Smoking Apparatus and Methods of Use

The present disclosure relates generally to smoking apparatuses and methods of using the same and more specification to smoking apparatuses and methods which provide for substantially consistent smoke quality throughout use.

Conventional hookah devices require the use of a person's breath to move smoke through the system. However, this results in inconsistent distribution of the smoke, leading to harsh, uneven, and/or poor quality smoke.

Additionally, conventional hookah devices are a fire hazard. The exposed charcoal in conventional hookahs reaches a temperature high enough to ignite nearby combustible materials. Improper placement, such as an unstable surface or where the device can be bumped, increase the risk of charcoal falling.

Accordingly, a need exists to develop new smoking apparatuses that provide a more consistent experience and reduces the risk of fire.

The instant disclosure relates to smoking apparatuses and methods of use.

Example embodiments disclosed herein are directed to smoking apparatuses comprising: a smoke box; a fluid reservoir defining a cavity for holding a fluid therein, wherein the fluid reservoir is fluidically coupled to the smoke box; a pump fluidically coupled to the smoke box and the fluid reservoir and configured to create a pressure differential between the smoke box and the fluid reservoir; at least one smoke chamber fluidically coupled to the fluid reservoir and defining an outlet valve; at least one hose, coupled to the smoke chamber and defining a channel; wherein the outlet valve is configured to receive the hose and wherein coupling the hose to the outlet valve activates the pump.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure describes a table comprising a smoking apparatus comprising: a smoke box; a fluid reservoir defining a cavity for holding a fluid therein, wherein the fluid reservoir is fluidically coupled to the smoke box; a pump fluidically coupled to the smoke box and the fluid reservoir and configured to create a pressure differential between the smoke box and the fluid reservoir; at least one smoke chamber fluidically coupled to the fluid reservoir and defining an outlet valve; at least one hose, coupled to the smoke chamber and defining a channel; wherein the outlet valve is configured to receive the hose and wherein coupling the hose to the outlet valve automatically activates the pump; a tabletop; and one or more supports coupled to the tabletop.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages will become better understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims.

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments described herein will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description that follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the claimed subject matter.

The details of one or more embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter are set forth in this document. Modifications to embodiments described in this document, and other embodiments, will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art after a study of the information provided in this document.

While the following terms are believed to be well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, definitions are set forth to facilitate explanation of the presently-disclosed subject matter.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently-disclosed subject matter belongs.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently-disclosed subject matter.

Embodiments described herein are generally directed to smoking apparatuses and methods of using the smoking apparatuses. Generally, the smoking apparatusincludes a smoke box; a fluid reservoirfluidically coupled to the smoke box; a pumpconfigured to create a pressure differential between the smoke boxand the fluid reservoir; at least one smoke chamberfluidically coupled to the fluid reservoir; at least one hose, coupled to the smoke chamberand defining a channel, and an outlet valve configured to receive the hose. As depicted inthe smoking apparatusmay also include a second pump disposed within the channel of the hose. In some embodiments, as described in greater detail herein, coupling the hose to the outlet valve automatically activates the pump. A greater or fewer number of components than that depicted may be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now toa smoking apparatusis schematically illustrated. In embodiments, the smoking apparatusis used for smoking or diffusing a substance for inhalation by a user. Illustrative, but non-limiting examples of substances that can be smoked with the smoking apparatusinclude tobacco, herbal shisha, maassel, cannabis, hashish, patchouli, salvia, combinations thereof, and the like.

Still referring to, the smoking apparatusgenerally includes a housing. The housingdefines an interior cavity. In some embodiments, described in greater detail herein, the interior cavityis sized and shaped to hold a smoke box. In embodiments, the housingdefines an orificethat fluidically couples the housingto the fluid reservoir. For example, the orificebe positioned within a bottom surface of the housing. In other embodiments, the orificemay be positioned within any surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the housingis fluidically coupled to the fluid reservoirthrough a stem, as described in greater detail herein. In embodiments the stemmay be coupled to the housingaround or at the orifice. While the interior cavityis generally depicted as open to an exterior of the housing, in embodiments, a door may be included which may allow the interior cavityto be enclosed within the housing. Not including a door may be advantageous for allowing easy access to the interior cavity, while including a door may be advantageous for providing a more concentrated smoke. While the housingis depicted as a rectangular prism other three-dimensional shapes are contemplated and possible. For example, the housingmay be spherical, cubic, or any regular or irregular shape. The housingmay be made of any suitable materials such as metal, plastic, wood, etc., and may be manufactured via any manufacturing technique(s) (e.g., welding, fastening, adhering, molding, machining, etc.).

In some embodiments, the smoking apparatusincludes an ignition system, configured to light the burnable material in the tray, described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, the ignition systemis configured to initiate an electrical arc, thereby igniting the burnable material positioned within the smokebox. For example, and without being bound by theory, when the substance packis placed in the smoke box, the substance packmagnetically couples to the smoke box. In some embodiments, the smoke boxis inserted into the housingand magnetically couples to a fitting disposed in the interior cavity. Optionally, the magnetic couplings include electrical contact points, such as wires. In some embodiments, the magnetic force holds the substance boxin place, thereby aligning the electrical contact points and completing an electrical circuit. Optionally, the smokeboxincludes a heating element, such as a heating coil, though other heating elements are contemplated and possible. In some embodiments, the heating coil generates sufficient heat to ignite the burnable material in the tray.

In some embodiments, the ignition systemis activated upon coupling a hose to the smoking chamber, described in greater detail herein. In other embodiments, the ignition systemis activated by a user input, such as pushing a button or flipping a switch, though other suitable user inputs are contemplated and possible. In some embodiments, the ignition switch is activated remotely. In some embodiment, the ignition switch is disposed on the smoking apparatus. In other embodiments, the ignition switch is disposed on the encasement, described in greater detail below.

Referring now to, an embodiment of the smoke boxis generally depicted. The smoke boxis sized and shaped to be disposed in the interior cavityof the housing. As illustrated in, the smoke boxdefines a substance space. The substance spacemay be sized and shaped to hold a substance pack, described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, the smoke boxis made from a heat-resistant material. Exemplary materials include ceramic, metals, copper, wood, plastics, silicone, rubber, magnets, iron, carbon fiber, nichrome, steel, and combinations thereof, though any suitable material is contemplated and possible. The smoke boxmay generally include a topand a base.

Referring now to, the topis generally configured to allow access to the substance spaceto refill or replace the substance pack, as described in greater detail herein. Optionally, the topis rotationally coupled to the base, such as by one or more hinges, pivots, knuckle joints, clevis joints, and the like, though any suitable mechanism is contemplated and possible. Optionally, the hingesare made from heat-resistant material, such as stainless steel, nickel-chromium alloys (e.g., Inconel), titanium, ceramic, alloys, or other refractory metals.

Optionally, the topincludes a plurality of perforationsto allow for appropriate airflow to enable burning of the burnable material, described in greater detail herein. These perforationsserve as intake and exhaust openings allowing for regulation of natural convection, pressure differences, and ventilation of the smoke box.

Referring now to, the baseof the smoke boxgenerally defines substance space. In embodiments, the basefurther defines an outlet. Optionally, the outletfluidically couples the smoke boxto the fluid reservoirto allow smoke from the smokable substance to pass through the various components of the smoking apparatus as described in detail herein. Optionally, the smoke boxincludes one or more additional components to create an airtight seal around the outlet. For example, and without being bound by theory, smoke boxmay include a rail system. In some embodiments, the rail system is constructed from sheet metal, providing structural integrity and durability. Optionally, the female rail's exterior surface is coated with a layer of silicone. This silicone coating is applied to ensure an airtight seal when the rail is inserted.

In some embodiments, the smoke boxis removably coupled to the housing, such as shown in. Any suitable mechanism is contemplated and possible. Exemplary coupling mechanisms include, but are not limited to, tongue-and-groove fittings, snap fits, dovetail joints, button locks, bayonet fittings, quick-release pins, slide-and-lock fasteners, magnetic connectors and the like. Optionally, the smoke boxis removably coupled to the housingvia corresponding magnetic connectors, as shown inand, and one or more magnetic components disposed on the smoke box. Optionally, the magnetic components disposed on the smoke boxare positioned to align the outletwith the orificeon the housing.

In some embodiments, the smoke boxis slidably coupled to the housingto enable access to the substance space. Optionally, the smoke boxis slidably coupled to the housingin addition to being magnetically coupled. In some embodiments, the smoke boxis slidably coupled to the housing, such as by a slide rail mechanism. Any suitable sliding mechanism is contemplated and possible. Exemplary, non-limiting sliding mechanisms include ball-bearing slides, roller slides, undermount slides, soft-close slides, push-to-open slides, side mount slides, center mount slides, telescopic channels, magnetic drawer slides, and the like. In some embodiments, such as shown in, the smoke boxoptionally includes one or more slide railsto couple the smoke boxto the housing. In some embodiments, the slide railsare mounted on the bottom of the smoke box. In other embodiments, the slide railsare mounted to the exterior sides of the smoke box.

As shown in, the smokebox optionally includes a handle. Optionally, the handleis configured to slide the smokebox in and out of the interior cavity. In some embodiments, the handleis configured to open the topof the smoke boxto provide access to the substance space.

Referring now to, the smoking apparatusgenerally includes a substance pack. Optionally, the substance packis disposed in the substance space. As shown in, the substance packgenerally includes a substance containerand a tray. In some embodiments, the substance containerand trayare coupled together. Optionally, the substance containerand the trayare removably coupled to one another. Any suitable mechanism is contemplated and possible. Exemplary coupling mechanisms include, but are not limited to, tongue-and-groove fittings, snap fits, dovetail joints, button locks, bayonet fittings, quick-release pins, slide-and-lock fasteners, magnetic connectors and the like. While the substance packis generally depicted as a rectangular prism other three-dimensional shapes are contemplated and possible. For example, the substance packmay be spherical, cubic, or any regular or irregular shape.

In some embodiments, the substance packis refillable. Optionally, the substance containeris refilled with a smokable substance. In some embodiments, the trayis refilled with a burnable material.

In some embodiments, the substance packis disposable after a predetermined number of uses. For example, the substance packmay be disposed of after a single use. Alternatively, the substance packmay be refilled a certain number of times prior to being disposed. Optionally, the substance packis disposed when the quality of the smoke is impacted. For example, and without limitation, when the substance packis disposable, it may be refilled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc. times.

Referring now to, an exemplary substance containeris depicted. Optionally, the substance containeris adapted to hold the substance to be smoked. Exemplary smokable substances include, but are not limited to tobacco, herbal shisha, maassel, cannabis, hashish, patchouli, salvia, combinations thereof, and the like.

The substance containeris generally formed from any suitable material. Illustrative, non-limiting materials include ceramic, clay, glass, silicone, metal, stone, wood, marble, terracotta, porcelain, combinations thereof, and the like. Optionally, the substance containeris ceramic. In some embodiments, the substance containerdefines an aperture. The aperturefluidically couples the substance containerto the other components of the smoking apparatusas described in greater detail herein. The aperturemay be formed within a base surfaceof the substance containeror any other surface of the substance container. In some embodiments, the aperturefluidically couples the substance containerto the smoke box, which is coupled to the housingas described above.

Referring now to, in some embodiments the trayis adapted to hold a burnable material therein. Exemplary burnable materials include charcoal, coconut shell, bamboo, lemonwood, orangewood, combinations thereof, and the like. Optionally, the trayincludes a deformable portion. In some embodiments, the deformable portionis configured to conduct heat. Optionally, the deformable portionis formed from any suitable material. Exemplary, non-limiting materials include foil, nichrome, aluminum, steel, sheet metal, combinations thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, the deformable portionis foil. In some embodiments, when the burnable material is disposed on the deformable portion, the deformable portionof the traycontacts the smokable substance. In some embodiments, the heat from the burnable material in the trayheats the smokable substance to a temperature sufficient to cause the smokable substance to output smoke.

In other embodiments, the traymay be replaced with an electric heater, eliminating the need for a burnable material.

Referring again to, and as noted above, the smoking apparatusgenerally includes a fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoirdefines a cavity for holding for holding a fluid therein. In some embodiments, the fluid is water.

In some embodiments, the smoking apparatus includes a stem. In some embodiments, the stemfluidically couples the housingto the fluid reservoir. Optionally, the stemdefines a conduit for transferring the smoke generated from heating the smokable substance from the smoke boxto the fluid reservoir. Optionally, the stemis coupled to the fluid reservoirand/or the housing(such as via the orifice). Any suitable coupling mechanism is contemplated and possible. Exemplary, non-limiting mechanisms for coupling the stemto the housingand/or the fluid reservoirinclude welding, bolting, screwing, soldering, riveting, adhesive bonding, snap fitting, and the like. In some embodiments, the stemis integral and continuous with the fluid reservoirand/or the housing. Optionally, an interior of the stemis coated with silicone or another suitable material, to create a seal that prevents air leakage, thereby maintaining the desired conditions within the smoke boxdescribed in greater detail herein.

In some embodiments, the smoking apparatusincludes a pump. Optionally, the pumpis fluidically coupled to the smoke boxand/or the fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, the pumpis configured to create a pressure differential between the smoke boxand the fluid reservoir, enabling the smoke generated from heating the smokable substance to move from the smoke boxto the fluid reservoir. Optionally, the pumpis fluidically coupled to the stem. In some embodiments, the pumpis disposed within the conduit of the stem. In some embodiments, the pressure differential created by the pumpcauses bubbling in the fluid held in the fluid reservoir.

Still referring to, in some embodiments, the smoking apparatusincludes at least one smoke chamber. Optionally, the smoke chamberis fluidically coupled to the fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, smoke generated from heating the smokable substance flows from the fluid reservoirand into the smoke chamber. In some embodiments, such as shown in, the smoke chamberdefines one or more outlet valves. In some embodiments, the outlet valveis configured to receive a hose, described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, the outlet valveis configured to close when a hoseis not coupled to it.

Referring now to, in some embodiments, the smoking apparatus includes at least one hose. Optionally, the hoseis coupled to the smoke chamber, thereby allowing smoke to pass from the smoke box, through the fluid reservoir, through the smoke chamber, and into the hose. In some embodiments, the hoseis sized and shaped to couple to the outlet valve. In some embodiments, the hosecouples to the outlet valvevia a hose inlet. Exemplary coupling mechanisms include, but are not limited to, threaded connections, quick-connect fitting, and/or bayonet mounts, though any suitable connection mechanism is contemplated and possible.

Optionally, coupling the hoseto the outlet valveautomatically activates the pump, thereby generating the pressure differential between the smoke boxand the fluid reservoir, enabling smoke to move from the smoke box, through the fluid reservoir, and into the smoke chamber. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism is operatively coupled to the pumpvia an activation mechanism that is triggered when the hoseis coupled to the outlet valve. Exemplary, non-limiting examples of activation mechanisms include mechanical switches, electronic sensors, pressure sensors, magnetic switches, mechanical triggers, combinations thereof, and the like.

For example, and without being bound by theory, in some embodiments, coupling the hoseto the outlet valvecloses an electrical circuit integrated into the smoking apparatus. Optionally, closing the circuit sends an electrical signal to the pump, thereby activating the pumpto generate the pressure differential. In some embodiments, the pumpis inactivated when the hoseis removed from the outlet valve. In some embodiments, the smoking apparatusincludes one or more power sources. Any suitable power source is contemplated and possible. Exemplary, non-limiting power sources include AC power source, DC power sources, batteries, solar panels, power over Ethernet, and the like. In some embodiments, the power source is an A/C power source. Optionally, the smoking apparatusis plugged into an electrical outlet.

In some embodiments, the hoseincludes a mouthpiece, disposed at a distal end of the hose. Optionally, the mouthpieceis configured to facilitate the controlled intake of smoke from the hose. In some embodiments, the mouthpieceis sized and shaped to ergonomically position in a user's mouth. In some embodiments, the mouthpieceis formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to, plastic, glass, metal, wood, silicone, etc. In some embodiments, the mouthpieceis detachable from the hose. Optionally, the mouthpiece is disposable.

Referring now to, in some embodiments, the hoseincludes a second pump. Optionally, the second pumpis fluidically coupled to the hose. In some embodiments, the second pump is configured to create a pressure differential between the smoke chamberand the hose.

Referring again to, in some embodiments, the hoseincludes a user input, configured to control a volume of smoke within the hose. Optionally, the user inputis positioned on the mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the user inputis communicatively coupled to and configured to control the second pump. In some embodiments, the user is capable of setting a specific gas volume or flow rate using the user input. In other embodiments, the user inputenables increasing or decreasing the current flow rate. For example, and without being bound by theory, in some embodiments, the second pump's speed is adjusted based on the user input. Exemplary user inputs include, but are not limited to, buttons, switches, dials, knobs, touchscreens, sliders, keypads, remote controls, software applications, and the like.

Referring now to, in some embodiments, the smoking apparatusis coupled to a table. In some embodiments, the tablecomprises an encasement. In some embodiments, the tableincludes a tabletop. In some embodiments, the tableincludes one or more supports, such as legs. Optionally, the tablehas one or more storage receptacles, such as drawers, shelves, cabinets, etc.

Optionally, the encasementis disposed below the tabletop. In some embodiments, a topof the encasementis uniform and contiguous with the tabletop. In some embodiments, a topof the encasementforms a portion of the tabletop. In some embodiments, the tabletopis notched to allow the topof the encasement to be planar with the tabletop.

Optionally, the smoking apparatusis disposed within the encasement. In some embodiments, the encasementprotects the smoking apparatusfrom environmental factors and accidental impacts, thereby reducing fire hazards. In some embodiments, such as shown in, the encasementincludes a heat shield. In some embodiments, the encasementdefines a plurality of ventilation holes. Optionally, the encasementincludes thermal insulation.

In some embodiments, the encasementand/or the tabletopdefines aperturesconfigured to receive the hose. Optionally, the aperturesare strategically placed to align with outlet valve(s)on the smoking apparatus. In some embodiments, the aperturesare positioned on the topof the encasement. For example, and without being bound by theory, in embodiments where the tabletopis contiguous with the topof the encasement, the aperturesmay be positioned in the topof the encasement. In other embodiments, the aperturesare positioned on one or more sides of the encasement. In some embodiments, the aperturesare positioned on one or more sides of the encasementand on the tabletop. In other embodiments, the apertures are positioned on both the topof the encasementand/or tabletopand the side(s) of the encasement. In some embodiments, the one or more hosesare coupled to the smoking apparatusand threaded through the one or more aperturesin the tabletopand/or the encasement.

The present disclosure also relates to methods of using the smoking apparatus. Referring jointly to, in some embodiments, a substance packis prepared by placing a smokable substance in the substance containerand a burnable material is placed in the tray. Optionally, the trayis coupled to the substance container. In some embodiments, the deformable portionof the trayrests on the smokable substance. Optionally, a user inserts the substance packin to the substance spaceof the smoke boxand inserts the smoke boxinto the housing. In some embodiments, the burnable material is ignited by the ignition system, In some embodiments, the heat from the burnable material is transferred to the tray, thereby heating the smokable substance, and producing smoke.

In some embodiments, the hoseis coupled to the outlet valve, thereby activating the pump, as described above. Optionally, the pumpgenerates a pressure differential between the smoke boxand the fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, smoke flows from the smokebox via the outlet into the conduit of the stem. The smoke moves from the conduit of the steminto the fluid reservoir, thereby cooling and filtering the smoke. Optionally, the smoke moves from the fluid reservoirand into the smoke chamber.

In some embodiments, the second pump generates a pressure differential between the smoke chamberand the hose, thereby allowing smoke to pass from the smoke chamberinto the hose. Optionally, a user inhales the smoke from the mouthpieceof the hose.