Abstract:
This invention generally relates to a smoking device that users a laser diode to light a smokable material that is stored within the smoking device. The smoking device is preferably a portable device that allows for insertion of a smokable material, and which ignites the smokable material using a battery-powered laser diode. The smoking device includes a coupling interface that requires all housing components to be secured prior to activation of the laser diode, thereby preventing the surrounding environment from exposure to laser beams and laser radiation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 61/313,408, filed on Mar. 12, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention generally relates to systems and methods for providing a laser-based lighting system for smokable material, and more specifically, to a portable device for lighting and smoking tobacco products. 
       DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
       [0003]    Traditional cigarettes are consumed by lighting an end of a tobacco-filled paper rod and drawing air predominately through the lit end of the rod by suction at a mouthpiece end of the cigarette. Furthermore, traditional smoking pipes are consumed by filling an open-air bowl with tobacco, and directly lighting the tobacco with a flame. Traditional cigarettes and smoking pipes produce sidestream smoke during smoldering between puffs, which can irritate and annoy non-smokers that may be in the vicinity of a smoker. Furthermore, once lit, traditional cigarettes and smoking pipes must be fully consumed or be discarded. Re-lighting is possible, however, this is usually an undesirable option to many smokers as the flavor, taste, and odor quality may be reduced after re-lighting a used cigarette or a bowl of tobacco in a smoking pipe. 
         [0004]    Additionally, lighters, especially those which are portable and intended to be carried in a pocket or purse, generally comprise a container or reservoir for fuel, and a nozzle or wick in communication with the reservoir and an igniter for producing a flame. Such lighters must be filled periodically, or, as is more common, discarded when the fuel supply is exhausted. Inasmuch as a supply of replenishing fuel is usually not available, the lighter becomes useless upon exhaustion of the fuel. The fuel itself is usually a liquefied gas or a flammable liquid which often has an unpleasant odor, and it is not uncommon that the fuel will leak out of the reservoir over a period of time, which, especially in the case of flammable liquid fuel, can present a safety hazard, as does the use of an open flame. Lighters relying upon a flame are difficult to use in windy conditions, and the art is replete with devices for rendering the lighter at least partially windproof. 
         [0005]    Thus, there exists a need for a system and method for providing a laser-based lighting system for smokable material that overcomes the aforementioned challenges. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In an embodiment, this invention relates to a portable smoking device, comprising: a base; a mouthpiece attached to the base via a connection means; a laser diode located within the base; a power source coupled to the laser diode; and a chamber configured to hold a smokable material. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, this invention relates to an ignition device for smokable material, comprising: a base containing a laser diode and a power supply; a mouthpiece attached to the base; a chamber coupled to the base, the chamber configured to hold a smokable material; and an ignition switch, wherein the laser diode is configured to emit a laser beam towards the chamber upon activation of the ignition switch. 
         [0008]    In yet another embodiment, this invention relates to a modular smoking device, comprising: a base; a mouthpiece; a chamber configured to be positioned between the base and the mouthpiece, the chamber further configured to hold a smokable material; and an ignition source located adjacent to the chamber. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    These and other embodiments of this invention will be discussed with reference to the following exemplary and non-limiting illustrations, in which like elements are numbered similarly, and wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a view of a modular laser-based smoking device according to an embodiment of this invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a modular laser-based smoking device according to an embodiment of this invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an exploded internal view of a modular laser-based smoking device according to an embodiment of this invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a modular laser-based smoking device having a magnetic coupling interface; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a view of a coupling interface with a recessed switch; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a view of a coupling interface with a  1 -Wire mechanism; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a view of a unitary laser-based smoking device according to an embodiment of this invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a view of a unitary laser-based smoking device with a retracted chamber; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a view of an extended mouthpiece attached to a unitary laser-based smoking device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    Before the present method and hardware enablement are described, it is to be understood that this invention in not limited to the particular methodologies, and hardware described, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a view of a modular laser-based smoking device according to an embodiment of this invention. The smoking device  100  includes a mouthpiece  102 , a base  104 , an indicator  108 , and a switch  112 . The mouthpiece  102  and the base  104  are threadably connected to one another at a coupling interface  106 . In an embodiment, the mouthpiece  102  and the base  104  can be connected by any attachment means, including, but not limited to, a push- or snap-on mechanism. The base  104  can contain various electronic circuitry, such as a power source, laser diode, and a microcontroller, which are described in more detail below. The smoking device  100  is portable. In an embodiment, the smoking device  100  is hand-held, so that the smoking device  102  is compact enough to fit in a user&#39;s pocket or held within the palm of their hand, similar to a traditional cigarette lighter. In another embodiment, the smoking device  102  is a table-top or vehicle-mountable device. 
         [0021]    In an embodiment, the switch  112  is mounted on a tailcap  110  that is removably attached to the base  104 . The switch  112  can be any type of button, knob, lever, rotary dial, touch-sensitive mechanism, screw-type switch, or slide control that can be used to toggle activation of the smoking device  100 . In another embodiment, the switch  112  is coupled to another portion of the base  104 , such as a lateral side of the base  104 , or alternatively, the switch  112  can be coupled to the mouthpiece  102 . In an embodiment, the switch  112  is recessed within the tailcap  110  or the base  104 . 
         [0022]    In another embodiment, a safety mechanism, such as a safety switch or button is coupled to the circuitry, the power supply, and/or the laser diode. The safety mechanism may require that the user input a code or sequence to unlock the smoking device  100  for use. 
         [0023]    In yet another embodiment, the smoking device  100  contains a transceiver, such as a short-range transceiver that uses the Bluetooth, RFID, or Zigbee communication protocol. The switch is a remote switch that is separate from the smoking device  100 , and which can wirelessly communicate with the transceiver, and activate the smoking device  100 . In this embodiment, the smoking device  100  can be in the user&#39;s mouth or hand, and the switch can be, for example, in the user&#39;s pocket. 
         [0024]    The smoking device  100  includes an indicator  108  that emits a light output when the laser diode is active and/or when the switch  112  is activated. In an embodiment, the indicator  108  contains at least one light-emitting diode (LED) that blinks or flashes upon engagement of the switch  112 . In another embodiment, the indicator  108  is a LED strip or band that encircles or circumscribes the base  104 . In yet another embodiment, the indicator includes a speaker capable of emitting an audible sound, such as a beep, tone, or melody. The indicator  108  can be coupled to any portion of the base  104 , mouthpiece  102 , or switch  112 . 
         [0025]    In another embodiment, the indicator  108  can illuminate to various color to indicate different operating conditions of the smoking device  100 , the laser diode, and/or the power supply. For example, a “red” LED can indicate that the smoking device is locked, and inoperable, a “blue” LED can indicate that the laser diode is active, and a “yellow” LED can indicate a low battery status. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a modular laser-based smoking device according to an embodiment of this invention. The mouthpiece  102  includes a connector  206  that is configured to mate with a connector  202  on the base  104 . In an embodiment, the connector  206  and connector  202  are threadably engaged with a screw-type action. However, the connector  206  and connector  202  can be any type of push- or snap-type connectors, and can include male and female interlocking portions, as described in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0027]    In an embodiment, a chamber  204  is located within the smoking device  100  when the base  104  and the mouthpiece  102  are connected together. The chamber  204  is configured to house any type of smokable material, such as tobacco. In an embodiment, the chamber  204  is made of glass, ceramic, or a combination thereof. The chamber  204  can also be made of any material or substance that is resistant to high heat. A molded ring, made from silicone, thermoplastic, polymer, or rubber, surrounds the chamber  204  and holds the chamber  204  in place within the coupling interface  106  when the base  104  and the mouthpiece  102  are secured together. The chamber  204  is replaceable and removable, so that it can be cleaned and sterilized after use. 
         [0028]    In an embodiment, the mouthpiece  102  is removable and replaceable, so that multiple users each with their own mouthpiece can share the same smoking device  100  in a healthy and sanitary way, i.e., without sharing the same mouthpiece. In yet another embodiment, the end of the mouthpiece can be fitted with a removable tip. Different users can each have a separate tip that is affixed to the end of the mouthpiece  102 , allowing the users to share the same smoking device  100 . In another embodiment, the base  104  is connected to an elongated pipe having a mouthpiece, such as those find in water pipes and hookah-smoking devices. In yet another embodiment, a removable cap  208  covers the mouthpiece  102  when the smoking device  100  is not in use. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is an exploded internal view of a modular laser-based smoking device according to an embodiment of this invention. In an embodiment, an airflow tube  304  is located within the mouthpiece  102 . The airflow tube  304  is connected to the chamber  204  at one end, and to a mouthpiece exit  310  at an opposite end. The airflow tube  304  can be in a coil, spiral, or zig-zag shape to increase the surface area that air must travel from the chamber  204  to the mouthpiece exit  310 . When air is released from the chamber  204 , it travels through the airflow tube  304  where it is cooled before exiting at the mouthpiece exit  310 . 
         [0030]    In an embodiment, the airflow tube  304  is made of glass, ceramic, or a combination thereof In another embodiment, the airflow tube  304  is made of a metal, thermoplastic, or polymer material. 
         [0031]    In another embodiment, the mouthpiece  102  can include an air filter, similar to filters found in traditional cigarettes. The air filter can reduce the amount of smoke, tar, and fine particles that are inhaled by the user during combustion of the smokable material. The air filter can also reduce the harshness of the smoke. 
         [0032]    In yet another embodiment, the mouthpiece  102  can include a pre-cooled liquid of gel surrounding the airflow tube  304  that assists in further cooling the smoke before it reaches the mouthpiece exit  310 . Alternatively, the mouthpiece  102  can include a compressed air canister that provides cooled air around the airflow tube  304 . The compressed air canister can be activated simultaneously with the laser diode upon engagement of the switch  112 . 
         [0033]    The base  104  is substantially hollow, and contains a laser diode  306 . The laser diode  306  can include a lens assembly to focus and direct the laser beam emitted from the laser diode  306 . The laser diode  306  can be a single laser diode or a laser diode array. The laser diode  306  can be any type of laser device, such as a gas laser, chemical laser, dye laser, metal-vapor laser, solid-state laser, or semiconductor laser. 
         [0034]    In an embodiment, the laser diode  306  also acts as a heat sink, drawing heat away from the base  104 , coupling interface  106  and the mouthpiece  102 . The heat sink properties of the laser diode  306  prevents the base  104  and the smoking device  100  from becoming hot to a user&#39;s touch, and allows for a safe operation and handling by a user. Alternatively, a separate heat sink can be provided within the base  104  and/or the mouthpiece  102 . 
         [0035]    In an embodiment, the laser diode  306  is not supplied power and/or is deactivated when the base  104  and the mouthpiece  102  are not securely connected together. Upon a secure connection between the base  104  and the mouthpiece  102 , a microcontroller allows the laser diode  306  to be activated upon engagement of the switch  112 . Thus, the smoking device  100  conforms to European IEC 60825-1 and CDRH Laser Notice 50 (Class 1) compliance standards, and the laser diode is capable of emission only when it is secured within the coupling interface  106 . 
         [0036]    In an embodiment, a battery  308  is located within the base  104 . The battery  308  can be inserted into the base  104  when the tail cap  110  is removed from the end of the base  104 . The battery  308  can be any type of battery, including, but not limited to, alkaline, lithium, nickel cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, and lion. In another embodiment, the smoking device  100  includes a solar cell on the exterior of the base  104  or the mouthpiece  102 . The solar cell provides renewable power to an internal power source housed within the smoking device  100 . 
         [0037]    In another embodiment, the power source can be permanently affixed within the base  104 . The power source can be charged with a connection to an external power supply, such as a wall outlet or car power outlet. The base  104  can be compatible with different types of adapters, such as standard wall plug adapters, car power outlet adapters, and wireless charging adapters. The base  104  can include an interface, such as a USB connection, that allows an external power supply to be coupled to the power source. 
         [0038]    In an embodiment, the tail cap  110  and switch  112  are removably coupled to the base  104 . The tail cap  110  and/or switch  112  can be threadably connected to a connector  302  coupled to the base  104 . Alternatively, the tail cap  110  and/or switch  112  can be connected to the base  104  or mouthpiece  102  by any attachment means, including, but not limited to, a push- or snap-on mechanism. 
         [0039]    In yet another embodiment, the switch  112  can be illuminated, and can serve as an indicator. For example, upon depression, the switch  112  can be illuminated to indicate that the laser diode is active. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a modular laser-based smoking device having a magnetic coupling interface. In this embodiment, the base  102  includes a sensor  402  responsive to a magnetic field, such Hall effect sensor or a magnetic reed switch. The mouthpiece  102  includes a high strength magnet  404 . Upon screwing, or otherwise securing, the mouthpiece  102  to the base  104 , the sensor  402  physically contacts the magnet  404 , and the sensor  402  is exposed to a magnetic field produced by magnet  404 . Upon exposure to the magnetic field, the sensor  402  emits a voltage or signal to a microprocessor that indicates that the mouthpiece  102  and the base  104  are secured together. The microprocessor can then enable or supply power to the laser diode and/or smoking device. 
         [0041]    In an embodiment, the sensor  402  emits a signal to the microprocessor only when the sensor  402  is in physical contact with the magnet  404 . In another embodiment, the sensor  402  can emit a signal to the microprocessor when the sensor  402  is in proximal contact with the magnet  404 . While the magnet  404  and the sensor  402  are not in physical or proximal contact, the laser diode is inactive and not supplied power, thus preventing accidental activation while the laser diode is exposed to the environment. The sensor  402  and the magnet  404  can be mounted within the mouthpiece  102  and the base  104 , respectively, or the sensor  402  and the magnet  404  can be face mounted to their respective housings. In another embodiment, the sensor  402  can be coupled to the mouthpiece  102 , and the magnet  404  can be coupled to the base  104 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 5  is a view of a coupling interface with a recessed switch. The coupling interface  106  includes a switch  502  recessed within the base  104 . The switch  520  can be a microswitch, relay switch, or other suitable mechanism that is compact enough to fit within the base  104 . The switch  502  is activated when a male prong  506  on the mouthpiece  102  enters a female recess  508  on the base  104 . The female recess  508  includes a spring-loaded pin  504 . When the male prong  506  contacts the pin  504 , the pin  504  is depressed and activates the switch  502 . Upon activation by the pin  504 , the switch  502  emits a voltage or signal to a microprocessor that indicates that the mouthpiece  102  and the base  104  are secured together. The microprocessor can then enable or supply power to the laser diode  308  and/or smoking device. In an embodiment, the pin  504  can be coupled to the male prong  506 , instead of being coupled within the female recess  508 . 
         [0043]    In an embodiment, the male prongs  506  and  510  can be insulated, thereby causing electrical shorting when the male prongs  506  and  510  are fully seated within the female recesses  508  and  512 , respectively. 
         [0044]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , only one switch  502  and pin  504  combination is shown. However, another switch and pin combination (not shown) can be placed adjacent to female recess  512 . The microprocessor can require that both switches are activated prior to the laser diode and/or the smoking device becoming enabled. This ensures that both the male prongs  506  and  510  are fully seated within their respective female recesses  508  and  512  prior to activation of the laser diode. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  is a view of a coupling interface with a 1-Wire mechanism. 1-Wire is a device communications bus system designed by Dallas Semiconductor Corporation that provides low-speed data, signaling, and power over a single signal. In an embodiment, the mouthpiece  102  consists of two separate metallic portions, a first side  602 , and a second side  604 . The mouthpiece  102  can be made of any electrically conductive material, such as aluminum or steel. The first side  602  and the second side  604  are electrically isolated from each other via an insulating material  600 . The insulating material  600  can be made of ceramic or any other non-conductive material capable of withstanding high-temperatures. A  1 -Wire integrated circuit  614  is coupled to both the first side  602  and the second side  604 . 
         [0046]    When the male prongs  606  and  608  of the mouthpiece  102  are fully seated in their respective female recesses  610  and  612  in the base  104  (also made from a metallic or conductive material), an electrical loop is created, whereby an electrical connection is made between the first side  602  and the second side  604  of the mouthpiece  102 . Upon completion of the electrical loop, the 1-Wire integrated circuit  614  transmits a signal to a microprocessor in the base  104 . The signal can be a unique serial or other value that identifies a particular user or a particular mouthpiece. The microprocessor can then enable or supply power to the laser diode  308  and/or smoking device. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  is a view of a unitary laser-based smoking device according to an embodiment of this invention. The smoking device  100  includes a base  702 , a retractable chamber  704 , a turning knob  706 , an ignition switch  708 , and a mouthpiece  710 . The chamber  704  is configured to house any type of smokable material, such as tobacco. In an embodiment, the chamber  704  is replaceable and removable, so that it can be cleaned and sterilized after use. The turning knob  706  can be rotated to retract and detract the chamber  704 , as described in more detail in  FIG. 8 . The base  702  can contain various electronic circuitry, such as a power source, laser diode, and a microcontroller. The smoking device  700  is portable. In an embodiment, the smoking device  700  is hand-held, and comparable in size to a traditional cigarette lighter. In another embodiment, the smoking device  700  is a table-top or vehicle-mountable device. The ignition switch  708  can be placed on any portion of the base  702 , such as on a lateral side as shown in  FIG. 7 , or on a top portion as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 8  is a view of a unitary laser-based smoking device with a retracted chamber. Upon rotation of the turning knob  706 , the chamber  704  swivels or pivots outwards, exposing an internal cavity  804  in the chamber  704 . After the internal cavity  804  is filled with a smokable material, the chamber  704  can be detracted into place, hiding the internal cavity  804  as seen in  FIG. 7 . In an embodiment, the retraction/detraction mechanisms of the chamber  704  can be activated via a push button or switch. Alternatively, the chamber  704  can be displaced by simply exerting force on the chamber  704 , such as with a finger. In another embodiment, the chamber  704  can be snapped or pulled out of the base  702 , either in a swivel motion or so that the chamber  704  is completely removed from the base  702 . In another embodiment, the chamber  704  is a drawer that can be slid in and out of a recess in the base  702 . In yet another embodiment, the chamber  704  is a cartridge that can be loaded into the base  702 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  is a view of an extended mouthpiece attached to a unitary laser-based smoking device. In an embodiment, an extended mouthpiece  902  can be coupled to the mouthpiece  710 . The extended mouthpiece  902  includes an airflow tube  904 . The airflow tube  904  is connected to the mouthpiece  710  at one end, and to the extended mouthpiece exit  906  at an opposite end. The airflow tube  904  can be in a coil, spiral, or zig-zag shape to increase the surface area that air must travel from the mouthpiece  710  to the mouthpiece exit  906 . When air is released from the mouthpiece  710 , it travels through the airflow tube  904  where it is cooled before exiting at the mouthpiece exit  906 . 
         [0050]    In an embodiment, the airflow tube  904  is made of glass, ceramic, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the airflow tube  904  is made of a metal, thermoplastic or polymer material. 
         [0051]    In another embodiment, the extended mouthpiece  902  can include an air filter  908 , similar to filters found in traditional cigarettes. The air filter  908  can reduce the amount of smoke, tar, and fine particles that are inhaled by the user during combustion of the smokable material. The air filter  908  can also reduce the harshness of the smoke. 
         [0052]    In yet another embodiment, the extended mouthpiece  902  can include a pre-cooled liquid of gel surrounding the airflow tube  904  that assists in further cooling the smoke before it reaches the mouthpiece exit  906 . Alternatively, the extended mouthpiece  902  can include a compressed air canister that provides cooled air around the airflow tube  904 . The compressed air canister can be activated simultaneously with the laser diode upon engagement of the switch  708 . 
         [0053]    While the principles of this invention have been illustrated in relation to the exemplary embodiments shown herein, the principles of this invention are not limited thereto and include any modification, variation or permutation thereof.