Abstract:
The preferred embodiments of the present invention holds significant improvements and serves as an integrated pipe and lighter system apparatus comprising: a repository for containing a tobacco product; a selectively removable and refillable fuel container; a mouthpiece; an adjustable vented combustion chamber; an ignition switch; a fine gauge screen; a C-Clip; and a coarse screen. The integrated pipe and lighter system of the present invention substantially ensures the smoker will always have a “light” for consuming tobacco products. The fuel container of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention is refillable and has an adjustable flame height. The integrated pipe and lighter system can be safely stored during non-use periods in a protective storage tube.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/010,136, filed Jan. 7, 2008 which application is now pending and which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of pipes and more specifically relates to an apparatus incorporating a combination tobacco pipe and lighting device. 
         [0004]    2. Background Art 
         [0005]    Problems exist for tobacco smokers when ignition sources for lighting of a tobacco product are lost or misplaced. Tobacco smoking requires an initial flame or heat source to cause the tobacco to ignite so that the resulting smoke can be inhaled by the smoker. The smoker is thereby inconvenienced by being required to carry an independent ignition source such as a lighter or sulfur matches. This act itself may be dangerous because the potential ignition source is stored and ever-present on the smoker&#39;s person which can lead to burns if the right conditions are met. Sulfur matches may be come wet rendering them unusable; a lighter may become empty or lost, both conditions leave the smoker without a “light”. Without an ignition source the smoker is unable to consume the desired tobacco product. 
         [0006]    Many times tobacco smoke can be difficult to ignite or to keep lit due to windy conditions or damp tobacco. In conditions such as these the smoker must seek shelter from the elements and attempt to ignite the tobacco, often numerous times before actually consuming the product. Thus, a need exists for a safe, portable, self-contained, integrated pipe and lighter system to operate reliably, allowing the smoker to maintain a lit tobacco product for his enjoyment and to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention holds significant improvements and serves as an integrated pipe and lighter system apparatus comprising: a repository for containing a tobacco product; a selectively removable and refillable fuel container; a mouthpiece; an adjustable vented combustion chamber; an ignition switch; a fine gauge screen; a C-Clip; and a coarse screen. The integrated pipe and lighter system of the present invention substantially ensures the smoker will always have a “light” for consuming tobacco products. The fuel container of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention is refillable and has an adjustable flame height. The integrated pipe and lighter system can be safely stored during non-use periods in a protective storage tube. Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view, illustrating an integrated pipe and lighter system as used, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows an exploded sectional view, illustrating an integrated pipe and lighter system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  shows an exploded perspective view, illustrating the components of an integrated pipe and lighter system in accordance with one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  shows a flowchart, illustrating a method of use of an integrated pipe and lighter system assembly in accordance with one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    The present invention holds significant improvements in available methods of use for smoking tobacco products including: removing the integrated pipe and lighter system assembly from the protective storage tube; unscrewing the tobacco repository from the vented combustion chamber; loosely filling the tobacco repository with a tobacco product; screwing the tobacco repository back onto the vented combustion chamber; clicking and releasing the ignition switch to create an ignition of the tobacco product; inhaling the smoke intermittently until the tobacco product is consumed; removing the ashes that result from the consumed tobacco product from the tobacco repository; re-filling and reusing the integrated pipe and lighter system assembly if desired or allowing the integrated pipe and lighter system assembly to cool; and finally returning the integrated pipe and lighter system assembly to its protective storage tube. This unique method permits a smoker to conveniently smoke tobacco in windy and damp conditions. In addition, it is relatively cost-effective given that it provides the user with the option of using bulk tobacco instead of the more expensive custom blends. The integrated pipe and lighter system is durable, safe, relatively easy to disassemble and maintain and highly portable. 
         [0014]    The present invention offers the smoker a variety of options including the ability to insert a filter between the tobacco repository and the mouthpiece; the option to maintain and replace parts as needed by conveniently uncoupling the various parts from each other and cleaning them and reinstalling or replacing parts; the ability to dampen airflow into the vented combustion chamber according to user-preference as dictated by environmental conditions or preference. 
         [0015]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , showing a perspective view, illustrating an integrated pipe and lighter system  100  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Integrated pipe and lighter system  100  functions to allow at least one smoker  110  to inhale smoke exhausted from at least one tobacco product, which is contained within the body of integrated pipe and lighter system  100 . Integrated pipe and lighter system  100  is shown in use by smoker  110  and at least one preferred method of use is described in conjunction with  FIG. 4 . Integrated pipe and lighter system  100 , by its integrated design, permits smoker  110  to enjoy smoking tobacco product in adverse weather conditions that would be normally unsuitable for such activity. Wind and moisture have little effect on the combustion cycle for the tobacco product since integrated pipe and lighter system  100  is a substantially enclosed system. 
         [0016]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded sectional view of integrated pipe and lighter system assembly  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Integrated pipe and lighter system assembly  100  preferably comprises: at least one mouthpiece  112 ; at least one tobacco repository  114 ; at least one vented combustion chamber  116 ; and at least one fuel container  120 , as shown. 
         [0017]    Mouthpiece  112  preferably comprises a rubber-like material or similar soft but durable material and is preferably tapered to preferably provide a sealable friction fit onto or over the end of tobacco repository  114 . Mouthpiece  112  preferably isolates the heat produced by the burning of tobacco product  126  within tobacco repository  114  to protect a smoker from burning their mouth or lips when contacting integrated pipe and lighter system assembly  100 . 
         [0018]    Mouthpiece  112  preferably comprises at least one through bore allowing smoke to be inhaled from tobacco repository  114  into mouth and lungs of smoker  110 . Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other mouthpiece materials and configurations such as, for example, plastic, ceramic, various types of rubbers, mouthpieces having various numbers of holes, etc., may suffice. 
         [0019]    Tobacco repository  114  preferably comprises a cylindrically-shaped structure that is preferably machined from at least one durable material. More specifically, tobacco repository  114  preferably comprises an aluminum alloy or similar material which is durable, lightweight, cost-effective and easy to machine and provides for rapid heat dissipation when in use. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other tobacco repository materials or manufacturing methods such as, for example, other ferrous and non-ferrous metals or their alloys, ceramics, glass, formed using other forms of manufacturing such as molding, punching, etc. may suffice. 
         [0020]    Tobacco repository  114  preferably connects to vented combustion chamber  116  preferably via at least one male threaded connection preferably to at least one female threaded connection in vented combustion chamber  116 . Tobacco repository  114  also preferably comprises at least one fine gauge screen  130  preferably designed to prevent tobacco product  126  from entering mouthpiece  112 . Tobacco product  126  is purposely isolated from entering mouthpiece  112  in an effort to protect smoker  110  from potential burns and from the less palatable tastes that may occur if tobacco product  126  is allowed to enter the mouth of smoker  110 . Fine gauge screen  130  preferably comprises a ferrous or alternately preferably comprises suitable non-ferrous material able to withstand temperatures reached (in excess of about 800° C.) when tobacco product  126  is burning. Fine gauge screen  130  is preferably removable and easily replaceable should fine gauge screen  130  become damaged, clogged with tar, particulates or other such materials. Fine gauge screen  130  is preferably secured in place preferably using at least one C-Clip  132  acting as at least one securer. C-Clip  132  may be fitted into a groove designed to receive C-Clip  132  or simply press fit into the interior body of tobacco repository  114 . 
         [0021]    C-Clip  132  preferably comprises at least one ferrous material, more preferably made from spring steel to allow smoker  110  to intermittently remove, maintain or replace fine gauge screen  130 . Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other C-Clip materials such as, for example, other ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ceramics, and securing devices other than clips such as welds, notches, adhesives, etc. may suffice. 
         [0022]    Tobacco repository  114  most preferably comprises at least one external taper as shown, to preferably allow mouthpiece  112  to removably and sealably connect to tobacco repository  114 . Tobacco repository  114  preferably holds at least one volume of tobacco product  126  substantially equivalent to that of an average cigarette to provide maximum enjoyment for a smoker. Tobacco product  126  is preferably provided in granular or shredded form when loosely packed into tobacco repository  114 . A loose “pack”, allowing intermittent air space throughout tobacco product  126 , is preferable to promote an even burn when using integrated pipe and lighter system  100 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate the “tobacco product  126 ” is merely representative of any substance that may be ignited for the purpose of providing a smoking experience for a smoker and, accordingly, is not limited to tobacco products. 
         [0023]    Tobacco repository  114  may also optionally comprise at least one filter  115  depending on user preference. In addition, filter  115  may be positioned in mouthpiece  112  as well. Filter  115  is provided to screen out or remove certain less desirable portions of the smoke that is inhaled by the smoker. 
         [0024]    Vented combustion chamber  116  preferably comprises a cylindrically-shaped structure preferably machined from aluminum alloy preferably with at least one female threaded portion in each opposing end. Vented combustion chamber  116  preferably comprises at least one slotted orifice  117 , more preferably with four or more slotted orifices  117 , as shown. Slotted orifice  117  preferably permits air to enter vented combustion chamber  116  to facilitate substantial combustion of tobacco product  126 . Oxygen from the ambient atmosphere substantially freely enters and exits vented combustion chamber  116 , providing the necessary ingredients to allow ignition and continuing combustion to take place. Once tobacco product  126  is ignited, air rushes in through slotted orifices  117  to allow tobacco product  126  to continue burning while smoker  110  inhales smoke  128 . 
         [0025]    Vented combustion chamber  116  also preferably comprises at least one coarse screen  133  to preferably prevent tobacco product  126  from spilling from tobacco repository  114  into vented combustion chamber  116 . As with fine gauge screen  130 , coarse screen  133  is also held in position using at least one C-Clip  132 . Coarse screen  133  preferably comprises a suitable ferrous or non-ferrous material able to withstand temperatures greater than about 1300° C. when tobacco product  126  is being lit. Coarse screen  133  is preferably located nearest tobacco repository  114 . Vented combustion chamber  116  is preferably threadably connected to fuel container  120  and vented combustion chamber  116  while integrated pipe and lighter system  100  is in use. 
         [0026]    In at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, vented combustion chamber  116  may further comprise a rotatable damper mechanism. In this preferred embodiment, vented combustion chamber  116  comprises a dual cylinder mechanism for damping or adjusting the rate of flow of air into combustion chamber  116 . In this preferred embodiment, combustion chamber  116  comprises at least one rotatable outer vent cylinder and an inner cylinder. Both the outer vent cylinder and the inner cylinder comprise a plurality of slotted orifices  117 . Damping, is preferably accomplished by smoker  110  rotating the outer cylinder of vented combustion chamber  116  in relation to the inner cylinder of vented combustion chamber  116 , thereby reducing the effective air flow area by and limiting air flow volume through slotted orifices  117 . The action of rotating the two sets of slotted orifices  117  in relation to each other can effectively open or close slotted orifices  117  allowing more or less air flow. Moving the slotted orifices  117  so they are not inline to each other will preferably restrict air from entering vented combustion chamber  116 , allowing for a slower burn of tobacco product  126  once lit. 
         [0027]    Fuel container  120  preferably comprises a cylindrical shape and contains at least one fuel  122 , preferably butane, in a fuel reservoir. Fuel  122  can be ignited by a spark preferably created by smoker  110  pressing or otherwise activating ignition switch  118 . Ignition switch  118  preferably returns to its original position once smoker  110  releases ignition switch  118  after activation. Fuel container  120  is preferably refillable to make integrated pipe and lighter system  100  more cost-effective to use and maintain. In the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, fuel container  120  also provides at least one flame adjustment mechanism  123 , permitting smoker  110  to adjust the length of the flame to various user-preferred flame-heights. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of lighters as described herein, methods of ignition and alternately acceptable fuels will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
         [0028]    It should also be noted that the use of threaded components in conjunction with the various components of integrated pipe and lighter system assembly  100  is for purposes of illustration only and other suitable means of securing the various components of integrated pipe and lighter system assembly  100  together may be employed. For example, cam-lock fittings, compression fittings, or pressure fittings may also be used. However, the most preferred embodiments of the present invention will typically employ removably coupled threaded components for ease of manufacturing, assembly, and disassembly for cleaning, loading, re-filling, etc. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an exploded perspective view of integrated pipe and lighter system assembly  100  of  FIG. 1 , including protective storage tube  324 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Protective storage tube  324  preferably comprises a durable, lightweight material. The most preferred embodiments of protective storage tube  324  are manufactured from a non-ferrous metal, more specifically aluminum alloy because it is lightweight, durable, resistant to corrosion and aesthetically pleasing. Alternately, protective storage tube  324  may comprise suitable ferrous or non-ferrous materials. 
         [0030]    Protective storage tube  324  is preferably cylindrical in shape and designed to protect integrated pipe and lighter system  100  from damage derived from handling, and/or storing. Protective storage tube  324  has the preferred appearance of at least one cigar tube, as shown, that preferably comprises smooth edges to conveniently carry in a purse or a pocket of smoker  110 . Protective storage tube  324  preferably comprises exactly one cylinder  326 , preferably with an integral closed distal end portion, preferably at least one proximal removable lid  328 , and preferably at least one foam insert  330 . Preferably, foam insert  330  is located in lid  328  to reduce vibration, to substantially prevent damage and wear to mouthpiece  112  and further to provide a snug cushion-like fit for integrated pipe and lighter system  100 . 
         [0031]    Integrated pipe and lighter system assembly  100  may be preferably sold as at least one kit  340  preferably comprising the following parts: at least one mouthpiece  112 ; at least one tobacco repository  114 ; at least one vented combustion chamber  116 ; at least one fuel container  120 ; at least one fine gauge screen  130 ; at least one C-Clip  132 ; at least one coarse screen  133 ; exactly one protective storage tube  324 ; and at least one set of user instructions. Integrated pipe and lighter system assembly  100  may be preferably manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, with or without tobacco, with or without replacement fuel, with more than one protective storage tube and its comprised parts, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may suffice. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 , flowchart illustrates a method  400  of use of integrated pipe and lighter system assembly  100  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, smoker  110  removes integrated pipe and lighter system assembly  100  from protective storage tube  324  (step  410 ). It should be noted that step  410  is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Other optional steps of method  400  are also illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 4  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method  400 . Next, user  110  will open tobacco repository  114  (step  415 ). Step  415  is accomplished by uncoupling tobacco repository  114  from vented combustion chamber  116 . Then, user  110  will place tobacco product  126  into tobacco repository  114  (step  420 ). Next, tobacco repository  114  is closed (step  425 ) by coupling tobacco repository  114  to vented combustion chamber  116 . User  110  activates ignition switch  118  to create ignition of tobacco product  126  (step  430 ). Tobacco product  126  is then consumed by user  110  (step  435 ). After step  435 , user  110  may optionally decide to consume more tobacco product  126 , wherein user  110  may return to step  415 , as shown. 
         [0033]    The steps comprising  440 ,  445 ,  450 , and  455  are considered optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Step  440  comprises opening tobacco repository  114 , followed by step  445  removing any ash byproduct from tobacco repository  114  that may result from consuming tobacco product  126 . Step  450  comprises allowing integrated pipe and lighter system assembly  100  to cool and, then, user  110  may return integrated pipe and lighter system assembly  100  to protective storage tube  324  (step  410 ). It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may suffice. 
         [0034]    From the foregoing description, it should be appreciated that an integrated pipe and lighter system assembly  100  preferred embodiment and a method for manufacturing and use of the herein described integrated pipe and lighter system assembly  100  are provided and present significant benefits that would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations in the embodiments exist. Lastly, it should be appreciated that these embodiments are preferred exemplary embodiments only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description provides those skilled in the art with a convenient framework for implementing a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in the exemplary preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.