US20160165951A1

US20160165951A1 - Electronic Hookah System

Info

Publication number: US20160165951A1
Application number: US14/572,242
Authority: US
Inventors: Anand Sagar Gupta
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-12-16
Filing date: 2014-12-16
Publication date: 2016-06-16
Also published as: WO2016099588A1

Abstract

A hookah-themed electronic device mimics a traditional coal and water based hookah in appearance via a hookah-shaped body. Power sources are housed inside the hookah-shaped body and used to provide current to attached cartomizers or vaporizers.

Attachments are enabled by hoses which engage with a female socket on the hookah-shaped body and provide an adapter at a second end for receiving the cartomizer, with power being transmitted through the hose. A switch is provided on the hose for completing or breaking an electrical connection between an attached cartomizer and the power sources. Several circuits are integrated into the invention, including a voltage-control circuit for adjusting voltage output, a power-charging circuit for recharging the power sources, and a power-remaining sensor circuit for monitoring the remaining charge of the power sources. Decorative elements further simulating non-electronic hookahs are also provided, mimicking effects such as the glow of coals.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an electronic hookah system that aesthetically resembles a traditional hookah while powering attached electronic cartomizers by means of internal power sources and adapting hoses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Smoking is a common activity throughout the world, with previously region-specific methods and apparatuses having spread as a result of globalization. Hookah is one such example, having originated in Persia since then having spread across the world. As with other smoking methods, the advent of electricity has allowed for numerous improvements and modifications to hookahs. The present invention concerns itself with such a modification: the use of electronic cartomizers or vaporizers in place of the standard water basin and coals.
Electronic cartomizers operate by powering a heating element which vaporizes a liquid solution, with many ingredients such as nicotine and flavorings being incorporated into the liquid solution. Electronic cartomizers have gained popularity in the early 21st century, with many using them to supplement or replace traditional smoking means for the purported comparative health benefits. The increased adoption of electronic cartomizers introduces a growing market which can still be tapped into.
Hookahs are often used in social settings, with several people sharing the same hookah. In fact, a number of hookah bars exist to facilitate such gatherings by providing a shared hookah for groups. This social aspect is desirable to a number of smokers. However, electronic cartomizer are generally personal devices which are incapable of simulating the full experience of a traditional hookah. There exists a need for an apparatus that mimics a non-electronic hookah and which is compatible with electronic cartomizer.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a hookah-shaped body that visually resembles a traditional hookah. It is a further object of the present invention to provide power sources, hoses, and adapters that allow electronic cartomizer to be connected to and powered by the hookah-shaped body. Decorative elements are added, including replicating the glow of coals by means of an illumination device. The combination of the hookah-shaped body and the hoses allow multiple users to share the same device, with the hoses powering attached electronic cartomizers, paralleling the use of hoses in traditional hookahs .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing basic electrical connections between circuits of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing detailed electrical connections of the power-charging circuit of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing detailed electrical connections of the power-remaining sensor circuit of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing detailed electrical connections of the voltage-control circuit of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a variant design of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the variant design of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the variant design of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an adapter portion with separate cartomizer and mouthpiece.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the cartomizer coupled with the adapter portion.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the cartomizer and a mouthpiece coupled with the adapter portion.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a hookah-themed electronic device for powering cartomizers as used with electronic cigarettes and electronic hookahs. To this end, the present invention comprises a hookah-shaped body 1, a plurality of power sources 2, and an at least one hose 3. The plurality of power sources 2 is housed within the hookah-shaped body 1 while the at least one hose 3 is externally attached to the hookah-shaped body 1. The plurality of power sources 2, by means of the at least one hose 3, can then be used to power an attached cartomizer. It is noted that while the application uses the term cartomizer, it is interchangeable with an atomizer and indeed any electrically powered device which is utilized as an electronic cigarette or electronic hookah.
The hookah-shaped body 1 comprises a base 11, a central portion 12, a decorative portion 13, a control panel 14, and at least one primary adapter 15, as illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. These components are also shown in the variant design illustrated in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11. The central portion 12 is adjacently connected to the base 11 while the decorative portion 13 is adjacently connected to the central portion 12 opposite the base 11. Effectively, the base 11 serves as a bottom section, the central portion 12 serves as a middle section, and the decorative portion 13 serves as a top section. To help stabilize the present invention and secure the central portion 12 to the base 11, a plastic ring may be provided around the joined section of the base 11 and central portion 12. Since the present invention is hookah-themed, the base 11 is preferably translucent and bowl-shaped; for the same reason, the decorative portion 13 is preferably elongated and cylindrical while the central portion 12 is octagonal. These components serve to represent the water jar (base 11) and head (decorative portion 13) of a non-electronic hookah. The central portion 12, meanwhile, houses and supports many of the functional components of the present invention. The plurality of power sources 2 is preferably a number of batteries which are positioned within the central portion 12, while the at least one primary adapter 15 is positioned on the central portion 12. Likewise, the control panel 14 is positioned on the central portion 12. The at least one primary adapter 15 provides an external interface, allowing effective coupling of the hookah-shaped body 1 and the at least one hose 3. Not only does the at least one primary adapter 15 secure the at least one hose 3 to the hookah-shaped body 1, it also allows for an electrical connection between the plurality of power sources 2 and any coupled components. The control panel 14 enables a user to operate the present invention and adjust electrical properties, including turning the present invention “on” or “off” in addition to adjusting voltage amounts.
In the preferred embodiment a pair of 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are utilized as the power sources 2. Other embodiments may comprise a variety of different types and numbers of batteries or power-providing devices to act as the plurality of power sources 2. The primary adapter 15 of the preferred embodiment is an RCA socket, capable of providing power to the attached hose 3. While RCA connections are utilized by the preferred embodiment, it is understood that different types of electrical connections can be applied with other embodiments.
Enabling attached devices to be powered from the plurality of power sources 2, the at least one hose 3 comprises a flexible body 31, a first end 32, and a second end 33. The second end 33 comprises a cartomizer-activating switch 331 and a cartomizer-receiving adapter 332. The first end 32 serves as an attachment point with regards to the hookah-shaped body 1, with the first end 32 being attached to the primary adapter 15 of the central portion 12. The second end 33 secures a cartomizer, the latter of which is attached to the cartomizer-receiving adapter 332. The cartomizer-receiving adapter 332 is electrically connected to the plurality of power sources 2 through the cartomizer-activating switch 331, with the flow of electricity being controlled by the cartomizer-activating switch 331. The cartomizer-activating switch 331 is positioned adjacent to the cartomizer-receiving adapter 332 and allows a user to activate an attached cartomizer by closing the switch (completing the electrical connection) or deactivate the attached cartomizer by opening the switch (breaking the electrical connection). The hoses 3 are shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3.
In the preferred embodiment there are two hoses 3, though other embodiments may provide any number of additional hoses 3 as desired. An upper limit of additional hoses 3 may be reached due to insufficient power from the plurality of power sources 2 or simply due to limited space on the hookah-shaped body 1. The positioning of users must also be taken into account, as they are often seated around the present invention and are also limited in terms of available space. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the first end 32 of the hose 3 is a male RCA plug which can be plugged into the RCA socket that is the primary adapter 15. In other embodiments where other electrical connection types are utilized, the first end 32 of the of the hose 3 is of a type matching the chosen electrical connection. Ideally, for ease of use, the first end 32 of the hose 3 is a male counterpart of a female electrical connection that acts as the primary adapter 15.
In the preferred embodiment the cartomizer-activating switch 331 is a momentary type switch, meaning that a user must press and hold the cartomizer-activating switch 331 in a closed position; the cartomizer-activating switch 331 reverts to an equilibrium open position when the user stops holding the cartomizer-activating switch 331 in a close position. In the preferred embodiment the cartomizer-activating switch 331 is implemented as a light emitting diode (LED) push button. By engaging the cartomizer-activating switch 331 to complete an electrical connection between the plurality of power sources 2 and an attached cartomizer, the current is supplied to the heating element of the cartomizer allowing for the vaporization of the stored liquid, culminating in the production of hookah vapor. Potentially, in another embodiment, the cartomizer-activating switch 331 may be a toggle switch rather than a momentary switch. With a toggle design the cartomizer-activating switch 331 stays in a closed or open position until a user actively moves the cartomizer-activating switch 331 to the other position. Since the present invention only requires the cartomizer-activating switch 331 to be closed while a user is inhaling vapor from a cartomizer, a momentary switch is better suited for use with the present invention.
The basic operation of the present invention entails attaching a cartomizer to the cartomizer-receiving adapter 332. This attachment results in an electrical connection between the plurality of power sources 2 and the cartomizer, with the connection being managed by the cartomizer-activating switch 331. In this manner, a cartomizer can be powered by the present invention, simulating a regular hookah experience without requiring the associated shisha (tobacco), coals, or water. This is because the necessary ingredients are self contained in the cartomizers and do not need to be provided separately.
The present invention further comprises additional components that support and enable the electrical connections or which provide aesthetically pleasing enhancements. Regarding the electrical connections, the present invention comprises a charging port 21 to allow recharging of the plurality of power sources 2 by connecting an external supply of power. The present invention also comprises a voltage-control circuit 22, a power-charging circuit 23, and a power-remaining sensor circuit 24. These circuits allow for adjusting the voltage of the present invention, recharging the plurality of power sources 2, and analyzing the remaining charge of the plurality of power sources 2, respectively.
The aesthetically pleasing enhancements are primarily positioned on the decorative portion 13 of the hookah-shaped body 1; to this end the decorative portion 13 comprises a smoke-emulating illumination source 131, an ambient illumination source 132, and a printed graphic 133. The smoke-emulating illumination source 131 is positioned at the top of the decorative portion 13, i.e. opposite the central portion 12 along the decorative portion 13. The smoke-emulating illumination source 131 mimics the glow of coal in a traditional hookah, lighting up whenever the cartomizer-activating switch 331 is closed (and thus completing an electrical connection). The ambient illumination source 132 is provided to enhance the printed graphic 133 and is thus positioned adjacent to the printed graphic 133 such that the ambient illumination source 132 illuminates the printed graphic 133. The smoke-emulating illumination source 131 and the ambient illumination source 132 are powered through an electrical connection to the plurality of power sources 2.
While in the preferred embodiment the printed graphic 133 is a representative logo, in other embodiments the printed graphic 133 can be any type of visual design. The adjacent ambient illumination source 132 can be provided in any color, with a preferred embodiment using a color-changing LED, starting as green when first turned on and then transitioning color periodically. The smoke-emulating illumination source 131 is preferably colored green as well. The present invention does not restrict the illumination sources to being LED's or limit the types of colors; indeed, any type of light source and color may be provided for the smoke-emulating illumination source 131 and ambient illumination source 132. A further preference of the present invention is that the smoke-emulating illumination source 131 is of a diamond crystal construction.
The charging port 21 is positioned into the hookah-shaped body 1 in order to allow an external power supply to be electrically connected by inserting a power adapter. The charging port 21 is both electrically and electronically connected, through the power-charging circuit 23, to the plurality of power sources 2. The power-charging circuit 23 manages the electrical connection between the charging port 21 and the plurality of power sources 2, allowing the latter to be recharged if they are not storing a maximum charge. Preferably the charging port 21 acts as a female port for receiving an alternating current (AC) adapter, since AC current sources are ubiquitous in the form of wall sockets.
The voltage-control circuit 22 manages the amount of volts supplied from the plurality of power sources 2 to the other components of the present invention; the present invention is considered to be “off” when the voltage-control circuit 22 sets voltage to zero, and is considered to be “on” if the voltage is set to a non-zero number. The voltage-control circuit 22 oversees electrical connections to several other components, one being the ambient illumination source 132. The ambient illumination source 132 is electronically connected to the plurality of power sources 2 through the voltage-control circuit 22. As a result, the ambient illumination source 132 only lights up when the present invention is turned “on”, providing an aesthetically pleasing display when the present invention is in use and conserving power when the present invention is not in use. The voltage-control circuit 22, along with other electrical connections of the present invention, is illustrated through diagrams in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8.
A user of the present invention is able to control the voltage by manipulating the control panel 14. The voltage is adjusted by a potentiometer 141, which itself is actuated by a knob 142 of the control panel 14. The knob 142 is axially connected to the potentiometer 141, allowing a user to increase or decrease voltage by turning the knob 142 clockwise or counterclockwise. The potentiometer 141 is electrically connected between that the plurality of power sources 2 and the cartomizer-receiving adapter 332; thus, the cartomizer-receiving adapter 332 is only capable of providing power to an attached cartomizer if the potentiometer 141 is set for a non-zero voltage. The potentiometer 141 is also electronically connected to the plurality of power sources 2 through the voltage-control circuit 22, which manages the adjustment of voltage between a zero value and a maximum value. The knob 142 is externally and rotatably mounted to the central portion 12 of the hookah-shaped body 1, where it is easily accessed and manipulated by a user of the present invention. A potential embodiment showing the cartomizer-receiving adapter 332 connected with a cartomizer and mouthpiece is shown via FIG. 12, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14.
Though the preferred embodiment describes a knob 142 being axially connected to the potentiometer 141, in other embodiments different interfaces can be provided. For example, a slider rather than a dial may be provided to allow a user to adjust the voltage, with movement of the slide resulting in corresponding movement of a connected terminal of the potentiometer 141.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control panel 14 further comprises a voltage gauge 143, which outputs the real-time voltage setting. This voltage gauge 143 is positioned on the central portion 12 where it is visible to a user. Providing a readout of the voltage helps a user to adjust the voltage to the desired amount; without the voltage gauge 143 a user would be reduced to guessing as to what setting of the voltage knob 142 results in the desired voltage. The voltage gauge 143 may be implemented in a number of manners; in a preferred embodiment, the voltage gauge 143 is a digital readout which is electrically connected to the plurality of power sources 2 and electronically connected to the voltage-control circuit 22. In another embodiment, the voltage gauge 143 is represented by an analog display, rather than a digital display; in yet another embodiment, a plurality of printed voltages are positioned around the knob 142 in order to provide a general indication of the supplies voltage at each setting. Other components and methods of displaying real-time voltage setting can be applied to other embodiments without impacting the core function of the present invention.
Potentially, a two terminal potentiometer 141 commonly referred to as a variable resistor may be utilized in place of the preferred three terminal potentiometer 141.
The power-remaining sensor circuit 24 monitors the stored charge in the plurality of power sources 2, and relays this information to a user of the invention by means of a plurality of power-diminishing indicators 4. The two components interact via electronic connection between the plurality of indicators and the plurality of power sources 2, routed through the power-remaining sensor circuit 24. Additionally, the plurality of power-diminishing indicators 4 are powered by an electrical connection to the plurality of power sources 2. The plurality of power-diminishing indicators 4, preferably implemented as four individual powered illumination sources 41, provide a visual representation of remaining charge. In the preferred embodiment each individual powered illumination source 41 represents 25% of the total charge. Thus, with 100% charge remaining, all four powered illumination sources 41 will be lit, being reduce to three, two, one, and finally none as the stored charge reaches 75%, 50%, 25%, and less.
While the present invention allows control of the electrical components via the control panel 14, a wireless module 5 may be housed in the hookah-shaped body 1 as an additional means of interaction. This wireless module 5, preferably Bluetooth compatible, allows personal devices such as smart phones to be communicably coupled to the present invention without requiring a direct wired connection. This wireless module 5 is powered through an electrical connection to the plurality of power sources 2 and electronically connected to the voltage-control circuit 22, allowing a linked device (e.g. smart phone) to adjust voltages via the wireless module 5. In further embodiments the wireless module 5 may be connected to other circuits to provide further control of the present invention. While the preferred embodiment utilizes Bluetooth other wireless protocols may be implemented in alternative embodiments of the present invention. The integration of the wireless module 5 is illustrated via the diagram in FIG. 8.
In some embodiments the present invention may comprises a variety of accessory components in different combinations. These accessory components may provide secondary benefits to the present invention without impacting the primary function. In one embodiment, the at least one hose 3 comprises an ergonomic handle, potentially utilizing a soft material such as wool. This ergonomic handle is positioned at the second end 33 of the hose 3, providing a convenient grip for a user who is connecting a cartomizer to the cartomizer-receiving adapter 332. A form-fitting cover may also be positioned over the second end 33 of the at least one hose 3 and an attached cartomizer, giving the appearance of a continuous unbroken hose 3 reminiscent of those 3 used with traditional hookah. Preferably the cover will be made of a material which is visually matched or neutral with respect to the hose 3. A non-limiting example of such a material is tin. The present invention may also comprise at least one support, such as a hook, positioned on an upper section (e.g. the decorative portion 13) of the hookah-shaped body 1. The support is provided to receive and secure the second hand of the at least one hose 3, allowing a free end of the hose 3 to be suspended off the ground when not in use. When the present invention is ready for use, a user can simply remove the hose 3 from the support and activate a connected cartomizer to inhale vapors. Between puffs the hose 3 can be returned to the support to free the user's hands, perhaps to eat snacks or drink beverages which are often served in hookah establishments. Ideally each hose 3 is provided with a dedicated support; thus, in the preferred embodiment with two hoses 3, there are two supports. Potentially, the cartomizer and part of the hose 3 can be enclosed by a cover, as shown (in combination with a mouthpiece) in FIG. 12, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14. This cover can help protect the free end of the hose 3 clean when not in use. In addition to physical alterations, components of the electrical system can be replaced with or enhanced by additional electronics, as long as they are capable of providing power to the appropriate components of the present invention.
An example of a potential electronic additions is a monitoring system that is electrically connected to an airflow sensor, with an airflow sensor being provided for each hose 3. The airflow sensor enables the present invention to determine the duration of each puff, as well as the total number of puffs. This information can be electronically stored in a data storage device of the stand. The information can then be provided to users through a number of means, such as outputting the data to a screen integrated into the stand or sending the data to a user's mobile phone by means of the wireless module 5 (e.g. Bluetooth).
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An electronic hookah system comprises:

a hookah-shaped body;

a plurality of power sources;

an at least one hose;

the hookah-shaped body comprises a base, a central portion, a control panel, and an at least one primary adapter;

the at least one hose comprises a flexible body, a first end, and a second end;

the second end comprises a cartomizer-activating switch and a cartomizer-receiving adapter;

the first end being attached to the at least one primary adapter;

the plurality of power sources being housed within the hookah-shaped body; and

the plurality of power sources being electrically connected to the cartomizer-receiving adapter through the cartomizer-activating switch.

2. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the hookah-shaped body further comprises a decorative portion;

the decorative portion comprises a smoke-emulating illumination source, an ambient illumination source, and a printed graphic;

the central portion being adjacently connected to the base;

the decorative portion being adjacently connected to the central portion opposite the base;

the smoke-emulating illumination source being positioned opposite the central portion along the decorative portion;

the ambient illumination source being positioned adjacent to the printed graphic, wherein the printed graphic is illuminated by the ambient illumination source; and

the plurality of power sources being electrically connected to the smoke-emulating illumination source and the ambient illumination source.

3. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 2 comprises:

the smoke-emulating illumination source being electronically connected to the plurality of power sources through the cartomizer-activating switch;

the ambient illumination source being electronically connected to the plurality of power sources through a voltage-control circuit; and

the base being translucent.

4. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the at least one primary adapter being positioned on the central portion; and

the first end of the at least one hose being attached to the at least one primary adapter.

5. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the control panel being positioned on the central portion;

the control panel being engaged with a potentiometer;

the potentiometer being electrically connected between the plurality of power sources and the cartomizer-receiving adapter; and

the potentiometer being electronically connected to the plurality of power sources through a voltage-control circuit.

6. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 5 comprises:

the control panel comprises a knob;

the knob being axially connected to the potentiometer; and

the knob being externally and rotatably mounted to the central portion.

7. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 5 comprises:

the control panel comprises a voltage gauge;

the voltage gauge being electrically connected to the plurality of power sources; and

the voltage gauge being electronically connected to the voltage control circuit.

8. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a charging port;

the plurality of power sources being housed in the central portion;

the charging port being positioned into the hookah-shaped body; and

the charging port being electrically and electronically connected to the plurality of power sources through a power-charging circuit, wherein the plurality of power sources can be recharged via the charging port.

9. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a plurality of power-diminishing indicators;

the plurality of power-diminishing indicators being adjacently mounted to the hookah-shaped body;

the plurality of power-diminishing indicators being electrically connected to the plurality of power sources; and

the plurality of power-diminishing indicators being electronically connected to the plurality of power sources through a power-remaining sensor circuit.

10. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 8 comprises:

the plurality of power-diminishing indicators being powered illumination sources, wherein battery life is represented by powered illumination sources.

11. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the cartomizer-activating switch being positioned adjacent to the cartomizer receiving adapter.

12. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a wireless module;

the wireless module being housed in the hookah-shaped body;

the wireless module being electronically connected to a voltage-control circuit; and

the plurality of power sources being electrically connected to the wireless module.

13. An electronic hookah system comprises:

a hookah-shaped body;

a plurality of power sources;

an at least one hose;

a charging port;

a plurality of power-diminishing indicators;

the hookah-shaped body comprises a base, a central portion, a control panel, an at least one primary adapter, and a decorative portion;

the at least one hose comprises a flexible body, a first end, and a second end;

the first end being attached to the at least one primary adapter;

the plurality of power sources being housed within the hookah-shaped body; and

14. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

the central portion being adjacently connected to the base;

the ambient illumination source being positioned adjacent to the printed graphic, wherein the printed graphic is illuminated by the ambient illumination source;

the plurality of power sources being electrically connected to the smoke-emulating illumination source and the ambient illumination source;

the base being translucent.

15. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

the at least one primary adapter being positioned on the central portion; and

16. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

the control panel comprises a knob and a voltage gauge;

the control panel being positioned on the central portion;

the control panel being engaged with a potentiometer;

the potentiometer being electrically connected between the plurality of power sources and the cartomizer-receiving adapter;

the potentiometer being electronically connected to the plurality of power sources through a voltage-control circuit;

the knob being axially connected to the potentiometer;

the knob being externally and rotatably mounted to the central portion;

17. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

the plurality of power sources being housed in the central portion;

the charging port being positioned into the hookah-shaped body; and

18. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

the plurality of power-diminishing indicators being electrically connected to the plurality of power sources;

the plurality of power-diminishing indicators being electronically connected to the plurality of power sources through a power-remaining sensor circuit; and

19. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

20. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

a wireless module;

the wireless module being housed in the hookah-shaped body;