Water pipe bowl stem valve apparatus and method

• US 5,967,147 A
• Filed: 07/21/1998
• Issued: 10/19/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Mark R. Newman
• Original Assignee: Mark R. Newman
• Inventors: Newman, Mark R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Silverman, Stanley S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ruller, Jacqueline A.
• Application Number:
  US08/891,844
• Time in Patent Office: 455 Days
• Field of Search: 131/173, 131/215.1, 131/180, D27/166, D27/169, 429/76, 251/12, 137/409, 137/410
• US Class Current: 131/173
• CPC Class Codes: A24F 1/30 Hookahs

Abstract

A valved stem apparatus for use on a water pipe used for smoking. The valved stem is formed as an elongated hollow stem provided with a first open end, sized for mechanically interfacing with a pipe bowl assembly component of the water pipe, and with a second open end for being disposed within a liquid container member of the water pipe. The second open end is provided with a retaining structure that extends from the stem structure that delineates an opening at the second open end. A valve member, such as a ball valve, is disposed within the retaining structure such that it can freely travel within the retaining structure towards the opening portion of the second open end upon being submerged in a liquid. The opening portion is formed with a smooth beveled rim surface that conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the buoyant body to effect closure of the opening in a water-tight manner when not being forced open by a person drawing smoke from the mouthpiece. Once the drawing of smoke ceases, the buoyant force takes over to reclose the opening. The interior of the stem is essentially kept void of the liquid since the re-closure is virtually instantaneous. Any inadvertent tipping of the water pipe apparatus will not cause the buoyant body to be moved away from the opening of the hollow stem member and thus prevent any spillage of the liquid via the stem supporting the pipe bowl.

Claims

1. A stem apparatus for use on a water pipe used for smoking, said apparatus comprising:

an elongated hollow stem member, said hollow stem member having a first open end sized for mechanically interfacing with a pipe bowl member of said water pipe and a second open end for being disposed within a liquid container member of said water pipe; and

a ball valve member operatively disposed at said second open end,

wherein said second open end comprises a retaining structure extending from a stem structure delineating an opening portion of said second open end,

wherein said ball valve member being operatively disposed within said retaining structure to facilitate a liquid pressure activated closed state,

wherein said retaining structure comprises a plurality of finger shaped members extending outward from said stem structure towards a terminating end portion of each of said finger shaped members, each said terminating end portion having inwardly shaped tip portions that facilitate securing said ball valve member within a space delineated by said plurality of finger shaped members during an open and closed state effected by said ball valve member, and

wherein said opening portion having a substantially smooth seat structure formed to conform with a surface of said ball valve member to facilitate a substantially water-tight seal during said closed state.

2. A water pipe apparatus used for smoking, said apparatus comprising:

a liquid container member, said liquid container member having a port for receiving pipe bowl assembly;

a pipe bowl assembly comprising a stem member for supporting and carrying a pipe bowl member and for interfacing with an interior of said liquid container member to facilitate smoke from a smoking substance being smoked to be filtered by a liquid contained in said liquid container member, said stem member comprising;

an elongated hollow stem member, said hollow stem member having a first open end sized for mechanically interfacing with said pipe bowl member and a second open end for being disposed within said liquid container member; and

a ball valve member operatively disposed at said second open end, said valve member being functionally responsive to a buoyancy force produced by a liquid,

wherein said second open end comprises a retaining structure extending from a stem structure delineating an opening portion of said second open end,

wherein said valve member being operatively disposed within said retaining structure to facilitate a liquid pressure activated closed state, and

wherein said retaining structure comprises a plurality of finger shaped members extending outward from said stem structure towards a terminating end portion of each of said finger shaped members, each said terminating end portion that facilitate securing said ball member within a space delineated by said plurality of finger shaped members during an open and closed state effected by said ball valve member, and

wherein said opening portion having a substantially smooth seat structure formed to conform with a surface of said ball valve member to facilitate a substantially water-tight seal during said closed state.