Gravity bongs, also known as gravitational bongs, are smoking devices that use the force of gravity to generate a powerful flow of smoke. They are known for delivering intense hits with less cannabis, making them a popular choice among cannabis users. Here's a comprehensive overview of what gravity bongs are, how they work, and their origins.
History and Origins
The gravity bong concept has its roots in the 1960s and 70s counterculture, where resourceful cannabis enthusiasts began experimenting with homemade devices to intensify their smoking experience. The earliest mention of gravity bongs in popular culture came during this time, primarily through underground cannabis communities. These devices were often crafted from everyday household items such as plastic bottles, buckets, and jars.
While there is no specific individual credited with the invention of the gravity bong, it is widely believed that its rise in popularity was tied to the increasing creativity of cannabis users during the height of the “do-it-yourself” movement in the 1970s. Gravity bongs became a symbol of innovation and resourcefulness, allowing users to maximize their cannabis consumption while using minimal resources.
“Geeb” is a colloquial term for a gravity bong. It’s a slang abbreviation commonly used in cannabis culture to refer to this specific smoking device. The term “geeb” is particularly popular among younger cannabis enthusiasts and in casual conversations. It represents the simplicity and ingenuity of gravity bongs, which are often homemade using common household items like plastic bottles and buckets.
Early Patents Related to Gravity Bongs
The core idea of a gravity bong—using water displacement to create a vacuum for inhalation—has inspired a variety of patents over the years. These designs often include improvements or refinements to the basic concept.
US Patent 3,943,937 (1976)
Title: “Gas absorbing implantable electrical medical device”
Summary: While this patent does not directly reference gravity bongs, it includes mechanisms involving water pipes and airflow that share similarities with gravity-based inhalation techniques.
US Patent 4,324,258 (1982)
Title: “Ultrasonic Doppler Flowmeter System”
Summary: Describes an apparatus using water to filter and cool smoke, including systems that could relate to gravity-based designs.
US Patent 6,478,024 (2002)
Title: “Smoking Apparatus and Method”
Summary: Includes innovations related to smoke delivery systems that could encompass gravity bong mechanics.
Modern Gravity Bong Patents
As cannabis became more mainstream, companies developed sophisticated gravity bongs, leading to new patents for commercial products.
Stündenglass Gravity Bong
The Stündenglass gravity bong, a popular modern device, incorporates glass and metal components for a sleek, high-end version of the traditional gravity bong. It likely has patents or design protections associated with its manufacturing and marketing, though the exact patent details might not be public.
Sources of video — Stündenglass official website
High-Tech Gravity Bongs
Recent patents focus on integrating technology, such as temperature control, improved filtration, or LED lighting, into gravity bongs.
Basic Principles of Operation
Using Water and Gravity:
Gravity bongs consist of two parts: one filled with water and the other serving as the chamber for smoke.
When the lower part of the bong is submerged in water, cannabis is lit, and the upward movement of the chamber creates a vacuum, drawing the smoke into the chamber.
Once the chamber is full of smoke, lifting the bong causes the water to drain, and the smoke is then inhaled as the user draws it into their lungs.
Types of Gravity Bongs:
Classic Gravity Bong:
Typically made from two different-sized plastic bottles, with one acting as the smoke chamber and the other as the water reservoir.
Bucket and Bottle Bong:
This version involves submerging a bottle in a bucket of water. As the bottle is lifted, it fills with smoke, which is then inhaled. This version is widely popular for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Modern Gravity Bongs:
Today, specially designed glass gravity bongs are available, offering more sophisticated designs and a smoother smoking experience. These devices are specifically manufactured for cannabis users looking for a more premium experience.
Benefits of Gravity Bongs
Intensity of Smoking:
Gravity bongs are known for delivering dense, intense hits. They create a high concentration of smoke, resulting in a more powerful smoking experience than traditional methods.
Efficiency:
Gravity bongs allow users to conserve cannabis while still achieving the desired effect. The powerful hits reduce the need to use large amounts of cannabis.
Easy Construction:
Homemade gravity bongs are easy to construct using everyday materials like plastic bottles, making them accessible to nearly anyone.
Popular Brands and Models
Stündenglass:
A leading name in the gravity bong industry, Stündenglass offers rotating, gravity-powered devices that provide a smooth, cooled smoking experience. Their bongs are known for being highly versatile, with options for adding attachments for different smoking methods.
Grav Labs:
Grav Labs creates high-quality glass gravity bongs, known for their durability and ease of use. Their modern designs provide a refined take on the classic gravity bong experience.
Tips for Using Gravity Bongs
Safety:
When making a homemade gravity bong, it's crucial to ensure that the materials used are safe for smoking. For example, plastic can release harmful chemicals when heated, so glass is a safer alternative.
Cleaning:
Regular cleaning of gravity bongs is essential to prevent resin buildup, which can negatively affect taste and potentially harm your lungs.
Dosing:
Since gravity bongs provide a powerful hit, it’s important to start with small amounts of cannabis to avoid overwhelming effects, especially for beginners.
Expansion
Thailand and India:
Thailand has recently embraced cannabis for medical purposes, and the country’s wellness industry is slowly incorporating modern smoking tools like gravity bongs into cannabis retreats and spa treatments.
India has a long history of cannabis use, particularly in spiritual rituals. In modern times, cannabis tourists visiting regions like Himachal Pradesh are starting to use gravity bongs as a blend of traditional and modern cannabis consumption methods, adding an interesting twist to the already rich cannabis culture.
Historical Anecdote
During the 1970s, as cannabis culture began to thrive, creative stoners turned to gravity bongs as a way to maximize their smoking efficiency. The rise of "DIY" cannabis tools coincided with the growing counterculture, and gravity bongs became a symbol of the ingenuity that cannabis users brought to their experience. These devices, though simple, revolutionized how people approached smoking, becoming a part of stoner folklore over the decades.
Gravity bongs offer a unique, powerful smoking experience that continues to attract cannabis users today. Their ability to deliver strong hits with minimal cannabis makes them popular with both casual users and cannabis connoisseurs. Whether it's a homemade device or a high-end model like Stündenglass, gravity bongs remain a staple of cannabis culture. However, it’s important to prioritize safety, cleanliness, and proper dosing for an optimal and enjoyable experience.
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