SMOKING BOWL ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED UNCLOGGING AND ASH REMOVAL

Abstract

An agitator assembly for a smoking device includes an inner bowl and an agitator. The inner bowl defines a top opening and a bottom opening. The agitator is rotatably coupled to the inner bowl at the bottom opening. The agitator extends across at least a portion of an inner surface of the inner bowl between the bottom opening and the top opening. The agitator and the inner bowl together define an orifice. The agitator is movable relative to the inner bowl to reposition the orifice.

Claims

1. An agitator assembly for a smoking device, the agitator assembly comprising: an inner bowl defining a top opening and a bottom opening; and an agitator rotatably coupled to the inner bowl at the bottom opening and extending across at least a portion of an inner surface of the inner bowl between the bottom opening and the top opening, the agitator and the inner bowl together defining an orifice, the agitator movable relative to the inner bowl to reposition the orifice.

2. The agitator assembly of claim 1, wherein the agitator includes: a proximal portion including a supportive element and an extended portion; and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion and including a sidewall scraper and a handle.

3. The agitator assembly of claim 2, wherein the top opening of the inner bowl defines an upper rim that engages the handle.

4. The agitator assembly of claim 2, wherein the supportive element and the extended portion together define a recessed area configured to receive a portion of a ledge of the inner bowl that defines the bottom opening.

5. The agitator assembly of claim 2, wherein the agitator further comprises an elbow that separates the proximal portion from the distal portion.

6. The agitator assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner bowl defines a cavity extending between the top opening and the bottom opening, the cavity configured to receive a combustible material.

7. The agitator assembly of claim 1, wherein the agitator is nestably engaged with the inner bowl and extends through both the top opening and the bottom opening.

8. The agitator assembly of claim 1, wherein the agitator is detachably coupled to the inner bowl without any external fasteners.

9. The agitator assembly of claim 1, wherein the agitator includes a fastener tab and a coupler plate defining a perforation, wherein the fastener tab of the agitator inserts into the perforation of the coupler plate.

10. A smoking bowl assembly for a smoking device, the smoking bowl assembly comprising: a pipe; an outer bowl defining a first cavity and coupled to the pipe; an inner bowl defining a top opening and a bottom opening, the inner bowl disposed at least partially within the first cavity; and an agitator rotatably coupled to the inner bowl at the bottom opening and extending across at least a portion of an inner surface of the inner bowl between the bottom opening and the top opening, the agitator and the inner bowl together defining an orifice, the agitator movable relative to the inner bowl to reposition the orifice.

11. The smoking bowl assembly of claim 10, wherein the agitator includes: a proximal portion including a supportive element and an extended portion; and a distal portion including a sidewall scraper and a handle.

12. The smoking bowl assembly of claim 11, wherein the top opening of the inner bowl defines an upper rim that engages the handle.

13. The smoking bowl assembly of claim 11, wherein the supportive element and the extended portion together define a recessed area configured to receive a portion of a ledge of the inner bowl that defines the bottom opening.

14. The smoking bowl assembly of claim 11, wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion are separated by an elbow that engages the inner surface.

15. The smoking bowl assembly of claim 10, wherein the inner bowl defines a second cavity extending between the top opening and the bottom opening, the second cavity configured to store a combustible material.

16. The smoking bowl assembly of claim 10, wherein the agitator nests within the inner bowl and extends through both the top opening and the bottom opening.

17. The smoking bowl assembly of claim 10, wherein the agitator is detachably coupled to the inner bowl without any external fasteners.

18. A method of forming a smoking bowl assembly for a smoking device, the method comprising: forming an agitator comprising a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a bent portion between the distal portion and the proximal portion; and inserting the proximal portion of the agitator through an opening disposed at a bottom of an inner bowl such that the distal portion is rotatably coupled to the inner bowl.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein forming the agitator with the distal portion comprises forming a sidewall scraper coupled to a handle, and wherein inserting the proximal portion of the agitator through the opening comprises: positioning the sidewall scraper to engage with a side of the inner bowl, and positioning the handle to engage with an upper rim of the inner bowl.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein forming the agitator with the proximal portion comprises forming a supportive element coupled to an extended portion, and inserting the proximal portion of the agitator through the opening comprises: positioning the supportive element to engage with a lower surface of the inner bowl, and positioning the extended portion to pass through the opening of the inner bowl.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] This disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smoking bowl assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the smoking bowl assembly of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the smoking bowl assembly of FIG. 1, shown with a cap removed from the smoking bowl assembly.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an agitator sub-assembly that can be used with the smoking bowl assembly of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the agitator sub-assembly of FIG. 4.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a top view of the agitator sub-assembly of FIG. 4.

[0015] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the agitator sub-assembly of FIG. 4.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an inner bowl that can be used with the smoking bowl assembly of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an agitator that can be used with the smoking bowl assembly of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a side view of the agitator of FIG. 9.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the agitator of FIG. 9.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a side view of the agitator sub-assembly of FIG. 5, according to another embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 13 is another side view of the agitator sub-assembly of FIG. 5.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the agitator of FIG. 12.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the agitator and a coupler plate of FIG. 12.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing an agitator sub-assembly, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0026] Smoking devices (e.g., smoking assemblies, smoking apparatuses, etc.), such as pipes, bongs, hookahs, or other smoking apparatuses are used to smoke various substances. The substances may include, contain, or be derived from tobacco, marijuana, or other materials, such as organic materials. For example, the substance may include flavored tobacco, herbs or herb blends, including, but not limited to salvia, cannabis-derived medicinal products or synthetic cannabinoids, and any products containing natural or synthetic cannabis extracts. Such extracts may be derived from or include one or more cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In some instances, the substance may include multiple substances that may be provided in equal or unequal proportion, and may be provided as a mixture or blend thereof.

[0027] During use, the substance is placed into a bowl (e.g., a vessel, a container, a receptacle, etc.) of the smoking device. The user then ignites the combustible material, which produces a smoke that may be inhaled by the user by pulling the smoke through an opening in the bowl. The opening (e.g., an orifice, etc.) allows smoke to pass to the smoking device while preventing solid material from doing so. These substances leave debris and/or a residue in the vessel after combustion, which may include ash, tar, or other by-products of combustion. Such debris and/or residue may accumulate within the bowl and may prevent new materials from being placed within the bowl, or clog or otherwise impede the path of smoke through the opening in the bowl. The debris and/or residue can be sticky and difficult to remove, and can prevent a user from continuing to use the smoking device. To clear the obstruction and/or residue from the bowl, users may use a tool to scrape the bottom of the bowl. Such tools can be difficult to use and can inadvertently push material into the opening during use. Additionally, tools such as small household objects including paperclips, pins, or pens that can be used for such purposes are easily misplaced and/or contain toxic materials.

[0028] Other issues can arise when the substance within the bowl does not burn evenly. In such instances, when the user ignites the substance, unused material can remain hidden under consumed/burned material. To burn the remaining unused substance, the user may have to physically stir/agitate the substance within the bowl.

[0029] Referring generally to the figures, a smoking bowl assembly is shown that includes an agitator sub-assembly that is configured to facilitate agitation and cleaning of substances placed in the smoking bowl assembly. The agitator sub-assembly includes a bowl (e.g., an inner bowl, etc.) and an agitator that is removably coupled to the bowl at a bottom opening of the bowl. The agitator contacts the bowl and is arranged to scrape surfaces of the bowl responsive to movement of the agitator relative to the bowl.

[0030] In some embodiments, the agitator and the bowl together define at least a portion of the opening (e.g., an orifice, etc.) that fluidly couples the bowl with the smoking device. In some embodiments, the agitator is configured to rotate relative to the bowl to reposition the orifice relative to the bowl while simultaneously mixing unevenly burned material within the bowl. Such an arrangement can result in more uniform combustion of the substance within the bowl, and can clear any clogs or debris along the smoke pathway through the agitator sub-assembly.

[0031] Among other benefits, the agitator sub-assembly reduces the likelihood of clogging of the smoking device during use while also facilitating unclogging and/or cleaning operations of the smoking bowl assembly after use.

[0032] This smoking bowl assemblies described herein can also eliminate common issues associated with clogging of smoking devices both during and after use (e.g., during cleaning, etc.), as well as the need for any external object to remove consumed material between uses. The smoking bowl assemblies described herein also facilitate mixing of partly smoked servings of substances, which can enable a more complete consumption of the organic material, thereby reducing waste.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a smoking bowl assembly 18 for a smoking device is shown, according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the smoking bowl assembly 18 includes a cap 10, an outer bowl 14, an agitator sub-assembly 214, and a pipe 16.

[0034] The cap 10 (e.g., a cover, a lid, etc.) is removably coupled to the outer bowl 14, and covers both the outer bowl 14 and the agitator sub-assembly 214. In some embodiments, the cap 10 covers an inner bowl 102 of the agitator sub-assembly 214. The cap 10 is configured to reduce (e.g., restrict, etc.) the oxygen supply (e.g., the air supply from an environment external to the smoking bowl assembly, etc.) to the inner bowl 102 and/or to direct a flow of air to different parts of the inner bowl 102 during use.

[0035] In some embodiments, the cap 10 is detachably coupled to the outer bowl 14 and is removable from the outer bowl 14. In some embodiments, the cap 10 is detachably coupled to the agitator sub-assembly 214 (e.g., the inner bowl 102). In some embodiments, the smoking bowl assembly 18 includes a bracket 15 positioned in between the outer bowl 14 and the cap 10 to facilitate the covering of the cap 10 over the outer bowl 14 and/or to couple the cap 10 to the outer bowl 14.

[0036] In some embodiments, the cap 10 may also be used to provide and/or facilitate cutting-off the oxygen supply to the burnable (combustible) material within the inner bowl 102. For example, in some embodiments, the cap 10 defines an opening, shown as a smoke duct 110, that fluidly couples the environment surrounding the smoking bowl assembly 18 to materials placed within the smoking bowl assembly 18. The cap 10 defines an opening, or smoke duct 110. The cap 10 is rotatable or movable relative to the inner bowl 102 and outer bowl 14. The smoke duct 110 is rotatable and is located off the center of the cap 10. The cap 10 can be removed for the user to gain access to the inner bowl 102. The chamber 108 is located between the inner bowl 102 and the outer bowl 14.

[0037] The pipe 16 is configured to provide the smoke from the smoking bowl assembly 18 to the user. The pipe 16 has an opening 100 that allows smoke to pass to the user. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the pipe 16 includes an extension from the inner bowl 102 and the outer bowl 14 that defines a pathway (e.g., a channel, a passage, etc.) for the passage of smoke therethrough.

[0038] In some embodiments, the pipe 16 is integrally formed with the outer bowl 14 as a monolithic body from a single piece of material. In other embodiments, the pipe 16 may be formed separately from the outer bowl 14 and the inner bowl 102. The pipe 16 may be configured to couple or otherwise engage the smoking bowl assembly with a smoking device. Although described with reference to a pipe 16 in FIG. 1, it should be appreciated that the smoking bowl assembly 18 and/or the agitator sub-assembly 214 may be used separately from the pipe 16 in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the agitator sub-assembly 214 (e.g., the inner bowl 102) may be inserted into a separate bowl or vessel of a smoking device without requiring the outer bowl 14, the pipe 16, and/or the cap 10.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the agitator sub-assembly 214 (e.g., the inner bowl 102) of the smoking bowl assembly 18 is nestably engaged with the outer bowl 14 so that the agitator sub-assembly 214 (e.g., the inner bowl 102) nests inside the outer bowl 14 (e.g., so that the outer surfaces of the agitator sub-assembly 214 engage with inner surfaces of the outer bowl 14, and/or have substantially the same shape as the inner surfaces of the outer bowl 14, etc.). As used herein, nestably engaged, and similar language, refer to a configuration in which one component is designed to fit snugly within another component. For example, the inner bowl 102 of the agitator sub-assembly 214 can have a cross-sectional profile that is the same as or substantially similar to a cross-sectional profile of the outer bowl 14 (e.g., a cross-sectional profile of the inner surfaces of the outer bowl 14).

[0040] The agitator sub-assembly 214 (which may also be referred to as an agitator assembly) includes the inner bowl 102 and an agitator 104. In some embodiments, the inner bowl 102 is detachably coupled to the agitator 104. The inner bowl 102 defines a top opening 212 and a bottom opening 304 disposed on an opposite side of the inner bowl 102 of the top opening 212. The inner bowl 102 also defines a cavity 112 (e.g., an inner volume, a hollow region, etc.) extending between and fluidly coupling the top opening 212 and the bottom opening 304. The cavity 112 is configured to receive or store a burnable substance/material therein.

[0041] The agitator 104 (e.g., a stirring device, etc.) is configured to agitate material within and to clean an inner surface of the inner bowl 102. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2-3, the agitator 104 has a proximal portion 106 (e.g., a first portion, a lower extremity, a lower end portion, a connecting portion, etc.) that is disposed adjacent to the bottom opening 304, and a distal portion 200 (e.g., a second portion, an upper extremity, a distal section, an upper end portion, a handle portion, etc.) that extends from the proximal portion 106 at least partially toward the top opening 212.

[0042] The distal portion 200 engages with and extends across an inner surface of the inner bowl 102. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2-3, the distal portion 200 extends across at least a portion of a side surface of the inner bowl 102.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, the smoking bowl assembly 18 includes the inner bowl 102. The agitator 104 is located within the inner bowl 102. The agitator 104 rotates relative to the inner bowl 102 about a rotational axis that is proximate to or the same as a central axis of the bottom opening of the inner bowl 102. The agitator 104 has a proximal portion 106 and a distal portion 200. The agitator 104 has an elbow 206 that separates the proximal portion 106 and the distal portion 200. The proximal portion 106 includes the supportive element 202, which is configured to support the agitator 104 within the inner bowl 102.

[0044] When burnable material is placed in the cavity 112, it may rest on the supportive element 202 and across the inner surfaces of the inner bowl 102. When the user wants to empty the cavity 112, the agitator 104 may be removed with material on the supportive element 202, which can remove material adjacent to the bottom opening 304.

[0045] The distal portion 200 includes the sidewall scraper 204 and a handle 208. The sidewall scraper 204 engages with and extends across at least a portion of an inner side (e.g., a side surface, etc.) of the inner bowl 102 that defines cavity 112. The sidewall scraper 204 is configured to scrape material off the side responsive to movement of the agitator 104 relative to the inner bowl 102. The handle 208 wraps around the upper rim 210 of the inner bowl 102. When a user wants to rotate the agitator 104, the user can push and/or slide the handle 208 along an upper rim of the inner bowl 102 to cause the agitator 104 to rotate. FIG. 3 also shows the top opening 212 of the assembly. The top opening 212 allows for the user to insert burnable material therethrough into the cavity 112.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, the agitator sub-assembly 214 is shown separately from the smoking bowl assembly 18 from FIGS. 1-3. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the agitator 104 is rotatably coupled to the inner bowl 102 and rotates about a central axis of the top opening 212 (see also FIG. 2) and the bottom opening 304.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the proximal portion 106 includes the supportive element 202 and an extended portion 302.

[0048] The supportive element 202 engages and extends across at least a portion of a lower surface of the inner bowl 102 and is configured to scrape the lower surface during rotation of the agitator 104 relative to the inner bowl 102.

[0049] The extended portion 302 of the agitator 104 extends and passes through the bottom opening 304 of the inner bowl 102. The extended portion 302 couples the agitator 104 to the bottom opening 304 and allows the agitator 104 to rotate relative to the inner bowl 102 while maintaining engagement between the distal portion 200 and the side surface of the inner bowl 102.

[0050] In some embodiments, the extended portion 302 defines at least a portion of a recessed area 1000 (e.g., a channel, etc.) that is configured to engage at least a portion of a ledge 303 of the inner bowl 102 that defines the bottom opening 304. In some embodiments, the recessed area 1000 defines a channel and/or slot having a rectangular cross-sectional shape normal to a central axis thereof. In other embodiments, the recessed area 1000 may be circular or may have another cross-sectional shape. Beneficially, the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the recessed area 1000 conforms with the shape of the ledge 303, which can increase the integrity of coupling between the agitator 104 and the inner bowl 102.

[0051] The elbow 206 (e.g., angled portion, bent portion, etc.) of the agitator 104 separates the proximal portion 106 from the distal portion 200. Referring to FIG. 5, the sidewall scraper 204 is configured to engage the wall (e.g., a side surface, the inner surface, etc.) of the inner bowl 102. During use, a user can manipulate (e.g., slide, push, etc.) the handle 208 to rotate the agitator 104 relative to the inner bowl 102, which can cause the burnable material to mix. Rotation of the agitator 104 relative to the inner bowl 102 can also facilitate detachment of materials adhered or otherwise stuck to the inner bowl 102, and can facilitate unclogging of the bottom opening 304.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 5 (see also FIG. 4), the supportive element 202 covers a substantial portion (e.g., an entirety) of the bottom opening 304. The agitator (e.g., the supportive element 202 and/or the extended portion 302) and the inner bowl 102 together define an orifice 300 therethrough. In some embodiments, the orifice 300 (e.g., smoke opening, etc.) is a region of the bottom opening 304 that is unimpeded by the agitator 104. In some embodiments, the orifice 300 may be repositioned relative to the inner bowl 102 by moving the agitator 104 within the inner bowl 102. In such embodiments, a position of the orifice 300 relative to the inner bowl 102 may be based on a rotational position of the agitator 104 relative to the inner bowl 102.

[0053] As used herein, the term orifice refers to a passage or opening between the agitator 104 and the inner bowl 102 that is sized to allow smoke to pass therethrough while substantially preventing the passage of solid material from the inner bowl 102 to the pipe 16. It should be understood that the term orifice is not limited to a circular opening, and should not be interpreted to limit an effective area of the opening, and may include multiple small passages that together define a fluid pathway through the bottom opening 304. The orifice 300 allows smoke to pass through to the user. The orifice 300 may be repositioned by rotating the agitator 104 (e.g., by pushing the handle 208) relative to the inner bowl 102.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 8, the inner bowl 102 of the agitator sub-assembly 214 is shown, according to an embodiment. The inner bowl 102 defines a bottom opening 304 and a top opening 212. The agitator 104 (e.g., the proximal portion 106) engages the inner bowl 102 at the bottom opening 304.

[0055] The inner bowl 102 also defines an upper rim 210 that is disposed adjacent to the top opening 212 and that circumscribes the top opening 212. The handle 208 extends across at least a portion of the upper rim 210. In some embodiments, the handle 208 wraps around the edge and/or upper rim 210 of the inner bowl 102. In some embodiments, the handle 208 engages the upper rim 210. In some embodiments, the handle 208 is slidably engaged with the upper rim 210.

[0056] The top opening 212 provides a space for the user to place burnable material therethrough and into the inner bowl 102 (e.g., the cavity 112). The top opening 212 also provides enough space for the user to ignite the burnable material positioned within the inner bowl 102.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 9-10, in some embodiments, the agitator 104 is detachably coupled to the inner bowl 102 without the use of external fasteners (e.g., the agitator 104 is self-supported within the inner bowl 102 by the proximal portion 106). In some embodiments, the agitator 104 is removable from the inner bowl 102. The agitator 104 can also be coupled to the inner bowl 102 by placing the extended portion 302 through the bottom opening 304. The proximal portion 106 of the agitator 104 includes the extended portion 302 and the supportive element 202.

[0058] The extended portion 302 defines a recessed area 1000. The shape of the extended portion 302 allows the agitator 104 to rotate about the bottom opening 304 while maintaining contact between the agitator 104 and the inner bowl 102. The extended portion 302 also engages a lower inner surface of the inner bowl 102 such that the distal portion 200 is cantilevered toward the inner surfaces of the inner bowl 102. Such an arrangement maintains pressure between various portions of the agitator 104 and the inner bowl 102 during rotation (e.g., maintains portions of the distal portion 200 and the proximal portion 106 in engagement with inner surfaces of the inner bowl 102 during rotation).

[0059] The distal portion 200 of the agitator 104 includes the sidewall scraper 204 and the handle 208. The sidewall scraper 204 may be of varying widths. The handle 208 may be made with different heights depending on the size of the inner bowl 102. The elbow 206 of the agitator separates the proximal portion 106 and the distal portion 200. The elbow 206 also nests into a corner region of the inner bowl 102 where the bottom of the inner bowl 102 and the side of the inner bowl 102 come together.

[0060] When the agitator 104 is coupled to the inner bowl 102, the extended portion 302 wraps around the lower edge (e.g., a lower ledge 303, etc.) of the bottom opening 304 of the inner bowl 102. When the agitator 104 is coupled to the inner bowl 102, the supportive element 202 remains on the interior, or within the cavity 112, of the inner bowl 102. The recessed area 1000 defined by the extended portion 302 allows the edge of the bottom opening 304 to rest between the supportive element 202 and the extended portion 302.

[0061] In some embodiments, and as shown, the extended portion 302 includes three sides (e.g., three walls, etc.) that wrap around a ledge 303 of the inner bowl 102 that defines the bottom opening 304. The top of the extended portion 302 extends from the supportive element 202. The recessed area 1000 is sized to receive the ledge 303 of the bottom opening 304 therein. The bottom opening 304 is sized to receive a bottom portion of the extended portion 302 (e.g., a vertical leg of the extended portion that extends away from the supportive element 202), and a side portion of the extended portion 302 (e.g., a horizontal leg that extends away from the vertical leg) therethrough.

[0062] The supportive element 202 is connected to the extended portion 302. In some embodiments, the supportive element 202 is made of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, etc.) that is bent and folded under itself to form the extended portion 302. In other embodiments, the agitator 104 or portions thereof are formed from a glass material. Other high temperature materials may be used to form the agitator.

[0063] In some embodiments, the distal portion 200 and the proximal portion 106 are integrally formed as a monolithic body from a single piece of material (e.g., a bent piece of metallic material, etc.).

[0064] In some embodiments, the supportive element 202 is larger than the diameter of the bottom opening 304 in one direction but is smaller than the diameter of the bottom opening 304 in a second direction. In such embodiments, a radial gap between the supportive element and the perimeter of the bottom opening 304 defines the orifice 300.

[0065] When the extended portion 302 of the agitator 104 is inserted into the bottom opening 304 of the inner bowl 102, the agitator 104 and the inner bowl 102 define the orifice 300. The orifice 300 is located where the agitator 104 does not cover the bottom opening 304 and/or as a passageway/channel/open area between the agitator 104 and the inner bowl 102 (e.g., a passageway extending in a substantially radial direction across a first portion of the passageway, and in a substantially axial direction across a second portion of the passageway that extends from the first portion). The orifice 300 meters or otherwise restricts the flow of smoke that travels through the bottom opening 304 and to the pipe 16, in some embodiments. When the agitator 104 is rotated relative to the inner bowl 102, the orifice 300 and/or portions thereof are repositioned with respect to the inner bowl 102. In some embodiments, the location of the orifice 300 relative to the inner bowl 102 is based on a rotational position of the agitator 104 relative to the inner bowl 102.

[0066] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the orifice 300 is located to the side of the supportive element 202, such as between a radial side of the supportive element 202 relative to a rotational axis thereof. The orifice 300 allows smoke to pass therethrough and prevents solid material from passing to the pipe 16 and the user. When the orifice 300 is blocked by burnable material, the user can reposition the location of the orifice 300 by rotating the agitator 104 relative to the inner bowl 102. The user rotates the agitator 104 by pushing and/or sliding the handle 208 about the upper rim 210 of the inner bowl 102 in a substantially circumferential direction relative to a central axis of the inner bowl 102 and/or bottom opening 304. During rotation of the agitator 104, movement of a side wall of the extended portion 302 moves about the bottom opening 304 and can dislodge and unclog the bottom opening 304. The supportive element 202 covers a different area/portion of the bottom of the inner bowl 102 at different rotational positions relative to the inner bowl 102.

[0067] The sidewall scraper 204 is connected to the supportive element 202 at the elbow 206. The sidewall scraper 204 is oriented at approximately the same angle as the wall of the inner bowl 102 (see FIG. 5). Such an arrangement can allow the sidewall scraper 204 to engage with substantially the entire length of the side of the inner bowl 102 and/or to maintain approximately uniform spacing between the sidewall scraper 204 and the inner bowl 102 along the length of the sidewall scraper 204. The sidewall scraper 204 is also coupled to the handle 208. In some embodiments, and as shown, the handle 208 is an extension of the sidewall scraper 204 that extends out of the inner bowl 102 and over the upper rim 210.

[0068] In some embodiments, the agitator 104 is formed from a single piece of bent metallic material. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-10, the agitator 104 is formed by bending the metallic material back onto itself at least once along the length of the agitator 104. In some embodiments, the metallic material is bent at least four times to form the agitator 104.

[0069] In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-10, a first bend separates the handle 208 from the sidewall scraper 204. The first bend allows a portion of the agitator 104 to extend over the upper rim 210 and is configured to nestably engage (e.g., configured in shape and size to be disposed within) an inner perimeter edge of the upper rim 210. A second bend of the metallic material separates the sidewall scraper 204 from the elbow 206. A third bend at a distal end of the supportive element 202 separates the supportive element 202 from an upper wall (e.g., a first wall) of the extended portion 302. The metallic material is folded back onto itself at the third bend so that the upper wall of the extended portion 302 engages a bottom side of the supportive element 202 and extends substantially parallel to the supportive element 202. A fourth bend and a fifth bend separate the upper wall from the side wall and the side wall from a bottom wall of the extended portion 302, respectively. Together, the upper wall, the side wall, and the bottom wall define a recessed area 1000 having a substantially rectangular cross-section normal to an axis extending through opposing sides of the recessed area 1000. This forming process allows the agitator 104 width to be consistent throughout both the distal portion 200 and the proximal portion 106, and reduces material requirements. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-10, the supportive element 202 has twice the width of the other portions of the agitator 104, which helps to support the weight of the burned material when the agitator 104 is removed from the inner bowl 102.

[0070] In other embodiments, the agitator 104 may be made from multiple pieces of material, such as a first piece forming the distal portion 200 and a second piece forming the proximal portion 106. The distal portion 200 and the proximal portion 106 may be joined by welding, an adhesive material, or using an external fastener at the elbow 206.

[0071] The shape of the agitator 104 includes a long thin sidewall scraper 204 and a trapezoidal supportive element 202. The sidewall scraper 204 is angled against the side wall of the inner bowl 102 to improve the scraping effectiveness and to help remove troublesome residues, such as tar, off the side of the inner bowl 102. The elongated sidewall scraper 204 also takes up only a small portion of the volume of the cavity 112 for the user to place the burnable material. When the user pushes the handle 208, the sidewall scraper 204 is configured to apply pressure to the surface of the inner bowl 102 to scrape residue off the side surface. The supportive element 202 is shaped to support burnable material and minimize the size of the orifice 300. The supportive element 202 is disposed substantially flush with the bottom of the inner bowl 102. This arrangement reduces the volume of the cavity 112 taken up by the agitator 104.

[0072] FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of the agitator 104. The proximal portion 106 includes the supportive element 202 and the extended portion 302. A dimension of the extended portion 302 is less than a dimension (e.g., a diameter) of the bottom opening 304. The supportive element 202 is configured to support at least a portion of the burnable material within the bowl 102. The distal portion 200 includes the sidewall scraper 204 and the handle 208. The sidewall scraper 204 is positioned at an angle to engage with the wall of the inner bowl 102.

[0073] Among other benefits, the coupling of the inner bowl 102 and the agitator 104 allow the user to reposition the orifice 300. The orifice 300 is configured to provide a passageway for smoke to pass through the bottom opening 304 of the inner bowl 102. The orifice 300 sized to substantially prevent solid material from passing therethrough.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 12-13, another embodiment of an agitator sub-assembly 214 is shown. FIG. 12 shows a first side of the agitator sub-assembly 214 and FIG. 13 shows a second side that is orthogonal to the first side. The agitator sub-assembly 214 include an inner bowl 102 and an agitator 410.

[0075] The agitator 410 may be configured similarly to the agitator 410. The proximal portion 106 includes the supportive element 202 and an extended portion 402.

[0076] The supportive element 202 engages and extends across at least a portion of a lower surface of the inner bowl 102 and is configured to scrape the lower surface during rotation of the agitator 410 relative to the inner bowl 102.

[0077] The extended portion 402 of the agitator 410 extends and passes through the bottom opening 404 of the inner bowl 102. The extended portion 402 couples the agitator 410 to the bottom opening 404 and allows the agitator 410 to rotate relative to the inner bowl 102 while maintaining engagement between the distal portion 200 and the side surface of the inner bowl 102.

[0078] In the embodiment of FIGS. 12-13, the agitator 410 is supported within the opening by a coupler (e.g., a fastener) that is configured to prevent a user from removing the agitator 410 from the inner bowl 102 without a separate tool. In some embodiments, and as shown, the coupler includes at least one twist-lock fastener (e.g., a pair of twist-lock fasteners) that is at least partially integrally formed with the agitator 410 from a single piece of material.

[0079] In some embodiments, the agitator sub-assembly 214 includes a coupler plate 406 that is configured to engage the twist-lock fastener(s) to facilitate the coupling or fastening of the extended portion 402 to the inner bowl 102. In some embodiments, the coupler plate 406 includes an elongated strip of material defining openings (e.g., perforations) that are sized to receive respective ones of the twist-lock fastener(s) therein. For example, an end of the extended portion 402 can insert into a perforation of a coupler plate 406. The twist-lock fasteners at the end of the extended portion 402 can be twisted once pulled through the coupler plate 406 to secure the agitator 410 to the inner bowl 102. In some embodiments, the securing may be permanent or replaceable.

[0080] The coupler described with reference FIGS. 12-13 can create a tighter fit around the inner bowl 102 and reduce potential areas of interference between the agitator 410 and the outer bowl. Additionally, rotatably coupling the agitator 410 into the bowl using the coupler reduces the risk of the agitator 410 inadvertently falling out of the inner bowl 102 during use, such as when a user empties the inner bowl 102 between smoking sessions.

[0081] The elbow 206 (e.g., angled portion, bent portion, etc.) of the agitator 410 separates the proximal portion 106 from the distal portion 200. The sidewall scraper 204 is shown engaging with the wall (e.g., a side surface, etc.) of the inner bowl 102. During use, a user can manipulate (e.g., slide, push, etc.) the handle 208 to rotate the agitator 410 relative to the inner bowl 102 and the upper rim 210 to mix or unclog the burnable material or any other substance in the inner bowl 102.

[0082] FIGS. 14-15 show views of the agitator 410 and a coupler plate 406. The agitator 410 is coupled to the inner bowl 102. The agitator 410 can also be coupled to the inner bowl 102 by placing the extended portion 302 through the bottom opening 404. The proximal portion 106 of the agitator 410 includes the extended portion 302 and the supportive element 202.

[0083] The extended portion 302 includes a coupling or fastening mechanism (e.g., fasteners, twist-lock tabs, etc.). The extended portion engages with a coupler plate 406 to secure the agitator 410. The shape of the extended portion 402 allows the agitator 410 to rotate about the bottom opening 404 while maintaining contact between the agitator 410 and the inner bowl 102. The extended portion 402 also engages a lower inner surface of the inner bowl 102 such that the distal portion 200 is cantilevered toward the inner surfaces of the inner bowl 102. Such an arrangement maintains pressure between various portions of the agitator 410 and the inner bowl 102 during rotation (e.g., maintains portions of the distal portion 200 and the proximal portion 106 in engagement with inner surfaces of the inner bowl 102 during rotation).

[0084] The distal portion 200 of the agitator 410 includes the sidewall scraper 204 and the handle 208. The sidewall scraper 204 may be of varying widths. The handle 208 may be made with different heights depending on the size of the inner bowl 102. The elbow 206 of the agitator separates the proximal portion 106 and the distal portion 200. The elbow 206 also nests into the elbow of the inner bowl 102 where the bottom of the inner bowl 102 and the side of the inner bowl 102 meet.

[0085] The agitator 410 includes a proximal portion 106. The proximal portion 106 includes a supportive element 202 and an extended portion 402. When the agitator 410 is coupled to the inner bowl 102, the extended portion 402 wraps around the lower edge (e.g., a lower ledge 303, etc.) of the bottom opening 404 of the inner bowl 102. When the agitator 410 is coupled to the inner bowl 102, the supportive element 202 remains on the interior, or within the cavity 112, of the inner bowl 102.

[0086] The supportive element 202 is connected to the extended portion 402. In some embodiments, the supportive element 202 is made of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, etc.) that is bent and folded under itself to form the extended portion 402. In other embodiments, the agitator 410 or portions thereof are formed from a glass material. Other high temperature materials may be used to form the agitator. In some embodiments, the distal portion 200 and the proximal portion 106 are integrally formed as a monolithic body from a single piece of material (e.g., a bent piece of metallic material, etc.).

[0087] In some embodiments, the supportive element 202 is larger than the diameter of the bottom opening 404 in one direction (e.g., a first direction). In some embodiments, the supportive element 202 is smaller than the diameter of the bottom opening 404 in another direction (e.g., a second direction) to create an orifice 300 between the supportive element 202 and the inner bowl 102 in the second direction.

[0088] When the extended portion 402 of the agitator 410 is inserted into the bottom opening 404 of the inner bowl 102, the agitator 410 and the inner bowl 102 define an orifice 300. The orifice 300 is located where the agitator 410 does not cover or fully occlude the bottom opening 404 and/or as a passageway/channel/open area between the agitator 410 and the inner bowl 102. The orifice 300 is sized to meter or otherwise restrict the flow of smoke that travels through the bottom opening 404 and into the pipe 16, in some embodiments. When the agitator 410 is rotated relative to the inner bowl 102, the orifice 300 and/or portions thereof is repositioned with respect to the inner bowl 102. As described above, in some embodiments, the location of the orifice 300 depends on the placement of the agitator 410.

[0089] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the orifice 300 is located to the side of the supportive element 202, such as between a radial side of the supportive element 202 relative to a rotational axis thereof. The orifice 300 is sized to allow smoke to pass therethrough while at the same time substantially preventing solid material from passing into the pipe 16. If the orifice 300 becomes blocked by burnable material, the user can reposition the location of the orifice 300 by rotating the agitator 410 relative to the inner bowl 102. In some embodiments, the agitator 410 is configured to rotate responsive to pushing and/or sliding the handle 208 about the upper rim 210 of the inner bowl 102 in a substantially circumferential direction relative to a central axis of the inner bowl 102 and/or the bottom opening 404. During rotation of the agitator 410, movement of a side wall of the extended portion 402 moves about the bottom opening 404 and can dislodge and unclog the bottom opening 404. The supportive element 202 covers a different area/portion of the bottom of the inner bowl 102 at different rotational positions relative to the inner bowl 102.

[0090] The sidewall scraper 204 is connected to the supportive element 202 at the elbow 206. In some embodiments, and as shown, the sidewall scraper 204 is oriented at approximately the same angle as the wall of the inner bowl 102. Such an arrangement allows the sidewall scraper 204 to engage with substantially the entire length of the side of the inner bowl 102. The sidewall scraper 204 is also connected to the handle 208. The handle 208 is an extension of the sidewall scraper 204 that extends out of the inner bowl 102 and over the upper rim 210.

[0091] In some embodiments, the agitator 410 is formed from a single piece of bent metallic material. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-10, the agitator 410 is formed by bending the metallic material back onto itself at least once along the length of the agitator 410. In some embodiments, the metallic material is bent at least four times to form the agitator 410.

[0092] In the embodiment of FIGS. 14-15, a first bend separates the handle 208 from the sidewall scraper 204. The first bend allows a portion of the agitator 410 to extend over the upper rim 210 and is configured to nestably engage an inner perimeter edge of the upper rim 210. A second bend of the metallic material separates the sidewall scraper 204 from the elbow 206. A third bend at a distal end of the supportive element 202 separates the supportive element 202 from an upper wall (e.g., a first wall) of the extended portion 402. The metallic material is folded back onto itself at the third bend so that the upper wall of the extended portion 402 engages a bottom side of the supportive element 202 and extends substantially parallel to the supportive element 202. This forming process allows the agitator 410 width to be consistent throughout both the distal portion 200 and the proximal portion 106, and can reduce material requirements. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the supportive element 202 has twice the width of the other portions of the agitator 410, which can help to support the weight of the burned material when the agitator 410 is removed from the inner bowl 102.

[0093] In other embodiments, the agitator 410 may be made from multiple pieces of material, such as a first piece forming the distal portion 200 and a second piece forming the proximal portion 106. The distal portion 200 and the proximal portion 106 may be joined by welding, an adhesive material, or using an external fastener at the elbow 206.

[0094] In some embodiments, the shape of the agitator 410 includes an elongated sidewall scraper 204 (e.g., a long thin sidewall scraper) and a trapezoidal supportive element 202. The sidewall scraper 204 is angled against the side wall of the inner bowl 102 to improve the scraping effectiveness and to help remove troublesome residues, such as tar, off the side of the inner bowl 102. The elongated sidewall scraper 204 also takes up only a small portion of the volume of the cavity 112 for the user to place the burnable material. When the user pushes the handle 208, the sidewall scraper 204 is configured to apply pressure to the surface of the inner bowl 102 to scrape residue off the side surface. The supportive element 202 is shaped to support burnable material and minimize the size of the orifice 300. The supportive element 202 is disposed substantially flush with the bottom of the inner bowl 102. This arrangement reduces the volume of the cavity 112 taken up by the agitator 410.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 16, a method 500 of manufacturing an agitator sub-assembly is shown, such as the agitator sub-assembly 214 described with reference to FIGS. 5-7, according to an embodiment. For simplicity, the method 500 of FIG. 16 will be described with respect to the various components of the agitator sub-assembly of FIGS. 5-7. The agitator sub-assembly 214 is assembled with the main components of an agitator 104 and an inner bowl 102.

[0096] The method 500 includes forming the agitator 104. In some embodiments, such as when the agitator 104 is formed by a bending operation, the agitator 104 may be formed in multiple bending steps, shown as operations 502, 504, and 506. In other embodiments, the method 500 may include additional, fewer, and/or different operations. The order of operations described herein with respect to the method 500 should not be considered limiting and may be different in various embodiments.

[0097] In the method 500 of FIG. 16, the agitator 104 is formed by bending a single piece of material into different portions or sections. In some embodiments, operation 502 includes bending a single piece of material to form a distal portion 200 of the agitator 104 including a sidewall scraper 204 and a handle 208. In some embodiments, operation 502 includes bending the material to form the handle 208 and separate the handle 208 from the sidewall scraper 204. At 504, the material is bent to form a bent portion or elbow between the distal portion 200 and the proximal portion 106. The distal portion 200 may be separated from the proximal portion 106 by another bend in the piece of material that forms the elbow 206. The angle of the sidewall scraper 204 can be determined by the amount of bend at the elbow 206. In some embodiments, the angle is determined based on the angle of the inner wall of the inner bowl 102 (e.g., to substantially match the angle formed between a lower inner surface of the inner bowl 102 and a side inner surface of the inner bowl 102).

[0098] In some embodiments, the proximal portion 106 forms the supportive element 202 and the extended portion (e.g., extended portion 302, extended portion 402, etc.). In some embodiments, the supportive element 202 is adjacent to the elbow 206. At 506, the material is bent to form a proximal portion 106 of the agitator 104 including the supportive element 202 and the extended portion. In some embodiments, operation 506 includes maintaining a substantially planar portion of material proximate to the bend to form the supportive element 202. In some embodiments, operation 506 includes forming an extended portion by bending the material at the distal edge of the supportive element 202 (e.g., back over itself) to form an upper wall of the extended portion. In some embodiments, operation 506 includes forming a total of three bends into the material to define three side walls of the extended portion, and to define a recessed area 1000.

[0099] The method 500 further includes installing the agitator 104 into the inner bowl 102, at operation 508. In some embodiments, operation 508 includes inserting the proximal portion 106 into a bottom opening (e.g., bottom opening 304, bottom opening 404, etc.) of an inner bowl 102 so that the recessed area 1000 engages a ledge 303 that defines the bottom opening. Operation 508 may include inserting the proximal portion 106 at least partially through the bottom opening (e.g., so that the extended portion 302, 402 protrudes below the inner bowl 102 to rotatably couple the agitator 104 to the inner bowl 102). Operation 508 may also include applying an insertion force to the agitator 104 so that other portions of the agitator 104 (e.g., the sidewall scraper, etc.) is/are pressed against a surface of the inner bowl 102 away from the bottom opening.

[0100] In some embodiments, operation 508 includes inserting the agitator 104 into the bottom opening of the inner bowl 102. In some embodiments, operation 508 includes angling the extended portion into the bottom opening so that a distal end/edge of the extended portion is disposed within the bottom opening to allow at least a portion of the extended portion to extend therethrough. At 510, the proximal portion 106 is removed from the bottom opening of the inner bowl 102. When the user is finished, the agitator 104 may be removed from the inner bowl 102 by angling the extended portion out of the bottom opening at 510 and pulling the agitator 104 away from the inner bowl 102.

[0101] The assembly for the smoking device, of which various embodiments are disclosed herein, provides several advantages. Among other benefits, the design effectively addresses common problems such as clogging, the requirement for external tools to clear used material between consumption sessions, and the inadvertent mixing of partially smoked servings of substances within the receptacle.

[0102] Among other benefits, the assembly improves a user's smoking experience by enabling fuller or complete utilization of the organic material and reducing waste, thereby providing an environmental benefit.

[0103] As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms approximately, about, substantially, and similar terms generally mean +/10% of the disclosed values. When the terms approximately, about, substantially, and similar terms are applied to a structural feature (e.g., to describe its shape, size, orientation, direction, etc.), these terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0104] The terms coupled, connected, and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0105] The term or, as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term or means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase at least one of X, Y, and Z, unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

[0106] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., top, bottom, above, below, etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0107] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the assembly as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein.