U.S. patent application number 14/572242 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-16 for electronic hookah system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Anand Sagar Gupta. Invention is credited to Anand Sagar Gupta.
Application Number | 20160165951 14/572242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56109906 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160165951 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gupta; Anand Sagar |
June 16, 2016 |
Electronic Hookah System
Abstract
A hookah-themed electronic device mimics a traditional coal and
water based hookah in appearance via a hookah-shaped body. Power
sources are housed inside the hookah-shaped body and used to
provide current to attached cartomizers or vaporizers. Attachments
are enabled by hoses which engage with a female socket on the
hookah-shaped body and provide an adapter at a second end for
receiving the cartomizer, with power being transmitted through the
hose. A switch is provided on the hose for completing or breaking
an electrical connection between an attached cartomizer and the
power sources. Several circuits are integrated into the invention,
including a voltage-control circuit for adjusting voltage output, a
power-charging circuit for recharging the power sources, and a
power-remaining sensor circuit for monitoring the remaining charge
of the power sources. Decorative elements further simulating
non-electronic hookahs are also provided, mimicking effects such as
the glow of coals.
Inventors: |
Gupta; Anand Sagar; (San
Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gupta; Anand Sagar |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56109906 |
Appl. No.: |
14/572242 |
Filed: |
December 16, 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 system comprises: a hookah-shaped body; a
plurality of power sources; an at least one hose; the hookah-shaped
body comprises a base, a central portion, a control panel, and an
at least one primary adapter; the at least one hose comprises a
flexible body, a first end, and a second end; the second end
comprises a cartomizer-activating switch and a cartomizer-receiving
adapter; the first end being attached to the at least one primary
adapter; the plurality of power sources being housed within the
hookah-shaped body; and the plurality of power sources being
electrically connected to the cartomizer-receiving adapter through
the cartomizer-activating switch.
2. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
the hookah-shaped body further comprises a decorative portion; the
decorative portion comprises a smoke-emulating illumination source,
an ambient illumination source, and a printed graphic; the central
portion being adjacently connected to the base; the decorative
portion being adjacently connected to the central portion opposite
the base; the smoke-emulating illumination source being positioned
opposite the central portion along the decorative portion; the
ambient illumination source being positioned adjacent to the
printed graphic, wherein the printed graphic is illuminated by the
ambient illumination source; and the plurality of power sources
being electrically connected to the smoke-emulating illumination
source and the ambient illumination source.
3. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 2 comprises:
the smoke-emulating illumination source being electronically
connected to the plurality of power sources through the
cartomizer-activating switch; the ambient illumination source being
electronically connected to the plurality of power sources through
a voltage-control circuit; and the base being translucent.
4. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
the at least one primary adapter being positioned on the central
portion; and the first end of the at least one hose being attached
to the at least one primary adapter.
5. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
the control panel being positioned on the central portion; the
control panel being engaged with a potentiometer; the potentiometer
being electrically connected between the plurality of power sources
and the cartomizer-receiving adapter; and the potentiometer being
electronically connected to the plurality of power sources through
a voltage-control circuit.
6. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 5 comprises:
the control panel comprises a knob; the knob being axially
connected to the potentiometer; and the knob being externally and
rotatably mounted to the central portion.
7. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 5 comprises:
the control panel comprises a voltage gauge; the voltage gauge
being electrically connected to the plurality of power sources; and
the voltage gauge being electronically connected to the voltage
control circuit.
8. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a
charging port; the plurality of power sources being housed in the
central portion; the charging port being positioned into the
hookah-shaped body; and the charging port being electrically and
electronically connected to the plurality of power sources through
a power-charging circuit, wherein the plurality of power sources
can be recharged via the charging port.
9. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a
plurality of power-diminishing indicators; the plurality of
power-diminishing indicators being adjacently mounted to the
hookah-shaped body; the plurality of power-diminishing indicators
being electrically connected to the plurality of power sources; and
the plurality of power-diminishing indicators being electronically
connected to the plurality of power sources through a
power-remaining sensor circuit.
10. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 8 comprises:
the plurality of power-diminishing indicators being powered
illumination sources, wherein battery life is represented by
powered illumination sources.
11. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
the cartomizer-activating switch being positioned adjacent to the
cartomizer receiving adapter.
12. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a
wireless module; the wireless module being housed in the
hookah-shaped body; the wireless module being electronically
connected to a voltage-control circuit; and the plurality of power
sources being electrically connected to the wireless module.
13. An electronic hookah system comprises: a hookah-shaped body; a
plurality of power sources; an at least one hose; a charging port;
a plurality of power-diminishing indicators; the hookah-shaped body
comprises a base, a central portion, a control panel, an at least
one primary adapter, and a decorative portion; the at least one
hose comprises a flexible body, a first end, and a second end; the
second end comprises a cartomizer-activating switch and a
cartomizer-receiving adapter; the first end being attached to the
at least one primary adapter; the plurality of power sources being
housed within the hookah-shaped body; and the plurality of power
sources being electrically connected to the cartomizer-receiving
adapter through the cartomizer-activating switch.
14. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:
the decorative portion comprises a smoke-emulating illumination
source, an ambient illumination source, and a printed graphic; the
central portion being adjacently connected to the base; the
decorative portion being adjacently connected to the central
portion opposite the base; the smoke-emulating illumination source
being positioned opposite the central portion along the decorative
portion; the ambient illumination source being positioned adjacent
to the printed graphic, wherein the printed graphic is illuminated
by the ambient illumination source; the plurality of power sources
being electrically connected to the smoke-emulating illumination
source and the ambient illumination source; the smoke-emulating
illumination source being electronically connected to the plurality
of power sources through the cartomizer-activating switch; the
ambient illumination source being electronically connected to the
plurality of power sources through a voltage-control circuit; and
the base being translucent.
15. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:
the at least one primary adapter being positioned on the central
portion; and the first end of the at least one hose being attached
to the at least one primary adapter.
16. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:
the control panel comprises a knob and a voltage gauge; the control
panel being positioned on the central portion; the control panel
being engaged with a potentiometer; the potentiometer being
electrically connected between the plurality of power sources and
the cartomizer-receiving adapter; the potentiometer being
electronically connected to the plurality of power sources through
a voltage-control circuit; the knob being axially connected to the
potentiometer; the knob being externally and rotatably mounted to
the central portion; the voltage gauge being electrically connected
to the plurality of power sources; and the voltage gauge being
electronically connected to the voltage control circuit.
17. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:
the plurality of power sources being housed in the central portion;
the charging port being positioned into the hookah-shaped body; and
the charging port being electrically and electronically connected
to the plurality of power sources through a power-charging circuit,
wherein the plurality of power sources can be recharged via the
charging port.
18. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:
the plurality of power-diminishing indicators being adjacently
mounted to the hookah-shaped body; the plurality of
power-diminishing indicators being electrically connected to the
plurality of power sources; the plurality of power-diminishing
indicators being electronically connected to the plurality of power
sources through a power-remaining sensor circuit; and the plurality
of power-diminishing indicators being powered illumination sources,
wherein battery life is represented by powered illumination
sources.
19. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:
the cartomizer-activating switch being positioned adjacent to the
cartomizer receiving adapter.
20. The electronic hookah system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:
a wireless module; the wireless module being housed in the
hookah-shaped body; the wireless module being electronically
connected to a voltage-control circuit; and the plurality of power
sources being electrically connected to the wireless module.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an electronic
hookah system that aesthetically resembles a traditional hookah
while powering attached electronic cartomizers by means of internal
power sources and adapting hoses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Smoking is a common activity throughout the world, with
previously region-specific methods and apparatuses having spread as
a result of globalization. Hookah is one such example, having
originated in Persia since then having spread across the world. As
with other smoking methods, the advent of electricity has allowed
for numerous improvements and modifications to hookahs. The present
invention concerns itself with such a modification: the use of
electronic cartomizers or vaporizers in place of the standard water
basin and coals.
[0003] Electronic cartomizers operate by powering a heating element
which vaporizes a liquid solution, with many ingredients such as
nicotine and flavorings being incorporated into the liquid
solution. Electronic cartomizers have gained popularity in the
early 21st century, with many using them to supplement or replace
traditional smoking means for the purported comparative health
benefits. The increased adoption of electronic cartomizers
introduces a growing market which can still be tapped into.
[0004] Hookahs are often used in social settings, with several
people sharing the same hookah. In fact, a number of hookah bars
exist to facilitate such gatherings by providing a shared hookah
for groups. This social aspect is desirable to a number of smokers.
However, electronic cartomizer are generally personal devices which
are incapable of simulating the full experience of a traditional
hookah. There exists a need for an apparatus that mimics a
non-electronic hookah and which is compatible with electronic
cartomizer.
[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a hookah-shaped body that visually resembles a traditional
hookah. It is a further object of the present invention to provide
power sources, hoses, and adapters that allow electronic cartomizer
to be connected to and powered by the hookah-shaped body.
Decorative elements are added, including replicating the glow of
coals by means of an illumination device. The combination of the
hookah-shaped body and the hoses allow multiple users to share the
same device, with the hoses powering attached electronic
cartomizers, paralleling the use of hoses in traditional hookahs
.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a front view of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing basic electrical connections
between circuits of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing detailed electrical connections
of the power-charging circuit of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing detailed electrical connections
of the power-remaining sensor circuit of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing detailed electrical connections
of the voltage-control circuit of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a front view of a variant design of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the variant design of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a side view of the variant design of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an adapter portion
with separate cartomizer and mouthpiece.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the cartomizer coupled
with the adapter portion.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the cartomizer and a
mouthpiece coupled with the adapter portion.
DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
[0020] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of
describing selected versions of the present invention and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0021] The present invention is a hookah-themed electronic device
for powering cartomizers as used with electronic cigarettes and
electronic hookahs. To this end, the present invention comprises a
hookah-shaped body 1, a plurality of power sources 2, and an at
least one hose 3. The plurality of power sources 2 is housed within
the hookah-shaped body 1 while the at least one hose 3 is
externally attached to the hookah-shaped body 1. The plurality of
power sources 2, by means of the at least one hose 3, can then be
used to power an attached cartomizer. It is noted that while the
application uses the term cartomizer, it is interchangeable with an
atomizer and indeed any electrically powered device which is
utilized as an electronic cigarette or electronic hookah.
[0022] The hookah-shaped body 1 comprises a base 11, a central
portion 12, a decorative portion 13, a control panel 14, and at
least one primary adapter 15, as illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and
FIG. 3. These components are also shown in the variant design
illustrated in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11. The central portion 12
is adjacently connected to the base 11 while the decorative portion
13 is adjacently connected to the central portion 12 opposite the
base 11. Effectively, the base 11 serves as a bottom section, the
central portion 12 serves as a middle section, and the decorative
portion 13 serves as a top section. To help stabilize the present
invention and secure the central portion 12 to the base 11, a
plastic ring may be provided around the joined section of the base
11 and central portion 12. Since the present invention is
hookah-themed, the base 11 is preferably translucent and
bowl-shaped; for the same reason, the decorative portion 13 is
preferably elongated and cylindrical while the central portion 12
is octagonal. These components serve to represent the water jar
(base 11) and head (decorative portion 13) of a non-electronic
hookah. The central portion 12, meanwhile, houses and supports many
of the functional components of the present invention. The
plurality of power sources 2 is preferably a number of batteries
which are positioned within the central portion 12, while the at
least one primary adapter 15 is positioned on the central portion
12. Likewise, the control panel 14 is positioned on the central
portion 12. The at least one primary adapter 15 provides an
external interface, allowing effective coupling of the
hookah-shaped body 1 and the at least one hose 3. Not only does the
at least one primary adapter 15 secure the at least one hose 3 to
the hookah-shaped body 1, it also allows for an electrical
connection between the plurality of power sources 2 and any coupled
components. The control panel 14 enables a user to operate the
present invention and adjust electrical properties, including
turning the present invention "on" or "off" in addition to
adjusting voltage amounts.
[0023] In the preferred embodiment a pair of 18650 lithium-ion
rechargeable batteries are utilized as the power sources 2. Other
embodiments may comprise a variety of different types and numbers
of batteries or power-providing devices to act as the plurality of
power sources 2. The primary adapter 15 of the preferred embodiment
is an RCA socket, capable of providing power to the attached hose
3. While RCA connections are utilized by the preferred embodiment,
it is understood that different types of electrical connections can
be applied with other embodiments.
[0024] Enabling attached devices to be powered from the plurality
of power sources 2, the at least one hose 3 comprises a flexible
body 31, a first end 32, and a second end 33. The second end 33
comprises a cartomizer-activating switch 331 and a
cartomizer-receiving adapter 332. The first end 32 serves as an
attachment point with regards to the hookah-shaped body 1, with the
first end 32 being attached to the primary adapter 15 of the
central portion 12. The second end 33 secures a cartomizer, the
latter of which is attached to the cartomizer-receiving adapter
332. The cartomizer-receiving adapter 332 is electrically connected
to the plurality of power sources 2 through the
cartomizer-activating switch 331, with the flow of electricity
being controlled by the cartomizer-activating switch 331. The
cartomizer-activating switch 331 is positioned adjacent to the
cartomizer-receiving adapter 332 and allows a user to activate an
attached cartomizer by closing the switch (completing the
electrical connection) or deactivate the attached cartomizer by
opening the switch (breaking the electrical connection). The hoses
3 are shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3.
[0025] In the preferred embodiment there are two hoses 3, though
other embodiments may provide any number of additional hoses 3 as
desired. An upper limit of additional hoses 3 may be reached due to
insufficient power from the plurality of power sources 2 or simply
due to limited space on the hookah-shaped body 1. The positioning
of users must also be taken into account, as they are often seated
around the present invention and are also limited in terms of
available space. In the preferred embodiment of the present
invention the first end 32 of the hose 3 is a male RCA plug which
can be plugged into the RCA socket that is the primary adapter 15.
In other embodiments where other electrical connection types are
utilized, the first end 32 of the of the hose 3 is of a type
matching the chosen electrical connection. Ideally, for ease of
use, the first end 32 of the hose 3 is a male counterpart of a
female electrical connection that acts as the primary adapter
15.
[0026] In the preferred embodiment the cartomizer-activating switch
331 is a momentary type switch, meaning that a user must press and
hold the cartomizer-activating switch 331 in a closed position; the
cartomizer-activating switch 331 reverts to an equilibrium open
position when the user stops holding the cartomizer-activating
switch 331 in a close position. In the preferred embodiment the
cartomizer-activating switch 331 is implemented as a light emitting
diode (LED) push button. By engaging the cartomizer-activating
switch 331 to complete an electrical connection between the
plurality of power sources 2 and an attached cartomizer, the
current is supplied to the heating element of the cartomizer
allowing for the vaporization of the stored liquid, culminating in
the production of hookah vapor. Potentially, in another embodiment,
the cartomizer-activating switch 331 may be a toggle switch rather
than a momentary switch. With a toggle design the
cartomizer-activating switch 331 stays in a closed or open position
until a user actively moves the cartomizer-activating switch 331 to
the other position. Since the present invention only requires the
cartomizer-activating switch 331 to be closed while a user is
inhaling vapor from a cartomizer, a momentary switch is better
suited for use with the present invention.
[0027] The basic operation of the present invention entails
attaching a cartomizer to the cartomizer-receiving adapter 332.
This attachment results in an electrical connection between the
plurality of power sources 2 and the cartomizer, with the
connection being managed by the cartomizer-activating switch 331.
In this manner, a cartomizer can be powered by the present
invention, simulating a regular hookah experience without requiring
the associated shisha (tobacco), coals, or water. This is because
the necessary ingredients are self contained in the cartomizers and
do not need to be provided separately.
[0028] The present invention further comprises additional
components that support and enable the electrical connections or
which provide aesthetically pleasing enhancements. Regarding the
electrical connections, the present invention comprises a charging
port 21 to allow recharging of the plurality of power sources 2 by
connecting an external supply of power. The present invention also
comprises a voltage-control circuit 22, a power-charging circuit
23, and a power-remaining sensor circuit 24. These circuits allow
for adjusting the voltage of the present invention, recharging the
plurality of power sources 2, and analyzing the remaining charge of
the plurality of power sources 2, respectively.
[0029] The aesthetically pleasing enhancements are primarily
positioned on the decorative portion 13 of the hookah-shaped body
1; to this end the decorative portion 13 comprises a
smoke-emulating illumination source 131, an ambient illumination
source 132, and a printed graphic 133. The smoke-emulating
illumination source 131 is positioned at the top of the decorative
portion 13, i.e. opposite the central portion 12 along the
decorative portion 13. The smoke-emulating illumination source 131
mimics the glow of coal in a traditional hookah, lighting up
whenever the cartomizer-activating switch 331 is closed (and thus
completing an electrical connection). The ambient illumination
source 132 is provided to enhance the printed graphic 133 and is
thus positioned adjacent to the printed graphic 133 such that the
ambient illumination source 132 illuminates the printed graphic
133. The smoke-emulating illumination source 131 and the ambient
illumination source 132 are powered through an electrical
connection to the plurality of power sources 2.
[0030] While in the preferred embodiment the printed graphic 133 is
a representative logo, in other embodiments the printed graphic 133
can be any type of visual design. The adjacent ambient illumination
source 132 can be provided in any color, with a preferred
embodiment using a color-changing LED, starting as green when first
turned on and then transitioning color periodically. The
smoke-emulating illumination source 131 is preferably colored green
as well. The present invention does not restrict the illumination
sources to being LED's or limit the types of colors; indeed, any
type of light source and color may be provided for the
smoke-emulating illumination source 131 and ambient illumination
source 132. A further preference of the present invention is that
the smoke-emulating illumination source 131 is of a diamond crystal
construction.
[0031] The charging port 21 is positioned into the hookah-shaped
body 1 in order to allow an external power supply to be
electrically connected by inserting a power adapter. The charging
port 21 is both electrically and electronically connected, through
the power-charging circuit 23, to the plurality of power sources 2.
The power-charging circuit 23 manages the electrical connection
between the charging port 21 and the plurality of power sources 2,
allowing the latter to be recharged if they are not storing a
maximum charge. Preferably the charging port 21 acts as a female
port for receiving an alternating current (AC) adapter, since AC
current sources are ubiquitous in the form of wall sockets.
[0032] The voltage-control circuit 22 manages the amount of volts
supplied from the plurality of power sources 2 to the other
components of the present invention; the present invention is
considered to be "off" when the voltage-control circuit 22 sets
voltage to zero, and is considered to be "on" if the voltage is set
to a non-zero number. The voltage-control circuit 22 oversees
electrical connections to several other components, one being the
ambient illumination source 132. The ambient illumination source
132 is electronically connected to the plurality of power sources 2
through the voltage-control circuit 22. As a result, the ambient
illumination source 132 only lights up when the present invention
is turned "on", providing an aesthetically pleasing display when
the present invention is in use and conserving power when the
present invention is not in use. The voltage-control circuit 22,
along with other electrical connections of the present invention,
is illustrated through diagrams in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG.
8.
[0033] A user of the present invention is able to control the
voltage by manipulating the control panel 14. The voltage is
adjusted by a potentiometer 141, which itself is actuated by a knob
142 of the control panel 14. The knob 142 is axially connected to
the potentiometer 141, allowing a user to increase or decrease
voltage by turning the knob 142 clockwise or counterclockwise. The
potentiometer 141 is electrically connected between that the
plurality of power sources 2 and the cartomizer-receiving adapter
332; thus, the cartomizer-receiving adapter 332 is only capable of
providing power to an attached cartomizer if the potentiometer 141
is set for a non-zero voltage. The potentiometer 141 is also
electronically connected to the plurality of power sources 2
through the voltage-control circuit 22, which manages the
adjustment of voltage between a zero value and a maximum value. The
knob 142 is externally and rotatably mounted to the central portion
12 of the hookah-shaped body 1, where it is easily accessed and
manipulated by a user of the present invention. A potential
embodiment showing the cartomizer-receiving adapter 332 connected
with a cartomizer and mouthpiece is shown via FIG. 12, FIG. 13, and
FIG. 14.
[0034] Though the preferred embodiment describes a knob 142 being
axially connected to the potentiometer 141, in other embodiments
different interfaces can be provided. For example, a slider rather
than a dial may be provided to allow a user to adjust the voltage,
with movement of the slide resulting in corresponding movement of a
connected terminal of the potentiometer 141.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
control panel 14 further comprises a voltage gauge 143, which
outputs the real-time voltage setting. This voltage gauge 143 is
positioned on the central portion 12 where it is visible to a user.
Providing a readout of the voltage helps a user to adjust the
voltage to the desired amount; without the voltage gauge 143 a user
would be reduced to guessing as to what setting of the voltage knob
142 results in the desired voltage. The voltage gauge 143 may be
implemented in a number of manners; in a preferred embodiment, the
voltage gauge 143 is a digital readout which is electrically
connected to the plurality of power sources 2 and electronically
connected to the voltage-control circuit 22. In another embodiment,
the voltage gauge 143 is represented by an analog display, rather
than a digital display; in yet another embodiment, a plurality of
printed voltages are positioned around the knob 142 in order to
provide a general indication of the supplies voltage at each
setting. Other components and methods of displaying real-time
voltage setting can be applied to other embodiments without
impacting the core function of the present invention.
[0036] Potentially, a two terminal potentiometer 141 commonly
referred to as a variable resistor may be utilized in place of the
preferred three terminal potentiometer 141.
[0037] The power-remaining sensor circuit 24 monitors the stored
charge in the plurality of power sources 2, and relays this
information to a user of the invention by means of a plurality of
power-diminishing indicators 4. The two components interact via
electronic connection between the plurality of indicators and the
plurality of power sources 2, routed through the power-remaining
sensor circuit 24. Additionally, the plurality of power-diminishing
indicators 4 are powered by an electrical connection to the
plurality of power sources 2. The plurality of power-diminishing
indicators 4, preferably implemented as four individual powered
illumination sources 41, provide a visual representation of
remaining charge. In the preferred embodiment each individual
powered illumination source 41 represents 25% of the total charge.
Thus, with 100% charge remaining, all four powered illumination
sources 41 will be lit, being reduce to three, two, one, and
finally none as the stored charge reaches 75%, 50%, 25%, and
less.
[0038] While the present invention allows control of the electrical
components via the control panel 14, a wireless module 5 may be
housed in the hookah-shaped body 1 as an additional means of
interaction. This wireless module 5, preferably Bluetooth
compatible, allows personal devices such as smart phones to be
communicably coupled to the present invention without requiring a
direct wired connection. This wireless module 5 is powered through
an electrical connection to the plurality of power sources 2 and
electronically connected to the voltage-control circuit 22,
allowing a linked device (e.g. smart phone) to adjust voltages via
the wireless module 5. In further embodiments the wireless module 5
may be connected to other circuits to provide further control of
the present invention. While the preferred embodiment utilizes
Bluetooth other wireless protocols may be implemented in
alternative embodiments of the present invention. The integration
of the wireless module 5 is illustrated via the diagram in FIG.
8.
[0039] In some embodiments the present invention may comprises a
variety of accessory components in different combinations. These
accessory components may provide secondary benefits to the present
invention without impacting the primary function. In one
embodiment, the at least one hose 3 comprises an ergonomic handle,
potentially utilizing a soft material such as wool. This ergonomic
handle is positioned at the second end 33 of the hose 3, providing
a convenient grip for a user who is connecting a cartomizer to the
cartomizer-receiving adapter 332. A form-fitting cover may also be
positioned over the second end 33 of the at least one hose 3 and an
attached cartomizer, giving the appearance of a continuous unbroken
hose 3 reminiscent of those 3 used with traditional hookah.
Preferably the cover will be made of a material which is visually
matched or neutral with respect to the hose 3. A non-limiting
example of such a material is tin. The present invention may also
comprise at least one support, such as a hook, positioned on an
upper section (e.g. the decorative portion 13) of the hookah-shaped
body 1. The support is provided to receive and secure the second
hand of the at least one hose 3, allowing a free end of the hose 3
to be suspended off the ground when not in use. When the present
invention is ready for use, a user can simply remove the hose 3
from the support and activate a connected cartomizer to inhale
vapors. Between puffs the hose 3 can be returned to the support to
free the user's hands, perhaps to eat snacks or drink beverages
which are often served in hookah establishments. Ideally each hose
3 is provided with a dedicated support; thus, in the preferred
embodiment with two hoses 3, there are two supports. Potentially,
the cartomizer and part of the hose 3 can be enclosed by a cover,
as shown (in combination with a mouthpiece) in FIG. 12, FIG. 13,
and FIG. 14. This cover can help protect the free end of the hose 3
clean when not in use. In addition to physical alterations,
components of the electrical system can be replaced with or
enhanced by additional electronics, as long as they are capable of
providing power to the appropriate components of the present
invention.
[0040] An example of a potential electronic additions is a
monitoring system that is electrically connected to an airflow
sensor, with an airflow sensor being provided for each hose 3. The
airflow sensor enables the present invention to determine the
duration of each puff, as well as the total number of puffs. This
information can be electronically stored in a data storage device
of the stand. The information can then be provided to users through
a number of means, such as outputting the data to a screen
integrated into the stand or sending the data to a user's mobile
phone by means of the wireless module 5 (e.g. Bluetooth).
[0041] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its
preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other
possible modifications and variations can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter
claimed.
* * * * *