US20110186061A1 - Hookah spacer - Google Patents
Hookah spacer Download PDFInfo
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- US20110186061A1 US20110186061A1 US12/700,717 US70071710A US2011186061A1 US 20110186061 A1 US20110186061 A1 US 20110186061A1 US 70071710 A US70071710 A US 70071710A US 2011186061 A1 US2011186061 A1 US 2011186061A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- smoking material
- container
- capsule
- hookah
- panel
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- RBWHZHREPCGBAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N CC(C)=CCCCCC(CN)=C Chemical compound CC(C)=CCCCCC(CN)=C RBWHZHREPCGBAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F1/00—Tobacco pipes
- A24F1/32—Selection of materials for pipes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F1/00—Tobacco pipes
- A24F1/30—Hookahs
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
- A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
- A24D1/14—Tobacco cartridges for pipes
Definitions
- FIG. 14 is a sectional view illustrating the capsule of FIG. 13 prepared for use in a hookah.
- Central portion 186 covers interior 72 while standing over interior 72 between opposite sides of sidewalls 166 .
- Central portion 186 has an upper outwardly facing surface that is either flat or concave.
- central portion 186 is better able to support heat source 78 (hot coal) over interior 72 and over smoking material 26 .
- the hot coals are less likely to roll off of central portion 186 .
- central portion 186 is either sufficiently rigid and strong or is sufficiently supported by sidewall 166 so as to be sufficiently taught when supporting the coals of heat source 78 such that an underside of central portion 186 does not collapse or rest upon smoking material 26 .
- central portion 186 is configured such that the weight of heat source 78 does not cause central portion 186 to compress smoking material 26 . Because smoking material 26 is in an uncompressed state, having a greater surface area and having more access to airflow, smoking material 26 is more effectively and efficiently smoked.
- capsule 124 is placed upon bowl 30 with container 160 (shown in FIG. 2 ) resting inside Bowl 30 .
- portions 196 of extension 188 are bent and wrapped about the mouth 46 of bowl 30 .
- a heat source 78 such as hot coals, are placed upon central portion 86 / 186 of top 62 / 162 .
- air/smoke is inhaled through hose 38
- air is drawn through openings 90 / 190 and passes across smoking material 26 .
- Smoke from smoking material 26 is drawn through openings 70 / 170 into bowl 30 .
- the smoke is further drawn through passages 48 , through 232 and bubbled through liquid 54 in jar 36 .
- the smoke then passes through hose 38 where it is inhaled.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A thermally conductive panel spaces smoking material within a container from a top over the smoking material.
Description
- The present application claims priority under 35 USC Section 120 from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/323,453 filed on Nov. 25, 2008 by Saleh A. Saleh and entitled HOOKAH CAPSULE, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present application claims priority under 35 USC Section 120 from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/417,629 filed on Apr. 2, 2009 by Saleh A. Saleh and entitled HOOKAH SMOKING MATERIAL, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- Hookahs are utilized for smoking various smoking materials such as tobacco. Use of a hookah typically requires a person to manually handle and load a ceramic or fruit hookah bowl with the smoking material. After the bowl has been loaded with a smoking material, a separate piece of perforated tin foil or metal screen is placed above the smoking material and lit or hot coals are placed thereon. Smoke from the smoking material is bubbled through a liquid and is subsequently inhaled through one or more tubes.
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FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a hookah system according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a hookah capsule of the system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the hookah capsule ofFIG. 2 during perforation of an underside of the capsule. -
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view illustrating perforation of a top side of the capsule ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view illustrating positioning of the perforated capsule ofFIG. 2 over an example bowl of an example hookah. -
FIG. 6 of the top elevational view of the perforated capsule positioned within the bowl. -
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view illustrating extensions of the capsule wrapped about the bowl with a container of the capsule within the bowl. -
FIGS. 8-10 illustrate one example method for forming the capsule ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the hookah system ofFIG. 1 including an alternative hookah capsule. -
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the capsule ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the capsule ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 14 is a sectional view illustrating the capsule ofFIG. 13 prepared for use in a hookah. -
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the capsule ofFIG. 10 including a first spacer system according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the capsule ofFIG. 10 including a second spacer system according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the capsule ofFIG. 10 including a third spacer system according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the capsule ofFIG. 17 taken along line 18-18. -
FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the hookah system ofFIG. 1 with portions shown in section and prior to mounting of a capsule upon a hookah. -
FIG. 19A is a top plan view of a tube mounting portion of the hookah ofFIG. 19 without a perforater. -
FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the capsule ofFIG. 19 taken along line 20-20 ofFIG. 19 . -
FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the hookah ofFIG. 19 with the perforater and taken along line 21-21 ofFIG. 19 . -
FIG. 22 is a sectional view of another example embodiment of the capsule ofFIG. 19 . -
FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the hookah system ofFIG. 19 with portions shown in section and after mounting of the capsule upon the hookah. -
FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the hookah system ofFIG. 1 with portions shown in section and prior to mounting of a capsule upon a hookah. -
FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the capsule ofFIG. 24 taken along line 24-24 ofFIG. 24 . -
FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the hookah system ofFIG. 24 with portions shown in section and after mounting of the capsule upon the hookah. -
FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the hookah system ofFIG. 1 with portions shown in section and prior to mounting of a capsule upon a hookah. -
FIG. 27A is a top plan view of eight to mounting portion of the hookah ofFIG. 27 without a perforater. -
FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the capsule ofFIG. 27 taken along line 28-28 ofFIG. 27 . -
FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the hookah ofFIG. 27 with the perforater and taken along line 29-29 ofFIG. 27 . -
FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the hookah system ofFIG. 27 with portions shown in section and after mounting of the capsule upon the hookah. -
FIG. 31 is a fragmentary sectional view of another embodiment of the hookah system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 32 is a fragmentary sectional view of another embodiment of the hookah system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 1 schematically illustrateshookah system 20 according to an example embodiment. Hookahsystem 20 is configured to permit one or more persons to inhale smoking material smoke that has been bubbled through a liquid. As will be described hereafter,hookah system 20 employs ahookah capsule 24 including thesmoking material 26. Thehookah capsule 24 enables easier and less messy preparation ofhookah system 20. Thehookah capsule 24 also provides for enhanced smoking of thesmoking material 26. Hookahsystem 20 includeshookah 22 and theaforementioned hookah capsule 24. - Hookah 22 (also known as a ghalyun, a water pipe, a nargule, a nargila, a chillam, a shisha tube or shisha, a hubbly bubbly, teterias, sisa, vodnice, vodar, vodni dymka, vesipiip, vizipipa) generally includes
bowl 30,tube 32,gasket 34,jar 36,hose 38,valve 40 andplate 42.Bowl 30, also known as a head ofhookah 22, comprises a receptacle or container having aninterior 44 having an opening outlined by amouth 46.Interior 44 is configured to receive a portion ofcapsule 24 whilemouth 46 is configured to support orelevate capsule 26.Bowl 30 includes one ormore passages 48 extending frominterior 44 and in pneumatic or gaseous communication with aninterior body 32. In one embodiment,bowl 30 is formed from clay or marble. In other embodiments,Bowl 30 may comprise a hollowed out fruit having perforations serving aspassages 48. -
Tube 32 comprises one or more structures forming a pneumatic orgaseous conduit 50 connected topassages 48 and extending frompassages 48 throughgasket 34 and intojar 36 below a level orsurface 52 ofliquid 54 contained withinjar 36. Tube 32 allows smoke from smokingmaterial 26 to be drawn frominterior 44 ofbowl 30 throughliquid 54. -
Gasket 34 comprises one or more structures forming a seal betweentube 32 andjar 36. Gasket 34caps jar 36 while permittingtube 32,hose 38 andvalve 42 extend throughgasket 34 into theinterior 56 ofjar 36.Gasket 34 may include multiple openings allowingmultiple hoses 38 for multiple persons smoking fromhookah 22. -
Jar 36 comprises a container configured to hold if liquid through which smoke is bubbled prior to being drawn throughhoses 38. In one embodiment,liquid 54 contained byjar 36 comprises water. As the smoke is bubbled throughliquid 54, the smoke gains moisture and is lowered in temperature. In other embodiments, liquid 54 may comprise other liquid such as alcohol, spirit and/or fruit juice, mint leaves with lemon slices and the like. In some embodiments,jar 36 may additionally contain ice to dramatically lower the temperature of the smoke. In some embodiments,hookah 22 may additionally include a container betweenjar 36 andbowl 34 containing ice to cool the smoke. -
Hose 38 comprises a slender tube through which smoke is inhaled.Hose 38 extends throughgasket 34 and communicates with the interior 56 ofjar 36 above the liquid line orlevel 52. In some embodiments,hose 38 may additionally include a mouthpiece. Although onehose 38 is illustrated, in other embodiments,hookah 22 may includeadditional hoses 38. Althoughhose 38 is illustrated as being provided throughgasket 34, in other embodiments,hose 38 may extend through openings injar 36. -
Valve 40 comprises a selectively openable or closable valve for clearing smoke frominterior 56 ofjar 36 rather than throughhose 38. Althoughvalve 40 is illustrated as being provided throughgasket 34, in other embodiments,valve 40 may extend through openings injar 36. In some embodiments,valve 40 may be omitted. -
Plate 42, also known as an ash tray, comprises a receptacle or container configured to store or contain cold or “dead” coals.Plate 42 is positioned proximate tobowl 30. In other embodiments,plate 42 may be omitted. - Overall,
hookah 22 comprises a mechanism through which smoke from smokingmaterial 26 is drawn into and bubbled through a liquid prior to being inhaled through one ormore hoses 38 or in the air through one ofmore valves 40. Although hookah 22 is illustrated as having the illustrated components with the illustrated shapes,hookah 22 and its components may have a variety of different sizes, shapes and configurations. - Capsule 24 (also known as a tablet or packet) comprises a single unit package containing
smoking material 26.Capsule 24 surroundssmoking material 26 on substantially all sides. Prior to its modification when placed withinbowl 30 ofhookah 22,capsule 24 substantially seals about smokingmaterial 26, maintaining the freshness of thesmoking material 26. As a result,capsule 24 is used to store, distribute and sell individual prepackaged portions ofsmoking material 26.Capsule 24 also enables the individual portions ofsmoking material 26 to be easily placed withinbowl 30 without a person having to directly manually contact, touch or handlesmoking material 26. As a result, a person's hands do not become sticky or messy when preparinghookah system 20. Moreover, becausecapsule 24 is directly placed withinbowl 30,capsule 26 further serves as a liner, avoiding direct contact betweensmoking material 26 and the interior surfaces ofbowl 30. As a result,bowl 30 becomes less soiled, facilitating easier clean up. At the same time,capsule 24 is disposable. -
Smoking material 26 comprises a material configured to be smoked upon the application of heat from a heat source. In one embodiment, smokingmaterial 26 comprises a tobacco. In other embodiments, smoking material 26 (sometimes referred to as shisha) may comprise other tobacco-free material such as sugar cane bagasse or herbal blends. Other examples of smoking material include, but are not limited to, tobamel, khansar, Ma'sal, Tumbak, Jurak, and combinations thereof. Such smoking materials may additionally include various sweeteners, flavors, fruits, spices, oils and the like. For example, smokingmaterial 26 may include molasses. - According to one embodiment, smoking
material 26 comprises a tobacco-free material or mixture of materials omitting nicotine and tar. In some embodiments, smokingmaterial 26 may include tobacco; however the overall mixture of materials formingsmoking material 26 has a substantial percentage provided by tobacco-free materials or materials free of nicotine and tar. In one embodiment, smokingmaterial 26 comprises a tobacco-free composition comprising wood portions, syrup, artificial flavorings and preservatives. - The wood portions forming
smoking material 26 provide a pleasant scent and taste while allowing the use of tobacco to be reduced or eliminated. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “wood portions” means shavings, sawdust, chips, particles, splinters, fragments or other less-than-whole parts of woody portions of a tree or other plant (such as the woody vine of a grape plant). The term “wood portions” also means and encompasses such less-than-whole parts which may be grouped or bound together by one or more binders or binding materials so as to form pellets, chunks and the like. The binders themselves do not constitute the “wood portions.” In embodiments where the “wood portions” comprise smaller particles such as sawdust, the wood particles or sawdust have an increased surface area, enhancing the ability of the wood particles to absorb and carry this syrup, artificial flavorings and preservatives. The increased surface area further enhances the ability of the wood particles to produce smoke. - In one embodiment, the wood portions comprise portions of wood taken from one or more fruit trees. Examples of fruit trees from which portions of woody may be used to form
smoking material 26 include, but are not limited to, apple trees, cherry trees, mulberry trees, peach trees, pear trees, plum trees, pecan trees and lemon trees.Smoking material 26 may also comprise woody portions taken from other plants such as shrubs and grapevines of grape plants. It has been found that wood taken from fruit trees or other fruit plants, and used as asmoking material 26, form smoke to provide an acceptable or even desirable scent or odor as well as pleasant and desirable taste. - It has been found that wood portions taken from apple trees and pear trees, when used as smoking
material 26, provides smoke having a relatively neutral scent and a relatively neutral or desirable taste. Because of the relatively neutral scent and taste of the smoke produced by apple wood and pear wood, or mixtures thereof, has been found thatsmoking material 26 formed by apple or pear wood portions is especially suited for use with artificial flavorings, even artificial flavorings that do not necessarily correspond to the wood portions themselves. In particular, because the odor and flavor of the smoke produced from apple wood portions or pear wood portions is not as strong as compared to other woods, artificial flavorings not necessarily apple or pear may be more suitably used as part of asmoking material 26 including such apple or pear wood portions. For example, in someembodiments smoking material 26 may utilize apple or pear wood portions and may additionally include artificial flavorings of other fruits which are not apples or pears. - The syrup forming
smoking material 26 comprises a composition of one or more dissolved sugars. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “syrup” comprises a composition including one or more dissolved sugars. The syrup may be in the form of a thick, viscous liquid or may have previously been in the form of a thick viscous liquid, wherein the liquid has at least partially solidified. The syrup is mixed amongst the wood portions, coats the wood portions and is also absorbed by the wood portions. As noted above, in embodiments where the wood portions comprise sawdust having a relatively large surface area per mass, but would portions may have a better ability to absorb and carry the syrup. This syrup serves multiple functions. First, the syrup serves to coat or seal in the flavor of the wood portions. As a result, shelf life ofsmoking material 26 is enhanced. Second, the syrup serves to itself absorb some flavor from the wood portions. As a result, the combination of wood portions and syrup yield an even more pleasant and desirable odor and taste when smoked. In other embodiments, smokingmaterial 26 may omit syrup. - In one embodiment, the
smoking material 26 has a ratio of syrup to wood portions of approximately 100% to 400%. For example, the syrup may have a weight equal to and up to four times the weight of the wood portions. This ratio has been found to achieve extraordinary smoking results. In other embodiments, other ratios may be employed. Examples of syrup that may be used include, but are not limited to, molasses, honey, agave nectar, barley malt syrup, birch syrup, brown rice syrup, chocolate syrup, corn syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, inverted sugar syrup, Kithul treacle, maple syrup, palm syrup, sugar beet syrup, Yacon syrup and the like. - In one particular embodiment, smoking
material 26 includes a syrup comprising molasses. The molasses is a by-product from the processing of sugar beet or sugar cane into sugar. In some embodiments, the molasses may comprise sweet sorghum syrup. - In yet another embodiment, smoking
material 26 includes a syrup comprising honey. In embodiments wheresmoking material 26 comprises molasses or honey, the smoking material provides a higher smoking experience in that the molasses and honey syrups boil and burn at a slower rate as compared to other syrups. Although natural syrups have been described, in other embodiments, smokingmaterial 26 may additionally or alternatively include synthetic syrups which mimic sugars, extracts, molasses and the like. In yet another embodiment, smokingmaterial 26 may omit the syrup. - The artificial flavorings used in
smoking material 26 comprise chemical compositions that mimic the taste and/or scent of natural flavorings. In other embodiments, smokingmaterial 26 may additionally or alternatively include natural flavorants or flavorings. A natural flavorant is the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or any other edible portions of a plant, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose primary function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional. As noted above, the artificial flavoring on the natural flavoring may not necessarily correspond to the flavoring or scent of the wood portions. Examples of artificial or natural flavors that may be used with wood portions for smoking mature 26 include, but are not limited to, apple, grape, peach, melon, pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and the like. In addition to fruit flavors, non-fruit flavors may also or alternatively by used insmoking material 26. Examples include, but are not limited to, bubblegum, butterscotch, COKE soda, cappuccino, chocolate and the like. In some embodiments, such artificial flavorings or natural flavorants may be omitted. - The one or more preservatives forming
smoking material 26 comprise compositions configured to preserve the shelf life or to maintain the flavoring and scent ofsmoking material 26. In one embodiment, the one or preservatives comprises glycerine. In other embodiments, other preservatives may be employed. In yet other embodiments, the one or more preservatives may be omitted. - In addition to smoking
material 26,capsule 24 includes a body or packaging which enclosessmoking material 26. In one embodiment, the body or packaging ofcapsule 24 is sized so as to contain an individual portion ofsmoking material 26. In other embodiments, the packaging may include multiple portions or use servings. In one embodiment, the body or packaging ofcapsule 26 is sized to be received within a hookah bowl. For example, in one embodiment, the body orpackaging capsule 26 has a volume of less than or equal to 6 fluid ounces and a maximum dimension of 5 inches. As a result, the person may simply drop or place the package itself into the bowl without having to physically contact or touch thesmoking material 26, which may be sticky due to the syrup. In other embodiments, the packaging may include perforations or other structures configured to facilitate opening of the package, facilitating pouring or dispensing of the smoking material from the package into a hookah bowl. - In one embodiment, the body or packaging of
capsule 24 is formed entirely from one or more metal layers or films. In one embodiment, the package ofcapsule 24 has at least one metallic wall in contact withsmoking material 26. As a result, the higher thermal conductivity of the metallic wall more effectively transmits a uniform heat about smokingmaterial 26 to provide a more uniform heating ofsmoking material 26 and enhanced smoke production and operation. - According to one embodiment, the body of
capsule 24 generally includescontainer 60 and top 62.Container 60 comprises a structure which substantially receives and retainssmoking material 26. In the example illustrated,container 60 comprises a cup-shaped structure. In other embodiments,container 60 may have other polygonal shapes or may comprise a semicircular or ovular sack or pouch.Container 60 has afloor 64 andside walls 66.Floor 64 extends generally opposite to and faces top 62.Floor 64 extends in closest proximity to a bottom ofbowl 30 whencontainer 60 is positioned withinbowl 30. In one embodiment,floor 64 is elevated or spaced above the bottom ofbowl 30, providing greater clearance for smoke to accumulate before passing throughpassages 48.Floor 64 includes one ormore openings 70.Openings 70 are sized and located to permit smoke from smokingmaterial 26 to pass frominterior 72 ofcontainer 60 intointerior 44 ofbowl 30 without a substantial amount ofsmoking material 26 passing through thesame openings 70. In one embodiment,openings 70 comprise punctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending throughfloor 70. - In one embodiment, such punctures may be formed by an end-user just prior to inserting
container 60 intobowl 30 as part of preparinghookah system 20. In such an embodiment,floor 64 is sufficiently thin and sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with a sharp object. For example, in one embodiment,floor 64 has a fixed generally inflexible planar profile and is formed from one or more thin foils. - In other embodiments,
openings 70 may be formed in other manners and at other points in time. For example, in other embodiments,openings 70 may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture ofcontainer 70 prior to insertion ofsmoking material 26 intocontainer 70 or after insertion ofsmoking material 26 intocontainer 70 but before wholesale or retail to solution ofcapsule 24. In one embodiment,such openings 70 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of thesmoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment,capsule 26 may additionally be provided with a closing tab orflap 74.Flap 74 is configured to be torn or peeled away fromcontainer 60 so as to openopenings 70. In one embodiment,flap 70 may be temporarily joined tofloor 64 acrossopenings 70 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peelflap 74. In other embodiments,flap 74 maybe secured tocontainer 60 in a more permanent fashion acrossopenings 70, whereinflap 74 is torn away from remaining portions ofcontainer 62 exposedopenings 70. In one embodiment,flap 74 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) throughfloor 64 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium ormaterial 26. In other embodiments,openings 70 may not be sealed or closed. -
Sidewalls 66 extend betweenfloor 64 and top 62. Together withfloor 64, sidewalls 66 form a volume for containingsmoking material 26.Sidewalls 66 are imperforate. In some embodiments, sidewalls 66 may include openings for air flow which are covered or sealed by a removable flap. In yet other embodiments, sidewalls 66 may be configured to be manually perforated by a sharp object. - In one embodiment,
side walls 66 have an innermost surface 76 and aninnermost layer 76 of one or more metallic materials. The innermost layer of metallic materialscontacts smoking material 26. In one embodiment, an entirety ofside walls 66 is formed from one or more metallic materials. Because at least the innermost layer 76 ofsidewalls 66 is formed from a metallic material,sidewall 66 have an enhanced thermal conductivity for thermally conducting heat from aheat source 78 resting uponcapsule 24. Because the thermally conductive inner surface directlycontacts smoking material 26, heat is effectively transferred to thesmoking material 26. In other embodiments, sidewalls 66 may include one or more layers of thermally conductive metallic materials which are spaced from theinnermost surface 76 by one or more nonmetallic layers or materials, whereinsurface 76 is formed from a material or is sufficiently thin so as to not substantially thermally insulate the thermally conductive layer from smokingmaterial 26. - In the example illustrated,
heat source 78 comprises hot coals. In other embodiments,other heat sources 78 may be employed. Becausesidewalls 66 provide such enhanced thermal conductivity, heat fromheat source 78 is more uniformly distributed along the sides ofsmoking material 26 to smokesmoking material 26, resulting in enhanced performance. In other embodiments, sidewalls 66 may be formed from other materials. - In those embodiments in which sidewalls 66 have a layer formed from one or more highly thermally conductive materials, such as metallic materials,
floor 64 may additionally be provided with a highlyconductive layer 80 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment,layer 80 may provide the innermost surface offloor 64. In other embodiments,layer 80 may be spaced from the inner most surface offloor 64 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the inner meaning layers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers from smokingmaterial 26. Becausefloor 64 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is also effectively conducted fromsidewall 66 to belowsmoking material 26, heating the underside ofsmoking material 26. As a result, even more uniform heating and smoking ofsmoking material 26 may be achieved. In other embodiments,floor 64 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers. - According to one embodiment, both
floor 64 andsidewalls 66 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment,floor 64 andsidewalls 66 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil. In other embodiments,floor 64 andsidewall 66 may be formed from one or more other materials. -
Sidewalls 66 are joined to top 62 atjunction 84. According to one embodiment, sidewalls 66 are connected to top 62 by a crimpedjunction 84. In one embodiment, sidewalls 66 are solely connected to top 62 by crimpedjunction 84 without any intervening adhesives or insulative materials. As a result, in those embodiments in which sidewalls 66 is formed from one or more thermally conductive metallic materials, heat is more effectively conducted in transferred from top 62 to sidewalls 66. There are no intervening adhesive layers to insulate or interfere with the transfer of heat to sidewall 66. In addition, there are no adhesives which may otherwise emit an undesirable odor or scent or affect taste of the smoke during heating ofcapsule 24. In other embodiments,junction 84 may include one or more adhesives, glues, solder joints, welds, interlocking structures or the like. In some embodiments,junction 84 may omit any crimping. In still other embodiments,junction 84 may be omitted, whereinsidewalls 66 are integrally formed as a single unitary body with top 62. - According to one embodiment,
junction 84 includes one or more adhesives formed from, comprising or consisting of one or more syrups or other food grade materials having sticky, adhesive or bonding characteristics. In one embodiment, the same syrups or other food grade materials that are added to thesmoking material 26 to preserve the smoking material, to add a scent to the smoking material or to add flavor to the smoking material (collectively referred to as smoking material additive) are also used atjunction 84 to assist in joining top 62 to sidewall 66 and/or to assist in sealing between top 62 andsidewall 66. Because the same materials added to the smoking material are also used to enhance or facilitate joining in sealing betweensidewall 66 and top 62, other adhesives which might otherwise add undesirable odor or flavor during smoking of the smoking material under high heat are eliminated or reduced. In addition, complexity and costs for fabricating ormanufacturing capsule 24 are reduced. - In one embodiment, the smoking material additive is the sole means by which top 62 is joined to
sidewall 66. For example, the smoking material additive may seal and join two mutually facing flaps or surfaces. In another embodiment, the smoking material additive may be used in addition to a mechanical joint to enhance bonding as well as to enhance sealing. For example, one embodiment, smoking material additive may be provided between adjacent layers that are crimped andform junction 84. In one embodiment, the smoking material additive may comprise a syrup such as molasses. In other embodiments, the smoking material additive may comprise other materials which have adhesive properties in at least one physical state. - In some embodiments, the smoking material additive may alternatively or additionally be used to join and/or assist in sealing between other components of
capsule 24. For example, the smoking material additive may be used to seal and join removable flaps to either top 62 orfloor 64 over and across preformed openings. In other embodiments, use of smoking material additive as a structural component joining our sealing between structures may be omitted. -
Top 62 comprises one or more structures coupled to joined or connected to sidewalls 66 and spanning acrossinterior 72 ofcontainer 60.Top 62 captures and substantially enclosessmoking material 26 withininterior 72.Top 62 additionally supports heating source 78 (hot coals) over and abovesmoking material 26.Top 62 includescentral portion 86 andextension 88. -
Central portion 86 covers interior 72 while standing over interior 72 between opposite sides ofsidewalls 66.Central portion 86 has an upwardly and outwardly facing surface that is either flat or concave. As a result,central portion 86 is better able to support heat source 78 (hot cold) overinterior 72 and oversmoking material 26. In other words, the hot coals are less likely to roll off ofcentral portion 86. In one embodiment,central portion 86 is either sufficiently rigid and strong or is sufficiently supported bysidewall 66 so as to be sufficiently taught when supporting the coals ofheat source 78 such that an underside ofcentral portion 86 does not collapse or rest upon smokingmaterial 26. In other words,central portion 86 is configured such that the weight ofheat source 78 does not causecentral portion 86 to compresssmoking material 26. Because smokingmaterial 26 is in an uncompressed state, having a greater surface area and having more access to airflow, smokingmaterial 26 is more effectively and efficiently smoked. - According to one embodiment,
central portion 86 is formed from or includes a highlyconductive layer 89 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment,layer 89 may provide the innermost surface ofcentral portion 86. In other embodiments,layer 89 may be spaced from the inner most surface ofcentral portion 86 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the inner meaning layers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers from smokingmaterial 26. Becausecentral portion 86 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is more effectively conducted tosmoking material 26 throughcentral portion 86, heating the upper side ofsmoking material 26. In other embodiments,central portion 86 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers. - According to one example embodiment,
central portion 84 includes one ormore openings 90.Openings 90 are sized and located to permit air to pass intointerior 72 ofcontainer 60 without large amounts of residue, if any, from heat source 78 (such as the ashes from coals) passing through thesame openings 90. In one embodiment,openings 90 comprise punctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending throughcentral portion 86. - In one embodiment, such punctures may be formed by an end-user just prior to inserting
container 60 intobowl 30 as part of preparinghookah system 20. In such an embodiment,central portion 86 is sufficiently thin and sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with a sharp object. For example, in one embodiment,central portion 86 has a fixed generally inflexible planar profile and is formed from one of more thin foils. - In other embodiments,
openings 90 may be formed in other manners and at other points in time. For example, in other embodiments,openings 90 may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture ofcentral portion 86 prior to insertion ofsmoking material 26 intocontainer 60 or after insertion ofsmoking material 26 intocontainer 60 but before wholesale or retail to solution ofcapsule 24. In one embodiment,such openings 90 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of thesmoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment,capsule 26 may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 94. Flap 94 is configured to be torn or peeled away fromcontainer 60 so as to openopenings 90. In one embodiment, flap 94 may be temporarily joined tocentral portion 86 acrossopenings 90 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap 94. In other embodiments, flap 94 may be secured tocontainer 60 in a more permanent fashion acrossopenings 90, wherein flap 94 is torn or folded away from remaining portions ofcontainer 60 to exposeopenings 90. In other embodiments, flap 94 maybe secured tocontainer 60 in a more permanent fashion acrossopenings 70, whereinflap 74 is torn away from remaining portions ofcontainer 62 exposedopenings 70. In one embodiment, flap 94 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) throughcentral portion 86 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium ormaterial 26. In other embodiments,openings 90 may not be sealed or closed. In some embodiments,openings 90 may be omitted. -
Extension 88 comprises that portion of top 62 extending outwardly fromcentral portion 86 outwardly beyondsidewalls 66.Extension 88 provides an outwardly extending rim beyondsidewall 66 ofcontainer 60.Extension 88 enables alarger heat source 78, such as a larger number of hot coals, to rest uponcapsule 24.Extension 88 further abuts or seals against an upper service ofmouth 46 ofbowl 30. In particular,extension 88 has an outward expanse or area equal to or greater than an area ofmouth 46. As a result,extension 88 substantially inhibits smoke from smokingmaterial 26 from floating upward out ofbowl 30. Rather, a greater percentage of the smoke from smokingmaterial 26 that is passed throughopening 70 maybe drawn throughpassages 48 and subsequently inhaled through the one ormore hoses 38.Extension 88further supports container 60 andsmoking material 26 above a bottom ofbowl 30, preventingcontainer 60 from occluding or blockingpassages 48. In other embodiments,container 60 may contact the bottom ofbowl 30 while still allowing sufficient air flow topassages 48. - According to one embodiment,
extension 88 extends not only to and just abovemouth 46, but outwardly beyondmouth 46. This greater expanse ofextension 88 provides even a greater surface area for supporting the coals ofheat source 78. As a result, the coals ofheat source 78 are even less likely to fall off oftop 62. - As indicated by broken lines in
FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, at least those portions ofextension 88 extending outwardly beyondmouth 46 are non-resiliently manually deformable or bendable. As a result,such portions 96 ofextension 88 may be wrapped or bent aroundmouth 46, along the exterior sides ofmouth 46. Although this may reduce the total surface area for supporting the coals ofheat source 78, wrapping aportion 96 aboutmouth 46 provides an enhanced seal aboutmouth 46 and better contains smoke from smokingmaterial 26 withinmouth 30 prior to its flow throughpassages 48. Becauseportions 96 by configured to retain their shape after being wrapped aboutmouth 46, the remaining portions ofextension 88 andcapsule 24 are better supported and elevated withinbowl 30 above a bottom interior ofbowl 30. In other embodiments,portions 96 may be omitted. - According to one embodiment,
central portion 86 andextensions 88 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment,central portion 86 andextension 88 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil. According to one embodiment,central portion 86 andextension 88 are formed from a single layer of metallic material such as tinfoil (also known as aluminum foil). Becausecentral portion 86 andextension 80 are formed from a single layer,central portion 86 may be more easily punctured, fabrication is less complex and costly and thermal conductivity may be enhanced. In addition, becauseportion 96 is formed from a single layer,portion 96 may more easily retain its deformed or bent shape against exterior surfaces ofbowl 30 proximate tomouth 46. In other embodiments,central portion 86 andextension 88, or selected portions thereof, may be formed from one or more other materials or may be formed from multiple layers. -
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustratecapsule 124, a particular example embodiment ofcapsule 24.Capsule 24 includes a body which encloses smoking material 26 (shown and described above with respect toFIG. 1 ). The body ofcapsule 124 generally includescontainer 160 and top 162.Container 160 comprises a structure which substantially receives and retainssmoking material 26. In the example illustrated,container 160 comprises a cup-shaped structure. In other embodiments,container 160 may have other polygonal shapes or may comprise a semicircular or ovular sack or pouch.Container 160 has afloor 164 andside walls 166.Floor 164 extends generally opposite to and faces top 162.Floor 164 extends in closest proximity to a bottom of bowl 30 (shown inFIG. 1 ) whencontainer 160 is positioned withinbowl 30. In one embodiment,floor 164 is elevated or spaced above the bottom ofbowl 30, providing greater clearance for smoke to accumulate before passing throughpassages 48.Floor 164 is imperforate prior to being prepared for use with hookah 22 (shown inFIG. 1 ). -
Sidewalls 166 extend betweenfloor 164 and top 162. Together withfloor 164,sidewalls 166 form a volume for containingsmoking material 26. In one embodiment,side walls 166 imperforate. As a result,container 160 better maintains a freshness ofsmoking material 26. In the example illustrated,sidewalls 166 have an inner most surface 76 (shown inFIG. 1 ) and aninnermost layer 76 of one or more metallic materials. The innermost layer of metallic materialscontacts smoking material 26. In one embodiment, an entirety ofside walls 166 is formed from one or more metallic materials. Because at least the innermost layer 76 ofsidewalls 166 is formed from a metallic material,sidewalls 166 have an enhanced thermal conductivity for thermally conducting heat from a heat source 78 (shown inFIG. 1 ) resting uponcapsule 124. Because the thermally conductive inner surface directlycontacts smoking material 26, heat is effectively transferred to thesmoking material 26. In other embodiments, sidewalls 166 may include one or more layers of thermally conductive metallic materials which are spaced from theinnermost surface 76 by one or more nonmetallic layers or materials, whereinsurface 76 is formed from a material or is sufficiently thin so as to not substantially thermally insulate the thermally conductive layer from smokingmaterial 26. Becausesidewalls 166 provide such enhanced thermal conductivity, heat fromheat source 78 is more uniformly distributed along the sides ofsmoking material 26 to smokesmoking material 26, resulting in enhanced performance In other embodiments,sidewall 166 may be formed from other materials. - In those embodiments in which sidewalls 166 have a layer formed from one or more highly thermally conductive materials, such as metallic materials,
floor 164 may additionally be provided with a highlyconductive layer 80 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment,layer 80 may provide the innermost surface offloor 164. In other embodiments,layer 80 may be spaced from the inner most surface offloor 164 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the inner meaning layers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers from smokingmaterial 26. Becausefloor 164 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is also effectively conducted fromsidewall 166 to belowsmoking material 26, heating the underside ofsmoking material 26. As a result, even more uniform heating and smoking ofsmoking material 26 may be achieved. In other embodiments,floor 164 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers. - In the embodiments illustrated, both
floor 164 andsidewalls 166 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment,floor 164 andsidewalls 166 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil (also known as aluminum foil). In other embodiments,floor 164 andsidewall 166 may be formed from one or more other materials. - As further shown by
FIG. 2 ,floor 164sidewalls 166 are formed by deforming a single piece of foil such thatsidewall 166 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced vertically orientedwrinkles 167.Wrinkles 167 provide channels, grooves or other passageways through which heated air and smoke may travel during heating of the smoking material withincapsule 124. In addition,wrinkles 167 providesidewalls 166 with a larger overall surface area, facilitating enhanced transfer of heat to smoking material withincontainer 160. It has also been discovered that the increased surface area ofsidewalls 166 and the grooves or channels formed bywrinkles 167 capture and retain soot or ash that may occur withincapsule 124. As a result, the ash is less likely to be drawn intohookah 22 and is less likely to be inhaled. -
Sidewalls 66 are joined to top 62 atjunction 184. According to one embodiment, sidewalls 166 are connected to top 162 by acrimped junction 184. In one embodiment, sidewalls 166 are solely connected to top 162 by crimpedjunction 184 without any intervening adhesives or materials. As a result, in those embodiments in which sidewalls 166 is formed from one or more thermally conductive metallic materials, heat is more effectively conducted in transferred from top 62 to sidewalls 66 There are no intervening adhesive layers to insulate or interfere with the transfer of heat to sidewall 66. In addition, there are no adhesives which may impact the flavor or scent of the smoke produced by smokingmaterial 26. - In other embodiments,
junction 184 may include one or more adhesives, glues, solder joints, welds, interlocking structures or the like. In some embodiments,junction 84 may omit any crimping. In still other embodiments,junction 184 may be omitted, whereinsidewalls 166 are integrally formed as a single unitary body withtop 162. -
Top 162 comprises one or more structures coupled to joined or connected to sidewalls 166 and spanning across interior 72 (shown inFIG. 1 ) ofcontainer 160.Top 162 captures and substantially enclosessmoking material 26 withininterior 72. Top 162 additionally supports heating source 78 (hot coals) (shown inFIG. 1 ) over and abovesmoking material 26.Top 162 includescentral portion 186 andextension 188. -
Central portion 186 covers interior 72 while standing over interior 72 between opposite sides ofsidewalls 166.Central portion 186 has an upper outwardly facing surface that is either flat or concave. As a result,central portion 186 is better able to support heat source 78 (hot coal) overinterior 72 and oversmoking material 26. In other words, the hot coals are less likely to roll off ofcentral portion 186. In one embodiment,central portion 186 is either sufficiently rigid and strong or is sufficiently supported bysidewall 166 so as to be sufficiently taught when supporting the coals ofheat source 78 such that an underside ofcentral portion 186 does not collapse or rest upon smokingmaterial 26. In other words,central portion 186 is configured such that the weight ofheat source 78 does not causecentral portion 186 to compresssmoking material 26. Because smokingmaterial 26 is in an uncompressed state, having a greater surface area and having more access to airflow, smokingmaterial 26 is more effectively and efficiently smoked. - According to one embodiment,
central portion 186 is formed from or includes a highlyconductive layer 89 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment,layer 89 may provide the innermost surface ofcentral portion 186. In other embodiments,layer 89 may be spaced from the inner most surface ofcentral portion 186 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the innermost layers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers from smokingmaterial 26. Becausecentral portion 186 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is more effectively conducted tosmoking material 26 throughcentral portion 86, heating the upper side ofsmoking material 26. In other embodiments,central portion 86 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers. -
Extension 188 comprises that portion of top 162 extending outwardly fromcentral portion 186 outwardly beyondsidewalls 166.Extension 188 provides an outwardly extending rim beyondsidewall 166 ofcontainer 160.Extension 188 enables alarger heat source 78, such as a larger number of hot coals (shown inFIG. 1 ), to rest uponcapsule 124.Extension 188 further abuts or steals against an upper surface ofmouth 46 of bowl 30 (shown inFIG. 1 ). In particular,extension 188 has an outward expanse or area equal to or greater than an area ofmouth 46. As a result,extension 188 substantially inhibits smoke from smokingmaterial 26 from floating upward out ofbowl 30. Rather, a greater percentage of the smoke from smokingmaterial 26 that is passedcapsule 124 intobowl 30 may be drawn throughpassages 48 and subsequently inhaled through the one ormore hoses 38.Extension 188further supports container 160 andsmoking material 26 above a bottom ofbowl 30, preventingcontainer 160 from occluding or blockingpassages 48. - According to one embodiment,
extension 188 is configured to extend not only to and just abovemouth 46, but outwardly beyondmouth 46. This greater expanse ofextension 188 provides even a greater surface area for supporting the coals ofheat source 78. As a result, the coals ofheat source 78 are even less likely to fall off oftop 162. - As shown by
FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, at least those portions ofextension 188 extending outwardly beyondmouth 46 are non-resiliently and manually deformable or bendable. As a result,such portions 196 ofextension 188 may be wrapped or bent aroundmouth 46, along the exterior sides ofmouth 46. Although this may reduce the total surface area for supporting the coals ofheat source 78, wrapping aportion 196 aboutmouth 46 provides an enhanced seal aboutmouth 46 and better contain smoke from smokingmaterial 26 withinmouth 46 prior to its flow through passages 48 (shown inFIG. 1 ). Becauseportions 196 are configured to retain their shape after being wrapped aboutmouth 46, the remaining portions ofextension 188 andcapsule 124 are better supported and elevated withinbowl 30 above a bottom interior ofbowl 30. In other embodiments,portions 196 may be omitted. - According to one embodiment,
central portion 186 andextensions 188 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment,central portion 186 andextension 188 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil. According to one embodiment,central portion 86 andextension 88 are formed from a single layer of metallic material such as tinfoil. As shown byFIG. 10 , in one embodiment,extension 188 may overlap anextension 208 ofcontainer 160. Becausecentral portion 186 and extension 180 are formed from a single layer,central portion 186 may be more easily punctured, fabrication is less complex and costly and thermal conductivity may be enhanced. In addition, becauseportion 196 is formed from a single layer,portion 196 may more easily retain its deformed or bent shape against exterior surfaces ofbowl 30 proximate tomouth 46. In other embodiments,central portion 186 andextension 188 may be formed from one or more other materials or may be formed from multiple layers. -
FIGS. 3-7 illustrate preparation ofhookah system 22 usingcapsule 124. In particular,FIGS. 3-7 illustrate mounting ofcapsule 124 to abowl 30 of hookah system 22 (shown in its entirety inFIG. 1 ). As shown byFIG. 3 , one ormore openings 170 are formed by puncturingfloor 164 with asharp object 200.Openings 170 are sized and located to permit air to pass intointerior 72 ofcontainer 160 without large amounts of residue, if any, from heat source 78 (such as the ashes from coals) passing through thesame openings 190. In one embodiment,openings 190 comprise punctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending throughfloor 164. - In the example illustrated, such punctures may be formed by an end-user just prior to inserting
container 160 intobowl 30 as part of preparinghookah system 20. In such an embodiment,floor 164 is sufficiently thin and sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with a sharp object. For example, in one embodiment,floor 164 has a fixed generally inflexible planar profile and is formed from one of more thin foils. In other embodiments,floor 164 may be flexible. - In other embodiments,
openings 170 may be formed in other manners and at other points in time. For example, in other embodiments,openings 170 may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture offloor 164 prior to insertion ofsmoking material 26 intocontainer 160 or after insertion ofsmoking material 26 intocontainer 160 but before wholesale or retail to solution ofcapsule 124. In one embodiment,such openings 190 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of thesmoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment,capsule 26 may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 94 (shown and described with respect toFIG. 1 ). - As shown by
FIG. 4 ,openings 190 are formed incentral portion 186.Openings 190 are sized and located to permit smoke from smokingmaterial 26, to pass from interior 72 (shown inFIG. 1 ) ofcontainer 160 intointerior 44 ofbowl 30 without a substantial amount of coals of heat source 78 (shown inFIG. 1 ) passing through thesame openings 190. In one embodiment,openings 190 comprise punctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending throughcentral portion 186. Such punctures are formed by an end-user just prior to insertingcontainer 160 intobowl 30 as part of preparinghookah system 20. In such an embodiment,central portion 186 is sufficiently thin and sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with asharp object 200. For example, in one embodiment,central portion 186 has a fixed generally inflexible planar profile and is formed from one of more thin foils. - In other embodiments,
openings 190 may be formed in other manners and at other points in time. For example, in other embodiments,openings 190 may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture ofcontainer 160 prior to insertion ofsmoking material 26 intocontainer 160 or after insertion ofsmoking material 26 intocontainer 160 but before wholesale or retail to solution ofcapsule 124. In one embodiment,such openings 190 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of thesmoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment,capsule 124 may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 94 (shown and described inFIG. 1 ). In other embodiments,openings 190 may not be sealed or closed. - As shown by
FIGS. 5 and 6 , oncefloor 164 andcentral portion 186 have been punctured (or otherwise modified) to formopenings capsule 124 is placed uponbowl 30 with container 160 (shown inFIG. 2 ) resting insideBowl 30. As shown byFIG. 7 ,portions 196 ofextension 188 are bent and wrapped about themouth 46 ofbowl 30. Thereafter, as shown inFIG. 1 , aheat source 78, such as hot coals, are placed uponcentral portion 86/186 of top 62/162. As indicated by the arrows inFIG. 1 , as air/smoke is inhaled throughhose 38, air is drawn throughopenings 90/190 and passes acrosssmoking material 26. Smoke from smokingmaterial 26 is drawn throughopenings 70/170 intobowl 30. The smoke is further drawn throughpassages 48, through 232 and bubbled throughliquid 54 injar 36. The smoke then passes throughhose 38 where it is inhaled. -
FIGS. 8-10 illustrate one example method of formingcapsule 124. As shown byFIG. 8 , top 162 is positioned acrosscontainer 160 and anextension 208 ofcontainer 160. As noted above, in one embodiment, top 162 is formed from a metallic foil such as tinfoil. Likewise,container 160 and itsextension 208 are also formed from a metallic foil, such as tinfoil. - As shown by
FIG. 9 , one or more forming tools 210 (shown inFIG. 8 ) are positioned at least partially about and aroundcontainer 160. Formingtools 210 are pressed againstextension 188 andextension 208 to form thefolds 212 shown inFIG. 9 . In one embodiment, formingtools 210 continuously extend aboutcontainer 160 so as to formcontinuous fold 212 aboutcontainer 160 betweencontainer 160 andportion 196,extension 188. In other embodiments, forming tools to 108 intermittently extend about or aroundcontainer 160 to form intermittently spaced folds 212. Althoughfolds 212 are illustrated as extending downward intoextensions tools 210 may alternatively be located belowextension 208 such that folds 212 extend upwardly. - As shown by
FIG. 10 , folds 212 are subsequently crushed, pinched, mashed or deformed to form crimpedjunctures 184. In other embodiments, other forming tools and other crimping methods may be employed. Because crimpedjunctures 184 are formed without adhesive,smoking material 26 is sealed and kept fresh withincontainer 160 without adhesives which might otherwise be made in older and affect taste during heating ofcapsule 124. As noted above, in other embodiments, adhesives or sealing materials may be employed with or without the crimping. -
FIG. 11 illustrateshookah system 320, another embodiment ofhookah system 20.Hookah system 320 is identical to hookahsystem 20 except thathookah system 320 includescapsule 324.Capsule 324 is itself identical tocapsule 24 except thatcapsule 324 includesextension 388 in place ofextension 88. Those remaining elements ofhookah system 320 that correspond to elements ofhookah system 20 are numbered similarly. - As shown by
FIG. 11 ,extension 388 extends outwardly fromcentral portion 86 and has a smaller expanse extending beyondcontainer 60.Extension 388 is configured to abut and seal against aninner surface 331 ofbowl 30 rather than a top surface ofmouth 46. In the example illustrated,extension 388 is sufficiently sized so as to frictionally engagesurface 331 to elevatefloor 64 abovepassages 48. In the example shown,mouth 46 projects above a top ofcapsule 324 whencapsule 324 is positioned withinbowl 30. As a result, portions of thebowl 30 rising abovemouth 46 further assist in retaining the coals ofheat source 78 in place abovecapsule 324. The remaining operation ofhookah system 320 is substantially similar to the operation ofhookah system 20. - In yet another embodiment,
capsule 324 andbowl 30 may comprise an integrated consumable (disposable) system, wherein bothcapsule 324 andbowl 30 are formed from one or more foils joined together as a unit. In particular,bowl 30 is separate fromtube 32 andtop 388 ofcapsule 324 is joined to bowl 30 by a sealed joint or crimp. In such an embodiment,floor 64 is pre-punctured or otherwise includes openings (during storage or at time of retail sale) withinbowl 30 which seals about such openings. At the time or storage or retail sale, thebottom bowl 30 is imperforate or has flaps sealing such preexisting opening(s). In one embodiment, during mounting of bowl 30 (and the joined capsule 324) to the remainder of the hookah, the bottom ofbowl 30 is punctured by pointed end oftube 38 providingpassages 48. In another embodiment, the flap or flaps may be peeled away to expose preexisting openings prior to thetube 32 being inserted through the exposed openings. -
FIG. 12 is a sectionalview illustrating capsule 424, another embodiment ofcapsule 24.Capsule 424 is illustrated prior to preparation ofcapsule 424 for insertion into hookah 22 (shown inFIG. 1 ).Capsule 424 comprise a specific embodiment ofcapsule 24 in whichopenings capsule 24 or during filling ofcapsule 24 was smokingmaterial 26. Those remaining elements ofcapsule 424 which correspond to elements of capsule 24 (described above) are numbered similarly.Capsule 424 includes closingflaps -
Flap 474 is configured to be torn or peeled away fromcontainer 60 so as to openopenings 70.Flap 474 includes a manually grippable tab or handle 481. In one embodiment,flap 474 may be temporarily joined tofloor 64 acrossopenings 70 with a pressure sensitive adhesive 475 (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peelflap 74. In other embodiments,flap 474 may be secured tocontainer 60 in a more permanent fashion acrossopenings 70, whereinflap 474 is torn away from remaining portions ofcontainer 60 to exposeopenings 70. In one embodiment,flap 474 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) throughfloor 64 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium ormaterial 26. -
Flap 494 is configured to be torn or peeled away fromcontainer 60 so as to openopenings 90. In the example illustrated,flap 494 includes a manually grippable tab or handle 495. In one embodiment,flap 494 may be temporarily joined tocentral portion 86 acrossopenings 90 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peelflap 494. In other embodiments, flap 944 may be secured tocontainer 60 in a more permanent fashion acrossopenings 90, whereinflap 494 is torn or folded away from remaining portions ofcontainer 60 to exposeopenings 90. In other embodiments,flap 494 maybe secured tocontainer 60 in a more permanent fashion acrossopenings 70, whereinflap 74 is torn away from remaining portions ofcontainer 60 to exposeopenings 90. In one embodiment,flap 494 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) throughcentral portion 86 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium ormaterial 26. - When preparing
hookah system 22, a person grasps handles handle 495 and removing or at least folds overflaps openings capsule 424 is positioned on and partially withinbowl 30 of hookah 22 (shown inFIG. 1 ).Flaps capsule 424 for use inhookah 22. Becauseopenings -
FIG. 13 illustratescapsule 524, another embodiment ofcapsule 24.Capsule 524 is similar tocapsule 24 except thatcapsule 524 includes top 562 in place oftop 62. In addition,floor 64 is imperforate prior to being prepared for use in hookah 22 (shown inFIG. 1 ). Those remaining elements ofcapsule 524 which correspond to elements ofcapsule 24 are numbered similarly. -
Top 562 is similar to top 62 except that top 562 is joined tocontainer 60 byjunctions 584. In addition, as with some embodiments of top 62,central portion 86 oftop 562 is imperforate prior to preparation for use inhookah 22. Those remaining elements or components of top 562 which correspond to elements of top 62 are numbered similarly. -
Junctions 584 comprise structures or mechanisms configured to facilitate at least partial manually achieved separation of top 562 fromcontainer 60 without potential damage tocontainer 60 and without substantial tearing or abrupt forces which might otherwise cause spilling ofsmoking material 26 fromcontainer 60. In one embodiment,junctions 584 may comprise a pressuresensitive adhesive 585 positioned betweencontainer 60 andtop 562. In other embodiments, other temporary sealing and joining mechanisms or structures may be employed.Junctions 584 enclose and sealsmoking material 26 withincontainer 60 to maintain the freshness ofsmoking material 26. At the same time,junctions 584 permit top 562 to be removed, exposingsmoking material 26 and permitting airflow from above smokingmaterial 26.FIG. 14 illustrates use ofcapsule 524. In particular,capsule 524, containingsmoking material 26, is stored and inventoried in the state shown inFIG. 13 . Prior to use in hookah 22 (shown inFIG. 1 ),openings 70 are formed infloor 64. In one embodiment,openings 70 are formed by puncturingfloor 64. In other embodiments, opening 70 may be preformed, wherein a flap, such asflap 474 joiningFIG. 12 is utilized. - As further shown by
FIG. 14 , top 562 is removed fromcontainer 60. In one embodiment that top 562 is peeled away fromcontainer 60. In another embodiment, top 562 may be torn away fromcontainer 60. In other embodiments, top 562 may be folded or bent away fromcontainer 60 while remaining attached to a portion ofcontainer 60. Thereafter,container 60 is positioned within bowl 30 (shown inFIG. 1 ) and a separate perforated foil orscreen 531 is positioned oversmoking material 26. Aheat source 78, such as hot coals (shown inFIG. 1 ), may then be placed on top of the screen or perforated foil. As withcapsules capsule 524 provides a prepackaged and apportioned unit ofsmoking material 26. Moreover,capsule 524 enables thesmoking material 26 to be loaded into a hookah without a person having to manually touch orcontact smoking material 26. In some embodiments,capsule 524 additionally thermally conducts heat more uniformly about smokingmaterial 26 for enhanced smoking performance. -
FIG. 15 illustratescapsule 124 additionally includingspacer system 600.Spacer system 600 is located withininterior 72 ofcontainer 160.Spacer system 600 conducts thermal energy or heat tosmoking material 26 while maintainingsmoking material 26 out of contact with and spaced fromtop 162. In the example illustrated,spacer system 600spaces smoking material 26 from a lower or inner surface of top by a distance are spacing S of at least 1/16 inches. As a result, air withinspace 602 heats during heating ofcapsule 124, whereinspacer system 600 conducts the heat tosmoking material 26.Space 602 reduces the likelihood of hotspots coming into contact withsmoking material 26 to reduce the likelihood of burning or charring of portions ofsmoking material 26 which might otherwise be in contact with such hotspots formed on top 162 by coals or other heat sources resting upontop 162. - In the example illustrated in
FIG. 15 ,spacer system 600 comprises at least one thermallyconductive panel 605 betweensmoking material 26 andtop 162. In the example illustrated,panel 605 comprises a thermally conductive metal foil, such as aluminum or tinfoil, which contacts, rests and floats uponsmoking material 26. In other embodiments,panel 605 may comprise a disc formed from other thermally conductive materials such as clay or ceramics.Panel 605 hasouter edges 607 facing and spaced frominterior surfaces 76 ofside walls 166. In other words,outer edges 607 may contact oneinterior surface 76, but do not contact to oppositeinner surfaces 76 of side walls ofcontainer 166. In other embodiments, opposite outer edges ofpanel 605 may contact oppositeinterior surfaces 76 ofcontainer 166, whereinpanel 605 is sufficiently flexible such that central portions of thepanel 605 contact and are supported by smokingmaterial 26 so as to float uponsmoking material 26. Becausepanel 605 comprises a thin metal foil, at least portions of which are permitted to float on top of smokingmaterial 26,panel 605 remains in contact withsmoking material 26 regardless of variations in the amount ofsmoking material 26 withincontainer 160, facilitating more reliable and uniform heat transfer tosmoking material 26. -
FIG. 16 illustratescapsule 124 withspacer system 620, another embodiment ofspacer system 600.Spacer system 620 comprises a thermallyconductive panel 625 betweensmoking material 26 and a lower inner surface oftop 162. Likespacer system 600,spacer system 620spaces smoking material 26 from the lower or inner surface of top 162 by spacing S of at least 1/16 inches. Unlikepanel 605 ofspacer system 600,panel 625 ofspacer system 620 is supported byside walls 166 ofcontainer 160. In the example illustrated,panel 625 is sufficiently rigid and has a diameter or other dimension such that outer edge portions areouter perimeter portions 627 abut or contact oppositeinterior surfaces 76 to limit an extent to whichpanel 625 may be lowered towardsbottom 164 ofcontainer 160. In other embodiments,panel 625 may rest on ridges or ribs/bumps along the internal walls of the container above the top of the smoking material and not necessarily contact the smoking material. As a result,panel 625 facilitates control over spacing S ofspace 602 despite variations in the amount ofsmoking material 26 withincontainer 160. In one embodiment, panel 65 may be adhered tosurfaces 76 by adhesives or smoking material additives such as molasses. In other embodiments,panel 625 may be retained relative toside walls 166 by friction alone or as a result of the tapering ofside walls 166 towards one another as they approach bottom 164. -
FIGS. 17 and 18 illustratecapsule 124 additionally includingspacer system 640, another embodiment ofspacer system 600.Spacer system 640 is similar tospacer system 600 except thatspacer system 640 additionally includesretainer 650.Retainer 650 maintainspanel 605 at a minimum spacing S from top 162 even aspanel 605 may be allowed to float uponsmoking material 26. In the example illustrated,retainer 650 comprises a wire mesh or grid extending betweenpanel 605 and top 162 and secured a retained toside walls 166 so as to limit movement ofpanel 605 towards top 162 past a predetermined minimum spacing fromtop 162. In the example illustrated, the grid or wiremesh forming retainer 650 freshly gripsinterior surfaces 76 to maintain a minimum spacing fromtop 162. In other embodiments,retainer 650 may have other configurations and may be secured to side walls 166 (or top 162) in other fashions. - Although each of
spacer systems capsule 124,spacer systems smoking system capsule capsule 524. -
FIG. 19 illustrateshookah system 720, another embodiment of hookah system 20 (shown inFIG. 1 ).Hookah system 720 includeshookah 722,hookah bowl capsule 724 andperforator 726.Hookah 722 is similar to hookah 22 except thathookah 722 terminates at an end of a pipe stem ortube 32 having atube mount portion 729.Hookah system 720 omitsbowl 30. Those remaining portions ofhookah 722 which correspond to portions ofhookah 22 are numbered similarly. -
Tube mount portion 729 extends at an end oftube 32 and is configured to at least be partially inserted into thebowl capsule 724. As shown byFIG. 19A , which illustrates an end oftube mount portion 729 withperforator 726 removed,tube mount portion 729 forms anopen mouth 730 which communicates with an interior 732 oftube 32.Tube mount portion 729 facilitates mounting ofhookah bowl capsule 724 ontube 32 ofhookah 722. Althoughmouth 730 is illustrated as being circular and as being wider than interior 732, in other embodiments, 730 may be non-circular, such as polygonal, and may be a same size as interior 732 oftube 32. -
Hookah bowl capsule 724 mounts upontube mount portion 729 and containssmoking material 26. Capsule 724 (also known as a tablet or packet) comprises a single unit package containingsmoking material 26.Capsule 724 surroundssmoking material 726 on substantially all sides. Prior to its modification when mounted upontube 32 ofhookah 722,capsule 724 substantially seals about smokingmaterial 26, maintaining the freshness of thesmoking material 26. As a result,capsule 724 is used to store, distribute and sell individual prepackaged portions ofsmoking material 26.Capsule 724 also enables the individual portions ofsmoking material 26 to be easily mounted upontube 32 without a person having to directly manually contact, touch or handlesmoking material 26. As a result, a person's hands do not become sticky or messy when preparinghookah system 720. - In short,
hookah bowl capsule 724 serves to at least two functions: (1) containingsmoking material 26 in a sealed interior to maintain freshness and moistness ofsmoking material 26 and (2) serving as a hookah bowl by supporting and pneumatically connectingsmoking material 26 totube 32. As a result, a person intending to usehookah system 720 merely removably mountscapsule 724 ontube mounting portion 729. The person does not need to manually handlesmoking material 26. When smoking is finished, the person merely needs to lift, remove and discardcapsule 724 containing the usedsmoking material 26. Once again, person does not need to manually handle the used smoking material. In addition,hookah 722 is largely ready for a subsequent use without the person having to clean any bowl ofhookah 722. Overall,hookah system 720 andcapsule 724 offer enhanced convenience and ease of use. - In addition to smoking
material 26,capsule 724 includes a body or packaging which enclosessmoking material 26. In one embodiment, the body or packaging ofcapsule 24 is sized so as to contain an individual portion ofsmoking material 26. In other embodiments, the packaging may include multiple portions or use servings. In one embodiment, the body orpackaging capsule 724 has a volume of less than or equal to 6 fluid ounces and a maximum dimension of 5 inches. As a result, the person may simply mount the package itself ontotube mounting portion 729 oftube 32 without having to physically contact or touch thesmoking material 26, which may be sticky due to the syrup. - In one embodiment, the body or packaging of
capsule 724 is formed entirely from one or more metal layers or films. In one embodiment, the package ofcapsule 24 has at least one metallic wall in contact withsmoking material 26. As a result, the higher thermal conductivity of the metallic wall more effectively transmits a uniform heat about smokingmaterial 26 to provide a more uniform heating ofsmoking material 26 and enhanced smoke production and operation. - In the example illustrated, the body of
capsule 724 generally includescontainer 760 and top 762.Container 760 comprises a structure which substantially receives and retainssmoking material 26. According to one embodiment,container 760 comprises a cup-shaped structure. In other embodiments,container 760 may have other polygonal shapes or may comprise a semicircular or ovular sack or pouch. Container includesfloor 764,interface 765 andside walls 766.Floor 764 extends generally opposite to and faces top 762.Floor 764 extends in closest proximity to a mountingportion 729 whencontainer 760 is positioned ontube 32. -
Interface 765 facilitates mounting ofcapsule 724 onto mountingportion 729. In one embodiment,interface 765 facilitates such mounting ofcapsule 724 without the use of tools. In the example illustrated,interface 765 comprises atube 767 located withincontainer 760 and configured to receive and seal against mountingportion 729. In such an embodiment, one or both ofinterface 765 and mountingportion 729 may include one or more sealing arrangements such as gaskets, sealing rings and the like. Becausetube 767 is contained withincontainer 760,capsule 724 is more compact and has a lower profile that facilitates stacking and packaging ofmultiple capsules 724. - According to one embodiment,
tube 767 ofinterface 765 has a sealed or closed imperforateaxial face 768. Likewise, circumferential sides oftube 767 are also imperforate. As a result, circumferential sides oftube 767,axial face 768 oftube 767,floor 764,side walls 766 and top 762 substantially enclose and seal about smokingmaterial 26 to maintain the freshness ofsmoking material 26.Axial face 768 is formed from one or more materials having a thickness and being sufficiently rigid or taut so as to be perforated without substantial tearing offace 768. In one embodiment,axial face 768 is formed from a metallic foil, such as aluminum foil. As will be described hereafter, perforation ofaxial face 768 to pneumatically connect interior 776 ofcapsule 724 with the interior oftube 32 may be performed usingperforator 726 or other perforation tools 727 (shown inFIG. 19 ). - In yet other embodiments,
axial face 768 or circumferential portions oftube 767 proximate to face 768 may include punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openings formed during the fabrication or manufacture ofcontainer 760 prior to insertion ofsmoking material 26 intocontainer 760 or after insertion ofsmoking material 26 intocontainer 760 but before wholesale or retail distribution ofcapsule 724. In one embodiment,such openings 770 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of thesmoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment,capsule 724 may additionally be provided with a closing tab orflap 774.Flap 774 is configured to be torn or peeled away fromcontainer 760 so as to openopenings 770 or so as to opentube 767 for insertion of mountingportion 729. In one embodiment,flap 774 may be temporarily joined tofloor 64 acrosstube 767 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peelflap 774. In other embodiments,flap 774 may be secured tocontainer 760 in a more permanent fashion acrosstube 767, whereinflap 774 is torn away from remaining portions ofcontainer 760 to opentube 767. - In those embodiments in which
capsule 724 includes sealing flap 769 and in which an interior oftube 767 is already in communication with theinterior 772 ofcontainer 760 throughopenings 770 withintube 766 orface 768,hookah system 720 may omitperforator 726 and may not necessarily require the use of aperforation tool 727. Alternatively, in those embodiments in whichaxial face 768 is to be perforated usingperforator 726 orperforation tool 727, flap 769 may be omitted. In some embodiments, flap 769 may be additionally be used to provide a double sealing structure or to prevent accidental perforation ofaxial face 768 until use ofcapsule 724. -
Sidewalls 766 extend betweenfloor 764 and top 762. Together withfloor 764 andinterface 765,sidewalls 766 form a volume for containingsmoking material 26.Sidewalls 766 are imperforate.Side walls 766 have an innermost surface 776 and aninnermost layer 776 of one or more metallic materials. The innermost layer of metallic materialscontacts smoking material 26. In one embodiment, an entirety ofside walls 766 is formed from one or more metallic materials. Because at least the innermost layer 776 ofsidewalls 766 is formed from a metallic material,sidewall 766 have an enhanced thermal conductivity for thermally conducting heat from a heat source 78 (shown inFIG. 1 ) resting uponcapsule 724. Because the thermally conductive inner surface directlycontacts smoking material 26, heat is effectively transferred to thesmoking material 726. In other embodiments, sidewalls 766 may include one or more layers of thermally conductive metallic materials which are spaced from theinnermost surface 776 by one or more nonmetallic layers or materials, whereinsurface 776 is formed from a material or is sufficiently thin so as to not substantially thermally insulate the thermally conductive layer from smokingmaterial 26. Becausesidewalls 66 provide such enhanced thermal conductivity, heat from heat source 78 (shown inFIG. 1 ) is more uniformly distributed along the sides ofsmoking material 26 to smokesmoking material 26, resulting in enhanced performance. In other embodiments, sidewalls 766 may be formed from other materials. - In those embodiments in which sidewalls 766 have a layer formed from one or more highly thermally conductive materials, such as metallic materials,
floor 764 may additionally be provided with a highlyconductive layer 780 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment,layer 780 may provide the innermost surface offloor 764. In other embodiments,layer 780 may be spaced from the inner most surface offloor 764 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the inner layers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers from smokingmaterial 26. Becausefloor 764 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is also effectively conducted fromsidewall 766 to belowsmoking material 26, heating the underside ofsmoking material 26. As a result, even more uniform heating and smoking ofsmoking material 26 may be achieved. In other embodiments,floor 764 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers. - According to one embodiment, both
floor 764 andsidewalls 766 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment,floor 764 andsidewalls 766 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil (also known as aluminum foil). In other embodiments,floor 764 andsidewall 766 may be formed from one or more other materials. - As further shown by
FIG. 20 ,sidewalls 766 include a plurality of circumferentially spaced vertically orientedwrinkles 777.Wrinkles 777 provide channels, grooves or other passageways through which heated air and smoke may travel during heating of the smoking material withincapsule 724. In addition,wrinkles 777 providesidewalls 766 with a larger overall surface area, facilitating enhanced transfer of heat to smoking material withincontainer 760. It has also been discovered that the increased surface area ofsidewalls 766 and the grooves or channels formed bywrinkles 777 capture and retain soot or ash that may occur withincapsule 724. As a result, the ash is less likely to be drawn intohookah 722 and is less likely to be inhaled. -
Sidewalls 766 are joined to top 762 atjunction 784. According to one embodiment, sidewalls 766 are connected to top 762 by acrimped junction 784. In one embodiment, sidewalls 766 are solely connected to top 762 by crimpedjunction 784 without any intervening adhesives or insulative materials. As a result, in those embodiments in which sidewalls 766 is formed from one or more thermally conductive metallic materials, heat is more effectively conducted in transferred from top 762 to sidewalls 766. There are no intervening adhesive layers to insulate or interfere with the transfer of heat tosidewall 766. In addition, there are no adhesives which may otherwise emit an undesirable odor or scent or affect taste of the smoke during heating ofcapsule 724. In other embodiments,junction 784 may include one or more adhesives, glues, solder joints, welds, interlocking structures or the like. In some embodiments,junction 784 may omit any crimping. In still other embodiments,junction 784 may be omitted, whereinsidewalls 766 are integrally formed as a single unitary body withtop 762. - According to one embodiment,
junction 784 includes one or more adhesives formed from, comprising or consisting of one or more syrups or other food grade materials having sticky, adhesive or bonding characteristics. In one embodiment, the same syrups or other food grade materials that are added to thesmoking material 26 to preserve the smoking material, to add a scent to the smoking material or to add flavor to the smoking material (collectively referred to as smoking material additive) are also used atjunction 784 to assist in joining top 762 to sidewall 766 and/or to assist in sealing betweentop 762 andsidewall 766. Because the same materials added to the smoking material are also used to enhance or facilitate joining in sealing betweensidewall 766 and top 762, other adhesives which might otherwise add undesirable odor or flavor during smoking of the smoking material under high heat are eliminated or reduced. In addition, complexity and costs for fabricating ormanufacturing capsule 24 are reduced. - In one embodiment, the smoking material additive is the sole means by which top 762 is joined to
sidewall 766. For example, the smoking material additive may seal and join two mutually facing flaps or surfaces. In another embodiment, the smoking material additive may be used in addition to a mechanical joint to enhance bonding as well as to enhance sealing. For example, one embodiment, smoking material additive may be provided between adjacent layers that are crimped andform junction 84. In one embodiment, the smoking material additive may comprise a syrup such as molasses. In other embodiments, the smoking material additive may comprise other materials which have adhesive properties in at least one physical state. - In some embodiments, the smoking material additive may alternatively or additionally be used to join and/or assist in sealing between other components of
capsule 724. For example, the smoking material additive may be used to seal and join removable flaps to either top 762 orfloor 764 over and across preformed openings. In other embodiments, use of smoking material additive as a structural component joining our sealing between structures may be omitted. -
Top 762 comprises one or more structures coupled to joined or connected to sidewalls 766 and spanning acrossinterior 772 ofcontainer 760.Top 762 captures and substantially enclosessmoking material 726 withininterior 772. Top 762 additionally supports heating source 778 (hot coals) over and abovesmoking material 26.Top 762 includescentral portion 786. -
Central portion 786 covers interior 772 while standing over interior 772 between opposite sides ofsidewalls 766.Central portion 786 has an upwardly and outwardly facing surface that is either flat or concave. As a result,central portion 786 is better able to support heat source 778 (hot cold) overinterior 772 and oversmoking material 26. In other words, the hot coals are less likely to roll off ofcentral portion 786. In one embodiment,central portion 786 is either sufficiently rigid and strong or is sufficiently supported bysidewall 766 so as to be sufficiently taught when supporting the coals of heat source 778 such that an underside ofcentral portion 786 does not collapse or rest upon smokingmaterial 26. In other words,central portion 786 is configured such that the weight ofheat source 78 does not causecentral portion 786 to compresssmoking material 26. Because smokingmaterial 26 is in an uncompressed state, having a greater surface area and having more access to airflow, smokingmaterial 26 is more effectively and efficiently smoked. - According to one embodiment,
central portion 786 is formed from or includes a highlyconductive layer 789 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment,layer 789 may provide the innermost surface ofcentral portion 786. In other embodiments,layer 789 may be spaced from the inner most surface ofcentral portion 786 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the inner meaning layers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers from smokingmaterial 26. Becausecentral portion 786 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is more effectively conducted tosmoking material 26 throughcentral portion 786, heating the upper side ofsmoking material 26. In other embodiments,central portion 786 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers. - As shown by
FIG. 23 , whencapsule 724 is being used withhookah system 722,central portion 786 includes one ormore openings 790.Openings 790 are sized and located to permit air to pass intointerior 772 ofcontainer 760 without large amounts of residue, if any, from heat source 78 (shown inFIG. 1 ), such as the ashes from coals, passing through thesame openings 790. In one embodiment,openings 790 comprise punctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending throughcentral portion 786. - In one embodiment, such punctures may be formed by an end-user when preparing
hookah system 720 for use. In such an embodiment,central portion 786 is sufficiently thin and sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with a sharp object. For example, in one embodiment,central portion 786 has a fixed generally inflexible planar profile and is formed from one of more thin foils. - In other embodiments,
openings 790 may be formed in other manners and at other points in time. For example, in other embodiments,openings 790 may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture ofcentral portion 786 prior to insertion ofsmoking material 26 intocontainer 760 or after insertion ofsmoking material 26 intocontainer 760 but before wholesale or retail distribution ofcapsule 724. In one embodiment,such openings 790 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of thesmoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment,capsule 724 may additionally be provided with a closing tab orflap 794. As shown byarrow 795,flap 794 is configured to be torn or peeled away fromcontainer 60 so as to openopenings 790. - In one embodiment,
flap 794 may be temporarily joined tocentral portion 786 acrossopenings 790 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peelflap 794. In other embodiments,flap 794 may be secured tocontainer 760 in a more permanent fashion acrossopenings 790, whereinflap 794 is torn or folded away from remaining portions ofcontainer 760 to exposeopenings 790. In one embodiment,flap 794 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) throughcentral portion 768 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium ormaterial 26. -
Perforator 726 comprises one or more structures configured to facilitate perforation offace 768 ofinterface 765 to “break” the seal about smokingmaterial 26 and to provide pneumatic communication betweeninterior 772 ofcontainer 760 and the interior oftube 32 such that smoke fromheated smoking material 26 may be drawn out ofinterior 772 throughtube 32. As shown byFIG. 21 ,perforator 726 includes asupport plate 780 supporting a plurality of upwardly extending perforatingneedles 782 and including a plurality of slots or apertures. As shown byFIG. 23 ,needles 782 have tips configured to perforate or puncture throughaxial face 768 whentube 767 receives mountingportion 729 andperforator 726.Needles 782 each include a pair of ports and an a hollow interior interconnecting the ports such that smoke may pass through a first port ofneedles 782 withininterior 772, may pass through the hollow interior of the needle and may be drawn through the second needle port intomouth 730 of mountingportion 729. Additional smoke may be drawn around the punctures formed byneedles 782 and throughapertures 785. In some embodiments,perforator 726 may include knives, pins or other puncturing devices in place ofneedles 782, wherein the puncturing devices merely form openings inface 782 and wherein smoke is drawn to such openings and throughapertures 784 inplate 780 intomouth 730. In yet other embodiments whereNeedles 782 to provide smoke passageways throughplate 780,apertures 784 may be omitted. In some embodiments, one or both ofneedles 72 andapertures 784 may include filtering materials to filter out ash or other undesirable elements or to add flavorings or scents to the smoke prior to thesmoke entering tube 32. - In the example illustrated,
perforator 726 comprises a structure configured to be removably mounted upontube mounting portion 729 and so as to be insertable intointerface 765 while being supported by mountingportion 729. In the example illustrated,perforator 729 is cup-shaped, having interior 790 configured to receive mountingportion 729. In other embodiments,perforator 726 may be mounted to mountingportion 729 using other mounting structures. Becauseperforator 726 is removable from mountingportion 729,perforator 726 may be removed from mountingportion 729 for cleaning or replacement. - In other embodiments, as shown by
FIG. 22 ,perforator 726 may alternatively be movably supported and carried withintube 767 ofinterface 765. In such an embodiment, needles 782 (or the other puncturing devices of perforator 726) extend upward, but terminate belowaxial face 768 and do not break the seal provided byaxial face 768. Asmouth 730 is pushed intotube 767 of mountingportion 729, needles 768 (or the other puncturing devices of perforator 726) are pushed upward throughaxial face 768 to break the seal and facilitate smoke flow totube 32. In yet other embodiments,perforator 726 may be integrally formed as part of a single unitary body or be fixed, such as with adhesives or welding, to mountingportion 729. As noted above, in still other embodiments,perforator 76 may be omitted where slits or other openings are preformed ininterface 765 and are temporarily sealed by a removable tab orflap 774. - Although
FIG. 19 illustratesinterface 765 employed incapsule 724 having spacer system 600 (described above),interface 765 may alternatively be employed in other capsules. For example,interface 765 may be employed in capsules having different spacer systems or a mating a spacer system.Interface 765 may be provided in capsules formed from other materials or having other configurations. -
FIGS. 24-26 illustrate hookah system 820, another embodiment ofhookah system 20. Hookah system 820 is similar tohookah system 720 except hookah system 820 includes capsule 824 in place ofcapsule 724. Capsule 824 is similar tocapsule 724 except that capsule 824 includes interface 865 in lieu ofinterface 765. Interface 865 is similar tointerface 765 exceptinterface 765 extends from and belowfloor 764. Like interface 865, interface 865 comprises a tube 867 having an axial face 868 which is either imperforate (to be later perforated by an end-user using perforator 826 or other perforation tool) or is pre-perforated at the point of manufacture, wherein the interior 772 is sealed with a removable tab orflap 874. Because tube 867 is formed on an exterior ofcontainer 760, tube 867 does not occupy valuable space withininterior 772, allowing capsule 824 to contain a greater volume ofsmoking material 26. - Although
FIG. 24 illustrates interface 865 employed in capsule 824 having spacer system 600 (described above), interface 865 may alternatively be employed in other capsules. For example, interface 865 they be employed in capsules having different spacer systems or a mating a spacer system. Interface 865 may be provided in capsules formed from other materials or having other configurations. -
FIGS. 27-30 illustrate hookah system 820, another embodiment ofhookah system 720.Hookah system 920 is similar to hookah system 820 except thathookah system 920 includes hookah 922 andhookah bowl capsule 924 in place ofhookah 722 and capsule 824. Hookah 922 is similar tohookah 722 except that hookah 922 includestube mounting portion 929 instead oftube mounting portion 729.Tube mounting portion 929 extends from and communicates with an interior of a remainder oftube 32.Tube mounting portion 929 outwardly extends from a remainder oftube 32 to form amouth 930.Mouth 930 is sufficiently wide and is configured so as to receive a male interface ofcapsule 924. In the example illustrated, mountingportion 929 has aconical interior 931 for sealing against an interface of capsule 94. Another embodiment,portion 929 may have other configurations for receiving and sealing against an interface of capsule normal 924. - Although
FIG. 27 illustratesinterface 965 employed incapsule 924 having spacer system 600 (described above),interface 965 may alternatively be employed in other capsules. For example,interface 965 may be employed in capsules having different spacer systems or a mating a spacer system.Interface 965 may be provided in capsules formed from other materials or having other configurations. -
Perforator 926 is similar toperforator 726 in aperforator 926 includes asupport plate 980, a plurality ofneedles 982 and one or more slots orapertures 928. As shown byFIG. 27 ,plate 980 rests within mountingportion 929 withneedles 928 extending upwardly. As shown byFIG. 30 , whencapsule 924 is mounted upontube mounting portion 929 withinterface 965 received withinmouth 930,needles 928 extent upwardly throughtube 967 and perforator face 968 to break its seal, providing smoke flow from interior 772 totube 32. As noted above in embodiments whereface 968 is pre-perforated and is sealed byflap 874,perforator 926 may be omitted. -
FIG. 31 is a sectional view illustratinghookah system 1020, another embodiment of hookah system 820 shown inFIGS. 24-26 .Hookah system 1020 is similar to hookah system 820 except thathookah system 1020 includesinterface 1065 instead of interface 865. Both are main portions ofhookah system 1020 with corresponding portions of hookah system 820 are numbered similarly.Gasket 34,jar 36,hose 38 andvalve 40 ofhookah system 1020 are shown inFIG. 24 . -
Interface 1065 is similar to interface 865 in that it mounts acontainer 1060 containing smoking material 206 to pipe stem orhookah tube 32.Container 1060 is similar tocontainer 760 except thecontainer 1060 omits an integrally formed interface and instead includes a substantiallyflat floor 1064 and upwardly extendingsidewalls 766.Floor 1064 includes acentral portion 1067 that is either configured to be punctured or perforated with the perforation tool such astool 727 shown inFIG. 19A or includes preformed openings orperforations 1070 which are temporarily closed or sealed by a sealing flap or tab such asflap 481 shown inFIG. 12 orflap 874 shown inFIG. 24 .Floor 1064 has a lowermost surface configured to be sealed against or mate withinterface 1065. In the example illustrated,floor 1065 has a substantially flat lowermost surface. As a result,container 1060 is more easily stacked, transported and inventoried. In addition,container 1064 may be fabricated in a less complex and less expensive manner. In other embodiments, depending upon theconfiguration interface 1065,floor 1064 may have other configurations. -
Sidewalls 766 are described above with respect tocontainer 760.Sidewalls 766 are sufficiently rigid and strong so as to support top 762 above and at a spaced relationship to smoking material 206 andpanel 605 under the weight of a heat source, such as hot coals, placed or resting upon top 762, or under pressure applied by users during the mounting of the capsule. In the example illustrated,sidewalls 766 have a strength or rigidity so as to be able to withstand 1.0 pounds without any compression or deformation ofsidewalls 766. In the example illustrated,sidewalls 766 are formed from Aluminum foil having a thickness of about 0.0015 inches. In another embodiment, sidewalls 766 may have other configurations and may be formed from other materials having different thicknesses. -
Interface 1065 differs from interface 865 in that rather than being integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with the container containing the smoking material 206,interface 1065 comprises a separate and distinct coupler.Interface 1065 is sealed against a lowermost surface offloor 1064 and is further sealed to and abouthookah tube 32. An example illustrated,interface 1065 includestube receiving portion 1100 andplatform 1102. To receivingportion 1100 includes aninternal tube opening 1104 configured to receive a terminal end oftube 32.Tube opening 1104 is configured to seal against or mate withtube 32 provides a pneumatic or gas tight seal. An example illustrated, two opening 1104 is tapered or is cone or funnel-shaped. In the example illustrated,tube opening 1104 further includes agasket 1106 to further enhance sealing againsttube 32. In other embodiments,gasket 1106 may be omitted or may be integrally formed as part oftube mounting portion 1100. -
Platform 1102 extends outwardly fromtube mounting portion 1100 and provides asurface 1108 facingfloor 1064. In the example illustrated,platform 1102 is sealed againstfloor 1064 by an adhesive ring orbead 1012 continuously extending about opening 1104 and adhesively joined to bothplatform 1108 andfloor 1064. In other embodiments,platform 1108 may be sealed against or tofloor 1064 by an O-ring, an annular gasket, or mechanical locking mechanism that provides a pneumatic seal. Becauseplatform 1102 sealed againstfloor 1064, sidewalls 766 remain exposed, allowing advertising, instructions or other information to be displayed alongside while 766 whencontainer 1060 is being used as part ofhookah system 1020. In addition, gravity assists in the formation of the seal. - According to one embodiment,
interface 1065 is separate and distinct fromtube 32 andcontainer 1060. In such an embodiment, the adhesive ring or bead 1012 (or other sealing structure) may be either provided on top ofplatform 1102 or on an underside offloor 10 64 prior to the joining ofcontainer 1060 tointerface 1065. For example, in one embodiment, the decent ring orbead 1012 maybe preformed on an underside offloor 1064 and may be covered by a sealing flap which also stealsopenings 1070. Once the sealing flap is torn or peeled away to expose theadhesive bead 1012, theadhesive bead 1012 may be pressed against a top ofplatform 1102 to sealinterface 1065 tofloor 1064 ofcontainer 1060. In another embodiment, the adhesive bead or sealingring 1012 may be preformed on top ofplatform 1102 and covered by flap which may be peeled and separated from theadhesive ring 1012, allowing theadhesive ring 1012 to be bonded to an underside offloor 1064. - In another embodiment,
interface 1065 may be permanently join tofloor 1064 and distributed or sold as part ofcontainer 1060. In yet another embodiment, interface about 1065 may be permanently joined are formed as part oftube 32. In yet other embodiments,interface 10 65 may have other configurations. For example, in other embodiments, the sealing structure betweenfloor 10 64 andplatform 1102 ofinterface 1065 provided by sealingring 1012 may be omitted whereintube 32 sealed againstfloor 1064 aboutopenings 1070. -
FIG. 32 is a sectional view illustratinghookah system 1220, another embodiment ofhookah system 1020.Hookah system 1220 is similar tohookah system 1020 except thathookah system 1220 includesinterface 1265 instead ofinterface 1065.Interface 1265 is similar tointerface 1065 except thatinterface 1265 additionally includes sidewalls 1269 extending upwardly fromplatform 1102. The remaining portions ofinterface 1265 that correspond to portions ofinterface 1065 are numbered similarly. 1269encircle platform 1102 and cooperate withplatform 1102 to form a cup-shapedreceptacle 1273 configured (sized and shaped) to receive a lower end ofcontainer 1060. In one embodiment, sidewalls 1269 form a circular ring. In another embodiment, sidewalls 1269 form a polygonal ring. Becauseinterface 1265 receivescontainer 1060,interface 1265 more stably secures and supportscontainer 1060 while leaving outer circumferential or exterior portions ofsidewalls 766 exposed for providing instructions, advertising and the like. In addition, because sidewalls 1269 only partially extend upward alongsidewalls 766 and do not extend all the way fromfloor 1102 to top 762,interface 1265 is more compact and material consumption and cost are reduced. - In the example illustrated,
platform 1102 sealed againstfloor 1064 while sidewalls 1269 seal againstsidewalls 766. In one embodiment, the seal is provided by a friction pneumatically sealing fit ofcontainer 1060 withinreceptacle 1273 without a gasket or adhesive. In other embodiments, adhesives or gaskets may be provided betweenplatform 1102 andfloor 1064 and/or between sidewalls 1269 and sidewalls 766. In yet other embodiments,interface 1265 may alternatively seal only againstfloor 1064 or only againstsidewalls 766 ofcontainer 1060. For example, one embodiment, sidewalls to 69 seal againstsidewalls 766 while floor without 64 is spaced aboveplatform 1102. - As with
interface 1065,interface 1065 is separate and distinct fromtube 32 andcontainer 1060. In yet other embodiments,interface 1265 may alternatively be permanently joined tofloor 1064 and distributed or sold as part ofcontainer 1060. In yet another embodiment, interface about 1065 may be permanently joined are formed as part oftube 32. In still other embodiments,interface 10 65 may have other configurations. - Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus comprising:
a container formed from one or more foils;
a smoking material within the container;
a top joined to the outer container to capture the smoking material within the outer container; and
at least one thermally conductive panel between the smoking material and the top, wherein the panel is spaced from the top.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising an air gap between the panel and a lower surface of the top.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the panel is spaced from a lower surface of the top by at least 1/16 of an inch.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the panel rests and floats upon the smoking material.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the panel is spaced from a lower surface of the top by at least 1/16 of an inch.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the panel is supported by the outer container.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the panel is spaced from a lower surface of the top by at least 1/16 of an inch.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a grid over the panel and retaining the panel at a minimum distance from the top.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the panel is circular.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the panel has outer edges facing and spaced from an interior sidewall of the container.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the panel comprises a foil, ceramic, clay, or sand core.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an interface coupled to the container and configured to be removably mounted upon a tube of a hookah.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the interface comprises a tube configured to receive the tube of the hookah.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the interface comprises a tubular projection configured to be received within the tube of the hookah.
15. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the container includes a plurality of wrinkles extending along interior side walls of the container.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an outer container formed from one or more foils and receiving the container, the outer container having an interface configured to be removably mounted upon a tube of a hookah.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the top completely covers the container and the outer container.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the top suspends the container in the outer container.
19. A hookah smoking system comprising:
a hookah having a tube, the tube having a first end opening within a liquid reservoir and a second end opening;
a container formed from one or more foils and having an interior in communication with an interior of the tube;
a smoking material within the container;
a top joined to the outer container to capture the smoking material within the outer container; and
at least one thermally conductive panel between the smoking material and the top, wherein the panel is spaced from the top.
20. A method comprising:
spacing a smoking material within a container from a top over the container with at least one thermally conductive panel between the smoking material and the top;
positioning a heat source upon the top;
drawing smoke through a bottom of the container.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/700,717 US20110186061A1 (en) | 2010-02-04 | 2010-02-04 | Hookah spacer |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US12/700,717 US20110186061A1 (en) | 2010-02-04 | 2010-02-04 | Hookah spacer |
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US20110186061A1 true US20110186061A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
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US12/700,717 Abandoned US20110186061A1 (en) | 2010-02-04 | 2010-02-04 | Hookah spacer |
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Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20140283852A1 (en) * | 2013-03-21 | 2014-09-25 | Ibrahim Dabes | Water pipe with a container and a distributor element |
WO2015024697A1 (en) * | 2013-08-21 | 2015-02-26 | Jt International S.A. | Smoking article for a water-pipe |
US20160144143A1 (en) * | 2014-11-24 | 2016-05-26 | Martin Richard CARLSON | Electric medicament vaporizer |
EP3420827A3 (en) * | 2017-06-28 | 2019-03-20 | Necmi Ekici | Chimney hood for a water pipe head |
US10561172B2 (en) | 2016-03-07 | 2020-02-18 | Wallbrooke Investments Ltd. | Inductive heating apparatus and related method |
US10953179B2 (en) | 2012-08-03 | 2021-03-23 | Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited | Deformable insert for low pressure patient interface |
US11882872B2 (en) | 2020-04-02 | 2024-01-30 | Altria Client Services Llc | Capsules, heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating devices, and methods of generating an aerosol |
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US3545449A (en) * | 1969-04-18 | 1970-12-08 | James G Pecor | Pipe smoker's tobacco package |
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US20060086365A1 (en) * | 2004-10-26 | 2006-04-27 | Chun-Liang Liu | Apparatus with electric heating device for water-pipe smoking |
US20060107964A1 (en) * | 2004-11-20 | 2006-05-25 | Harout Ohanesian | Sheesha smoking tube |
US20060207621A1 (en) * | 2005-03-16 | 2006-09-21 | Mickey Shraiber | Tobacco cartridge particularly for use with narghiles |
US20080060663A1 (en) * | 2006-09-07 | 2008-03-13 | Bassam Hamade | Pre-sealed foil pouch containing such as flavored tobacco for use with a hookah pipe and head attachment assembly |
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US3468314A (en) * | 1967-10-05 | 1969-09-23 | Charles E Palmer | Pipe cartridge |
US3545449A (en) * | 1969-04-18 | 1970-12-08 | James G Pecor | Pipe smoker's tobacco package |
US4648410A (en) * | 1985-08-22 | 1987-03-10 | Seroussi Henry I | Nargile - oriental tobacco water pipe for smoking cured tobaccos |
US20060086365A1 (en) * | 2004-10-26 | 2006-04-27 | Chun-Liang Liu | Apparatus with electric heating device for water-pipe smoking |
US20060107964A1 (en) * | 2004-11-20 | 2006-05-25 | Harout Ohanesian | Sheesha smoking tube |
US20060207621A1 (en) * | 2005-03-16 | 2006-09-21 | Mickey Shraiber | Tobacco cartridge particularly for use with narghiles |
US20080060663A1 (en) * | 2006-09-07 | 2008-03-13 | Bassam Hamade | Pre-sealed foil pouch containing such as flavored tobacco for use with a hookah pipe and head attachment assembly |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10953179B2 (en) | 2012-08-03 | 2021-03-23 | Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited | Deformable insert for low pressure patient interface |
US20140283852A1 (en) * | 2013-03-21 | 2014-09-25 | Ibrahim Dabes | Water pipe with a container and a distributor element |
WO2015024697A1 (en) * | 2013-08-21 | 2015-02-26 | Jt International S.A. | Smoking article for a water-pipe |
US10064430B2 (en) | 2013-08-21 | 2018-09-04 | Jt International S.A. | Smoking article for a water-pipe |
US20160144143A1 (en) * | 2014-11-24 | 2016-05-26 | Martin Richard CARLSON | Electric medicament vaporizer |
US10561172B2 (en) | 2016-03-07 | 2020-02-18 | Wallbrooke Investments Ltd. | Inductive heating apparatus and related method |
US11707085B2 (en) | 2016-03-07 | 2023-07-25 | Evyra Sa | Inductive heating apparatus and related method |
EP3420827A3 (en) * | 2017-06-28 | 2019-03-20 | Necmi Ekici | Chimney hood for a water pipe head |
US11882872B2 (en) | 2020-04-02 | 2024-01-30 | Altria Client Services Llc | Capsules, heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating devices, and methods of generating an aerosol |
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