FIG. 4C, in use of this embodiment, a joint (100) inserted into the joint holder (6) is positioned at an upright angle. The inventor has unexpectedly found that a lit joint positioned in this manner self-extinguishes if a user is not drawing air through the lit joint by inhaling.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show another embodiment of device (10) of the present invention with like elements labelled with like reference numbers used in the preceding Figures.

In use, when smoking a joint (100) that has been inserted into the joint holder (6), the bowl (3) can be used as a choke, which cools the smoke prior to inhaling. In some embodiments, the bowl (3) may have a larger diameter, which further cools the smoke prior to inhaling. In use, the user may cover the bowl (3) with one or more fingers or other covering technique causing smoke produced from a lit joint (100) inserted in the joint holder (6) to be directed into the first internal passage (2). When the user releases the cover from the bowl (3) and continues to inhale, air is drawn in through the bowl and not through the joint. This air pushes the smoke directly into the lungs of the user. In some embodiments, the second orifice (4) may have a relatively large volume or cross-sectional area, which enables users to inhale greater amounts of smoke, and which additionally further cools the Cannabis smoke as it passes through the first internal passage (2) toward the first orifice (12). In these embodiments, the bowl (3) and internal first passage (2) near the bowl (3) may be easier to clean and may require less frequent cleaning.

In a preferred method, the device (10) may be cooled prior to use by being refrigerated or frozen.

In the embodiment such as shown in FIG. 6, the device (10) comprises a fourth orifice (14) (herein referred to as a second joint holder (14)) for holding a joint (100) that is connected to the first internal passage (2) (concealed from view) by a separate third internal passage (concealed from view), in a manner analogous to the joint holder (6) and the second internal passage (5). This embodiment may enable the user to concurrently smoke more than one joint (100). Subsequently, in one embodiment of the device, the device (10) may comprise a plug to close the joint holder(s) (6 or 14) when not in use.

FIG. 6 also shows an embodiment of the device (10) when the mouthpiece (1) is securely inserted into a bong bowl (402) of bong (400). In this configuration, the device (10) enables users to inhale smoke from a lit joint (100) inserted in the joint holder (6) and/or second joint holder (14) and through the bong (400) or other similar device such as a water pipe, rather than directly through the joint (100) itself or the device (10) itself.

In some embodiments, the device (10) comprises a heat resistant material including wood, stone, soapstone, metal, high temperature silicone, cured mortar mix, or other heat resistant materials. Moreover, different heat resistant materials provide a different flavour profile to the smoke of the Cannabis smoking device. For example, FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B show an embodiment of the device (10) where the body (11) is made of soapstone. In FIG. 7, the device (10) is resting on one flat base surface (8) to enable placement of a joint (100) or Cannabis cigarette into the joint holder (6). FIG. 8A shows the device (10) with the metal screen filter (200) removed from the body (11). FIG. 8B shows the end of the device (10) defining the joint holder (6).

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the device (10) of the present invention, illustrating that the body (11) may have a variety of ornamental forms, such as the shape of a skull.

The device (10) may have various advantages such as reducing the risk of burns to the face, clothes, facial hair, and head hair. Other advantages of the device (10) may include that it does not leave a smell of Cannabis smoke on hands and can be more easily used in cold weather while wearing gloves. The present invention may provide a cooler smoke in one long puff rather than multiple small puffs. Also the users are able to break out the end of the Cannabis joint or roach into the bowl and smoke from the bowl, which reduces Cannabis wastage and prevent smoking of any filter material at the end of the joint.

FIGS. 10A to 10C shows another aspect of the present invention which comprises a device (20) permitting smoking of a joint (100) or from a bowl (28) through a bong (400). The device (20) has a body (22) defining an adapter (24) defining a first orifice (26). The adapter (24) securely inserts into a bong bowl (402) of a bong (400), water pipe, a joint holder or other similar device, enabling users to inhale smoke from a lit joint (100) inserted into a joint holder (30) through the bong (400), water pipe, or other similar device rather than directly through the joint (100) itself. FIG. 10B shows the combination of the bowl (28) and second orifice (30) for holding a joint (100), referred to herein as a joint holder (30). In this embodiment, the bowl (28) includes an annular horizontal ledge surrounding the second orifice (30) and extending upwardly into a vertical wall. FIG. 10C shows the adapter (24) end which inserts into the bong bowl (402) of bong (400) or water pipe.

FIG. 10D shows the device (20) with a metal screen filter (200) installed in the bowl (28) and resting on a ledge of the bowl (28), permitting its use as a pipe. FIG. 10E shows the same device (20) with the metal screen filter (200) removed and a joint (100) inserted into the joint holder. FIGS. 10F and 10G show the device in isolation.

Embodiments of the invention may comprise any combination of elements or features described herein. References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment referred to in other portions of the specification. Further, when a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect or connect such module, aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. In other words, any module, element or feature may be combined with any other element or feature in different embodiments, unless there is an obvious or inherent incompatibility, or it is specifically excluded.

It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology, such as “solely,” “only,” and the like, in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a “negative” limitation. The terms “preferably,” “preferred,” “prefer,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the invention.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “and/or” means any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated. The phrase “one or more” is readily understood by one of skill in the art, particularly when read in context of its usage.

Claims

1. A device for smoking a substance, the device comprising a body defining: (a) a mouthpiece defining a first orifice;(b) a bowl for holding the substance and defining a second orifice;(c) a first internal passage connecting the second orifice to the first orifice;(d) a third orifice for holding a joint of the substance; and(e) a second internal passage for connecting the third orifice to the first orifice or the second orifice.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece tapers as the mouthpiece extends in a direction toward the first orifice.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the bowl comprises a ledge surrounding the second orifice for directly or indirectly supporting the substance or a screen for supporting the substance, wherein the screen is supported on the ledge.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the third orifice has a smaller cross-sectional area than the second orifice.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the third orifice tapers as third orifice extends inwardly into the body.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises: (a) a first flat base surface which is opposite the second orifice; and(b) a second flat base surface, wherein the third orifice faces upward when the body is oriented such that second flat base surface is oriented horizontally, facing downward, and disposed at the bottom of the body.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the first flat base surface and the second flat base surface are at non-parallel planar orientations to each other.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the first flat base and the second flat base are substantially perpendicular to each other.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the body defines: (a) a fourth orifice for holding a second joint of the substance; and(b) a third internal passage connecting the fourth orifice to the first orifice and/or the second orifice.

10. A device for smoking a substance, and for use with a bong defining a bong bowl, the device comprising a body defining: (a) an adapter for insertion into the bong bowl, and defining a first orifice for communication of smoke into the bong;(b) a bowl for holding the substance and defining a second orifice for holding a joint of the substance; and(c) an internal passage for communication of smoke from the second orifice to the first orifice.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the adapter tapers as the adapter extends in a direction toward the first orifice.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the bowl comprises a ledge surrounding the second orifice for directly or indirectly supporting the substance.

13. The device of claim 12, further comprising a screen for supporting the substance, wherein the screen is supported on the ledge.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the second orifice tapers as second orifice extends inwardly into the body.

15. A method of smoking Cannabis, using a device as claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of: (a) Drawing smoke from a joint in the joint holder into the second passage while blocking the second orifice;(b) Drawing air from the second orifice while inhaling the smoke from step (a).

16. The method of claim 15 comprising the further step of moving a remnant of the joint into the bowl and smoking the remnant by blocking the third orifice and inhaling through the first orifice.