HOOKAH SMOKING MATERIAL

Abstract

A smoking material includes wood portions.

Description

BACKGROUND

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the hookah capsule of FIG. 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 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view illustrating positioning of the perforated capsule of FIG. 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 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the hookah system of FIG. 1 including an alternative hookah capsule.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the capsule of FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the capsule of FIG. 2.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view illustrating the capsule of FIG. 13 prepared for use in a hookah.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates hookah system 20 according to an example embodiment. Hookah system 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 a hookah capsule 24 including the smoking material 26. The hookah capsule 24 enables easier and less messy preparation of hookah system 20. The hookah capsule 24 also provides for enhanced smoking of the smoking material 26. Hookah system 20 includes hookah 22 and the aforementioned 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 and plate 42. Bowl 30, also known as a head of hookah 22, comprises a receptacle or container having an interior 44 having an opening outlined by a mouth 46. Interior 44 is configured to receive a portion of capsule 24 while mouth 46 is configured to support or elevate capsule 26. Bowl 30 includes one or more passages 48 extending from interior 44 and in pneumatic or gaseous communication with an interior 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 as passages 48.

Tube 32 comprises one or more structures forming a pneumatic or gaseous conduit 50 connected to passages 48 and extending from passages 48 through gasket 34 and into jar 36 below a level or surface 52 of liquid 54 contained within jar 36. Tube 32 allows smoke from smoking material 26 to be drawn from interior 44 of bowl 30 through liquid 54.

Gasket 34 comprises one or more structures forming a seal between tube 32 and jar 36. Gasket 34 caps jar 36 while permitting tube 32, hose 38 and valve 42 extend through gasket 34 into the interior 56 of jar 36. Gasket 34 may include multiple openings allowing multiple hoses 38 for multiple persons smoking from hookah 22.

Jar 36 comprises a container configured to hold if liquid through which smoke is bubbled prior to being drawn through hoses 38. In one embodiment, liquid 54 contained by jar 36 comprises water. As the smoke is bubbled through liquid 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 between jar 36 and bowl 34 containing ice to cool the smoke.

Hose 38 comprises a slender tube through which smoke is inhaled. Hose 38 extends through gasket 34 and communicates with the interior 56 of jar 36 above the liquid line or level 52. In some embodiments, hose 38 may additionally include a mouthpiece. Although one hose 38 is illustrated, in other embodiments, hookah 22 may include additional hoses 38. Although hose 38 is illustrated as being provided through gasket 34, in other embodiments, hose 38 may extend through openings in jar 36.

Valve 40 comprises a selectively openable or closable valve for clearing smoke from interior 56 of jar 36 rather than through hose 38. Although valve 40 is illustrated as being provided through gasket 34, in other embodiments, valve 40 may extend through openings in jar 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 to bowl 30. In other embodiments, plate 42 may be omitted.

Overall, hookah 22 comprises a mechanism through which smoke from smoking material 26 is drawn into and bubbled through a liquid prior to being inhaled through one or more hoses 38 or in the air through one of more 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 surrounds smoking material 26 on substantially all sides. Prior to its modification when placed within bowl 30 of hookah 22, capsule 24 substantially seals about smoking material 26, maintaining the freshness of the smoking material 26. As, a result, capsule 24 is used to store, distribute and sell individual prepackaged portions of smoking material 26. Capsule 24 also enables the individual portions of smoking material 26 to be easily placed within bowl 30 without a person having to directly manually contact, touch or handle smoking material 26. As a result, a person's hands do not become sticky or messy when preparing hookah system 20. Moreover, because capsule 24 is directly placed within bowl 30, capsule 26 further serves as a liner, avoiding direct contact between smoking material 26 and the interior surfaces of bowl 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, smoking material 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, smoking material 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, smoking material 26 may include tobacco; however the overall mixture of materials forming smoking material 26 has a substantial percentage provided by tobacco-free materials or materials free of nicotine and tar. In one embodiment, smoking material 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 a smoking 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 that smoking 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 a smoking material 26 including such apple or pear wood portions. For example, in some embodiments 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 of smoking 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, smoking material 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 where smoking 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, smoking material 26 may additionally or alternatively include synthetic syrups which mimic sugars, extracts, molasses and the like. In yet another embodiment, smoking material 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, smoking material 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 in smoking 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 of smoking 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 encloses smoking material 26. In one embodiment, the body or packaging of capsule 24 is sized so as to contain an individual portion of smoking material 26. In other embodiments, the packaging may include multiple portions or use servings. In one embodiment, the body or packaging of capsule 26 is sized to be received within a hookah bowl. For example, in one embodiment, the body or packaging 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 the smoking 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 of capsule 24 has at least one metallic wall in contact with smoking material 26. As a result, the higher thermal conductivity of the metallic wall more effectively transmits a uniform heat about smoking material 26 to provide a more uniform heating of smoking material 26 and enhanced smoke production and operation.

According to one embodiment, the body of capsule 24 generally includes container 60 and top 62. Container 60 comprises a structure which substantially receives and retains smoking 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 a floor 64 and side walls 66. Floor 64 extends generally opposite to and faces top 62. Floor 64 extends in closest proximity to a bottom of bowl 30 when container 60 is positioned within bowl 30. In one embodiment, floor 64 is elevated or spaced above the bottom of bowl 30, providing greater clearance for smoke to accumulate before passing through passages 48. Floor 64 includes one or more openings 70. Openings 70 are sized and located to permit smoke from smoking material 26 to pass from interior 72 of container 60 into interior 44 of bowl 30 without a substantial amount of smoking material 26 passing through the same openings 70. In one embodiment, openings 70 comprise punctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending through floor 70.

In one embodiment such punctures may be formed by an end-user just prior to inserting container 60 into bowl 30 as part of preparing hookah 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 of container 70 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 70 or after insertion of smoking material 26 into container 70 but before wholesale or retail to solution of capsule 24. In one embodiment, such openings 70 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 26 may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 74. Flap 74 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so as to open openings 70. In one embodiment, flap 70 may be temporarily joined to floor 64 across openings 70 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap 74. In other embodiments, flap 74 maybe secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashion across openings 70, wherein flap 74 is torn away from remaining portions of container 62 exposed openings 70. In one embodiment, flap 74 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) through floor 64 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26. In other embodiments, openings 70 may not be sealed or closed.

Sidewalls 66 extend between floor 64 and top 62. Together with floor 64, sidewalls 66 form a volume for containing smoking 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 inner most surface 76 and an innermost layer 76 of one or more metallic materials. The innermost layer of metallic materials contacts smoking material 26. In one embodiment, an entirety of side walls 66 is formed from one or more metallic materials. Because at least the inner most layer 76 of sidewalls 66 is formed from a metallic material, sidewall 66 have an enhanced thermal conductivity for thermally conducting heat from a heat source 78 resting upon capsule 24. Because the thermally conductive inner surface directly contacts smoking material 26, heat is effectively transferred to the smoking material 26. In other embodiments, sidewalls 66 may include one or more layers of thermally conductive metallic materials which are spaced from the innermost surface 76 by one or more nonmetallic layers or materials, wherein surface 76 is formed from a material or is sufficiently thin so as to not substantially thermally insulate the thermally conductive layer from smoking material 26.

In the example illustrated, heat source 78 comprises hot coals. In other embodiments, other heat sources 78 may be employed. Because sidewalls 66 provide such enhanced thermal conductivity, heat from heat source 78 is more uniformly distributed along the sides of smoking material 26 to smoke smoking 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 highly conductive layer 80 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment, layer 80 may provide the innermost surface of floor 64. In other embodiments, layer 80 may be spaced from the inner most surface of floor 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 smoking material 26. Because floor 64 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is also effectively conducted from sidewall 66 to below smoking material 26, heating the underside of smoking material 26. As a result, even more uniform heating and smoking of smoking material 26 may be achieved. In other embodiments, floor 64 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers.

According to one embodiment, both floor 64 and sidewalls 66 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment, floor 64 and sidewalls 66 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil. In other embodiments, floor 64 and sidewall 66 may be formed from one or more other materials.

Sidewalls 66 are joined to top 62 at junction 84. According to one embodiment, sidewalls 66 are connected to top 62 by a crimped junction 84. In one embodiment, sidewalls 66 are solely connected to top 62 by crimped junction 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 of capsule 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, wherein sidewalls 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 the smoking 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 at junction 84 to assist in joining top 62 to sidewall 66 and/or to assist in sealing between top 62 and sidewall 66. Because the same materials added to the smoking material are also used to enhance or facilitate joining in sealing between sidewall 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 or manufacturing 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 and form 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 or floor 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 across interior 72 of container 60. Top 62 captures and substantially encloses smoking material 26 within interior 72. Top 62 additionally supports heating source 78 (hot coals) over and above smoking material 26. Top 62 includes central portion 86 and extension 88.

Central portion 86 covers interior 72 while standing over interior 72 between opposite sides of sidewalls 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) over interior 72 and over smoking material 26. In other words, the hot coals are less likely to roll off of central portion 86. In one embodiment, central portion 86 is either sufficiently rigid and strong or is sufficiently supported by sidewall 66 so as to be sufficiently taught when supporting the coals of heat source 78 such that an underside of central portion 86 does not collapse or rest upon smoking material 26. In other words, central portion 86 is configured such that the weight of heat source 78 does not cause central portion 86 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.

According to one embodiment, central portion 86 is formed from or includes a highly conductive layer 89 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment, layer 89 may provide the innermost surface of central portion 86. In other embodiments, layer 89 may be spaced from the inner most surface of central 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 smoking material 26. Because central portion 86 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is more effectively conducted to smoking material 26 through central portion 86, heating the upper side of smoking 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 or more openings 90. Openings 90 are sized and located to permit air to pass into interior 72 of container 60 without large amounts of residue, if any, from heat source 78 (such as the ashes from coals) passing through the same openings 90. In one embodiment, openings 90 comprise punctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending through central portion 86.

In one embodiment, such punctures may be formed by an end-user just prior to inserting container 60 into bowl 30 as part of preparing hookah 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 of central portion 86 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 60 or after insertion of smoking material 26 into container 60 but before wholesale or retail to solution of capsule 24. In one embodiment, such openings 90 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smoking 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 from container 60 so as to open openings 90. In one embodiment, flap 94 may be temporarily joined to central portion 86 across openings 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 to container 60 in a more permanent fashion across openings 90, wherein flap 94 is torn or folded away from remaining portions of container 60 to expose openings 90. In other embodiments, flap 94 maybe secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashion across openings 70, wherein flap 74 is torn away from remaining portions of container 62 exposed openings 70. In one embodiment, flap 94 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) through central portion 86 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium or material 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 from central portion 86 outwardly beyond sidewalls 66. Extension 88 provides an outwardly extending rim beyond sidewall 66 of container 60. Extension 88 enables a larger heat source 78, such as a larger number of hot coals, to rest upon capsule 24. Extension 88 further abuts or seals against an upper service of mouth 46 of bowl 30. In particular, extension 88 has an outward expanse or area equal to or greater than an area of mouth 46. As a result, extension 88 substantially inhibits smoke from smoking material 26 from floating upward out of bowl 30. Rather, a greater percentage of the smoke from smoking material 26 that is passed through opening 70 maybe drawn through passages 48 and subsequently inhaled through the one or more hoses 38. Extension 88 further supports container 60 and smoking material 26 above a bottom of bowl 30, preventing container 60 from occluding or blocking passages 48. In other embodiments, container 60 may contact the bottom of bowl 30 while still allowing sufficient air flow to passages 48.

According to one embodiment, extension 88 extends not only to and just above mouth 46, but outwardly beyond mouth 46. This greater expanse of extension 88 provides even a greater surface area for supporting the coals of heat source 78. As a result, the coals of heat source 78 are even less likely to fall off of top 62.

As indicated by broken lines in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, at least those portions of extension 88 extending outwardly beyond mouth 46 are non-resiliently manually deformable or bendable. As a result, such portions 96 of extension 88 may be wrapped or bent around mouth 46, along the exterior sides of mouth 30. Although this may reduce the total surface area for supporting the coals of heat source 78, wrapping a portion 96 about mouth 46 provides an enhanced seal about mouth 46 and better contains smoke from smoking material 26 within mouth 30 prior to its flow through passages 48. Because portions 96 by configured to retain their shape after being wrapped about mouth 46, the remaining portions of extension 88 and capsule 24 are better supported and elevated within bowl 30 above a bottom interior of bowl 30. In other embodiments, portions 96 may be omitted.

According to one embodiment, central portion 86 and extensions 88 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment, central portion 86 and extension 88 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil. According to one embodiment, central portion 86 and extension 88 are formed from a single layer of metallic material such as tinfoil. Because central portion 86 and extension 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, because portion 96 is formed from a single layer, portion 96 may more easily retain its deformed or bent shape against exterior surfaces of bowl 30 proximate to mouth 46. In other embodiments, central portion 86 and extension 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 illustrate capsule 124, a particular example embodiment of capsule 24. Capsule 24 includes a body which encloses smoking material 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 1). The body of capsule 124 generally includes container 160 and top 162. Container 160 comprises a structure which substantially receives and retains smoking 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 a floor 164 and side 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 in FIG. 1) when container 160 is positioned within bowl 30. In one embodiment, floor 164 is elevated or spaced above the bottom of bowl 30, providing greater clearance for smoke to accumulate before passing through passages 48. Floor 164 is imperforate prior to being prepared for use with hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1).

Sidewalls 166 extend between floor 164 and top 162. Together with floor 164, sidewalls 166 form a volume for containing smoking material 26. In one embodiment, side walls 166 imperforate. As a result, container 60 better maintains a freshness of smoking material 26. In the example illustrated, sidewalls 166 have an inner most surface 76 (shown in FIG. 1) and an innermost layer 76 of one or more metallic materials. The innermost layer of metallic materials contacts smoking material 26. In one embodiment, an entirety of side walls 166 is formed from one or more metallic materials. Because at least the inner most layer 76 of sidewalls 166 is formed from a metallic material, sidewalls 166 have an enhanced thermal conductivity for thermally conducting heat from a heat source 78 (shown in FIG. 1) resting upon capsule 124. Because the thermally conductive inner surface directly contacts smoking material 26, heat is effectively transferred to the smoking material 26. In other embodiments, sidewalls 166 may include one or more layers of thermally conductive metallic materials which are spaced from the innermost surface 76 by one or more nonmetallic layers or materials, wherein surface 715 is formed from a material or is sufficiently thin so as to not substantially thermally insulate the thermally conductive layer from smoking material 26. Because sidewalls 166 provide such enhanced thermal conductivity, heat from heat source 78 is more uniformly distributed along the sides of smoking material 26 to smoke smoking 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 highly conductive layer 80 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment, layer 80 may provide the innermost surface of floor 164. In other embodiments, layer 80 may be spaced from the inner most surface of floor 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 smoking material 26. Because floor 164 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is also effectively conducted from sidewall 166 to below smoking material 26, heating the underside of smoking material 26. As a result, even more uniform heating and smoking of smoking material 26 may be achieved. In other embodiments, floor 164 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers.

In the embodiments illustrated, both floor 164 and sidewalls 166 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment, floor 164 and sidewalls 166 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil. In other embodiments, floor 164 and sidewall 166 may be formed from one or more other materials.

Sidewalls 66 are joined to top 62 at junction 184. According to one embodiment, sidewalls 166 are connected to top 124 by a crimped junction 184. In one embodiment, sidewalls 166 are solely connected to top 124 by crimped junction 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 smoking material 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, wherein sidewalls 166 are integrally formed as a single unitary body with top 124.

Top 124 comprises one or more structures coupled to joined or connected to sidewalls 166 and spanning across interior 72 (shown in FIG. 1) of container 160. Top 124 captures and substantially encloses smoking material 26 within interior 72. Top 124 additionally supports heating source 78 (hot coals) (shown in FIG. 1) over and above smoking material 26. Top 124 includes central portion 186 and extension 188.

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. As a result, central portion 186 is better able to support heat source 78 (hot coal) over interior 72 and over smoking material 26. In other words, the hot coals are less likely to roll off of central portion 186. In one embodiment, 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. In other words, 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.

According to one embodiment, central portion 186 is formed from or includes a highly conductive layer 89 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment, layer 89 may provide the innermost surface of central portion 186. In other embodiments, layer 89 may be spaced from the inner most surface of central 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 smoking material 26. Because central portion 186 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is more effectively conducted to smoking material 26 through central portion 86, heating the upper side of smoking material 26. In other embodiments, central portion 86 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers.

Extension 188 comprises that portion of top 124 extending outwardly from central portion 186 outwardly beyond sidewalls 166. Extension 188 provides an outwardly extending rim beyond sidewall 166 of container 160. Extension 188 enables a larger heat source 78, such as a larger number of hot coals (shown in FIG. 1), to rest upon capsule 124. Extension 188 further abuts or steals against an upper surface of mouth 46 of bowl 30 (shown in FIG. 1). In particular, extension 188 has an outward expanse or area equal to or greater than an area of mouth 46. As a result, extension 188 substantially inhibits smoke from smoking material 26 from floating upward out of bowl 30. Rather, a greater percentage of the smoke from smoking material 26 that is passed capsule 124 into bowl 30 may be drawn through passages 48 and subsequently inhaled through the one or more hoses 38. Extension 188 further supports container 160 and smoking material 26 above a bottom of bowl 30, preventing container 160 from occluding or blocking passages 48.

According to one embodiment, extension 188 is configured to extend not only to and just above mouth 46, but outwardly beyond mouth 46. This greater expanse of extension 188 provides even a greater surface area for supporting the coals of heat source 78. As a result, the coals of heat source 78 are even less likely to fall off of top 162.

As shown by FIG. 7, in one embodiment, at least those portions of extension 188 extending outwardly beyond mouth 46 are non-resiliently and manually deformable or bendable. As a result, such portions 196 of extension 188 may be wrapped or bent around mouth 46, along the exterior sides of mouth 30. Although this may reduce the total surface area for supporting the coals of heat source 78, wrapping a portion 196 about mouth 46 provides an enhanced seal about mouth 46 and better contain smoke from smoking material 26 within mouth 30 prior to its flow through passages 48 (shown in FIG. 1). Because portions 196 are configured to retain their shape after being wrapped about mouth 46, the remaining portions of extension 188 and capsule 124 are better supported and elevated within bowl 30 above a bottom interior of bowl 30. In other embodiments, portions 196 may be omitted.

According to one embodiment, central portion 186 and extensions 188 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment, central portion 186 and extension 138 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil. According to one embodiment, central portion 86 and extension 88 are formed from a single layer of metallic material such as tinfoil. As shown by FIG. 10, in one embodiment, extension 188 may overlap an extension 208 of container 160. Because central portion 186 and extension 180 are formed from a single layer, central portion 186 may be more easily puncture d, fabrication is less complex and costly and thermal conductivity may be enhanced. In addition, because portion 196 is formed from a single layer, portion 196 may more easily retain its deformed or bent shape against exterior surfaces of bowl 30 proximate to mouth 46. In other embodiments, central portion 186 and extension 188 may be formed from one or more other materials or may be formed from multiple layers.

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate preparation of hookah system 22 using capsule 124. In particular, FIGS. 3-7 illustrate mounting of capsule 124 to a bowl 30 of hookah system 22 (shown in its entirety in FIG. 1). As shown by FIG. 3, one or more openings 170 are formed by puncturing floor 164 with a sharp object 200. Openings 170 are sized and located to permit air to pass into interior 72 of container 160 without large amounts of residue, if any, from heat source 78 (such as the ashes from coals) passing through the same openings 190. In one embodiment, openings 190 comprise punctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending through floor 164.

In the example illustrated, such punctures may be formed by an end-user just prior to inserting container 160 into bowl 30 as part of preparing hookah 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 of floor 164 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 or after insertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 but before wholesale or retail to solution of capsule 124. In one embodiment, such openings 190 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smoking 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 to FIG. 1).

As shown by FIG. 4, openings 190 are formed in central portion 186. Openings 190 are sized and located to permit smoke from smoking material 26, to pass from interior 72 (shown in FIG. 1) of container 160 into interior 44 of bowl 30 without a substantial amount of coals of heat source 78 (shown in FIG. 1) passing through the same openings 190. In one embodiment, openings 190 comprise punctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending through central portion 186. Such punctures are formed by an end-user just prior to inserting container 160 into bowl 30 as part of preparing hookah system 20. In such an embodiment, central portion 186 is sufficiently thin and sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with a sharp 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 of container 160 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 or after insertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 but before wholesale or retail to solution of capsule 124. In one embodiment, such openings 190 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 124 may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 94 (shown and described in FIG. 1). In other embodiments, openings 190 may not be sealed or closed.

As shown by FIGS. 5 and 6, once floor 164 and central portion 186 have been punctured (or otherwise modified) to form openings 170 and 190, capsule 124 is placed upon bowl 30 with container 160 (shown in FIG. 2) resting inside Bowl 30. As shown by FIG. 7, portions 196 of extension 188 are bent and wrapped about the mouth 46 of bowl 30. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1, a heat source 78, such as hot coals, are placed upon central portion 86/186 of top 62/162. As indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1, as 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.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate one example method of forming capsule 124. As shown by FIG. 8, top 162 is positioned across container 160 and an extension 208 of container 160. As noted above, in one embodiment, top 162 is formed from a metallic foil such as tinfoil. Likewise, container 160 and its extension 208 are also formed from a metallic foil, such as tinfoil.

As shown by FIG. 9, one or more forming tools 210 (shown in FIG. 8) are positioned at least partially about and around container 160. Forming tools 210 are pressed against extension 188 and extension 208 to form the folds 212 shown in FIG. 9. In one embodiment, forming tools 210 continuously extend about container 160 so as to form continuous fold 212 about container 160 between container 160 and portion 196, extension 188. In other embodiments, forming tools to 108 intermittently extend about or around container 160 to form intermittently spaced folds 212. Although folds 212 are illustrated as extending downward into extensions 188 and 208, in other embodiments, forming tools 210 may alternatively be located below extension 208 such that folds 212 extend upwardly.

As shown by FIG. 10, folds 212 are subsequently crushed, pinched, mashed or deformed to form crimped junctures 184. In other embodiments, other forming tools and other crimping methods may be employed. Because crimped junctures 184 are formed without adhesive, smoking material 26 is sealed and kept fresh within container 160 without adhesives which might otherwise be made in older and affect taste during heating of capsule 124. As noted above, in other embodiments, adhesives or sealing materials may be employed with or without the crimping.

FIG. 11 illustrates hookah system 320, another embodiment of hookah system 20. Hookah system 320 is identical to hookah system 20 except that hookah system 320 includes capsule 324. Capsule 324 is itself identical to capsule 24 except that capsule 324 includes extension 388 in place of extension 88. Those remaining elements of hookah system 320 that correspond to elements of hookah system 20 are numbered similarly.

As shown by FIG. 11, extension 388 extends outwardly from central portion 86 and has a smaller expanse extending beyond container 60. Extension 388 is configured to abut and seal against an inner surface 331 of bowl 30 rather than a top surface of mouth 46. In the example illustrated, extension 388 is sufficiently sized so as to frictionally engage surface 331 to elevate floor 64 above passages 48. In the example shown, mouth 46 projects above a top of capsule 324 when capsule 324 is positioned within bowl 30. As a result, portions of the bowl 30 rising above mouth 46 further assist in retaining the coals of heat source 78 in place above capsule 324. The remaining operation of hookah system 320 is substantially similar to the operation of hookah system 20.

In yet another embodiment, capsule 324 and bowl 30 may comprise an integrated consumable (disposable) system, wherein both capsule 324 and bowl 30 are formed from one or more foils joined together as a unit. In particular, bowl 30 is separate from tube 32 and top 388 of capsule 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) within bowl 30 which seals about such openings. At the time or storage or retail sale, the bottom 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 of bowl 30 is punctured by pointed end of tube 38 providing passages 48. In another embodiment, the flap or flaps may be peeled away to expose preexisting openings prior to the tube 32 being inserted through the exposed openings.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating capsule 424, another embodiment of capsule 24. Capsule 424 is illustrated prior to preparation of capsule 424 for insertion into hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1). Capsule 424 comprise a specific embodiment of capsule 24 in which openings 70 and 90 are preformed during fabrication of capsule 24 or during filling of capsule 24 was smoking material 26. Those remaining elements of capsule 424 which correspond to elements of capsule 24 (described above) are numbered similarly. Capsule 424 includes closing flaps 474 and 476.

Flap 474 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so as to open openings 70. Flap 474 includes a manually grippable tab or handle 481. In one embodiment, flap 474 may be temporarily joined to floor 64 across openings 70 with a pressure sensitive adhesive 475 (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap 74. In other embodiments, flap 474 may be secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashion across openings 70, wherein flap 474 is torn away from remaining portions of container 620 to expose openings 70. In one embodiment, flap 474 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) through floor 64 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26.

Flap 494 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so as to open openings 90. In the example illustrated, flap 494 includes a manually grippable tab or handle 495. In one embodiment, flap 494 may be temporarily joined to central portion 86 across openings 90 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap 494. In other embodiments, flap 944 may be secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashion across openings 90, wherein flap 494 is torn or folded away from remaining portions of container 60 to expose openings 90. In other embodiments, flap 494 maybe secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashion across openings 70, wherein flap 74 is torn away from remaining portions of container 60 to expose openings 90. In one embodiment, flap 494 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) through central portion 86 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26.

When preparing hookah system 22, a person grasps handles handle 495 and removing or at least folds over flaps 474 and 494 to expose openings 70 and 90, respectively. Thereafter, capsule 424 is positioned on and partially within bowl 30 of hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1). Flaps 474 and 494 enable easier preparation of capsule 424 for use in hookah 22. Because openings 70 and 90 are preformed, opening 7090 may be optimally sized and located for enhanced air or smoke flow.

FIG. 12 illustrates capsule 524, another embodiment of capsule 24. Capsule 524 is similar to capsule 24 except that capsule 524 includes top 562 in place of top 62. In addition, floor 64 is imperforate prior to being prepared for use in hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1). Those remaining elements of capsule 524 which correspond to elements of capsule 24 are numbered similarly.

Top 562 is similar to top 62 except that top 562 is joined to container 60 by junctions 584. In addition, as with some embodiments of top 62, central portion 86 of top 562 is imperforate prior to preparation for use in hookah 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 from container 60 without potential damage to container 60 and without substantial tearing or abrupt forces which might otherwise cause spilling of smoking material 26 from container 60. In one embodiment, junctions 584 may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive 585 positioned between container 60 and top 562. In other embodiments, other temporary sealing and joining mechanisms or structures may be employed. Junctions 584 in close and seal smoking material 26 within container 60 to maintain the freshness of smoking material 26. At the same time, junctions 584 permit top 562 to be removed, exposing smoking material 26 and permitting airflow from above smoking material 26. FIG. 14 illustrates use of capsule 524. In particular, capsule 524, containing smoking material 26, is stored and inventoried in the state shown in FIG. 13. Prior to use in hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1), openings 70 are formed in floor 64. In one embodiment, openings 70 are formed by puncturing floor 64. In other embodiments, opening 70 may be preformed, wherein a flap, such as flap 474 joining FIG. 12 is utilized.

As further shown by FIG. 14, top 562 is removed from container 60. In one embodiment that top 562 is peeled away from container 60. In another embodiment, top 562 may be torn away from container 60. In other embodiments, top 562 may be folded or bent away from container 60 while remaining attached to a portion of container 60. Thereafter, container 60 is positioned within bowl 30 (shown in FIG. 1) and a separate perforated foil or screen 531 is positioned over smoking material 26. A heat source 78, such as hot coals (shown in FIG. 1), may then be placed on top of the screen or perforated foil. As with capsules 24, 124 and 424, capsule 524 provides a prepackaged and apportioned unit of smoking material 26. Moreover, capsule 524 enables the smoking material 26 to be loaded into a hookah without a person having to manually touch or contact smoking material 26. In some embodiments, capsule 524 additionally thermally conducts heat more uniformly about smoking material 26 for enhanced smoking performance.

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

1. An apparatus comprising:

a smoking material comprising:

wood portions;

a syrup not entirely derived from the wood and coating the wood portions.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wood portions comprise shavings.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wood portions comprise sawdust.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the syrup is completely derived from sources other than the wood.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wood is from a fruit tree.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wood is selected from a group of woods consisting of: apple, cherry, grape, mulberry, peach, pear, plum, pecan and lemon.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wood is an apple wood, a pear wood, or mixtures thereof

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the syrup comprises molasses.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising one or more artificial flavors.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the wood is from a first fruit tree and wherein the one of our artificial flavors include flavors corresponding to fruit of a second fruit tree different than the first fruit tree.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first fruit tree comprises an apple tree or a pear tree.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or more artificial flavorings include a fruit flavoring.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the smoking material further comprises one or more preservatives.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the one of more preservatives comprise glycerin.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the syrup comprises molasses.

16. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a container enclosing the smoking material and having a volume of less than or equal to 6 fluid ounces.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the smoking material further comprises one or more preservatives.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a package enclosing the smoking material and having a volume of less than or equal to 6 fluid ounces.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a package enclosing the smoking material and having a maximum dimension of 5 inches.

20. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a package enclosing the smoking material, the package including at least metallic wall in contact with the smoking material.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a capsule comprising:

a container retaining the smoking material, the container having a floor with portions configured to be manually punctured or manually removed; and

a top joined to the container to capture the smoking material within the container with portions configured to be manually punctured or manually removed.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the top includes a central portion retaining the smoking material in the container and an extension extending from the central portion outwardly beyond the container, wherein the central portion and the extension are configured to support and retain a heat source on the capsule and above the container, wherein the extension is configured to be wrapped about a mouth of a hookah bowl to substantially retain its wrapped shape.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the container consists of one or more metallic layers.

24. An apparatus comprising:

wood portions; and

a package enclosing the wood portions, the package including at least metallic wall in contact with the smoking material.

25. A method comprising:

heating wood portions to produce smoke; and

bubbling the smoke through a liquid.