U.S. patent application number 12/860281 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-23 for electronic atomization hookah.
This patent application is currently assigned to MAGIC HERBAL S.A.R.L.. Invention is credited to Nizar Mukaddam.
Application Number | 20120042884 12/860281 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60942653 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120042884 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mukaddam; Nizar |
February 23, 2012 |
ELECTRONIC ATOMIZATION HOOKAH
Abstract
There is provided an electronic atomization hookah comprising a)
a shell comprising a shell body, a shell top portion and a shell
bottom portion, where the shell body defines a shell internal
cavity and comprises a first nozzle defining a first passage inside
the cavity and configured to receive a smoking hose, and where the
shell top portion comprises a first slot and the shell bottom
portion comprises a second slot; b) a liquid supplying container,
an atomizer and at least one battery arranged within the shell
internal cavity, where the atomizer is in contact with the
container for heating a liquid contained therein when activated
such that a mist is formed as a function of the heating, and where
the container comprises a first opening in communication with the
first passage for allowing output of the mist therethrough; c) a
hollow tube having a tube bottom extremity and a tube top
extremity, where the hollow tube bottom extremity is coupled to the
first slot and forms a substantially airtight seal therewith; d) a
jar comprising a substantially flat base and a jar top portion
configured to be demountably coupled to the second slot; e) a
hookah head having a top portion and a bottom portion, where the
head bottom portion is configured to be coupled to the tube top
extremity and forms a substantially airtight seal therewith; and f)
a main processing unit and a sensor located within the hookah head,
where the main processing unit is connected to the sensor, to the
at least one battery and to the atomizer, such that, when a user
inhales using the smoking hose, a variation of pressure is detected
by the sensor and an electrical signal is automatically transmitted
by the main processing unit to the atomizer for activation.
Inventors: |
Mukaddam; Nizar; (Bchamoun,
LB) |
Assignee: |
MAGIC HERBAL S.A.R.L.
Bchamoun
LB
|
Family ID: |
60942653 |
Appl. No.: |
12/860281 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/65 20200101;
A24F 40/485 20200101; A24F 40/10 20200101; A24F 1/30 20130101; A24F
40/50 20200101; A24F 47/008 20130101; A24F 40/60 20200101; A24F
15/015 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/173 |
International
Class: |
A24F 1/30 20060101
A24F001/30 |
Claims
1. An electronic atomization hookah comprising: a shell comprising
a shell body, a shell top portion and a shell bottom portion, where
said shell body defines a shell internal cavity and comprises a
first nozzle defining a first passage inside said cavity and
configured to receive a smoking hose, and where said shell top
portion comprises a first slot and said shell bottom portion
comprises a second slot; a liquid supplying container, an atomizer
and at least one battery arranged within said shell internal
cavity, where said atomizer is in contact with said container for
heating a liquid contained therein when activated such that a mist
is formed as a function of said heating, and where said container
comprises a first opening in communication with said first passage
for allowing output of said mist therethrough; a hollow tube having
a tube bottom extremity and a tube top extremity, where said hollow
tube bottom extremity is coupled to said first slot and forms a
substantially airtight seal therewith; a jar comprising a
substantially flat base and a jar top portion configured to be
demountably coupled to said second slot; a hookah head having a top
portion and a bottom portion, where said head bottom portion is
configured to be coupled to said tube top extremity and forms a
substantially airtight seal therewith; and a main processing unit
and a sensor located within said hookah head, where said main
processing unit is connected to said sensor, to said at least one
battery and to said atomizer, such that, when a user inhales using
said smoking hose, a variation of pressure is detected by said
sensor and an electrical signal is automatically transmitted by
said main processing unit to said atomizer for activation.
2. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a first conduit located within said internal cavity and
extending between an internal orifice of said first nozzle and said
first container opening for conveying said mist outside said
internal cavity through said first passage.
3. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 2, wherein
said shell liquid supplying container further comprises a second
container opening configured to receive a flow of liquid in order
to refill said container when required, and said shell body further
comprises a second nozzle defining a second passage inside said
internal cavity, wherein said second passage is in communication
with said second container opening for conveying a flow of liquid
inside said container when required.
4. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 3, further
comprising a second conduit located within said internal cavity and
extending between an internal orifice of said second nozzle and
said second container opening.
5. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 4, wherein
said shell liquid supplying container further comprises a third
container opening for discharging said container when required and
said shell body further comprises a third nozzle having an internal
orifice in communication with said third container opening for
conveying a discharged flow of liquid outside said container.
6. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 5, wherein
said at least one battery is a rechargeable battery, said hookah
further comprising a power supply for recharging said at least one
battery using an external electrical source.
7. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 6, wherein
said power supply comprises a power socket integrated within said
shell body.
8. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 7, wherein
said shell body further comprises a pane for allowing visibility of
said liquid supplying container's capacity.
9. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 8, wherein
a part of said shell body is configured to be demountable for
allowing accessibility to any component located within said shell
internal cavity when required.
10. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 9,
further comprising an electronic switching circuit configured to
turn on/off said at least one battery.
11. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 10,
wherein said electronic switching circuit is integrated within said
shell.
12. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 10,
further comprising a flexible hose having a first extremity
demountably coupled to said first nozzle and a second extremity
ending with a mouthpiece.
13. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 12,
wherein said electronic switching circuit is integrated within said
flexible hose, in proximity of said second extremity.
14. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 9,
wherein said main processing unit automatically turns off said at
least one battery when said sensor doesn't detect any pressure
variation after a predetermined period of time.
15. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 14,
further comprising a manual atomizer activation switch connected to
said main processing unit for enabling a user to manually activate
said atomizer without any inhalation activity.
16. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 15,
further comprising a bowl shaped component located at the end part
of said hookah head and a led located on said bowl, where said led
is connected to said main processing unit and is lightened when
said sensor detects a pressure variation.
17. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 16,
further comprising a wireless communication unit connected to said
main processing unit and adapted to be connected a remote computer
system via a data network.
18. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 17,
wherein said wireless communication unit is configured to receive a
remote electrical signal which is transmitted to said main
processing unit for turning off said at least one battery.
19. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 18,
wherein said main processing unit comprises a clock and a
microprocessor.
20. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 19,
wherein said main processing unit is programmable to transmit an
electrical signal to said electronic switching circuit at a
predetermined time in order to turn off said at least one
battery.
21. The electronic atomization hookah as claimed in claim 20,
wherein said main processing unit is configured to count a time of
use of said hookah.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
hookahs and more specifically to an electronic atomization
hookah.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A Traditional hookah (also called nargeela, argeela,
narguileh, shisha, etc.) is an instrument for smoking tobacco or
other herbal or organic materials in which the smoke is cooled and
filtered by passing through water.
[0003] A traditional hookah generally operates with the tobacco
first placed in a ceramic bowl covered by a punctured aluminum foil
topped by the burning charcoal to heat the tobacco by indirect
heat. The smoke from the burning tobacco is drawn down from the
head through the pipe stem into the water of the water bowl where
it is cooled and filtered before being inhaled by the smoker
through the flexible hose.
[0004] The hookah has been used for centuries to smoke both plain
and flavoured tobaccos, mixtures of various aromatic herbs and
spices, or mixtures of both. Typically a hookah has of a bowl in
which tobacco is placed mounted on top of a reservoir structure,
the interior of which is partially filled with water. Extending
downward from the bowl into the reservoir is a tubular hollow stem,
with its lowermost extremity immersed in the water. The interior
portion of the reservoir structure above the level of the water
forms a chamber into which smoke may be collected. One or more
flexible hoses extend outward from the smoke collection portion of
the interior of the reservoir.
[0005] Inhaling through a flexible hose, a smoker causes smoke to
be drawn from the bowl down the stem, passing the smoke through the
water in the lower portion of the reservoir. Passing upwards
through the water in the form of bubbles, smoke gradually fills the
smoke collection portion of the reservoir, and when sufficient
smoke has been collected passes on through the flexible hose to the
smoker.
[0006] This basic functionality is shared by virtually all
traditional hookahs, which generally differ only in size, shape,
and number of hoses, although the means used to burn the tobacco
may also differ. Some use a lighted coal placed in or above the
bowl with the tobacco to provide a heat source for burning the
tobacco. Others may require an ignition source such as a match to
be placed near the bowl to begin burning the tobacco. However all
traditional hookahs use combustion as the method of producing
smoke, thus also producing all the undesirable combustion
by-products in the smoke. Use of water to filter and cool the smoke
significantly reduces many of the undesirable smoke components, but
some, such as carbon monoxide, cannot be removed in this
manner.
[0007] Irrespective of the means used by a given hookah to produce
smoke, the method of smoking is the same. The smoker inhales from a
flexible hose, drawing smoke from the bowl down through the stem to
bubble up from the lowermost extremity of the stem immersed in
water, filtering and cooling the smoke. The filtered, cooled smoke
gradually collects in the interior portion of the hookah, from
which it is drawn by inhalation through a flexible hose.
Unfortunately until sufficient smoke has been collected in the
interior of the hookah the smoker experiences only the effort of
sucking air through the hookah. In a large hookah with a large
interior collection chamber, this may require several minutes of
effort. Likewise, after the interior portion of the hookah has
filled with collected smoke, there is no provision to flush the
smoke from the chamber, so a continuous effort must be exerted to
enjoy the smoking experience. And unfortunately the collected smoke
can become "stale" and unpleasant in taste if not inhaled soon
enough, resulting in reduced enjoyment of the smoking
experience.
[0008] Furthermore, the dependence upon human lung power also
limits the depth at which the lowermost extremity of the stem can
be immersed, thus limiting the amount of water through which the
smoke can be passed to be filtered and cooled. If the depth at
which the lowermost extremity of the stem is immersed is too great,
normal human lung power cannot attain a sufficient vacuum or
negative pressure to draw smoke from the bowl into the interior of
the hookah. This in turn limits the amount of filtering and cooling
that can be achieved in a traditional hookah or water pipe.
[0009] Moreover, the flavours of different types of tobaccos can be
influenced by the combustion rate. Some are best when burned slowly
at relatively low temperatures, others when burned quickly at
relatively higher temperatures. However, the limited ability of
human lung power to produce a vacuum or negative pressure also
limits the maximum combustion rate that can be achieved in a
traditional hookah or water pipe.
[0010] Besides, smoking using a traditional hookah takes smokers
additional time and effort to have the hookah ready for use, not to
mention the cleanup time of changing tobacco after the smoking
experience and most importantly the health problems the smokers and
surrounding non-smoking public will suffer as a result from the
smoke which contains over 4000 harmful by-products and known
carcinogens found in tobacco product. All this makes the smoking
experience less joyful and less pleasant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an electronic atomization hookah that overcomes the
above-mentioned drawbacks.
[0012] The provided electronic atomization hookah is capable of
eliminating the hazardous results of smoking tobacco, reduce time
and effort to have it ready for use and eliminating the mess and
cleanup after smoking. In other terms, it enables users to smoke
non-tobacco substances without any fire, flame, tobacco, tar,
carbon-monoxide, carcinogens, or offensive second hand smoke found
in shisha tobacco.
[0013] In this optic, as a first aspect of the invention, there is
provided an electronic atomization hookah comprising:
[0014] a shell comprising a shell body, a shell top portion and a
shell bottom portion, where the shell body defines a shell internal
cavity and comprises a first nozzle defining a first passage inside
the cavity and configured to receive a smoking hose, and where the
shell top portion comprises a first slot and the shell bottom
portion comprises a second slot;
[0015] a liquid supplying container, an atomizer and at least one
battery arranged within the shell internal cavity, where the
atomizer is in contact with the container for heating a liquid
contained therein when activated such that a mist is formed as a
function of the heating, and where the container comprises a first
opening in communication with the first passage for allowing output
of the mist therethrough;
[0016] a hollow tube having a tube bottom extremity and a tube top
extremity, where the hollow tube bottom extremity is coupled to the
first slot and forms a substantially airtight seal therewith;
[0017] a jar comprising a substantially flat base and a jar top
portion configured to be demountably coupled to the second
slot;
[0018] a hookah head having a top portion and a bottom portion,
where the head bottom portion is configured to be coupled to the
tube top extremity and forms a substantially airtight seal
therewith; and
[0019] a main processing unit and a sensor located within the
hookah head, where the main processing unit is connected to the
sensor, to the at least one battery and to the atomizer, such that,
when a user inhales using the smoking hose, a variation of pressure
is detected by the sensor and an electrical signal is automatically
transmitted by the main processing unit to the atomizer for
activation.
[0020] Preferably, the electronic atomization hookah further
comprises a first conduit located within the internal cavity and
extending between an internal orifice of the first nozzle and the
first container opening for conveying the mist outside the internal
cavity through the first passage.
[0021] Preferably, the shell liquid supplying container further
comprises a second container opening configured to receive a flow
of liquid in order to refill the container when required, and the
shell body further comprises a second nozzle defining a second
passage inside the internal cavity, wherein the second passage is
in communication with the second container opening for conveying a
flow of liquid inside the container when required.
[0022] Preferably, the electronic atomization hookah further
comprises a second conduit located within the internal cavity and
extending between an internal orifice of the second nozzle and the
second container opening.
[0023] Preferably, the shell liquid supplying container further
comprises a third container opening for discharging the container
when required and the shell body further comprises a third nozzle
having an internal orifice in communication with the third
container opening for conveying a discharged flow of liquid outside
the container.
[0024] Preferably, the at least one battery is a rechargeable
battery, and the hookah further comprises a power supply for
recharging the at least one battery using an external electrical
source. Preferably, the power supply comprises a power socket
integrated within the shell body.
[0025] Preferably, the shell body further comprises a pane for
allowing visibility of the liquid supplying container's
capacity.
[0026] Preferably, the shell body is configured to be demountable
for allowing accessibility to any component located within the
shell internal cavity when required.
[0027] Preferably, the electronic atomization hookah further
comprises an electronic switching circuit configured to turn on/off
the at least one battery. The electronic switching circuit can be
integrated within the shell.
[0028] Preferably, the electronic atomization hookah further
comprises a flexible hose having a first extremity demountably
coupled to the first nozzle and a second extremity ending with a
mouthpiece. In this case, the electronic switching circuit can also
be integrated within the flexible hose, in proximity of the second
extremity.
[0029] Preferably, the main processing unit automatically turns off
the at least one battery when the sensor doesn't detect any
pressure variation after a predetermined period of time.
[0030] Preferably, the electronic atomization hookah further
comprises a manual atomizer activation switch connected to the main
processing unit for enabling a user to manually activate said
atomizer without any inhalation activity.
[0031] Preferably, the electronic atomization hookah further
comprises a bowl shaped component located at the end part of the
hookah head and a led located on the bowl, where the led is
connected to the main processing unit and is lightened when the
sensor detects a pressure variation.
[0032] Preferably, the electronic atomization hookah further
comprises a wireless communication unit connected to the main
processing unit and adapted to be connected a remote computer
system via a data network.
[0033] Preferably, the wireless communication unit is configured to
receive a remote electrical signal which is transmitted to the main
processing unit for turning off the at least one battery.
[0034] Preferably, the main processing unit comprises a clock and a
microprocessor.
[0035] Preferably, the main processing unit is programmable to
transmit an electrical signal to the electronic switching circuit
at a predetermined time in order to turn off the at least one
battery. The main processing unit can also be configured to count a
time of use of the hookah.
[0036] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become more readily apparent from the
attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] Further features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken
in combination with the appended drawings, in which:
[0038] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram illustrating the electronic
components of an electronic atomization hookah in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic view of an electronic atomization
hookah in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 3 depicts a cross section view from the bottom side of
a shell of an electronic atomization hookah in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 4 depicts a cross section view from a first side of a
shell of an electronic atomization hookah in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 5 depicts a cross section view from a second side of a
shell of an electronic atomization hookah in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[0043] FIG. 6 depicts a cross section view from the front side of a
shell of an electronic atomization hookah in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] As a first aspect of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS.
1 to 6, there is provided an electronic atomization hookah 2
comprising a shell 8, a liquid supplying container 16, at least one
battery 40, a power supply 22, a jar 50, a hollow tube 60, a hookah
head 70, a main processing unit 80, a sensor 84, an atomizer 88, an
electronic switching circuit 70, a wireless communication unit 82,
a led 86 and a user interface 110.
[0045] The shell 8 comprises a shell body 10, a shell top portion
24 and a shell bottom portion 30. The shell body 10 defines a shell
internal cavity and comprises a first nozzle 12 defining a first
passage inside the cavity and configured to receive a smoking hose
(not shown). The first nozzle 12 takes generally the form of a
hollow member which extends from a first extremity at the shell
body outwardly towards a second extremity consisting of a socket
which is configured to encompass a first extremity of a smoking
hose. The nozzle 12 generally consists of an integrated part of the
shell body and made of the same material. The smoking hose is
generally a flexible hose having a first extremity which is coupled
to the socket of the first nozzle 12 and a second extremity
consisting of a mouthpiece used by a user for smoking.
[0046] The shell body 10 further comprises a second nozzle 14
defining a second passage inside the shell internal cavity. The
second nozzle 14 is used as a conveyer for refilling the liquid
supplying container with a flavoured liquid when required. The
second nozzle 14 can consist of a hollow member which extends from
a first extremity at the shell body 10 outwardly towards a second
extremity consisting of a socket and configured to be obstructed
when unused. The second nozzle can also consist of a simple orifice
formed within the shell body 10 in such a way to define a passage
into the shell internal cavity.
[0047] The shell body 10 is made of a suitable size and form and
defines an internal cavity configured for encompassing a liquid
supplying container 16, an atomizer 88 and at least one battery
(preferably two batteries) 44. The shell body 10 can be opened and
closed to allow accessibility to the internal components.
Preferably, the shell body 10 is made of at least two demountable
compartments that when coupled together to form the entire shell
body 10. Accessibility to the internal components is important for
allowing users to change the battery if necessary, change the
liquid supplying container 16 or repair any internal component such
as the atomizer 88. The shell body 10 is preferably made of
stainless steel but can be made of any other suitable material such
as plastic.
[0048] The shell 8 further comprises a shell top portion 24 having
a flat surface and comprising a first slot 26 (preferably threaded)
configured to be demountably coupled to the bottom extremity 62 of
the hollow tube 60 and forms a substantially airtight seal
therewith. The shell 8 also comprises a shell bottom portion 28
having a flat surface and comprising a second slot 30 configured to
be demountably coupled to the jar top portion 52 and forms a
substantially airtight seal therewith. In this optic, in the
preferred embodiment, the shell 8 is demountably coupled to the jar
50 and to the hollow tube 60 which permits the coupling/decoupling
of the shell 8 for replacement or repair if required.
[0049] Though, in a conventional hookah, the jar 50 is filled with
water and consists of an essential element thereof since it is used
to filter the tobacco smoke, it is not the case for an electronic
atomization hookah 2 where no tobacco is used and where the jar 50
is rather used for decoration and for supporting the hookah when
placed on the ground. However, even though it is not essential for
the functionality of the present invention, the jar 50 can always
be filled by water and can be configured to bubble when a smoker
inhale, thus giving the smoker the same smoking sensation as a
conventional hookah.
[0050] The liquid supplying container 16 is located within the
shell internal cavity and contains a liquid having a particular
flavour and adapted to produce mist having the same flavour when
heated. There is a variety of flavours that can be employed, among
others, apple, cherry, lemon, coffee, chocolate, strawberry,
vanilla, pineapple, rose, mango, cappuccino, green tea and mint.
Generally, the ingredients of the flavoured liquid are simple to
produce and comprise: Vanillin (1%), 2,3,5-Trimethy pyrazine
(0.2%), Menthol (0.8%), 2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine (0.3%),
2-Acetyl-pyrazine (0.2%), 2-Acetyl pyridine (0.2%), Purified water
(3.0%); Vanilla extract (6.0%), Terpineol (0.3%), Decanoic acid
(0.4%), 2-Methyl butyrate (0.3%), Glycerol (20.0%) and Propylene
glycol (67.3%).
[0051] The liquid supplying container 16 is in contact with the
atomizer 88 which, when activated, heats the flavoured liquid
contained in the container 16. This heating activity results in
producing the desired mist that is potentially inhaled by the
smoker. The mist that is produced evaporates within a few seconds
after being exhaled by the smoker, which make it convenient to
smoke even in indoor zones without offending the non-smoking
public. Since the flavoured liquid is free of tobacco, the mist
doesn't contain the over 4000 harmful products and carcinogens
usually found in tobacco products. Thus, the electronic atomization
hookah 2 offers a more pleasant smoking experience to both the
smoker and the non-smoking public, since the public is avoided to
breathe the offensive, dangerous and banished second-hand smoke
produced by traditional tobacco hookahs.
[0052] The liquid supplying container 16 comprises a first opening
18 in communication with the first passage defined by the first
nozzle 12 for allowing output of the mist therethrough towards the
flexible hose and all the way to the mouthpiece to be inhaled by
the smoker. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic atomization
hookah 2 further comprises a first conduit (not shown) located
within the shell internal cavity and extending between the internal
orifice of the first nozzle 12 and the first container opening 18
for conveying the mist outside said internal cavity through the
first passage. The first conduit preferably consists of a flexible
pipe made of plastic having a first end connected to the first
container opening and a second end connected to the internal
orifice of the first passage. The principle is that when the smoker
inhales, the atomizer 88 is activated, the flavoured liquid is
heated and as a result, a mist is generated and conveyed via the
first conduit towards the first passage defined by the first nozzle
and then all the way through the flexible hose to be inhaled by the
smoker.
[0053] The liquid supplying container 16 also comprises a second
opening 20 in communication with the second passage defined by the
second nozzle 14. The second container opening 20 is configured to
receive a flow of liquid in order to refill the container 16 with
flavoured liquid when required. In the preferred embodiment, the
electronic atomization hookah 2 further comprises a second conduit
(not shown) located within the shell internal cavity and extending
between the internal orifice of the second nozzle 14 and the second
container opening 20. The second conduit preferably consists of a
flexible pipe made of plastic having a first end connected to the
second container opening 20 and a second end connected to the
internal orifice of the second passage.
[0054] The liquid supplying container 16 can also comprise a third
opening (not shown) located at the bottom side thereof and
connected to an internal orifice of a third nozzle located at the
shell body 10 which is used to discharge the flavoured liquid
contained within the container 16 when required. This can be useful
when a user desires to discharge the flavoured liquid contained in
the container 16 to replace it with a liquid having a different
flavour or when the liquid becomes too old and should be replaced
by a fresh one.
[0055] In the preferred embodiment, the shell 8 comprises a pane 32
for allowing visibility of the liquid supplying container's
capacity. A pane 32 can consist of a transparent material
integrated within the shell body 10 which permits the user to
determine, at any time, if the liquid supplying container 16 should
be refilled. A pane 32 can also consist of a flip/flop member that,
when flipped, permits the user to visualize the liquid supplying
container 16.
[0056] As stated hereinabove, the electronic atomization hookah 2
further comprises at least one battery 44 (preferably two
batteries) for providing power to all the electronic components of
the hookah, namely the main processing unit 80, the atomizer 88 and
the sensor 84. The batteries 44 are connected to these electronic
components using electrical wires. The batteries 44 are compactly
arranged within the shell internal cavity in proximity of the
liquid supplying container 16 and, preferably, consist of
rechargeable lithium ion batteries which can be recharged using an
external electrical power source. In this optic, in the preferred
embodiment, the hookah further comprises a power supply 22
comprising a power socket integrated within the shell body 10 and
allowing for recharging the batteries 44 using an external
electrical source when required. The power supply also comprises an
AC/DC charger connected between the power socket and the batteries
for converting the entrant alternative electrical current into a DC
current suitable to function with the various electronic components
of the hookah 2.
[0057] The hollow tube 60 has a tube bottom extremity 62 and a tube
top extremity 64 and has a similar form to the one comprised in a
conventional hookah. The hollow tube bottom extremity 62 is coupled
to the first slot 26 comprised in the shell top portion 24 and
forms a substantially airtight seal therewith. The hollow tube top
extremity 64 is coupled to the hookah head 70 and forms a
substantially airtight seal therewith.
[0058] The hookah head 70 has a top portion 72 and a bottom portion
74, where the head bottom portion 74 is configured to be coupled to
the tube top extremity 64 and forms a substantially airtight seal
therewith. The hookah head top portion 72 principally consists of a
bowl shaped component located at the end part of the hookah head
70. The bowl 72 has the shape of a conventional bowl which is
generally used in a conventional hookah to hold the tobacco.
Moreover, there is provided a led 86 located on the bowl which is
connected to the main processing unit 80 and is lightened when the
sensor 84 detects a pressure variation (i.e. when the user
inhales). Besides, the hookah head bottom portion 74 comprises an
ash tray which has the shape of a conventional ash tray used in a
conventional hookah and a slot to encompass the hollow tube top
portion 64.
[0059] As mentioned hereinabove, the electronic atomization hookah
2 further comprises a main processing unit 80 and a sensor 84.
According to the preferred embodiment, these components are located
within the hookah head 70. Alternatively, these components can be
placed in any other convenient location within the hookah 2, such
as the shell internal cavity. However, placing these components in
the shell internal cavity would expose it to mist and humidity,
which would affect the durability of these components.
[0060] The main processing unit 80 is connected to the sensor 84,
to the at least one battery 44, to the atomizer 88 and to the led
86. In the preferred embodiment, the main processing unit comprises
a clock and a microprocessor. According to the preferred
embodiment, when the user inhales using the flexible hose, the
sensor 84 detects a variation in pressure and transmits a positive
inhalation signal to the main processing unit 80. The latter
receives the positive inhalation signal and transmits an activation
signal to the atomizer 88 for activation as well as a lighting
signal to the led 86 in order to turn it on. The atomizer 88
receives the activation signal and turns on to heat the liquid
contained in the liquid supplying container 16. As a function of
the heating, a mist is produced in the liquid supplying container
16 and is conveyed through the first conduit to the first passage
and then all the way through the first nozzle 12 and the flexible
hose to be inhaled by the user.
[0061] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the electronic atomization hookah 2 further comprises a manual
atomizer activation switch connected to the main processing unit 80
which provides the user the possibility to manually activate the
atomizer 88 if desired. Manually activating the atomizer 88 would
permit formation of a mist without any inhalation activity by the
smoker. Using the manual activation switch would avoid the smoker
to rely on the sensor to detect the variation in pressure within
the hookah 2 when he inhales, thus avoiding him any inhaling
efforts that would otherwise be necessary to do in order to ensure
that the sensor would detect a variation in pressure inside the
hookah 2 in order for the atomizer 88 to be activated. The manual
atomizer activation switch is preferably located in proximity of
the bottom extremity of the hollow tube 60 or in proximity of the
mouthpiece of the flexible hose.
[0062] The main processing unit 80 is further connected to a
wireless communication unit 82. The wireless communication unit 110
is adapted to be connected to a remote computer system 90 via a
data network. This would allow a remote user to remotely turn off
the electronic atomization hookah 2 when desired. This application
is very useful in case where the electronic atomization hookahs are
rented for a predetermined period of time. After the expiration of
the rented period, the merchant can use the remote computer system
to send a remote electrical signal to the electronic atomization
hookah 2 instructing it to turn off. This signal, when transmitted
by the remote computer system 90, is received by the wireless
communication unit 82 which then transmits it to the main
processing unit 80 for processing. The latter transmit a
deactivation signal to the batteries 44 instructing it to turn off.
In this way, the smoker should then go pay for a supplementary
amount of time in order to continue smoking. A person skilled in
the art shall understand that the remote computer system can also
be programmed to automatically transmit a deactivation signal at a
predetermined time. This application would allow the merchant to
economize a tremendous amount of time in monitoring the
customers.
[0063] The main processing unit 80 is further connected to a user
interface 110 configured to receive manual instructions from a
user. The user interface 110 can be used by the merchant to
instruct the main processing unit 80 to turn off the batteries 44
at a predetermined time. The main processing unit 80 can also be
programmed using the user interface 110 to count a time of use of
the electronic atomization hookah 2. By counting the time of use,
the merchant will be able to read the total time of use of the
hookah that would appear on the user interface 110 and charge the
client as a function of the time of user of the hookah 2.
[0064] The electronic atomization hookah 2 can also comprise an
electronic switching circuit 70 which can be used manually by a
user 100 to turn on/off the at least one battery 44. The electronic
switching circuit 70 can be integrated within the shell or can be
integrated within the flexible hose, in proximity of the
mouthpiece. However, it should be understood that the use of the
electronic switching circuit 70 is optional since activation by
inhalation eliminates the need for an on-off switch knowing that it
will always be in a stand-by mode, thus saving battery life and
eliminating the need to fumble for an on-off switch.
[0065] While illustrated in the block diagrams as groups of
discrete components communicating with each other via distinct data
signal connections, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that the preferred embodiments are provided by a combination of
hardware and software components, with some components being
implemented by a given function or operation of a hardware or
software system, and many of the data paths illustrated being
implemented by data communication within a computer application or
operating system. The structure illustrated is thus provided for
efficiency of teaching the present preferred embodiment.
[0066] Although the above description contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention but is merely representative of the presently preferred
embodiments of this invention. The embodiment(s) of the invention
described above is(are) intended to be exemplary only. The scope of
the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *