SUCTION MEMBER FOR A HOOKAH AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING SUCH A MEMBER

Abstract

The invention relates to an aspiration member for a hookah, said aspiration member including a connector suitable for being connected to a main enclosure of a hookah, an aspiration end-piece suitable for being brought to a user's mouth, and an aspiration tube, suitable for being mounted between said connector and said aspiration end-piece, the aspiration tube including a longitudinal accordion portion so as to make it possible to reduce its length when it is stored.

Claims

1. An aspiration member for a hookah, said aspiration member including a connector suitable for being connected to a main enclosure of a hookah, an aspiration end-piece suitable for being brought to a user's mouth, and an aspiration tube, suitable for being mounted between said connector and said aspiration end-piece, the aspiration member being characterized in that the aspiration tube includes a longitudinal accordion portion so as to make it possible to reduce its length when it is stored.

2. The aspiration member according to claim 1, wherein the length of the aspiration tube is greater than 100 cm, preferably greater than 140 cm, when it is used.

3. The aspiration member according to claim 1, wherein the length of the aspiration tube is smaller than 10 cm in the storage position.

4. The aspiration member according to claim 1, wherein the connector includes at least one filter, preferably a carbon filter.

5. The aspiration member according to claim 1, wherein the connector includes a valve suitable for prohibiting air from circulating from the aspiration member toward the main enclosure of the hookah.

6. The aspiration member according to claim 1, wherein the connector and the aspiration end-piece are suitable for being assembled together directly, preferably by screwing.

7. The aspiration member according to claim 1, wherein the aspiration tube is kept in the storage state by a blocking part including a fusible zone, preferably, a bar able to be broken.

8. The aspiration member according to claim 1, wherein the aspiration tube is mounted in a plastic envelope in the storage position, preferably, vacuum packed.

9. The aspiration member according to claim 1, wherein the aspiration end-piece is telescoping.

10. The aspiration member according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the aspiration tube is covered, in whole or in part, by an absorbent material that is nontoxic for human health, in particular cotton.

11. The aspiration member according to claim 1, wherein the aspiration end-piece includes a valve suitable for prohibiting air from circulating from the aspiration member toward the main enclosure of the hookah.

12. An aspiration member for a hookah, said aspiration member including a connector suitable for being connected to a main enclosure of a hookah, an aspiration end-piece suitable for being placed in the mouth by a user and an aspiration tube, suitable for being mounted between said connector and said aspiration end-piece, the aspiration member being characterized in that it includes at least one valve suitable for allowing aspirated air to circulate and preventing blown air from circulating.

13. A hookah for smoking tobacco, including a main enclosure suitable for receiving water, including at least one opening, and at least one aspiration member according to claim 1, mounted in said opening.

14. The hookah according to claim 13, comprising a ventilation system suitable for forcing air to circulate from the main enclosure of the hookah toward the outside in order to discharge the smoke from the main enclosure.

15. The hookah according to claim 14, wherein the ventilation system is activated manually or automatically.

16. The hookah according to claim 14, wherein the ventilation system includes a smoke sensor suitable for measuring the smoke density in the upper part of the main enclosure and suitable for emitting an alarm or activating the discharge of the smoke if the smoke density or if the concentration, density or toxicity of carbon monoxide in the smoke exceeds a predetermined threshold.

17. A hookah including a main enclosure suitable for being filled with water, said main enclosure including a conduit connecting the inside of said main enclosure to the outside of said main enclosure, the hookah includes at least one ventilation system mounted in said conduit and suitable for generating a circulation of air forced from the inside of the main enclosure toward the outside of the main enclosure so as to discharge the smoke from said main enclosure.

18. A method for assembling an aspiration member according to claim 1, the connector being assembled with the aspiration end-piece, the method comprising: a step for separating the connector and the aspiration end-piece; and a step for mounting the aspiration tube between said connector and said aspiration end-piece.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, provided solely as an example, and in reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a hookah according to the prior art;

[0041] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a hookah according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an aspiration member according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0043] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a connector of the aspiration member according to FIG. 3;

[0044] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a filter mounted in the connector of FIG. 4;

[0045] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an aspiration tube the storage position in a plastic envelope;

[0046] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an aspiration tube in the usage position;

[0047] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an aspiration end-piece;

[0048] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an assembly of a connector, an aspiration end-piece and a cap in the assembled state;

[0049] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the assembly of FIG. 9 with the connector detached;

[0050] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a box including an assembly of a connector and an aspiration end-piece as well as two brushes;

[0051] FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic illustrations of a telescoping aspiration end-piece;

[0052] FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a connector with a valve;

[0053] FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic illustrations of a hookah according to the invention before and after deployment of the aspiration tube;

[0054] FIG. 17 shows a hookah equipped with a ventilation system for aspirating condensed air and smoke in the main enclosure;

[0055] FIG. 18 shows a sectional view of the ventilation system in the activated state;

[0056] FIG. 19 shows a sectional view of the ventilation system in the deactivated state; and

[0057] FIG. 20 shows a sectional view of one embodiment of a connector with a valve comprising a bowl resting on a seat.

[0058] It must be noted that the figures describe the invention in detail to carry out the invention, said figures of course being able to be used to better define the invention if applicable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In reference to FIG. 2, a hookah 1 is shown that includes a main enclosure 11, in the form of a vase, in which water W is stored, a holder 12 for receiving tobacco T and a chimney 13, here vertical, an upper end of which is connected to the tobacco holder 12 and a lower end of which is submerged in the water W of the main enclosure 11. The hookah 1 further includes an aspiration member 14 connected to an upper part of the main enclosure 11 and suitable for being brought to the mouth by a smoker. In reference to FIG. 2, the aspiration member 14 is in the process of being mounted in one of the openings 15 of the main enclosure 11. Preferably, the mounting of the upper part of the hookah 1 in the main enclosure 11 is done using clips in order to prevent the upper part from separating. During assembly, the upper part is inserted forcibly to oppose the force of the clips. The mounting is then secured.

[0060] The aspiration member 14 according to the invention is shown in detail in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the aspiration member 14 includes a connector 2, an aspiration tube 3 and an aspiration end-piece 4. In this figure, the aspiration tube 3 is in the retracted storage position.

[0061] In this example, the connector 2, the aspiration tube 3 and the aspiration end-piece 4 are connected by screwing, but of course a connection by nesting or snapping could also be appropriate. An aspiration member 14 with a modular structure has the advantage of being able to be cleaned easily. Furthermore, this makes it possible to replace the aspiration tube 3, which is preferably disposable, practically. This is particularly advantageous when the connector 2 and/or the aspiration end-piece 4 are pieces of art including expensive materials or precious ornaments. Such connectors 2 and aspiration end-pieces 4 are non-toxic and sold independently of the aspiration tube 3.

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the connector 2 has a hollow longitudinal body and comprises a first connecting end 21 for connecting to the main enclosure 11 of the hookah 1 and a second connecting end 22 for connecting to the aspiration tube 3. In this embodiment, the body of the connector 2 is flared from its first connecting end 21 to its second connecting end 22 so as to facilitate its insertion and fastening in the upper part of the main enclosure 11 of the hookah 1. In this example, the second connecting end 22 is tapped so as to fasten it to the aspiration tube 3. In this embodiment, the diameter of the first connecting end 21 is comprised between 7 and 15 mm, while the diameter of the second connecting end 22 is comprised between 20 and 25 mm. Preferably, the length of the connector 2 is comprised between 5 and 10 cm. The connector 2 can be made from different materials, preferably the same as the aspiration end-piece 4, as will be described later. Preferably, the connector 2 includes a synthetic coating on its outer surface, preferably made from gum, so as to allow a hermetic connection when the first connecting end 21 is inserted into an opening 15 of the main enclosure 11. Thus, the smoke circulates without loss between the main enclosure 11 and the connector 2. When the connector 2 [is] manufactured from a valuable material, it is preferably protected by an elastic rubber cover.

[0063] According to one preferred aspect of the invention, the connector 2 includes an inner cavity in which a filter 5 is mounted, preferably a carbon filter, so as to absorb the moisture that is carried with the smoke during aspiration following cooling thereof in the water W of the hookah 1. Furthermore, a carbon filter 5 makes it possible to capture toxic elements from the tobacco, for example, the hydrogen cyanide, acrolein, nicotine, tar and the like. Research, in particular Japanese, has shown that smoking cigarettes with a carbon filter makes it possible to limit the risks of lung cancer for smokers.

[0064] Preferably, in reference to FIG. 5, the filter 5 assumes the form of a cylindrical cartridge including pieces of carbon so as to form a porous structure able to allow the smoke to pass. The cylindrical cartridge preferably has a diameter D2 comprised between 5 mm and 15 mm and a length L2 comprised between 1 cm and 3 cm. Preferably, the connector 2 includes an inner housing for receiving the filter 5. The use of a filter 5 in the connector 2 is advantageous, but remains optional.

[0065] Such a connector 2 advantageously allows quick and practical mounting of the aspiration member 14 in an opening 15 of a hookah 1 with or without an aspiration tube 3.

[0066] Preferably, according to another embodiment, in reference to FIG. 14, the connector 2 includes a valve 8 suitable on the one hand for opening when air is aspirated in the aspiration member 14, and suitable on the other hand for closing when air is blown by a user into the aspiration member 14. Such a valve 8 advantageously makes it possible to avoid the diffusion of microbes and bacteria in the main enclosure 11 of the hookah 1, in particular in the water W of the hookah 1, without disrupting the user when he is smoking. Preferably, the valve 8 is made from metal or rubber or any other material non-toxic for human health.

[0067] Preferably, in reference to FIG. 20, a connector 2 is shown including a valve 8 including a seat 81 and a bowl 82 suitable for resting on said seat and preventing any communication. Preferably, the bowl 82 is a fairly heavy solid metal bowl, non-oxidizable and non-toxic for human beings. In this example, the seat 81 has a frustoconical shape in order to form a funnel. The seat 81 is made from metal or hard plastic. When the user inhales in order to smoke, the bowl 82 separates from the seat 81 and allows the smoke to pass. In order for the bowl 82 not to penetrate the aspiration tube 3, blocking means, a circular bar or a disc with holes 83 is provided. In order to increase security, a second valve is also present in the aspiration end-piece 4, as will be described later.

[0068] In reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, an aspiration tube 3 is shown in the reduced storage position (FIG. 6) and the elongated usage position (FIG. 7).

[0069] The aspiration tube 3 includes a hollow longitudinal body that comprises a longitudinal accordion portion 30 so as to make it possible to reduce its length during storage. The longitudinal portion 30 forms a bellows in order to elongate or reduce the length. In other words, the wall of the portion 30 is in a zigzag shape. Preferably, in the storage position (FIG. 6), the aspiration tube 3 has a length L3S smaller than 10 cm, preferably comprised between 5 cm and 7 cm, and in the usage position (FIG. 7), a length L3U greater than 140 cm, preferably greater than 150 cm. Preferably, the diameter of the aspiration tube 3 is comprised between 1 cm and 2 cm.

[0070] The aspiration tube 3 includes a first connecting end 31 for connecting to the connector 2 and a second connecting end 32 for connecting to the aspiration end-piece 4. In this example, the first connecting end 31 is threaded and the second connecting end 32 is tapped, or vice versa.

[0071] The aspiration tube 3 is made from any non-toxic material, for example plastic. Preferably, in reference to FIG. 7, the inner surface of the aspiration tube 3 is covered, in whole or in part, by an absorbent material 33, in particular cotton or another absorbent material that is non-toxic for human health. Such an absorbent material 33 advantageously makes it possible to absorb the moisture present in the smoke leaving the water as well as other toxic materials. The absorbent material 33 is advantageously complementary to the carbon filter.

[0072] Preferably, the aspiration tube 3 is disposable and is replaced upon each new use. Preferably, the aspiration tube 3 is kept in the storage position (shortened tube) by a blocking part 39 including a fusible zone 390. The aspiration tube 3 is packaged in a plastic envelope 38 in order to keep the aspiration tube 3 in the storage position (FIG. 6) while ensuring complete hygiene. Optionally, the plastic envelope 38 is closed with a vacuum seal. The plastic envelope 38 can easily be torn in order to allow the user to unwrap the aspiration tube 3 and extend it to use it. After the aspiration tube 3 is taken out, it is fastened to the aspiration end-piece 4 and the connector 2 while remaining in a storage position, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0073] Preferably, the plastic envelope 38 does not cover the ends 31, 32 of the aspiration tube 3 so as to allow it to be mounted in the aspiration member 14 in the storage position. In this example, the blocking member 39 assumes the form of a bar retaining the ends of the aspiration tube 3 a fusible zone 390 (black in FIG. 6) suitable for breaking in case of twisting. The fusible zone 390 assumes the form of a thinner portion in order to have a lower mechanical strength. Thus, without force, a user can release the aspiration tube 3. After the connector 3 is placed in the hookah 1, the user need only perform a twisting movement on the aspiration end-piece 4 to section the fusible zone 390, which breaks the blocking member 39 and frees the aspiration tube 3, which can extend.

[0074] Advantageously, the aspiration tubes 3 can be packaged in large-capacity boxes.

[0075] In reference to FIG. 8, the aspiration end-piece 4 is shown, which is hollow and extends longitudinally. The aspiration end-piece 4 includes a first connecting end 41 for connecting to the aspiration tube 3 and a second end 42 suitable for being inserted into the smoker's mouth. In this example, the aspiration end-piece 4 has a diamond shape, but it may of course assume a different shape. Preferably, the length of the aspiration end-piece 4 is comprised between 10 cm and 20 cm. Also preferably, its inner diameter is comprised between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. Preferably, the aspiration end-piece 4 includes a valve to prevent air from circulating toward the main enclosure 11. A valve, of the same type as for the connector 2, is suitable. The aspiration end-piece 4 is in a single piece in this embodiment.

[0076] The aspiration end-piece 4 is made from any material that is non-toxic when it comes into contact with a user's mouth, for example plastic, wood, metal, stone, etc. The aspiration end-piece 4 can also be covered with precious stones.

[0077] Preferably, a protective cap 6 is mounted at the second end 42 of the aspiration end-piece 4 in order to prevent particles or foreign bodies from being introduced into the aspiration member 14. During its use, in reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the connector 2 and the cap 6 are separated from the aspiration end-piece 4. Preferably, the cap 6 is equipped with a suspension means 60, for example, a loop or handle, in order to hang the aspiration end-piece 4 from a pocket, a hookah or the like. Of course, the suspension means 60 could have various shapes and structures in order to meet aesthetic wishes. For example, the gripping means can be made from a precious or semiprecious material when only the aspiration tube 3 is disposable.

[0078] As an example, FIG. 11 shows a box for an aspiration member for smoking that comprises an assembly of a connector 2 and an aspiration end-piece 4 (single-piece or telescoping) as well as brushes 7, in particular for cleaning and drying. Such a box advantageously allows a smoker to keep the lasting elements of his aspiration member 14 (connector 2 and end-piece 4) and to clean them to prevent any bacteriological contamination. The aspiration tubes 3 are in turn packaged in a unitary manner and are thrown away after use.

[0079] According to another embodiment, in reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the aspiration end-piece 4 can be telescoping so as to have a reduced length during storage, for example around 10 cm, and a significant length during use, for example between 25 and 30 cm, which facilitates manipulation.

[0080] In another embodiment that is not shown, the aspiration member 14 is sold assembled, i.e., with the connector 2, the aspiration tube 3 and the aspiration end-piece 4 connected together. The aspiration member 14 is protected by a plastic envelope 38 in order to avoid any contamination. The aspiration member 14 is disposable and can be thrown away after use. Preferably, the aspiration tube 3 is not removable. In this example, the connecting ends 31, 32 of the aspiration tube 3 are mounted permanently between the connector 2 and the aspiration end-piece 4 (single-piece or telescoping).

[0081] In a known manner, when excess smoke exists above the water of the main enclosure, the sensation when a user smokes is deteriorated (risk of coughing, burning sensation, etc.). Currently, to discharge the smoke located above the water level, an orifice is provided in the upper part of the hookah, in particular with a screw, that can be opened to discharge the smoke stored above the water level, then closed again so that the user can continue to smoke under optimal conditions. When the orifice is open, the user must blow into the aspiration end-piece 4 to allow the discharge.

[0082] Due to the presence of the valves, it is no longer possible for the user to blow into said aspiration end-piece 4. To allow smoke to be discharged, a ventilation system 9 is provided suitable for creating air circulation between the upper part of the reservoir of the hookah 1 and the outside, as illustrated in FIG. 17. The ventilation system 9 is suitable for being actuated manually. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the hookah 1 includes a stopper part 16 of the main enclosure 11 in which the chimney 13 (also called pipe) is mounted. This stopper part 16 includes a channel 160 connecting the upper part of the main enclosure 11 (emerging part) via a first opening 16a to the outside via a second opening 16b.

[0083] In reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, a ventilation system 9 is shown in the activated state (FIG. 18) and the deactivated state (FIG. 19). The ventilation system 9 includes a conduit 90 in which a fan 91, a battery 92 powering said fan 91 and a switch 93 suitable for activating the battery, and consequently activating the fan 91, are mounted. The conduit 90 is mounted in the second opening 16b on the outside so as to be able to be actuated by a user. The ventilation system 9 also includes springs 94 suitable for driving the switch 93 in the deactivation position. In this example, the springs 94 extend laterally. Of course, other separating means could be appropriate in order to deactivate the fan 91 in the absence of manual force. In this example, the battery 92 is advantageously removable. The springs 94 are fastened at one end to the switch 93 by a vane 95 and at the other end to the conduit 90, in particular using an abutment disc 96. The vane 95 is pierced with orifices so as to allow smoke to be discharged through said vane 95. Furthermore, the switch 93 is secured to a shutter 95 suitable for closing the outlet of the conduit 90 when the switch is not activated, preventing the smoke from escaping. On the contrary, during bearing, the shutter 97 opens the outlet of the conduit 90 to allow smoke to be discharged. Of course, the shape of the fan 91 may be adapted as needed. Likewise, the fan 91 may of course also be driven manually by a lever actuated by the user.

[0084] The conduit 90 is preferably made from stainless steel or hard plastic and suitable for withstanding heat. The conduit 90 is fluidly connected to the upper part of the main enclosure 11 so as to be able to collect smoke situated above the water level.

[0085] To discharge the smoke, it suffices to press on the switch 93 in order to oppose the force of the spring 74 until the battery 92 is activated, which rotates the fan 91. A forced air circulation is done in the conduit 90, which takes smoke from the main enclosure 11 and discharges it to the outside. Once the user releases the switch 93, the latter is moved by the spring 24 in order to deactivate the battery 92, which stops the rotation of the fan 91.

[0086] The ventilation system 9 is removable or integrated into the hookah 1. As previously indicated, such a ventilation system is particularly advantageous when the aspiration member includes at least one valve preventing air from circulating toward the hookah 1.

[0087] Preferably, the ventilation system 9 includes a smoke sensor suitable for measuring the smoke density in the upper part of the main enclosure 11. The smoke sensor is suitable for emitting an alarm (visual of the diode type, or audible) or commanding activation of the fan 91 if the smoke density or the concentration, density or toxicity of the carbon monoxide in the smoke exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0088] To smoke using the hookah 1, a user first assembles his aspiration member 14. To that end, he separates the connector 2 from the aspiration end-piece 4, by unscrewing or the like, and removes any protective cap 6 mounted on said aspiration end-piece 4 as illustrated in FIG. 10. In this example, a carbon filter 5 is mounted in the connector 2 (this remains optional). Next, the user grasps an aspiration tube 3 packaged in a plastic envelope 38 (with or without vacuum seal), which is kept in the storage state by a blocking member 39 with a fusible zone 390. Consequently, the user can mount the aspiration tube 3 between the connector 2 and the aspiration end-piece 4 as illustrated in FIG. 15. The connector 2 is next pushed hermetically into an opening 15 situated in the base of the upper part of the hookah 1.

[0089] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the hookah 1 includes several openings 15 in order to receive a plurality of aspiration members 14 to split the smoke from the hookah under optimal hygiene conditions.

[0090] To smoke, the operator need only tear the plastic envelope 38 protecting the aspiration tube 3 and apply twisting movements so as to free the aspiration tube 3. During the twisting, the fusible zone 390 breaks to free the aspiration tube 3. According to another aspect, the blocking member 39 is able to break during the connection of the aspiration end-piece 4 and/or the connector 2 on the aspiration tube 3.

[0091] The user can next smoke with the hookah 1 under optimal hygiene conditions. Advantageously, the connector 2 and the aspiration end-piece 4 contain valves to prevent the smoker from blowing to free smoke from the body of the hookah 1 above the water level. To that end, to release smoke, the user uses the ventilation system 3 previously described. By simple bearing with his index finger, the user can discharge the smoke practically, without using the aspiration member.

[0092] After smoking, the user removes the aspiration member 14 and discards the disposable aspiration tube 3. If the aspiration tube 4 and the connector 2 are also disposable, they are also discarded.