WO2017096452A1

WO2017096452A1 - Connector assembly for a modular smoking water pipe and method of assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2017096452A1
Application number: PCT/CA2015/051308
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Cummings
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-12-11
Filing date: 2015-12-11
Publication date: 2017-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2018-06-11

Abstract

A modular smoking water pipe and connector assembly are provided. The modular water pipe includes a smoke chamber having a barrel with a threaded connector end and a base chamber with a neck having a threaded connector. The connector assembly comprises an interior collar resting within an exterior collar. The interior collar engages the threaded connector end of the smoke chamber and the exterior collar engages the threaded neck of the base chamber. When assembled, the interior collar is retained between the exterior collar, the smoke chamber, and the base chamber. The connector end of the smoke chamber and the neck of the base chamber are dimensioned such that an outer surface of the exterior collar is substantially flush with the barrel of the smoke chamber and the neck. A method of assembly of the modular water pipe and additional downstem connection and base features are also provided.

Description

CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR A MODULAR SMOKING WATER PIPE AND

METHOD OF ASSEMBLY

Background

1. Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to water pipes and bongs.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] A water pipe (commonly also referred to as a bong or shisha pipe) is a device that is used to filter and cool smoke produced by burning tobacco or other herbal substances. Smoke produced during combustion of these substances is generally too hot to be directly and comfortably inhaled by a user, and may cause damage to a user's respiratory tract. Further, heavy particles resident in the smoke, such as various carcinogenic tars, may also cause damage to the user's airways and lungs. To mitigate these risks, water may be used to both cool and filter the smoke. A water pipe generally comprises a lower vessel containing with water, integral with an upper smoke chamber. Smoke passes through the water of the lower vessel and up through the smoke chamber, from which it may be inhaled by the user. The smoke cools during its passage through the two parts, and some heavy particles and/ or water-soluble tar particles in the smoke may be trapped in the water. In some variants, either the lower vessel or smoke chamber of the water pipe may be provided with additional filtration components in order to remove undesirable particles.

[0003] However, with use over time, the inner surfaces of the water pipe and additional components may become coated with layers of accumulated tar. This accumulation may restrict the flow of smoke through the water pipe, and may cause smoke passing through the water pipe to take on an unpleasant taste as it travels through the water pipe, despite the water filtration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] In drawings which illustrate by way of example only embodiments of the present disclosure, in which like reference numerals describe similar terms throughout the various figures, [0005] FIG. 1 is a front elevation sectional view of an example modular water pipe assembly.

[0006] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are top, side and front views, respectively, of the modular water pipe assembly of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are top, front and sectional views, respectively, of an example smoke chamber of a modular water pipe assembly.

[0008] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E are schematic top, side, front, isometric, and sectional views, respectively, of an example base chamber of a modular water pipe assembly.

[0009] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are bottom, front and isometric views, respectively, of an example interior collar of a connector assembly in a modular water pipe assembly.

[0010] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are top, front, isometric, and sectional views, respectively, of an example exterior collar of a connector assembly in a modular water pipe assembly.

[0011] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are top, front and isometric views, respectively, of a downstem of a further example modular water pipe assembly.

[0012] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are top, front and isometric views, respectively, of a downstem connector for use with the downstem of FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C.

[0013] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are top, front, isometric, and sectional views, respectively, of an example base member for a further example modular water pipe assembly.

[0014] FIGS. 10A, 10B and IOC are top, front, and sectional views, respectively, of an example engagement tool for use with the example interior collar of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C.

[0015] FIGS. 11 A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are top, front, isometric and sectional views, respectively, of a mouthpiece for use with a further example modular water pipe assembly.

Detailed Description

[0016] As mentioned above, water pipes may be used to filter and cool smoke that is created by the combustion of tobacco or other herbal substances before the smoke is inhaled. Generally, a water pipe is preferably made of glass and comprises a lower vessel, such as a beaker or flask, connected to an upper smoke chamber or tube in a unibody construction. The lower vessel includes an angled neck projecting from a sidewall in which a downstem may be placed. When using a water pipe, the user partially fills the lower vessel with cool water and optionally ice, and inserts the downstem in the neck so that the lower end of the downstem is submerged in the water. A combustible substance is placed in a bowl (a receptacle having an open bottom) resting in the upper end of the downstem. The combustible substance is lit, and the resultant smoke is drawn down from the bowl, through the downstem, and into the water, due to a vacuum created by the user inhaling on a mouthpiece end of the smoke chamber. Once the lower vessel is sufficiently filled with smoke, the bowl is removed so as to create airflow from the exterior of the water pipe and into the downstem. This pulls cooled smoke out of the lower vessel, through the smoke chamber, and into the user's mouth. While the smoke is in the base chamber, some heavy particles and water-soluble tar particles resident in the smoke may be trapped in the liquid and thus do not enter the user's airways. As noted above, the filtration effect may be enhanced through the use of other filtration components.

[0017] However, filtering of smoke by the water pipe causes layers of tar to buildup on hard to reach inside surfaces of the water pipe that are exposed to the smoke, which can adversely affect not only the appearance of the water pipe, but also its function. It is possible to provide a separate smoke chamber and lower vessel with ground glass joints that can be easily separated for cleaning, but these joints may be prone to accidental disconnection, leading to breakage; many water pipes are inherently fragile since they are manufactured in glass.

[0018] The two parts may also be fastened with an additional connector, such as a Keck clip generally known in the art and described in U.S. Patent No. 4442572. However, Keck clips project from the body of the water pipe; not only is this unattractive, but this projection may make the clips more susceptible to unintentional dislodgement.

[0019] In addition, the inherent fragility of glass water pipe components raises other concerns. Due to variations in manufacture, the base of some water pipe flasks or beakers may be relatively thin and more susceptible to breakage. Furthermore, the downstem is also frequently made of glass. Removal of the bowl sometimes causes dislodgement of the downstem; if the downstem falls, it may break. [0020] Accordingly, the embodiments and examples described herein provide a modular water pipe assembly that is capable of being easily disassembled by the user and easily cleaned when required, and improved connection mechanisms.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an example water pipe assembly 10 in accordance with the inventive concepts discussed herein. The water pipe assembly 10 comprises a smoke chamber 30 and a base chamber 40. The smoke chamber 30 and base chamber 40 may be made of glass or acrylic, or any other suitable material known in the art.

[0022] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the smoke chamber 30 and the base chamber 40 are removably connected by a connector assembly 50, the construction and function of which will be more fully described below. FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C provide top, side, and front views, respectively, of the water pipe assembly 10 in the example of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C provide a top view, side view and sectional view, respectively, of the smoke chamber 30 of FIG. 1. While in this example, a unitary smoke chamber 30 is provided with a single connector assembly 50 joining the smoke chamber 30 to the base chamber 40, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the smoke chamber portion may comprise several parts, each of which can be removably connected to each other and/ or to the base chamber 40. In the embodiment shown, the smoke chamber has a first portion, or barrel, with a first exterior diameter 33 and a second portion, or connector end, with a second exterior diameter 34 that is smaller than the first diameter 33. The diameter 34 of the connector end may taper towards an open end 32 of the smoke chamber 30. Generally, a wall thickness of the smoke chamber 30 is substantially constant, but variations may occur. The smoke chamber also has a first open end 31 of the barrel that may be suitable to function as a mouthpiece for the user; however, as discussed below, a separate mouthpiece can be provided.

[0024] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the first open end 31 of the barrel of the smoke chamber 30 is optionally threaded and dimensioned such that a user may screw a mouthpiece 35 onto it. The mouthpiece 35 in this example, which can best be seen in FIGS. 11A through 1 ID, is an annular ring comprising a threaded inner surface 36 and a soft outer surface 37. The mouthpiece 35 is dimensioned to enable the user to form substantially airtight seal between the user's mouth and the water pipe assembly 10. However, the formation of the seal will depend on the user's physical characteristics and the dimensions of the mouthpiece 35. Since the mouthpiece 35 is removably attached to the smoke chamber 30, in some implementations mouthpieces 35 of varying dimensions can be provided to suit the user's needs.

[0025] The mouthpiece 35 is threaded so that it may be removably connected to the smoke chamber 30. A removable connection allows a user to remove the mouthpiece 35 when the water pipe assembly 10 is not in use and clean the area beneath it to prevent tar buildup.

[0026] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the diameter 33 of the barrel of the smoke chamber 30 is larger than the diameter or diameters 34 of the connector end. The barrel of the smoke chamber 30 is meets the connector end at a shoulder 38, which is defined by the size difference between the barrel and connector end. The connector end of the smoke chamber 30 includes an open end 32 with a partially threaded outer surface capable of engaging with the connector assembly 50.

[0027] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D provide a top, a side, a front, and an isometric view, respectively, of the example base chamber 40 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4E is a sectional view of the base chamber 40. The base chamber 40 comprises a threaded neck 41 that is capable of engaging with the connector assembly 50. The threaded neck 41 also comprises an opening capable of fluidly connecting the base chamber 40 to the smoke chamber 30; for example, as illustrated here, the neck 41 receives the tapered connector end of the smoke chamber, and the two parts are retained together by the connector assembly 50.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base chamber 40 also comprises a second threaded neck 42 with an opening capable of receiving a downstem 80. The second neck projects at an angle from a sidewall of the base chamber 40 so that the neck 42 and downstem 80 can support a bowl (not shown) sufficiently upright so as to retain combustible material therein.

[0029] The base chamber 40 can be partially filled with a liquid, such as water, or any suitable liquid as may be known in the art. Ice may also be inserted into the base chamber 40 to further cool the liquid. The purpose of the cool liquid is to both cool smoke that passes through it and cause particles resident in the smoke to either dissolve in the liquid or otherwise be trapped within it. [0030] The connector assembly 50 in this example is used to removably connect the base chamber 40 and the smoke chamber 30. In one implementation, in dependence on the dimensions of the base chamber 40 and smoke chamber 30, the outer surface of the connector assembly 50 can create a substantially flush surface (i.e., substantially the same exterior dimensions) extending from the barrel of the smoke chamber 30 to the unthreaded portion of the neck of the base chamber 40. In addition to the security of a threaded and/ or flush connection, the connector assembly 50 provides a connection mechanism that can be more visually pleasing than the prior art Keck clip.

[0031] The connector assembly 50 comprises an interior collar 60 and an exterior collar 70. FIGS. 5 A, 5B and 5C illustrate a bottom, front and isometric view of the interior collar 60. The interior collar 60 in this example is a substantially annual or cylindrical collar having a threaded interior surface 61 and an engagement surface 62, here illustrated as having crenellations. The interior surface 61 is used to receive and engage the threaded portion of the connector end of the smoke chamber 30.

[0032] FIGS. 6 A, 6B and 6C provide a top, front and isometric view, respectively, of the exterior collar 70 of the connector assembly 50. FIG 6D also provides a sectional view of the exterior collar 70. The exterior collar 70 comprises an interior surface with a threaded portion 71 proximate to a first end, and a non-threaded portion 72 proximate to a second end. The threaded portion 71 receives and engages with the threaded portion of the neck of the base chamber 40. The interior collar 60 is dimensioned so as to be able to fit within the non-threaded portion 72 of the exterior collar. A stop, or retainer, 73 is provided proximate to the second end of the exterior collar 70. The stop or retainer 73 retains the interior collar 60 in place within the exterior collar when the connector assembly 50 is used to join the smoke chamber 30 and base chamber 40, as explained below. In this example, the stop or retainer 73 is an inwardly projecting lip extending from the second end of the exterior collar 70.

[0033] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C provide a top, front and isometric view, respectively, of the downstem 80 illustrated in FIG. 1. In use, the downstem 80 is inserted into an opening in a second threaded neck 42 of the base chamber 40. The downstem 80 comprises a first open end 81 and a second open end 82. Once inserted into the neck 42, the first open end extends from the neck 42 to the exterior of the base chamber 40, while the second open end 82 projects into the interior of the base chamber 40. In use, it is expected that the second open end 82 will be submerged in liquid, such as water, contained in the base chamber 40. The first opening 81 of the downstem 80 is also capable of receiving a bowl (not shown) equipped with an opening in its base. Tobacco or another substance may be placed into the bowl and ignited, thereby causing it to combust. As mentioned earlier, during use of the water pipe 10, the bowl is subsequently removed from the downstem 80. However, the removal of the bowl can cause an accidental dislodgement or removal of the downstem 80, resulting in a risk of breakage.

[0034] Accordingly, the downstem 80 is configured for retention on the base chamber 40 so as to reduce incidents of accidental removal or dislodgement. The downstem 80 includes a circumferential projection 83 that extends outwardly from the outer surface of the downstem 80 near its first opening 81. A corresponding cylindrical connector 90 is also provided for removably connecting the downstem 80 to the base chamber 40. A removable connection allows a user to remove the downstem 80 when not in use and clean the area beneath it to prevent tar buildup.

[0035] FIGS. 8 A, 8B, and 8C, provide a top, front and isometric view, respectively, of the cylindrical connector 90. FIG. 8D also provides a sectional view of the cylindrical connector 90. The cylindrical connection 90 comprises an upper lip 91 dimensioned to abut the circumferential projection 83 of the downstem 80. The cylindrical connector 90 also comprises a threaded end portion 92 dimensioned to mate with the second threaded neck 42 of the base chamber 40.

[0036] Furthermore, to protect a base of the base chamber 40, the base chamber 40 can be configured to have a foot on which a base member or bumper 100 can be removably engaged. FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate top, front and isometric views of this optional base member 100. FIG. 9D provides a sectional view of the base member 100. As can best be seen in FIG. 4B, the base chamber 40 includes a foot 43, here in the form of a threaded cylindrical extension 43, extending from its lower surface. The foot 43 and the bumper 100 are configured to

cooperatively mate with each other; thus, in this example, the foot 43 is threaded and dimensioned so that it can be received in a corresponding threaded portion of the base member 100. The diameter of the base member 100 can be larger than the diameter of the lower surface of the base chamber 40, thereby increasing the overall stability of the water pipe assembly 10 by providing a larger footprint for the water pipe assembly, and reducing the likelihood of tipping, and accidental breakage of the base chamber 40 due to impacts on the lower portion of the base chamber 40.

[0037] In this example, the base member 100 provides a substantially frustoconical profile with an exterior surface that is substantially even or flush with a sidewall of the base chamber 40. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the base member 100 may take on any suitable shape.

[0038] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a modular water pipe assembly 10 need not include all of the enhancements described above. For example, the base member 100 and foot of the base chamber 40 may be omitted, and the base chamber 40 may have a conventional flat base instead. The downstem 80 and connection 90, and/or the mouthpiece 35, need not be used.

[0039] To assemble the base chamber 40 and smoke chamber 30, the interior collar 60 is inserted into the exterior collar 70. As noted above, the interior collar 60 is dimensioned to fit within the non-threaded portion 72 of the exterior collar 70. It is retained within the exterior collar 70 by the stop 73. The assembly of the interior collar 60 within the exterior collar 70 is then placed on the connector end of the smoke chamber 30, as generally illustrated in FIG. 1. The interior threaded surface 61 of the interior collar 60 is then engaged with the threaded surface portion of the connector end of the smoke chamber 30. The threaded portion of the connector end is proximate to the shoulder 38, that is to say, the junction between the two portions of the smoke chamber 30.

[0040] To facilitate engagement, a tool can be used. As mentioned above, the interior collar 60 includes an engagement surface 62. A tool, illustrated in FIGS. 10A to IOC, is provided with a corresponding engagement end 111 that can mate with the engagement surface 62. The user can hold the tool 110 with the end 111 engaged with the surface 62, and rotate the tool 110 in order to rotate the interior collar 60 within the exterior collar 70 so as to mate the threads in the interior collar 60 with the smoke chamber 30. In this particular example, the engagement end 111 of the tool 110 has crenellations that complement the crenellations of the engagement surface 62. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that crenellations need not be used, provided the interior collar 60 and the tool 110 have complementary engagement features that enable the tool to mate with or lock onto the interior collar 60. [0041] As shown in the figures, the tool 110 is generally cylindrical in shape with at least the one engagement end 111. However, the tool 110 can include a second engagement end 112 of a different diameter, or with a different engagement feature, which can be useful for assembling connector assemblies 50 of different diameters or configurations.

[0042] Once the interior collar 60 is engaged with the smoke chamber 30, it is retained between the exterior collar 70 and the smoke chamber 30. Referring back to FIG. 1 , it can be seen that the interior collar 60 thus retains the stop 73, and thus the exterior collar 70, against the shoulder 38 defined on the smoke chamber. When the exterior diameter of the exterior collar 70 matches the greater exterior diameter the smoke chamber 30, the connector assembly 50 will appear substantially flush or even with the smoke chamber 30.

[0043] The base chamber 40 can then be attached to the connector assembly 50 by mating the threaded portion of the neck 41 with the threaded portion of the exterior collar 70. As shown in FIG. 1, the connector end of the smoke chamber 30 is also received within the neck 41 of the base chamber 40. The exterior collar 70 thus extends between the neck and the barrel of the smoke chamber 30, and provides for two threaded seals between the interior collar 60 and the smoke chamber 30, and between the exterior collar 70 and the base chamber 40. In addition to this, a seal may also be formed between the smoke chamber 30 and the base chamber 40. The interior of the neck 41 and the unthreaded exterior of the connector end of the smoke chamber 30 can comprise ground glass surfaces, thus providing further sealing.

[0044] Optionally, the downstem 80 may be secured to the base chamber 40. The downstem 80 can be placed in the second threaded neck 42 of the base chamber 40, and the cylindrical connector 90 placed over the downstem 80 and its circumferential projection 83, then screwed onto the threaded neck 42.

[0045] As a further option, the mouthpiece 35 may be mated to the first end 31 of the smoke chamber 30.

[0046] Finally, as yet a further option, the base member 100 can be mounted onto the foot 43 of the base chamber 40. [0047] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the modular construction of the water pipe assembly 10 allows a user to disconnect the various parts of the assembly 10, allowing the parts to be cleaned more easily. Furthermore the various connections between glass components of the water pipe assembly 10 improve security and can reduce the incidence of breakage.

[0048] The implementations described above are presented only by way of example and are not meant to limit the scope of the subject matter described herein. Variations of these examples and embodiments will be apparent to those in the art, and are considered to be within the scope of the subject matter described herein. For example, while the drawings illustrate particular examples of the inventive concept(s) described herein, aesthetic variations may be made without altering the function of the invention(s). As one example, the shape of the base chamber may be varied; it may be flask or beaker shape, or any other suitable or fanciful shape. Similarly, the smoke chamber and other components may vary in shape or aesthetic design. As another example, certain components need not be completely cylindrical or annual to serve their function. The stop or retainer 73 of the exterior collar 70 need not project from the entire perimeter of the exterior collar 70; the stop 73 may function with only one or more projections extending inwardly at or near the end of the collar 70. Similarly, the circumferential projection 83 of the downstem need not be circumferential, but may consist only of one or more projections capable of engagement.

[0049] Throughout the specification, terms such as "may" and "can" are used interchangeably. Use of any particular term should not be construed as limiting the scope or requiring

experimentation to implement the claimed subject matter or embodiments described herein. Further, while this disclosure may have articulated specific technical problems that are addressed by the invention(s), the disclosure is not intended to be limiting in this regard; the person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize other technical problems addressed by the invention(s).

[0050] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is or may be subject to one or more of copyright, design, or trade dress protection, whether registered or unregistered. The rightsholder has no objection to the reproduction of any such material as portrayed herein through facsimile reproduction of this disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office records, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever.

Claims

1. A modular smoking water pipe assembly comprising a smoke chamber and a base chamber, the smoke chamber, comprising a barrel terminating at a connector end, the barrel having a first outer diameter and the connector end having a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter, the connector end comprising a threaded exterior portion, a junction of the barrel and the connector end defining a shoulder; the base chamber, comprising a neck having a threaded exterior portion; the smoke chamber and the base chamber being removably attached by a connector assembly permitting passage therethrough, the connector assembly comprising: an exterior collar comprising a threaded portion at a first end and a stop at an opposing end, the threaded portion receiving and engaging the threaded exterior portion of the neck; an interior collar disposed within the exterior collar between the threaded portion of the exterior collar and the stop, the interior collar comprising a threaded portion receiving and engaging the threaded exterior portion of the connector end of the smoke chamber, the stop substantially abutting the shoulder of the smoke chamber.

2. The modular smoking water pipe assembly of claim 1, wherein an exterior surface of the exterior collar is substantially flush with the barrel.

3. The modular smoking water pipe assembly of claim 2, wherein the exterior surface of the exterior collar is substantially flush with the threaded exterior portion of the neck.

4. The modular smoking water pipe assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stop comprises a lip projecting inwardly from the opposing end of the exterior collar.

5. The modular smoking water pipe assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the exterior collar is cylindrical.

6. The modular smoking water pipe assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the interior collar comprises a first surface for engaging the stop of the exterior collar and an opposing engagement surface.

7. The modular smoking water pipe assembly of claim 6, wherein the engagement surface comprises a crenellated surface.

8. The modular smoking water pipe assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, the base chamber comprising a second neck having a threaded portion, the second threaded neck projecting from a sidewall of the base chamber, the assembly further comprising: a downstem comprising a circumferential projection projecting from an exterior of the downstem proximate to an end of the downstem; a downstem connector removably attaching the downstem to the threaded portion of the second neck, the downstem connector comprising: a first end portion comprising a lip projecting inwardly and abutting the circumferential projection; and a second threaded end portion receiving and engaging the second threaded neck of the base chamber.

9. The modular smoking water pipe assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, the base chamber comprising a foot extending from a lower surface of the base chamber, the assembly further comprising: an annular base member removably attached to the foot by a threaded coupling.

10. The modular smoking water pipe assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, an opposing end of the barrel of the smoke chamber being removably attached to a mouthpiece by a threaded coupling.

11. The modular smoking water pipe assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the smoke chamber and the base chamber are formed of glass.

12. The modular smoking water pipe assembly of claim 11 , wherein the connector assembly is formed of plastic.

13. A connector assembly for use in removably attaching a smoke chamber to a base chamber of a modular smoking water pipe, the connector assembly comprising: an exterior collar comprising a threaded portion at a first end and a stop at an opposing end, the threaded portion receiving and engaging a threaded exterior portion of a neck of the base chamber; and an interior collar disposed within the exterior collar between the threaded portion of the exterior collar and the stop, the interior collar comprising a threaded portion receiving and engaging a threaded exterior portion of a connector end of the smoke chamber.

14. The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the smoke chamber comprises a barrel terminating at the connector end, the barrel having a first outer diameter and the connector end having a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter, the connector end comprising the threaded exterior portion, a junction of the barrel and the connector end defining a shoulder, the stop being dimensioned so as to substantially abut the shoulder of the smoke chamber.

15. The connector assembly of claim 13 or 14, wherein the stop comprises a lip projecting inwardly from the opposing end of the exterior collar.

16. The connector assembly of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the exterior collar is cylindrical.

17. The connector assembly of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the interior collar comprises a first surface for engaging the stop of the exterior collar and an opposing engagement surface.

18. The connector assembly of claim 17, wherein the engagement surface comprises a crenellated surface.

19. A connector assembly kit, comprising: the connector assembly of claim 17; and an engagement tool comprising a substantially cylindrical engagement end, the engagement end mating with the opposing engagement surface of the interior collar to enable the interior collar to be rotated while disposed within the exterior collar.

20. The connector assembly kit of claim 19, wherein the engagement surface of the interior collar comprises a crenellated surface and the engagement end of the engagement tool comprises a complementary crenellated surface.

21. A method of assembling a modular smoking water pipe comprising a smoke chamber and a base chamber, the smoke chamber comprising a barrel terminating at a connector end, the connector end comprising a threaded exterior portion, the base chamber comprising a neck having a threaded exterior portion, the method comprising: inserting a interior collar into an exterior collar, the interior collar comprising a threaded portion adapted to receive and engage the threaded exterior portion of the connector end, a first surface, and an opposing engagement surface; the exterior collar comprising a threaded portion at a first end and a stop at an opposing end, the stop retaining the interior collar within the exterior collar, and the threaded portion of the exterior collar being adapted to receive and engage the threaded exterior portion of the neck of the base chamber; mounting the interior collar within the exterior collar onto the threaded exterior portion of the connector end; rotating the interior collar within the exterior collar so as to cause the threaded portion of the interior collar to engage the threaded exterior portion of the connector end; and mating the threaded portion of the exterior collar with the threaded exterior portion of the neck of the base station.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein rotating the interior collar comprises: mating the engagement surface of the interior collar with an engagement end of an engagement tool; twisting the engagement tool so as to cause the threaded portion of the interior collar to engage the threaded exterior portion of the connector end.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the engagement surface of the interior collar comprises a crenellated surface, and the engagement end of the engagement tool comprises a

complementary crenellated surface.

24. The method of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the barrel of the smoke chamber has a first outer diameter and the connector end has a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter, a junction of the barrel and the connector end defining a shoulder, and the stop substantially engages the shoulder.