SMOKING PIPE WITH A DUAL PURPOSE HEAT-SINK AIRFLOW PATH INSERT FOR COOLING SMOKE AND REDUCING PARTICULATE CONTENT OF INHALABLE SMOKE

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a smoking pipe with a dual purpose heat-sink airflow path insert for cooling smoke and reducing particulate content of inhalable smoke. Improvements in smoke cooling and reduction of particulate content, over known traditional chillums, derive in part from the configuration of a threadably removable airflow path insert inside the tubular sleeve body of the pipe, to increase the airflow path of smoke over other chillums of the same overall length, to serve as a heatsink, to present a circuitous path for the smoke to follow in order to trap particulates, and to increase the surface area inside the pipe that is available for particulates and post-combustion products to adhere to inside the pipe.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to pipes for smoking cannabis or other herbal smoking blends. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an improvement to a type of smoking pipe commonly referred to as either a “chillum” or a “one-hitter.”

BACKGROUND

The smoking of dried plants for medicine, recreation or religious purposes has a long history. One way of smoking such dried plants (hereinafter “smoking product”) is with a pipe. The number and variety of pipes are legion.

One type of pipe is a “chillum.” A chillum is a straight conical smoking pipe traditionally made of clay or soft stone. The chillum is believed to have developed in India and Africa, and is now often associated with Rastafari religious rituals. A pebble is often used as a stopper in the stem to reduce inhalation of smoking debris and ash, much like a screen or filter is used in other types of pipes.

Another type of pipe is the “one-hitter”, also known as a “oney,” a “bat,” a “tay,” or a “taster.” A one-hitter is typically a slender pipe with a screened narrow bowl, intended for a single inhalation, or “hit” of smoke from a small serving of burning cannabis flower or other dry-sifted herbal preparation. Traditional national varieties of one-hitter pipes have included the Native American calumet (a “peace pipe”), the kiseru of Japan, the midwakh of the Middle East, the sebsi of Morocco, and some narrow chillums of Nepal, India, and Jamaica.

Various designs of chillum and one-hitter are commercially available. However, prior art designs known to the Applicant all suffer from various problems and drawbacks. Prior art examples of the one-hitter or chillum are unsophisticated, simple milled designs in a single material, such as wood, stone, aluminum, brass, or glass. Such prior art fails with respect to adequate cooling of smoke prior to inhalation for short devices, and traditional chillums are overly long for most modern consumers. Known prior art devices also sometimes overheat or burn a user's fingers while smoking; fail to adequately filter ash and particulates out of the smoke prior to inhalation; and fail to enable the correct amount of airflow through the pipe, so as to enable a sufficient “draw” for the pipe, without requiring the user to inhale an excessive volume of air for a single “hit.” Moreover, prior art devices are often difficult to clean. Sometimes this difficulty in cleaning is simply accepted, for example with respect to devices used in religious rites. Other times, this difficulty in cleaning is addressed by treating one-hitters as disposable, resulting in unwanted and unnecessary waste. Finally, prior art devices made of glass, ceramic, or stone are breakable, and can chip or even shatter if dropped by a user.

Accordingly, there is a need for a chillum that adequately cools smoke prior to inhalation, that prevents overheating or burning a user's fingers while smoking, that filters ash and particulates out of the smoke prior to inhalation, and that enables the correct amount of airflow through the pipe, so as to enable a sufficient “draw” for the pipe, without requiring the user to inhale an excessive amount of smoke for a single “hit.” Further there is a need for such a chillum that is easily cleaned, is re-usable, and is durable. Still further, there is a need for a chillum that is short enough to be appealing to the modern consumer while still meeting the above-described needs. Thus, there exists an unfulfilled need for a chillum that addresses these needs and may overcome these and other concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The various embodiments of the present smoking pipe has several features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the present embodiments as expressed by the claims that follow, their more prominent features now will be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description,” one will understand how the features of the present embodiments solve the problems discussed in the Background and provide the advantages described herein.

In a first aspect, a smoking pipe is provided, having a mouthpiece with a mouthpiece outflow aperture, a tubular sleeve body, an airflow path insert positioned in the tubular sleeve body, the airflow path insert having an insert body, an insert inflow aperture, a recess in the insert body establishing an insert-adjusted airflow path, where the inflow aperture is in fluid communication with the insert-adjusted airflow path, a bowl endcap having a bowl and a bowl outflow aperture, where the bowl is in fluid communication with the outflow aperture, where the bowl endcap is connected to the tubular sleeve body, such that the bowl outflow aperture is in fluid communication with the insert inflow aperture, where the mouthpiece is connected to the first tubular sleeve, such that the mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the insert-adjusted airflow path, where there is a straight-line distance from the bowl outflow aperture to the mouthpiece outflow aperture, and where the length of the insert-adjusted airflow path is longer than the straight-line distance.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the recess establishing the insert-adjusted airflow path is a helix shape.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the recess establishing the insert-adjusted airflow path is a double-helix shape.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the insert-adjusted airflow path is established by the recess and an interior wall of the tubular sleeve body.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the insert body is comprised of metal.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the insert body is comprised of brass.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the insert body will act as a heat sink, such that when used, smoke travelling along the modified airflow path will be cooled before it reaches the mouthpiece outflow aperture.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the airflow path insert weighs at least 12.8 grams.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the smoking pipe has an airflow path extension ratio determined by dividing the length of the insert-adjusted airflow path by the length of the straight-line distance, and the airflow path extension ratio is between 1.49 and 2.5

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the smoking pipe has an airflow path extension ratio of equal to or greater than 2.5.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the smoking pipe has an empty interior surface area, defined as the surface area of the interior of the smoking pipe between the bowl aperture and the mouthpiece aperture, without respect to the airflow path insert, a modified interior surface area, defined as the surface area of the interior of the smoking pipe between the bowl aperture and the mouthpiece aperture, including the surface area of the airflow path insert, and where the modified interior surface area is greater than the empty interior surface area.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the smoking pipe has an interior surface area ratio determined by dividing the value of the modified interior surface area by the value of the empty interior surface area, and the interior surface area ratio is equal or greater than 1.9.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the smoking pipe has an empty airflow path cross-sectional area, defined as the area of a cross-section of the pipe inside the tubular sleeve body, without the airflow path insert, has an insert adjusted airflow path cross-sectional area, defined as the area of a cross-section of the pipe inside the tubular sleeve body, with the airflow path insert in place, and the insert adjusted cross-sectional area is less than the empty interior surface area.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the smoking pipe has a cross-sectional area ratio determined by dividing the value of the insert adjusted airflow path cross-sectional area by the value of the empty airflow path cross-sectional area, and that cross-sectional area ratio is equal to or less than 0.5.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the smoking pipe has a cross-sectional area ratio is equal to or less than 0.33.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the bowl endcap is removably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the airflow path insert is removably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the airflow path insert is threadably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the mouthpiece is removably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the mouthpiece is threadably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the airflow path insert is removably connected to the bowl endcap.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the airflow path insert is threadably connected to the bowl endcap.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the tubular sleeve body is comprised of metal.

In a second aspect, a smoking pipe is provided having a mouthpiece with a mouthpiece outflow aperture, a tubular sleeve body with a sleeve inside diameter, a bowl endcap having a bowl and a bowl outflow aperture, where the bowl is in fluid communication with the outflow aperture, an airflow path insert positioned in the tubular sleeve body, the airflow path insert having an insert body, an insert inflow aperture, a flange with a flange airflow aperture, where the insert inflow aperture is in fluid communication with the flange airflow aperture, where the bowl outflow aperture is in fluid communication with the insert inflow aperture, where the flange has a flange diameter that is substantially the same as the sleeve inside diameter, such that the flange divides the tubular sleeve body into a lower section proximal to the bowl endcap, and an upper section proximal to the mouthpiece, where the upper section is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece outflow aperture, where the insert inflow aperture enables fluid communication from the bowl outflow aperture, through the insert inflow aperture, and into the lower section, and where the flange substantially prevents any airflow between the lower section and the upper section unless the airflow passes through the flange airflow aperture.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the flange airflow aperture has a plurality of apertures.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the plurality of apertures are evenly distributed around the flange.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the flange airflow aperture is four separate apertures.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the airflow path insert is made of metal.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the airflow path insert is made of brass.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the bowl endcap is removably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the airflow path insert is removably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the mouthpiece is removably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the airflow path insert is removably connected to the bowl endcap.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the insert body will act as a heat sink, such that when used, smoke travelling along the insert adjusted airflow path will be cooled before it reaches the mouthpiece outflow aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the descriptions that follow, like parts or steps are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an assembled first embodiment of the smoking pipe disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective exploded assembly view of the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a large-groove, double-helical airflow path insert;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the airflow path insert of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side cutaway view of the assembled first embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A illustrates the airflow path through the assembled first embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side sectional view of the assembled first embodiment of FIG. 1, with the airflow path insert removed;

FIG. 7A illustrates a side sectional view of the assembled first embodiment of FIG. 1, with the airflow path insert shown in sectional view along the longitude of the pipe;

FIG. 7B illustrates a bottom sectional view of the assembled first embodiment of FIG. 1, along the sectional line B-B of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of a second embodiment of the smoking pipe disclosed herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side perspective exploded assembly view of the second embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of a small-groove, double-helical airflow path insert;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the airflow path insert of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side cutaway view of the assembled second embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12A illustrates the airflow path through the assembled second embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 illustrates a side sectional view of the assembled second embodiment of FIG. 2, with the airflow path insert removed;

FIG. 14A illustrates a side sectional view of the assembled second embodiment of FIG. 8, with the airflow path insert shown in sectional view;

FIG. 14B illustrates a bottom sectional view of the assembled second embodiment of FIG. 8 along the section line B-B shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side perspective view of a third embodiment of the smoking pipe disclosed herein;

FIG. 16 illustrates a side perspective exploded assembly view of the third embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a side perspective view of a piston-shaped airflow path insert;

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the airflow path insert of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 illustrates a side cutaway view of the assembled third embodiment of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19A illustrates the airflow path through the assembled third embodiment of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 illustrates a side perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the smoking pipe disclosed herein;

FIG. 21 illustrates a side perspective exploded assembly view of the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 22 illustrates a side perspective view of fourth embodiment of an airflow path insert; and

FIG. 23 illustrates a side cutaway view of the assembled fourth embodiment of FIG. 20, and the airflow path through same.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present embodiments disclose and describe a smoking pipe, which is particularly useful for smoking cannabis or herbal preparations. The embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be instructional and not limiting to the scope of the claims, except where specifically set forth. Moreover, while the description focuses on certain embodiments and uses, it will be understood that this disclosure is non-limiting.

With reference to FIGS. 1-7, a first embodiment of a smoking pipe with a dual purpose heat-sink airflow path insert for cooling smoke and reducing particulate content of inhalable smoke is provided. The smoking pipe 10 includes a mouthpiece 12 with a mouthpiece outflow aperture 14, a tubular sleeve body 16, and a bowl endcap 18 having a bowl 20 and a bowl outflow aperture 22. The smoking pipe 10 also includes an airflow path insert 24 positioned in the tubular sleeve body 16. The airflow path insert 24 has an insert body 26, an insert inflow aperture 28, and a recess 30 in the insert body 26 establishing an insert-adjusted airflow path 32. In some embodiments, the insert-adjusted airflow path 32 is jointly established by the recess 30 and an interior wall 33 of the tubular sleeve body 16. In the embodiment illustrated, the recess 30 is in the shape of a large-groove double-helix, but it could alternatively be a single helix, or any other non-linear shape that diverts airflow from a straight-line path between the bowl outflow aperture 22 and the mouthpiece aperture 14.

The pipe 10 is made from a durable material, preferably metal. In certain embodiments, the bowl endcap 18, tubular sleeve body 16, and mouthpiece 12 are aluminum. In certain embodiments, the airflow path insert 24 is brass.

When the bowl endcap 18 is connected to the tubular sleeve body 16, and the airflow path insert 24 is connected to the bowl endcap 18, the bowl endcap outflow aperture 22 is in fluid communication with the airflow path insert inflow aperture 28. Such connections may be permanent, but more preferably, are removable. Most preferably, such removable connections are achieved by threads that threadably connect the bowl endcap 18 to the tubular sleeve body 16. The presence and use of threaded connections, as discussed herein, facilitate disassembly of the pipe 10 and enable both easier cleaning of interior parts, and the ability to interchange parts, such as a different endcap, or an alternative embodiment of an airflow path insert, such as, for example, those discussed with respect to FIGS. 8-14, FIGS. 15-19A and/or FIGS. 20-23.

In turn, the airflow path insert inflow aperture 28 is in fluid communication with the insert-adjusted airflow path 32. When the mouthpiece 12 is connected to the tubular sleeve body 16, the mouthpiece outflow aperture 14 is in fluid communication with the insert-adjusted airflow path 32. Again, such connection may be permanent, but more preferably, is removable. Most preferably, such removable connection is achieved by threads that threadably connect the mouthpiece 12 to the tubular sleeve body 16. In an alternative embodiment, the mouthpiece 12 and tubular sleeve body 16 may be formed as an integral unit. The connections described above, and the fluid communication described above, establishes a modified airflow path 34 all the way from the bowl outflow aperture 22 to the mouthpiece aperture 14.

In use, a user will fill the bowl 20 of the pipe 10 with smoking product (not shown). When exposed to flame or otherwise ignited, the smoking product in the bowl 20 will vaporize or burn, generating smoke. The user may place the mouthpiece to his or her lips and draw breath inward, so as to draw smoke from the smoking product through the bowl outflow aperture 22, through the airflow path insert inflow aperture 28, along the insert-adjusted airflow path 32, through the mouthpiece 12 and out of the pipe 10 through the mouthpiece aperture 14, herein referred to as the modified airflow path 34, illustrated in FIG. 7.

With reference to FIG. 6, when the airflow path insert 24 is removed, there is a straight-line distance 36 from the bowl outflow aperture 22 to the mouthpiece outflow aperture 14. When compared, the length of the insert adjusted airflow path 32 is longer than the straight-line distance 36. The creation of the insert adjusted airflow path 32 overcomes certain problems with prior art devices. First, the insert adjusted airflow path 32 increases the amount of time it takes for smoke to pass from the bowl 20 to the mouthpiece aperture 14 along the modified airflow path 34. This increased amount of time causes the smoke to cool more than the smoke would cool if it followed the path of the straight-line distance 36. Cooler smoke is considered advantageous by many smokers, because it feels “smoother” and has a lower chance of burning the user's mouth, throat, or lungs. In prior art devices, to achieve this same length of airflow path, a longer stemmed pipe was required. By using the airflow path insert 24 described herein, a short chillum pipe can still achieve a longer airflow path, and the resultant cooler smoke, of a much longer traditional straight chillum pipe.

Moreover, smoke can be further cooled by pre-chilling the airflow path insert 24 prior to smoking. For example, a user can chill the airflow path insert 24 in a refrigerator, freezer, or ice-water bath, then assemble the pipe 10 and smoke within a short period of time. As a result, the airflow path insert 24 will have a temperature far below room temperature, such as, for example, below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and as a result, can act as a more efficient heat sink.

In a preferred embodiment, the airflow path insert 24 is configured such that the insert adjusted airflow path 32 is between 71.87 mm at the inside curve of the recess 30, and 121.1 mm at the interior wall 33. In contrast, the straight line distance 36 is 48 mm. This can be understood to establish an airflow path extension ratio, which is determined by dividing the length of the insert adjusted airflow path 32 by the length of the straight-line distance 36. In the FIG. 1-7 embodiment, the airflow path extension ratio is between 1.49 and 2.5. In a preferred embodiment, the airflow path extension ratio is equal or greater than 1.49. In a still further preferred embodiment, the airflow path extension ration is greater than 2.5.

Use of the airflow path insert 24, and the resultant longer modified airflow path 34 that it creates, is also beneficial for preventing ash or other debris from reaching the user's mouth. Known prior art devices either ignored this problem, or used a mesh screen or a fabric or paper mouthpiece filter, as is commonly found on commercially-made cigarettes. But, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 reduces ash and debris inhalation without such screens or filters, because any such ash and debris must travel the long and circuitous path of the modified airflow path 34, when compared to the straight-line distance 36. Specifically, any ash or debris would have to pass from the bowl, through the insert-adjusted airflow path 32, and to the mouthpiece 14. As a result, ash and debris tends to become trapped or deposited along the surfaces forming the insert-adjusted airflow path 32, rather than traveling all the way to the mouthpiece aperture 14. As such, the presently described embodiments are able to prevent most ash and debris inhalation without the use of a metal mesh filter, or a paper/fabric mouthpiece filter.

Use of the airflow path insert 24 also creates a larger interior surface area inside the pipe 10, i.e., along the insert adjusted airflow path 32, that would otherwise not be present. This increased surface area inside the pipe 10, along the insert adjusted airflow path 32, also serves to reduce inhalation of ash and debris. Specifically, as the pipe 10 is used, during the course of one smoking session, and over the course of multiple smoking sessions, the interior surface area inside the pipe 10, along the insert adjusted airflow path 32 tends to have tar, oily resins (particularly in the case of cannabis), particulates, and other post-vaporization/post-combustion materials deposited on the surfaces of the interior wall 33 and on the surfaces of the airflow path insert 24, for example along the recess 30. This deposition process results in a layer of deposited post-vaporization/post-combustion materials coating much of the interior surfaces of the pipe 10, along the insert adjusted airflow path 34. This deposited layer is “sticky” and tends to attract further deposition of ash, debris and additional ash, debris, tar, resin and post-vaporization/post combustion materials. As a result, moderate use of the pipe 10 will result in further improvement to the pipe's 10 ability to remove ash and debris from the smoke passing along the modified airflow path 34.

In the FIG. 1-7 embodiment, the airflow path insert is configured such that the modified interior surface area is 3064 mm², and the empty interior surface area (without the airflow path insert 24) is 1523 mm². This can be understood to establish an interior surface area ratio, which is determined by dividing the value of the modified interior surface area by the value of the empty interior surface area. In a preferred embodiment, the interior surface area ratio is equal to, or greater than, 1.9.

In certain embodiments, it is possible to increase the interior surface area still further by configuring the airflow insert 24 to have dimples, stippling, ridges, and/or grooves (not shown) along the recess 30, or on the entire airflow path insert 24, and/or on the interior wall 33 of the tubular sleeve body 16.

The materials used to construct the pipe 10, including the airflow path insert 24, can also positively affect the smoke temperature measured at the mouthpiece aperture 14. Specifically, when constructed of metal, such as solid brass, the airflow path insert 24 acts as a heat sink, absorbing heat from the smoke as it moved along the insert-adjusted airflow path 32. As the mass of the airflow path insert 24 is increased, its heat sink capacity also increases. In a preferred embodiment of the pipe 10, the airflow path insert 24 is solid brass and weighs 15.9 grams. In alternative embodiments, some or all parts of the pipe 10 may be treated with a ceramic coating (not shown).

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 7B, a cross-sectional line B-B in FIG. 5 is illustrated in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 7B. An empty airflow path cross-sectional area is defined as the area of the pipe 10 inside of the interior walls 33 of the tubular sleeve body 16. This is adjusted by use of the airflow insert 24. An insert adjusted airflow path cross-sectional area is defined as the area remaining (noncontiguous) after the airflow path insert 24 is in use, along the insert adjusted airflow path 32. The airflow path insert 24 results in an insert adjusted airflow path cross-sectional area that is smaller than the empty airflow path cross-sectional area. In the embodiment of FIG. 7B, the empty airflow path cross-sectional area is 79.5 mm². In contrast, the insert adjusted airflow path cross-sectional area is 25.9 mm². This restriction in airflow path cross-sectional area forces smoke moving along the insert adjusted airflow path 32 to be closer to/adjacent to the interior wall 33 of the tubular sleeve body 16, rather than to move down the center of the empty tubular sleeve body 16 (if the airflow path insert 24 is not used). The Applicant believes that this restriction channels the flow of smoke in a way that heat is exchanged to the ambient air, through the tubular sleeve body 16. Without the airflow path insert, 24 only the outer position of the volume of smoke comes into contact with the interior wall 33 of the tubular sleeve body 16. When the airflow path insert 24 is present, a much higher percentage of the smoke volume is forced to pass across the interior wall 33 of the tubular sleeve body 16. The cross-sectional area of the flow path is reduced when the insert is fitted by approximately 67.5%. Applicant estimates that this reduction forces approximately three (3) times more smoke volume to come in contact with the interior wall 33 than would otherwise occur without the airflow path insert 24. Put another way, the air path cross sectional area ratio, defined as the insert adjusted airflow path cross sectional area divided by the empty airflow path cross sectional area is less than 0.5, and preferably less than 0.33.

Finally, when a user has used the pipe 10 to an extent that the pipe requires cleaning, the pipe 10 can be disassembled, as shown in FIG. 2, via disengagement of the threads holding the various components together. The user can then clean some or all of the components of the pipe 10, and the user can further exchange components from the other embodiments discussed herein, to modify and customize the user's smoking experience.

With reference to FIGS. 8-14, another embodiment of a pipe with another embodiment of an airflow insert is provided. The smoking pipe 100 includes a mouthpiece 112 with a mouthpiece outflow aperture 114, a tubular sleeve body 116, and a bowl endcap 118 having a bowl 120 and a bowl outflow aperture 122. The smoking pipe 100 also includes an airflow path insert 124 positioned in the tubular sleeve body 116. The airflow path insert 124 has an insert body 126, an insert inflow aperture 128, and a recess 130 in the insert body 126 establishing an insert-adjusted airflow path 132. In some embodiments, the insert-adjusted airflow path 132 is jointly established by the recess 130 and an interior wall 133 of the tubular sleeve body 116. In the embodiment illustrated, the recess 130 is in the shape of a narrow-groove double-helix, but it could alternatively be a single helix, or any other non-linear shape that diverts airflow from a straight-line path between the bowl outflow aperture 122 and the mouthpiece aperture 114.

The pipe 100 is made from a durable material, preferably metal. In certain embodiments, the bowl endcap 118, tubular sleeve body 116, and mouthpiece 112 are aluminum. In certain embodiments, the airflow path insert 124 is brass.

When the bowl endcap 118 is connected to the tubular sleeve body 116, and the airflow path insert 124 is connected to the bowl endcap 118, the bowl endcap outflow aperture 122 is in fluid communication with the airflow path insert inflow aperture 128. Such connections may be permanent, but more preferably, are removable. Most preferably, such removable connections are achieved by threads that threadably connect the bowl endcap 118 to the tubular sleeve body 116. The presence and use of threaded connections, as discussed herein, facilitate disassembly of the pipe 100 and enable both easier cleaning of interior parts, and the ability to interchange parts as discussed above.

In turn, the insert inflow aperture 128 is in fluid communication with the insert-adjusted airflow path 132. When the mouthpiece 112 is connected to the tubular sleeve body 116, the mouthpiece outflow aperture 114 is in fluid communication with the insert-adjusted airflow path 132. Again, such connection may be permanent, but more preferably, is removable. Most preferably, such connection is achieved by threads that threadably connect the mouthpiece 112 to the tubular sleeve body 116. That said, the mouthpiece 112 may be formed with the tubular sleeve body 116 as an integral unit. The connections described above, and the fluid communication described above, establishes a modified airflow path 134 all the way from the bowl 120 to the mouthpiece aperture 114.

In use, a user will fill the bowl 120 of the pipe 100 with smoking product (not shown). When exposed to flame or otherwise ignited, the smoking product in the bowl will vaporize or burn, generating smoke. The user may then place the mouthpiece 112 to his or her lips and draw breath inward, so as to draw smoke from the smoking product through the bowl outflow aperture 122, through the airflow path insert inflow aperture 128, along the insert-adjusted airflow path 132, through the mouthpiece 112 and out of the pipe 100 through the mouthpiece aperture 114, herein referred to as a modified airflow path 134, illustrated in FIG. 14.

With reference to FIG. 13, when the airflow path insert 24 is removed, there is a straight-line distance 136 from the bowl outflow aperture 122 to the mouthpiece outflow aperture 114. When compared, the length of the insert adjusted airflow path 132 is longer than the straight-line distance 136. The creation of the insert adjusted airflow path 132, using in part, the airflow path insert 124, overcomes certain problems with prior art devices. First, the insert adjusted airflow path 132 increases the amount of time it takes for smoke to pass from the bowl 120 to the mouthpiece aperture 114. This increased amount of time causes the smoke to cool more than the smoke would cool if it followed the straight-line distance 136. Cooler smoke is considered advantageous by many smokers, because it feels “smoother” and has a lower chance of burning the user's mouth, throat, or lungs. In prior art devices, to achieve this same length of airflow path, a longer stemmed pipe was required. By using the airflow path insert 124 described herein, a short chillum pipe can still achieve a longer airflow path, and resultant cooler smoke, of a longer traditional straight chillum pipe.

In a preferred embodiment, the airflow path insert 124 is configured such that the insert adjusted airflow path 132 is between 98.21 mm at the inside curve of the recess 30, and 127.93 mm at the interior wall 133. In contrast, the straight line distance 36 is 49 mm. This can be understood to establish an airflow path extension ratio, which is determined by dividing the length of the insert-adjusted airflow path 132 by the length of the straight-line distance 136. In the FIG. 8-14 embodiment, the airflow path extension ratio is between 2.0 and 2.6. In a preferred embodiment, the airflow path extension ratio is equal or greater than 2.0. In a still further preferred embodiment, the airflow path extension ration is greater than 2.6.

Use of the airflow path insert 124, and the resultant longer modified airflow path 134 that it creates, is also beneficial for preventing ash or other debris from reaching the user's mouth, as discussed above with respect to the first embodiment.

Use of the airflow path insert 124 also creates a larger interior surface area inside the pipe 100, along the insert adjusted airflow path 132, that would otherwise not be present. This increased surface area inside the pipe 100, along the insert adjusted airflow path 132 also serves to reduce inhalation of ash and debris, as discussed above with respect to the first embodiment.

In a preferred embodiment, the airflow path insert 124 is configured such that the increased interior surface area inside the pipe 100, along the insert adjusted airflow path 134 is 3383 mm², and the empty interior surface area (without the airflow path insert 124) is 1523 mm². This can be understood to be an interior surface area ratio, which is determined by dividing the value of the modified interior surface area by the value of the empty interior surface area. In a preferred embodiment, the interior surface area ratio is equal or greater than 2.2.

In certain embodiments, it is possible to increase the interior surface area inside the pipe 100, along the modified airflow path 134 still further by configuring the airflow insert 124 to have dimples, stippling, ridges, and/or grooves (not shown) along the recess 130, on the entire airflow path insert 124, and/or on the interior wall 133 of the tubular sleeve body.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 14B, a cross-sectional line B-B in FIG. 12 is illustrated in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 14B. An empty airflow path cross-sectional area is defined as the area of the pipe 100 inside of the interior wall 133 of the tubular sleeve body 116. This is adjusted by use of the airflow insert 124. An insert adjusted airflow path cross-sectional area is defined as the area remaining (noncontiguous) after the airflow path insert 124 is in use, along the insert adjusted airflow path 132. The airflow path insert 124 results in an insert adjusted airflow path cross-sectional area that is smaller than the empty airflow path cross-sectional area. In the embodiment of FIG. 14B, the empty airflow path cross-sectional area is 79.5 mm². In contrast, the insert adjusted airflow path cross-sectional area is 25.9 mm². This restriction in airflow path cross-sectional area forces smoke moving along the insert adjusted airflow path 132 to be closer to/adjacent to the interior wall 133 of the tubular sleeve body 116, rather than to move down the center of the empty tubular sleeve body 116 (if the airflow path insert 124 is not used). The Applicant believes that this restriction channels the flow of smoke in a way that heat is exchanged to the ambient air, through the tubular sleeve body 116. Without the airflow path insert, 124 only the outer position of the volume of smoke comes into contact with the interior wall 133 of the tubular sleeve body 116. When the airflow path insert 124 is present, a much higher percentage of the smoke volume is forced to pass across the interior wall 133 of the tubular sleeve body 116. The cross-sectional area of the flow path is reduced when the insert is fitted by approximately 67.5%. Applicant estimates that this reduction forces approximately three (3) times more smoke volume to come in contact with the interior wall 133 than would otherwise occur without the airflow path insert 124. Put another way, the air path cross sectional area ratio, defined as the insert adjusted airflow path cross sectional area divided by the empty airflow path cross sectional area is less than 0.5, and preferably less than 0.33.

The materials used to construct the pipe 100, including the airflow path insert 124, can also positively affect the smoke temperature measured at the mouthpiece aperture 114. Specifically, when constructed of metal, such as solid brass, the airflow path insert 124 acts as a heat sink, absorbing heat from the smoke as it moved along the insert-adjusted airflow path 132. As the mass of the airflow path insert 124 is increased, its heat sink capacity also increases. In a preferred embodiment of the pipe 100, the airflow path insert 124 is solid brass and weighs 15.9 grams.

The embodiment of FIGS. 8-14 may be disassembled and cleaned in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. Similarly, the airflow path insert 124 may be similarly chilled prior to use.

With reference to FIGS. 15-19A, another embodiment of a pipe with another embodiment of airflow insert is provided. The smoking pipe 200 includes a mouthpiece 212 with a mouthpiece outflow aperture 214, a tubular sleeve body 216, and a bowl endcap 218 having a bowl 220, a bowl outflow aperture 222, and an air inflow control aperture 215. The smoking pipe 200 also includes an airflow path insert 224 positioned in the tubular sleeve body 216. The airflow path insert 224 has an insert body 226, an insert inflow aperture 228, and a flange 230 with at least one flange airflow aperture 232, establishing an insert-adjusted airflow path 234 that passes through the at least one flange airflow aperture 232. The insert inflow aperture 228 is in fluid communication with the at least one flange airflow aperture 232, and the bowl outflow aperture 222 is in fluid communication with the insert inflow aperture 228. The flange 230 has a flange diameter 231 that is substantially the same as the tubular sleeve body inside diameter 235, such that the flange 230 divides the tubular sleeve body 216 into a lower chamber 260 that is proximal to the bowl endcap 218, and an upper chamber 270, that is proximal to the mouthpiece 212. The upper chamber 270 is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece outflow aperture 214, and the insert inflow aperture 228 enables fluid communication from the bowl outflow aperture 222, through the insert inflow aperture 228, and into the lower chamber 260, so that the flange 230 substantially prevents any airflow between the lower chamber 260 and the upper chamber 270 unless the airflow passes through the at least one flange airflow aperture 232. In certain embodiments, the at least one flange airflow aperture 232 is a plurality of apertures. In another embodiment, the plurality of flange airflow apertures 232 are evenly distributed around the flange 230, such as four apertures evenly distributed circumferentially.

The pipe 200 is made from a durable material, preferably metal. In certain embodiments, the bowl endcap 218, tubular sleeve body 216, and mouthpiece 212 are aluminum. In certain embodiments, the airflow path insert 224 is brass. In other embodiments, not shown, the weight of the airflow path insert 224 may be reduced by drilling out the interior of the airflow path insert 224.

When the bowl endcap 218 is connected to the tubular sleeve body 216, and the airflow path insert 224 is connected to the bowl endcap 218, the bowl endcap outflow aperture 222 is in fluid communication with the airflow path insert inflow aperture 228. Such connections may be permanent, but more preferably, are removable. Most preferably, such removable connections are achieved by threads that threadably connect the bowl endcap 218 to the tubular sleeve body 216. The presence and use of threaded connections, as discussed herein, facilitate disassembly of the pipe 200 and enable both easier cleaning of interior parts, and the ability to interchange parts, as discussed above.

In turn, the insert inflow aperture 228 is in fluid communication with the insert-adjusted airflow path 232. When the mouthpiece 212 is connected to the tubular sleeve body 216, the mouthpiece outflow aperture 214 is in fluid communication with the insert-adjusted airflow path 232. Again, such connection may be permanent, but more preferably, is removable. Most preferably, such removable connection is achieved by threads that threadably connect the mouthpiece 212 to the tubular sleeve body 216. The connections described above, and the fluid communication described above, establishes an airflow path all the way from the bowl 220 to the mouthpiece aperture 214.

In use, a user will fill the bowl 220 of the pipe 200 with smoking product (not shown). When exposed to flame or otherwise ignited, the smoking product in the bowl 220 will vaporize or burn, generating smoke. The user may place the mouthpiece 212 to his or her lips and draw breath inward, so as to draw smoke from the smoking product through the bowl outflow aperture 222, through the airflow path insert inflow aperture 228, into the lower chamber 260, through the flange aperture 232, into the upper chamber 270, and then through the mouthpiece 212 and out of the pipe 200 through the mouthpiece aperture 214, herein referred to as a modified airflow path 234, illustrated in FIG. 19A. During the first part of the inhalation process, the user may use her finger to cover the air inflow control aperture 215. This serves to decrease the air pressure in the lower chamber 260, resulting in greater suction and an increase in combustion temperature in the bowl. Then, during the second part of the inhalation process, the user may remove her finger from the air inflow control aperture 215. This serves to equalize the air pressure in the lower chamber 260 with the outside air, beneficially resulting in a faster inhalation and higher volume of airflow through the flange aperture 232, into the upper chamber 270 and out through the mouthpiece aperture 214. The user's release of the air control aperture 215 allows outside air to flow into the lower chamber 260, resulting in some dilution of the smoke in the lower chamber 260. This has the further beneficial result of lowering the temperature of the smoke in the lower chamber 260 as it passes into the upper chamber 270. This also, in some instances, makes the smoking inhalation process easier, as many cannabis smokers prefer to inhale a portion of smoke, then a portion of air, when smoking using prior art pipes or pre-rolls. By introducing the air portion during the second half of the inhalation process in the present embodiment, the need for the user to deliberately and separately inhale air, after smoke, is reduced.

Use of the airflow path insert 224, is also beneficial for preventing ash or other debris from reaching the user's mouth. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15-19A reduces ash and debris inhalation because any such ash and debris must travel through the relatively small at least one flange aperture 232. As such, the presently described embodiments are able of preventing most ash and debris inhalation without the use of a metal mesh filter, or a paper/fabric mouthpiece filter.

The airflow path insert 224 also serves to cool smoke by constricting airflow between the lower chamber 260 and the upper chamber 270. This constriction provide a certain vacuum/air flow, and giving the smoke longer exposure to more surface area of the cooler temperature metal of the flange 230 and interior wall 233.

With respect to FIGS. 20-23, a fourth embodiment of the smoking pipe 300 is shown. Similar in nature to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7, and FIGS. 8-14, the smoking pipe 300 has an airflow path insert 324 that differs from these embodiments, at least, with respect to its weight—due to a hollowed-out central core—and with respect to the size and shape of its airflow insert transition aperture 331. Thus, for the sake of clarity and brevity, FIGS. 20-23 show the smoking pipe 300 in a manner that is similar to the disclosure as to the first and second embodiments, but with only those figures necessary to address the differences between the airflow insert 324 of the smoking pipe 300.

The smoking pipe 300 includes a mouthpiece 312 with a mouthpiece outflow aperture 314, a tubular sleeve body 316, and a bowl endcap 318 having a bowl 320 and a bowl outflow aperture 322. The smoking pipe 300 also includes an airflow path insert 324 positioned in the tubular sleeve body 316. The airflow path insert 324 has an insert body 326, an insert inflow aperture 328, and a recess 330 in the insert body 326 establishing an insert-adjusted airflow path 332. In some embodiments, the insert-adjusted airflow path 332 is jointly established by the recess 330 and an interior wall 333 of the tubular sleeve body 316. In the embodiment illustrated, the recess 330 is in the shape of a large-groove double-helix, but it could alternatively be a single helix, or any other non-linear shape that diverts airflow from a straight-line path between the bowl outflow aperture 322 and the mouthpiece aperture 314.

The insert body 326 has a hollow cylindrical center 327. The hollow cylindrical center 327 may be formed by molding the part, or by boring out material from the insert body 326. The hollow cylindrical center 327 serves to reduce the weight of the airflow insert 324. Specifically, in this embodiment, the airflow insert 324 weights 12.8 grams. The size of the hollow cylindrical center 327 may be adjusted to thereby adjust the weight of the airflow insert 324. Alternatively, additional heavier material may be deposited into the hollow cylindrical center 327 to increase the weight of the airflow insert 324. Likewise, other heat sink materials, or chilling devices/materials, may be inserted into the hollow cylindrical center 327 to effect the temperature performance of the airflow insert 324.

The pipe 300 is made from a durable material, preferably metal. In certain embodiments, the bowl endcap 318, tubular sleeve body 316, and mouthpiece 312 are aluminum. In certain embodiments, the airflow path insert 324 is brass.

When the bowl endcap 318 is connected to the tubular sleeve body 316, and the airflow path insert 324 is connected to the bowl endcap 318, the bowl endcap outflow aperture 322 is in fluid communication with the airflow path insert inflow aperture 328. Such connections may be permanent, but more preferably, are removable. Most preferably, such removable connections are achieved by threads that threadably connect the bowl endcap 318 to the tubular sleeve body 316. The presence and use of threaded connections, as discussed herein, facilitate disassembly of the pipe 300 and enable both easier cleaning of interior parts, and the ability to interchange parts as discussed above.

In turn, the insert inflow aperture 328 is in fluid communication with the insert-adjusted airflow path 332, through an airflow insert transition aperture 331. Here, the airflow insert transition aperture 331 is oval, or “pill-shaped.” This is in contrast to the circular shape used in other embodiments disclosed herein. When the mouthpiece 312 is connected to the tubular sleeve body 316, the mouthpiece outflow aperture 134 is in fluid communication with the insert-adjusted airflow path 332. Again, such connection may be permanent, but more preferably, is removable. Most preferably, such connection is achieved by threads that threadably connect the mouthpiece 312 to the tubular sleeve body 316. That said, the mouthpiece 312 may be formed with the tubular sleeve body 316 as an integral unit. The connections described above, and the fluid communication described above, establishes a modified airflow path 334 all the way from the bowl 320 to the mouthpiece aperture 314.

In use, the smoking pipe 300 will be used as described with respect to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-7B and FIGS. 8-14. The smoking pipe 300 has similar advantages with respect to airflow cooling, heat transfer, and particulate filtering as described with respect to those embodiments. The smoking pipe 300 also has a further advantage with respect to the volume of airflow from the bowl outflow aperture 322 to the insert adjusted airflow path 332, due to the size and shape of the airflow insert transition aperture 331. As explained above, and further elaborated upon here, the airflow insert transition aperture 331 is larger than that of other embodiments, and therefore has greater airflow. Further, because the airflow insert transition aperture 331 is larger and oval—pill-shaped, it is less likely to become clogged with resin, particulates or combustion products. As a result, the airflow insert 324 likely requires less frequent cleaning than the airflow inserts of the other embodiments described herein.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments disclosed.

Claims

1. A smoking pipe comprising: a mouthpiece comprising a mouthpiece outflow aperture;a tubular sleeve body;an airflow path insert positioned in the tubular sleeve body, the airflow path insert comprising: an insert body;an insert inflow aperture;a recess in the insert body establishing an insert-adjusted airflow path;wherein the inflow aperture is in fluid communication with the insert-adjusted airflow path;a bowl endcap comprising a bowl and a bowl outflow aperture, wherein the bowl is in fluid communication with the outflow aperture;wherein the bowl endcap is connected to the tubular sleeve body, such that the bowl outflow aperture is in fluid communication with the insert inflow aperture;wherein the mouthpiece is connected to the first tubular sleeve, such that the mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the insert-adjusted airflow path;wherein there is a straight-line distance from the bowl outflow aperture to the mouthpiece outflow aperture; andwherein the length of the insert adjusted airflow path is longer than the straight-line distance.

2. The smoking pipe of claim 1 wherein the recess establishing the insert-adjusted airflow path is a helix shape.

3. The smoking pipe of claim 1 wherein the recess establishing the insert-adjusted airflow path is a double-helix shape.

4. The smoking pipe of claim 1 wherein the insert-adjusted airflow path is established by the recess and an interior wall of the tubular sleeve body.

5. The smoking pipe of claim 1 wherein the insert body is comprised of metal.

6. The smoking pipe of claim 5 wherein the insert body is comprised of brass.

7. The smoking pipe of claim 5 wherein the insert body will act as a heat sink, such that when used, smoke travelling along the insert adjusted airflow path will be cooled before it reaches the mouthpiece outflow aperture.

8. The smoking pipe of claim 1 wherein the airflow path insert weighs at least about 12.8 grams.

9. The smoking pipe of claim 1 further comprising: an airflow path extension ratio determined by dividing the length of the insert adjusted airflow path by the length of the straight-line distance; andwherein the airflow path extension ratio is between 1.49 and 2.5.

10. The smoking pipe of claim 1 further comprising: an airflow path extension ratio determined by dividing the length of the insert adjusted airflow path by the length of the straight-line distance; andwherein the airflow path extension ratio is greater than 2.5.

11. The smoking pipe of claim 1 further comprising: an empty interior surface area, defined as the surface area of the interior of the smoking pipe between the bowl aperture and the mouthpiece, without respect to the airflow path insert;a modified interior surface area, defined as the surface area of the interior of the smoking pipe between the bowl aperture and the mouthpiece, including the surface area of the airflow path insert; andwherein the modified interior surface area is greater than the empty interior surface area.

12. The smoking pipe of claim 11 further comprising: an interior surface area ratio determined by dividing the value of the modified interior surface area by the value of the empty interior surface area; andwherein the interior surface area ratio is equal or greater than 1.9.

13. The smoking pipe of claim 1 further comprising: an empty airflow path cross-sectional area, defined as the area of a cross-section of the pipe inside the tubular sleeve body, without the airflow path insert;an insert adjusted airflow path cross-sectional area, defined as the area of a cross-section of the pipe inside the tubular sleeve body, with the airflow path insert in place;wherein the insert adjusted cross-sectional area is less than the empty interior surface area.

14. The smoking pipe of claim 13 further comprising: a cross-sectional area ratio determined by dividing the value of the insert adjusted airflow path cross-sectional area by the value of the empty airflow path cross-sectional area; andwherein the cross-sectional area ratio is equal to or less than 0.5.

15. The smoking pipe of claim 14 wherein the cross-sectional area ratio is equal to or less than 0.33.

16. The smoking pipe of claim 1 wherein the bowl endcap is removably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

17. The smoking pipe of claim 1 wherein the airflow path insert is removably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

18. The smoking pipe of claim 17 wherein the airflow path insert is threadably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

19. The smoking pipe of claim 1 wherein the mouthpiece is removably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

20. The smoking pipe of claim 19 wherein the mouthpiece is threadably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

21. The smoking pipe of claim 1 wherein the airflow path insert is removably connected to the bowl endcap.

22. The smoking pipe of claim 21 wherein the airflow path insert is threadably connected to the bowl endcap.

23. The smoking pipe of claim 1 wherein the tubular sleeve body is comprised of metal.

24. A smoking pipe comprising: a mouthpiece comprising a mouthpiece outflow aperture;a tubular sleeve body with a sleeve inside diameter;a bowl endcap comprising a bowl and a bowl outflow aperture, wherein the bowl is in fluid communication with the outflow aperture;an airflow path insert positioned in the tubular sleeve body, the airflow path insert comprising: an insert body;an insert inflow aperture;a flange with a flange airflow aperture;wherein the insert inflow aperture is in fluid communication with the flange airflow aperture;wherein the bowl outflow aperture is in fluid communication with the insert inflow aperture;wherein the flange has a flange diameter that is substantially the same as the sleeve inside diameter, such that the flange divides the tubular sleeve body into a lower section proximal to the bowl endcap, and an upper section proximal to the mouthpiece;wherein the upper section is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece outflow aperture;wherein the insert inflow aperture enables fluid communication from the bowl outflow aperture, through the insert inflow aperture, and into the lower section; andwherein the flange substantially prevents any airflow between the lower section and the upper section unless the airflow passes through the flange airflow aperture.

25. The smoking pipe of claim 24 wherein the flange airflow aperture comprises a plurality of apertures.

26. The smoking pipe of claim 25 wherein the plurality of apertures are evenly distributed around the flange.

27. The smoking pipe of claim 25 where the flange airflow aperture comprises four apertures.

28. The smoking pipe of claim 24 wherein the airflow path insert is comprised of metal.

29. The smoking pipe of claim 24 wherein the airflow path insert is comprised of brass.

30. The smoking pipe of claim 24 wherein the bowl endcap is removably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

31. The smoking pipe of claim 24 wherein the airflow path insert is removably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

32. The smoking pipe of claim 24 wherein the mouthpiece is removably connected to the tubular sleeve body.

33. The smoking pipe of claim 24 wherein the airflow path insert is removably connected to the bowl endcap.

34. The smoking pipe of claim 24 wherein the insert body will act as a heat sink, such that when used, smoke travelling along the insert adjusted airflow path will be cooled before it reaches the mouthpiece outflow aperture.