INHALATION APPARATUS FOR PARTICULATE FILTRATION

Abstract

An apparatus for use as a water pipe configured to be disassembled and assembled.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use as a water pipe comprising: i) a tube having an inlet and an outlet, ii) a chamber having a top and a bottom, iii) a base; wherein the base is configured to be separable from the bottom of the chamber and the top of the chamber is configured to be separable from the inlet; and wherein the apparatus is configured to be disassembled and reassembled.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tube includes an internal surface and an external surface and wherein a threaded structure is disposed on the internal surface on a portion of the inlet.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the chamber includes an internal surface and an external surface, and wherein a threaded structure is disposed on the external surface on a portion of the top of the chamber.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tube and the chamber are configured to removably secure by rotation about an axis.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the chamber further includes a threaded structure disposed on the external surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the base includes an internal surface, and wherein the threading is disposed on the internal surface.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the base removably secures to the chamber by interconnecting threading.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a watertight internal portion is formed from the tube having an internal surface coupled to the chamber having an internal surface, and the chamber coupled to the base having an internal surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an intermediate piece having a threaded structure configured to removably secure the tube, the intermediate piece, and the chamber together.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the intermediate piece further include a porous surface extending the length of the intermediate piece.

11. An apparatus configured to be assembled and disassembled comprising: i) a tube having an inlet and an outlet; ii) a chamber having a top with an opening formed therein and a bottom with an opening formed therein, wherein the inlet removably secures to the top of the chamber; and iii) a base having an opening, wherein the opening of the base removably secures to the bottom of the chamber.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the inlet includes a threaded structure and the top of the chamber includes a complementary threaded structure that interconnect to removably secure the tube and the chamber forming a watertight seal.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the threaded structure on the top of the chamber includes a gasket.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the chamber includes a threaded structure and the base includes a complementary threaded structure that interconnect to removably secure the chamber to the base forming a watertight seal.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the threaded structure on the bottom of the chamber includes a gasket.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the threaded structure on the inlet is disposed on the internal surface of the tube and the threaded structure on the top of the chamber is disposed on the external surface of the chamber.

17. A kit comprising: an apparatus including a tube, a chamber, and a base, wherein the tube is configured to be removably secured to the chamber, and the chamber is configured to be removably secured to the base; a container configured to transport the apparatus; and instructions for assembling, disassembling, cleaning and using.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the apparatus further includes an intermediate piece.

19. The kit of claim 17 further including gaskets.

20. The kit of claim 17 further including a solvent formulated to clean the apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0090] The detailed description particularly refers to the following figures, in which:

[0091] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an illustrative embodiment of an apparatus, showing a tube, a chamber, and a base.

[0092] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative tube.

[0093] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative chamber.

[0094] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an illustrative base.

[0095] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an illustrative intermediate piece.

[0096] FIG. 6 is a side view of an illustrative apparatus including a tube, an intermediate piece, a chamber, and a base.

[0097] FIG. 7 is a side view of an illustrative embodiment with a hinged door coupled to the tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in further detail. It should be understood that there is no intent to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0099] An apparatus for use as a water pipe capable of being disassembled for cleaning and assembled for use is provided. Water pipes are susceptible to microbial growth and can become unsanitary. Generally, these apparatuses are difficult to sufficiently clean because the internal components are not easily accessible. Further, it can be difficult to determine that the internal surfaces of the apparatus are clean when the internal surfaces are not visible for inspection. The apparatus described herein is comprised of several components that are removably secured from each other. The points of attachment are advantageous because they are located in areas that are typical of tar and microbial growth, thus allowing a user to disassemble the apparatus into its discreet components for cleaning and inspection. The attachment points (referred to herein as a “fastener system”) include structural features that provide structural integrity to the apparatus while it is disassembled, cleaned, assembled, and used for its intended purpose.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 1, in an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus 10 is provided that includes a tube 2, a chamber 4, and a base 6. The apparatus 10 may be disassembled to clean each component (2, 4, 6) and assembled to form a water pipe. When assembled into the apparatus 10, the tube 2 may be removably coupled to and in fluid communication with the chamber 4. The chamber 4 may be removably coupled to and in fluid communication with the tube 2, and the base 6 may be removably coupled to and in fluid communication with the chamber 4 to allow for disassembly of the apparatus 10, the tube 2 may be configured to be separable from the chamber 4, the chamber 4 may be configured to be separable from the tube 2 and/or the base 6, and the base 6 is configured to be separable from the chamber 4. In this way, the components (2, 4, 6) are configured to be assembled and disassembled in any order.

[0101] When assembled, the apparatus 10 includes an external portion formed by an external surface and an internal portion formed by an internal surface. The internal portion of the apparatus 10 forms a watertight vessel having an opening at the top. The vessel may be configured to hold a liquid to filter smoke. To aid in cleaning the internal surface may be smooth. In some aspects, the internal surface does not include any sharp corners.

[0102] When the apparatus 10 is assembled, the geometry of the external portion may mimic the geometry of the internal portion. Alternatively, the external portion may include a different geometry than the internal portion. For example, the internal surface may form a smooth, rounded vessel and the external surfaces may include corners and flat surfaces.

[0103] When the apparatus 10 is disassembled, the tube 2, the chamber 4, and the base 6 may be separated from each other into individual components. Accordingly, the base 6 is configured to be separable from the chamber 4, the chamber 4 is configured to be separable from the base 6 and tube 2, and the tube 2 is configured to be separable from chamber 4. In this way, each of the components is capable of being individually cleaned. Additionally, when the tube 2, the chamber 4, or the base 6 is isolated, the internal surfaces are easier to clean and visually inspect for cleanliness as discussed below.

[0104] The apparatus 10 may be formed of glass, a polymer, a metal, a ceramic, or a combination thereof. The apparatus 10 may be formed of any material and coated with a non-porous coating such as glass, a polymer, or ceramic. The apparatus 10 may be formed from a polymer such as plastic, polycarbonate, acrylic, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 includes recyclable food grade ABS material. To aid in cleanliness, the apparatus 10 may be formed of a material or materials that are transparent or translucent allowing for visual inspection of the components. While partially or completely translucent, the apparatus 10 may include tinting or coloring on at least a portion of the apparatus.

[0105] While the apparatus 10 is improved by its ability to be disassembled and assembled, the materials to form the apparatus 10 and its structural elements are also capable of withstanding changes in temperature, exposure to solvents, and applied pressure while maintaining structural integrity. Structural integrity refers to the apparatus 10 having the physical properties to function for its intended purpose, for example mechanical strength, toughness, hardness, weight, and elasticity. The apparatus 10 is configured to withstand its intended loading without failing due to fracture, deformation, or fatigue. In one aspect, the apparatus 10 is capable of disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly without losing physical properties such as mechanical strength, toughness, and elasticity. The structural integrity is not altered by the process of assembling, disassembling, cleaning, sanitizing, or using the apparatus 10. Specifically, the donor or the acceptor (20a, 20b) and each component maintain structural integrity when coupling and uncoupling the components (2, 4, 6) of the apparatus 10. The structural integrity of the apparatus 10 and the components (2, 4, 6) is maintained over the desired service life. In some embodiments, the desired service life is at least six months, at least one year, at least one and a half years, at least two years, at least two and a half years, at least three years, at least four years, at least five years, or at least six years.

[0106] The apparatus 10 may be configured to maintain structural integrity even when exposed to temperatures up to about 160° C. Additionally, the apparatus 10 may be configured to maintain structural integrity when exposed to temperatures as low as −15° C. In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may maintain structural integrity when exposed to temperatures ranging from about −15° C. to about 160° C.

[0107] The apparatus 10 may be subjected up to about 10,000 psi and still be capable of maintaining structural integrity. Additionally, each component (2, 4, 6) may be configured to withstand applied pressure as they are assembled into the apparatus 10 and disassembled into individual components (2, 4, 6). The tube 2 may couple and uncouple to the chamber 4 by an applied force of up to about 70 Newtons while maintaining structural integrity. Similarly, the base 6 may couple and uncouple from the chamber 4 by an applied force of up to about 70 Newtons. For example, where the tube 2 and chamber 4 are coupled together forming a fastener system such as complementary threading, the tube 2 and chamber 4 may be coupled by rotating the components (2, 4) about an axis 30 (as shown in FIG. 1) to interconnect the donor threading and acceptor threading by a force of up to about 70 Newtons without damaging the fastener system and disrupting the watertight seal formed in the internal portion. Further, the threading may be configured to reduce or prevent wear from repeated rotations. The fastener system for coupling and uncoupling will be described in further detail.

[0108] The apparatus 10 includes at least one type of fastener system to removably secure the components (2, 4, 6) together forming a watertight vessel for smoking plant base materials. The apparatus 10 may have one fastener system, two fastener systems, three fastener systems, four fastener systems, five fastener systems, or six fastener systems. The fastener systems are attachment points and are configured to removably secure the components during assembly and configured to be separable during disassembly while maintaining structural integrity. The fastener system includes a donor connected to one component (e.g., the tube 2) and an acceptor connected to another component (e.g., the chamber 4). The donor and acceptor are configured to removably secure and/or separably couple the components. In some embodiments, the fastener system may include complementary threaded structures where one component includes donor threading disposed on the external surface of the component and the other component includes acceptor threading disposed in the internal surface of the other component. As illustrated in FIG. 1, acceptor 20a is connected to the inlet 14 and donor 20b is connected to the top 16 of the chamber 4. Alternatively, the threaded structure 20a may be a donor and the threaded structure 20b may be an acceptor. Similarly, the base 6 may include an acceptor 20d configured to removably secure to the donor 20c located at the bottom 18 of chamber 4. Alternatively, the threaded structure 20c may be an acceptor and the threaded structure 20d may be a donor. In some aspects, the threaded structures 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d individually may include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, or at least six threads. The fastener system may be any mechanism known to removably secure two components together to form a watertight seal including but not limited to: magnets, suction, threading, spring pressure, twist-and-lock, latches, or clasps. While the fastener system is not intended to be limiting, the following illustrative embodiments will focus on a fastener system utilizing complementary threaded structures to removably secure the components (2, 4, 6) together.

[0109] The fastener system may include additional material such as an additional layer of plastic, acrylic, or polycarbonate to enhance the mechanical strength at the attachment points. In some embodiments, the donor threaded structures and the acceptor threaded structures may include an additional polymer, metal, ceramic or a combination to increase hardness and reduce wear.

[0110] When assembled for use, the top component of the apparatus 10 is the tube 2. Referring to FIG. 2, the tube 2 is shown as a hollow, elongated cylinder having an inlet 14 on an end of the tube 2 and an outlet 12 on the opposite end. The tube 2 includes an internal surface 36 and an external surface 38. The inlet 14 is configured to receive smoke from the chamber 4, and the outlet 12 is configured to deliver smoke to a user. The tube 2 may have a length of about 25 millimeters (mm) to about 1000 mm. The tube 2 may have a length of about 25 mm, about 50 mm, about 75 mm, about 100 mm, about 125 mm, about 150 mm, about 175 mm, about 200 mm, about 225 mm, about 250 mm, about 275 mm, about 300 mm, about 325 mm, about 350 mm, about 375 mm, about 400 mm, about 425 mm, about 450 mm, about 475 mm, about 500 mm, about 525 mm, about 550 mm, about 575 mm, about 600 mm, about 625 mm, about 650 mm, about 675 mm, about 700 mm, about 725 mm, about 750 mm, about 775 mm, about 800 mm, about 825 mm, about 850 mm, about 875 mm, about 900 mm, about 925 mm, about 950 mm, about 975 mm, or about 1000 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the tube 2 has a length of about 270 mm.

[0111] The tube 2 may have a uniform thickness through the length of the tube 2. In some aspects, the internal surface 36 of the tube 2 is rounded similar to a cylinder as illustrated in FIG. 2. The inlet 14 may include a donor or acceptor threaded structure 20a configured to removably secure the tube 2 to the chamber 4. Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the threaded structure 20a is disposed on a portion of the inlet 14. When the threaded structure 20a is disposed on the internal surface 36 of the tube 2 and acts as an acceptor, such that inlet 14 is configured to receive the chamber 4. Alternatively, the threaded structure 20a is disposed on the external surface 38 of the tube 2 and acts as a donor, such that the chamber 4 is configured to receive the inlet 14.

[0112] In an illustrative embodiment, the threaded structure 20a disposed on a portion of the inlet 14 contacts the chamber 4 and rotates about the axis 30 to removably secure the tube 2 and chamber 4. The connection may form a watertight seal between the tube 2 and the chamber 4.

[0113] The outlet 12 may be opposite the inlet 14. In some embodiments, the outlet 12 is designed for a user to comfortably place a mouth over or within the outlet 12 to suction smoke through the inlet 14 towards the outlet 12. The inlet 14 and the outlet 12 may each be annular, although the outlet 12 may be any shape desirable to an end user. When the inlet 14 and outlet 12 are annular or circular in shape, the diameter of each may be about equal. In some aspects, the inlet 14 and outlet 12 may each independently have a diameter of between about 25 millimeters to about 125 millimeters. The diameter of the inlet 14 or outlet 12 may be about 25 mm, about 30 mm, about 35 mm, about 40 mm, about 45 mm, about 50 mm, about 55 mm, about 60 mm, about 65 mm, about 70 mm, about 75 mm, about 80 mm, about 85 mm, about 90 mm, about 95 mm, about 100 mm, about 105 mm, about 110 mm, about 115 mm, about 120 mm, or about 125 mm. In some embodiments, the inlet 14 or the outlet 12 has a diameter ranging from about 40 mm to about 50 mm.

[0114] Jumping to FIG. 7, an additional embodiment of the tube 2 is shown. The tube 2 may include a hinged door 48. The door 48 may extend the length of the tube 2 or a portion of the tube 2. The hinged door is coupled to the tube 2 by one or more hinges 52. The door 48 may be temporarily closed and locked by a locking mechanism 54. In one aspect, the locking mechanism 54 is a latch or two magnets. In operation, the hinged door 48 may be opened into an open position exposing the internal surface 36, and closed in a close position wherein the locking mechanism 54 temporarily locks the door 48. When closed, the door 48 may form a seal so that filtered smoke does not escape around the door 48 but through the outlet 12.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 1, the chamber 4 is coupled between the tube 2 and base 6 when the apparatus 10 is assembled. Referring to FIG. 3, the chamber 4 includes a hollow body having an internal surface 40, an external surface 42, a top 16 forming an opening, and a bottom 18 forming an opening. In some embodiments, the top 16 and the bottom 18 are annular so that the openings formed in the top 16 and bottom 18 are circular.

[0116] Additionally, the chamber 4 may include a joint 8 extending outwardly from the chamber 4, so that the joint defines a conduit in fluid communication with the chamber 4, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. The joint 8 may be configured to receive a stem configured to couple to a bowl.

[0117] The top 16 may include a donor or acceptor threaded structure 20b configured to separably couple the chamber 4 from the tube 2. In an illustrative example, the top 16 interacts with the inlet 14 to removably secure to each other. The threaded structure 20b may be disposed on a portion of the top 16. The threaded structure 20b may be disposed on the external surface of the chamber 4 as shown in FIG. 1, acting as a donor, such that the inlet 14 including threaded structure 20a disposed on the internal surface 36 receives/accepts and removably secures to the threaded structure 20b. Alternatively, the threaded structure 20b may be disposed on the internal surface 40 of the chamber 4 acting as an acceptor. In this embodiment, the top 16 receives the threaded structure 20a, which is disposed on the external surface 38 of the tube 2. In this way, the diameter of the top 16 is similar in size to the inlet 14 so that the two may interconnect. Accordingly, the top 16 may have a diameter of between about 25 millimeters to about 125 millimeters.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the apparatus 10 may further include an intermediate piece 22. The intermediate piece 22 may be employed to couple the tube 2 and the chamber 4. The intermediate piece 22 has an external surface 28 and an internal surface 26. A threaded structure 20e may be disposed on the internal surface 26 or external surface 28. In an alternative embodiment, the top 16 is coupled to the inlet 14 by the intermediate piece such that the top 16 and inlet 14 both include threaded structures 20a, 20b on their respective external surfaces, and the intermediate piece 22 includes threaded structure 20e disposed on the internal surface 26 capable of receiving the threaded structure 20a and threaded structure 20b. In some embodiments, the threaded structure 20a is disposed on the internal surface 36 of the tube 2, and the threaded structure 20b is disposed on the internal surface 40 of the top 16 of the chamber 4. Threaded structure 20a and threaded structure 20b accept the intermediate piece 22 having a threaded structure 20e on the external surface 28. The tube 2 and chamber 4 are configured to be separable from the intermediate piece 22 by rotating about the axis 30 to secure and reverse rotating about the axis 30 to separate. In some embodiments, the intermediate piece 22 may include a threaded structure 20e configured in part to act as acceptor and in part configured as a donor. In this way, the intermediate piece 22 may receive a threaded structure 20a or 20b and includes a donor threaded structure configured to be received by threaded structure 20a or 20b.

[0119] Turning to FIG. 5, the intermediate piece may include a porous surface 50 extending the length of the diameter of the intermediate piece 22. In some aspects, the porous surface 50 may hold ice or pleasant smelling herbs while the smoke travels from the chamber 4 into the tube 2. Alternatively, the intermediate piece 22 may include a material that changes color based on changes in pH or temperature. When the porous surface 50 is present, the threaded structures 20a and 20b may be located on either side so that the porous surface 50 is about in the middle of the intermediate piece 22.

[0120] Turning back to FIG. 3, the bottom 18 may be located opposite the top 16. The diameter of the opening formed by the bottom 18 may be of a similar length as the top 16. Alternatively, the bottom 18 may have a larger diameter than the top 16 as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the opening formed in the bottom 18 may have a diameter of between about 25 millimeters to about 310 millimeters.

[0121] As with the top 16, the bottom 18 may include a threaded structure 20c acting as a donor or acceptor to removably secure the chamber 4 to the base 6. The threaded structure 20c may be disposed on the external surface 42 of the chamber 4. Alternatively, the threaded structure 20c may be disposed on the internal surface 40 of the chamber 4. In this way, the threaded structure 20c may be received by or may accept the base 6. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the bottom 18 includes a threaded structure 20c disposed on the external surface 42 of the chamber 4.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 4, the base 6 may be configured to be removably secured to chamber 4. The base 6 may include a foundation 32 having a wall 34 extending outwardly therefrom and surrounding the foundation 32. The base 6 has an internal surface 44 and an external surface 46. The top 24 of the wall 34 forms an opening configured to couple to the bottom 18 of the chamber 4. In one illustrative embodiment, the base 6 is similar to an end cap. In order to removably secure the base 6 to the chamber 4, the wall 34 may include a threaded structure 20d disposed on a portion of the top 24. In one embodiment, the threaded structure 20d is disposed on the internal surface 44 of the base 6. The threaded structure 20d may be configured to receive the threaded structure 20c disposed on the external surface 46 of the chamber 4. In operation, the threaded structure 20c and/or the threaded structure 20d are rotated about the axis 30 to removably secure the chamber 4 and the base 6 together. Accordingly, the diameter of the top 24 may be between about 25 millimeters to about 310 millimeters. The surrounding wall 34 of base 6 may have a height of about 5 millimeters to about 160 millimeters.

[0123] Additionally, the threaded structures 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d may each include a gasket. The gasket may be made of any suitable materials including plastics, rubbers, silicone, or a combination thereof. When present, the gasket is configured to provide a watertight seal between the chamber 4 and the base 6 and the chamber 4 and the tube 2.

[0124] When the chamber 4 is coupled to the base 6, the internal portion formed therein from internal surfaces 40 and 44 is configured to hold a liquid for filtering smoke. The internal portion formed from the chamber 4 coupled to the base 6 may be configured to hold a volume of liquid up to about 500 mL.sup.3. The internal portion may be configured to hold a liquid and a coolant such as ice.

[0125] A kit is provided comprising the apparatus 10 configured to be assembled or disassembled including a tube 2, a base 6, a chamber 4, packaging, container, and instructions for assembling, disassembling, and cleaning. In some embodiments, the kit also includes the intermediate piece 22 and/or gaskets. The kit may further include a stem and/or bowl encompassed in their own packaging to protect each during shipment. The kit may include a cleaning brush and solvent formulated for cleaning the apparatus 10. Additionally, the kit may include a case or a travel bag for storing or transporting the apparatus 10 assembled or disassembled into its components (2, 4, 6).

[0126] Further provided herein are methods of assembling and disassembling the apparatus 10. A method of assembling the apparatus 10 may include the steps of i) connecting the chamber 4 having a threaded structure 20c to the base 6 having a threaded structure 20d; ii) rotating the base 6 or chamber 4 to interconnect the threaded structure 20c with threaded structure 20d; iii) connecting the chamber 4 having a threaded structure 20b to the tube 2 having a threaded structure 20a; iv) rotating the chamber 4 or tube 2 to interconnect the threaded structure 20b with threaded structure 20a.

[0127] A method of disassembling the apparatus 10 may include the steps of i) rotating the tube 2 or chamber 4 to disconnect the fastener system (20a and 20b); ii) separating the tube 2 from the chamber 4; iii) rotating the base 6 or chamber 4 while keep the other stationary to disconnect the fastener system (20c and 20d); and iv) separating the chamber 4 and the base 6.

[0128] A method of cleaning the apparatus 10 may include the steps of i) providing the disassembled components of apparatus 10 including the tube 2, base 6, and chamber 4 to a mechanism for cleaning. The apparatus 10 may also include the intermediate piece 22. The mechanism for cleaning may be selected from an ultraviolet light, a dishwasher, an autoclave, a vessel containing water, vinegar, lemon, or dish soap, or any such combination of these mechanisms. As each component can be individually cleaned and inspected, the apparatus 10 is capable of being cleaned thoroughly without guesswork.

[0129] The apparatus 10 may be easily disassembled into its various components including the tube 2, the chamber 4, and the base 6. In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include additional components including at least one gasket and/or an intermediate piece 22. Each of these components may be visually inspected and cleaned to remove tar and microbes. In one aspect, each component can be placed in a dishwasher to be cleaned and dried. Afterwards, each piece can be visually inspected, especially around areas notorious for tar and microbe growth. Current water pipes cannot be disassembled to easily access and inspect the internal surface. The apparatus 10 is also configured to disassemble less than all the components to inspect and clean. Generally, water pipes are a single piece with no points of attachment that form a watertight seal, they also tend to be bulky and difficult to manipulate for cleaning and inspection.