US20220039461A1

US20220039461A1 - Smoking apparatuses and related kits and methods

Info

Publication number: US20220039461A1
Application number: US17/342,084
Authority: US
Inventors: Blase WAYKEN; Kasten WAYKEN
Original assignee: Bro9 Technologies Inc
Current assignee: Bro9 Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2020-08-10
Filing date: 2021-06-08
Publication date: 2022-02-10
Also published as: CA3121451A1

Abstract

Smoking apparatuses are provided herein. In some embodiments, the smoking apparatus comprises a tubular body defining a longitudinal conduit therethrough, a first end member comprising a mouthpiece portion having a suction opening in fluid communication with the longitudinal conduit, and a second end member comprising a receptacle defining a chamber to receive a smokable material therein, the chamber in fluid communication with the longitudinal conduit. In some embodiments, the tubular body comprises a plant stem, such as a stem from a Cannabis plant. The smoking apparatus may therefore be environmentally friendly and may cool and/or filter the smoke passing through the tubular body. Related kits and methods for making a smoking apparatus are also provided herein.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

The present disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/063,481, filed Aug. 10, 2020, the entire content of which is herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to inhalation devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to smoking pipes and related kits and methods.

BACKGROUND

Smoking pipes typically comprise a bowl, a pipe stem, and a mouthpiece at the end of the pipe stem. The bowl may hold an amount of smokable material, such as tobacco, that may be lit by fire to generate smoke. The pipe user may inhale on the mouthpiece to draw the smoke from the bowl through the pipe stem and into the mouth and lungs of the pipe user.
Conventional smoking pipes often have stems made of acrylic, silicon rubber, or hard rubber (also known as vulcanite or ebonite). Acrylic stems can be fragile and may be susceptible to cracking or breaking if the pipe is dropped. Hard rubber stems are less fragile but are subject to oxidation. As a result, pipe stems may need to be replaced and the old stems may be discarded as waste. In addition, acrylic and silicon or hard rubber do little to absorb heat or volatile chemicals from the smoke as it passes from the bowl to the mouthpiece.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, there is provided a smoking apparatus comprising: a tubular body having a first end and a second end and defining a longitudinal conduit therethrough; a first end member sealingly engaging the first end of the tubular body, the first end member comprising a mouthpiece portion having a suction opening in fluid communication with the longitudinal conduit; and a second end member sealingly engaging the second end of the tubular body, the second end member comprising a receptacle defining a chamber to receive a smokable material therein, the chamber in fluid communication with the longitudinal conduit.
In some embodiments, the tubular body comprises a plant stem.
In some embodiments, the plant stem is from a Cannabis plant.
In some embodiments, the Cannabis plant is from a hemp variety or cultivar displaying a hollow core trait.
In some embodiments, the first end member further comprises a first sealing portion, the first sealing portion comprising a first channel that receives the first end of the tubular body therein.
In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion releasably engages the first sealing portion.
In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion is integral with the first sealing portion.
In some embodiments, the second end member further comprises a second sealing portion, the second sealing portion comprising a second channel that receives the second end of the tubular body therein.
In some embodiments, the second end member further comprises a choke element interconnecting the second sealing portion with the receptacle, the choke element comprising an internal conduit in fluid communication with the chamber and the longitudinal conduit.
In some embodiments, the choke element further comprises an airflow opening in fluid communication with the internal conduit.
In some embodiments, one of the choke element and the second sealing portion comprises a threaded projection and the other one of the choke element and the second sealing portion comprises a threaded recess, the threaded projection at least partially received into the threaded recess.
In some embodiments, the second end member further comprises an adjustment ring between the choke element and the second sealing portion, the adjustment ring threadingly engaged to the threaded projection and rotatably adjustable to secure the threaded projection in the threaded recess at a desired position.
In some embodiments, the choke element releasably engages at least one of the receptacle and the second sealing portion.
In some embodiments, the choke element is integral with at least one of the receptacle and the second sealing portion.
In another aspect, there is provided a kit for use with a tubular body, the kit comprising: a first end member comprising a mouthpiece portion having a suction opening, a first internal conduit in fluid communication with the suction opening, and a first sealing portion to sealingly engage a first end of the tubular body; and a second end member comprising a receptacle defining a chamber, a second internal conduit in fluid communication with the chamber, and a second sealing portion to sealingly engage a second end of the tubular body.
In some embodiments, the second end member further comprises a choke element interconnecting the second sealing portion and the receptacle, wherein the at least a portion of the second internal conduit is disposed within the choke element.
In some embodiments, the choke element releasably engages the receptacle.
In some embodiments, the kit further comprises at least one additional attachment releasably engageable with the choke element.
In some embodiments, at least one additional attachment comprises at least one of a substitute receptacle and a filtration device.
In another aspect, there is provided a method for making a smoking apparatus comprising: providing a tubular body; providing a first end member comprising a mouthpiece; and providing a second end member comprising a receptacle defining a chamber therein for receiving a smokable material.
In some embodiments, the method further comprising sealingly engaging the first end member with a first end of the tubular body and sealingly engaging the second end member with a second end of the tubular body.
In some embodiments, the tubular body comprises a plant stem.
In some embodiments, the plant stem is from a Cannabis plant.
Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent, to those ordinarily skilled in the art, upon review of the following description of the specific embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some aspects of the disclosure will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example smoking apparatus, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2A is partial, top view of the smoking apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a partial, side view of the smoking apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tubular body of the smoking apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of a first end member of the smoking apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a side view of a mouthpiece portion of the smoking apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece portion taken along line A-A in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a side view of a first sealing portion of the smoking apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the first sealing portion taken along line B-B in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of a second end member of the smoking apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8A is a side view of a receptacle of the smoking apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle taken along line C-C in FIG. 8A;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are side and top views, respectively, of a choke element of the smoking apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the choke element, taken along line D-D in FIG. 9B;

FIG. 10A is a side view of a second sealing portion of the smoking apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the second sealing portion taken along line E-E in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a top view of an adjustment ring of the smoking apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment ring taken along line F-F in FIG. 11A;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views of another example smoking apparatus, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 13A is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a first end member, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the first end member taken along line G-G in FIG. 13A;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are side and top views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a second end member, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view of the second end member taken along line H-H in FIG. 14B; and

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method for making a smoking apparatus, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, the present disclosure provides a smoking apparatus and related method. In some embodiments, the smoking apparatus comprises a tubular body having a first end and a second end and defining a longitudinal conduit therethrough; a first end member sealingly engaging the first end of the tubular body, the first end member comprising a mouthpiece portion having a suction opening in fluid communication with the longitudinal conduit; a second end member sealingly engaging the second end of the tubular body, the second end member comprising a receptacle defining a chamber to receive a smokable material therein, the chamber in fluid communication with the longitudinal conduit. In some embodiments, the tubular body comprises a plant stem, such as a stem from a Cannabis plant.
As used herein the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” may include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
It is to be understood that directional or relative terms such as “upwards”, “backwards”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “upper”, “lower”, “side”, “top”, “bottom” and the like are used for ease of description and illustrative purposes, and embodiments are not limited to a particular orientation of the smoking apparatuses described herein during use or normal operation.
As used herein, the term “smoking apparatus” refers to any apparatus configured to burn or combust a smokable material to generate smoke for inhalation by a user. In some embodiments, the smokable material comprises a plant material. Non-limiting examples of suitable plant materials include dried tobacco, dried Cannabis, and dried herbs.
An example smoking apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B. The smoking apparatus 100 in this embodiment comprises a first end member 102, a second end member 104, and a tubular body 106 therebetween.
In some embodiments, the tubular body 106 comprises an organic material. In some embodiments, tubular body 106 comprises a plant part. In some embodiments, the plant part comprises a plant stem. As used herein, a plant “stem” or “stalk” refers to a primary plant axis that supports other plant parts such as leaves, flowers, and/or fruits. The tubular body 106 may comprise the entire plant stem or any portion thereof having a desired length. In some embodiments, the plant stem has been dried by any suitable drying means and cut to the desired length. In some embodiments, the cut ends of the stem have been prepared by any suitable means to prevent fibres from coming loose.
In some embodiments, the plant stem is from a Cannabis plant. As used herein, “Cannabis plant” refers to a plant of the Cannabis genus. In some embodiments, the Cannabis plant is Cannabis sativa L. In some embodiments, the Cannabis plant is a variety or cultivar of industrial hemp. As used herein, “hemp” or industrial hemp” refers to a variety or cultivar of Cannabis that is grown for production of fiber and/or seeds rather than for medicinal and/or recreational applications. A plant from a hemp variety or cultivar may contain less than about 0.3% THC or less than about 0.2% THC (Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol) by dry weight of its leaves and flowers. In other embodiments, the Cannabis plant is a drug-type Cannabis variety or cultivar. As used herein, “drug-type” refers to a variety or cultivar of Cannabis that is grown for use in medicinal and/or recreational applications. A plant from a drug-type Cannabis variety or cultivar may contain greater than about 0.3% THC by dry weight of its leaves and flowers.
In some embodiments, the plant stem may be from a hemp variety or cultivar displaying a hollow core trait. As used herein, a “hollow core trait” refers to a characteristic of a plant in which the plant stem has a relatively hollow core along its longitudinal axis, although the diameter of the hollow core may vary along the length of the stem. Non-limiting examples of suitable cultivars include the “Silesia” or CSFX-2 hemp cultivars, which produce stems with relatively hollow cores. In other embodiments, the plant stem may be from any other suitable variety or cultivar of Cannabis that demonstrates a relatively hollow core.
In other embodiments, the plant stem is from any other suitable type of plant. In other embodiments, the tubular body 106 is made of any other suitable material.
As shown in FIG. 3, the tubular body 106 has a first end 105 and a second end 107. The tubular body 106 may define a longitudinal conduit 109 therethrough extending from the first end 105 to the second end 107. In this embodiment, the tubular body 106 is approximately straight (i.e. linear) and extends along a longitudinal axis 101 (the longitudinal axis 101 is visible in FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the tubular body 106 is curved. In some embodiments, the tubular body 106 has a natural curvature depending on the particular portion of the plant stem used to form the tubular body 106. The tubular body 106 may be any suitable length and diameter. In some embodiments, the tubular body 106 has an outer diameter D1 of between about 0.5 and about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the tubular body 106 may be non-uniform in diameter such that the diameter D1 varies along the length of the tubular body 106. The non-uniformity may be due to natural variations in the plant stem forming the tubular body 106.
The first end member 102 may engage the first end 105 of the tubular body 106 and the second end member 104 may engage the second end 107 of the tubular body 106 (the first and second ends 105 and 107 are visible in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the first and second end member 102 and 104 sealingly engage the first and second ends 105 and 107 of the tubular body 106. As used herein, “sealingly engage” refers to engaging in such a way as to substantially prevent airflow therebetween, although the seal may not be perfectly airtight. In some embodiments, the tubular body 106 is longitudinally reversible such that the second end member 104 can sealingly engage the first end 105 and the first end member 102 can sealingly engage the second end 107.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 2B, the first end member 102 may comprise a mouthpiece portion 108 and a first sealing portion 110. The mouthpiece portion 108 may be any suitable shape to be held between a user's lips. The mouthpiece portion 108 may comprise a suction opening 132 (shown in FIG. 5B and discussed below). When the first end member 102 is sealingly engaged with the tubular body 106, the suction opening 132 may be in fluid communication with the longitudinal conduit 109 of the tubular body 106.
The first sealing portion 110 may receive the first end 105 of the tubular body 106 therein. In some embodiments, the first sealing portion 110 may receive a first section 111 of the tubular body 106 therein (the first section 111 is visible in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the first section 111 of the tubular body 106 is between about 0.5 and about 2 inches in length. In this embodiment, the first section 111 is between about 1.0 and about 1.5 inches in length.
In some embodiments, the first sealing portion 110 snugly receives the first section 111 of the tubular body 106 such that the first sealing portion 110 and the tubular body 106 are in sealing engagement. In other embodiments, the first sealing portion 110 has a clearance fit with the tubular body 106. In these embodiments, an adhesive/sealing compound may be applied between the tubular body 106 and the first sealing portion 110 to facilitate sealing engagement. The adhesive may comprise a silicone or an epoxy, such as a bio-based epoxy, or any other suitable type of adhesive. As discussed in more detail below, in other embodiments, a sealing element such as an O-ring (not shown) can be provided between the tubular body 106 and the first sealing portion 110 to facilitate sealing engagement.
The second end member 104 may comprise a receptacle 112, a choke element 114, a second sealing portion 116, and an adjustment ring 120. The receptacle 112 in this embodiment is approximately cylindrical in shape. In other embodiments, the receptacle 112 may be any other suitable shape. The receptacle 112 may define an open chamber 126 therein to receive a smokable material (not shown) for smoking. In some embodiments, the chamber 126 is approximately cylindrical or frustoconical in shape. In other embodiments, the chamber 126 may be any other suitable shape.
The receptacle 112 may comprise an upper opening 128 and a lower opening 130 (the lower opening 130 is visible in FIG. 2A) to the chamber 126. The upper opening 128 may allow the smokable material to be added to the chamber 126 and lit to generate smoke. For example, a user may light the smokable material by contacting the material with a flame from a lighter or a match via the upper opening 128. The lower opening 130 may connect the chamber 126 to the choke element 114 therebelow.
The choke element 114 may interconnect the receptacle 112 with the second sealing portion 116. The choke element 114 may thereby fluidly connect the chamber 126 with the longitudinal conduit 109 of the tubular body 106. The choke element 114 may comprise an airflow opening 124, also referred to as a “choke” or “carb” hole, to allow fresh air to enter the choke element 114 and flow along the longitudinal conduit 109 as described below.
The second sealing portion 116 may receive the second end 107 of the tubular body 106 therein. In some embodiments, the second sealing portion 116 receives a second section 113 of the tubular body 106 therein (the second section 113 is visible in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the second section 113 of the tubular body 106 is between about 0.5 and about 2 inches in length. In this embodiment, the first section 111 is between about 1.0 and about 1.5 inches in length.
In some embodiments, the second sealing portion 116 snugly receives the second section 113 of the tubular body 106 such that the second sealing portion 116 and the tubular body 106 are in sealing engagement. In other embodiments, the second sealing portion 116 has a clearance fit with the tubular body 106. In these embodiments, an adhesive may be applied between the tubular body 106 and the second sealing portion 116 to facilitate sealing engagement, as discussed above with respect to the first sealing portion 110. As discussed in more detail below, in other embodiments, a sealing element such as an O-ring (not shown) can be provided between the tubular body 106 and the second sealing portion 116 to facilitate sealing engagement.
In this embodiment, the second sealing portion 116 further comprises an annular collar 122. The annular collar 122 may be configured to be gripped by the user's fingers to hold the second end member 104. For example, the user may grip the annular collar 122 to hold the smoking apparatus 100 steady during a smoking session or to facilitate engaging/disengaging the second end member 104 and the tubular body 106.
The adjustment ring 120 may be disposed between the second sealing portion 116 and the choke element 114. In some embodiments, the adjustment ring 120 is threadingly engaged with the choke element 114 as discussed in more detail below.
The adjustment ring 120 may allow the choke element 114, and thus the receptacle 112, to be secured in a desired position. As discussed above, when the tubular body 106 is derived from a plant stem, it may have a natural curvature. As such, a user may wish to rotate the smoking apparatus 100 such that the tubular body 106 is in a suitable position for the user to comfortably hold during use. When the smoking apparatus 100 is rotated, the receptacle 112 may be in a position in which the upper opening 128 faces downwards or to the side rather than upwards as desired. The choke element 114 may thereby be rotated with respect to the second sealing portion 116 into the desired position such that the upper opening 128 of the receptacle 112 faces upwards. The adjustment ring 120 may then be rotatably adjusted (i.e. tightened) to secure the choke element 114 in the desired position.
In use, the user may add smokable material to the chamber 126 and light it to generate smoke. The user may then place their mouth over the mouthpiece portion 108 and inhale through the suction opening 132 to draw smoke from the chamber 126, through the choke element 114 and the longitudinal conduit 109, and into the user's mouth and lungs for consumption. The user may place a thumb or finger over the airflow opening 124 of the choke element 114 as they start to inhale smoke from the material in the chamber 126 and then release their thumb or finger to allow air to enter the choke element 114 and push any remaining smoke through the longitudinal conduit 109 and into the user's mouth and lungs.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the tubular body 106 functions to convey the smoke from the second end member 104 to the first end member 102. By using a portion of a plant stem to form the tubular body 106, the tubular body 106 may at least partially absorb heat and/or volatile chemicals from the smoke as it passes through the longitudinal conduit 109 and may thereby function to cool and/or filter the smoke. The tubular body 106 may also be durable and environmentally friendly.
In some embodiments, the receptacle 112 is removable from the choke element 114 and replaceable with at least one other attachment (not shown). Non-limiting examples of suitable attachments include: a substitute receptacle of a different size or shape; a filtration device; and any other suitable attachment for a smoking apparatus. In some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to engage the receptacle 112 (or any other suitable receptacle) such that smoke from the chamber 126 of the receptacle 112 is filtered through the filtration device before it flows into the choke element 114.
The first and second end members 102 and 104 will now be discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11B.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the first end member 102 showing the mouthpiece portion 108 and the first sealing portion 110.
The mouthpiece portion 108 is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The mouthpiece portion 108 has a first end 115 and a second end 117. As shown in FIG. 5B, the first end 115 may define a first opening 132 (also referred to herein as the suction opening 132) and the second end 117 may define a second opening 134. In some embodiments, the suction opening 132 is approximately circular or oval in shape. In other embodiments, the suction opening 132 is any other suitable shape. The mouthpiece portion 108 may further comprise an internal conduit 136 extending from the suction opening 132 to the second opening 134.
The mouthpiece portion 108 may be configured to releasably engage the first sealing portion 110. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece portion 108 comprises a threaded projection 138 at its second end 117 for engaging the first sealing portion 110. The internal conduit 136 may extend through the threaded projection 138 to the second opening 134.
The first sealing portion 110 is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The first sealing portion 110 has a first end 119 and a second end 121. As shown in FIG. 6B, the first end 119 may define a first opening 140 and the second end 121 may define a second opening 142. The first opening 140 may be configured to receive the threaded projection 138 of the mouthpiece portion 108. A threaded recess 144 may be provided proximate the first opening 140 to threadingly engage the threaded projection 138. Therefore, in this embodiment, the threaded projection 138 can be threaded and unthreaded from the threaded recess 144 to engage and disengage the mouthpiece portion 108 and the first sealing portion 110. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece portion 108 and the first sealing portion 110 are releasably engaged by any other suitable means and embodiments are not limited to the threaded coupling mechanisms described herein.
The second opening 142 may be configured to receive the first end 105 of the tubular body 106 therethrough. A channel 146 may extend from the second opening 142 to the threaded recess 144. The channel 146 may be configured to receive the first section 111 of the tubular body 106 therein such that the first section 111 of the tubular body 106 is sealingly engaged with the first sealing portion 110. The channel 146 may have a longitudinal length L1 corresponding to the length of the first section 111 of the tubular body 106. In some embodiments, the length L1 is about 0.5 to about 2 inches. In this embodiment, the length L1 is about 1.0 to about 1.5 inches. In other embodiments, the length L1 is any other suitable length.
The second opening 142 and the channel 146 have an inner diameter D2. In some embodiments, the inner diameter D2 is approximately equal to the outer diameter D1 of the tubular body 106. In other embodiments, the inner diameter D2 may be slightly larger than the outer diameter D1 of the tubular body 106. In some embodiments, the diameter D2 is between about 0.5 to about 1.5 inches. In this embodiment, the diameter D2 is between about 0.9 and about 1.1 inches, or approximately 1 inch. In other embodiments, the diameter D2 is any other suitable diameter based on the diameter D1 of the tubular body 106.
As discussed above, in some embodiments, an adhesive may be applied between the first section 111 of the tubular body 106 and the inner wall of the channel 146 to facilitate sealing engagement
In other embodiments, the first sealing portion 110 may be adjustable to sealingly engage tubular bodies of varying outer diameters. For example, a sealing element of a desired size may be received into the channel 146 of the first sealing portion 110 to reduce the inner diameter D2 of the channel 146 accordingly. The sealing element may comprise an O-ring, a compression ring, or any other suitable type of sealing element. In these embodiments, the sealing element may sealingly engage the first section 111 of the tubular body 106 when the first section 111 is received into the channel 146.
Therefore, when the mouthpiece portion 108 is engaged with the first sealing portion 110, and the first sealing portion 110 sealingly engages the first end 105 of the tubular body 106, the suction opening 132 may be in fluid communication with the longitudinal conduit 109 of the tubular body 106 via the internal conduit 136.
In this embodiment, the mouthpiece portion 108 and the first sealing portion 110 are separate parts that are releasably coupled together. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first end member 102 may be relatively easily disassembled for cleaning and/or replacement of parts. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion 108 can be replaced with a different mouthpiece portion if desired. The different mouthpiece portion may be a different size, shape, and/or material as desired by the user.
In other embodiments, the mouthpiece portion 108 and the first sealing portion 110 may be permanently coupled or integral with one another and the first end member 102 may be a single, integrated part.
The mouthpiece portion 108 and the first sealing portion 110 may each be made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion 108 and the first sealing portion 110 are made of the same material. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece portion 108 and the first sealing portion 110 are made of different materials. In some embodiments, at least one of the mouthpiece portion 108 and the first sealing portion 110 are made of metal. Non-limiting examples of suitable metals include brushed nickel, stainless steel, chrome, brass, or gold. However, embodiments are not limited to the specific materials recited herein and the mouthpiece portion 108 and the first sealing portion 110 may each be made of any suitable material.
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the second end member 104 showing the receptacle 112, the choke element 114, the adjustment ring 120, and the second sealing portion 116.
The receptacle 112 is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The receptacle 112 has an upper end 123 and a lower end 125. As described above, the receptacle 112 in this embodiment comprises the chamber 126 with the upper and lower openings 128 and 130 thereto. As shown in FIG. 8B, in some embodiments, the receptacle 112 may further comprise an internal conduit 148 extending from the lower opening 130 of the chamber 126 to the lower end 125 of the receptacle 112. The lower end 125 may define a lower opening 150 to the internal conduit 148. Alternatively, the internal conduit 148 may be omitted and the chamber 126 may extend all the way to the lower end 125 of the receptacle 112.
In some embodiments, the receptacle 112 further comprises a filter (such as the filter 227 shown in FIG. 12B as discussed below) within the chamber 126, extending across the lower opening 130. The filter may prevent fibres and/or residue of the smokable material in the chamber 126 from entering and clogging the choke element 114.
In some embodiments, the receptacle 112 is configured to releasably engage the choke element 114. In this embodiment, the receptacle 112 comprises a threaded projection 152 at its lower end 125 for releasably engaging the choke element 114. The internal conduit 148 may extend through the threaded projection 152 to the lower opening 150.
The choke element 114 is shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C. The choke element 114 has a first end 127 and a second end 131. As shown in FIG. 9C, the first end 127 may define a first opening 124 (also referred to herein as the airflow opening 124) and the second end 131 may define a second opening 154. An internal conduit 156 may extend longitudinally through the choke element 114 from the airflow opening 124 to the second opening 154.
The choke element 114 may further comprise an upper opening 158 to the internal conduit 156. The upper opening 158 may be configured to receive the threaded projection 152 of the receptacle 112 therein, thereby fluidly connecting the chamber 126 with the internal conduit 156 via the internal conduit 148 of the receptacle 112. The combination of the internal conduit 148 of the receptacle 112 and the internal conduit 156 of the choke element may thereby form a substantially continuous internal conduit through the second end member 104. In other embodiments, the internal conduit 148 of the receptacle 112 may be omitted and the chamber 126 may be in direct fluid communication with the internal conduit 156 of the choke element 114.
A threaded recess 160 may be provided proximate the upper opening 158 to threadingly engage at least a portion of the threaded projection 152. Therefore, in this embodiment, the threaded projection 152 can be threaded and unthreaded from the threaded recess 160 to engage and disengage the receptacle 112 and the choke element 114. Alternatively, the choke element 114 can comprise a threaded projection and the receptacle 112 can comprise a threaded recess, the threaded projection of the choke element 114 received into the threaded recess of the receptacle 112.
In other embodiments, the receptacle 112 and the choke element 114 are releasably engaged by any other suitable means and embodiments are not limited to the threaded coupling mechanisms described herein.
In some embodiments, the choke element 114 is configured to releasably engage at least one additional attachment (not shown) in place of the receptacle 112. As discussed above, the attachment may be a substitute receptacle, a filtration device, or any other suitable type of attachment. In some embodiments, the attachment comprises a threaded projection (similar to the threaded projection 152 of the receptacle 112) and the upper opening 158 and threaded recess 160 of the choke element 114 are configured to receive and threadingly engage the threaded projection. In other embodiments, the choke element 114 and the attachment are configured to releasably engage one another by any other suitable means and embodiments are not limited to threaded coupling mechanisms.
In some embodiments, where the attachment is the filtration device, the receptacle 112 is also configured to releasably engage the filtration device. When the receptacle 112 and the choke element 114 are engaged with the filtration device therebetween, the filtration device may be in fluid communication with both the chamber 126 of the receptacle 112 and the internal conduit 156 of the choke element 114. Thus, smoke from the smokable material may flow from the chamber 126, through the filtration device, to the internal conduit 156 of the choke element 114 and into the longitudinal conduit 109 of the tubular body 106.
The choke element 114 may interconnect the receptacle 112 with the second sealing portion 116. In some embodiments, the choke element 114 is configured to releasably engage the second sealing portion 116. In this embodiment, the choke element 114 comprises a threaded projection 162 at its second end 131 for releasably engaging the second sealing portion 116. The internal conduit 156 may extend through the threaded projection 162 to the second opening 154.
The second sealing portion 116 is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The second sealing portion has a first end 133 and a second end 135. As shown in FIG. 10B, the first end 133 may define a first opening 164 and the second end 135 may define a second opening 166. The first opening 164 may be configured to receive the threaded projection 162 of the choke element 114 therein. A threaded recess 168 may be provided proximate the first opening 164 to threadingly engage at least a portion of the threaded projection 162. Therefore, in this embodiment, the threaded projection 162 can be threaded and unthreaded from the threaded recess 168 to engage and disengage the choke element 114 and the second sealing portion 116. Alternatively, the choke element 114 can comprise a threaded recess and the second sealing portion 116 can comprise a threaded projection, the threaded projection of the second sealing portion 116 received into the threaded recess of the choke element 114.
In other embodiments, the choke element 114 and the second sealing portion 116 may be releasably engaged by any other suitable means and embodiments are not limited to the threaded coupling mechanisms described herein.
The second opening 166 may be configured to receive the second end 107 of the tubular body 106 therethrough. A channel 170 may extend from the second opening 166 to the threaded recess 168. The channel 170 may be configured to receive the second section 113 of the tubular body 106 therein such that the second section 113 of the tubular body 106 is sealingly engaged with the second sealing portion 116. The channel 170 may have a length L2 corresponding to the length of the second section 113 of the tubular body 106. The length L2 may be the same or different than the length L1 of the first sealing portion 110. In some embodiments, the length L2 is between about 0.5 to about 2 inches. In this embodiment, the length L2 is about 1.0 to about 1.5 inches. In other embodiments, the length L2 is any other suitable length.
The channel 170 may has inner diameter D3. In some embodiments, the inner diameter D3 is approximately equal to the outer diameter D1 of the tubular body 106. In some embodiments, the diameter D3 is between about 0.5 to about 1.5 inches. In this embodiment, the diameter D3 is between about 0.9 and about 1.1 inches, or approximately 1 inch. In other embodiments, the diameter D3 is any other suitable diameter based on the diameter D1 of the tubular body 106.
Similar to the first sealing portion 110, if the inner diameter D3 is slightly larger than the outer diameter D1 of the tubular body 106, an adhesive may be used to facilitate sealing engagement between the tubular body 106 and the second sealing portion 116.
In other embodiments, the second sealing portion 116 may be adjustable to sealingly engage tubular bodies of varying outer diameters, as discussed above with respect to the first sealing portion 110. For example, a sealing element, such as an O-ring or a compression ring, may be received into the channel 170 to adjust the inner diameter D3 as desired.
Therefore, when the receptacle 112 is engaged with the choke element 114, the choke element 114 is engaged with the second sealing portion 116, and the second sealing portion 116 is sealingly engaged with the tubular body 106, the chamber 126 may be in fluid communication with the longitudinal conduit 109 of the tubular body 106 via the internal conduit 156 of the choke element 114.
The adjustment ring 120 is shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The adjustment ring 120 may be configured to receive the threaded projection 162 of the choke element 114 therethrough. The threaded projection 162 of the choke element 114 may therefore extend through the adjustment ring 120 and into the threaded recess 168 of the second sealing portion 116.
As shown in FIG. 11B, the adjustment ring 120 may comprise an inner threaded wall 172 to threadingly engage the threaded projection 162. The adjustment ring 120 may be rotated in a first direction to be moved along the threaded projection 162 away from the second sealing portion 116 and rotated in the opposite direction to be moved towards the second sealing portion 116. Moving the adjustment ring 120 away from the second sealing portion 116 may allow the choke element 114 to be rotated with respect to the second sealing portion 116 into a desired position. Moving the adjustment ring towards the second sealing portion 116 may secure the choke element 114 to the second sealing portion 116 (and thus the receptacle 112) in the desired position. In other embodiments, the directions may be reversed and moving the adjustment ring 120 towards the second sealing portion 116 secures the choke element 114 to the second sealing portion 116.
In this embodiment, the receptacle 112, the choke element 114, the adjustment ring 120, and the second sealing portion 116 are separate parts that are releasably coupled together. Thus, in some embodiments, the second end member 104 in is relatively easily disassembled for cleaning and/or replacement of parts. In some embodiments, the receptacle 112 can be removed and replaced with an alternative attachment, as discussed above. In some embodiments, the receptacle 112 is replaced with a receptacle of a different size, shape, and/or material if desired by the user. In other embodiments, the receptacle 112 is replaced with any other suitable attachment.
In other embodiments, two or more of the components of the second end member 104 may be permanently coupled or integral with one another. For example, the receptacle 112 may be permanently coupled or integral with the choke element 114; the choke element 114 may be permanently coupled or integral with the second sealing portion 116; and/or the second sealing portion 116 may be permanently coupled or integral with the adjustment ring 120. In other embodiments, the entire second end member 104 may be a single, integrated part. In embodiments in which the choke element 114 is permanently coupled or integral with the second sealing portion 116, the adjustment ring 120 may be omitted.
The receptacle 112, the choke element 114, the adjustment ring 120, and the second sealing portion 116 may each be made of any suitable material including, for example, any of the materials discussed above with respect to the first end member 102. In some embodiments, all of the components of the second end member 104 are made of the same material. In other embodiments, one or more components may be made of different materials. In some embodiments, components of different materials may be selected by a user to achieve a desired appearance.
Another example smoking apparatus 200 is shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. The smoking apparatus 200 in this embodiment comprises a first end member 202, a second end member 204, and a tubular body 206 therebetween.
In this embodiment, the tubular body 206 comprises a plant stem from a hemp plant. As shown in FIG. 12A, the tubular body 206 in this embodiment has a natural curvature and natural variations in its diameter.
The first and second end members 202 and 204 may be similar in structure to the first and second end members 102 and 104 of the smoking apparatus 100 as described above. In this embodiment, the second end member 204 comprises a receptacle 212 defining a chamber 226 that includes a filter 227 therein (visible in FIG. 12B). In some embodiments, the filter 227 comprises a mesh filter having a suitable mesh size to prevent fibres and/or residue of the smokable material from passing therethrough. In other embodiments, the filter 227 may comprise any other suitable type of filter. In other embodiments, the second end member 204 further comprises a filtration device (not shown) in fluid communication with the receptacle 212, as discussed above with respect to the smoking apparatus 100.
In this embodiment, the smoking apparatus 200 further comprises a string or rope 203. The string or rope 203 may be partially wrapped around the second end member 204 for decorative or aesthetic purposes.
Alternative embodiments of a first end member 302 and a second end member 304 are shown in FIGS. 13A-13B and FIGS. 14A-14C, respectively. The first and second end members 302 and 304 may be combined with a suitable tubular body (not shown) to form a smoking apparatus. Alternatively, the first end member 302 or the second end member 304 may be used to substitute the first end member 102, 202 or the second end member 102, 202 of the smoking apparatuses 100 and 200, respectively.
Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the first end member 302 comprises a body 301 having a first end 305 and a second end 307. The first end member 302 may comprise a mouthpiece portion 308 proximate the first end 305 and a first sealing portion 310 proximate the second end 307. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece portion 308 is integral with the first sealing portion 310.
As shown in FIG. 13B, the first end 305 may define a first opening 332 and the second end 307 may define a second opening 334. The first opening 332 may function as a suction opening.
The second opening 334 may be configured to receive a first end of a tubular body (not shown) therethrough. A channel 346 may be defined proximate the second opening 334 and may be configured to receive a first section of the tubular body therein, similar to the channel 146 of the first sealing portion 110 of the apparatus 100.
The first end member 302 may further comprise an internal conduit 336 extending from the first (suction) opening 332 to the channel 346. When assembled with the tubular body, the internal conduit 336 is in fluid communication with a longitudinal conduit of the tubular body.
Referring to FIGS. 14A to 14C, the second end member 304 comprises a body 303 having a first end 309 and a second end 311. The second end member 304 may comprise a choke element 314 proximate the first end 309 and a second sealing portion 316 proximate the second end 311. In this embodiment, the second sealing portion 316 is integral with the choke element 314.
The second end member 304 may further comprise a receptacle (not shown) having a chamber for receiving smokable material therein, similar to the receptacles 112 and 212 of the apparatuses 100 and 200.
As shown in FIG. 14C, the first end 309 of the body 303 may define a first opening 324 and the second end 311 may define a second opening 354. The first opening 324 may function as an airflow opening.
The second opening 354 may be configured to receive a second end of the tubular body therethrough. A channel 370 may be defined proximate the second opening 354 and may be configured to receive a second section of the tubular body therein, similar to the channel 170 of the second sealing portion 116 of the apparatus 100. An internal conduit 356 may extend from the first (airflow) opening 324 to the channel 370. When assembled with the tubular body, the internal conduit 356 is in fluid communication with the longitudinal conduit of the tubular body.
The body 303 may further comprise an upper opening 358 to the internal conduit 356. The upper opening 358 may be configured to releasably engage the receptacle, thereby fluidly connecting the chamber of the receptacle with the internal conduit 356.
In this embodiment, a threaded recess 360 is provided proximate the upper opening 358 to threadingly engage a complementary threaded portion of the receptacle, such as the threaded projection 152 of the receptacle 112. In other embodiments, the receptacle and the body 303 are releasably engaged by any other suitable means and embodiments are not limited to the threaded coupling mechanisms described herein.
In some embodiments, the body 303 is configured to releasably engage at least one additional attachment (not shown) in place of the receptacle. As discussed above, the attachment may be a substitute receptacle, a filtration device, or any other suitable type of attachment.
Thus, the first and second end members 302 and 304 may be seen as simplified versions of the first and second end members 102 and 104 of the apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the first and second end members 302 and 304 may be dimensioned smaller than the first and second end members 102 and 104 to fit smaller tubular bodies. For example, referring to FIG. 13B, the channel 346 of the first sealing portion 310 may have an inner diameter D4 of about 0.6 to about 0.8 inches (e.g. approximately 0.675 inches) and a length L3 of about 0.7 to about 0.9 inches (e.g. about 0.75 inches). Referring to FIG. 14B, the channel 270 of the second sealing portion 316 may have an inner diameter D5 of about 0.6 to about 0.8 inches (e.g. approximately 0.675 inches) and a length L4 of about 0.7 to about 0.9 inches (e.g. about 0.775 inches). In other embodiments, the first and second end members 302 and 304 may be any other suitable dimensions and embodiments are not limited to the specific dimensions disclosed herein.
In some embodiments, one or both of the first end member 302 and the second end member 304 may be made of metal, composite, plastic, or silicon. Non-limiting examples of suitable metals include brushed nickel, stainless steel, chrome, brass, or gold. In some embodiments, the plastic, composite, or silicon may contain biodegradable materials such as hemp or other fibres. In these embodiments, the entire smoking apparatus, including the tubular body and the first and second end members 302 and 304, may be biodegradable. In other embodiments, each of the first and second end members 302 and 304 may be made of any other suitable material and embodiments are not limited to the specific materials recited herein. In some embodiments, the second end member 304 may be combined, casted, or extruded with a receptacle (such as the receptacle 114 of the smoking apparatus 100) to form a single integrated structure.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an example method 400 for making a smoking apparatus, according to some embodiments. At block 402, a tubular body is provided. The term “providing” in this context refers to making, manufacturing, receiving, or otherwise obtaining a component of the smoking apparatus. The tubular body may be similar in structure to the tubular body 106 or 206 as described above. In some embodiments, providing the tubular body comprises providing a plant stem, such as a Cannabis stem. Prior to being used to form the tubular body, the plant stem may be dried by any suitable drying means and any attached leaves, flowers, or other material may be detached from the plant stem. The plant stem may be cut to a desired length. In some embodiments, the cut ends of the plant stem may be prepared by any suitable means to prevent fibres at the ends from coming loose.
At block 404, a first end member is provided and, at block 406, a second end member is provided. The first end member may comprise a mouthpiece and the second end member may comprise a receptacle defining a chamber for receiving a smokable material. The first end member may have any of the features of the first end members 102, 202, or 302 as described above. The second end member may have any of the features of the second end members 104, 204, or 304 as described above.
In some embodiments, providing the first end member comprises providing a mouthpiece portion and a first sealing portion and coupling the mouthpiece portion to the first sealing portion. In other embodiments, providing the first end member comprises integrally forming the mouthpiece portion and the first sealing portion.
In some embodiments, providing the second end member comprises providing the receptacle, a choke element, an adjustment ring, and a second sealing portion and coupling the components together. In other embodiments, two or more of the receptacle, the choke element, the adjustment ring, and the second sealing portion may be integrally formed. In some embodiments, where the choke element is integral with the second sealing portion, the adjustment ring may be omitted. In some embodiments, integrally forming the first end member and/or second end member comprises combining, casting, or extruding the components as a single, integrated structure.
The method 400 may further comprise sealingly engaging the first end member with a first end of the tubular body and sealingly engaging the second end member with a second end of the tubular body. In some embodiments, the first end member is sealingly engaged by sliding or twisting the first end of the tubular body into the first end member. The second end member may be sealingly engaged in a similar manner. In some embodiments, an adhesive/sealing compound may be applied between the first end of the tubular body and the first end member, and/or between the second end of the tubular body and the second end member, respectively, to facilitate sealing engagement therebetween. In other embodiments, a sealing element, such as an O-ring or a compression seal, may be inserted into the first and/or second end member to facilitate sealing engagement with respective ends of the tubular body.
In some embodiments, the method 400 may further comprise adjusting the position of the receptacle of the second end member after the second end member is sealingly engaged with the tubular body. In some embodiments, the position of receptacle is adjusted by adjusting the position of the choke element with respect to the second sealing portion. In some embodiments, the method 400 further comprises securing the position of the choke element (and thus the position of the receptacle) with respect to the second sealing portion. In some embodiments, the position of the choke element is secured by tightening the adjustment ring.
Also provided herein is a related kit for making a smoking apparatus. The kit may be used with a tubular body such as the tubular body 106 or 206 as described above.
The kit may comprise a first end member and a second end member. The first end member may comprise a mouthpiece portion having a suction opening, a first internal conduit in fluid communication with the suction opening, and a first sealing portion to sealingly engage a first end of the tubular body. The first end member may have any of the features of the first end members 102, 202, or 302 as described above.
The second end member may comprise a receptacle defining a chamber, a second internal conduit in fluid communication with the chamber, and a second sealing portion to sealingly engage a second end of the tubular body. The second end member may have any of the features of the second end members 104, 204, or 304 as described above. In some embodiments, the second end member further comprises a choke element and an adjustment ring such as the choke element 114 and the adjustment ring 120 of the second end member 104.
In some embodiments, the choke element of the second end member releasably engages the receptacle such that the receptacle can be removed and replaced. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises at least one additional attachment releasably engageable with at least one of the choke element and the receptacle. Non-limiting examples of suitable attachments include: a substitute receptacle of a different size or shape; a filtration device; and any other suitable attachment for a smoking apparatus.
In some embodiments, the kit also includes a tubular body. The tubular body may comprise a plant stem, such as a plant stem of a Cannabis plant. In other embodiments, the tubular body may be provided separately from the kit.
In some embodiments, the kit also includes instructions for assembly of a smoking apparatus from the kit components. The instructions may be similar to the steps of the method 400 as described above.
Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

Claims

1. A smoking apparatus comprising:

a tubular body having a first end and a second end and defining a longitudinal conduit therethrough;

a first end member sealingly engaging the first end of the tubular body, the first end member comprising a mouthpiece portion having a suction opening in fluid communication with the longitudinal conduit; and

a second end member sealingly engaging the second end of the tubular body, the second end member comprising a receptacle defining a chamber to receive a smokable material therein, the chamber in fluid communication with the longitudinal conduit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tubular body comprises a plant stem.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plant stem is from a Cannabis plant.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the Cannabis plant is from a hemp variety or cultivar displaying a hollow core trait.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end member further comprises a first sealing portion, the first sealing portion comprising a first channel that receives the first end of the tubular body therein.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the mouthpiece portion releasably engages the first sealing portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the mouthpiece portion is integral with the first sealing portion.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second end member further comprises a second sealing portion, the second sealing portion comprising a second channel that receives the second end of the tubular body therein.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second end member further comprises a choke element interconnecting the second sealing portion with the receptacle, the choke element comprising an internal conduit in fluid communication with the chamber and the longitudinal conduit.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the choke element further comprises an airflow opening in fluid communication with the internal conduit.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein one of the choke element and the second sealing portion comprises a threaded projection and the other one of the choke element and the second sealing portion comprises a threaded recess, the threaded projection at least partially received into the threaded recess.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second end member further comprises an adjustment ring between the choke element and the second sealing portion, the adjustment ring threadingly engaged to the threaded projection and rotatably adjustable to secure the threaded projection in the threaded recess at a desired position.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the choke element releasably engages at least one of the receptacle and the second sealing portion.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the choke element is integral with at least one of the receptacle and the second sealing portion.

15. A kit for use with a tubular body, comprising:

a first end member comprising a mouthpiece portion having a suction opening, a first internal conduit in fluid communication with the suction opening, and a first sealing portion to sealingly engage a first end of the tubular body; and

a second end member comprising a receptacle defining a chamber, a second internal conduit in fluid communication with the chamber, and a second sealing portion to sealingly engage a second end of the tubular body.

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the second end member further comprises a choke element interconnecting the second sealing portion and the receptacle, wherein the at least a portion of the second internal conduit is disposed within the choke element; and wherein the choke element releasably engages the receptacle.

17. The kit of claim 16, further comprising at least one additional attachment releasably engageable with the choke element.

18. A method for making a smoking apparatus comprising:

providing a tubular body;

providing a first end member comprising a mouthpiece; and

providing a second end member comprising a receptacle defining a chamber therein for receiving a smokable material.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising sealingly engaging the first end member with a first end of the tubular body and sealingly engaging the second end member with a second end of the tubular body.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the tubular body comprises a plant stem.