Electric Heating Apparatus and Method for a Smoking Device

Abstract

A smoking device comprising a longitudinal shell with a cavity. A channel in the cavity of the longitudinal shell has a longitudinal shape and a peripheral wall, a top, a bottom. The peripheral wall, top, and bottom of the channel define a cavity. The top and bottom of the channel are substantially open. The cavity in the channel comprises a plate with a conductor material implemented on it. The conductor material is connected to an electrical power source. The conductor material generates heat when electrical current flows through it. The open top of the channel meets the outer surface of the shell, and the shell has an opening in its outer surface corresponding to the open top of the channel, thereby allowing ambient air to flow into the cavity in the channel. The peripheral wall of the channel is made of a ceramic material. When electrical current flows through the conductor material, it generates heat and heats air flowing through the cavity in the channel.

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. A method of smoking, comprising: causing air to flow through a channel inside a shell, said shell having: an outer surface and a cavity inside said shell; and said channel located in said cavity in said shell, said channel having: a peripheral wall defining a periphery of said channel, said peripheral wall made of a ceramic material, a top, a bottom, a cavity inside said peripheral wall, top, and bottom of said channel, wherein said top and said bottom of the channel are substantially open; heating said air flowing through said channel by passing an electrical current through a conductor material implemented on a plate in said cavity in said channel, wherein: said top of the channel meets said outer surface of said shell, said shell has an opening in its outer surface corresponding to said top of the channel; causing said heated air flowing through said channel to flow out of said bottom of said channel into a chamber, said chamber having a peripheral wall, a top, a bottom and a cavity inside said peripheral wall, top and bottom, and said top of said chamber and said bottom of said chamber having openings therein; and causing said heated air to flow out of said chamber from said bottom of said chamber.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising mixing said heated air with ambient air in said chamber.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said shell has an outer surface, and said ambient air reaches said chamber via apertures in said outer surface of said shell.

18. A hookah, comprising: a shell, said shell shaped substantially like an ovoid, said shell comprising an upper shell portion and a lower shell portion, said upper shell portion and lower shell portion separable from each other, said upper shell portion and said lower shell portion able to cooperatively engage and disengage with each other; said upper shell portion having a first outer shell with a first cavity inside said first outer shell; said lower shell portion having a second outer shell with a second cavity inside said second outer shell; a channel inside said first cavity, said channel having a peripheral wall, an open top end, and an open bottom end, said peripheral wall, open top end and open bottom end defining a channel cavity, wherein said peripheral wall is made of a ceramic material; a plate implemented longitudinally in said channel cavity, said plate comprising a ceramic material; and a conductor material implemented on said plate, said conductor material connected to an electrical power source, said conductor material capable of generating heat when an electric current is passed through it; wherein said open top end of said channel is flush with said first outer shell, and said first outer shell has an opening corresponding to said open top end of said channel.

19. The hookah of claim 18, further comprising: a second channel inside said first cavity, said second channel having a second peripheral wall, an open top end, and an open bottom end, wherein said second peripheral wall, open top end and open bottom end define a second channel cavity, and wherein said second peripheral wall is made of a ceramic material; a second plate implemented longitudinally in said second channel cavity, said second plate comprising a ceramic material; and a conductor material implemented on said second plate, said conductor material connected to an electrical power source, said conductor material capable of generating heat when an electric current is passed through it; wherein said open top end of said second channel is flush with said first outer shell, and said first outer shell has an opening corresponding to said open top end of said second channel.

20. The hookah of claim 19, further comprising: a chamber in said first cavity inside said first outer shell, said chamber having a top, a bottom, and an outer wall, wherein said top and bottom of said chamber comprise openings; said bottom end of said first channel and said bottom end of said second channel are in close proximity with said top of said chamber; and said conductor material is a nichrome wire wrapped around said first plate and said second plate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] The invention can be better understood with reference to the drawings and description provided herein. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different figures and views.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a partial view of an electronic hookah device comprising an oviform shell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exterior of an oviform shell in the hookah device of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a channel inside the oviform shell of FIG. 2.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a top view of the channel of FIG. 3.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a side view of the upper shell portion of FIG. 2.

[0029] FIG. 6a is a zoomed-in view of apertures in the upper shell portion of FIG. 5 wherein a mechanism to adjust the size of orifices in certain adjustable apertures is in a first position.

[0030] FIG. 6b is a zoomed-in view of apertures in the upper shell portion of FIG. 5 wherein a mechanism to adjust the size of orifices in certain adjustable apertures is in a second position.

[0031] FIG. 6c is a zoomed-in view of apertures in the upper shell portion of FIG. 5 wherein a mechanism to adjust the size of orifices in certain adjustable apertures is in a third position.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a camera associated with an upper shell portion of the oviform shell of FIG. 2.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of electrical connections to some of the apparatus associated with an upper shell portion of the oviform shell of FIG. 2.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a side view of some apparatus associated with an upper shell portion of the oviform shell of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The systems, methods and apparatus of the present invention are described with reference to the figures. The description and figures are for illustrative purposes only, they do not limit the true scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, a smoking device is provided in the form of a hookah 10. Hookah 10 comprises an oviform shell 20. Oviform shell 20 comprises an upper shell portion 30 and a lower shell portion 40. FIG. 1 shows a partial view of hookah 10 comprising oviform shell 20 with upper shell portion 30 and lower shell portion 40.

[0037] Oviform shell 20 has an exterior surface 22 and an interior surface 24. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, exterior surface 22 of oviform shell 20 is shaped substantially in the form of an ovoid. It is anticipated that oviform shell 20 may have a different shape in alternate embodiments while still achieving the features and benefits of the present invention and without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0038] The exterior surface 22 and interior surface 24 of oviform shell 20 form a continuous outer shell 25 that defines a cavity inside oviform shell 20. The thickness of the outer shell of oviform shell 20 may vary, usually depending on the material that it is constructed of. In one embodiment outer shell 25 of oviform shell 20 is made of a ceramic material. In alternate embodiments outer shell 25 of oviform shell 20 is made of a metallic material suitable for withstanding higher temperatures, or a heat resistant material.

[0039] It is anticipated that outer shell 25 of oviform shell 20 may be constructed of any material known in the art appropriate for such apparatus in a smoking device.

[0040] Oviform shell 20 is separable into upper shell portion 30 and lower shell portion 40 horizontally along its ovoid-shaped body. The design and location of the separation between upper shell portion 30 and lower shell portion 40 may vary from one embodiment to another. Upper shell portion 30 and lower shell portion 40 cooperatively engage with each other to form a uniform ovoid shape for oviform shell 20, or they can cooperatively disengage to form the two separate shell portions. One skilled in the art will recognize that the two shell portions can be designed to cooperatively engage and disengage in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the two shell portions engage and disengage by virtue of corresponding threads that allow one shell portion to be twisted with respect to the other with the corresponding threads cooperatively engaging or disengaging with each other.

[0041] Outer shell 25 has an exterior surface 22 and an interior surface 24. Outer shell 25 defines a cavity inside. Upper shell portion 30 has a cavity 26, while lower shell portion 40 has a cavity 28.

[0042] Both shell portions comprise apparatus designed to assist with the performance of the smoking device. Upper shell portion 30 includes one or more channels 50 that run vertically, or lengthwise, through upper shell portion 30. In one embodiment, upper shell portion 30 comprises three channels 50. However, it is anticipated that other embodiments may include more or fewer channels 50 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0043] In one embodiment, each channel 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape, with a cylindrical wall 32 having a round cross-section. In alternate embodiments, it is anticipated that each channel 50 may have a cylindrical wall with a different shaped cross-section, such as a wall with an elliptical cross-section, an oval cross-section, a rectangular or square cross-section, a star-shaped cross-section, and the like. All such shapes and embodiments fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0044] In one embodiment, cylindrical wall 32 has a diameter of approximately one inch. The cylindrical wall 32 of each channel 50 is constructed of a ceramic material in one embodiment. The cylindrical body of each channel 50, inside the cylindrical wall 32, is substantially hollow, thereby defining a cavity 38 running lengthwise through the respective channel 50. Each channel 50 meets the shell of upper shell portion 30 at its upper end 34.

[0045] Both ends of each channel's 50 cylindrical body are open. At its upper end 34, each channel 50 meets a corresponding opening in the outer shell of upper shell portion 30. Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the exterior of oviform shell 20 is shown. Upper shell portion 30 has one or more openings 36 towards the top, one opening 36 corresponding to each channel 50, each of which is flush with the opening at the upper end 34 of a corresponding channel 50. These corresponding openings in the channel 50 and upper shell portion 30 expose the cavity 38 inside the corresponding channel 50 to ambient air outside the smoking device, or hookah 10.

[0046] At the other end of each channel 50, the channel 50 has an opening 42. Each opening 42 of each channel 50 meets a camera, or chamber, 60 which is located in cavity 26 in upper shell portion 30. Camera 60 has a cylindrical shape in one embodiment, with a short height and a substantially hollow interior that forms a cavity 46.

[0047] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of camera 60. Camera 60 has a top 48 and a bottom 52. Top 48 and bottom 52 of camera 60 are closed, thereby enclosing cavity 46. Top 48 and bottom 52 of camera 60 have openings 44 that allow airflow between cavity 46 and the exterior of camera 60. In one embodiment, openings 44 are perforations in top 48 and bottom 52 of camera 60.

[0048] Although channels 50 in the embodiment shown and described are identical, and cylindrical in shape, those skilled in the art will recognize that channels 50 may vary in shape and design from the cylindrical shape and design depicted in the figures. For example, channels 50 may have a different cross section in an alternate embodiment. Further, channels 50 may differ from in shape and/or design from each other and do not need to be identical in a particular smoking device. Additionally, various embodiments may have a different number of channels, which may depend on the particular specifications and requirements of that particular smoking device. Accordingly, channels 50 may vary in alternate embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, provided that the channels have a cavity allowing airflow through them. All such alternate embodiments are, therefore, anticipated.

[0049] FIG. 3 shows a partial side view of a channel 50 inside oviform shell 20. Cavity 38 in each channel 50 includes a plate 54. Plate 54 in one embodiment is relatively flat, and is positioned longitudinally in channel 50. Plate 54 is preferably constructed of ceramic material, although it is anticipated that it may be constructed of different material in alternate embodiments. For example, in alternate embodiments plate 54 may be constructed of mica, steel, or the like.

[0050] In one embodiment, plate 54 is substantially rigidly attached to the cylindrical wall 32 of channel 50 along a lengthwise edge of plate 54. In an alternate embodiment, plate 54 may be integrally constructed with channel 50. In another embodiment, plate 54 may be freely inserted in channel 50 and not be attached to wall 32 of channel 50. All such embodiments are anticipated.

[0051] A conductor material 56 is implemented on plate 54. Conductor material 56 is a material that allows electrical current to flow through it, and preferably generates heat when electrical current flows through it. In one embodiment, conductor material 56 is nichrome.

[0052] Conductor material 56 may be implemented on plate 54 in any number of ways. For example, plate 54 may have an indented area 58 etched into its length, and conductor material 56 may be wrapped around the plate 54 in indented area 58 as shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, conductor material 56 is a nichrome wire that is wrapped around indented area 58.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows a top view of channel 50 with plate 54 inside the wall 32 of the channel 50, and conductor material 56 implemented on plate 54.

[0054] In alternate embodiments, conductor material 56 may be implemented over a greater portion of plate 54, and plate 54 may have a larger indented area 58, or conductor material 56 may be implemented over the entire length of plate 54, and plate 54 may have no indented area 58. All such variations may occur to those skilled in the art and are anticipated as they fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0055] Conductor material 56 is connected to an electrical power source, which allows electrical current to flow through conductor material 56. FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electrical connections for electrical current to flow through conductor material 56. A pin stem 62 has two electrically conducting surfaces, a positive conducting surface 64 and a negative conducting surface 66. Pin stem 62 is associated with upper shell portion 30. When upper shell portion 30 is cooperatively engaged with lower shell portion 40, positive conducting surface 64 on pin stem 62 comes into physical contact with a positive contact mechanism 68, and, at the same time, negative conducting surface 66 on pin stem 62 comes into physical contact with a negative contact mechanism 70. This physical contact permits electrical current to flow between them, whereby any electrical current flowing from the contact mechanisms will be delivered to the conducting surfaces on pin stem 62.

[0056] Positive contact mechanism 68 and negative contact mechanism 70 are connected to the positive and negative terminals, respectively, of an electric power source 72. Electric power source 72 is selectively able to deliver electric power to the positive conducting surface 64 and the negative conducting surface 66 via positive contact mechanism 68 and negative contact mechanism 70, respectively.

[0057] Electric power source 72 is a DC battery in one embodiment. However, it is anticipated that electric power source 72 may be any device known in the art capable of delivering electrical power, such as an AC power source, a rechargeable battery, a solar cell, or the like.

[0058] Positive conducting surface 64 and negative conducting surface 66 are electrically connected to conductor material 56 in each channel 50, such as via electrical leads 74 and 76. Accordingly, electric power source 72 can deliver electric power to conductor material 56 in each channel 50.

[0059] One skilled in the art will recognize that the amount of electrical power delivered to the various conductor materials 56 may be varied between the channels 50 in alternate embodiments of the present invention by implementing a mechanism, such as a resistor or a control module, in the electrical leads connecting leads 74 and 76 to each conductor material 56. Such variations may help accomplish desired variations or heating patterns in heating smoking material in the smoking device, or hookah 10. Accordingly, all such variations are anticipated and are intended to be covered by the present claims.

[0060] FIG. 9 is a side view of upper shell portion 30 of oviform shell 20. Pin stem 62 is positioned at substantially the center of upper shell portion 30, extending vertically downwards. Pin stem 62 has a conical end 78. When upper shell portion 30 commences cooperatively engaging with lower shell portion 40, conical end 78 comes in contact with positive contact mechanism 68 and negative contact mechanism 70. The angular shape of conical end 78 of pin stem 62 exerts a sideways force against positive contact mechanism 68 and negative contact mechanism 70. This sideways force is countered by a force exerted in the opposite direction by a spring 80 positioned behind positive contact mechanism 68, and by a spring 82 positioned behind negative contact mechanism 70. As upper shell portion 30 completes cooperatively engaging with lower shell portion 40, pin stem 78 completes extending downwards into lower shell portion 40, and positive contact mechanism 68 comes to rest against positive conducting surface 64 on pin stem 62 while being pushed by spring 80. Similarly, negative contact mechanism 70 comes to rest against negative conducting surface 66 on pin stem 62 while being pushed by spring 82. The force from springs 80 and 82 helps create better physical contact between the two contact mechanisms and their respective conducting surfaces on pin stem 62.

[0061] In one embodiment, positive contact mechanism 68 and negative contact mechanism 70 are graphite brushes. In alternate embodiments, it is anticipated that the contact mechanisms may comprise an alternate apparatus capable of conducting electricity.

[0062] In the smoking device, or hookah 10, a user will typically draw in air by inhaling from a hose or a tube 84. This creates a low air pressure inside smoking device 10. As a result, ambient air is drawn into the smoking device via the plurality of openings 36 at the top of upper shell portion 30. Ambient air is drawn into the cavities 38 of channels 50 via the open upper end 34 of each channel 50.

[0063] As ambient air passes through cavity 38, it is exposed to conductor material 56 in cavity 38 of channel 50. Electrical current passing through conductor material 56 heats the conductor material 56, which heats the passing ambient air. The temperature of the ambient air can be adjusted by controlling the amount of electrical current passed through conductor material 56. In one embodiment, a control mechanism 86 in the electrical circuit supplying electrical power to positive contact mechanism 68 and negative contact mechanism 70 helps regulate the amount of electrical current that is passed through conductor material 56. Control mechanism 86 may be an electrical control module in one embodiment.

[0064] As the air is heated to a desired temperature in cavity 38, the heated air exits channel 50 at its opening 42 at the lower end of channel 50. This heated air enters camera 60 via openings 44. Additionally, ambient air at room temperature is drawn into cavity 26 of upper shell portion 30 via a series of apertures 88 in the outer shell of oviform shell 20. Specifically, apertures 88 are formed in upper shell portion 30 as shown in FIG. 2. This room temperature air also enters camera 60 via openings 44 along with the heated air from channels 50. The heated air and room temperature air mix in camera 60, resulting in a mixed temperature air that is an ideal temperature for heating smoking material in the smoking device, or in hookah 10.

[0065] In one embodiment, upper shell portion 30 includes a second series of apertures that are adjustable. FIG. 5 shows a side view of upper shell portion 30 with apertures 88 and adjustable apertures 100. Adjustable apertures 100 have an elongated shape in one embodiment, and are spaced apart from each other by at least the length of each adjustable aperture 100. A ring 102 is implemented on exterior surface 22 of upper shell portion 30 atop adjustable apertures 100. Ring 102 is circular, with a circumference corresponding to a circumference of exterior surface 22 at the location where ring 102 is implemented on upper shell portion 30. Ring 102 includes apertures corresponding in shape and size to adjustable apertures 100. Ring 102 is rotatable with respect to upper shell portion 30.

[0066] One skilled in the art will recognize that the size of an orifice created by each adjustable aperture 100 can be adjusted by rotating ring 102 with respect to upper shell portion 30. A user may selectively rotate ring 102 with respect to upper shell portion 30 to adjust the size of the orifices of adjustable apertures 100.

[0067] FIG. 6a shows a zoomed-in view of adjustable apertures 100 when ring 102 is in a first position. In this first position, the apertures in ring 102 fully overlap adjustable apertures 100 in upper shell portion 30. When ring 102 is in this position, the size of the orifices created by each adjustable apertures 100 will be maximum. This will allow more ambient air to flow from the exterior of oviform shell 20 into cavity 26 in upper shell portion 30 via adjustable apertures 100.

[0068] FIG. 6b shows a zoomed-in view of adjustable apertures 100 when ring 102 is in a second position. In this second position, the apertures in ring 102 overlap adjustable apertures 100 in upper shell portion 30 by about half, or about half way. When ring 102 is in this position, the size of the orifices created by each adjustable apertures 100 will be about fifty percent of the maximum. This will allow only about half the maximum amount of maximum ambient air that can flow through adjustable apertures 100 to flow from the exterior of oviform shell 20 into cavity 26 in upper shell portion 30 via adjustable apertures 100.

[0069] FIG. 6c shows a zoomed-in view of adjustable apertures 100 when ring 102 is in a third position. In this third position, the apertures in ring 102 overlap adjustable apertures 100 in upper shell portion 30 by only a small fraction. When ring 102 is in this position, the size of the orifices created by each adjustable apertures 100 will only be a small size. This will allow only a small fraction of the maximum amount of ambient air that can flow through adjustable apertures 100 to flow from the exterior of oviform shell 20 into cavity 26 in upper shell portion 30 via adjustable apertures 100.

[0070] Accordingly, a user can selectively rotate ring 102 with respect to upper shell portion 30 to adjust the amount of ambient air, or room temperature air, that enters cavity 26 and is mixed with hot air in camera 60.

[0071] In one embodiment, ring 102 rotates with respect to upper shell portion 30 in a smooth motion with an infinite range of orifice settings. In another embodiment, ring 102 rotates with respect to upper shell portion 30 in a predetermined number of preset settings, wherein a user may click from one orifice setting to the next. In another embodiment, adjustable apertures 100 have a minimum orifice size whereby a user may not rotate ring 102 any further to decrease the size of the orifices. In this embodiment, a certain predetermined minimum amount of ambient air is delivered to camera 60 via adjustable apertures 100.

[0072] The size of adjustable apertures 100, the number of adjustable apertures 100, a minimum orifice size, and the like, may vary from one embodiment to the other. All such variations are anticipated, and are included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0073] This mixed temperature air exits camera 60 through openings 44 at its lower end and passes through one or more cartridges 90 that contain smoking material. The mixed temperature air heats the smoking material in cartridges 90, which releases the aromas and flavors of the smoking material. This aromatic and flavored air then exits oviform shell 20 through a lower end 92 of lower shell portion 40. This air may then pass through an internal plumbing route such as a pipe 94, and water 96, before passing through hose 84 and being inhaled by a user.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, some parts of the smoking device are chemically oxidized or coated with a ceramic material. In such embodiment, one or more of the parts that are exposed to heat, heated air, or hot airflow, such as a heating element or conductor material 56, are chemically oxidized or coated with a ceramic material. This can be accomplished, for example, by immersing the respective part in protective ceramic material and creating an oxide film thereon by an electro-chemical process. Such apparatus structure will tend to help protect the respective part, such as a heating element or conductor material 56, from damage in its environment of high airflow traffic, especially with the cumulative effects of high airflow traffic over time. This will provide the respective part a longer lifespan of reliable performance. Additionally, preventing damage to the respective part during operation of the corresponding smoking device will help prevent the introduction of foreign undesirable flavors into the air or smoke that is inhaled by the user.

[0075] Although the devices, systems, apparatus and methods have been described and illustrated above for certain embodiments, variations and modifications will be evident to those skilled in the art, Such variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and are therefore anticipated. The description and teachings herein are thus not to be limited to the precise details of methodology or construction set forth herein because variations and modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.