WO2022074387A1

WO2022074387A1 - A shisha foil piercing device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2022074387A1
Application number: PCT/GB2021/052582
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sardar Ahmed OMAR
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-07
Filing date: 2021-10-07
Publication date: 2022-04-14
Anticipated expiration: 2023-04-07
Also published as: GB202015915D0; GB2599899A

Abstract

A shisha foil piercing device comprising: a first arm connected to a second arm, the first arm and the second arm movable with respect to each other between an open position and a closed position; wherein the first arm comprises a plurality of piercing protrusions.

Description

A SHISHA FOIL PIERCING DEVICE AND METHOD

The present invention relates to a shisha foil puncturing device and a method for simultaneous puncturing of holes in a shisha foil, and is concerned particularly, though not exclusively, with a device to create a predetermined array of holes in a shisha foil in a quick, safe and comfortable manner.

BACKGROUND

When setting up a shisha pipe or Hooka, a bowl is attached to the pipe. Shisha is then placed in the bowl and foil is place over the top of the bowl. The foil is secured to the bowl by pressing the edges of the foil around the stem of the bowl. Holes are then punctured into the foil such that air can be drawn into the bowl and through the pipe. The foil may be punctured using a needle-like tool or a toothpick. This can be laborious since a plurality of holes is required. Furthermore, the foil is delicate and can rip upon puncturing the foil. Yet further, the force of puncturing holes into the top of the foil can push the foil into the bowl. All of these issues can lead to an undesirable shisha experience and lead to variation in the quantity of air flow produced in the final constructed shisha pipe. This is especially undesirable in the commercial shisha industries, for example, in shisha cafes, where shisha pipes are being continually set up for customers to use.

It is an object of the invention to try and mitigate some of these issues with shisha pipe set up.

Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a device for creating a plurality of holes in shisha pipe foil in a faster, safer and more reliable way than some known techniques.

The present invention is defined in the attached independent Claims, to which reference should now be made. Further, preferred features may be found in the sub-Claims appended thereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shisha foil piercing device comprising: a first arm connected to a second arm, the first arm and the second arm movable with respect to each other between an open position and a closed position; wherein the first arm comprises a plurality of piercing protrusions. Thus, the foil is placed in the device when the device is in the open position and the device is brought to the closed position such that the plurality of protrusions puncture the foil simultaneously to quickly, easily and reliable produce multiple holes in the shisha foil.

The protrusions may abut the second arm when the device is in the closed position.

The first arm and the second arm may be resiliently biased into the open position. Thus, the device springs apart when a user is not pressing the arms of the device together.

A third arm may be connected between the first arm and the second arm and may be movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the first arm, wherein the third arm comprises apertures configured to receive the piercing protrusions.

The apertures in the third arm may be aligned with the piercing protrusions in the first arm such that when the device is moved from the open position to the closed position, the protrusions protrude through the apertures.

The second arm may comprise indents configured to receive the piercing protrusions.

The piercing protrusions in the first arm and the apertures in the third arm may be aligned with the indents in the second arm such that when the device is moved from the open position to the closed position, the protrusions protrude through the apertures and into the indents.

The third arm may be resiliently biased towards the open position with respect to the first arm.

The device may be made from a flexible plastic and wherein the resilient bias of the first arm, the second arm and the third arm is derived from the elasticity of the plastic.

The first arm, the second arm and the third arm may have a handle part and a plate part. When the device is in the open position, the plate part of the first arm, the plate part of the second arm and the plate part of the third arm may be configured to be spaced apart.

The device may further comprise ergonomic features for at least one of a user’s palm, fingers, and thumb.

At least two of the first arm, the second arm and the third arm may be formed from separate parts.

The first arm, the second arm and the third arm may be integrally formed.

The first arm may bifurcate into a first subsidiary arm and a second subsidiary arm, the second subsidiary arm forming the third arm.

The device may be configured such that on releasing the device, the resiliently biased third arm springs away from the first arm causing the protrusions to retreat into the apertures. This has the effect that the sharp tips of the needles remain nestled in the apertures. A user will therefore be protected from the sharp needle tips making the device safer to use. Furthermore, this feature has the benefit that the foil braces against a lower face of the third plate to aid retraction of the protrusions from the foil.

The invention also includes a method of simultaneously piercing holes in a shisha foil, the method comprising: positioning a shisha foil between a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm comprises a plurality of protrusions; moving the first arm and the second arm from an open position to a closed position such that the foil is sandwiched between the first arm and the second arm and such that the protrusions engage with the foil to create multiple holes in the foil; moving the first arm and the second arm from the closed position to the open position; and removing the foil from the device.

Moving the first arm and the second arm from the open position to the closed position may comprise pressing the first arm and the second arm together. Moving the first arm and the second arm from the closed position to the open position may comprise releasing the first arm and the second arm such that the first arm and the second arm spring apart.

The invention further includes method of manufacturing a shisha foil piercing device, comprising: providing a first arm, the first arm comprising protrusions, a first part of a first connection means and a first part of a second connection means; providing a third arm, the third arm comprising a second part of the first connection means; connecting the first arm and the third arm together via the first connection means; providing a second arm with a second part of the second connection means; and connecting the first arm and the second arm together via the second connection means.

The method of manufacturing may further comprise applying an adhesive before connection of at least one of the first arm with the second arm or the third arm.

The invention may include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein, except such a combination of features as are mutually exclusive, or mutually inconsistent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:

Fig.1 is an exploded view of a device according to an example of the present invention;

Fig.2 is an isometric view of the device in an open position;

Fig.3 is a side on view of the device in an intermediate position;

Fig.4 is a side on view of the device in a closed position;

Fig.5 is a side on view of a device according to another example of the present invention;

Fig.6 is a side on view of a device according the other example of the present invention in parts;

Fig.7a is a segment of a first arm of the device to show engagement features;

Fig.7b is a segment of a third arm of the device to show engagement features;

Fig.8a is an example pin;

Fig.8b is another example pin; Fig.9 is an aerial view of the device in use; and

Fig.10 is an aerial view of a sheet of foil with a pattern of holes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a device 100 for simultaneous puncturing of multiple holes in a foil sheet prior to the foil sheet being used with a Hooka or shisha pipe. The device 100 has a first arm 102, the first arm 102 being an upper arm and has an upper plate part (first plate) 110. The first plate 110 of the first arm 102 comprises a plurality of protrusions 124. The plurality of protrusions 124 are distributed on a lower surface of the first plate 110 in a predetermined pattern.

The second arm 104 is a lower arm and has a lower plate part (second plate) 114. The second plate 114 has a plurality of indents 120 in an upper surface of the second plate 114. These indents 120 are complementary to the protrusions 124 in the first plate 110 such that when the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 are pressed together, the protrusions align and sit within their corresponding indents 120.

The first arm 102 bifurcates into a first subsidiary arm 106 and a second subsidiary arm 108 to give rise to a third arm 108. The first subsidiary arm 106 comprising the first plate 110. The third arm 108 also has a plate part 112 and is situated between the first plate 110 of the first subsidiary arm 106 and the second plate 114 of the second arm 104. The third plate 112 comprises a plurality of holes 122 which are complementary to the plurality of protrusions 124 and complement to the plurality of indents 120 such that when the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 are pressed to together, each protrusion extends through its corresponding hole in the third plate before abutting its complimentary indent.

Figure 2 shows the device 100 in an open position. In the open position, the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 are released such that they spring apart.

Figure 3 shows the device 100 in an intermediate position. In the intermediate position, the first subsidiary arm 106 and the second subsidiary (third) arm are allowed to spring away from each other but the second subsidiary arm (third arm) 108 and the second arm 104 are still pressed together. This has the effect that the protrusions 124 are removed from the indents in the second plate 114 of the second arm 104 and are removed from the space between the second plate 114 and the third plate 112.

The device 100 is retained in the intermediate position by squeezing the first arm 102 and second arm 104 together whilst releasing the first subsidiary arm 106 such that the first subsidiary arm 106 springs apart from the second subsidiary arm (third arm) 108. The first subsidiary arm 106 and the second subsidiary arm 108 spring apart as a result of the elastically deformable properties of the material from which the device 100 is fabricated. Preferably the device 100 is made from an elastically deformable plastic. The device 100 can be manufactured by injection moulding wherein the main structure of the device 100 is integrally formed from a single piece of plastic.

With reference to figure 4, the device 100 is in the closed position. In the closed position, the first arm 102, the second arm 104 and the third arm 108 are pressed together. In the closed position the protrusions 124 in the first plate 110 extend through the apertures 122 in the third plate 112 and the tips of the protrusions 124 are received by the indents 120 in the second plate 114, wherein the end the protrusions 124 abut the base of each of their respective indents 120. The device 100 is retained in the closed position by squeezing the first arm 102 and second arm 104 together and by pressing the first subsidiary arm 106 against the second arm 104.

In use, starting with the device 100 in the open position, a piece of foil is placed in the device 100 between the second plate 114 and the third plate 112. Pressing the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 together such that the device 100 is in the intermediate position clamps the foil in the device 100. The protrusions 124 have not engaged with the foil at this stage and the foil is still unaltered. Thus, the user can reposition the foil with respect to the device 100 until the foil is in the desired location. The first subsidiary arm 106 is then pressed down against the second arm 104 moving the device 100 from the intermediate position into the closed position. Moving from the intermediate position to the closed position pushes the protrusions 124 through the apertures, through the foil and into the indents 120 in the second plate 114. Figure 4 shows the protrusions extending from the lower face of the first plate 110 through the holes 122 in the third plate 112, through a sheet of foil 136 and into the indents 120 in the second plate 114. To remove the punctured foil from the device, the device 100 is then moved from the closed position to the intermediate position. This extracts the protrusions 124 from the foil 136. The foil 136 will be braced against a foil facing surface 116 of the third plate 112 when the protrusions 124 are extract from the foil and retracted into their respective apertures 122. This prevents the foil ripping or tearing on removal of the protrusions 124. The resting state of the first subsidiary arm 106 with respect to the second subsidiary arm 108 is such that when the device 100 is in the intermediate position, the first subsidiary arm 106 is spaced apart from the second subsidiary arm 108 at a distance such that the protrusions 124 retract beyond the foil facing surface 116 of the third plate 112. The foil 136 is then protected from the protrusion when the device 100 is in the intermediate position. In the intermediate position the foil is still held in the device 100 between the second plate 114 and the third plate 112. Opening the device 100 by removing the pressure of squeezing the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 together releases the foil 136 from the device 100. The resulting product of the device 100 is a shisha pipe foil with a regular array of holes 122 in a predetermined pattern. Each holed shisha foil that is created from the device 100 is uniform ensuring a quality control between foils. Since the hole size, number of holes and hole pattern is the same for each foil holed using the device 100, each shisha foil will produce substantially the same airflow and heat release for a consistent shisha pipe experience.

The protrusions 124 are arranged in a circular array. The diameter of the circular array is comparable to the diameter of a shisha bowl for the foil to be used with. This provides the shisha bowl with a good coverage of distributed holes 122 in the foil covering the bowl. This leads to an even air flow into the shisha pipe.

The device 100 has ergonomic reliefs where a user’s hand would contact the device 100. This provides comfort and also serves as an indicator where the user should position their hands. In some examples, the ergonomic reliefs are made out of rubber for increases comfort and to improve grip when using the device 100. The ergonomic reliefs comprises a first ergonomic relief 130 located on the second arm 104 for contact with the user’s palm, a second ergonomic relief 128 located on the first arm 102 for contact with the base of a user’s thumb, and a third ergonomic relief 132 located on the first subsidiary arm 106 for contact with the top of a user’s thumb. The ergonomic reliefs may be a different colour to the rest of the device to indicate to the user where to position their hand to operate the device. Squeezing the hand together when the user’s hand is in contact with the first ergonomic relief 130 and the second ergonomic relief 128 clamps the third plate 112 to the second plate 114. Pressing the thumb down on the third ergonomic relief 132 clamps the first plate to the third plate 112, pushing the protrusions 124 through their respective apertures 122 and into their respective indents 120.

Since, when the device 100 is in the resting state, the tips of the protrusions 124 are nestled in their respective apertures, a user is protected from the protrusions 124.

The first plate 110, the second plate 114 and the third plate 112 all have a circular cross section in the length-wise plane. The diameter of the circular cross section is substantially similar to the diameter of a shisha bowl that the holed foil is to cover. The first plate 110, therefore, provides a surface of appropriate proportions for the distribution of an array of protrusions 124 such that when the device 100 is used to create a plurality of holes in the foil, the size and shape of the array of holes is suitable for the foil to be used with a shisha bowl and the air flow is a predetermined amount.

In an example of the present invention as shown in figure 1, the protrusions 124 are made of metal and are needle-like. The needle-like protrusions emanate from a metal plate 126 wherein the metal plate 126 is adhered to a lower face of the first plate 110. In another example of the present invention, the protrusions 124 are made of plastic and may be integrally formed with the device 100.

Figure 5 is a side on view of a device 200 according to another example of the present invention. In this example, instead of the first arm bifurcating to create the third arm, a separate third arm 206 is connected to a first arm 202 by connection means. The connection means comprise complementary projections 244a and notches 244b and, additionally, adhesive. Arms 204 and 202 in device 200 are made in separate part (i.e. are not integrally formed) and are connected together via connection means 246. Connections means 246 comprise complementary projections 246a and notches 246b and, additionally, adhesive. The first arm 202 has a first plate 210, the second arm 204 has a second plate 214 and the third arm 206 has a third plate 212. The first arm 202, the second arm 204 and the third arm 206 can be made from separate parts and constructed together to make the final device 200, for example, each part: the first arm 202, the second arm 204 and the third arm 206 can be made by injection moulding. The third plate 212 comprises apertures 222 in the form of slits. The size and shape of the apertures is shown in the device 200 of figure 5 as slits and in the device 100 of figure 2 as apertures, however, the apertures in figure 1 could equally be slits and the apertures in figure 5 could be holes. The apertures 122, 222 can be any shape and size so long as they perform the function of allowing the protrusion to protrude through the third plate without compromising the ability of the foil facing surface of the third plate from being able to brace against the foil to remove the protrusions from the foil. The protrusion 224 are plastic and are integrally formed with the first arm 202. A outside surface of the second arm 204 is shaped to include an indent 232. The indent 232 is to accommodate a user’s digits to facilitate use of the device 200.

When the device 100 or 200 is in the open position, the plate of the first arm and the plate of the second arm may be spaced apart. Preferably, the spacing is between 1cm to 10cm.

Figure 6 is a side on view of a device according the other example of the present invention in parts. Figure 6 shows how the first arm 202 with integral protrusions 224, the second arm 204 and the third arm 206 can be made as separate pieces before being fit together to produce the final device 200. To construct device 200 from the separate pieces, the third arm 206 is aligned with the first arm 202 and the projections 244a in the third arm 206 are slotted into notches 244b in the first arm. Adhesive can be applied prior to this step to ensure a strong connection. Then, the second arm 204 is aligned with the first arm and the projections 246a are slotted into notches 246b. Again, adhesive can be applied prior to this step to ensure a strong connection.

Figure 7a is a segment of a first arm of the device to show engagement features to connect the first arm and the third arm. Figure 7b is a segment of a third arm of the device to show engagement features. In particular, figures 7a and 7b show that there are two rows of engagement features. Engagement features in 7a being the projections 244a on an upper surface of the third arm 206 and engagement feature in 7b being the notches 244b on a lower surface of the first arm 202. In the example of figure 7, there are two rows of three projections and two rows of three complementary notches. Figure 8a is an example protrusion in the plurality of protrusions to pierce the sheet of foil. Figure 8b is another example protrusion in the plurality of protrusions to pierce the sheet of foil. Figure 9 shows the device being used. The user holds the device in one hand 138 and inserts the foil 136 into the device with the other hand 140.

Figure 10 show an example of a resulting sheet of foil 136 that the device has been operated on. The sheet of foil has a pattern of holes 142 that have been created simultaneously by the device 100. The pattern and number of holes in the sheet of foil in figure 6 is illustrative. The number of holes may be any number between 10 and 50 and can be in a variety of patterns to achieve the desired air flow through the shisha pipe.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features referred to herein, and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A shisha foil piercing device comprising: a first arm connected to a second arm, the first arm and the second arm movable with respect to each other between an open position and a closed position; wherein the first arm comprises a plurality of piercing protrusions.

2. The device of Claim 1, wherein the protrusions abut the second arm when the device is in the closed position.

3. The device of Claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first arm and the second arm are resiliently biased into the open position.

4. The device of any of Claims 1 to 3, further comprising a third arm connected between the first arm and the second arm movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the first arm, wherein the third arm comprises apertures configured to receive the piercing protrusions.

5. The device of Claim 4, wherein the apertures in the third arm are aligned with the piercing protrusions in the first arm such that when the device is moved from the open position to the closed position, the protrusions protrude through the apertures.

6. The device of any preceding Claim, wherein the second arm comprises indents configured to receive the piercing protrusions.

7. The device of Claim 6, wherein the piercing protrusions in the first arm and the apertures in the third arm are aligned with the indents in the second arm such that when the device is moved from the open position to the closed position, the protrusions protrude through the apertures and into the indents.

8. The device of any of Claims 4 to 7, wherein the third arm is resiliently biased towards the open position with respect to the first arm.

9. The device of any preceding Claim, wherein the device is made from a flexible plastic and wherein the resilient bias of the first arm, the second arm and the third arm is derived from the elasticity of the plastic.

10. The device of any of Claims 4 to 9, wherein the first arm, the second arm and the third arm have a handle part and a plate part.

11. The device of any of Claims 4 to 10, wherein when the device is in the open position, the plate part of the first arm, the plate part of the second arm and the plate part of the third arm are configured to be spaced apart.

12. The device of any preceding Claim, further comprising ergonomic features for at least one of a user’s palm, fingers, and thumb.

13. The device of any of Claims 4 to 12, wherein at least two of the first arm, the second arm and the third arm are formed from separate parts.

14. The device of any of Claims 4 to 12, wherein the first arm, the second arm and the third arm are integrally formed.

15. The device of any of Claims 4 to 14, wherein the first arm bifurcates into a first subsidiary arm and a second subsidiary arm, the second subsidiary arm forming the third arm.

16. The device of any of Claims 4 to 15, wherein the device is configured such that on releasing the device, the resiliently biased third arm springs away from the first arm causing the protrusions to retreat into the apertures.

17. A method of simultaneously piercing holes in a shisha foil, the method comprising: positioning a shisha foil between a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm comprises a plurality of protrusions; moving the first arm and the second arm from an open position to a closed position such that the foil is sandwiched between the first arm and the second arm and such that the protrusions engages with the foil to create multiple holes in the foil; moving the first arm and the second arm from the closed position to the open position; and removing the foil from the device.

18. The method of Claim 17, wherein moving the first arm and the second arm from the open position to the closed position comprises pressing the first arm and the second arm together.

19. The method of Claim 17 or 18, wherein moving the first arm and the second arm from the closed position to the open position comprises releasing the first arm and the second arm such that the first arm and the second arm spring apart.

20. A method of manufacturing a shisha foil piercing device, comprising: providing a first arm comprising protrusions, a first part of a first connection means and a first part of a second connection means; providing a third arm comprising a second part of the first connection means; connecting the first arm and the third arm together via the first connection means; providing a second arm with a second part of the second connection means; and connecting the first arm and the second arm together via the second connection means.

21. A method of manufacturing according to claim 20, further comprising: applying an adhesive before connection of at least one of the first arm with the second arm or the third arm.