Sheesha smoking tube

Abstract

A Sheesha smoking tube assembly includes a unitary, one-piece structure, making a Sheesha smoking apparatus easier to clean, less susceptible to damage and more hygienic. The single smoking tube assembly includes a flexible tube, mouthpiece and connector made through a single forming process that uses die blocks. Soft seals prevent leaking between the tube and the Sheesha body. The flexible tube, mouthpiece and connector may be discarded after each use.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 523,627, filed on Nov. 19, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference and to which priority is claimed pursuant to 35 USC 119.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention pertains generally to smoking devices. More particularly, the present invention pertains to smoking tubes for flavored tobacco. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a Sheesha smoking tube. [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art and Related Information [0005] The use of a Sheesha, also known as a “Hubbly Bubbly,” is well known in certain parts of the world and is growing in popularity. Hookah smoking is preferred by many over smoking cigarettes and cigars because of the flavorful and cool taste of the smoke. A Sheesha is generally partaken following a meal in a restaurant and is considered a relaxing medium to finish off t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] In one aspect, a smoking apparatus is provided. Generally, the smoking apparatus presents a novel replacement for a conventional smoking tube assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the smoking tube assembly comprises a single integral structure whereas conventional systems are made of multiple components composed of different materials. The smoking tube assembly replaces the mouthpiece and tube, the two items that are most difficult to clean and most prone to damage, with a highly economic, hygienic, single integral unit that comprises a flexible tube, mouthpiece and a connector made through a single forming process. The smoking tube assembly connector is coupled to the smoking apparatus via a nozzle on the smoking apparatus. The smoking apparatus includes a water bath, tobacco flask and a protective cover. The water bath is filled with water so that the tube is submerged in the water to a depth of approximately 50-75 mm. Hot coals are placed in the top of the tobacco flask and lumps of flavored tobacco are placed on top of the coals. When the connector is inserted into an outlet nozzle of the body a soft seal prevents leakage of air between the connector and the nozzle.

[0010] In a second preferred embodiment, the smoking tube assembly comprises a mouthpiece, pipe holder, smoking tube and a first and second bushing. The first bushing connects and seals the mouthpiece to the smoking tube. A second bushing seals the smoking tube connector to a nozzle on the smoking apparatus. The connector is then held in place by a soft seal, which prevents leakage of air and smoke between the smoking apparatus and the smoking tube assembly.

[0011] A manufacturing process for the Sheesha smoking unit comprises a corrugated tube section, connector and mouthpiece made from a single piece of special thermoplastic polymeric material. In a preferred, embodiment, the Sheesha smoking tube is extruded by using a set of preferably 60 sizing die blocks. A set of preferably 60 segments produces two lengths of Sheesha pipe. The method allows for sufficient cooling time for the molten thermoplastic polymeric to attain the desired shape. The method is achieved by extrusion of the special thermoplastic polymeric using a rotary screw extruder and a die-head. A semi fluid tube that comes out of the die-head is then fed through the corrugator comprising preferably 60 sets of corrugating segments. Each set of the corrugating segments is preferably 50 mm wide. At the same time, chilled compressed air is blown through the tube which serves to blow up soft molten thermoplastic polymeric tube into the grooved profile of the corrugating segment and gives the corrugated shape and the air rapidly cools down the tube. By the time the tube comes out of the corrugator, it has achieved the desired shape. An in-line guillotine cutter then cuts it at a specified point and length of preferably 1.5 meters, thus giving its final shape and size. These cut lengths are then rolled into a coil and packed in hygienically sealed plastic bags ready for dispatch to the market.

[0012] A hot molten tube of thermoplastic polymeric material is produced out of the die head. This material is then fed into a corrugation machine, which then forms the basic shape of the smoking tube. During this process, air is blown into the hot thermoplastic polymeric material tube. This blown air then assists in achieving the final desired shape of the complete smoking tube, including the mouthpiece and connector all in one unit.

Problems solved by technology

Due to the complex nature of a Sheesha's construction and the number of customers requiring their use, the same Sheesha unit may need to be used several times by different people in an individual sitting, making a conventional Sheesha very unsanitary.

Certain components like the conventional mouthpiece and flexible tube to the Sheesha body often get frayed and damaged.

Furthermore, the conventional tube is gradually attacked and degraded each time it is cleaned such that it has to be changed and discarded on a semi regular basis, or as sometimes happens, the tube may not be regularly cleaned between users, making conventional Sheesha smoking very unhygienic.

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