BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When a cigarette is smoked, visible and invisible smoke is produced, by smoke spillage, exhale smoke and as well side stream smoke which is generated by the burning cigarette between puffs. This smoke is considered objectionable by some persons and this has led to no-smoking laws of varying degrees of strictness in certain jurisdictions and environments.
A number of prior proposals have been made with respect to structures which are designed to minimize or eliminate the formation and accumulation of visible cigarette smoke from tobacco, marijuana and other sources. Such prior proposals have tackled the major source of cigarette smoke; namely that derived from side stream smoke and exhale smoke. It is appreciated that smoke spillage is only one component of visible smoke. However, no device disclosed in the prior art known to the applicants provides for the elimination of substantially all the visible side stream and exhale smoke and provides the same smoking taste and quality to the smoker as if smoked in the normal way.
Considerable efforts have been made in the area of filters as provided on cigarettes to affect a partial filtration to reduce the amount of tar and nicotine inhaled by the user. It is appreciated that cigarette filters however are not designed to remove substantially all the cigarette smoke so that the smoker continues to experience the usual sensations. There have been however, cigarette filters which are designed to filter some of the smoke particles from the smoke stream. Smoke filters are however of marginal performance so as to not remove the various components of cigarette smoke which give the user the desired taste and flavor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A disclosed device, system and method for channeling tobacco smoke from a user are disclosed for use with full flavor filters, light filters as well as filterless smoking cigarettes and including but not limited to e-cigarettes. The device comprises an inner tube configured to be received into an outer tube to channel tobacco smoke from a cigarette. The inner tube comprises a seal between an overlap end of the inner tube and an overlap end of the outer tube. A tube pump and an accordion style hand pump may be included. The device also includes a mouthpiece configured to receive the cigarette and to include a one-way valve defining at least one hole for an opposing air flow around an inner diaphragm based on a depression of the mouthpiece by the user's mouth. The device additionally includes a pneumatic pump comprising the inner tube, the outer tube, the seal and a pump interface attached to a portion of the outer tube. The pump interface includes a connector to further channel the tobacco smoke. The system furthermore comprises a chamber including the mouthpiece and a segment of the inner tube, the chamber configured to completely enclose the cigarette.
A method for channeling tobacco smoke from a user comprises assembling an inner tube configured to be received into an outer tube to channel tobacco smoke from a cigarette, the inner tube comprising a seal between an overlap end of the inner tube and an overlap end of the outer tube. The method also comprises providing a mouthpiece configured to receive the cigarette in a one way valve defining at least one hole for an opposing air flow around an inner diaphragm based on a depression of the mouthpiece by the user's mouth. The method additionally includes creating a pneumatic pump comprising the inner tube, the outer tube, the seal and a pump interface attached to a portion of the outer tube, the pump interface comprising a connector to further channel the tobacco smoke.
Other aspects and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrated by way of example of the principles of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A depicts a complete view of an assembled device for channeling tobacco smoke from a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1B depicts an exploded view of a device for channeling tobacco smoke from a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of an expanded device for channeling tobacco smoke from a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2B depicts a perspective view of a compressed device for channeling tobacco smoke from a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective exploded detail of the outer tube and pump interface components in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 depicts the device for channeling tobacco during smoking use and a smoke container therefore in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 depicts the device for channeling tobacco during pumping use and a smoke container therefore in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 depicts a top perspective view of the device for channeling tobacco smoke illustrating the mouthpiece opposing air flow holes in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7A depicts a cut away view of the mouthpiece and the diaphragm on the inner tube and an air flow when dragging on the cigarette in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7B depicts a cut away view of the mouthpiece and the diaphragm on the inner tube and an air flow when blowing smoke into the inner tube in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8A depicts a top side perspective view of a cigarette and insertion into the mouthpiece and the inner tube chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8B depicts a top side perspective view of a cigarette inserted into the mouthpiece before insertion in the inner tube chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9A depicts a bottom perspective view of a cigarette and insertion into the mouthpiece and the inner tube chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9B depicts a bottom perspective view of a cigarette inserted into the mouthpiece before insertion in the inner tube chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10A depicts a close-up perspective view of the pump interface and a flexible exhaust hose in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10B depicts an exploded perspective view of the pump interface and a flexible exhaust hose in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11A depicts a close-up exploded left side perspective view of the pump interface and a duck bill valve and ash filter in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11B depicts a close-up exploded right side perspective view of the pump interface and a duck bill valve and ash filter in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12 depicts emptying of accumulated ash from a lower catchment tube at the pump interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for channeling tobacco smoke from a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 14 illustrates another flow diagram of a method for channeling tobacco smoke from a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Throughout the description, same reference numbers may be used to identify similar and same elements common with the exemplary figures depicted herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term ‘tube’ refers to a common definition including a rigid, semi-rigid and low durometer long hollow cylinder. A pipe may be interchangeable with a tube in the disclosure. Square tubes or square pipes and tubes and pipes of other geometries may also be interchangeable in the disclosure. The term ‘duckbill valve,’ as used in the disclosure, refers to a valve manufactured from rubber or synthetic elastomer and shaped like the beak of a duck used to prevent backflow. Also, the term ‘channeling,’ refers to a common definition of the term including a conduit for moving a fluid including smoke and even liquids.
FIG. 1A depicts a complete view of an assembled device for channeling tobacco smoke from a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The disclosed device, system and method for channeling tobacco smoke from a user includes a mouthpiece 10, a smoke chamber 15, a hand grip 20, an inner tube 25, an outer tube 30, a pump interface 35 and a flexible hose 40. The inner tube 25 is configured to be received into the outer tube 30 to channel tobacco smoke from a cigarette 5. The inner tube 25 comprises a seal between an overlap end of the inner tube 25 and an overlap end of the outer tube 30. The device also includes a mouthpiece 10 configured to receive the cigarette 5 and to include a one-way valve defining at least one hole for an opposing air flow around an inner diaphragm based on a depression of the mouthpiece 10 by the user's mouth. The device additionally includes a pneumatic pump comprising the inner tube 25, the outer tube 30, the seal and a pump interface 35 attached to a portion of the outer tube 30. The pump interface 35 includes a connector to further channel the tobacco smoke. The system furthermore comprises a chamber 15 including the mouthpiece 10 and a segment of the inner tube 25. The chamber 15 is configured to completely enclose the cigarette 5.
FIG. 1B depicts an exploded view of a device for channeling tobacco smoke from a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference numbers for components of the exploded view may be shared with same or similar components to those depicted in FIG. 1A and are therefore not enumerated in this description to avoid duplicity. However, the duckbill valve 45, the seal 50 between the overlap of the inner tube 25 and the outer tube 30 and a pump interface connector 55 are also depicted. The duckbill valve is housed in the pump interface 35 accessible via a detachable connector 55 thereto. The seal 50 enables an pneumatic pressure to develop with a compression and expansion of the inner tube 25 inside the outer tube 30. The seal may comprise a single “o” ring and multiple o-rings or multiple seals which are lubricating and pneumatically isolating of fluid escape between the inner tube 25 and the outer tube 30.
FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of an expanded device for channeling tobacco smoke from a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The depiction illustrates the hand grip 20 demarcating the chamber 15 and the inner tube 25. The chamber 15 may be segmented in embodiments to prevent the cigarette 5 from falling through the mouthpiece 10 into the inner tube 25. The only thing holding the cigarette is the ‘nipple’ protruding from the mouthpiece. The cigarette is ‘knocked into’ the device when finished and falls into the ‘ash tray’ 35 when finished. The hand grip 20 may be a bellows type handgrip and demarcate a pumping action of the inner tube 25 into the outer tube 30. A bellows setup eliminates and replaces the pump action between the inner and outer tubes in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pump interface 35 may act as a second hand grip. Alternatively, one may use their foot to hold down the device while pumping.
FIG. 2B depicts a perspective view of a compressed device for channeling tobacco smoke from a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The inner tube 25 is therefore not visible as it is inside the outer tube 30. The hand grip 20 may also be a knurled or otherwise slip resistant finish or impression disposed or formed onto a portion of the inner tube 25.
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective exploded detail of the outer tube and pump interface components in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The seal 50 may be set inside a grove in the outside of the inner tube 25 or it may set on an inside circumference of the outside tube 30. The seal may comprise an o-ring or multiple o-rings. The seal is visible in the depiction because the inner tube 25 and the outer tube 30 are completely separated. The pumping action draws fresh air into the chamber 15 and the inner tube 25 through holes in the mouthpiece (not depicted). Note, a user does not completely remove the inner tube when pumping to avoid losing pressure and tobacco smoke into the environment.
FIG. 4 depicts the device for channeling tobacco during smoking use and a smoke container therefore in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The disclosed device, system and method for channeling tobacco smoke from a user includes a mouthpiece 10, a smoke chamber 15, a hand grip 20, an inner tube 25, an outer tube 30, a pump interface 35, a flexible hose 40 and a smoke container 65 in communication with the pump interface 35 via the flexible hose 40. The inner tube 25 is configured to be received into the outer tube 30 to channel tobacco smoke from a cigarette 5. The smoke container 65 may comprise an air filter. The flexible tube 40 could also go to window mounted panel (not depicted) for venting to the outside or some other vacuum attachment. The inner tube 25 is not visible because it is inside the outer tube 30 in a compression cycle during smoking. The container is designed and engineered to contain the cigarette smoke for processing and/or future evacuation.
FIG. 5 depicts the device for channeling tobacco during pumping use and a smoke container therefore in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The disclosed device, system and method for channeling tobacco smoke from a user includes a mouthpiece 10, a smoke chamber 15, a hand grip 20, an inner tube 25, an outer tube 30, a pump interface 35, a flexible hose 40 and a smoke container 65 in communication with the pump interface 35 via the flexible hose 40. The inner tube 25 is configured to be received into the outer tube 30 to channel tobacco smoke from a cigarette 5. The inner tube 25 is now visible because it is outside the outer tube 30 in a compression cycle during smoking. The depiction illustrates a user's hand on the hand gripe 20 and another hand on the outer tube 30 but a user's other hand may just as well be placed on the pump interface connector 35 for pumping leverage (not illustrated) depending on a desired pumping stroke length and a breadth of the user's arms and chest. In other words, a pumping stroke length can only be as long as a breadth of the user's arms and chest may be irrespective of where his or her hands are placed.
FIG. 6 depicts a top perspective view of the device for channeling tobacco smoke illustrating the mouthpiece opposing air flow holes in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The holes 75 defined in the mouthpiece 10 allow fresh air into the chamber 15 and inner tube 25 and further into the outer tube 30. Four holes 75 are depicted by any number may be present in embodiments according to pneumatic engineering, design and cost issues. The holes 75 are defined below a top ridge of the mouthpiece 10 so that a depression of the ridge by the mouth of a user may open up a channel for air flow around an inner diaphragm illustrated in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B. The mouthpiece also includes outwardly protruding lips 90 configured to seal against the cigarette 5 and prohibit inward movement of the cigarette 5 further into the chamber 15 of the inner tube 25.
FIG. 7A depicts a cut away view of the mouthpiece and the diaphragm on the inner tube and an air flow when dragging on the cigarette in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cut away view illustrates the diaphragm 80 which is disposed adjacent to and may seal around the cigarette 5 and seal against the inside walls of the diaphragm 80 therefore sealing with itself. The mouthpiece includes a bellows 85 which seals against the chamber 15 of the inner tube 25. The air flow when dragging on the cigarette is depicted by bold broken line arrows inside the cigarette and a bold solid line arrow leaving the cigarette. Pressure by a user smoker on the outwardly protruding lips 90 when sealed against the cigarette 5 also causes a depression in the mouthpiece 10 that opens channels between the diaphragm 80 and the inside walls of the mouthpiece 10. Pressure is also applied to the top sides of the mouthpiece by a smoker in embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7B depicts a cut away view of the mouthpiece and the diaphragm on the inner tube and an air flow when blowing smoke into the inner tube in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference numbers for components of the respective exploded view may be shared with same or similar components to those depicted in FIG. 7A and are therefore not enumerated in this figure to avoid confusion with airflow arrows. The mouthpiece 10 is illustrated depressed and flattened out so to make room between the diaphragm and the inside walls of the mouthpiece. The opposing air flow indicated by solid line arrows also aids to further open up this channel for air from a user's mouth into the holes 75, around the diaphragm and down into the chamber 15 and further into the inner tube 25. The mouthpiece bellows 85 stays pneumatically sealed against the outside walls of the chamber 15 portion of the inner tube 25. Note that the filter line on the cigarette 5 is set at the edge of the protruding lips 90 in both FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B and that the protruding lips 90 are depressed in height and depressed into the mouthpiece which itself is also depressed and flattened in FIG. 7B. The mouthpiece 10 has therefore been depressed by inward pressure on the cigarette 5 but also by direct contact with the user smoker's mouth against the mouthpiece 10.
Therefore, the system for channeling tobacco smoke from a user, includes a mouthpiece configured to receive a cigarette and to include an inner diaphragm to form a radial seal between the cigarette and an inner diameter of the mouthpiece based on an inhaling air flow through the cigarette. The mouthpiece comprises a front end of outwardly protruding lips configured to seal against the cigarette and a bellows backend configured to seal against an exhaust tube containing the cigarette. The mouthpiece front end defines at least one hole for an exhausting air flow between the inner diaphragm and an enlarged inner diameter of the mouthpiece due to an inward depression of the mouthpiece by the user's mouth. The mouthpiece therefore creates an opposing outward force to the inward depression on the mouthpiece and seals against the inner diaphragm in an undepressed state.
In another embodiment, the cigarette filter should be placed into the mouthpiece approximately half way. The user approaches the mouthpiece with a slightly opened mouth and makes contact with the upper sides of the mouthpiece to collapse the valve and exhale. Therefore, no pressure is applied to the cigarette or to the protruding lips 90.
FIG. 8A depicts a top side perspective view of a cigarette for insertion into the mouthpiece and the inner tube chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The double ended arrow indicates both directions are possible for extraction and insertion of the cigarette. However, the mouthpiece lips 90 seal against the cigarette and resist a downward motion of the cigarette further into the chamber 15 due to mechanical friction and an inward collapse of the mouthpiece lip against the cigarette in response to pressure from top to bottom of the mouthpiece.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, a cigarette is inserted from the bottom of the mouthpiece, avoiding the difficulty of insertion through the top all the way through the mouthpiece. Likewise, finished cigarette butts are ‘knocked’ into the ash tray 35 fromo the top and out the bottom.
FIG. 8B depicts a top side perspective view of a cigarette inserted into the mouthpiece before insertion in the inner tube chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Due to the design of the mouthpiece and its outwardly protruding lips, a cigarette is first inserted from bottom to top of the mouthpiece and then the combination of the two onto the chamber 15 portion of the inner tube 25. The cigarette may be pulled out from the mouthpiece from the top thereof since the lips of the mouthpiece will not collapse around the cigarette during this motion. The double ended arrow indicates both directions are possible for extraction and insertion of the cigarette and mouthpiece combination.
In an embodiment, the cigarette is ‘knocked’ through the ashtray to preclude pulling the used butt up through the mouthpiece and out the top. This avoids soiling the protruding lips with ash and associated effects of smoking including lingering vapors, germs, lipstick etc.
FIG. 9A depicts a bottom perspective view of a cigarette and insertion into the mouthpiece and the inner tube chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This depiction illustrates the process of first inserting the cigarette 5 into the mouthpiece 10 from the bottom upwards and then inserting the combination of the two onto the chamber 15 portion of the inner tube 25. This depiction also includes illustration of the hand grip 20 and the transition to the inner tube 25.
FIG. 9B depicts a bottom perspective view of a cigarette inserted into the mouthpiece before insertion in the inner tube chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This depiction illustrates an underside of the mouthpiece, including the diaphragm and an underside of the mouthpiece lips defining a mouthpiece orifice.
FIG. 10A depicts a close up perspective view of the pump interface and a flexible exhaust hose in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The depiction includes the outer tube 30, the pump interface 35 and the flexible hose 40. An “L” connector (not depicted) and a straight connector may also be used at the pump interface 35 for housing the filter 45 and for connection to the flexible hose 40.
FIG. 10B depicts an exploded perspective view of the pump interface and a flexible exhaust hose in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The depiction also includes the outer tube 30, the pump interface 35 and the flexible hose 40. The connector 55 and the pump interface 35 may be joined by a slip mechanical joint as depicted or by a threaded male and female joint and other joints depending on economical and design constraints.
FIG. 11A depicts a close-up exploded left side perspective view of the pump interface and a duck bill valve and ash filter in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ash filter 90 is housed in the forward flowing opening of the duckbill filter 45. The ash filter keeps ash from the cigarette inside the pump interface 35 from entering the connector 55. The ash filter also acts as a screen to isolate live hot ‘cherries’ or ignition from a lit cigarette.
FIG. 11B depicts a close-up exploded right side perspective view of the pump interface and a duck bill valve and ash filter in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The duck bill filter inhibits back flow from the flexible hose from entering the pump interface. The duckbill filter is kept in place between the pump interface 35 and the pump interface connector 55 by a lip on the front opening of the valve that is compressed between the two components 35 and 55.
FIG. 12 depicts emptying of accumulated ash from a lower catchment tube at the pump interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ash and cigarette butts are collected by gravity into the pump interface 35 through the outer tube 30 and prevented from entering the connector 55 and the flexible hose 40 by the duckbill valve/screen.
FIG. 13 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for channeling tobacco smoke from a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. A method for channeling tobacco smoke from a user comprises 200 assembling an inner tube configured to be received into an outer tube to channel tobacco smoke from a cigarette, the inner tube comprising a seal between an overlap end of the inner tube and an overlap end of the outer tube. The method also comprises 210 providing a mouthpiece configured to receive the cigarette in a one-way valve defining at least one hole for an opposing air flow around an inner diaphragm based on a depression of the mouthpiece by the user's mouth. The method additionally includes 220 creating a pneumatic pump comprising the inner tube, the outer tube, the seal and a pump interface attached to a portion of the outer tube, the pump interface comprising a connector to further channel the tobacco smoke.
FIG. 14 illustrates another flow diagram of a method for channeling tobacco smoke from a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method includes 250 inserting a cigarette 5 into the mouthpiece 10 from a backside of the mouthpiece 10 and assembling the two together onto the inner tube chamber 15. The method also includes 260 depressing the mouthpiece from contact with a user's mouth to open a flow channel across an inner diaphragm and into the chamber 15. The method additionally includes 270 manually moving the inner tube 25 inside the outer tube 30 up and down or back and forth to create a pumping action and move air flow across the mouthpiece. The method further includes channeling the tobacco smoke through a pump interface 35 and through a flexible hose 40 for removal and/or processing distal to the user.
An embodiment of the disclosed device includes outwardly protruding lips configured to seal against the cigarette and create an opposing outward force to a depression on the mouthpiece based on an inward pressure on the cigarette toward the chamber of the inner tube. No pressure is applied to the cigarette or the protruding lips when exhaling. The disclosed device also includes the pump interface disposed at an intermediate portion of the outer tube. Embodiments are also included wherein the pump interface is disposed at an end of the outer tube opposite to the overlap end of the outer tube. A disclosed container is in communication with the pump interface connector via a flexible hose. The container is designed and engineered to contain the cigarette smoke for processing and/or evacuation.
Other embodiments include a hand grip disposed on the inner tube, the hand grip configured to facilitate an oscillating pumping motion of the inner tube within the outer tube. A duckbill valve located in the pump interface is configured to house an inline filter and/or screen. A mallet like dual end may also be assembled at the pump interface, a first end thereof to gather ashes and butts and a second end thereof to house a filter and to connect to a flexible hose. The pump interface connector designed as a mallet like dual end configured as a hand grip and/or foot grip on the outer tube.
Another embodiment of the disclosed device for channeling tobacco smoke from a user is included, wherein the inner tube, the outer tube, the mouthpiece, the seal, the inline filter and the flexible hose connection are detachably connected. A window mounted panel is disclosed in communication with the flexible hose, wherein the window mounted panel is configured to vent the tobacco smoke from the hose to an outside environment.
Embodiments are included wherein the diaphragm is a ceramic diaphragm configured as a heat shield. The inner diaphragm is configured integral to the mouthpiece and disposed around a first end of the inner tube opposite to the overlap end of the inner tube.
Embodiments of the method for channeling tobacco smoke from a user comprise creating a chamber including the mouthpiece and a segment of the inner tube, the chamber configured to completely enclose the cigarette. The embodiments also include placing the pump interface at an intermediate portion of the outer tube.
Although the operations of the method(s) herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of the operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order or so that certain operations may be performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations may be implemented in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.
Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated but by the claims and their equivalents herein.
Patent Application
20200113228
