US20250351867A1

US20250351867A1 - Method and apparatus for conical smoking tips

Info

Publication number: US20250351867A1
Application number: US19/218,508
Authority: US
Inventors: James Lee; Giovanni MIONE
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-06-06
Filing date: 2025-05-26
Publication date: 2025-11-20

Abstract

A reusable modular smoking filtration apparatus includes a tip having a tubular shape with a first end configured with a first coupling feature and a second end configured with a second coupling feature, a removable freshness plug configured to be coupled to the first coupling feature, and a removable cross-hair shaped filter configured to be coupled to the second coupling feature.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/764,269, filed Jul. 4, 2024, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/340,954, filed Jun. 7, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/035,756, filed Jun. 6, 2020, all of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to a new type of smoking accessory/paper that is generally referred to as pre-roll paper which is used for inserting any kind of smokeable substance into the pre-rolled paper. Also described are tips made of glass or other relatively strong materials which are used together with the pre-rolled paper for smoking tobacco or cannabis or other herbs or similar materials.
A pre-roll paper sold under the trademark RAW is an existing paper cone pre-roll. The Raw® cone has a tip (sometimes called a filter or crutch) made from cardboard. The paper is cut so that when rolled it creates a conical shape, and the paper is wrapped around it using a tool to create a pre-roll cone. A machine exists to allow cultivators to roll hundreds of filled pre-rolls at a time for production. Paper filters are sometimes added, but such filters have inconsistently sized openings which allow the smokeable substance to enter the tip and the user's mouth.
Sometimes, a glass tip is used instead of one made from cardboard. Prior art glass tips sometimes had spikes pressed into the glass for use as a “filter”, or other features which could lead to inconsistent draws while smoking which created “canoeing” or “running” of the product during smoking, that is, when one side of paper which holds the smokeable substance burns unevenly leaving one side burned and open, with the other side closed with little or no burning.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a series of cones in various sizes formed using with papers made from a variety of materials and tips made from glass or other materials to suit a smoker's preferences. Smoking papers are cut in a way to form sleeves that attach to the larger end of the glass tip, or the end where the tip meets raw material. The use of sleeves allows for the re-use of tips made from materials capable of multiple uses without degradation of quality, such as glass or metal. The tips have a cross-hair or similar shaped filter at the end adjacent to the smokeable substance and a freshness plug at the other end which enters user's mouth while smoking.
The method and apparatus is usable with different paper and tip sizes. The tips are compatible with papers and wraps currently available in the market, and also have custom fitted hemp papers or wraps created specifically for the tip for sale and use as a unit.
A reusable modular smoking filtration apparatus includes a tip having a tubular shape with a first end configured with a first coupling feature and a second end configured with a second coupling feature, a removable freshness plug configured to be coupled to the first coupling feature, and a removable cross-hair shaped filter configured to be coupled to the second coupling feature.
The reusable modular smoking filtration apparatus may have the tip be made of a polymer material.
The reusable modular smoking filtration apparatus may have the removable cross-hair shaped filter have one or more retaining features configured to interface with the first coupling feature of the tip.
The reusable smoking filtration apparatus may have the removable cross-hair shaped filter be made of glass.
The reusable smoking filtration apparatus may have the removable cross-hair shaped filter include a metal alloy.
The reusable smoking filtration apparatus may have the retaining feature of the removable cross-hair shaped tip include a protrusion.
The reusable smoking filtration apparatus may have the second coupling feature of the tip include a groove.
The reusable smoking filtration apparatus may have the removable freshness plug include a silicone material.
The reusable smoking filtration apparatus may have the removable freshness plug include a retention ridge configured to interface with the second coupling feature of the tip.
A reusable tip for smoking smokeable substances includes a conical unitary body having a first end and a second end communicably linked by an internal chamber terminating in a cross-shaped filter formed as an opening in a wall of the first end, and a freshness plug configured to be coupled to the second end of the conical unitary body.
The reusable tip may have the cross-shaped filter be cut through the wall of the first end of the conical unitary body.
The reusable tip may have the conical unitary body include a corn husk material.
The reusable tip may have an external shape of the conical unitary body be shaped by a lathe.
The reusable tip may have the wall of the first end of the conical unitary body include a flame-resistant coating.
The reusable tip may have the freshness plug include silicone.
The reusable tip may have the freshness plug be configured to form a friction fit with the second end of the conical unitary body.
A smoking filter tip apparatus includes a conical tube including a glass material and having a first end and a second end, a cross-hair shaped filter, a removable silicon freshness plug, and a removable silicon mouthpiece.
The smoking filter tip apparatus may have the removable freshness plug be configured to be insertable into the second end of the conical tube.
The smoking filter tip apparatus may have the cross-hair shaped filter be integral to the first end of the conical tube.
The smoking filter tip apparatus may have the removable silicon mouthpiece be configured to couple to the second end of the conical tube.
A removable paper filter tip includes a removable filter tip having a tubular shape with a first end, an inner volume, and a second end, wherein the first end is communicably connected to the second end by the inner volume of the removable filter tip, a removable paper filter having a filter body, and an extended filter arm coupled to the filter body, wherein the removable paper filter is configured to couple to the inner volume of the removable filter tip.
The removable paper filter tip my have the extended filter arm be configured to extend from the filter body and have a plurality of folds placed along a length of the extended filter arm.
The removable paper filter may have the extended filter arm be configured to extend from the filter body and be configured to be rolled into a spiral shaped.
The removable paper filter tip may have the filter body include a printing surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1E shows a pre-roll cone with conical tip separated from each other.

FIG. 2A-2E show various tips which can be used.

FIG. 3A shows a pre-roll cone with conical tip as a unit.

FIG. 3B shows a conical tip.

FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of a conical tip with the location of a freshness plug to be added.

FIG. 3D shows a perspective view of a conical tip with a cross-cut filter.

FIG. 3E shows 3A shows a pre-roll cone with conical tip as a unit in perspective.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a removable cross-shaped filter, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram depicting a lateral view of a conical unitary body at two stages of shaping, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a removable silicon mouthpiece coupled to a smoking filter tip apparatus, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a lateral view of a removable folded-paper filter in an unfolded and unrolled configuration, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a lateral view of a removable folded-paper filter in a folded and rolled configuration, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a top-down view of a removable folded-paper filter in a folded and rolled configuration, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A is a lateral view of a removable folded-paper filter in a folded and rolled configuration placed within a removable filter tip, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B is a top-down view of a removable folded-paper filter in a folded and rolled configuration placed within a removable filter tip, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a lateral view of a removable folded-paper filter having an extended filter arm in an unfolded and unrolled configuration, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a top-down view of a removable folded-paper filter having an extended filter arm in a folded and rolled configuration, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A is a lateral view of a removable folded-paper filter having an extended filter arm in a folded and rolled configuration placed within a removable filter tip, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13B is a top-down view of a removable folded-paper filter having an extended filter arm in a folded and rolled configuration placed within a removable filter tip, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a lateral view of a removable rolled-paper filter having an extended filter arm in an unrolled configuration, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a top-down view of a removable rolled-paper filter having an extended filter arm in a rolled configuration, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16A is a lateral view of a removable rolled-paper filter having an extended filter arm in a rolled configuration placed within a removable filter tip, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 16B is a top-down view of a removable rolled-paper filter having an extended filter arm in a rolled configuration placed within a removable filter tip, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Below is a list of materials which can be used as conical pre-rolls or sleeves:

- Rice paper
- Hemp
- Homogenized Hemp
- Hemp Paper

Other pure Hemp products produced from a variety of processing methods

Tobacco

Other/Similar papers used as smoking papers, all of which can be bleached and unbleached.
Cylindrical/Conical/Tapered Tips can be made from any heat and moisture resistant material such as:

- Glass
- Stainless Steel
- Aluminum
- Ceramic
- Copper
- Wood
- Hemp Plastic
- Regular Plastic
- Silicone

The invention also utilizes cross hair filter pieces which can be part of the tip when manufactured or inserted into the tip after manufacture and made from

- Stainless Steel
- Glass
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Hemp Plastic
- Ceramic
- Wood
- Heat and flame resistant silicone

Unique features of the invention include:
A freshness plug at the bottom of the preventing the oxidation of herbs. Also helps with masking odor.
A filter with a cross-hair or equivalent design that sits at the top of the tip, that is, adjacent to the smokeable substance. This design serves two functions:
The filter prevents herbs from falling inside the tip and creating an unpleasant smoking experience. The cross hair design ensures a consistent mechanism to accomplish the above, but maintain the proper airflow for a better draw creating a more pleasant and consistent smoking experience. This design prevents “canoeing” or “running” of the product during smoking.
Glass Tips have anti-microbial surface coating that reduce surface bacteria 15-30%.
Pre-cut and pre-glued papers, referred to herein as sleeves, are designed to accommodate the re-use of the various tips as described.
Pre-roll cone with conical hardware tip, regular size, or mini tip size 6 mm-8 mm (cone)
The tips can be stuffed with a piece of cardboard, that can include brand or flavor name printed on it.
The mini tip will also have a cross hair piece (made from heat resistant silicone or similar material if separate from the material used to make the tip)
A mini tip can accommodate different sizes of paper sleeves, including

- Standard size-50-55 mm paper length
- King Size-88 mm paper length

The innovation of sleeves was made so that consumers can clean and re-use their glass tips from previous purchases.
In an embodiment, the tip is the same size, only the paper size changes.
As mentioned above, the sleeve is typically a pre-roll cone with conical/tapered hardware tip in a small, medium or large size.
The cross-hair/cross-cut filter can be made directly from the glass mold to form an integral unit. The cross-hair filter can also be made as a separate second piece for insertion into an end of the glass tip. Although the filter is shown as having the appearance of a cross-hair, an opening of another shape and size could also be used. Since the main purpose of the filter is to prevent the smokeable substance within the sleeve from entering into tip, so long as the size and shape of the cut used for the filter substantially prevents the smokeable substance from entering the tip, the specifics of the size and shape of the cut is not important to practice the invention. The shape should also ensure a uniform flow of the smoke from the smokeable substance so that the sleeve burns in a uniform manner.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the invented system is directed to a tip 1 which may be conical in shape, a freshness plug 2 which is inserted into one end of the tip, and a sleeve 3 which is attached to the opposite end of the tip. FIGS. 1B and 1C shows the tip 1 and the freshness plug 2 in more detail. Of course, the freshness plug has a cylindrical shape with an opening in the middle for smoke to be inhaled and sized to fit securely in the end of the tip. In an embodiment, the freshness plug can be made integral with the tip. FIG. 1A shows a sleeve, tip and freshness plug with a total length of 82 mm, an opening at the top of the sleeve of 11.3 mm and an opening at the end of the tip with the freshness plug of 6 mm. FIG. 1B shows the total length of the tip with freshness plug of 32 mm. FIG. 1D shows a cross-hair filter created at the end of the tip opposite the freshness plug 2. The freshness plug is made from plastic, rubber, or silicone. The freshness plug is inserted into the tip and assists in the filling process as the cones are filled with high vibration which can cause cracking of the tip if there is no plug protecting the end. Although the cross-hair/cross-cut filter can be cut into the glass tip when the tip is produced, in an embodiment, the cross hair filter can be a separate piece which is inserted into an open end of the tip opposite the freshness plug. FIG. 1E is similar to FIG. 1A in perspective. The specific sizes shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B while typical for a medium size sleeve/tip, can be varied.
FIGS. 2A-2E show alternate shapes and sizes for the tip 1 and sleeve 3. FIG. 2D shows a tip with a cross-hair filter. FIG. 2C shows an arrow to indicate the location where a freshness plug can be inserted. The specific sizes shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B while typical for a small size sleeve/tip, can be varied.
FIG. 3A shows a sleeve 3 and tip 1 as a unit in elevation. FIG. 3B shows a tip with a portion of a cross-hair filter in an elevation view. FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view of a tip with an arrow showing where a freshness plug may be inserted. FIG. 3D shows the end of a tip with a cross-hair filter. By having the cross-hair filter at the end of the tip, a uniform opening is created which is sized to prevent any of the smokeable substance from entering the tip and the user's mouth. The specific sizes shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B while typical for a large size sleeve/tip, can be varied.
FIG. 3E shows the combination tip, freshness plug and sleeve which is attached at one end to an end of the tip. In an embodiment, the sleeve has an adhesive applied to the end adjoining the tip, which adhesive may be moisture activated. In this manner, a tip 1 can be placed into the wide end of the sleeve so that is slides down the cone until it reaches the end with the adhesive which is uniformly applied to the end of the sleeve which meets the tip. The tip can then be pulled through the far end of the cone and pressure applied to the cone where it meets the tip so that the cone adheres to the tip. In an embodiment, instead of a cross-hair filter as shown in FIG. 3D, a separate insert can be used as a filter when inserted into the tip.
The above description and figures are intended to explain and illustrate various features of the invention. However, such specifics are not limiting to the invention which is defined only by the following claims.

Additional Embodiments

In additional to those materials described above that may, in some embodiments, be used in the tip of the present disclosure, some embodiments may include materials such as corn husk, bamboo, and other plant-based composite materials. In some such embodiments, these materials may decrease the environmental effects resulting from the manufacturing of the tips of the present disclosure. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, other suitable materials as would be known to one skilled in the art may also be used within the scope of the present disclosure. This may include, but is not limited to, carbon fiber and woven composite materials, forged carbon, and any other composite materials suitable for use within the tips of the present disclosure as would be known to one skilled in the art.

Other Additional Embodiments

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to a reusable modular smoking apparatus.
In some embodiments, the reusable modular smoking filtration apparatus may include a tip having a tubular shape. In some other embodiments the tip may have a first end configured with a first coupling feature. The first coupling feature may, in some embodiments, be configured as a ridge, one or more bumps or protrusions, threads, a surface texture or coating, and/or a lip.
In some other embodiments, the tip may also have a second end configured with a second coupling feature. The second coupling feature may, in some embodiments, be configured as a ridge, one or more bumps or protrusions, threads, a surface texture or coating, and/or a lip.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tip be made of a polymer material. In some other embodiments, the tip may be made of a metal alloy. As a non-limiting example, the tip could be made from aluminum alloys, copper alloys, and/or steel alloys.
In some embodiments of the reusable modular smoking apparatus of the present disclosure, a removable cross-hair shaped filter may be configured to be coupled to the second coupling feature of the tip.
In some embodiments, the removable cross-hair shaped filter may have one or more retaining features configured to interface with the first coupling feature of the tip. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the retaining feature of the removable cross-shaped filter may, in some embodiments, have a complimentary geometry to the second coupling feature of the tip. As a non-limiting example, in an embodiments where the second coupling feature is a groove, the retaining feature may be a protrusion or lip configured to interface with the groove. Thus, in some embodiments, the second coupling feature of the tip may include a groove.
In some embodiments, the removable cross-hair shaped filter may be made of glass. In some such embodiments the glass may be an annealed glass material. In some embodiments, the annealed glass may be more resistant to breakage than a non-annealed glass. In some embodiments, the glass material may be a borosilicate material. All glass materials as would be known to one skilled in the art to be suitable for this purpose are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The reusable smoking filtration apparatus may, in some embodiments, have the removable cross-hair shaped filter include a metal alloy. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, there are a variety of metal alloys having flame and/or heat resistance properties suitable for use within the removable cross-shaped filter of the present disclosure. As a non-limiting example, some of the metal alloys may be aluminum alloys, copper alloys, and steel alloys. All metal alloys as would be known to one skilled in the art to be suitable for this purpose are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The reusable smoking filtration apparatus may have the retaining feature of the removable cross-hair shaped tip include a protrusion.
Further understanding of the removable cross-shaped filter may be had by reference to FIG. 4 . FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a removable cross-shaped filter 400, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As depicted, in some embodiments, the removable cross-shaped filter 400 may include a retention feature 430 shaped as an inward facing protrusion extending from a lip extending from a base 410. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the retention feature 430 may, as depicted, extend around the entire perimeter of the base 410. However, in some other embodiments, the retention feature 430 may only extend along a portion of the perimeter of the base 410. In some embodiments, the retention feature 430 may be integral to the removable cross-shaped filter 400. In some other embodiments, the retention feature may be affixed or coupled to the base 410 of the cross-shaped filter 400.
The cross-shaped filter opening 420 is depicted as well. In some embodiments, the cross-shaped filter opening 420 may have arms that reach out to the perimeter of the base 410. As depicted, the lateral arms of the cross-shaped filter opening 420 extend outward from the center along the cross-section's lateral axis while a medial arm is depicted extending away from the viewer.
In some embodiments of the reusable modular smoking apparatus of the present disclosure, a removable freshness plug may be configured to be coupled to the first coupling feature of the tip. The reusable smoking filtration apparatus may, in some embodiments, have the removable freshness plug be made from a silicone material.
The removable freshness plug may, in some embodiments include a retention ridge configured to interface with the first coupling feature of the tip. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the above-disclosed configurations of the first coupling feature and the retention feature of the cross-shaped filter may, in some embodiments, be applicable to similar structures formed for the second coupling feature and any retention features of the freshness plug.
Some embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to a reusable tip for smoking smokeable substances. In some embodiments the reuseable tip may have a conical unitary body. As used herein, the term “unitary” is used to describe embodiments of the body that are formed from a single piece. In some embodiments, the conical unitary body may have a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, the conical unitary body may be made from a corn husk material. In some other embodiments, a wood or other sustainably grown material may be used. In some other embodiments, a composite or compressed composite material may be used. In still other embodiments, a polymer material may be used.
The reusable tip may, in some embodiments, have an external shape of the conical unitary body be shaped by a lathe. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments the conical unitary body may be formed from a block or cylindrical piece of corn husk material turned on a lathe. The lathe may, in some embodiments, shape a conical or mostly conical shape out of the corn husk material. In some embodiments, a small cylindrical section may be formed at the narrowing end of the conical unitary body. In some such embodiments, the small cylindrical section may include one or more coupling features such as, but not limited to, grooves, ridges, and/or protrusions.
In some embodiments, the first end and the second end may be communicably linked by an internal chamber. In some such embodiments, the internal chamber may be a smooth-bore channel or hole traversing a length of the reusable tip. As a non-limiting example, a smooth-bore channel may be cut or drilled into the conical unitary body from the second end through to first end. In some embodiments, the smooth-bore channel may end a short distance from the first end forming a wall of the first end. In some such embodiments, the wall may have a 1 mm thickness. In some other embodiments, the wall may have a thickness ranging from 0.5 mm to 5 mm.
In some embodiments, the internal chamber may have a cylindrical geometry. In some other embodiments, the internal chamber may have a truncated conical geometry.
Further understanding of embodiments of the conical unitary body and embodiments of the method for manufacturing the conical unitary body may be had by reference to FIG. 5 . FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram depicting a lateral view of a conical unitary body at two stages of shaping, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. A corn husk block 530 may be shaped by a lathe in step 1, depicted as arrow 1. After the step 1 shaping, the general conical form may be achieved. The dashed lines representing the removed portions of the block during step 1 shaping. As depicted, in some embodiments, a cylindrical section 520 may also be included at the narrowing end of the conical form.
At step 2, depicted as arrow 2, the final shape of the conical unitary body 500 may be formed by the addition of a coupling feature 540 and the drilling of an internal chamber 510 (shown in dashed lines).
In some embodiments, the internal chamber may be configured to terminate in a cross-shaped filter formed as an opening in a wall of the first end. In some embodiments, the reusable tip may have the cross-shaped filter be cut through the wall of the first end of the conical unitary body. In some other embodiments, the internal chamber may terminate in an opening that is configured to have a removable cross-shaped filter coupled to it and retained within the opening.
In some embodiments, a freshness plug may be configured to be coupled to the second end of the conical unitary body.
In some embodiments, the reusable tip may have a freshness plug. In some embodiments, the freshness plug may be made from silicone or another elastomeric material.
In some embodiments, the freshness plug may be configured to form a friction fit with the second end of the conical unitary body. In some embodiments, the freshness plug may be configured to couple to a cylindrical section of the conical unitary body. As described above, in some embodiments, the first end of the conical unitary body may be configured with one or more coupling features that are configured to interface with one or more retaining features of the freshness plug.
Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a smoking filter tip apparatus that may include a conical tube made from a glass material and having a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, the smoking filter tip apparatus may have a cross-hair shaped filter. In some embodiments, the smoking filter tip apparatus may have a removable silicon freshness plug.
In some embodiments, the smoking filter tip apparatus may have the removable freshness plug be configured to be insertable into the second end of the conical tube.
In some other embodiments, the smoking filter tip apparatus may have the cross-hair shaped filter be integral to the first end of the conical tube.
In some embodiments, the smoking filter tip apparatus may have a removable silicon mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the removable silicon mouthpiece may be configured to couple to the second end of the conical tube.
The removable silicon mouthpiece may, in some embodiments, allow for an extension of the internal chamber that facilitates increased cooling of smoke passing through the smoking filter tip. This may, in some embodiments, create a more comfortable smoking experience for a user.
In some embodiments, the removable silicon mouthpiece may also provide thermal insulation for a user from heat transferred to the conical tube. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, some glass materials, including annealed glass materials, may have a high thermal conductivity coefficient. During longer smoking sessions, the heated smoke passing through the smoking filter tip apparatus may tend to heat the conical tube which could, in turn, become uncomfortably hot during contact with a user's lips. The use of a removable silicon mouthpiece may help to alleviate such issues in some embodiments.
In some embodiments, the removable silicon mouthpiece may also be treated with an antimicrobial coating.
Further understanding of the removable silicon mouthpiece may be had by reference to FIG. 6 . FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a removable silicon mouthpiece 610 coupled to a smoking filter tip apparatus 600, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the removable silicon mouthpiece may, in some embodiments, couple to the smoking filter tip apparatus 600. In some embodiments, a coupling feature (not shown) of the smoking filter tip apparatus 600 may interface with a retention feature (not shown) of the removable silicon mouthpiece 610. In some embodiments, the removable silicon mouthpiece may have a taper as it extends away from the smoking filter tip apparatus 600. In some other embodiments, there may be no tapering. In some embodiments the removable silicon mouthpiece 610 may have an internal mouthpiece chamber (not shown) that traverses the length of the removable silicon mouthpiece 610 and that is configured to form a communicable channel with the internal chamber of the smoking filter tip apparatus 600 such that smoke may pass from the smoking filter tip apparatus 600 through the removable silicon mouthpiece 610 to a user (not depicted).

Removable Paper Filter Embodiments

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, removable paper filters may be used. Such embodiments, referred to herein as “removable paper filter tip” embodiments, may be further understood by reference to FIGS. 7-14B. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, some embodiments, as described below may be referred to as “removable folded-paper filter tips” when folds are used. In some other embodiments, where folds are not present, the term “removable rolled-paper filter tip” may be used.
FIG. 7 is a lateral view of a removable folded-paper filter 700 in an unfolded and unrolled configuration, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, in some embodiments, the removable folded-paper filter may have paper filter body 710 coupled to a filter arm 720. In some embodiments, the filter arm may have a plurality of folds 730 (shown in dashed lines) that may be configured to alternate in direction. In some embodiments, there may be three folds along the filter arm. In some embodiments, the folds may be equally spaced along the length of the filter arm.
In some embodiments, the filter body may have a printing surface 760. The printing surface may, in some embodiments, cover only a portion of the surface of the filter body. In some other embodiments, the printing surface may cover all of the surface of the filter body. The printing surface may, in some embodiments, include one or more layers or surface treatments to allow for text or images to be printed on the filter body. In some such embodiments, this may allow for the custom printing of brand name and/or logo images on the printing surface.
FIG. 8 is a lateral view of a removable folded-paper filter 700 in a folded and rolled configuration, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, when in a rolled and folded configuration, a lateral surface of the filter body 710 may include, or be covered, a printing surface 760. As described above, the amount of the lateral surface of the filter body including or covered by the printing surface may be varied according to the needs of a user. As a non-limiting example, only some of the lateral surface of the filter body may be covered. In some other embodiments, the entire lateral surface of the filter body may include or be covered by the printing surface.
FIG. 9 is a top-down view of a removable folded-paper filter in a folded and rolled configuration, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, when in a folded and rolled configuration, the filter body 710 may be rolled into a conical configuration having the filter arm 720 extending into the interior of the conical shape formed by the “rolled” filter body. The filter arm may be folded along the plurality of folds 730, in alternating directions, to configure the “folded” filter arm to form a filter barrier spanning substantially across the conical shaped formed by the “rolled” filter body. In some embodiments, the filter barrier formed by the “folded” filter arm may help to prevent large pieces of a smokeable substance, or large particulate ash formed from the burning of the smokeable substance, from passing through a tip and reaching a user during use.
FIG. 10A is a lateral view of a removable folded-paper filter 700 in a folded and rolled configuration placed within a removable filter tip 750, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the removable filter tip 750 may be embodied according to the disclosures provided above for the tips of the present disclosure. As such, in some embodiments, the removable filter tips may be formed from a glass, metallic, ceramic, wood, or acrylic material. In some embodiments, the use of a clear material like glass or tempered glass may allow for the printing surface 760 of a filter body 710 to be visible through the removable filter tip.
As shown, in some embodiments, the filter body may be sized to fit within the removable filter tip. In some embodiments, the filter body may have a length proportional to the length of the inner volume of the removable filter tip.
FIG. 10B is a top-down view of a removable folded-paper filter in a folded and rolled configuration placed within a removable filter tip, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As depicted, the “rolled” configuration of the filter body 710, i.e., in its conical-shaped configuration, may be sized to line or substantially line the interior volume of the removable filter tip 750.
FIG. 11 is a lateral view of a removable folded-paper filter having an extended filter arm 800 in an unfolded and unrolled configuration, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, in some embodiments, the removable folded-paper filter having an extended filter arm may have a paper filter body 810 coupled to an extended filter arm 820. In some embodiments, the extended filter arm may have a plurality of folds 830 (shown in dashed lines) that may be configured to alternate in direction. In some embodiments, there may be three folds along the extended filter arm. In some embodiments, there may be more than three folds. In some embodiments, the folds may be equally spaced along the length of the extended filter arm. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, an increased length of the extended filter arm may, in some embodiments, allow for more alternating folds of the extended filter arm which may create a more substantial filter barrier as the spacing between the folded portions of the extended filter arm may become increasing small. In some embodiments, the smaller spacing may correspondingly create a smaller size of particulate that may pass through the filter barrier and, ultimately, to the user.
In some embodiments, the filter body may have a printing surface 860. The printing surface may, in some embodiments, cover only a portion of the surface of the filter body. In some other embodiments, the printing surface may cover all of the surface of the filter body. The printing surface may, in some embodiments, include one or more layers or surface treatments to allow for text or images to be printed on the filter body. In some such embodiments, this may allow for the custom printing of brand name and/or logo images on the printing surface.
FIG. 12 is a top-down view of a removable folded-paper filter having an extended filter arm in a folded and rolled configuration, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, when in a folded and rolled configuration, the filter body 810 may be rolled into a conical configuration having the extended filter arm 820 extending into the interior of the conical shape formed by the “rolled” filter body. The extended filter arm may be folded along the plurality of folds 830, in alternating directions, to configure the “folded” extended filter arm to form a filter barrier spanning substantially across the conical shaped formed by the “rolled” filter body. In some embodiments, the filter barrier formed by the “folded” filter arm may help to prevent large pieces of a smokeable substance, or large particulate ash formed from the burning of the smokeable substance, from passing through a tip and reaching a user during use.
FIG. 13A is a lateral view of a removable folded-paper filter having an extended filter arm in a folded and rolled configuration placed within a removable filter tip, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the removable filter tip 850 may be embodied according to the disclosures provided above for the tips of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the removable filter tip 850 may be identical, or essentially identical, to the removable filter tip 750 as previously described. As such, in some embodiments, the removable filter tip may be formed from a glass, metallic, ceramic, wood, or acrylic material. In some embodiments, the use of a clear material like glass or tempered glass may allow for the printing surface 860 of a filter body 810 to be visible through the removable filter tip.
As shown, in some embodiments, the filter body may be sized to fit within the removable filter tip. In some embodiments, the filter body may have a length proportional to the length of the inner volume of the removable filter tip.
FIG. 13B is a top-down view of a removable folded-paper filter having an extended filter arm in a folded and rolled configuration placed within a removable filter tip, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As depicted, the “rolled” configuration of the filter body 810, i.e., in its conical-shaped configuration, may be sized to line or substantially line the interior volume of the removable filter tip 850. As depicted, in some embodiments, the extended filter arm may allow for an increased number of folds to be used while allowing the folded extended filter arm to still span across or substantially across the conical configuration of the filter body.
FIG. 14 is a lateral view of a removable rolled-paper filter having an extended filter arm 900 in an unrolled configuration, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, in some embodiments, the removable rolled-paper filter having an extended filter arm may have a paper filter body 910 coupled to an extended filter arm 920. In some embodiments, the extended filter arm may be rolled into a spiral configuration. In some embodiments, the spiral configuration of the extended filter arm may spiral within the inner volume of the “rolled” conical shape of the filter body until the extended filter arm reaches the center or midline of the “rolled” filter body. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, an increased length of the extended filter arm may, in some embodiments, allow for more tightly packing the spiral configuration of the extended filter arm which may create a more substantial filter barrier as the spacing between the spiraled portions of the extended filter arm may become increasing small. In some embodiments, the smaller spacing may correspondingly create a smaller size of particulate that may pass through the filter barrier and, ultimately, to the user.
In some embodiments, the filter body may have a printing surface 960. The printing surface may, in some embodiments, cover only a portion of the surface of the filter body. In some other embodiments, the printing surface may cover all of the surface of the filter body. The printing surface may, in some embodiments, include one or more layers or surface treatments to allow for text or images to be printed on the filter body. In some such embodiments, this may allow for the custom printing of brand name and/or logo images on the printing surface.
FIG. 15 is a top-down view of a removable rolled-paper filter having an extended filter arm 900 in a rolled configuration, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, when in a rolled configuration, the filter body 910 may be rolled into a conical configuration having the extended filter arm 920 extending into the interior of the conical shape formed by the “rolled” filter body. The extended filter arm may be rolled into a spiral configuration about the length of the extended filter arm, to configure the “folded” extended filter arm to form a filter barrier spanning substantially across the conical shaped formed by the “rolled” filter body. In some embodiments, the filter barrier formed by the spiraled, or “rolled,” filter arm may help to prevent large pieces of a smokeable substance, or large particulate ash formed from the burning of the smokeable substance, from passing through a tip and reaching a user during use.
FIG. 16A is a lateral view of a removable rolled-paper filter having an extended filter arm in a rolled configuration placed within a removable filter tip, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the removable filter tip 950 may be embodied according to the disclosures provided above for the tips of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the removable filter tip 950 may be identical, or essentially identical, to the removable filter tip 750 or removable filter tip 850 as previously described. As such, in some embodiments, the removable filter tip may be formed from a glass, metallic, ceramic, wood, or acrylic material. In some embodiments, the use of a clear material like glass or tempered glass may allow for the printing surface 960 of a filter body 910 to be visible through the removable filter tip.
As shown, in some embodiments, the filter body may be sized to fit within the removable filter tip. In some embodiments, the filter body may have a length proportional to the length of the inner volume of the removable filter tip.
FIG. 16B is a top-down view of a removable rolled-paper filter having an extended filter arm in a rolled configuration placed within a removable filter tip, according to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. As depicted, the “rolled” configuration of the filter body 910, i.e., in its conical-shaped configuration, may be sized to line or substantially line the interior volume of the removable filter tip 950. As depicted, in some embodiments, the extended filter arm may allow for a tighter spiral to be formed from the extended filter arm allowing the spiraled extended filter arm to still span across or substantially across the conical configuration of the filter body.

Claims

We claim:

1. A reusable modular smoking filtration apparatus, comprising:

a tip having a tubular shape with a first end configured with a first coupling feature and a second end configured with a second coupling feature;

a removable freshness plug configured to be coupled to the first coupling feature; and

a removable cross-hair shaped filter configured to be coupled to the second coupling feature.

2. The reusable modular smoking filtration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tip is made of a polymer material.

3. The reusable modular smoking filtration apparatus of claim 2, wherein the removable cross-hair shaped filter has one or more retaining features configured to interface with the second coupling feature of the tip.

4. The reusable smoking filtration apparatus of claim 3, wherein the removable cross-hair shaped filter is made of glass.

5. The reusable smoking filtration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable cross-hair shaped filter comprises a metal alloy.

6. The reusable smoking filtration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retaining feature of the removable cross-hair shaped tip comprises a protrusion.

7. The reusable smoking filtration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second coupling feature of the tip comprises a groove.

8. The reusable smoking filtration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable freshness plug comprises a silicone material.

9. The reusable smoking filtration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable freshness plug comprises a retention ridge configured to interface with the first coupling feature of the tip.

10. A reusable tip for smoking smokeable substances, comprising:

a conical unitary body having a first end and a second end communicably linked by an internal chamber terminating in a cross-shaped filter formed as an opening in a wall of the first end; and

a freshness plug configured to be coupled to the second end of the conical unitary body.

11. The reusable tip of claim 10, wherein the cross-shaped filter is cut through the wall of the first end of the conical unitary body.

12. The reusable tip of claim 10, wherein the conical unitary body comprises a corn husk material.

13. The reusable tip of claim 12, wherein an external shape of the conical unitary body is shaped by a lathe.

14. The reusable tip of claim 10, wherein the wall of the first end of the conical unitary body comprises a flame-resistant coating.

15. The reusable tip of claim 10, wherein the freshness plug comprises silicone.

16. The reusable tip of claim 10, wherein the freshness plug is configured to form a friction fit with the second end of the conical unitary body.

17. A removable paper filter tip, comprising:

a removable filter tip comprising:

a tubular shape with a first end, an inner volume, and a second end, wherein the first end is communicably connected to the second end by the inner volume of the removable filter tip;

a removable paper filter comprising:

a filter body; and

an extended filter arm coupled to the filter body;

wherein the removable paper filter is configured to couple to the inner volume of the removable filter tip.

18. The removable paper filter tip of claim 17, wherein the extended filter arm is configured to extend from the filter body and have a plurality of folds placed along a length of the extended filter arm.

19. The removable paper filter tip of claim 17, wherein the extended filter arm is configured to extend from the filter body and is configured to be rolled into a spiral shape.

20. The removable paper filter tip of claim 17, wherein the filter body comprises a printing surface.