Abstract:
An improved vaporizer unit and water pipe assembly for extracting ingestible vapors from tobacco and herbs. Preferable embodiments of said assembly may comprise blown glass, colored glass, and adaptations for the safety of the user and to protect against breakability of said assembly. Other preferred features and embodiments include but are not limited to a cage secured to protect a central vessel housing a heating means, a hanger for storing, enhanced airflow, enhanced draw, and portability.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0004]    The present application relates to the fields of water pipes and tobacco vaporizers. 
         [0005]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0006]    The general concept of a water pipe has been in existence for centuries. Water pipes are also sometimes referred to as “Narghiles” or “hookahs,” with original popularity of the devices tracing back to Turkey around the time of Murat the IV around 1623-40, where they became an important part of coffee shop culture and a preferable means of smoking tobacco. (http://www.thehookah.com/history/1.htm). Typical hookah tobaccos would include a mixture of shredded tobacco leaf mixed in with a sweetener such as honey, molasses or semi-dried fruit, although more modern tobaccos feature glycerin as a primary sweetener because of humectant properties and the ability to readily mix with tobacco flavors, such as apple, strawberry, vanilla, mint, etc. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hookah). Water pipes are now also commonly used to extract active medicinal vapors from legal herbs such as eucalyptus, hops, chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, sage, thyme and many more. 
         [0007]    The function of a traditional water pipe is that when a smoker inhales through a tube, a pressure difference forces air past a lit coal, igniting tobacco that gives off smoke, which smoke is then pulled away from the tobacco, through a chamber of water and into the air of a smoke chamber-whence it is inhaled by the smoker. The smoke is delivered, substantially filtered of tar and nicotine, and of a pleasurable temperature cool to the user. The basic components of a water pipe or traditional Narghile have generally included a base or smoke chamber, which is partially filled with water; a bowl, which contains the tobacco; the heating apparatus, which is typically placed on top; the pipe, which connects the bowl to the base by a tube that plunges into the water; and a hose, which connects to a second tube in the pipe that does not plunge into the water, but only the air of the smoke chamber. A variety of adaptations have been made to this most basic arrangement. 
         [0008]    In recent years, it has been discovered that use of heating means, other than fire, or coals may be beneficial in the production of thicker vapor clouds, that are more flavorful, and with minimal toxic contaminants. These other devices are frequently referred to as “vaporizers.” Cigarettes, for instance, rely on a traditional incendiary device to light and continually smolder tobacco to extract flavor and active substances, such as nicotine. Smoke from cigarettes is loaded with products of combustion, many of which are known carcinogens. By contrast, vaporizers extract active compounds and flavors from tobacco products in a manner that typically results in fewer carcinogens and known health hazards such as tar, nitrosamines or soot-containing solids. Vaporizers operate principally by maintaining temperature just above the point of vaporization, but below the temperature point of combustion, so that important active plant substances are extracted directly to vapor and so that other combustible products are left behind. 
         [0009]    One popular vaporizer on the market is the “Volcano” vaporizer manufactured by Stortz &amp; Bickel of America, Inc. (http://www.vapormed. de/us_home.htm?x=93&amp;y=4), which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,524 to Stortz (2003) and in a series of related German patents. This “Volcano” vaporizes active plant substances by pumping air through a heated aluminum block, similar to an oven with aeration ducts, and by then delivering vapors to a balloon through which the user inhales the vapors. Water is not employed in the process, so the apparatus does not operate in the manner of a Narghile or “hookah” water pipe. Drawbacks of this product include, but are not limited to the absence of water filtration, so vapor is neither cooled, nor filtered of dust and metal oxides from a heating element. 
         [0010]    Another available vaporizer product is the VaporBrothers® vaporizer, viewable at http://www.vaporbrothers.com/pages/homepage.html. This is a vaporizing product, but does not employ any significant form of water filtration technology. Limitations of this product also include, but are not limited to restricted draw, narrow airflow, and the absence of water filtration so vapor is neither cooled, nor filtered of dust and metal oxides from a heating element. 
         [0011]    As described on http://www.vaposcience.com/and on http://www.aromed.com/en/aromed.html, another commercially available vaporizer product is the “AroMed” Vaporizer, which does employ water filtration. This vaporizer uses a light bulb to generate a hot air source. However, while the AroMed product has some use for herbal therapy, it performs in a different manner, and suffers from structural limitations that effect performance. The Aromed vaporizer does not adequately protect the user from heat or the device from breakage. Further, airflow in this product is restricted because of inadequate ventilation and narrow components that require a user to use excess suction to draw vapors through the components. The product has restricted vapor yield, is primarily stationary and must sit on a table. Other limitations are that this device exposes the user to bright light and heat from the bulb, thus presenting both a safety and aesthetic limitation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the present application to provide an improved vaporizer and related water pipe system. 
         [0013]    It is yet another object of the present application to provide a tobacco and herb vaporizer with improved airflow and for producing thick vapor clouds. Embodiments disclosed in the present application employ passageway components and air flow apertures with sufficient diameter to allow a fast and smooth draw. 
         [0014]    It is a further object of the present application to provide a water pipe featuring a halogen bulb element that produces clean, metal-oxide free heat. 
         [0015]    It is another preferable object of the present application to provide a water pipe and vaporizer assembly that are uniquely designed to be user friendly (avoiding burns to the user), which is easy to clean, and stores easily. A preferred embodiment of this application further features an assembly that is portable and facilitates passing to other users. 
         [0016]    It is a further object of the present application to provide for a light gun apparatus that causes beneficial room illumination, the appearance of color changes on glass surfaces and components of the water pipe. 
         [0017]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide large yields of vapor from relatively small quantities of herbs and tobacco products. 
         [0018]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a superior means of extracting active vapors from herbs such as eucalyptus, hops, chamomile, lavender, lemon balm sage, thyme, and many more. 
         [0019]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a temperature control through use of dimmer switches. 
         [0020]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a stylized water pipe with some hand blown components to be used in conjunction with a light activated vaporizer. An embodiment also preferably features thick colored glass, which is aesthetically pleasing to the user. 
         [0021]    Other objectives of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the invention has been shown and described. These objectives are not to be construed as limitations of applicant&#39;s invention, but are merely aimed to suggest some of the many benefits that may be realized by the apparatus of the present application and with its many embodiments. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0022]    The manner in which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can be obtained is explained in the following description and attached drawings in which: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective drawing of a preferable vaporizer pipe assembly. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the vaporizer unit of the present invention cradled on a safety and storage hanger assembly while disconnected from the remainder of the water pipe assembly. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the vaporizer unit of the present invention standing alone and featuring a preferable cage embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  comprise an exploded side view of the vaporizer unit of the present invention ( 4 A), further depicting how the vaporizer unit ( 4 A) is preferably insertable into a bowl unit ( 4 B). 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of the vaporizer unit, demonstrating how a preferable handle is affixed thereto and permits threading of the cord(s) from the power source to a heating means.  FIG. 5  further depicts a preferable ventilation feature and vent covering on the vaporizer unit. 
       
    
    
       [0028]    It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, drawings are not necessarily made to scale but are representative. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferable vaporizer pipe assembly  1 . Basic components of the shown assembly comprise a vaporizer unit  2  with a heating means  7 , where the vaporizer unit  2  is removably insertable into a bowl unit  15 . The bowl unit  15  is a reservoir for tobacco, herbs, or other items from which vapor is extracted. The bowl unit  15  inserts into a stem  32 , which stem is formed from an upper stem  20  and lower stem  21 . The stem  32  extends into a chamber  19  with upper stem  20  and lower stem  21  separated by a preferable chamber top  17 . The stem  32  will also be typically secured through chamber top  17  by use of a latex, rubber, cork, or synthetic rubber means, including grommets. Chamber top  17  typically features a plurality of holes formed therein, which serve to accommodate insertion by the stem  32  connected to the vapor source, chamber outlet  27 , and an optional “carb” or “choke” hole. It should, however, be noted that a “carb” is not necessary with the disclosed assembly  1  because of the operation of the vaporizer and because a user can simply remove central vessel  9  from bowl unit  15  and clear vapor from the chamber. Applicant has found preferable distances of 10 to 30 millimeters between respective holes to be preferable, and also that holes may be angled toward one another. Vapor from operation of the vaporizer pipe assembly is drawn by sucking action of the user down through the bowl unit  15 , through the stem  32  and into a chamber  19 , which chamber  19  typically contains liquid through which vapors are filtered. The distal portion of stem  32  is typically submersed beneath the liquid in the chamber  19 . Chamber liquids may vary, but are typically water, mineral water, juices, alcohol, or any variety of flavor containing beverages. The chamber  19  may also preferably contain ice, which tends to cool incoming vapors. Vapors enter the chamber  19 , which vapors may have been filtered through liquid, then proceed to and through chamber outlet  27  where they are drawn by the user through a preferable hosepipe  23 , the end of which may preferably employ a mouthpiece. Hosepipe  23  may be formed in multiple segments, which in total will typically be in the range of 50 to 200 millimeters in length being preferable to achieve beneficial airflow, and wherein the inside diameter of a hosepipe  23  is preferably in the range of 7 to 15 millimeters at a narrowest point along the hosepipe, with a still further preferable diameter being  10  millimeters. Applicant has found that the vaporizer pipe assembly  1  preferably will also operate with superior draw when the inside diameter of all components is equal to or greater than 10 millimeters. Bulbous segments may be added to the hosepipe  23  to increase airflow, or to modify the pipe&#39;s draw. The hosepipe  23  may additionally feature flexible sections for user convenience. The hosepipe  23  may additionally employ a preferable backflow prevention valve, such as manufactured by Bel-Art Products, Inc., with airflow check valves with a tubing taper of 9/16 to ⅜ inches. This backflow valve may be secured in a mouthpiece, hosepipe  23 , or at a position disposed in the chamber top  17 . 
         [0030]    Another feature viewable in the embodiment of  FIG. 1  is a protective cage  3  surrounding the vaporizer unit  2 , which cage helps to protect the user from burns, which may also protect the vaporizer unit  2  from damage or breakage, and which may also facilitate storage of the vaporizer unit  2  on a hanger  25  ( FIG. 2 ) when not assembled or in use. A handle  11  is featured affixed to vaporizer unit  2 , with the handle featuring a grip  13 , and wherein the handle further features a preferably hollow passageway through which cord(s)  22  that are connected to a power source  29  may pass through to supply power to heating means  7 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the vaporizer unit  2  as it appears when preferably hung on a hanger  25  when not in immediate use. Vaporizer unit  2  is typically formed from glass, so it can be subject to breakage. Vaporizer unit  2  is also hot to the touch after use. Therefore, a hanger  25  is a very beneficial embodiment for use with the vaporizer unit  25  to avoid bums, to avoid breakage of the product, or for simply storing the vaporizer unit  25  when the remaining portions of the vaporizer pipe assembly  1  are being used or cleaned. The hanger  25  embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  defines a snaking shape, where the lower portion forms a partial circle, or coil for support, and where an upper portion of the hanger  25  rises steeply from the coil to form a hook  26  to which the vaporizer unit  2  may be attached, preferably by hanging. The hook  26  may secured to the handle  11  or to any portion of cage  3 . A preferable hook  26  would be in the range of 20 to 50 millimeters of hanger  25 . For ideal support of vaporizer unit  2 , hanger  25  has a base width of a range of 100 to 200 millimeters in width and a height of up to 200 millimeters. Those skilled in the arts will appreciate that a hanger  25  may assume a variety of forms, however, with a primary function being to suspend for convenience and safety the vaporizer unit  2 . The hanger  25  is also a good place to suspend the vaporizer unit  2  as it is warmed up for use. The hanger  25  may be formed of any of a variety of materials that may include, but are not limited to plastic, metal, metal alloys, powder-coated or covered metals, plastics or alloys. Applicant has found copper wire particularly suitable for use in forming a hanger  25 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of the vaporizer unit  2 , showing in more detail a preferable embodiment featuring cage  3 . As indicated in previous paragraphs, cage  3  is beneficial inasmuch as it shields the user from burns, serves to protect the vaporizer unit  2  from breakage, and because it may also serve as a location for hanging of the vaporizer unit  2  from a hanger  25 . Other benefits will be appreciated by those skilled in the arts. With these listed benefits in mind, a cage  3  may take many forms, but the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3  features a preferable shape defined by predominantly circular or basket shape that envelops the vaporizer unit  2 . This embodiment features a cage  3  with a frame member  5 , further comprising upper and lower sections with a plurality of cross members  6  affixed therebetween. Cross members  6  serve for support, decoration, and for safety of both the user and vaporizer unit  2 . Said cross members  6  may also take the form of one woven piece of wire to make many cross members. Cage  3  is preferably formed from any of the groups of materials, including but not limited to, metals, alloys, copper, aluminum, plastics, combinations thereof, or composite materials, with or without protective coatings. A cage  3  might also readily take the form of a guard of uniform construction, for instance, Plexiglas® plastic, or other plastic shield, including but not limited to acrylic, PVC, polycarbonate, vinyl, polyethylene, polypropylene or other plastic. The cage  3  of the present figure is fixed securely or removably to vaporizer unit  2 , and preferably at or near handle  11 . The cage  3  may also be fixed securely, or removably (if desired) to the vaporizer unit  2  by a fastening means  31 . The fastening means  31  shown in  FIG. 3  is a metal wire twisted around and through handle  11  and cage  3  and securing upper and lower segments of frame member  5  to one another. In yet another embodiment of cage  3 , there is a frame member  5  with upper and lower sections (preferably of “C” shapes) fixedly secured to one another by both a U-shaped backbone and a front arm piece, both of which extend between and connect the upper and lower sections of frame member  5 . The front arm piece ranges from 50 to 80 millimeters in height and the U-shaped backbone ranges from 15 to 40 millimeters in height, the latter of which U-shaped backbone is typically cut from wire in the range of 80 to 150 millimeters in overall length. In this embodiment, upper section and lower sections of frame member  5  are bent into “C” shapes from wires preferably 200 to 280 millimeters in length. Applicant has found that upper and lower sections, U-shaped backbone, and front arm piece are preferably formed from ten-gauge copper wire, and that twenty-gauge or smaller solid copper wire may be wrapped around and between upper and lower sections approximately 10 to 30 millimeters apart to keep fingers from contacting the hot surface of vaporizer unit  2 . Other gauges of wire might also be suitable. A fastening means  31  wraps around and securely fixes U-shaped backbone of cage  3  to vaporizer unit  2 , preferably around handle  11 . Also shown is a knob  30 , which is a preferable useful feature, typically formed of glass (but other materials may be used) to aid with attachment of the cage  3  or fastening means  31  to vaporizer unit  2 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  further depicts a handle  11  featuring a hollow channel extending therethrough for power cords  22 . The handle  11  features holes, typically in the range of 3 to 10 millimeters in diameter through which the cord(s)  22  may pass to the heating means  7 . The handle  11 , as well as the vaporizer unit  2  are preferably formed from blown glass, so these cord holes may be formed when the glass is blown. A grip  13  is preferably affixed to handle  11 , with an optional indention  16  particularly well suited for a user&#39;s thumb. A preferable handle  11  length is in the range of 40 to 80 millimeters in height and may also be spaced from the central vessel  9  in the range of 12 to 40 millimeters by use of at least one side support(s)  14 . This distance from the central vessel  9  has been found to be adequate to protect the user&#39;s fingers and facilitate ease of use. At least one side support(s)  14  are also employed to fixedly connect handle  11  to central vessel  9 , with preferable diameters of such side support(s) typically ranging from 8 to 12 millimeters. Where an “L” shaped handle  11  is employed, the lower portion of the “L” is of an outwardly extending length in the range of 20 to 50 millimeters. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  demonstrate a typical function of an embodiment of the application and how vaporizer unit  2  is insertable into bowl unit  15 . This embodiment of vaporizer unit  2  is formed from a central vessel  9 , which is preferably glass blown, and further defining a lower vessel  10 , which lower vessel is of a shape removably insertable into an upper opening  18  of bowl unit  15 .  FIG. 4A  shows how lower vessel  10  is typically of a lesser circumference than central vessel  9 . Also,  FIG. 4A  shows side supports  14 , which serve to fixedly connect handle  11  to the body of central vessel  9 , and which side supports may also be formed of blown glass.  FIG. 4A  also shows an “L” shaped handle  11 , which Applicant has found to be a useful shape. A suitable attachment point for a knob  30  is at a central point along handle  11  to best accommodate balanced hanging of vaporizer unit  2  on hanger  25  ( FIG. 2 ). 
         [0035]    The vaporizer unit  2  shown in  4 A largely serves the purposes of raising the temperature within the central vessel  9  to a point where active ingredients in plant substances, herbs and tobacco will be turned to vapor, which temperature is in a preferable range of 266 to 374 degrees Fahrenheit (130-190 degrees Celsius). To generate the heat required to form vapor, a heating means  7  is used, which is connected by power cord(s)  22  to a power source  29 , which power source  29  is typically a wall outlet, although other battery sources are contemplated. The heating means  7  also works with a bulb  4 , preferably halogen, and which heating means  7  may also employ a dimmer switch to adjust the intensity of the vaporizing heat to accomplish maximal vaporization and at a level preferable to the user. Preferable bulbs are 100 to 200 watt bulbs. One preferable bulb  4  is a 100-watt halogen bulb, with mini-candela screw base, such as the Light Bulbs Etc., Inc. (Item Number JD-Q100T3/CL/MC/130V). A preferable dimmer is of the variety such as the Credenza Lamp Dimmer by Lutron, Model No.TT-300 for incandescent lamps. A hole in the top of vaporizer unit  2  is preferably in the range of 10-20 millimeters, which best accommodates the bulb  4  and heating means  7 . To generate adequate vapors within the vaporizer unit  2  and to have the correct draw on the vaporizer pipe assembly  1 , adequate supply of air is also required, which is accomplished by and through at least one air flow aperture(s)  8  formed through a wall of central vessel  9 . Air flow aperture(s)  8  are preferably in the range of 2 to 10 millimeters in diameter, with a further preference being apertures of 2-3 millimeters. A vent covering  12  is featured on this embodiment, with this vent covering  12  being of a preferable width range of 5 to 25 millimeters and occurring at a preferable distance from the top hole in the central vessel  9  in a range of 20 to 30 millimeters. Corresponding air flow aperture(s)  8  are also preferably located a distance down from the top hole in the central vessel  9  in a range of 20 to 30 millimeters. They may also be located on opposite sides of central vessel  9 . Vent coverings  12  are preferably made of blown glass. Air flow apertures  8  are typically blown out first, then pushed in with a glass blowing tool, thus creating a depression with a hole in it, and whereupon a vent covering  12  may then be fashioned. The bulb  4  of the heating means  7  also is situated far enough above the bowl unit  15  to maximize air flow around the bulb  4  and generate thick vapor clouds. A typical halogen bulb used by this embodiment would be in a range of 35 to 60 millimeters in length, so the central vessel  9  should accommodate the bulb with adequate space to circulate air and extracted vapors. The central vessel  9  of the vaporizer unit  2  is of a height in a range of 50 to 100 millimeters and featuring a maximum central width in a range of 25 to 60 millimeters in width. The lower portion of the vaporizer unit  2 , which is labeled as lower vessel  10  is preferably of height in the range of 15 to 35 millimeters and featuring a hole at its base so that base is in the range of 10 to 30 millimeters in total diameter. The width of this hole at the base of lower vessel  10  is such that it will readily insert into upper opening  18  of bowl unit  15 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 4B  is a cross sectional view of bowl unit  15 , which features an upper opening  18 , a lower opening  24 , and screen  28  situated therebetween. The substance (tobacco, herbs) to be vaporized is placed on the screen  28  by the user, the vaporizer unit  2  is then inserted into the bowl unit  15 , and the heating means  7  is activated (if it has not already been activated previously), thereby, generating vapors from the substances heated. A user may typically warm up the vaporizer unit  2  for 10 to 20 minutes prior to using to accomplish vaporization. This vapor may then be drawn down through the vaporizer unit  2  by suction of the user, through the bowl unit  15 , stem  32 , chamber  19 , through chamber outlet  27 , and then hosepipe  23  after which point the user may consume the vapors. Bowl unit  15  has its upper opening  18  being of a diameter typically in the range of 20 to 30 millimeters, with up to 25 millimeters in width being a further preferable diameter. A total diameter of the top of bowl unit  15  is in a range of 30 to 40 millimeters. The inside surface of bowl unit  15  defines a lower vessel shelf  33 , suited for lower vessel  10  to rest on when the vaporizer unit  2  is inserted therein. This lower vessel shelf  33  occurs at a location preferably in the range of 20 to 30 millimeters down from upper opening  18 , with a further preferable distance being 25 millimeters down from upper opening  18 . This lower vessel shelf  33  occurs suitably at a point inside the bowl unit  15  where the interior diameter measures approximately 18 millimeters, although a range of 15 to 20 millimeters would also be typical. At a location within bowl unit  15  in the range of 10 to 30 millimeters down, when measured from lower vessel shelf  33 , there is preferably located a screen receiving means  34  (preferably a screen shelf). Yet another preferable distance for the screen receiving means  34  to occur is 15 millimeters when measured down from lower vessel shelf  33 . Yet another way to state this suitable dimension is that the base of the lower vessel  10  (which is part of vaporizer unit  2  containing the bulb) is in a range of 10 to 30 millimeters from the screen. Further, the tip of the bulb  4  is preferably in the range of 50 to 85 millimeters from the screen  28 . This is a preferable distance between the heat source and screen to vaporize plant materials and enjoy suitable vapor production. The diameter of lower opening  24  and the interior diameter space of the bowl unit  15  beneath screen  28  is typically in the range of  12  to  14  millimeters. The lower portion of bowl unit  15  inserts into a stem  32  that extends into chamber  19 , which chamber is preferably a clear glass vessel with a total volume in the range of 0.3 to 2 liters, with 0.85 liters being further preferable. A typical height for the bowl unit  15  is in the range of 70 to 130 millimeters. Stem  32  may be formed of a variety of materials, including but not limited to glass, plastics, metal, rubber or rubber synthetics, however applicant has found a latex hose preferable for the upper stem  20 , with a 50-65 millimeter length, and approximate 34 inch inside diameter. Lower stem  21  may also be formed from any of the materials of suitable equivalents, but applicant has found 19-millimeter borosilicate clear tubing to be preferable. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4A , but showing the heating means  7  when not inserted into the top portion of vaporizer unit  2 . The preferred heating means for vaporizing substances is bulb  4 , which is also typically a halogen bulb. During use, heating means  7  is fixedly secured to the top portion or vaporizer unit  2 . The heating means  7  may be secured by a variety of means, including but not limited to snapping into place, clamps, or by screwing in by a threadable means. Applicant has found a preferable securing to be accomplished by a snug fit of heating means  7  to the hole defining a top portion of vaporizer unit  2 . 
         [0038]    Many of the principal components of the vaporizer pipe assembly  1  are preferably featured in blown glass. These parts may include but are not limited to portions of the vaporizer unit  2 , namely, the vaporizer handle  11 , central vessel  9 , lower vessel  10 , side supports  14 , vent covering  12 , air flow aperture  8 , bowl unit  15 , stem  32 , chamber  19 , or hosepipe  23 . It should be noted that pipe assembly  1  may also feature components that are not hand blown, but rather could be commercially available molded glass components, for instance chamber  19 . Applicant has further found that the use of colored glass contributes to a pleasing visual sensation while using the vaporizer pipe assembly. For instance, when red glass is used in the components to the vaporizer unit  2 , the bulb  4  of the heating means  7  generates a deep red glow throughout the room where the vaporizer pipe assembly  1  is in use. Other colors may be contemplated, or clear components as well. It should be noted that in a preferable embodiment featuring colored glass, the central vessel  9  will typically change colors when heated because of interactions with color treatments of the glass, light and heat. For instance, the central vessel  9  can change colors as heated or cooled from yellow to orange, orange to red, red to dark red/brown and vice versa. A typical color change could be expected as a pipe cools over approximately five minutes. Applicant has found that certain colors are preferable to accomplish the color changes described and also to form a suitably opaque color to adequately shield the user from the bright light and heat from a halogen bulb, such colors including but not limited to cadmium metal containing colors marketed by Glass Alchemy, Ltd. (www.glassalchemyarts.com), such as red crayon #1104, orange crayon #1204, and yellow crayon #1304, olive green crayon #1406, chartreuse crayon #1403, chocolate crayon #1804. Applicant has further found that for colors to serve their intended purposes, at least two layers, and preferably three layers should be applied prior to blowing out the shape of central vessel  9 . 
         [0039]    Disclosed is a vaporizer pipe assembly comprising a vaporizer unit featuring a heating means affixed within a central vessel of said vaporizer unit where a lower vessel defining a lower portion of said vaporizer unit is insertable into a bowl unit; said bowl unit removably insertable into a stem securely affixed and extending through a chamber top into a chamber, and, a chamber outlet extending through said chamber top. Further disclosed is a vaporizer pipe assembly comprising a vaporizer unit with a central vessel formed from blown glass. Further disclosed is a vaporizer pipe assembly comprising a cage affixed to said vaporizing unit by fastening means. Also disclosed is a vaporizer pipe assembly comprising a central vessel formed from colored glass. Disclosed is a vaporizer pipe assembly wherein said cage is formed from wire, and also a vaporizer pipe assembly wherein said central vessel has at least one air flow aperture formed through a wall of said central vessel. Disclosed is a vaporizer pipe assembly wherein said air flow aperture(s) are in the range of 2 to 10 millimeters in diameter. Disclosed is a vaporizer pipe assembly wherein said cage further comprises a frame member with upper and lower sections with a plurality of cross members affixed therebetween said upper and lower sections and wherein said cage is secured to said vaporizer unit or handle by a fastening means. Disclosed is a vaporizer pipe assembly wherein said bowl unit further comprises an upper opening for receiving said lower vessel, a lower opening at a base of said bowl unit, and a screen receiving means situated therebetween said upper and lower openings. Disclosed is a vaporizer pipe assembly further comprising a hanger. Disclosed is a vaporizer unit comprising: a central vessel with a heating means removably affixed within said central vessel; said heating means electrically connected to a power source; said central vessel featuring at least one air flow aperture disposed thereon; and, a lower vessel defining a lower portion of said vaporizer unit. Also disclosed is a vaporizer unit wherein said central vessel is formed from blown glass, and another embodiment wherein said central vessel is formed from colored glass. Disclosed is a vaporizer unit wherein said central vessel changes colors. Disclosed is a vaporizer further comprising a heating means that is a halogen bulb; and another embodiment where the vaporizer unit further comprises a heating means that may be precisely controlled by use of a dimmer. Disclosed is a vaporizer unit further comprising a handle. Disclosed is a also a vaporizer wherein said handle features a hollow passageway extending therethrough to pass through power cords supplying said heating means with electricity. Disclosed is a vaporizer unit wherein said air flow apertures are covered by a vent covering; and yet another embodiment where said air flow apertures are in the range of 4 to 10 millimeters in diameter. Disclosed further is a cage for a vaporizer unit comprising a frame member fixed to a vaporizer unit by a fastening means and also a another embodiment of the cage further comprising upper and lower sections with a plurality of cross members affixed therebetween. 
         [0040]    It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention, are not to scale, and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments which are appreciated by those skillful in the arts.