Smoke filtering and cooling device

• US 4,357,948 A
• Filed: 12/11/1980
• Issued: 11/09/1982
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/1980
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robert Schweitzer
• Original Assignee: Robert Schweitzer
• Inventors: Schweitzer, Robert A., Tate, James H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pellegrino, Stephen C.
• Application Number:
  US06/215,538
• Time in Patent Office: 698 Days
• Field of Search: 131/173, 285/421, 285/298, 285/302, 138/89, 138/90, 55/259
• US Class Current: 131/173
• CPC Class Codes: A24F 1/30 Hookahs

Abstract

A smoke filtering and cooling device is removably mounted within a cylindrical vertical passage in a tobacco smoking water pipe through which smoke is upwardly directed. The device comprises a selectively expandable/retractable portion which is engageable with the passage wall whereby the device is mechanically supported and a fluid-tight seal is provided so that a quantity of water can be retained in the passage around the device. The device further comprises or defines passageways whereby the smoke is directed through the water for filtering and cooling as it passes through the pipe. A plurality of devices may be arranged one above another in the same water pipe to increase efficiency.

Claims

1. A filtering and cooling device for use in an upright passage through which smoke or gas rises comprising:

first means on said device operable to releasably secure said device in said passage and to effect a seal between said device and the wall of said passage whereby a body of liquid may be retained in said passage in association with said device, said first means comprising an expandable and retractable member engageable with the wall of said passage; and

second means on said device and accessible from the exterior of said passage for operating said first means, said second means being selectively operatable to effect expansion or contraction of said member;

said device including passageway means for directing said smoke or gas through said body of liquid.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said passageway extends through said member.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said member takes the form of hollow flexible cone open at its bottom end and wherein said second means comprises a movable member axially movable relative to said cone in the lower end thereof to effect sealing engagement of said lower end of said cone with the wall of the passage in which the device is disposed.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein said second means includes means for effecting relative axial movement between said cone and said movable member.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein said last-recited means includes threaded members.

6. A filtering and cooling device for use in an upright passage through which smoke or gas rises to retain a body of fluid in the passage and provide a passageway through the fluid comprising:

a first hollow member having a flexible conical portion at its bottom end and being open at its bottom end, said first member having both a bolt hole and a gas hole near its upper end;

a second hollow member open at its bottom end and closed at its top end and disposed around and spaced from said first hollow member, said second having a bolt hole near its upper end in registry with said bolt hole in said first member, the lower portion of said second member extending below said gas hole in said first member;

a first base disc disposed within said flexible conical portion of said first member and having both a bolt hole and a gas hole therethrough; and

means including a bolt extending through all of said bolt holes, said bolt having a nut thereon which when tightened forces said base disc into said flexible conical portion thereby causing the latter to expand peripherally and engage the wall of said passage.

7. A device according to claim 6 including a second disc of smaller diameter than said passage disposed on said screw above said second member and having both a bolt hole and another hole therethrough.

8. In combination:

a water pipe comprising a tube having a uprightly disposable passage closed at its lower end and open at its upper end and having a smoke admitting opening near its lower end, said passage being adapted to retain a first body of liquid at its bottom end, the surface of which first body is above said opening when said passage is uprightly disposed; and

a smoke filtering and cooling device removably mounted in said passage above and spaced from said first body of liquid, said device being adapted to retain another body of liquid associated therewith and to provide a passageway for smoke through said other body of liquid, said device including selectively operable expandable and retractable adjustment means accessible from the exterior of said passage in said tube for releasably securing said device in said tube.

9. A combination according to claim 8 including a plurality of said devices disposed one above another in said passage.