US20110308537A1

US20110308537A1 - Hookah coal screen (HCS) with screen and wind guard/brim/skirt

Info

Publication number: US20110308537A1
Application number: US12/662,054
Authority: US
Inventors: Bassam E. Khoury; Samer E. Khoury
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-03-30
Filing date: 2010-03-30
Publication date: 2011-12-22

Abstract

A Hookah Coal Screen and more particularly a screen made of a rigid non-fume emitting material (or food grade material) such as stainless steel (preferred option), clay, or possible a high temperature plastic. Also, in the present invention, there is provided a brim/skirt so that the invention functions as a wind guard as well as acts to hold the screen on the tobacco bowl. Also, in the present invention, there is provided an optional handle so that the invention functions as a tray. The handle also consists of a high temperature material and acts to allow the handling of the hot screen. In the option where the brim/skirt is fabricated of a high temperature material, the handle would not be required in order to transport the hot screen. The invention in its entirety may be fabricated or molded of one material, or an assembly of materials.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a Hookah Coal Screen (HCS) and, more particularly, to a stainless steel or similar food grade material screen that is also a tray and a wind guard. HCS apparatus is an accessory for the well established hookah. The HCS includes screen that should be made from a rigid food grade material as stainless steel; a brim/skirt on both top and bottom with different ID's (inside diameters) to allow for use on various size tobacco bowls made from material that does not emit gas or fumes under heat as aluminum, some high temperature plastic, or clay; and a handle made from heat resistant material. The skirt side (bottom edge) of HCS that encases the tobacco bowl acts to prevent accidental dislodging of the HCS; while the brim side (top edge) that is above the tobacco bowl and screen act to hold the coal from falling off as well as guarding against wind gusts. The HCS apparatus is easily removed, acting as a tray, by means of a handle so one can pour out the used coal and replace with fresh coal. One can also remove the HCS to allow one to refresh the tobacco by adding, turning (thus increasing tobacco life), or replacing said tobacco.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A hookah (not the subject of this patent application) operates by water filtration and indirect heat. It can be used for smoking herbal fruits or tobacco. The Hookah is activated by a process that burns the tobacco using burning coal. The tobacco is usually placed in a tobacco bowl of some kind, at the very top of the Hookah. The burning coal is usually separated from the tobacco by aluminum foil that is punctured to allow air to be sucked thru the coal which thus burns the tobacco and creates smoke. The smoke created by the burned tobacco is then pulled into the water jar and eventually makes its way to the smoker. This invention, the HCS, replaces the normally used aluminum foil on top of the Hookah tobacco bowl and solves the following problems:
1) the aluminum foil is very soft and yielding and allows the coal to easily burn the tobacco, thus;
a. reducing tobacco life
b. producing hot/burned smoke that burns the mouth and throat
2) the aluminum foil bonds onto the tobacco, thus;
a. preventing the re-use of the same foil piece
b. preventing one from turning or adding to the existing tobacco to refresh tobacco.
3) the aluminum foil easily burns and emits unsafe fumes that are inhaled by the smoker. Some have argued that the smoke inhaled from the burning and melting aluminum foil has negative health effects and go as far as saying that the burning aluminum foil smoked may cause of Alzheimer's.
4) puncturing the aluminum foil for air flow is extremely inconsistent and people either put too many holes or not enough; or the holes are too far apart or too close together; or the holes are too small or too big.
5) when one wants to add fresh coal;
a. does one take the entire hookah (heavy and bulky) to where the fresh coal is, maybe dropping hot coal everywhere; or
b. does one use a secondary device and bring the hot coal to the hookah
6) existing wind guards for the hookah are;
a. large and bulky and don't fit all hookahs
b. prevent good air flow if the wind gusts are small to medium
c. adds one more part to a system of too many parts

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a Hookah Coal Screen and more particularly a screen made of a rigid non-fume emitting material (or food grade material) such as stainless steel (preferred option), clay, or possible a high temperature plastic. Also, in the present invention, there is provided a brim/skirt so that the invention functions as a wind guard as well as acts to hold the screen on the tobacco bowl. Also, in the present invention, there is provided an optional handle so that the invention functions as a tray. The handle also consists of a high temperature material and acts to allow the handling of the hot screen. In the option where the brim/skirt is fabricated of a high temperature material, the handle would not be required in order to transport the hot screen. The invention in its entirety may be fabricated or molded of one material, or an assembly of materials.
The invention when fabricated as an assembly of materials, see FIG. 6, consists of a screen (122), a male component-brim/skirt (120), a female component-brim/skirt (126), and an optional handle (124). The screen is held in place between the male and female brim/skirt by thread, press fit, or other means. The handle is attached to the male and female brim/skirt by thread, press fit, or other means.
Functionally, the invention is a better alternative to the aluminum foil used to screen the hot coal and the tobacco on a hookah. The brim/skirt of the invention act as both top and bottom and are reversible with different ID's (inside diameters) to allow for use on various size tobacco bowls and as with the screen, made from material that does not emit gas or fumes under heat. The skirt side (bottom edge) of the invention that encases the tobacco bowl acts to prevent accidental dislodging of the screen; while the brim side (top edge) that is above the tobacco bowl acts to prevent the coal from rolling off as well as guarding against wind gusts. The invention is easily removed off the tobacco bowl acting as a tray so one can pour out the used coal and replace with fresh coal. One can also remove the invention off the tobacco bowl to allow one to refresh the tobacco by adding, turning (thus increasing tobacco life), or replacing said tobacco.
The invention is a better alternative to the normally used aluminum foil on top of the Hookah's tobacco bowl. It is therefore an objective of the invention to:
1) Provide a better alternative to the aluminum foil screen that is soft and yielding and thus allows the coal to easily burn the tobacco and replace it with a rigid screen that keeps a separation between the screen and the tobacco, thus;
a. increasing tobacco life.
b. not producing hot/burned smoke that burns the mouth and throat.
2) Provide a better alternative to the aluminum foil that burns and bonds onto the tobacco into one clump, thus the invention would;
a. permit the re-use of the same screen.
b. permit one to turn over the tobacco and refresh, or to add to the existing tobacco, or to easily replace the tobacco.
3) Provide a better alternative to the aluminum foil which easily burns and emits unsafe fumes that are inhaled by the smoker. The invention makes use of materials do not burn and do not emit harmful fumes, when used properly.
4) Provide a. screen with an optimum hole pattern for best air flow from the hot coal through the tobacco. A hole pattern that gives users a consistent smoke, time after time. A hole pattern with holes that are neither too far apart or too close together; nor are the holes too small or too big.
5) Provide a transportable device that solves the problems of how to add and remove coal, where one can;
a. take the invention to the area where coal is lit and does not have to take the entire hookah (heavy and bulky) to where the fresh coal is, maybe dropping hot coal everywhere.
b. take the invention to the coal and does not need to use a secondary device and bring the hot coal to the hookah
6) Provide wind guards for the coal so that the coal does not burn too quickly or too hot. A wind guard that is not;
a. large and bulky and is either too big or too small for the hookah.
b. perforated enough or too much and prevents good air flow

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a traditional hookah with aluminum foil;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aluminum foil wrapped over tobacco bowl with coal on top;

FIG. 3 is a cross section view of a tobacco inside of the tobacco bowl. for purposes of our invention, the tobacco should not be filled higher than ¼ inch from the top rim;

FIG. 4 is a cross section view of a hookah coal screen (hcs) apparatus (cross section);

FIG. 5 is a prototype perspective view of a fabricated prototype of the hcs as it would be used on top of the tobacco bowl with coal shown on top of the screen. this figure shows;

FIG. 6 is a prototype kit view of the parts that make up the hcs;

FIG. 7 is a prototype elevation view of the hcs flipped and used on a larger diameter tobacco bowl; and

FIG. 8 is a prototype elevation view of the hcs using an alternate material; manufactured using a plastic brim/skirt and stainless steel screen.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a traditional hookah with Aluminum Foil 102. The Aluminum foil 102 has been used for many years as the preferred method for screening the Coal 101 from the Tobacco 103. Unfortunately, there are many problems associated with using the Aluminum Foil 102. Such as:
1) the aluminum foil 102 is very soft and yielding and allows the coal 101 to easily burn the tobacco 103, thus;
a. reducing tobacco 103 life
b. producing hot/burned smoke that burns the mouth and throat
2) the aluminum foil 102 bonds onto the tobacco 103, thus;
a. preventing the re-use of the same foil piece
b. preventing one from turning or adding to the existing tobacco 103 to refresh tobacco 103.
3) the aluminum foil 102 easily burns and emits unsafe fumes that are inhaled by the smoker. Some have argued that the smoke inhaled from the burning and melting aluminum foil 102 has negative health effects and go as far as saying that the burning aluminum foil 102 smoked may cause of Alzheimer's.
4) puncturing the aluminum foil 102 for air flow is extremely inconsistent and people either put too many holes or not enough; or the holes are too far apart or too close together; or the holes are too small or too big.
5) when one wants to add fresh coal 101;
a. does one take the entire hookah (heavy and bulky) to where the fresh coal 101 is, maybe dropping hot coal 101 everywhere; or
b. does one use a secondary device and bring the hot coal 101 to the hookah
Also shown in this figure are the other standard parts of a Hookah. The coal 101 that is used to heat the Tobacco 103; the Tobacco Bowl 104 in which the Tobacco 103 is placed; the Discard Tray 105 for used Coal 101 and used Tobacco 103; the Hookah Body 106 that is normally a pipe that draws the flow of smoke 118 from the Coal 101 where the flow of air 116 starts to the Water Jar 112; the Gasket 108 that seal the Hookah Body 106 to the Water Jar 112; the smoke ejection Valve 110 to clear the Water Jar 112 of smoke; The Water Jar 112 that filters the smoke thru the water; and the Hose 114 that allows the user to smoke.
FIG. 2 which is a perspective view and a close up of the aluminum foil 102 wrapped over tobacco bowl 104 with coal 101 on top.
FIG. 3 which is a cross section view of the tobacco 103 inside of the tobacco bowl 104. For purposes of our invention, the tobacco 103 should not be filled higher than ¼ inch from the top rim. This figure also shows how the Tobacco Bowl 104 sits onto the Hookah Body 106; how the Tobacco 103 sits inside the Hookah Bowl and how one should keep the Tobacco 103 Below Rim 134 of Tobacco Bowl 104; as well as showing the Discard Tray 105.
FIG. 4 which is a cross section view of the HCS 100 apparatus.
This figure also shows all items we talked about in FIG. 1 as a cross section with the HCS 100 added in place of the Aluminum Foil 102. It also shows the flow of air 116 which becomes the flow of smoke 118 thru the Hookah.
FIG. 5 which is a prototype perspective view of the a fabricated prototype of the HCS 100 as it would be used on top of the Tobacco Bowl 104 with Coal 101 shown on top of the Screen 122. This figure shows the HCS 100 in one of the methods and materials used to fabricate it. Here the HCS 100 utilizes an assembly of parts that are shown in FIG. 6. This figure also shows the Coal 101 as it would be used inside the HCS 100.
FIG. 6 which is a prototype kit view of the parts that make up the HCS 100 in one of the methods and materials used to fabricate it. This figure shows the Male Component-Brim/Skirt 120; the Screen 122; the Handle 124; and the Female Component-Brim/Skirt 126.
FIG. 7 which is a prototype elevation view of the HCS 100 flipped and used on a larger diameter tobacco bowl 104.
FIG. 8 which is a prototype elevation view of the HCS 100 using an alternate material; manufactured or molded with the Screen 122 inside, using a plastic brim/skirt and stainless steel screen 122.
Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

1. A hookah coal screen (hcs) with screen and wind guard/brim/skirt for replacing the normally used aluminum foil on top of the tobacco bowl for easier usage, improved safety, improved tobacco life, and wind guard, comprising:

means for the invention is a better alternative to the normally used aluminum foil on top of the hookah's tobacco bowl. a rigid and re-usable screen that keeps a separation between the screen and the tobacco, increasing tobacco life and keeping the tobacco from charring; a screen that does not emit unsafe fumes that are inhaled by the smoker; a screen with an optimum hole pattern for best air flow from the hot coal through the tobacco; a transportable device that solves the problems of how to add and remove coal; a wind guard for the coal so that the coal does not burn too quickly or too hot;

means for pressing or threading to hold in place the screen (stainless steel or other comparable material) as well as acting as a brim/skirt for the hcs;

means for allowing clean air flow from the hot coal to the tobacco bowl, replaceably connected to said means for pressing or threading to hold in place the screen (stainless steel or other comparable material) as well as acting as a brim/skirt for the hcs;

means for allowing one to hold and transfer the hot hcs;

means for support to hold in place the screen (stainless steel or other comparable material) as well as acting as a brim/skirt for the hcs, spirally connected to said means for allowing one to hold and transfer the hot hcs, replaceably connected to said means for allowing clean air flow from the hot coal to the tobacco bowl, and spirally connected to said means for pressing or threading to hold in place the screen (stainless steel or other comparable material) as well as acting as a brim/skirt for the hcs;

means for the hcs molded or fabricated from altenate material;

means for large tapered to extra large inside diameter to fit on large to extra large tobacco bowl's;

means for smaller tapered to medium inside diameter to fit on smaller to medium tobacco bowl's; and

means for tobacco to be added to just below the tobacco bowl rim (up to a ¼ inch is preferred) for optimal use, including; increased tobacco life, prevent tobacco burning and sticking to screen, ease of cleaning, and improved smoke taste and flavor.

2. The hookah coal screen (hcs) with screen and wind guard/brim/skirt in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for the invention is a better alternative to the normally used aluminum foil on top of the hookah's tobacco bowl. a rigid and re-usable screen that keeps a separation between the screen and the tobacco, increasing tobacco life and keeping the tobacco from charring; a screen that does not emit unsafe fumes that are inhaled by the smoker; a screen with an optimum hole pattern for best air flow from the hot coal through the tobacco; a transportable device that solves the problems of how to add and remove coal; a wind guard for the coal so that the coal does not burn too quickly or too hot comprises a hcs.

3. The hookah coal screen (hcs) with screen and wind guard/brim/skirt in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for pressing or threading to hold in place the screen (stainless steel or other comparable material) as well as acting as a brim/skirt for the hcs comprises a male component-brim/skirt.

4. The hookah coal screen (hcs) with screen and wind guard/brim/skirt in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for allowing clean air flow from the hot coal to the tobacco bowl comprises a screen.

5. The hookah coal screen (hcs) with screen and wind guard/brim/skirt in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for allowing one to hold and transfer the hot hcs comprises a handle.

6. The hookah coal screen (hcs) with screen and wind guard/brim/skirt in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for support to hold in place the screen (stainless steel or other comparable material) as well as acting as a brim/skirt for the hcs comprises a female component-brim/skirt.

7. The hookah coal screen (hcs) with screen and wind guard/brim/skirt in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for the hcs molded or fabricated from altenate material comprises a hcs alternate material.

8. The hookah coal screen (hcs) with screen and wind guard/brim/skirt in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for large tapered to extra large inside diameter to fit on large to extra large tobacco bowl's comprises a larger id.

9. The hookah coal screen (hcs) with screen and wind guard/brim/skirt in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for smaller tapered to medium inside diameter to fit on smaller to medium tobacco bowl's comprises a smaller id.

10. The hookah coal screen (hcs) with screen and wind guard/brim/skirt in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for tobacco to be added to just below the tobacco bowl rim (up to a ¼ inch is preferred) for optimal use, including; increased tobacco life, prevent tobacco burning and sticking to screen, ease of cleaning, and improved smoke taste and flavor comprises a below rim.

11. A hookah coal screen (hcs) with screen and wind guard/brim/skirt for replacing the normally used aluminum foil on top of the tobacco bowl for easier usage, improved safety, improved tobacco life, and wind guard, comprising:

a hcs, for the invention is a better alternative to the normally used aluminum foil on top of the hookah's tobacco bowl. a rigid and re-usable screen that keeps a separation between the screen and the tobacco, increasing tobacco life and keeping the tobacco from charring; a screen that does not emit unsafe fumes that are inhaled by the smoker; a screen with an optimum hole pattern for best air flow from the hot coal through the tobacco; a transportable device that solves the problems of how to add and remove coal; a wind guard for the coal so that the coal does not burn too quickly or too hot;

a male component-brim/skirt, for pressing or threading to hold in place the screen (stainless steel or other comparable material) as well as acting as a brim/skirt for the hcs;

a screen, for allowing clean air flow from the hot coal to the tobacco bowl, replaceably connected to said Male Component-Brim/Skirt;

a handle, for allowing one to hold and transfer the hot hcs;

a female component-brim/skirt, for support to hold in place the screen (stainless steel or other comparable material) as well as acting as a brim/skirt for the hcs, spirally connected to said Handle, replaceably connected to said Screen, and spirally connected to said Male Component-Brim/Skirt;

a hcs alternate material, for the hcs molded or fabricated from altenate material;

a larger id, for large tapered to extra large inside diameter to fit on large to extra large tobacco bowl's;

a smaller id, for smaller tapered to medium inside diameter to fit on smaller to medium tobacco bowl's; and

a below rim, for tobacco to be added to just below the tobacco bowl rim (up to a ¼ inch is preferred) for optimal use, including; increased tobacco life, prevent tobacco burning and sticking to screen, ease of cleaning, and improved smoke taste and flavor.

12. A hookah coal screen (hcs) with screen and wind guard/brim/skirt for replacing the normally used aluminum foil on top of the tobacco bowl for easier usage, improved safety, improved tobacco life, and wind guard, comprising:

a handle, for allowing one to hold and transfer the hot hcs;