U.S. patent application number 14/482286 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-10 for multi-user electronic hookah and a method of its use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Fernando Di Carlo. Invention is credited to Fernando Di Carlo.
Application Number | 20160066619 14/482286 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55436262 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160066619 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Di Carlo; Fernando |
March 10, 2016 |
MULTI-USER ELECTRONIC HOOKAH AND A METHOD OF ITS USE
Abstract
An electronic hookah designed for multiple users. The electronic
hookah has up to four voltage regulators that can be controlled
independently from one another. This allows each individual user to
select a preferred vaporizing voltage or temperature for the
substance that user desires to vaporize through the vaporizer
attached to the hookah body. The electronic hookah can have
ornamental lighting, a timer, a base unit, and magnetic connectors
between the hookah hoses and the hookah body in order for quick
removal. Additionally, the electronic hookah base can have inputs
for a USB device or standard audio player, along with integrated
speakers to provide audio output.
Inventors: |
Di Carlo; Fernando;
(Woodbridge, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Di Carlo; Fernando |
Woodbridge |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
55436262 |
Appl. No.: |
14/482286 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/329 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 1/30 20130101; A24F
47/008 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 1/30 20060101
A24F001/30; A24F 47/00 20060101 A24F047/00 |
Claims
1. An electronic hookah, comprising: a power source; a body; a
first voltage regulator connected to a first hose mount connector;
a second voltage regulator connected to a second hose mount
connector; a first vaporizing unit connected to the first hose
mount connector by a first hose; a second vaporizing unit connected
to the second hose mount connector by a second hose; wherein the
first voltage regulator and second voltage regulator draw an
independent voltage from the power source, and the first voltage
regulator is independently controlled from the second voltage
regulator.
2. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 1, wherein the power
source further comprises: a first rechargeable battery connected to
the first voltage regulator, and; a second rechargeable battery
connected to the second voltage regulator.
3. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 1, further comprising:
a third voltage regulator electrically connected to a third hose
mount connector; a third vaporizing unit connected to the third
hose mount connector by a third hose; wherein the third voltage
regulator can draw an independent voltage from the power source and
is independently controlled from the first voltage regulator and
second voltage regulator.
4. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 3, wherein the power
source further comprises: a third rechargeable battery connected to
the third voltage regulator.
5. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 3, further comprising:
a fourth voltage regulator electrically connected to a fourth hose
mount connector; a fourth vaporizing unit connected to the fourth
hose mount connector by a fourth hose; wherein the fourth voltage
regulator can draw an independent voltage from the power source and
is independently controlled from the first voltage regulator,
second voltage regulator, and third voltage regulator.
6. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 5, wherein the power
source further comprises: a fourth rechargeable battery connected
to the fourth voltage regulator.
7. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 1, wherein the body
further comprises a lighting system.
8. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 7, wherein the
lighting system is controlled by a remote control.
9. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a bowl, wherein the bowl is attached to the top of the body.
10. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 9, wherein the bowl
further comprises a bowl lighting system.
11. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 10, wherein the bowl
lighting system can be controlled though detection of a power draw
from the power source.
12. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a plate, connected on top of the body.
13. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a first hook, a second hook, a third hook, and a fourth hook, each
hook being attached on top of the body.
14. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a water jar, attached to the bottom of the body by a grommet.
15. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 14, wherein the water
jar further comprises a set of electrical connections on the bottom
of the water jar that connect to the power source.
16. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 1, wherein the first
vaporizer, second vaporizer, third vaporizer, and fourth vaporizer
are configured for dry herbs.
17. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 1, wherein the first
vaporizer, second vaporizer, third vaporizer, and fourth vaporizer
are configured for oils.
18. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 1, wherein the first
vaporizer, second vaporizer, third vaporizer, and fourth vaporizer
are configured for waxes.
19. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 1, wherein the first
vaporizer, second vaporizer, third vaporizer, and fourth vaporizer
are configured for e-liquids.
20. An electronic hookah, comprising: a power source; a body; a
first voltage regulator electrically connected to a first hose
mount connector; a second voltage regulator electrically connected
to a second hose mount connector; a third voltage regulator
electrically connected to a third hose mount connector; a fourth
voltage regulator electrically connected to a fourth hose mount
connector; a first vaporizing unit connected to the first hose
mount connector by a first hose; a second vaporizing unit connected
to the second hose mount connector by a second hose; a third
vaporizing unit connected to the third hose mount connector by a
third hose; a fourth vaporizing unit connected to the fourth hose
mount connector by a fourth hose; wherein the first voltage
regulator, second voltage regulator, third voltage regulator, and
fourth voltage regulator can draw independent voltages from the
power source, and; a base.
21. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 20, wherein the base
further comprises: at least one speaker; a USB port; an audio
input; wherein an audio device can be connected to the USB port or
audio input and output music through the speaker(s).
22. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 21, wherein the base
further comprises: a layer of securing material, attached to the
base through the use of at least one screw and at least one
separator.
23. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 21, wherein the layer
of securing material is configured with a hole in the middle to
admit a hookah water jar.
24. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 21, wherein the base
further comprises a base lighting system.
25. The electronic hookah as recited in claim 24, wherein the base
lighting system can be controlled by a base remote or a timer
circuit.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present apparatus relates to an electronic hookah that
can be used by one or more users.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The hookah, a single or multi-stemmed instrument for smoking
flavored tobacco, was introduced to the world in India as early as
the 16.sup.th century CE. For hundreds of years, hookah users have
been filtering flavored tobacco smoke through a water-filled jar
before inhalation. Traditionally, a hookah is comprised of a water
jar, a body, a bowl, a plate, a grommet, and at least one hose.
Modern hookahs also have seen the addition of purge valves and wind
screens.
[0003] In normal operation, a user will fill two thirds of the
water jar full of water, and fit the body to the opening of the
water jar through the use of a watertight grommet. The user fills
the bowl with flavored-tobacco, called shisha. The hoses are
attached to the hookah body, while a screen is placed atop the
hookah bowl. The user places a heat source, usually charcoal coals,
on top of the screen. Inhaling through the hose, the user draws air
heated by the coals through the tobacco-filled bowl, generating
smoke. The smoke passes through the hookah body and filters through
water. The smoke then passes through holes leading to the hoses,
through the hoses, and from there is inhaled by the user.
Additionally, the purge valve can be used by the user blowing
through the same hose, which then releases any stagnant smoke that
was sitting in the water jar for longer than desired.
[0004] While hookahs have been used for hundreds of years, only
recently have studies been performed showing that inhaling tobacco
smoke through a hookah is not safer than smoking a cigarette or
cigar. Passing the smoke through water provides an illusion of
filtration, but the reality is that most hookah users receive
higher doses of carcinogens and nicotine because of the extended
durations of smoking sessions. Moreover, many locations have passed
anti-smoking ordinances that limit or prohibit the combustion of
tobacco in various public settings. Thus, the health and legality
of the public use of hookahs remains tenuous.
[0005] A recent trend in combating the shrinking sphere of
acceptable use has been the rise of electronic inhalation systems.
Most prevalently seen in the e-cigarette context, the hookah has
also seen a reimagining as an electronic, combustion-less system.
Technology now exists for a user to vaporize dry herbs, e-liquids,
oils, or waxes. However, each of the previously mentioned
consumables vaporizes at a different temperature. While single user
e-hookahs have been known in the prior art for several years, there
has been no attempt to make an e-hookah for multiple users that
would allow for multiple users to each vaporize their own
individual substance in a group setting.
What is needed is an improved e-hookah which can include new
features such as accommodating multi users.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The above aspects can be obtained by an improved hookah
system.
[0007] These together with other aspects and advantages which will
be subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and
operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed,
reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part
hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Further features and advantages of the present apparatus, as
well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the
present apparatus, will become apparent and more readily
appreciated from the following description of the preferred
embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of
which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic hookah without
a base, according to an embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base for an electronic
hookah, according to an embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a base for an electronic
hookah, according to an embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an electronic hookah with a
base, according to an embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross section of an electronic hookah body,
according to an embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a close view of the connection between an
electronic hookah hose mount connector and a hose, according to an
embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross section view of an electronic hookah
atomizer component, according to an embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a functional diagram for an electronic hookah,
according to an embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the power structure
of an electronic hookah, according to an embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 10A is a front view of a dial-controlled voltage
regulator for an electronic hookah, according to an embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 10B is a front view of a dial-controlled temperature
regulator for an electronic hookah, according to an embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 10C is a front view of a slider-controlled voltage
regulator for an electronic hookah, according to an embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 10D is a front view of a slider-controlled temperature
regulator for an electronic hookah, according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to
be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to
be considered part of the entire written description. In the
description, relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal,"
"vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down," "top," and "bottom," as
well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly,"
"upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation
as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion.
These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not
require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a
particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and
the like, such as "connected," and "interconnected," refer to a
relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one
another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or
relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
[0023] The present apparatus can be an electronic hookah designed
for use by multiple users who desire to vaporize a variety of
different substances requiring a variety of temperatures.
Specifically, the e-hookah can comprise the following components: a
body, a water jar, at least one hose, at least one vaporizing unit,
a bowl, and a base. Each of the possible components of the e-hookah
will be described in the following paragraphs.
[0024] In an embodiment, the e-hookah body can contain a power
supply, which could take the form of at least one modular battery
unit, capable of holding a charge for an extended period of time.
Alternatively, AC can be used as well. On an e-hookah designed for
four persons, the body can have four voltage or temperature
regulators connected to the power supply, placed equidistantly
around the e-hookah body circumference. Note that the voltage or
temperature regulator is really the same thing, as a higher voltage
results in a higher temperature in the atomizer. However, a voltage
regular would display the energy output in volts on the display 105
while a temperature regulator would display the energy output as a
temperature. In an embodiment, the regulators can be knobs or
sliders, and can have LED screens located above or below that
display the current temperature or voltage value of the regulator
for ease of use. In an embodiment, the voltage output of each
regulator can channel into a respective hose mount connector, which
can consist of a magnet and an electrical connection. By using a
magnet, the hose can easily detach from the e-hookah body,
preventing the entire unit from tipping over and possibly causing
damage if the hose is roughly tugged.
[0025] The e-hookah body can also comprise a lighting system that
can be controlled via a remote control. The lighting system can be
made up of LEDs or other similar variable lighting systems. The
e-hookah body can also have up to four hooks for the storage of the
e-hookah hoses while not in use. In an embodiment, the e-hookah
body can also contain an electrical port for the recharging of the
power source.
[0026] The e-hookah water jar can be any ornamental water jar
normally used with a standard tobacco hookah. In an embodiment, the
e-hookah can have multiple grommet sizes such that the e-hookah
body can fit into any diameter water jar. In an embodiment, a
specialized jar can be created such that there exists electrical
connections on the underside of the water jar which provide a power
conduit between the e-hookah base and the power supply, such that
the e-hookah power supply can be charged when the unit is inserted
into the base.
[0027] An e-hookah hose is essentially an ornamentally-cladded
electrical connection between the e-hookah base connected at the
proximal end and the individual vaporizer connected to the distal
end. The hose can have an inner core of electrically conductive
material, surrounded by an insulating layer, and further surrounded
by an ornamental layer, which can be made of a variety of fabrics
or decorative materials. The proximal end of an e-hookah hose can
contain a magnet with polar orientation opposite to the magnet
located in the hose mount connector on the e-hookah body, such that
the proximal end of the hose can adhere (using magnetism) to the
hose mount connector, extending the electrical connection to the
distal end, while being easily detachable in the event of an
accidental stress by the user. In this way, the hose can detach
from the e-hookah body, which will prevent the entire unit from
tipping over and possibly causing damage. The distal end of the
e-hookah hose can also contain a fastening mechanism, which can be
a stronger magnet, such that the vaporizing unit can attach to the
distal end of the hose. The inner conducting layer of the hose can
connect the e-hookah power source to the vaporizing unit.
[0028] The vaporizing system can vaporize dry herbs, e-liquids,
oils, or waxes. For each substance, the construction of the
vaporizer can be very similar. The vaporizer can have an electrical
connector and fastening mechanism for connection to the e-hookah
hose. Power drawn from the power source and regulated by the
regulator can be channeled into a heating source that provides heat
to an inner chamber that can be configured in shape to receive dry
herbs, e-liquids, oils, or waxes. The vaporizer can have a
disposable covering at its tip if more than one user wishes to use
the same vaporizer.
[0029] The e-hookah bowl can be attached atop the e-hookah body. As
the e-hookah is a tobacco-less device, the bowl can serve as
ornamentation to provide the illusion that an e-hookah user is
using a standard hookah. Additionally, the bowl can contain a
separate lighting system, which can be created by LED lighting,
laser lighting, or another low-power lighting method. This lighting
system can be connected to the power source. In an embodiment, the
bowl lighting system can be controlled through a remote control, or
by a connection with the power supply that detects when a user is
inhaling (drawing power from the power supply). When a user is
inhaling from a vaporizer, it sends a signal to light up one or
more of the LEDs in the lighting system. When the user stops
inhaling, the one or more of the LEDs that lit up would then turn
off, giving a similar effect to a cigarette tip that glows when the
smoker puffs. More users inhaling simultaneously using the e-hookah
can result in a brighter intensity of one or more LEDs of the
lighting system than if one user alone was inhaling. In an
embodiment, more than one users inhaling simultaneously could also
cause a color change of the LEDS in the lighting system. For
example, one user inhaling alone would cause the LEDs would light
up red, only two users inhaling simultaneously would cause the LEDs
to light up pink, only three users inhaling simultaneously would
cause the LEDs to light up orange, and all four users inhaling
simultaneously would cause the LEDs to light up white. Zero users
would cause the LED not to light at all. A connection from each
vaporizer to the LED system is present so that a processing unit at
the LED would know how many users are inhaling simultaneously and
adjust the LEDs accordingly.
[0030] The e-hookah can have a separate base unit with its own set
of remote-controlled LED lighting. The remote can change the
brightness, coloration, pattern, and timing of the LED lighting.
The base unit can have USB, audio, or other inputs for a user to
plug in and play music from a personal mobile device. The base unit
can have multiple speakers to play audio output. Additionally, the
base unit should incorporate a timer that can be wired to the LED
lighting and to the base unit power source, where a shutdown can
occur after a preset period of time such that a proprietor using
multiple e-hookahs can monetize and limit access to the e-hookah in
a bar or club setting. The base can also have layers of stabilizing
material that are molded or cut to fit the form of any standard
hookah water jar.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic hookah 100
without a base 101, according to an embodiment. The e-hookah 100
can comprise the following components: a body 110, a water jar 102,
at least one hose (not shown), at least one vaporizing unit (not
shown), a bowl 111, a plate 109, and a base (not shown). Each of
the possible components of the e-hookah will be described in the
following paragraphs.
[0032] In an embodiment, the e-hookah 100 body 110 can contain a
power supply (not shown), which can take the form of at least one
modular battery unit (not shown), capable of holding a charge for
an extended period of time. On an e-hookah 100 designed for four
persons, the body 110 can have four voltage or temperature
regulators 113, connected to the power supply (not shown),
positioned equidistantly around the circumference of the body 110.
Note that the voltage or temperature regulator 113 is really the
same thing, as a higher voltage results in a higher temperature in
the atomizer (not shown). However, a voltage regular would display
the energy output in volts on the display 105 while a temperature
regulator would display the energy output as a temperature. In an
embodiment, the amount of voltage allowed through each regulator
113 can be adjusted by a respective knob 104 or slider, and each
regulator 113 can have an LED screen 105 located above or below its
respective knob 104 to display the current voltage or temperature
value of each regulator 113 for ease of use. (See FIGS. 10A, 10B,
10C, 10D) In an embodiment, the voltage output of each regulator
113 can channel into a respective hose mount connector 116, which
can consist of a magnet (not shown) and an electrical connection
(not shown). (See FIG. 9)
[0033] While all are not visible in FIG. 1, there are four sets
each of an LED screen, a knob or slider 104, a regulator 113, and a
house mount connector 116.
[0034] In an embodiment, the e-hookah body 110 can also comprise a
lighting system 107 that can be controlled via a remote control
(not shown). The lighting system 107 can be made up of LEDs or
other similar variable lighting systems. The remote control can
vary the brightness, coloration, timing, and pattern of active
lights in the lighting system. The e-hookah body 110 can also have
up to four hooks 108 for the storage of the e-hookah hoses (not
shown) while not in use. In an embodiment, the e-hookah body 110
can also contain an electrical port 114 for the recharging of the
power source.
[0035] In an embodiment, the e-hookah water jar 102 can be any
ornamental water jar normally used with a standard tobacco hookah.
Note that the water jar is not used with the invention, it is
merely ornamental to look like what a non-electrical hookah looks
like. In an embodiment, the e-hookah 100 can have multiple grommet
103 sizes such that the e-hookah body 110 can fit into any diameter
water jar 102. In an embodiment, a specialized jar 102 can be
created such that there exists electrical connections 115 on the
underside of the water jar 102 which provide a power conduit
between the e-hookah base (not shown) and the power supply (not
shown), such that the e-hookah power supply (not shown) can be
charged when the e-hookah 100 is inserted into the base (not
shown).
[0036] In an embodiment, the e-hookah bowl 111 can be attached atop
the e-hookah body 110, above the plate 109. As the e-hookah 100 is
a tobacco-less device, the bowl 111 can serve as ornamentation to
provide the illusion that an e-hookah user (not shown) is using a
standard hookah. Additionally, the bowl 111 and/or the plate 109
can contain an upper lighting system 112, which can be created by
LED lighting, laser lighting, or another low-power lighting method.
This lighting system 112 can be connected to the power source (not
shown). In an embodiment, the upper lighting system 112 can be
controlled through a remote control (not shown), or by sensors
embedded in each vaporizer (not shown) that detect when a user is
inhaling. When a user inhales from his/her respective vaporizer,
the LEDs of the LED lighting system 112 lights up and when the user
stops inhaling the LEDs turn off. Different numbers of users
simultaneously inhaling from their respective vaporizers cause the
lighting system to display brighter colors or different colors
depending on the number of simultaneous users.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base 101 for an electronic
hookah 100, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the
e-hookah 100 can have a separate base unit 101 with its own set of
LED lighting 128, controlled by remote (not shown). The base unit
101 can have USB 121, audio 122, or other inputs for a user to plug
in and play music from a personal mobile device (not shown). The
base unit 101 can have multiple speakers 120 to play audio output.
Additionally, the base unit 101 should incorporate a timer (not
shown) that can be wired to the LED lighting 128 and to the base
unit power source (not shown), where a shutdown can occur after a
preset period of time such that a proprietor using multiple
e-hookahs 100 can monetize and limit access to the e-hookah 100 in
a bar or club setting. The base 101 can also have layers of
stabilizing material 123 that are molded or cut to fit the form of
any standard hookah water jar, like the hole 127 shown. The
stabilizing material 123 can be attached to the main base portion
124 through the use of separators 125 attached to the upper main
base 131, and screws 126 that can be inserted through the top of
the stabilizing material 123.
[0038] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a base 101 for an electronic
hookah 100, according to an embodiment. This view more clearly
demonstrates how the stabilizing material 123 can be made with a
hole 127 with sufficient diameter to fit any e-hookah water jar
102. The stabilizing material 123 can be attached to the main base
portion 124 through the use of separators 125 attached to the upper
main base 131, and screws 126 that can be inserted through the top
of the stabilizing material 123.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an electronic hookah 100 on
a base 101, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, an
e-hookah hose 150 is essentially an ornamentally-cladded electrical
connection between the e-hookah body 110, connected to a hose mount
connector 106 at the proximal end and an individual vaporizer 151
at the distal end. The hose 150 can have an inner core of
electrically conductive material (not shown), surrounded by an
insulating layer (not shown), and further surrounded by an
ornamental layer, which can be made of a variety of fabrics or
decorative materials. The proximal end of an e-hookah hose 150 can
contain a magnet with polar orientation opposite to the magnet
located in the hose mount connector 106 on the e-hookah body 110,
such that the proximal end of the hose 150 can adhere to the hose
mount connector 106, extending the electrical connection to the
distal end, while being easily detachable in the event of an
accidental stress by the user. In this way, the hose 150 can detach
from the e-hookah body 110, which will prevent the entire unit 100,
101 from tipping over and possibly causing damage.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a cross section view of an electronic hookah body,
according to an embodiment. The e-hookah body 110 can contain at
least one power source 115, which can be located in the upper tube
107 of the body. The power source 115 can connect to the hose mount
connector (not shown) via the voltage regulator (not shown). In an
embodiment, the power source 115 can be made up of four separate
rechargeable batteries 155, arranged within the upper tube 107 of
the body. Each battery can provide power to an individual voltage
regulator 113.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a close view of the connection between an
electronic hookah hose mount connector and a hose, according to an
embodiment. The proximal end of an e-hookah hose 150 can contain a
magnet 160 with polar orientation opposite to the magnet (not
shown) located in the hose mount connector 106 on the e-hookah body
110, such that the proximal end of the hose 150 can adhere (using
magnetism) to the hose mount connector 106, extending the
electrical connection 161 to the distal end, while being easily
detachable in the event of an accidental stress by the user. In
this way, the hose 150 can detach from the e-hookah body 110, which
will prevent the entire unit 100, 101 from tipping over and
possibly causing damage.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a cross section view of an electronic hookah
vaporizer component 151, according to an embodiment. In an
embodiment, the vaporizer 151 can vaporize dry herbs (not shown),
e-liquids (not shown), oils (not shown), or waxes (not shown). For
each substance, the construction of the vaporizer 151 can be very
similar. The vaporizer 151 can have an electrical connector and
fastening mechanism 170 for connection to the e-hookah hose 150.
Power drawn from the power source (not shown) and regulated by the
voltage regulator (not shown) can be channeled into a heating
source 171 that provides heat to an inner chamber 172 that can be
configured in shape to receive dry herbs (not shown), e-liquids
(not shown), oils (not shown), or waxes (not shown). The vaporizer
151 can have a disposable covering 152 at its tip if more than one
user wishes to use the same vaporizer 151. The distal end of an
e-hookah hose 150 can also contain a fastening mechanism 169, which
can be a stronger magnet (not shown) or other fastening system,
such that the vaporizing unit 151 can attach to the distal end of
the hose 150. The inner conducting layer (not shown) of the hose
150 can connect the e-hookah power source (not shown) to the
vaporizing unit 151.
[0043] FIG. 8 is a functional diagram for an electronic hookah 100,
according to an embodiment. When a user begins to inhale on their
individual vaporizer an inhalation detector is activated by the
movement of air 804 such that the inhalation detector 804 can send
a signal through the hose that can cause the variable voltage (or
temperature) regulator 801 to draw an independent voltage from the
power supply 800 to pass through the regulator 801 into the hose
802. Drawing an independent voltage is where a single variable
voltage regulator 801 can receive a voltage that is different in
value from the other voltage regulators (not shown). The amount of
voltage allowed through to the hose 802 by the regulator 801 can be
controlled by the user through a dial (not shown) or slider (not
shown). The hose 802 can conduct the voltage to the vaporizer
heating source 803, generating temperatures between 300 and 500
degrees Fahrenheit, such that vapor is produced, which the user can
inhale. The described process can continue for as long as the
inhalation detector 804 is activated as the user continues to
inhale on their vaporizer. Once the user ceases to inhale the
inhalation detector 804 deactivates and the regulator 801 can halt
the allowance of a voltage from the power supply 800 to the hose
802, effectively shutting down the vaporizer heating source 803 and
halting the production of vapor.
[0044] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the power structure
of an electronic hookah configured for four users, according to an
embodiment. When user #1 (not shown) begins to inhale on vaporizer
#1 904, the vaporizer #1 904 can send a signal through the hose #1
(not shown) that can cause the power control circuit #1 901 to
allow an independent voltage from the power supply 900 to pass
through the power control circuit #1 901 into the hose #1. The
amount of voltage allowed through to the hose #1 by the power
control circuit #1 901 can be independently controlled by adjuster
#1 903, which can be a dial (not shown) or a slider (not shown).
The hose #1 can conduct the voltage to vaporizer #1 904. The
described process can continue for as long as user #1 continues to
inhale on vaporizer #1 904. Once user #1 ceases to inhale, the
power control circuit #1 901 can halt the allowance of an
independent voltage from the power supply 900 to hose #1,
effectively shutting down vaporizer #1 904 and halting the
production of vapor from vaporizer #1. The power supply 900 can
provide independent voltages to up to four power control circuits
(regulators) 901, 905, 909, 913. The power control circuits 905,
909, 913 and their respective adjusters 907, 911, 915, displays
906, 910, 914, and vaporizers 908, 912, 916 are identical to, and
can operate in an identical manner as the power control circuit #1
901, adjuster #1 903, display #1 902, and vaporizer #1 904. Each of
the power control circuits 901, 905, 909, 913 can be independently
controlled by physically adjusting their respective adjusters 903,
907, 911, 915, such that each power control circuit can allow a
different voltage than the others based upon the preferences of
each individual user (an independent voltage). For example, power
control circuit #1 901 can be set to 2.5 volts, power control
circuit #2 905 can be set to 3.1 volts, power control circuit #3
909 can be set to 1.7 volts, and power control circuit #4 913 can
be set to 5.3 volts.
[0045] FIG. 10A is a front view of a dial-controlled voltage
regulator 1000 for an electronic hookah, according to an
embodiment. The voltage regulator 1000 can allow a voltage from the
power supply (not shown) to the hose (not shown) based upon the
position of the dial 1003. The allowed voltage value can be
displayed on a display configured to display voltage 1001. By
twisting the dial 1003 clockwise, the user can increase the amount
of voltage allowed though the regulator 1000 from a minimum of 1
volt to a maximum of 7 volts in 0.1 volt increments. The
corresponding increase would be shown on the display 1001. By
twisting the dial 1003 counterclockwise, the user can decrease the
amount of voltage allowed through the regulator 1000. The
corresponding decrease can be shown on the display 1001.
[0046] FIG. 10B is a front view of a dial-controlled temperature
regulator for an electronic hookah, according to an alternate
embodiment. In the alternate embodiment, the voltage regulator 1000
can allow a voltage from the power supply (not shown) to the hose
(not shown) based upon the position of the dial 1003. The allowed
voltage value can be displayed on a display configured to display
temperature 1002. By twisting the dial 1003 clockwise, the user can
increase the temperature of the heating coil (not shown) from a
minimum of 300 degrees Fahrenheit to a maximum of 500 degrees
Fahrenheit in one degree increments, which can be accomplished by
increasing the amount of voltage allowed though the regulator 1000.
The corresponding increase in temperature would be shown on the
display 1002. By twisting the dial 1003 counterclockwise, the user
can decrease the temperature of the heating coil (not shown), which
can be accomplished by decreasing the amount of voltage allowed
through the regulator 1000. The corresponding decrease in
temperature can be shown on the display 1002.
[0047] FIG. 10C is a front view of a slider-controlled voltage
regulator for an electronic hookah, according to an alternate
embodiment. The voltage regulator 1000 can allow a voltage from the
power supply (not shown) to the hose (not shown) based upon the
position of the slider 1004. The allowed voltage value can be
displayed on a display configured to display voltage 1001. By
sliding the slider 1004 to the right, the user can increase the
amount of voltage allowed though the regulator 1000 from a minimum
of 1 volt to a maximum of 7 volts in 0.1 volt increments. The
corresponding increase would be shown on the display 1001. By
sliding the slider 1004 to the left, the user can decrease the
amount of voltage allowed through the regulator 1000. The
corresponding decrease can be shown on the display 1001.
[0048] FIG. 10D is a front view of a slider-controlled temperature
regulator for an electronic hookah, according to an alternate
embodiment. The voltage regulator 1000 can allow a voltage from the
power supply (not shown) to the hose (not shown) based upon the
position of the slider 1004. The allowed voltage value can be
displayed on a display configured to display temperature 1002. By
sliding the slider 1004 to the right, the user can increase the
temperature of the heating coil (not shown) from a minimum of 300
degrees Fahrenheit to a maximum of 500 degrees Fahrenheit in one
degree increments, which can be accomplished by increasing the
amount of voltage allowed though the regulator 1000. The
corresponding increase would be shown on the display 1002. By
sliding the slider 1004 to the left, the user can decrease the
temperature of the heating coil (not shown), which can be
accomplished by decreasing the amount of voltage allowed through
the regulator 1000. The corresponding decrease in temperature can
be shown on the display 1002.
[0049] Although the present apparatus has been described in terms
of exemplary embodiments, none is limited thereto. Rather, the
appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other
variants and embodiments of the present apparatus, which may be
made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope
and range of equivalents of either the apparatus or the methods for
using such an apparatus.
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