BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a hookah device and, more particularly, to a hookah device with improved heating characteristics and an associated improved consumable pod.
(2) Description of Related Art
Hookah devices have long been known in the art and are generally operable to burn and smoke shisha and other combustibles. However, while various designs of a hookah have been conceived, each design has its shortcomings. Notably, existing hookah devices use a flame that is applied to burn or otherwise heat the shisha. Such a flame is not precise nor easily controllable. Further, existing hookah devices use a combustible material that is loose and messy, while none heretofore conceived provide a hookah device that incorporates a perfectly sealed shisha pod therein.
Thus, a continuing need exists for an improved hookah with components that are designed to improve upon the various aspects and functions of a traditional hookah device.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present disclosure is directed to an improved hookah device. The hookah device comprises a heating head and a vessel assembly. The heating head includes at least a pod tray and a heater mechanism. The pod tray is adapted to secure a consumable pod within the heating head such that the heating head provides an air pathway through the consumable pod and into the vessel assembly, with the heater mechanism being adapted to heat the consumable pod and generate smoke therefrom. The vessel assembly is connected with the heating head for receiving the smoke and directing the smoke to a smoke outlet for use by a user.
In another aspect, the heating head includes a controller housing pivotally connected thereto, with the heater mechanism being attached to the controller housing.
In yet another aspect, the heater mechanism includes a coil assembly and a heat plate, such that when an electric current is passed through the coil assembly, a magnetic current is created in the heat plate to produce heat.
Further, the heat plate includes a plurality of blind holes to increase surface area and heating efficiency.
Additionally, the plurality of blind holes are conically shaped holes.
In another aspect, the conically shaped holes terminate in a cone point shape.
In another aspect, the vessel assembly includes a vase and a load dispersing mechanism attached with and between the vase and heating head. The load dispersing mechanism creates an air-tight seal between the vase and heating head and disperses a clamping pressure as being applied to the vase.
In yet another aspect, the load dispersing mechanism includes an interface band and a pair of collar parts.
Further, the pair of collar parts collectively form a pair of hanger hooks for securing a handle with the hookah device.
In yet another aspect, the vase includes a vessel connector portion with a ridge circumventing the vase. Additionally, the interface band includes an inner face and an outer face, the inner face having an interior channel for receiving the ridge.
In another aspect, the outer face of the interface band includes a plurality of spaced pockets, thereby allowing for compression while absorbing and dispersing a load before pressure is applied to the vase.
Further, the vessel assembly includes a pair of hanger hooks projecting therefrom, and further comprising a handle selectively connectable with the pair of hanger hooks for allowing a user to securely carry the hookah device.
In another aspect, the handle includes a pair of coupling portions that are formed to matingly engage with the hanger hooks to prevent rotation therebetween.
Additionally, each of the hanger base and coupling portion are square-shaped to allow for a locking mating engagement therebetween.
In yet another aspect, each hanger hook includes a hanger base projecting from the vessel assembly, the hanger base terminating in a hanger head having a width greater than the hanger base.
In another aspect, the heating head includes a controller housing having a primary seal component for positioning over the consumable pod and forming both a first seal and second seal, the first seal being around an air inlet of the consumable pod and the second seal circumventing both the consumable pod and first seal.
Additionally, the pod tray includes a top side having a tray trim that surrounds the top side, and further includes a plurality of tray outlet holes that reside within the tray trim and provide an air pathway downward and toward the vessel assembly.
Further, the second seal resides between the primary seal component and the tray trim.
In another aspect, the consumable pod includes a top side having both the air inlet and an air outlet, such that when the consumable pod is positioned within the hookah device, air passing through the air inlet into the consumable pod is sealed by the first seal, while allowing air to leave the consumable pad through the air outlet and subsequent tray outlet holes.
In yet another aspect, the controller housing is rotatable between an open position in which the pod tray is exposed, to a closed position in which the controller housing is pressed against the pod tray and a consumable pod therein to form both the first and second seals.
In another aspect, a pair of sensors are positioned within the heating head, the pair of sensors including both a heat plate sensor and a pod sensor.
Further, the heat plate sensor is positioned proximate the heat plate to monitor a heat plate temperature of the heat plate.
In another aspect, the pod sensor is spring-loaded and projects through the pod tray for contact with the consumable pod to monitor a pod temperature.
In yet another aspect, the heat plate sensor is used to limit a highest temperature of the heat plate through an upper temperature threshold, such that if the heat plate sensor senses a heat plate temperature that exceeds the upper temperature threshold, the heater mechanism is turned off until the heat plate temperature is below a predetermined offset below the upper temperature threshold.
Additionally, the pod sensor is used to maintain the consumable pod at a predetermined target temperature, such that when the predetermined target temperature is reached, the heater mechanism is turned off and entered into a maintenance mode in which the heater mechanism is turned cycled on and off to maintain the pod temperature within a set value of the predetermined target temperature.
Finally, as can be appreciated by one in the art, the present invention also comprises a method for forming and using the invention described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a hookah device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an illustration of the hookah device with a consumable pod therein in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an exploded-view illustration of the hookah device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 4A is a top-view illustration of a heating head in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional, side-view illustration of the heating head, taken from line A-A of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional, side-view illustration of the heating head, taken from line A-A of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 5 is an exploded-view illustration of a controller housing in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 6A is an elevated-view illustration of a heat plate in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 6B is a top-view illustration of the heat plate;
FIG. 6C is a front-view illustration of the heat plate;
FIG. 6D is a side-view illustration of the heat plate;
FIG. 6E is a cross-sectional view illustration of the heat plate, taken from line A-A of FIG. 6B;
FIG. 7 is an exploded-view illustration of the controller housing, depicting a top-elevated view;
FIG. 8 is an exploded-view illustration of the controller housing, depicting a bottom-iso view;
FIG. 9 is an exploded-view illustration of a controller housing cap assembly, depicting a bottom-iso view;
FIG. 10A is an exploded-view illustration of a lower body assembly of the heating head;
FIG. 10B is a bottom-iso view of the lower body assembly;
FIG. 11 is a bottom-iso view of the heating head;
FIG. 12 is an exploded-view illustration of an upper body assembly of the heating head;
FIG. 13 is a bottom-iso view of a pod tray according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is an exploded-view illustration of a stem assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is an exploded-view illustration of a vessel assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 16A is an exploded-view illustration of the vessel assembly;
FIG. 16B is a top-view illustration of the vessel assembly;
FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional, side-view illustration of the vessel assembly, taken from line A-A of FIG. 16B;
FIG. 16D is a close-up, detail view illustration of the vessel assembly, depicting the detail as shown in FIG. 16C;
FIG. 16E is a cross-sectional, side-view illustration of the heating head and vessel assembly, depicting an interface band of the vessel assembly as sealing against the heating head;
FIG. 17A is a top-iso view illustration of a consumable pod in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 17B is a top-view illustration of the consumable pod;
FIG. 17C is a front-view illustration of the consumable pod, the rear-view being a mirror image thereof;
FIG. 17D is a bottom-view illustration of the consumable pod;
FIG. 17E is a right, side-view illustration of the consumable pod, the left-side being a mirror image thereof;
FIG. 17F is a bottom, iso-view illustration of the consumable pod;
FIG. 18 is an iso-view illustration of another consumable pod design in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional, side-view illustration of the heating head, taken from line A-A of FIG. 4A, depicting the heating head with a consumable pod therein and associated air flow;
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional, side-view illustration of the heating head, taken from line A-A of FIG. 4A, depicting the heating head with a consumable pod therein and placement of a temperature sensor;
FIG. 21A is an iso-view illustration of a pod tray, a consumable pod, and a pod primary seal;
FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional, side-view illustration of the hookah device, depicting an air flow pathway through the hookah device;
FIG. 22A is a top-view illustration of the pod tray, with the consumable pod therein and pod primary seal covering the consumable pod;
FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional, side-view illustration taken from line B-B of FIG. 22A, depicting an air-pathway through the consumable pod;
FIG. 22C is a cross-sectional, side-view illustration taken from line A-A of FIG. 22A;
FIG. 23A is a bottom-view illustration of the controller housing, depicting a bottom view of the pod primary seal;
FIG. 23B is a bottom-view illustration of the controller housing, depicting concentric seal lines for illustrative purposes as applicable to the pod primary seal when engaged with a top of the consumable pod;
FIG. 23C is a top-view illustration of a pod tray with the consumable pod therein, depicting concentric seal lines for illustrative purposes as applicable to the consumable pod when engaged with the bottom of the pod primary seal;
FIG. 23D is a top, detailed-view illustration of the pod tray with the consumable pod therein, depicting concentric seal lines for illustrative purposes as applicable to the consumable pod when engaged with the bottom of the pod primary seal;
FIG. 24A is an iso-view illustration of the consumable pod, with a cap affixed thereto;
FIG. 24B is an iso-view illustration of the consumable pod, depicting the cap as being removed to allow for insertion of the consumable pod into the hookah device;
FIG. 24C is a cross-sectional, side view illustration of the consumable pod and cap, taken from line A-A of FIG. 24A;
FIG. 25A is an iso-view illustration of the hookah head with a consumable pod therein, depicting the hookah head as being opened to allow for insertion or removal of a consumable pod;
FIG. 25B is an iso-view illustration of the hookah head with a consumable pod therein, depicting the hookah head in an open position to allow for insertion or removal of a consumable pod;
FIG. 25C is an iso-view illustration of the hookah head in an open position with a consumable pod therein, depicting the pod primary seal for sealing against the consumable pod;
FIG. 25D is an iso-view illustration of the hookah head in an open position, depicting the pod tray and associated consumable pod being withdrawn from the hookah head;
FIG. 25E is a cross-sectional view illustration of the hookah head in an open position, taken from line A-A of FIG. 25D;
FIG. 25F is an iso-view illustration of the hookah head in an open position, depicting the consumable pod as being removed from the pod tray to allow for placement of a new consumable pod;
FIG. 26A is a left, side view illustration of the hookah device, depicting a handle as attached with the hookah device;
FIG. 26B is a right, side view illustration of the hookah device, depicting a
handle as attached with the hookah device;
FIG. 26C is a front view illustration of the hookah device, depicting a handle as attached with the hookah device;
FIG. 26D is a front view illustration of the hookah device, depicting a handle as attached with the hookah device;
FIG. 27A is an iso-view illustration of the hookah device, depicting the handle as detached from hanger hooks on the vessel assembly;
FIG. 27B is an iso-view illustration of the hookah device, depicting the handle as being positioned for attachment with the hanger hooks;
FIG. 27C is an iso-view illustration of the hookah device and attached handle; and
FIG. 28 is an illustration of the hookah device, depicting that a secure mating arrangement between the handle and hanger hooks allows for precise positional control of the hookah device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a hookah device and, more particularly to a hookah device with improved heating characteristics and an associated improved consumable pod. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.
The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.
Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter-clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object.
(1) Description
The present disclosure is directed to a hookah device with improved heating characteristics and an improved and associated consumable pod (e.g., shisha pod). The hookah device is designed to heat a consumable pod and allow a user to smoke combustible items, such as shisha, tobacco, herbs, etc. positioned within the pod. It should be noted that the various components and/or techniques (or any combination thereof) as described and illustrated herein can be used to improve any electronic hookah device that employs a removable pod for containing the smokable material.
The drawings as submitted herewith depict an example electronic hookah device along with an example consumable pod (e.g., shisha pod) that can be heated via a heating mechanism, such as a heat plate and associated induction heating coil assembly, etc. Although a specific example is provided, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited thereto as the components as described and illustrated can be used with other hookah devices and shisha pods or items to be heated. Notably, through the use of the improved hookah device, the temperature as applied to the pod can be precisely controlled as desired while improving the smoking experience.
One example embodiment is depicted in the figure as submitted herewith. As shown in FIG. 1, the hookah device 100 includes two main components, a heating head 102 and a vessel assembly 104. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, both the heating head 102 and vessel assembly 104 include all of the necessary parts as may be necessary to allow a user to electronically heat a consumable pod and direct smoke into and through the vessel assembly 104 for inhalation by a user.
In one aspect, the heating head 102 comprises an upper body and a lower body. The upper body includes a controller housing 106 to house the necessary electronic components and controls as required to selectively turn on and heat the consumable pod. For example, the controller housing 106 includes circuitry, a control panel 108 (e.g., interface buttons, such as power control buttons, temperature controls, etc.), a heater, and any other necessary components as may be necessary to allow for selective and precise temperature control of the heater to heat the consumable pod as housed therein. Also as depicted, the hookah device 100 includes a hose port 110 projecting from the vessel assembly 104 to allow for attachment of a hose 112 for use by a user. Upon heating the consumable pod 200 by the heater, the consumable material therein is caused to smoke or emit a vapor, etc., which is directed to the vessel assembly 104 for further use. The vessel assembly 104 houses water through which the smoke passes before being directed out to the user via the hose 112 or other attachment that can be attached with the vessel assembly 104. Further, a handle 114 is desirably attachable with the hookah device 100 through use of hanger hooks 116 or other suitable means.
As noted above and as depicted in FIG. 2, a consumable pod 200 can be selectively positioned within the heating head 102 for heating and consumption by the user. As will be evident given the present disclosure and description below, both the hookah device 100 and consumable pod 102 provide a marked improvement over the state of the art.
As shown in the exploded-view illustration of FIG. 3, the hookah device 100 includes both the heating head 102 and vessel assembly 104. A pod tray 300 is used to hold and secure the consumable pod 200 within the heating head 102. The pod tray 300 acts as a recess or receptacle to securely hold the consumable pod 200 in place for heating and consumption. Powering the controller housing 106 is a battery (e.g., housed within a battery assembly 302) or extension cord, or any other suitable means for providing electrical power to the heating head 102 and relevant components. In one aspect, the heating head 102 nests within (or otherwise attaches to) the vessel assembly 104 and includes all of the necessary components to allow for heating and use of the consumable pod 200. However, desirably, a stem assembly 304 is also included that supports a stem in the required position for operation and provides a watertight barrier between liquid in the vessel assembly 104 and the heating head 102 housing electronics and electrical components. Further details regarding each of these components are provided below.
FIG. 4A provides a top-view illustration of the heating head 102, while FIGS. 4B and 4C provide cross-sectional side-view illustrations of the heating head 102 with varying levels of details depicted. The heating head 102 includes an upper body 400 and lower body 402. As shown, the consumable pod 200 is encased within the upper body 400, with the controller housing 106 resting upon a top surface of the consumable pod 200.
As shown in FIGS. 25A through 25F, the upper body 400 houses the pod tray 300 (or tray for short) that can be accessed by rotating up the controller housing 106. Thus, lifting up the controller housing 106 provides access to the tray 300, in which the consumable pod 200 can be placed. Upon positioning the consumable pod 200 within the tray 300 and closing the controller housing 106, a user can selectively heat the consumable pod 200 for use by the user.
The consumable pod 200 is heated using any suitable heating mechanism, technique or device. As a non-limiting example, instead of a heater being applied directly to the pod 200, an improved heat plate is used, in conjunction with a induction heating coil assembly (collectively a heating mechanism or heater) and other components as desired, to heat the consumable pod 200 and material therein. The consumable pod 200 houses any combustible material that is desirably heated and inhaled (e.g., shisha, tobacco, herbs, etc.). The heat plate 600, an example of which is depicted in FIGS. 6A through 6E, can be heated using any suitable mechanism, technique or device. As a non-limiting example, the heat plate 600 can be heated through conductive or inductive heating. For example, the heat plate 600 can be pressed against a heater, either directly or indirectly (e.g., via an intermediate heat barrier). Desirably, the heat plate 600 is caused to be heated by an induction heating coil assembly (depicted as element 508 in FIG. 5). In this aspect, the induction heating coil assembly 508 and heat plate 600 collectively form a heater or heater mechanism. While the heater is any mechanism or device that can be used to generate heat and heat the heat consumable pod 200 (an electric heating coil, an inductive heater, or any other heater mechanism), desirably, the heater mechanism is formed by a combination of the heat plate 600 and the induction heating coil assembly 508 (e.g., copper coil). As a non-limiting example, the heat plate 600 is a ferrous material that is excited and heated by being placed in close proximity to the coil assembly 508 through the properties of induction heating. For example, an electric current is passed through the coil assembly 508, which creates a magnetic current throughout the heat plate 600 to cause the heat plate 600 to heat up. An important feature of this induction heating process is that the heat is generated inside the heat plate 600 itself. In this way, the heating or heat plate 600 acts as a ‘coal’, and effectively heats up the material (e.g., shisha) inside the consumable pod 200. Importantly, the heat plate 600 is positioned such that it is in contact with the consumable pod 200 when the pod 200 is placed within the hookah device 100.
In one aspect, the hookah device 100 is designed such that the heat plate 600 is placed on top of the consumable pod 200, not below. The heat plate 600 is placed on top of the pod 200 to provide a smoking experience as close to a conventional experience, in terms of taste and volume of smoke, as possible. Thus, in this aspect, the device moves away from the more even baking to a gradient heating approach, with a system that is closer to an electric version of conventionally used coal.
As shown in FIG. 5, the controller housing 106 is designed to precisely control both the position and temperature of the heat plate 600. As a non-limiting example, the controller housing 106 also includes the following components.
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Reference:
Part Label:
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501
Controller housing shell
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502
Controller housing cap
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503
Air filter door
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504
Controller housing connector
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505
Heat barrier
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506
Primary seal
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507
Airflow plate
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508
Coil assembly
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509
Front assembly screw
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510
Fan
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511
Washer
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512
Locknut
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513
Air tube
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514
Assembly screw
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515
Controller housing cap screw
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516
Pod presence actuator
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517
Air filter
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518
Heat plate sensor
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519
Latch pivot
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520
Linked latch left
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521
Linkage plate
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522
Linked latch right
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523
Latch pivot linkage
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524
Pod presence switch
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526
Fan mount
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527
Torsion spring
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528
Pivot spring spacer and pin
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529
Pivot spring plate
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530
Shoulder screw
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532
Compression spring
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533
Retaining clip
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As shown in FIG. 5, the controller housing 106 includes pivot spring spacers, pins 5028 and associated torsion springs 527 that allow for the controller housing 106 to be pivotally connected with the upper body 400 of the heating head. Notably and as shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the heat plate 600 is positioned and accessible at the bottom side of the controller housing 106 while the coil assembly 508 is encased within the controller housing shell 501. Desirably, positioned below the coil assembly 508 is a heat barrier 505 (e.g., mica-based heat barrier) to prevent heat from the heat plate 600 from damaging the coil assembly 508. An intermediate primary seal 506 (e.g., silicon seal) provides both a seal against the consumable pad 200 as well as means for securing the heat barrier 505 between the coil assembly 508 and heat plate 600. An airflow plate 507 is used to affix the primary seal 506 against the bottom of the housing shell 501. In this aspect the heat plate 600 is slidably positioned between the primary seal 506 and airflow plate 507. Posts protruding upwards from the heat plate 600 pass through primary seal 506, heat barrier 505, compression springs 532 and housing shell 501, and are then held in place with retaining clips 533. Thus, with the compression springs 532, the heat plate 600 is biased downwards and against a top surface of the consumable pod 200 when positioned within the hookah device 100. Also shown in a pod presence actuator 515. The pod presence actuator 515 is any mechanism or device that can be used to indicate the presence of a pod 200 within the hookah device 100. As a non-limiting example, the pod presence actuator 515 is a pin slidably affixed with the housing shell 501 such that it produces downward below the shell 501. When the controller housing 106 is closed onto a pod 200 within the pod tray 300, the pod presence actuator 515 is pressed upwards to activate a pod presence switch 524, letting the system know that there is a pod 200 in the pod tray 300; thus, allowing the system to activate the heater mechanism when initiated to do so by the user.
In one aspect and as shown in FIG. 5, fans 510 can be included that are used to draw clean are through the air filters 517 and into the controller housing 106 to cool the electronics and components therein. In another aspect, the fans 510 can be configured such that one fan 510 blows air into the unit for cooling, while the other blows air out to create cooling circulation. In yet another embodiment, both fans 510 can be configured to blow air outward to draw hot air from the unit for cooling.
Referring to FIGS. 6A through 6E, in one aspect, the heat plate 600 provides an improvement over existing heat plates in that it includes a plurality of pointed blind holes 602; blind meaning that they do not pass all the way through the heat plate 600. The pointed blind holes 602 allow the heat plate 600 to possess increased heating efficiency through the increased surface area as provided by the pointed blind holes 602. Further, the process of induction heating concentrates heat at edges. In one aspect, the edges are actual edges, defined by an edge where two distinct surfaces meet. In this aspect, magnetic flux tends to accumulate at the edges, surface cuts or indentations of the heating object (i.e., the heat plate 600), thus causing higher heating rate in these areas. In this case, the blind holes 602 introduce more edges that are able to gain enhanced heating efficiency through the included edges. Further, the holes 602 can be formed in any desired shape. As a non-limiting example, the holes 602 can be conically shaped with conical end termination that terminates in a cone point (as opposed to a flat termination). The cone point termination 604 of the holes 602 also helps to increase heat at the desired area (i.e., the cone point 604) through its shaping and features (such as through magnetic flux, etc.). Thus, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art given the drawings and description herein, the heat plate 600 as used with the hookah device 100 provides a marked improvement over the prior art.
For further understanding of the hookah device 100, FIG. 9 provides a bottom-iso view of the controller housing cap assembly 502. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the hookah device 100 and associated controller (i.e., the controller housing 106) include any components as may be required to control the various electronic features of the hookah device 100. As a non-limiting example, the controller housing cap assembly 502 includes a control panel 108 that is adhered (e.g., glued, press fit, screwed, etc.) to a controller housing cap 900, while an associated printed circuit board (PCB) 902 or other processor component is screwed 904 to the controller housing cap 900.
FIG. 10A provides an exploded-view illustration of the lower body 402 of the heating head. In this example, the lower body 402 includes an affixed (e.g., via screws 1005, etc.) lower main body 1001 that houses a lighting printed circuit board (PCB) 1003. Lighting PCB 1003 controls attached and downward facing light emitting diodes (LEDs) 1008 or other lights that can be used to project light downward 1006 and through holes 1007 formed in the lower main body 1001. The LEDs 1008 or other lights are used to illuminate the smoke passing through the vessel assembly. A lens 1002 is affixed to the lower main body 1001 with screws 1004 or other suitable adhesion technique. The lens 1002 seals the bottom portion of the main body 1001 yet allows light 1006 from the LEDs 1008 to pass therethrough into and/or onto the stem assembly (as described in further detail below).
For further illustration, FIG. 10B provides a bottom-iso view of the lower body 402 of the heating head. As shown in FIG. 11, the lower body 402 is formed to securely affix with the upper body 400 of the heating head 102. As a non-limiting example and as depicted in the bottom-iso view of FIG. 11, the upper body 400 can be formed to nest within the lower body 402 and be secured in place via screws 1100 or any other suitable adhesion technique.
As noted earlier, in one aspect, the upper body 400 includes any relevant component as required to operate the hookah device and provide the functions as described herein. A non-limiting example of such an upper body 400 is provided in the exploded-view illustration of FIG. 12 (without the controller housing for illustrative purposes). Thus, in this non-limiting example, the upper body 400 also includes the following components:
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Reference:
Part Label:
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1201
Body cap
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1202
Tray receiving assembly chassis
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1203
Controller latch actuator
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1205
Tray engagement seal
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1206
Tray engagement plate
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1207
Plate to Stem seal (sealing plate
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1206 to the Stem)
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1208
Pod sensor support ring
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1902
Pod sensor
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1210
Sensor support spring
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1211
Controller pivot
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1213
screw
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1214
Controller latch
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1215
Sensor cap
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1216
Swivel connector PCB
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1218
Spring retaining washer
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1219
Button spring
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1220
Screw
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1221
Battery receptor assembly
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1222
Screw
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As illustrated in FIG. 12, the upper body 400 includes a tray receiving assembly chassis 1202 that is formed to selectively receive the tray 300. As noted above and as described in further detail below. The tray 300 allows a user to easily change the consumable pods for use and subsequent disposal. The tray 300 is formed in any suitable manner such that it can accommodate a replaceable consumable pod. A non-limiting example of such a tray 300 is depicted in the exploded, bottom-iso view illustration of FIG. 13. The tray 300 includes a tray shell 1301 with a tray front 1302 affixed thereto with screws 1305 and lock washer 1306. A tray handle 1303 is similarly affixed with appropriate screws 1304 or other adhesion technique.
As noted above and as depicted in FIG. 14, a stem assembly 304 is included to align the stem 1402 between the vessel assembly and the heating head. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the stem assembly 304 includes any components as required to direct the stem 1402 and provide a watertight barrier between liquid in the vessel assembly and the heating head. For example, the stem assembly 304 includes a stem housing 1401 with a stem 1402 affixed therein. An O-ring 1404 is used to seal the stem 1402 against the stem housing 1401, while a stem retaining nut 1403 secures the stem 1402 in place against the stem housing 1401. A waterfall cover 1405 can be optionally included that clips or otherwise adheres to the stem housing 1401. In use, the waterfall cover 1405 routes 1406 the smoke from the enclosed submerged stem 1402 to flow over the waterfall cover 1405 upper edge to illuminate the smoke within the vessel assembly by a ring of downward firing LEDs (depicted as element 1008 in FIG. 10A).
As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the vessel assembly 104 is formed in any suitable manner to contain a fluid while directing smoke from the stem toward a hose port (smoke outlet), a non-limiting example of which is depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16A. As shown, the vessel assembly 104 has a water vase 1501 for holding water or any other suitable fluid. The vase 1501 could be formed of glass, or any other suitable material. While glass is desirable due to sterility and stability, glass can crack or otherwise break when stressed. Thus, it is desirable to form the hookah such that the heating head can seal against the vase 1501 without stressing or breaking the vase 1501. In this aspect, an elastic interface band 1504 is formed to slide over a vessel connector portion 1511 of the vase 1501. The interface band 1504 is made out of rubber or any other suitable material that can be used to disperse a load. Further, the interface band 1504 is desirably formed to include a plurality of spaced pockets (e.g., on its outer face), such as waffle shaped pockets 1516 that allow for compression while further absorbing and dispersing the load before pressure is applied to the vase 1501.
In operation, a user places a fluid, such as water, within the vase 1501. The interface band 1504 is placed over a top portion of the vase (e.g., vessel connector portion 1511). Desirably, the vessel connector portion 1511 is shaped to securely hold the interface band 1504 thereon, such as having a ridge shape circumventing the vase 1501 that is securely affixed within an interior channel 1512 within an inner face of the interface band 1504. With fluid within the vase 1501, a user can place the heating head or main body onto the vase 1501. Importantly, the interface band 1504 acts as an air seal between the vase 1501 and the heating head or main body. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, an air seal is required since the action of sucking on the hose needs to create negative pressure in the vase 1501 in order to draw air and smoke through and out of the consumable pod, down the stem, and through the water. To assist in making the seal and referring to FIG. 16D, an interface top portion 1604 remains open and capable of accepting the heating head when nested therein. Notably, the interface top portion 1604 is formed to flex yet bias against the heating head and form a tight seal. For example and as shown, the interface top portion 1604 is formed in the shape of a compression hook that can be compressed inward to receive the heating head yet form a tight air seal. This aspect is also illustrated in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 16E, which depicts the interface band 1504 as forming a seal against the heating heat 102.
To secure the heating head against the vase 1501, the hookah device also includes a unique collar mechanism. As a non-limiting example, the collar includes two rigid clamping collar parts (first and second collar parts 1502A and 1502A) that clamp around the vase 1501, with the compliant rubber interface band 1504 positioned between the collar parts 1502A and 1502B to spread the clamping force on the vase 1501 and prevent stresses that may break it. Collar screws 1507 or any other suitable device can be used to secure the collar in place.
To allow for air flow and venting, the vessel assembly 104 includes a vent mechanism that can be selectively opened/closed. As a non-limiting example, the second collar part 1502B has a collar hole 1512 therethrough that aligns with a vessel hole 1513 formed in the vase 1501 to effectively provide a vent. A vent seal 1506 is included that seals the second collar part 1502B and its hole 1510 against the vessel hole 1513. A vent retainer 1508 and vent ball 1509 (with a spring in some aspects) can be included within the vent seal 1506 to operate as a valve to prevent air from being drawn into the vase 1501. Further, a vent cap 1514 is desirably included to allow a user to selectively cap the vent. On an opposing side of the vessel assembly 104 is a hose interface seal 1503 that seals against an aperture within the vase 1501 and operates as a hose port to allow for selective connection or insertion of a hose (depicted as element 112 in FIG. 1). For further understanding, the hose interface seal 1503 is also depicted in FIG. 16E.
Referring again to FIG. 15, the collar is also shaped to collectively include a pair of hanger hooks 116. While both hanger hooks 116 can be formed on a single collar part, desirably, each collar part (i.e., collar part 1502A and 1502B) has a single hanger hook 116. Thus, when the collar parts 1502A and 1502B are affixed in place with respect to one another, the collar collectively has a pair of hanger hooks 116 to allow for connection of a hanger or handle. In one aspect and as shown in FIGS. 15 through 16D, each of the hanger hooks 116 are formed of a hanger base 1600 projecting from the associated collar part that terminates in a broader hanger head 1602. Thus, the hanger base 1600 and head 1602 collectively form a hanger hook 116.
In this aspect, the hookah device 100 is also devised to include an improved handle mechanism that is designed to increase handling control and reduce spillage. As shown in the FIGS. 27A through 28, the handle mechanism includes a handle 114 for carrying the hookah device 100. Notably, the handle 114 includes a pair of coupling portions 2700 that are formed to matingly engage with a pair of corresponding hanger hooks 116 that are affixed with the hookah device 100. The hanger hooks 116 are securely affixed against the vase 1501 through any suitable mechanism, technique, or device. As a non-limiting example, the pair of hanger hooks 116 are integrally formed with the collar that can be selectively affixed with the vase 1501. For example and as noted above, the collar includes a collar part A 1502A and a collar part B 1502B, each of which have portions of the hanger hooks 116. When the collar parts 1502A and 1502B are positioned together and secured against the vase 1501 (such as through use of screws), the hanger hooks 116 are secured in place on opposing sides of the vase 1501.
In one aspect and as depicted, the coupling portions 2700 are shape to lock against the hanger hooks 116. For example and referring again to FIGS. 15 through 16D, the hanger hooks 116 each include a hanger base 1600 projecting from the coupling portion with a hanger head 1602 having a width that circumferentially exceeds the width of the hanger base 1600. Notably, the hanger base 1600 is formed to selectively and matingly engage (i.e., securely affix) with the coupling portions (depicted as element 2700 in FIGS. 27A through 28). A non-limiting example of such a mating engagement is when the coupling portions 2700 are square-shaped, while the hanger bases 1600 are similarly square shaped to prevent rotation therebetween. When the coupling portions 2700 are positioned around the hanger bases 1600, the coupling portions are prevented from simply sliding off due to the expanded width of the hanger heads 1602. Thus, in one aspect, the handle 114 locks onto the hookah device 100 through mating square pegs (i.e., the hanger bases 1600) on the device and square-shaped three-sided holes (i.e., coupling portions 2700) on the handle 114, both left and right, so that a person carrying the hookah device 100 can control and minimize swinging and spilling effects while delivering the hookah device to the users. As shown in FIG. 28, the secure mating arrangement between the handle 114 and hanger hooks 116 allows for precise positional control of the hookah device 100 through the handle 114. For further understanding, FIGS. 26A through 26D provide left, right, front, and rear-views, respectively, of the hookah device 100 and associated handle 114.
With the hookah device assembled as illustrated, a user can effectively insert and consume a consumable pod. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present disclosure also provides a new and improved consumable pod. As a non-limiting example and as shown in FIGS. 24A through 24C, the consumable pod 200 is a shell that is designed to contain a consumable item, such as shisha, tobacco, herbs, etc. therein. The pod 200 includes a cap 2400 that can be used to seal the pod 200 and maintain freshness of the consumable items during storage and between use. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 24C, the pod 200 has a pod base 2402 that is designed to rest within the heating head of the hookah device. Also shown is a ribbed top layer 2404 that is in contact with the heat plate when inserted into the heating head. As shown in FIG. 24B, the pod 200 has an air inlet 2406 and an air outlet 2408. Referring again to FIG. 24C, during storage, the cap 2400 securely affixes with the pod 200 such that it not only seals and snaps 2410 against a rim of the pod, but it also has a pair of downward facing, ring-shaped flanges 2412 that seal against the inlet 2406 (and outlet (not shown as it is a mirror image)) to prevent 2414 leakage from the interior shell of the pod 200. For additional understanding, the pod 200 is depicted in further detail in FIGS. 17A through 17F. In some aspects and as shown in FIG. 17A, the pod 200 can be designed to include a series of ribs or ridges 1700 that provide stability to the thin material forming the shell of the pod 200, as well as providing additional surface that penetrates the consumable material to assist in dispersing heat throughout the consumable material. As noted above, a variety of pod configurations can be implemented to work with the hookah device. For example, FIG. 18 depicts yet another example of a consumable pod 200B with an air inlet 2406 and outlet 2408. Thus and as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific pod configurations as depicted and can be employed with a variety of pods that are shaped to fit within the heating head and provide the requisite airflow.
As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the pod 200 can be positioned within the heating head 102 to engage with and be heated by the heat plate 600, while aligning the pod 200 to allow for airflow 1900 therethrough and into the stem 1402. As shown in FIG. 19, the induction coil assembly 508 is used to heat the heat plate 600 pressed against the top surface 2404 of the pod 200 while air 1900 is drawn through the pod and into the vessel assembly via the stem 1402.
Controlling the temperature of the pod 200 and its contents is important to obtain the correct heating temperature while preventing waste and burn of the consumable items. Thus, the hookah device includes any suitable mechanism or device that can sense and precisely control the heating temperature. As a non-limiting example, the heating head 102 includes a pair of sensors that are used by the controller housing 106 to precisely control the temperature of the shisha pod 200. The pair of sensors desirably include both a heat plate sensor (depicted as element 518 in FIG. 5) (e.g., thermistor or any other suitable temperature sensor) and a pod sensor 1902 (e.g., temperature sensor such as a thermistor, etc.). The heat plate sensor 518 can be positioned on top of the heat plate 600 or any other suitable location where it can sense the heat plate 600 temperature. In another aspect, the heat plate sensor 518 is built into the coil assembly 508 or, in another aspect, is embedded within the heat plate 600. Thus and as noted above, the heat plate sensor 518 is located to accurately sense the temperature of the heat plate 600.
The heat plate sensor 518 is used to limit the highest temperature (i.e., upper threshold) of the heat plate 600 (and surrounding components). If this upper threshold temperature (e.g., 287 degrees Celsius or any other preset temp.) is reached, the heating is halted and when it lowers below an offset (e.g., more than 30 degrees Celsius less than the upper threshold, or any other preset offset) from this upper threshold, heating resumes. In use, the session of using the hookah by an operator is not halted as the heating head cools to below the offset.
The pod sensor 1902 (thermistor or any other suitable sensor) monitors the temperature of the pod 200 and by proximity, the substance within. This is the target temperature for the heating algorithm. In one aspect, the pod sensor 1902 can be spring-loaded and biased toward the consumable pod 200 so that it remains in contact with the consumable pod 200 when the pod 200 is within the tray. Once the target temperature (e.g., 150 degrees Celsius) is reached (while also not overheating the coil/plate), the heating is regulated (e.g., turned off/on etc.) to maintain this temperature. In one aspect, the energizing of the heat plate 600 (e.g., via the heating coil assembly) is controlled within predetermined minimum and maximum duty cycles. In other words, once the target temperature of the pod 200 (and pod sensor 1902) are reached, the coil assembly 508 is turned off and then maintained to maintain the target temperature. In this aspect, the heat plate sensor 518 has a single high limit. The pod sensor 1902 has a much lower upper limit (the target temperature) and is therefore useful in monitoring the temperatures below the target temperature. Once the target temperature is reached, the system goes into maintenance mode and will attempt to keep the temperature at or just below the target temperature. To this end, when the temperature has dropped to a set value (e.g., ten degrees Celsius below the target temperature or any other preset value), the coil assembly 508 and affected heat plate 600 will be reenergized again to bring the temperature up to the target temperature.
Thus, the consumable pod 200 is to be positioned within the heating head 102 of the hookah device 100, where it is heated by a heat plate 600 or other suitable heating device. Within the heating head 102 is a controller housing 106, which houses the heater control components, circuitry, etc., that are connected to the sensor(s) 518 and 1902 listed above. Through use of the dual sensors 518 and 1902, a user is able to maintain the temperature of the consumable pod 200 within a desired temperature range for optimal control.
In addition to precise temperature control, the hookah device is designed to allow for easy replacement of the pod 200 while providing a unique air seal. As shown in FIGS. 25A through 25F, the tray 300 is formed to allow a user to easily insert and replace a pod 200 within the heating head 102. For example, FIGS. 25A and 25B depict depression of the controller latch actuator 1203 to cause the controller housing 106 to be released and pivot upwards 2500 from the upper body 400 into an open position to provide access to the tray 300 and pod 200. The open configuration is also depicted in FIG. 25C, which shows the bottom side of the controller housing 106 and associated primary seal 506. In one non-limiting example, the controller latch actuator 1203, when depressed, engages with the and forces in the linked latches 520 and 522 (as shown in FIG. 5) to release the controller housing 106 from the body cap 1201 of the upper body 400, thereby allow the controller housing 106 to pivot upwards into the open position. In this example, linked latch left 520 is operably connected with linked latch right 522 via the latch pivot linkage 523 such that pressing in linked latch left 520 causes linked latch right 522 to simultaneously withdraw from the body cap 1201.
FIG. 25D depicts the tray 300 and pod 200 being withdrawn from the upper body 400 while the controller housing 106 is in the open configuration or state. As shown in FIG. 25F, after being withdrawn, a user can lift the pod 200 from the tray 300 for replacement and replenishment. Notably, also depicted in FIG. 25F is a tray hole 2502 that is formed to align with the spring-loaded pod sensor 1902. In other words and as shown in FIG. 25E, the tray hole 2502 allows the pod 200 to engage with the pod sensor 1902 when the tray 300 and pod 200 are positioned within the upper body 400 of the heating head 102. Doing so allows for the sensor capabilities as referenced above. Also shown in FIG. 25E is the stem 1402 that receives smoke and airflow from the pod 102 toward the vessel assembly.
Referring again to FIG. 25C, the primary seal 506 is important as it is designed to provide a unique concentric seal between the controller housing 106 and both the tray 300 and pod 200 to ensure air-tight air pathways and fluid (e.g., smoke, air, etc.) control. Thus, the upper body 400 houses a tray 300 that can be accessed by rotating up the controller housing 106. Thus, lifting up the controller housing 106 provides access to a tray 300, in which the consumable pod 200 can be placed. Upon positioning the consumable pod 200 within the tray 300 and closing the controller housing 106, the primary seal 506 is forced against the pod 200 to create the concentric seals.
In one aspect, the primary seal component 506 can include a rubber gasket, flange, or any other suitable mechanism or device that can be affixed appropriately to form a seal when the pod 200 is positioned within the tray 300. As will be evident given this disclosure and the accompanying drawings, the use of the seals allows the air to be drawn into the pod air inlet 2406 without interference from other areas of the hookah device. Further, the airflow 1900 pathway remains sealed as the air is drawn through the pod 200, out the pod outlet 2408, and back down through the tray 300.
For example and as shown in FIG. 21A, the primary seal 506 has a seal inlet hole 2108 that is aligned with the pod air inlet 2406. Of particular importance, the primary seal 506 is formed to create an air inlet seal 2100 against the shisha pod 200 around the pod air inlet 2406. Further, the primary seal 506 forms a pod seal 2102 against the tray trim 2104 that circumvents the pod 200 when the pod 200 is nested within the tray 300. In other words, the primary seal 506 component forms two concentric seals, one seal (i.e., the air inlet seal 2100) against the pod air inlet 2406, and another seal (i.e., the pod seal 2102 against the tray trim 2104 to completely seal the pod 200 within the tray 300. Also depicted in FIG. 21A are the tray outlet holes 2106. Notably, the tray outlet holes 2106 are positioned outside of the confines of the air inlet seal 2100, yet within the confines of the pod seal 2102. Thus, airflow 1900 enters through the seal inlet hole 2108 and into pod 200 through the pod air inlet 2406, where it traverses through the pod 200 and exists from the pod outlet 2408. The airflow 1900 then passes around the top of the pod 200 until exiting through the tray outlet holes 2106 and towards the stem.
The airflow 1900 is further depicted in FIG. 21B. As shown, air is drawn into an air tube 513 that is affixed within the controller housing 106. The air tube 513 directs air directly into the pod 200. Smoke or other inhalable items join the airflow 1900 and exit the pod 200, where it passes around the pod 200 and into the stem 1402. In one aspect and as noted above, a waterfall cover 1405 can be included. Thus, in this aspect, upon exiting the stem 1402, the airflow 1900 continues out of the waterfall cover 1405 and into the vase 1501, where it exits through the hose interface seal 1503 (i.e., hose port that operates as a smoke outlet).
For further understanding, FIG. 23A depicts a bottom view of the controller housing 106 and associated primary seal 506. Also shown is the seal inlet hole 2108. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 24B depicts locations of the seals against the primary seal 506, including the air inlet seal 2100 and surrounding pod seal 2102. Alternatively, FIGS. 23C and 23D provide top-view illustrations of a pod 200 within the tray 300 and related locations of the seals. Pod 200 details have been obscured from FIG. 23D to further illustrate locations of the seals. As shown, the air inlet seal 2100 surrounds the pod air inlet 2406, while the pod seal 2102 is formed against the raised edge of the tray trim 2104 such that it surrounds all of the pod seal 2102, the pod outlet 2408 and tray outlet holes 2106, thereby forming the concentric seals.
The cross-sectional views as provided in FIGS. 22A through 22C further illustrate the seals. As shown, the primary seal 506 seals against both the consumable pod 200 and tray 300 to provide the concentric seals 2100 and 2102. It should be noted that although the term concentric is used, the seals are not required to share the exact same center as the term concentric may imply; instead, the term is intended to mean that one seal surrounds the other seal as illustrated and described.
Although a specific example is provided, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited thereto as the components as described and illustrated can be used with other hookah devices and shisha pods or items to be heated.
It should also be noted that the present disclosure is directed to not only a comprehensive hookah device as described and illustrated, but also to the individual components or any combination thereof. Thus, the present invention is directed to each of the innovative aspects as described and illustrated in in the figures, both individually, collectively, or any combination thereof. Further, in another aspect, it should be noted that components can be incorporated into a traditional hookah to swap out the appropriate component individually, as multiple components, or any combination thereof.
Finally, while this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the invention may have other applications in other environments. It should be noted that many embodiments and implementations are possible. Further, the following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the specific embodiments described above. In addition, any recitation of “means for” is intended to evoke a means-plus-function reading of an element and a claim, whereas, any elements that do not specifically use the recitation “means for”, are not intended to be read as means-plus-function elements, even if the claim otherwise includes the word “means”. Further, while particular method steps have been recited in a particular order, the method steps may occur in any desired order and fall within the scope of the present invention.
Patent Application
20240423264
