COLLAPSIBLE SMOKING VESSEL

Abstract

A collapsible smoking vessel for collecting smoke for inhalation. Such a smoking vessel may include a bowl, an upper plate in which the bowl is disposed, a lower plate, and an expandable body portion disposed between the lower plate and the upper plate. The lower plate, body portion, and upper plate may enclose an airtight chamber having an opening only in the upper plate, in which the bowl is disposed. When smokable material is burned in the bowl, the expandable body portion may be expanded to draw smoke into the body portion, and when a user desires to inhale smoke, the bowl may be removed and the expandable body portion may be contracted to force smoke from the opening in the upper plate.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/428,180 filed Nov. 30, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This generally relates to smoking and more particularly to a collapsible vessel for smoking.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Smoking vessels that make use of water to provide a variable internal space, also called "gravity bongs," are often used to collect smoke for inhalation. This can allow a user to make more efficient use of a smokable substance, such as pipe tobacco or flavored tobacco ("shisha"). The two common types of smoking vessel that make use of this principle are the "bucket bong" and the "waterfall bong."

[0004] In a "bucket bong," the smoking vessel is typically formed from two containers. The base of the bucket bong is a large, open-topped container, such as a bucket, which is filled with water. A second, smaller container having an open bottom is used to collect the smoke from the burning tobacco; this second container is often a two-liter bottle that has had the base cut off to form the open bottom. The smaller container typically has an attached bowl in which the tobacco can be placed and which will prevent it from entering the bottle. Often, this is a small brass-cut nozzle featuring an aerator screen to keep the tobacco held in place within the nozzle, while still permitting airflow between the nozzle and the inner portion of the bottle. The brass-cut nozzle may also have a rubber stopper or other device to improve the seal between the nozzle and the second container. This nozzle is placed in an opening of the second container, such as the top of the two-liter bottle, in such a manner as to allow the nozzle to be easily removed.

[0005] To operate the bucket bong, the second container is placed, open bottom-side down, into the first container, until the second container is immersed to a majority of its height (such as, for example, the neck of the two-liter bottle) in the water of the first container. The tobacco or other smokable substance is then placed within the bowl, on top of the screen. The bowl is then lit with a lighter or match, and the second container is gradually lifted out of the water until the second container is about to come out of the water or until the tobacco finishes burning; this draws air past the burning tobacco and into the second container, containing the smoke for later use. Once the second container has been filled with smoke or the tobacco has been fully burned, then, while the second container is held in place, the bowl (including the screen) is removed, exposing the opening of the second container, through which a user can draw smoke. The user can then place their mouth on the opening of the second container and draw smoke into their lungs as the second container is pushed back down into the water. The internal pressure of the second container will be gradually increased as the second container is pushed back down into the water, expelling smoke from the second container and into the user's lungs in a controlled fashion. This provides a "smoother" draw of smoke from the second container than would be the case if the user were to inhale the smoke from a cigarette or other such article, and provides the user with a sudden dose of smoke without a significant amount of smoke being lost.

[0006] In a "waterfall bong" or "reverse bucket bong," typically only a smaller container, again often a two-liter bottle, is used. In a "waterfall bong," the bowl is assembled in the same way as in the "bucket bong;" the bowl will typically include a brass-cut nozzle including an aerator screen and a rubber stopper, which is placed over an opening of the container in such a way as to allow the bowl to be easily removed. However, instead of removing the bottom of the container so that the container can be placed in a filled bucket, a sealable hole is provided in the bottom of the container.

[0007] To operate the "waterfall bong," the sealable hole is initially sealed and the container is filled with water, up to the neck of the bottle in a two-liter design. The user then places the bowl on top of the container, sealing the top of the container. The user then places tobacco in the bowl and lights it. The user then unseals the sealable hole in the bottom of the container, so that water is drained out of the container via the hole. This will have the effect of drawing air past the burning tobacco, gradually filling the container with smoke from the burning tobacco, until eventually the container has been drained of water and filled with smoke. The bowl is then removed after the container has been filled with smoke, allowing the user to inhale the smoke; in this case, the draw is not as "smooth" as would be the case with a bucket bong, as the user must inhale the smoke by inhaling it into their lungs rather than by pushing it out gradually from the waterfall bong.

[0008] Each of the "bucket bong" and the "waterfall bong" has signicant downsides. The "bucket bong," having a bucket filled with water as a major component, must be very large and is not particularly portable. The "waterfall bong" expels water as a part of its function, requiring that it be used over a sink or drain, and does not offer the user as smooth a draw as would be possible with a bucket bong. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a method and apparatus that avoid these and other related problems.

SUMMARY

[0009] In one implemenation, a collapsible vessel for smoking is provided comprising a collapsible container configured to expand, contract and hold smoke. The collapsible vessel also comprises a receptacle configured to hold a smokable material and attached to the collapsible container such that smoke from the smokable material flows into the collapsible container.

[0010] In another implementation, a method for using a collapsible vessel for smoking is provided comprising lighting a smokable material in a receptacle configured to hold the smokable material, and attachable to a collapsible container such that smoke from the smokable material in the receptacle flows into the collapsible container. The method further comprises expanding the collapsible container configured to expand, contract and hold the smoke to draw the smoke into the collapsible container, and contracting the collapsible container to force the smoke out of a hole in the collapsible container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1A is an exemplary embodiment of a bowl of a collapsible smoking vessel.

[0012] FIG. 1B is a cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of a bowl of a collapsible smoking vessel.

[0013] FIG. 2A is an exemplary embodiment of an upper plate of a collapsible smoking vessel.

[0014] FIG. 2B is another exemplary embodiment of an upper plate of a collapsible smoking vessel.

[0015] FIG. 3A is an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible smoking vessel in a collapsed state.

[0016] FIG. 3B is an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible smoking vessel in an extended state.

[0017] FIG. 4A is an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible smoking vessel in a collapsed state being lit.

[0018] FIG. 4B is an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible smoking vessel in an extended state with the bowl removed.

[0019] FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of a method of use of a collapsible smoking vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] An exemplary embodiment of a collapsible smoking vessel may be shown and described. Such a vessel may provide certain advantages over existing "gravity bongs." For example, a collapsible smoking vessel may be collapsible to save space and may be sufficiently light as to be personally portable. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, a collapsible smoking vessel may be self-contained so that no liquid is expelled from the collapsible smoking vessel during operation, such that that there is no requirement to use the collapsible smoking vessel in conjunction with a sink or drain. Additionally, a collapsible smoking vessel may be extensible and compressible during use so that the user can manually determine the rate at which air is drawn into the smoking vessel and the rate at which smoke is expelled from the smoking vessel, ensuring that the user can achieve a smooth draw of smoke from the smoking vessel.

[0021] FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary embodiment of a bowl 100 of a collapsible smoking vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, a receptacle such as a bowl 100 may be used to hold a smokable substance. The bowl 100 may be constructed, for example, from a metallic material, such as brass or aluminum. In another exemplary embodiment, a bowl 100 may be constructed from another material that is chemically and thermally resistant; for example, a bowl 100 may be constructed wholly or partially from glass or ceramic.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, a bowl 100 may have a cavity 102 formed in the center portion of the bowl 100 in which a quantity of smokable material, such as tobacco, may be placed. A ring 104 may be formed around the cavity 102 and may facilitate the introduction of smokable material into the cavity 102; for example, an inner portion of the ring 104 may be sloped so as to facilitate the introduction of smokable material into the cavity 102 by a user.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, the outer portion of the bowl 100 may have a grip 106, such as a knurled or ridged grip 106, which may be used in order to facilitate adding or removing the bowl 100 from the collapsible smoking vessel. This may ensure that, once the smokable material has been lit and once the collapsible smoking vessel has been filled with smoke from the burning smokable material, the bowl 100 can be easily removed from the collapsible smoking vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, a grip 106 may be constructed from a thermally nonconductive material to facilitate removal of the bowl 100 once it has been heated; for example, a metal inner portion including the cavity 102 may be paired with a ceramic outer portion, the ceramic outer portion bearing the grip 106. In another exemplary embodiment, the grip 106 of a bowl 100 may include one or more grooves extending around the circumference of the bowl 100 in which one or more rings constructed from an appropriate material (such as rubber, or another flexible material having a high coefficient of friction) may be disposed, which may be used to aid a user in removing a bowl 100 from the remainder of the collapsible smoking vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, the grip 106 may also function as, or may function instead as, a radiator; for example, ridges on the grip 106 may function as one or more radiator fins, as desired.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, a bowl 100 may have an insertable portion 108 configured to be inserted into an upper plate of a collapsible smoking vessel. An insertable portion 108 may be smooth or may not feature any connectors, so as to facilitate easy removal of the bowl 100 from the upper plate of the collapsible smoking vessel. In another exemplary embodiment, an insertable portion 108 may be threaded or roughened, or may have one or more connectors that may be coupled to the upper plate of the collapsible smoking vessel, so as to ensure that the insertable portion 108 is properly held in place on the upper plate of the collapsible smoking vessel when in use. For example, a rubber ring (or ring constructed from another material) may be disposed around the circumference of the insertable portion 108 and may be used to improve the seal between the insertable portion 108 of the bowl and the remainder of the collapsible smoking vessel. In another exemplary embodiment, another connector, such as, for example, a magnetic connector, or a physical coupling (which may be constructed from, for example, plastic or metal, or another appropriate material) may be used.

[0025] FIG. 1B depicts a cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of a bowl 100 of a collapsible smoking vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity 102 of the bowl 100 may terminate in an air-permeable lower portion 110. For example, an air-permeable lower portion 110 may be an aerator screen coupled to the lower portion of the bowl 100. In another exemplary embodiment, the bowl 100 may be constructed from a single piece, and the air-permeable lower portion 110 may be formed by forming a number of small holes in the lower surface of the bowl 100, the holes extending from the bowl cavity 102 to the underside of the bowl I00 such that air can pass freely between one side and the other.

[0026] FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary embodiment of an upper plate 200 of a collapsible smoking vessel. An upper plate 200 may include a center hole 202, an outer ring 204 surrounding the center hole 202, and a sidewall 206 extending downward from the outer rim of the outer ring 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper plate 200 may be constructed from solid material, such as metal, ceramic, or plastic; in another exemplary embodiment, the upper plate 200 may be wholly or partially hollow, such that a space is formed under the outer ring 204 and within the sidewall 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the sidewall 206 of the upper plate 200 may be a grip, and may include, for example, ridges or knurling, as desired.

[0027] FIG. 2B shows another exemplary embodiment of an upper plate 200 of a collapsible smoking vessel. In another exemplary embodiment, the sidewall 206 may have one or more grooves in which a grip may be disposed, for example, upper plate 200 of a collapsible smoking vessel may have a rubber grip 208 disposed around its circumference, which may be disposed in a groove located in the sidewall 206.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, an upper plate 200 of a collapsible smoking vessel may also have one or more features intended to increase heat transfer, such as heat transfer by convection, from the surface of the upper plate 200. For example, an upper plate 200 of a collapsible smoking vessel may include one or more features that increase the surface area of the upper plate, such as one or more fins or one or more grooves 210, as desired. This may serve to cool the smoke located within the collapsible smoking vessel more quickly, and may ensure that the collapsible smoking vessel operates at lower average temperatures.

[0029] FIG. 3A depicts an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible smoking vessel 300 in a collapsed state. In an exemplary embodiment, a collapsible smoking vessel 300 may include a bowl 100, an upper plate 200 having an outer ring 204 and sidewall 206, a hollow body portion 302, and a lower plate 304. The body portion 302 of the collapsible smoking vessel 300 may be constructed from flexible material and may be expandable and contractible; for example, the body portion 302 of the collapsible smoking vessel 300 may have an accordion-style fold by which it can be expanded and contracted.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, a body portion 302 may be coupled to the lower part of the upper plate 200. For example, a body portion 302 may be coupled to the lower part of the upper plate 200 by one or more connectors or by adhesive. In another exemplary embodiment, material of the body portion 302 may be placed between the sidewall 206 of the upper plate 200 and an inner sidewall of the upper plate 200 disposed in proximity to the sidewall 206 of the upper plate 200, and the sidewall 206 crimped to the inner sidewall so that the material of the body portion 302 is gripped between the sidewall 206 and the inner sidewall. In another exemplary embodiment, an upper plate 200 may be constructed from two components, a top component and a bottom component, which may be linked to each other (for example, magnetically linked to each other) with the material of the body portion 302 in the middle. In another exemplary embodiment, another connecting method may be used, as desired. According to an exemplary embodiment in which the upper plate 200 includes a space formed under the outer ring 204 and within the sidewall 206, the body portion 302 may be wholly or partially disposed within this space.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, a lower plate 304 may be a flat plate without holes or openings constructed therein. A lower plate 304 may also be another shape, for example, curving outward or inward, as may be desired.

[0032] The lower plate 304 may be constructed from the same material as the upper plate 200, such as metal, ceramic, plastic, or another material, as desired. The lower plate 304 and the upper plate 200 may be constructed from different materials; for example, the lower plate 304 may be constructed from a denser material and the upper plate 304 may be constructed from a lighter material or a more thermally-resistant material. A lower plate 304 may, like the upper plate 200, be coupled to a body portion 302, for example, by a connector, by adhesive, or by another such method, as desired. As with the upper plate 200, according to an exemplary embodiment, the lower plate 304 may also have a sidewall having a grip formed thereon or may have a sidewall in which a grip (such as a rubber grip) is disposed.

[0033] FIG. 3B shows an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible smoking vessel 300 shown in an expanded state. According to an exemplary embodiment, the body portion 302 of the collapsible smoking vessel 300 may have an accordion-style fold by which it can be expanded or contracted, and the collapsible smoking vessel 300 may be expanded or contracted along with the body portion 302. This may expand or contract the size of a hollow cavity within the collapsible smoking vessel 300, allowing a quantity of smoke to be stored when smokable material is burned in the bowl 100.

[0034] FIG. 4A shows an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible smoking vessel 300 in use, as shown in a first collapsed state. In an exemplary embodiment, a user may operate the collapsible smoking vessel 300 by placing smokable material within the bowl 100, such that the smokable material rests on the air-permeable lower portion 110 of the bowl 100. Once the smokable material is lit and burning, the user may slowly expand the body portion 302 of the collapsible smoking vessel 300 by holding the upper plate 200 of the collapsible smoking vessel 300 and letting the lower plate 304 of the collapsible smoking vessel 300 hang loose. This may allow gravity to expand the body portion 302 of the collapsible smoking vessel to a maximum size, ensuring that a significant quantity of smoke is captured. Alternatively, a user may place a hand under the lower plate 304 of the collapsible smoking vessel 300 in order to guide it downward at a desired rate, for example, a rate slower than the rate at which it would otherwise fall.

[0035] FIG. 4B shows an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible smoking vessel 300 in use, as shown in an expanded state. Once a collapsible smoking vessel 300 has been fully expanded and filled with smoke, a user may remove the bowl 100 of the collapsible smoking vessel 100, exposing the center hole 202 of the upper plate 200, through which a user may inhale smoke. By pressing on the lower plate 304 of the collapsible smoking vessel 100 while the collapsible smoking vessel 300 is in expanded form, air, containing smoke, may be forced from the top of the collapsible smoking vessel 300, through the center hole 202, and into the lungs of a user.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows steps in an exemplary method for using a collapsible smoking vessel. A user may first fill the bowl of the collapsible smoking vessel with a smokable material (step 502.) A user may then light the smokable material (step 504.) A user may then draw the lower plate of the collapsible smoking vessel away from the upper plate of the collapsible smoking vessel, expanding the body portion (step 506.) The user may then remove the bowl of the collapsible smoking vessel (step 508) and contract the body portion (step 510,) forcing smoke out of the body portion of the collapsible smoking vessel and into the lungs of the user.

[0037] The foregoing description of various embodiments provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice in accordance with the present invention. It is to be understood that the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A collapsible vessel for smoking, comprising: a collapsible container configured to expand, contract and hold smoke; and a receptacle configured to hold a smokable material and attached to the collapsible container such that smoke from the smokable material flows into the collapsible container.

2. The collapsible vessel of claim 1, wherein a bottom of the receptacle is air-permeable to allow the smoke to flow into the collapsible container.

3. The collapsible vessel of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is on top of the collapsible container.

4. The collapsible vessel of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is at least partially inside the collapsible container.

5. The collapsible vessel of claim 1, wherein the collapsible container comprises a hole configured to receive the receptacle for insertion.

6. The collapsible vessel of claim 1, wherein the collapsible container comprises a first metal plate on top, and a second metal plate on the bottom.

7. The collapsible vessel of claim 6, wherein the first metal plate and second metal plate are cylindrical.

8. The collapsible vessel of claim 1, wherein sides of the collapsible container comprise a flexible material to allow the collapsible container to contract and expand.

9. The collapsible vessel of claim 1, wherein the collapsible vessel is portable.

10. The collapsible vessel of claim 1, wherein the collapsible container does not contain water and does not contain water vapor.

11. A method for using a collapsible vessel for smoking, comprising: lighting a smokable material in a receptacle configured to hold the smokable material, and attachable to a collapsible container such that smoke from the smokable material in the receptacle flows into the collapsible container; and expanding the collapsible container configured to expand, contract and hold the smoke to draw the smoke into the collapsible container; and contracting the collapsible container to force the smoke out of a hole in the collapsible container.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising putting the smokable material in the receptacle before lighting the smokable material.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising attaching the receptacle to the collapsible container.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising removing the receptacle from the collapsible container after expanding the collapsible container.

15. The method claim 11, wherein a bottom of the receptacle is air-permeable to allow the smoke to flow into the collapsible container.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the receptacle is on top of the collapsible container.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the hole is configured to receive the receptacle for insertion.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein sides of the collapsible container comprise a flexible material to allow the collapsible container to contract and expand.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the collapsible vessel is portable.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the collapsible container does not contain water and does not contain water vapor.