SMOKING APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE
20250366513 ยท 2025-12-04
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
International classification
Abstract
Provided herein are smoking apparatuses comprising a smoke box, a fluid reservoir defining a cavity for holding a fluid therein, wherein the fluid reservoir is fluidically coupled to the smoke box, a pump fluidically coupled to the smoke box and the fluid reservoir and configured to create a pressure differential between the smoke box and the fluid reservoir, at least one smoke chamber fluidically coupled to the fluid reservoir and defining an outlet valve, and at least one hose, coupled to the smoke chamber and defining a channel. The outlet valve is configured to receive the hose. Further, coupling the hose to the outlet valve activates the pump.
Claims
1. A smoking apparatus comprising: a smoke box; a fluid reservoir defining a cavity for holding a fluid therein, wherein the fluid reservoir is fluidically coupled to the smoke box; a pump fluidically coupled to the smoke box and the fluid reservoir and configured to create a pressure differential between the smoke box and the fluid reservoir; at least one smoke chamber fluidically coupled to the fluid reservoir and defining an outlet valve; at least one hose, coupled to the smoke chamber and defining a channel; wherein the outlet valve is configured to receive the hose and wherein coupling the hose to the outlet valve activates the pump.
2. The smoking apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a substance pack disposed within the smoke box, the substance pack comprising: a substance container for holding a smokable substance therein; and a tray for holding a burnable material therein, wherein the tray is coupled to the substance container.
3. The smoking apparatus of claim 2, wherein the substance pack is disposable.
4. The smoking apparatus of claim 2, wherein the substance pack is refillable.
5. The smoking apparatus of claim 2, wherein the tray comprises a deformable portion such that when the burnable material is disposed therein, the deformable portion contacts the smokable substance.
6. The smoking apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a housing defining an interior cavity, wherein the smoke box is disposed within the interior cavity.
7. The smoking apparatus of claim 6, wherein the smoke box is coupled to the housing by a magnetic connector.
8. The smoking apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a stem, wherein the stem fluidically couples the fluid reservoir to the housing.
9. The smoking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hose comprises a mouthpiece.
10. The smoking apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second pump disposed within the channel of the hose and configured to create a pressure differential between the smoke chamber and the hose.
11. The smoking apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a user input, wherein the user input is configured to control a volume of smoke within the hose.
12. The smoking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the smoke box comprises an ignition switch configured to heat the tray upon ignition.
13. A table comprising: the smoking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the smoking apparatus is disposed in an encasement; a tabletop; and one or more supports coupled to the tabletop.
14. The table of claim 13, wherein the encasement defines one or more apertures, wherein each aperture is configured to receive a hose.
15. The table of claim 13, wherein the tabletop defines one or more apertures, wherein each aperture is configured to receive a hose.
16. The table of claim 13, wherein the table further comprises one or more storage receptacles.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The details of one or more embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter are set forth in this document. Modifications to embodiments described in this document, and other embodiments, will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art after a study of the information provided in this document.
[0025] While the following terms are believed to be well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, definitions are set forth to facilitate explanation of the presently-disclosed subject matter.
[0026] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently-disclosed subject matter belongs.
[0027] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently-disclosed subject matter.
[0028] Embodiments described herein are generally directed to smoking apparatuses and methods of using the smoking apparatuses. Generally, the smoking apparatus 100 includes a smoke box 200; a fluid reservoir 104 fluidically coupled to the smoke box 200; a pump 106 configured to create a pressure differential between the smoke box 200 and the fluid reservoir 104; at least one smoke chamber 108 fluidically coupled to the fluid reservoir 104; at least one hose, coupled to the smoke chamber 108 and defining a channel, and an outlet valve configured to receive the hose. As depicted in
[0029] Referring now to
[0030] Still referring to
[0031] In some embodiments, the smoking apparatus 100 includes an ignition system 114, configured to light the burnable material in the tray 304, described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, the ignition system 114 is configured to initiate an electrical arc, thereby igniting the burnable material positioned within the smokebox. For example, and without being bound by theory, when the substance pack 300 is placed in the smoke box 200, the substance pack 300 magnetically couples to the smoke box 200. In some embodiments, the smoke box 200 is inserted into the housing 102 and magnetically couples to a fitting disposed in the interior cavity 103. Optionally, the magnetic couplings include electrical contact points, such as wires. In some embodiments, the magnetic force holds the substance box 300 in place, thereby aligning the electrical contact points and completing an electrical circuit. Optionally, the smokebox 200 includes a heating element, such as a heating coil, though other heating elements are contemplated and possible. In some embodiments, the heating coil generates sufficient heat to ignite the burnable material in the tray 304.
[0032] In some embodiments, the ignition system 114 is activated upon coupling a hose to the smoking chamber, described in greater detail herein. In other embodiments, the ignition system 114 is activated by a user input, such as pushing a button or flipping a switch, though other suitable user inputs are contemplated and possible. In some embodiments, the ignition switch is activated remotely. In some embodiment, the ignition switch is disposed on the smoking apparatus. In other embodiments, the ignition switch is disposed on the encasement, described in greater detail below.
[0033] Referring now to
[0034] Referring now to
[0035] Optionally, the top 202 includes a plurality of perforations 210 to allow for appropriate airflow to enable burning of the burnable material, described in greater detail herein. These perforations 210 serve as intake and exhaust openings allowing for regulation of natural convection, pressure differences, and ventilation of the smoke box 200.
[0036] Referring now to
[0037] In some embodiments, the smoke box 200 is removably coupled to the housing 102, such as shown in
[0038] In some embodiments, the smoke box 200 is slidably coupled to the housing 102 to enable access to the substance space 203. Optionally, the smoke box 200 is slidably coupled to the housing 102 in addition to being magnetically coupled. In some embodiments, the smoke box 200 is slidably coupled to the housing 102, such as by a slide rail mechanism. Any suitable sliding mechanism is contemplated and possible. Exemplary, non-limiting sliding mechanisms include ball-bearing slides, roller slides, undermount slides, soft-close slides, push-to-open slides, side mount slides, center mount slides, telescopic channels, magnetic drawer slides, and the like. In some embodiments, such as shown in
[0039] As shown in
[0040] Referring now to
[0041] In some embodiments, the substance pack 300 is refillable. Optionally, the substance container 302 is refilled with a smokable substance. In some embodiments, the tray 304 is refilled with a burnable material.
[0042] In some embodiments, the substance pack 300 is disposable after a predetermined number of uses. For example, the substance pack 300 may be disposed of after a single use. Alternatively, the substance pack 300 may be refilled a certain number of times prior to being disposed. Optionally, the substance pack 300 is disposed when the quality of the smoke is impacted. For example, and without limitation, when the substance pack 300 is disposable, it may be refilled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc. times.
[0043] Referring now to
[0044] The substance container 302 is generally formed from any suitable material. Illustrative, non-limiting materials include ceramic, clay, glass, silicone, metal, stone, wood, marble, terracotta, porcelain, combinations thereof, and the like. Optionally, the substance container 302 is ceramic. In some embodiments, the substance container 302 defines an aperture 306. The aperture 306 fluidically couples the substance container 302 to the other components of the smoking apparatus 100 as described in greater detail herein. The aperture 306 may be formed within a base surface 310 of the substance container 302 or any other surface of the substance container 302. In some embodiments, the aperture 306 fluidically couples the substance container 302 to the smoke box 200, which is coupled to the housing 102 as described above.
[0045] Referring now to
[0046] In other embodiments, the tray 304 may be replaced with an electric heater, eliminating the need for a burnable material.
[0047] Referring again to
[0048] In some embodiments, the smoking apparatus includes a stem 112. In some embodiments, the stem 112 fluidically couples the housing 102 to the fluid reservoir 104. Optionally, the stem 112 defines a conduit for transferring the smoke generated from heating the smokable substance from the smoke box 200 to the fluid reservoir 104. Optionally, the stem 112 is coupled to the fluid reservoir 104 and/or the housing 102 (such as via the orifice 110). Any suitable coupling mechanism is contemplated and possible. Exemplary, non-limiting mechanisms for coupling the stem 112 to the housing 102 and/or the fluid reservoir 104 include welding, bolting, screwing, soldering, riveting, adhesive bonding, snap fitting, and the like. In some embodiments, the stem 112 is integral and continuous with the fluid reservoir 104 and/or the housing 102. Optionally, an interior of the stem 112 is coated with silicone or another suitable material, to create a seal that prevents air leakage, thereby maintaining the desired conditions within the smoke box 200 described in greater detail herein.
[0049] In some embodiments, the smoking apparatus 100 includes a pump 106. Optionally, the pump 106 is fluidically coupled to the smoke box 200 and/or the fluid reservoir 104. In some embodiments, the pump 106 is configured to create a pressure differential between the smoke box 200 and the fluid reservoir 104, enabling the smoke generated from heating the smokable substance to move from the smoke box 200 to the fluid reservoir 104. Optionally, the pump 106 is fluidically coupled to the stem 112. In some embodiments, the pump 106 is disposed within the conduit of the stem 112. In some embodiments, the pressure differential created by the pump 106 causes bubbling in the fluid held in the fluid reservoir 104.
[0050] Still referring to
[0051] Referring now to
[0052] Optionally, coupling the hose 404 to the outlet valve 402 automatically activates the pump 106, thereby generating the pressure differential between the smoke box 200 and the fluid reservoir 104, enabling smoke to move from the smoke box 200, through the fluid reservoir 104, and into the smoke chamber 108. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism is operatively coupled to the pump 106 via an activation mechanism that is triggered when the hose 404 is coupled to the outlet valve 402. Exemplary, non-limiting examples of activation mechanisms include mechanical switches, electronic sensors, pressure sensors, magnetic switches, mechanical triggers, combinations thereof, and the like.
[0053] For example, and without being bound by theory, in some embodiments, coupling the hose 404 to the outlet valve 402 closes an electrical circuit integrated into the smoking apparatus 100. Optionally, closing the circuit sends an electrical signal to the pump 106, thereby activating the pump 106 to generate the pressure differential. In some embodiments, the pump 106 is inactivated when the hose 404 is removed from the outlet valve 402. In some embodiments, the smoking apparatus 100 includes one or more power sources. Any suitable power source is contemplated and possible. Exemplary, non-limiting power sources include AC power source, DC power sources, batteries, solar panels, power over Ethernet, and the like. In some embodiments, the power source is an A/C power source. Optionally, the smoking apparatus 100 is plugged into an electrical outlet.
[0054] In some embodiments, the hose 404 includes a mouthpiece 408, disposed at a distal end of the hose 404. Optionally, the mouthpiece 408 is configured to facilitate the controlled intake of smoke from the hose 404. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 408 is sized and shaped to ergonomically position in a user's mouth. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 408 is formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to, plastic, glass, metal, wood, silicone, etc. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 408 is detachable from the hose 404. Optionally, the mouthpiece is disposable.
[0055] Referring now to
[0056] Referring again to
[0057] Referring now to
[0058] Optionally, the encasement 504 is disposed below the tabletop 502. In some embodiments, a top 508 of the encasement 504 is uniform and contiguous with the tabletop 502. In some embodiments, a top 508 of the encasement 504 forms a portion of the tabletop 502. In some embodiments, the tabletop 502 is notched to allow the top 508 of the encasement to be planar with the tabletop 502.
[0059] Optionally, the smoking apparatus 100 is disposed within the encasement 504. In some embodiments, the encasement 504 protects the smoking apparatus 100 from environmental factors and accidental impacts, thereby reducing fire hazards. In some embodiments, such as shown in
[0060] In some embodiments, the encasement 504 and/or the tabletop 502 defines apertures 512 configured to receive the hose 404. Optionally, the apertures 512 are strategically placed to align with outlet valve(s) 402 on the smoking apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the apertures 512 are positioned on the top 508 of the encasement 504. For example, and without being bound by theory, in embodiments where the tabletop 502 is contiguous with the top 508 of the encasement 504, the apertures 512 may be positioned in the top 508 of the encasement 504. In other embodiments, the apertures 512 are positioned on one or more sides of the encasement 504. In some embodiments, the apertures 512 are positioned on one or more sides of the encasement 504 and on the tabletop 502. In other embodiments, the apertures are positioned on both the top 508 of the encasement 504 and/or tabletop 502 and the side(s) of the encasement 504. In some embodiments, the one or more hoses 404 are coupled to the smoking apparatus 100 and threaded through the one or more apertures 512 in the tabletop 502 and/or the encasement 504.
[0061] The present disclosure also relates to methods of using the smoking apparatus. Referring jointly to
[0062] In some embodiments, the hose 404 is coupled to the outlet valve 402, thereby activating the pump 106, as described above. Optionally, the pump 106 generates a pressure differential between the smoke box 200 and the fluid reservoir 104. In some embodiments, smoke flows from the smokebox via the outlet into the conduit of the stem 112. The smoke moves from the conduit of the stem 112 into the fluid reservoir 104, thereby cooling and filtering the smoke. Optionally, the smoke moves from the fluid reservoir 104 and into the smoke chamber 108.
[0063] In some embodiments, the second pump generates a pressure differential between the smoke chamber 108 and the hose 404, thereby allowing smoke to pass from the smoke chamber 108 into the hose 404. Optionally, a user inhales the smoke from the mouthpiece 408 of the hose.
[0064] As should now be understood, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to smoking apparatus and methods of use that provide consistent smoke qualities and reduce fire hazards, and generally include a smoke box 200; a fluid reservoir 104 fluidically coupled to the smoke box 200; a pump 106 configured to create a pressure differential between the smoke box 200 and the fluid reservoir 104; at least one smoke chamber 108 fluidically coupled to the fluid reservoir 104; at least one hose, coupled to the smoke chamber 108 and defining a channel, and an outlet valve configured to receive the hose.
[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. The terminology used in the description herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0066] It is noted that one or more of the following claims utilize the term wherein as a transitional phrase. For the purposes of defining the present technology, it is noted that this term is introduced in the claims as an open-ended transitional phrase that is used to introduce a recitation of a series of characteristics of the structure and should be interpreted in like manner as the more commonly used open-ended preamble term comprising.
[0067] It should be understood that where a first component is described as comprising or including a second component, it is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the first component consists or consists essentially of the second component. Additionally, the term consisting essentially of is used in this disclosure to refer to quantitative values that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the disclosure.
[0068] It should be understood that any two quantitative values assigned to a property or measurement may constitute a range of that property or measurement, and all combinations of ranges formed from all stated quantitative values of a given property or measurement are contemplated in this disclosure.
[0069] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.