Patent Abstract:
A pipe comprises a combustion bowl with bowl vents; an inhalation path for drawing smoke from the combustion bowl through the bowl vents during inhalation; an exhalation filter; and an exhalation path for forcing exhaled smoke through the exhalation filter during exhalation.

Full Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of and hereby incorporates by reference provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/238,091, entitled “Enclosed Smoking Device,” filed on Aug. 28, 2009, by inventor Kelly J. Adamic; provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/242,229, entitled “Enclosed Smoking Device with Timed Ignition Button,” filed on Sep. 14, 2009, by inventor Kelly J. Adamic; and provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/327,064, entitled “Smoke and Odor Elimination Filter and Devices,” filed on Apr. 22, 2010, by inventor Kelly J. Adamic. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0003]    This invention relates generally to smoking devices, and more particularly relates to smoke and odor elimination filters, devices and methods. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    Smoking is a practice in which a combustible substance, e.g., tobacco, cannabis or herbs, is burned and the resulting smoke inhaled. Combustion of the substance causes the release of active drugs such as nicotine or THC and makes them available for absorption through the lungs. The most common way of smoking today is through cigarettes, primarily industrially manufactured but also hand-rolled using rolling paper. Other smoking tools includes traditional pipes, cigars, hookahs and bongs. 
         [0005]    People smoke for recreation, as a part of rituals, in search of a spiritual enlightenment, and for medical purposes. The history of smoking can be dated to as early as 5000 BC, and has been recorded in many different cultures around the world. Early smoking evolved in association with religious ceremonies, as offerings to deities, in cleansing rituals, or as a process of divination. The practice of smoking has become commonplace. 
         [0006]    It will be appreciated that, while cannabis for recreational use is illegal in many parts of the world, its use as a medicine is legal in a number of territories, including Canada, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Israel, Italy, Finland, and Portugal. In the United States, permission for medical cannabis varies from state to state, several having enacted laws to allow regulated cannabis consumption, possession, cultivation, and distribution for medicinal use. 
         [0007]    When non-smokers are exposed to secondhand smoke, it is commonly referred to as passive smoking. Non-smokers who breathe in secondhand smoke take in the nicotine, THC and/or other chemicals just like smokers do. Passive smoking has played a central role in the debate over the harms and regulation of tobacco products. Since the early 1970s, the tobacco industry has been concerned about passive smoking as a serious threat to its business interests. Passive smoking was perceived as motivation for stricter regulation of tobacco products as well as for smoking bans in workplaces and indoor public establishments, such as restaurants, bars and night clubs. 
         [0008]    Smoking releases odors that get into hair, clothing, and other surfaces, even after the smoke is no longer visible. Some researchers call this remnant odor “thirdhand” smoke. Essentially, the particles caused by smoking settle on surfaces and can be measured long after a person has finished smoking. 
         [0009]    What is desired is a mechanism for reducing or eliminating secondhand and thirdhand smoke. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    In accordance with some embodiments, the present invention provides a pipe, comprising a combustion bowl with bowl vents; an inhalation path for drawing smoke from the combustion bowl through the bowl vents during inhalation; an exhalation filter; and an exhalation path for forcing exhaled smoke through the exhalation filter during exhalation. 
         [0011]    The pipe may further comprise a mouthpiece on both the inhalation path and the exhalation path. The inhalation path may include a one-way inhalation valve between the combustion bowl and the mouthpiece. The pipe may further comprise a lid over the combustion bowl, the lid creating a substantially airtight inhalation seal with the combustion bowl. The lid may include a one-way inhalation valve. The pipe may further comprise exhalation vents, wherein the exhalation path includes a one-way exhalation valve between the mouthpiece and the exhalation vents. The one-way exhalation valve may be part of the exhalation filter. The exhalation filter may include an exhalation filter cartridge. The pipe may further comprise an internal lighter for providing a flame to the combustion bowl. The pipe may further comprise a timed ignition switch for controlling the length of time that a flame is delivered to the combustion bowl. The exhalation filter may include a housing, a HEPA filter, and a foam core. The foam core may include a central bore extending the length of the foam core, and the foam core includes odor absorbing chemicals for removing the odor from the exhaled smoke. 
         [0012]    In accordance with some embodiments, the present invention provides a method, comprising burning a combustible substance in a combustion bowl having bowl vents, the burning combustible substance creating smoke; channeling at least portions of the smoke from the combustion bowl through the bowl vents to a smoker; receiving exhaled smoke from the smoker; channeling the exhaled smoke to an exhalation filter; and filtering the exhaled smoke by the exhalation filter. 
         [0013]    The smoke from the combustion bowl may be channeled to the smoker via a mouthpiece and the exhaled smoke may be received through the same mouthpiece. The method may further comprise preventing the exhaled smoke from being delivered to the combustion bowl. The method may further comprise preventing the smoke from the combustion bowl from including air from the exhalation filter. The method may further comprise controlling the length of time that a flame is delivered to the combustible substance in the combustion bowl. The exhalation filter may include a housing, a HEPA filter, and a foam core. The foam core may include a central bore extending the length of the foam core, and the foam core may include odor absorbing chemicals for removing the odor from the exhaled smoke. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIGS. 1   a - 1   e  illustrate a smoke and odor elimination smoking pipe, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the pipe of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the flip-top lid assembly of the pipe of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the flip-top lid assembly of  FIG. 2  positioned for connection to the bowl housing of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 5   a - 5   f  illustrate the internal details of the pipe of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of a smoke and odor elimination smoking pipe, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of an exhalation pipe, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 8   a - 8   d  illustrate details of the exhalation pipe of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 9   a - 9   e  illustrate a smoke and odor elimination smoking pipe, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10   a  illustrates an exploded view of the pipe of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   e , in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10   b  illustrates an exploded view of the pipe of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   e , in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 11   a - 11   c  illustrate details of the pipe of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   e , in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 12   a - 12   c  illustrate the pipe of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   e , in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a sectional side view of a smoke and odor elimination smoking pipe, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a sectional side view of a smoke and odor elimination smoking pipe, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is a section side view of the ignition button assembly of  FIG. 14  in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 16   a - 16   e  illustrate the exhalation filter cartridge, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 17   a  and  b  illustrate details of the exhalation filter cartridge of  FIGS. 16   a - 16   e , in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is an exploded view of the exhalation filter cartridge of  FIGS. 16   a - 16   e , in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  is an exploded view of the exhalation filter cartridge of  FIGS. 16   a - 16   e , in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIGS. 20   a - 20   d  illustrate an exhalation filter cartridge with a retaining clip, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to the embodiments are possible, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to these and other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments and applications shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles, features and teachings disclosed herein. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 1   a - 1   e  illustrate a smoke and odor elimination pipe  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of the pipe  100 .  FIG. 1   b  is a side view of the pipe  100 .  FIG. 1   c  is a top view of the pipe  100 .  FIG. 1   d  is a bottom view of the pipe  100 .  FIG. 1   e  is a front view of the pipe  100 . 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   e , the pipe  100  has six sides, namely, a top side  151 , a bottom side  152 , a front side  153 , a rear side  154 , a left side  155 , and a right side  156 . The pipe  100  includes a mouthpiece  105  and one-way exhalation vents  115  on the front side  153 , and a flip-top lid  110  with one-way inhalation vents  120  on the top side  151 . 
         [0038]    In use, the smoker opens the lid  110 , exposing a combustion bowl (not shown) with combustible substance therein. The smoker applies a flame over the combustible substance, e.g., using a butane lighter, and inhales through the mouthpiece  105 . Airflow causes the combustible substance to burn and smoke to pass through an inhalation path in the pipe  100  via an inhalation filter (not shown) and out the mouthpiece  105  to the smoker. The smoker closes the lid  110 , which effectively prevents air from flowing out the opening exposed when the lid  110  is open. Air can still be drawn through the one-way inhalation vents  120 . The smoker then exhales through the same mouthpiece  105 . The smoke passes through an exhalation path in the pipe  100  through an exhalation filter (not shown) and out the exhalation vents  115 . The exhalation filter scrubs the smoke and odor particles. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, the pipe  100  is about 4 inches long (front to rear), 1.5 inches tall (top to bottom), and ⅞ inch wide (left to right). Components of the pipe  100  may be made of a metal such as aluminum or of plastic. 
         [0040]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the pipe  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0041]    The pipe  100  includes a body  201  with two channels, namely, a lower channel  210  and an upper channel  211 . An end cap  208  with a through-hole (not shown) is positioned on the rear end of the lower channel  210 . A bowl housing  202 , possibly made of aluminum, is positioned near the rear side of the body  201 , behind the end cap  208 . Although not shown, bowl vents may be disposed on the underside of the bowl  212 . The shape of the bowl housing  202  allows air to be drawn through the bowl vents on the underside of the bowl  212  to an intermediate chamber behind the end cap  208  and through the upper channel  211 . Although not shown, in some embodiments, an inhalation filter may be positioned in the upper channel  211 . The shape of the bowl housing  202  also allows air to pass from the upper channel to the intermediate chamber under the bowl  212 , through the end cap  208 , and through the lower channel  210 . 
         [0042]    A fitting  205  is positioned in the front end of the body  201 . The fitting  205  includes two passageways, namely, an upper passageway  213  that interfaces with the upper channel  211  and a lower passageway  214  that interfaces with the lower channel  210 . In some embodiments, the fitting  205  is attached airtight to the body  210 , e.g., using glue. The upper passageway  213  may be configured to accept the mouthpiece  105  mounted therein, possibly with an o-ring  204  therebetween to create an airtight seal. The lower passageway  214  may be configured to accept an exhalation filter cartridge  203  into the lower channel  210  and an exhalation vent cap  206 . In some embodiments, the exhalation vent cap  206  is removable to allow replacement of the exhalation filter cartridge  203 . In some embodiments, the end cap  206  is part of or integrated with the exhalation filter cartridge  203 . 
         [0043]    The pipe  100  includes an inhalation path and an exhalation path. As shown and described with reference to the pipe  100 , the inhalation path and exhalation path of pipe  100  overlap. To ensure that air is not drawn from the exhalation filter cartridge  203  during inhalation and that air is not forced through the combustion bowl  212  during exhalation, one or more one-way inhalation valves and one or more one-way exhalation valves may be employed. In some embodiments, the one-way inhalation valve may be attached to the flip top lid  110 . In some embodiments, the one-way inhalation valve may be a flap (similar to the flap  303  of  FIG. 3 ) positioned on the under side of the flip-top lid  110 . Therefore, during exhalation, the inhalation flap prevents air from exiting the flip-top lid  110 , and forces the air through the lower channel. In some embodiments, a one-way exhalation valve may be disposed in or on the exhalation filter cartridge  203 , in the body  201 , on the end cap  208 , or in the exhalation vent cap  206 . In some embodiments, the one-way exhalation valve may be a flap (similar to the flap  303  of  FIG. 3 ) positioned on the front side of the end cap  208 . Thus, during inhalation, the flap prevents air from being drawn from the lower channel  210 , and allows air to flow through the lower channel. 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a flip-top lid assembly  300 , in accordance with some embodiments. The flip-top lid assembly  300  includes the flip-top lid  110  with inhalation vents  120  therethrough, a rear wall  312  extending downward from the backside of the lid  110 , a pivot bore  310  through the rear wall  312  from the left to the right, and a finger lever  311  that when positioned on the body  201  extends past the rear side  154  to cause rotation of the flip-top lid about the pivot bore  310  when pressed upon. A first dowel  308  is inserted into the pivot bore  310  and lee torsion springs  307  are attached to the first dowel  308 . The first dowel  308  may include a dowel bore  315  therethrough. 
         [0045]    As shown, a one-way inhalation flap  303  may be attached to the lid  110  to prevent airflow out of the inhalation vents  120 . A lid gasket  302  may be positioned on the underside of the lid  110 , and held in place by a combustion bowl plate  305 . The combustion bowl plate  305  may be secured to the lid  110  using screws  304 . It will be appreciated that the combustion bowl plate  305  may be made of metal to protect the gasket  302  and the one-way inhalation flap  303  from damage by the burning combustible substance in the bowl  212 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the flip-top lid assembly  300  positioned for connection to the bowl housing  202 . As shown, a second dowel  403  may be positioned through holes  402  in the bowl housing  202  and through the dowel bore  315  of the first dowel  308 . It will be further appreciated that the lee torsion springs  307  may be used to bias the flip-top lid  110  in a closed and to press the lid gasket  302  in an airtight position on the bowl housing  202 . Pressing on the finger lever  311  causes a rotational force to counter the bias of the springs  307 , thus opening the flip-top lid assembly  300  to expose the bowl  212 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 5   a - 5   f  illustrate the internal details of the pipe  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0048]      FIG. 5   a  illustrates a front view of the pipe  100 , and identifies plane A-A half way between the left and right sides of the front face. 
         [0049]      FIG. 5   b  illustrates a sectional view of the pipe  100  at plane A-A. When the flip-top lid  110  is open or closed, inhalation draws air from the mouthpiece  105 , which draws air from the upper channel  211 , which draws air from an intermediate path  503 , which draws air from a intermediate chamber  505  under the bowl  212 . A one-way exhalation flap  507  prevents air from being drawn from the lower channel  210  and the exhalation filter cartridge  203 . Instead, air is drawn through bowl vents  520  on the underside of the bowl  212 , which draws smoke from the burning combustible substance in the bowl  212 . This may be referred to as the “inhalation path,” in this embodiment. During exhalation, air is forced into the mouthpiece  105 , which forces air into the upper chamber  211 , which forces air through the intermediate path  503  to the intermediate chamber  505 . The one-way inhalation flap  303  in the flip-top lid assembly  300  (see  FIG. 3 ) prevents air from being forced through combustion bowl  202 . Instead, the one-way exhalation flap  507  in the lower channel  210  opens, allowing the air to pass into the lower channel  210 , though the exhalation filter cartridge  203 , and out the exhalation vents  115 . In some embodiments, the exhalation flap  507  (or some other one-way exhalation valve) may be positioned in this and/or other locations, such as in the exhalation filter cartridge  203  or near the exhalation vents  115 . This may be referred to as the “exhalation path,” in this embodiment. 
         [0050]      FIG. 5   c  illustrates a sectional view of the rear portion of the pipe  100  through the bowl  212 . As shown, bowl housing  202  includes bowl vents  520  between the bowl  212  and the chamber  505 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 5   d  illustrates a side view of the pipe  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5   d  defines plane B-B as a section through the upper channel  211  and defines plane C-C as a section through the lower channel  210 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 5   e  illustrates sectional view of plane B-B of the pipe  100 . As shown, the bottom of the bowl  212  includes bowl vents  520 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 5   f  illustrates sectional view at plane C-C of the pipe  100 . As shown, in an embodiment, the lower channel  210  may include ridges that cooperate with ridges on the exhalation filter cartridge  203 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of an example pipe  500 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The pipe  500  includes an upper channel  635 , a lower channel  655 , and an intermediate channel  640 . An exhalation filter  650  is positioned in the lower channel  655 . A one-way exhalation valve  645  is positioned in the intermediate channel  640 . A one-way inhalation valve  630  is positioned in the upper channel  635 . A mouthpiece is positioned at the front side of the upper channel  635  of the pipe  500 . A flip-top lid  605  is positioned at the rear side of the upper channel  635  of the pipe  500 . A combustion bowl  615  is positioned under the flip-top lid  605 . An inhalation filter  620  is positioned between the bowl  615  and the mouthpiece  625  in the upper channel  635 . Exhalation vents  655  are positioned in the front side of the lower channel  655  of the pipe  500 . 
         [0055]    Accordingly, during inhalation, air is drawn from the mouthpiece  625 . The one-way inhalation valve  630  allows air to pass through the upper channel  635 , through the inhalation filter  620 , and from the combustion bowl  615 . The exhalation valve  645  prevents air from being drawn from the lower channel  655 . During exhalation, air is forced into the mouthpiece  625 , which forces air through the intermediate channel  640  via the one-way exhalation valve  645 , to the lower channel  655 , through the exhalation filter  650  and out the exhalation vents  655 . The one-way inhalation valve  630  prevents are being exhaled through the inhalation filter  620  or the combustion bowl  615 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of an exhalation pipe  700 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0057]    As shown, the exhalation pipe  700  includes an elliptical body  705  with a filter channel  725  therethrough, threading (not shown) on the rear internal side of the elliptical body  705 , and a passageway (not shown) on the front side. A mouthpiece  710  is attached onto the front side of the elliptical body (possibly with glue). An exhalation filter cartridge  203  is inserted into the filter channel  725 . An end cap  715  includes exhalation vents  720  and threading  730  that cooperates with the threading in the body  705 . 
         [0058]    In use, the smoker inhales smoke from a cigarette, pipe, bong, cigar or other smoking apparatus. The smoker then exhales through the mouthpiece  710 . The smoke travels through the mouthpiece  710 , through the passageway, into the channel  725 , through the exhalation filter cartridge  203 , and out the exhalation vents  720 . The filter  203  scrubs the smoke and odor particles. 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, the body  705  may be made of extruded aluminum, plastic, ferrous metals, precious metals, etc. The mouthpiece  710  may be machined stainless steel, plastic, ferrous metals, precious metals, etc. The end cap  715  may be machined stainless steel, plastic, ferrous metals, precious metals, etc. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 8   a - 8   d  illustrate an exhalation pipe  700 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 8   a  illustrates a side view of the exhalation pipe  700 . As shown, the pipe  700  may be about 4 inches in length, e.g., 3.93 inches.  FIG. 8   a  defines plane A-A. 
         [0062]      FIG. 8   b  illustrates a sectional view of exhalation pipe  700  at plane A-A. As shown, the pipe  700  includes a mouthpiece press fit to the body  705 . The end cap  715  is screwed onto the body  705  via threading  730 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 8   c  illustrates a front view of the pipe exhalation  700 . As shown, in some embodiments, the pipe  700  is about 1.3 inches across the longitudinal axis of the elliptical body  705  and about 0.95 inches across the latitudinal axis of the elliptical body  705 . The diameter of the circular end cap  715  may be about 1.3 inches, allowing portions of it to extend beyond the body  705  for easy rotational manipulation by the user. 
         [0064]      FIG. 8   d  illustrates a rear view of the exhalation pipe  700 . As shown, the end cap  715  includes exhalation vents  720 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 9   a - 9   e  illustrate a pipe  900 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As will be described in more detail below, the pipe  900  includes a combustion section, a filter cartridge section, as well as an internal lighter section. 
         [0066]    In some embodiments, the pipe  900  is about 4 inches tall (top to bottom), 3 inches long (front to rear), and ⅞ inches wide (left to right). As shown, the pipe  900  includes a body  910 . A mouthpiece  905  is rotatably attached to the front side of the body  910 . A cap  915  is slidably mounted on the top of the body  905 . Sliding the cap  915  forward exposes the combustion bowl (not shown) therein. Sliding the cap  915  towards the rear will allow the mouthpiece  905  to flip open. In some embodiments, sliding the cap forward after opening the mouthpiece secures the mouthpiece in its open position. An ignition switch  920  ignites the internal lighter, which causes combustible substance in the combustion bowl to ignite. The smoker can inhale the smoke through the mouthpiece  905  via an inhalation path and exhale the smoke through the same mouthpiece via an exhalation path to filter the smoke and odor. 
         [0067]      FIG. 10   a  is an exploded view of the pipe  900 , in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The pipe  900  includes a body  1001  having three channels, namely, a front channel  1020 , a center channel  1022 , and a rear channel  1024 . An exhalation filter cartridge  203  is positioned in the center channel  1022 . A lighter  1004  is positioned in the rear channel  1024 . A bottom cap  1012  with exhalation vents  1036  may be slidably mounted on the bottom of the body  1001 . 
         [0068]    The front channel  1020  may be used for storage of combustible substance. This storage may be locked in place using spring-loaded ball bearings that drop into receiving indents on the compartment. Some embodiments may use a swing out storage hinged along the vertical edge of the compartment and the device. Other embodiments may use a fold back compartment that is hinged at the bottom of the compartment and device. 
         [0069]    A fitting  1005  may be inserted into the top side of the body  1001 , above the three channels. The fitting  1005  may include a mouthpiece attachment portion  1026  in the front of the fitting  1005 . A mouthpiece  905  and mouthpiece seal  1008  may be attached to the mouthpiece attachment portion  1026 . In some embodiments, the mouthpiece seal  1008  includes five flat faces and one arcuate face. The arcuate face may cooperate with an arcuate section of the mouthpiece  905  to enable the mouthpiece  905  to rotate from a position flush with the front face of the body  1001  to a position normal to the front face of the body  1001 . A pin (not shown) may be slidably inserted through holes  1032  in the fitting  1002  and through a pivot bore  1030  in the mouthpiece  905 . When the mouthpiece  905  is inserted into the body  1001 , the dowel may be held in place by the side walls of the body  1001 . 
         [0070]    The fitting  1002  may also include notches  1034 , which abut the top portion of the walls dividing the body  1001  into its three channels. The notches  1034  may provide a better airtight seal between the fitting  1002  and the body  1001 . The fitting  1002  also includes a combustion bowl  1028 , possibly made of aluminum, with flame access holes (not shown) on the bottom side of the bowl  1028 . The fitting  1002  may be attached to the body  1001 , possibly using glue, to provide an airtight seal. 
         [0071]    A top lid  915  may be slidably attached to the fitting  1002  or the body  1001 . A spring pin  1005 , washer  1006  and set screw  1007  may cooperate with the top lid  915  to retain the lid  915  in open or closed position. Some embodiments of the device may use a porcelain lighter compartment top dome insert and a combustion chamber insert to help contain heat generated during combustion. 
         [0072]    An external ignition switch  920  may be slidably mounted through the body  1001  to engage an internal ignition switch on the lighter  1004 . Upon activation, the lighter will ignite causing a flame through the flame access holes under the combustion bowl  1028 , causing the combustible substance to burn. 
         [0073]    Like the pipe  100 , the pipe  900  will include an inhalation path from the combustion bowl through an inhalation filter to the mouthpiece  905  and an exhalation path from the mouthpiece  905  through the exhalation filter cartridge  203  and out the exhalation vents  1036 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 10   b  is an exploded view of a pipe  1050 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pipe  1050  is similar to the pipe  900  described above with reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10   a . In this case, pipe  1050  includes a body  1053  with no channels therein. A storage chamber  1060 , exhalation filter cartridge  203 , and lighter assembly  1004  are disposed into the body  1053  tightly against the inside walls of the body  1053  and tightly against each other, thus dividing the body into three sections, similar to the pipe  900 . A fitting  1055  similar to fitting  1002  is inserted above the three sections. Like the fitting  1002 , the fitting  1055  creates the channels for separate inhalation and exhalation paths. The fitting  1055  supports mouthpiece  905 , using dowels  1062  and mouthpiece seal  1008 . A bowl lid  1054 , gasket  1056 , spring  1056  and pin  1058  cooperate to form a flip-top lid assembly over the bowl  1028  in the fitting  1054 . Lighter cap assembly  1068  is positioned at the bottom of the lighter assembly  1004  to enable airflow, possibly one way, to the lighter assembly  1004  as needed through a lighter vent  1070  in the bottom cap  1072 . A top cover wear-strip  1051  may be attached to the top cap  915  to enable the top cap  915  to slide comfortably and not loosely across the top of the body  1053  or fitting  1053 . An ignition switch assembly including ignition switch  920 , ignition switch wear surface  1064  and slider block  1066 , enables the user to ignite the lighter, which burns the combustible substance. 
         [0075]      FIG. 11   a  is a side view of the pipe  900 , in accordance with an embodiment.  FIG. 11   a  defines plane A-A through the center of the rear channel  1024  and plane B-B through the center of the center channel  1022 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 11   b  is a sectional view of the pipe  900  at plane A-A. As shown, the lighter  1004  is positioned within the rear channel  1024 . Upon ignition, the lighter  1004  causes a flame  1138  to pass through flame access holes  1180  in the combustion bowl  1028 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 11   c  is a sectional view of the pipe  900  at plane B-B. As shown, the exhalation filter cartridge  203  is inserted into the center channel  1022  above the exhalation vents  1036 . The exhalation filter cartridge  203  also cooperates with an intermediate channel  1140  from which it receives air exhaled from the smoker. 
         [0078]      FIGS. 12   a - 12   c  illustrate the pipe  900 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 12   a  is a front view of the pipe  900  and defines a plane C-C through the center of the front face and a plane H-H at about the ¾ position of the front face from the left side. 
         [0079]      FIG. 12   b  is a sectional view of the pipe  900  at plane C-C. As shown, a storage chamber  1020  is positioned in the front channel  1022 , the exhalation filter cartridge  203  is positioned in the center channel  1022 , and the lighter  1004  is positioned in the rear channel  1024  under the combustion bowl  1028 . A one-way inhalation valve  1205  is positioned between the combustion bowl  1028  to enable smoke to transfer from the combustion bowl  1208  through the intermediate channel  1210  to the mouthpiece  915 . A one-way exhalation valve  1215  may be positioned between the intermediate channel  1210  and the center channel  1022  to enable exhaled smoke to transfer from mouthpiece  915  through the intermediate channel  1210  to the center channel  1022  and exhalation filter cartridge  203  and out the exhalation vents  1036 . Alternatively or additionally, a one-way exhalation valve  1215  may be positioned inside the exhalation filter cartridge  203  as described below. 
         [0080]      FIG. 12   c  is a sectional view of the pipe  900  at plane H-H. As shown, the pin  1005  is positioned to lock the top lid  915 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 13  is a sectional side view of a pipe  1300 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the pipe  1300  includes a mouthpiece  1302  in a pipe body  1301 . The mouthpiece  1302  is operatively coupled to an inhalation filter  1304 , which is operatively coupled via a one-way inhalation valve  1308  to a combustion bowl  1306 . A flip-top lid  1310  is positioned over the combustion bowl  1306 . The mouthpiece  1302  is also operatively coupled to an exhalation filter channel  1318  with exhalation filter media therein. An outlet cap  1320  with an integral one-way exhalation valve is positioned at the bottom end of the exhalation filter channel  1318 . A lighter  1316  is positioned in a channel below the combustion bowl  1306 . The lighter  1316  may receive air through a lighter air vent  1332  (possibly with a check valve). An ignition switch  1314  extends through the pipe body  1301  to enable user activation of the lighter  1316 . In one embodiment, during an inhalation phase, the ignition switch  1314  is depressed for one second before the person begins to inhale. During inhalation, the smoke is drawn from combustion bowl  1306 , through the one-way inhalation valve  1308 , through the inhalation filter  1304 , and through the mouthpiece  1302 . During exhalation, smoke is past through the mouthpiece  1302 , through the exhalation filter channel  1318  (and exhalation filter media), and through outlet cap  1320 . In some embodiments, the inhalation filter  1304  may be replaced by removing the mouthpiece  105  and pulling on a cartridge removal grip  1330  which protrudes into the mouthpiece  105 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 14  is a sectional side view of a pipe  1400 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the pipe  1400  is similar to the pipe  1300 , except with a timed ignition button assembly  1405  and a lighter dust cover  1410 . The ignition button assembly  1405  ensures that the lighter is not on too long to insure that the device does not generate enough heat to be a source of injury. The lighter dust cover  1410  ensures that dust does not impede ignition of the flame. 
         [0083]      FIG. 15  illustrates details of the ignition button assembly  1405 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The ignition button assembly  1405  includes an external ignition button  1505 , a primary oil-filled chamber  1520 , a transfer chamber  1510 , and a return spring in the primary chamber  1520 . As pressure is applied to the external ignition button  1505 , oil from the primary chamber  1520  passes through holes  1530  in the plunger  1515  into the transfer chamber  1510 , slowly releasing pressure on the ignition switch  1505 . Once the oil has traveled into the transfer chamber  1510 , the ignition switch  1505  is released and the oil is allowed to return to the primary chamber  1520 , whereby the process may be repeated. 
         [0084]      FIGS. 16   a - 16   e  illustrate the exhalation filter cartridge  203 , in accordance with an embodiment.  FIG. 16   a  is a perspective view of the exhalation filter cartridge  203 , which includes a front face  1602 , rear face  1604  and a central body  1606  (in this case, with a square cross section). The front face  1602  includes an opening  1608  for receiving the smoke and odor exhaled from the smoker. In this case, the opening  1608  is round with a raised lip  1610  around the perimeter of the round opening  1608 . The raised lip  1610  helps to create an airproof seal in the exhalation paths of the pipes.  FIG. 16   b  is a front view of the front face  1602  of exhalation filter cartridge  203 .  FIG. 16   c  is a rear view of the rear face  1604  of the exhalation filter cartridge  203 .  FIG. 16   d  is a side view of the exhalation filter cartridge  203  and defines a plane A-A and plane Z-Z.  FIG. 16   e  is a sectional view of the exhalation filter cartridge  203  at plane A-A. As shown, the exhalation filter cartridge  203  includes opening  1608 , filter media  1614 , an end cap  1612 , and filter exhalation vents  1616  in the end cap  1612 . 
         [0085]      FIGS. 17   a  and  b  illustrate details of the exhalation filter cartridge  203 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 17   a  is a sectional side view of the exhalation filter cartridge  203 . As shown, the exhalation filter cartridge  203  includes an inlet cap  1620 , an outlet cap  1628 , and a filter casing  1622  therebetween. The inlet cap  1620  includes a raised lip (or “nipple”) that engages a corresponding shape inside a pipe, so that substantially all smoke exhaled passes through the filter media  1614 . A pleated HEPA filter  1624  is positioned inside the exhalation filter cartridge  203 , between the inlet cap  1620 , the outlet cap  1628 , and the filter casing  1622 . HEPA material rated at as little as a 95% rating will trap the smoke particles. A foam core  1630  is positioned between the inlet cap  1620  and the outlet cap  1628  and within the pleated HEPA filter  1624 . For example, the foam core  1630  may be manufactured from core of 60 pours-per-inch (PPI can be higher or lower) polyether polyurethane foam (or other foam). 
         [0086]      FIG. 17   b  is a sectional view of the exhalation filter cartridge  203  at plane Z-Z. As shown, the exhalation filter cartridge  203  includes a foam core  1630 , which is surrounded by the pleated HEPA filter  1624 , which is surrounded by the filter casing  1622 . The foam core  1630  includes a central bore  1632 , preferably extending the length of the foam core  1630 . The central bore  1632  allows the smoke to pass through the length of the foam core  1630 , before being forced laterally through the foam core  1630  and HEPA filter  1624 . Although not shown, a metal cap may be positioned at the bottom end of the foam core  1630  and HEPA filter  1624  to stop the downward flow of smoke and odor particles before being allowed to exit out the outlet cap  1628 , and to force the smoke and odor particles laterally towards the filter casing  1622 . The foam core  1630  may be infused with a odor capturing substance, e.g., odor absorbing materials such as Ecosorb® odor-absorbing products manufactured by OMI Industries. Citrus, mint and/or cinnamon extracts (or other extracts) can additionally or alternatively be added to the oil to provide a selection of scents. 
         [0087]    In some embodiments, the odor absorbing materials react on a molecular level to neutralize smoke odors, preferably involving adsorption, absorption, gas solubility and reaction. For example, when Ecosorb® oil is diluted with water and broadcast via atomization, the tiny water droplets created contain a thin oil skin that creates an electrostatic charge. This charge facilitates adsorption of the odor molecules onto the droplet surface. The gas is absorbed by the droplet (solubility) and held. 
         [0088]      FIG. 18  is an exploded view of the exhalation filter cartridge  203 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the exhalation filter cartridge  203  includes a filter casing  1622 . The inlet cap  1620  is positioned on the top side of the filter casing  1622  to form the front face  1602 . The HEPA filter  1624  is positioned inside the filter casing  1622 . An internal filter cap  1802  is positioned on the bottom side of the filter casing  1622  to support the HEPA filter  1624  and create an exhalation hole  1806  to allow exhaled air to pass therethrough. Although not shown, the foam core  1630  is positioned inside the HEPA filter  1624 . A flap  1804 , possibly made of rubber (e.g. Viton® rubber), is positioned on the bottom side of the internal filter cap  1802  to cover the exhalation hole  1806 . An outlet cap  1628  is positioned over the internal filter cap  1802  and the round flap  1804 , supporting the round flap between the internal filter cap  1802  and the outlet cap  1628 . The outlet cap  1628  includes exhalation vents  1808  outside the boundaries of the flap  1804 . Accordingly, during exhalation, air can pass through the exhalation hole  1806 , past the round flap  1804 , and out the exhalation vents  1808 . During inhalation, the flap  1804  is drawn up to cover the exhalation hole  1806 , preventing air to flow through the exhalation filter cartridge  203 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 19  is an exploded view of the exhalation filter cartridge  203 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the exhalation filter cartridge  203  includes a filter casing  1622 . The inlet cap  1620  is positioned over the top end of the filter casing  1622 . A sponge foam seal  1904  may be positioned over the inlet cap  1620  to enable an airproof seal with the pipe body. The internal filter cap  1802  is positioned at the bottom of the filter casing  1622 . The flap is positioned over the exhalation hole  1806 . The outlet cap  1628  is positioned over the internal filter cap  1802  and the outlet cap  1628 . The foam core  1620  is positioned inside the pleated HEPA filter  1624 , which is positioned inside the filter casing  1622 . The top of the HEPA filter  1624  and foam core  1630  may be fused or glued to the inlet cap  1620 . 
         [0090]    As stated above with reference to  FIG. 18   b , the foam core  1630  includes a central bore  1632 , extending the length of the foam core  1630 . The central bore  1632  allows the smoke to pass through the entire length of the foam core  1630 , before being forced through the foam core  1630  and HEPA filter  1624 . A metal cap  1902  is positioned at the bottom end of the foam core  1630  and HEPA filter  1624  to force the smoke laterally towards the filter casing  1622  before being allowed to exit out the outlet cap  1628 . In this embodiment, the metal cap  1902  is round and the cross section of the filter casing  1622  is square. Accordingly, the metal cap  1902  forces the air to pass down the central bore  1632 , laterally through the foam core  1630 , laterally through the HEPA filter  1624 , and out the corners that extend beyond the circumference of the round metal cap  1902 . 
         [0091]    It will be appreciated that some embodiments may use natural or synthetic fibers, ceramic, metal, chemicals, oils and/or crystals for filtering. 
         [0092]      FIGS. 20   a - 20   d  illustrate an exhalation filter cartridge  2005  with a retaining clip  2010 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 20   a  is a perspective view of the exhalation filter cartridge  2005 . As shown, the exhalation filter cartridge  2005  includes a retaining clip  2010  attached to the end portion of the exhalation filter cartridge  2005 . The exhalation filter cartridge  2005  includes an end cap (similar to end cap  206 ) with exhalation vents (similar to exhalation vents  115 ) therein.  FIG. 20   b  is a close-up of the retaining clip  2010 . As shown, the retaining clip  2010  may be a rocker type clip, with an forward arm  2015  with a downward flanging tip  2030 , a rear arm  2020 , and a pivot base  2025  between the two arms. Depressing the rear arm  2020  will cause the pivot base  2025  to pivot and the forward arm  2015  to raise.  FIG. 20   c  is a perspective view of the exhalation filter cartridge  2005  positioned in the pipe  100 .  FIG. 20   d  is a close-up of the retaining clip  2010  when the exhalation filter cartridge  2005  is positioned in the pipe  100 . In this embodiment, the pipe  100  includes a hole  2035  configured to receive and retain the downward flanging tip  2030  of the forward arm  2015 , and a slot  2040  to receive the rear arm  2020 . The pipe  100  also includes a recessed portion  2045  to enable a user to apply downward pressure on the rear arm  2020 , when the exhalation filter cartridge  2005  is positioned in the pipe  100 . Other retaining clip options are possible. 
         [0093]    Some embodiments may use a warning system that will alert the user and others that exhalation has not gone back through the pipe. This alarm or alerting system will have an adjustable timer of from 5 seconds to 30 seconds after which the alarm or alert will sound. The use of this alarm or alerting system will assist in the training of the user to always exhale through the device. Over time, the proper use of this device will become habit. 
         [0094]    The exhalation filter cartridge  203  may be designed to be inserted into the series of devices. 
         [0095]    Some embodiments may use filter media that is not in the form of a cartridge. 
         [0096]    Although several of the embodiments have been described as using the same mouthpiece for inhalation and exhalation, one skilled in the art will recognize that separate mouthpieces may be used. Further, one skilled in the art will recognize that, in some embodiments, the inhalation path and exhalation path may not overlap. 
         [0097]    The term “pipe” herein shall include various types of smoking devices, including bongs, hookahs, cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, or the like. 
         [0098]    It will be appreciated that smoke and odor may be visible or invisible. It will be appreciated that the term “smoke” may or may not include odor. 
         [0099]    The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is by way of example only, and other variations and modifications of the above-described embodiments and methods are possible in light of the foregoing teaching. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. The present invention is limited only by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0