HOOKAH SPACER
A thermally conductive panel spaces smoking material within a container from a top over the smoking material.
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.
BACKGROUNDHookahs 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.
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
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 (also known as aluminum foil). 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.
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 160 better maintains a freshness of smoking material 26. In the example illustrated, sidewalls 166 have an inner most surface 76 (shown in
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 (also known as aluminum foil). In other embodiments, floor 164 and sidewall 166 may be formed from one or more other materials.
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Sidewalls 66 are joined to top 62 at junction 184. According to one embodiment, sidewalls 166 are connected to top 162 by a crimped junction 184. In one embodiment, sidewalls 166 are solely connected to top 162 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 162.
Top 162 comprises one or more structures coupled to joined or connected to sidewalls 166 and spanning across interior 72 (shown in
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 162 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
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.
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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 188 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
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
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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
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As shown by
As shown by
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.
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 60 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
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 enclose 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.
As further shown by
In the example illustrated in
Although each of spacer systems 600, 620 and 640 have been illustrated and described as being used with capsule 124, spacer systems 600, 620 and 640 may additionally or alternatively be used in other capsules or other containers containing smoking material for use with a hookah. For example, each of smoking system 600, 620 and 640 alternatively be utilized in any of the capsules or smoking mature containers described herein such as, by way of example only, capsule 24, 424, and capsule 524.
Tube mount portion 729 extends at an end of tube 32 and is configured to at least be partially inserted into the bowl capsule 724. As shown by
Hookah bowl capsule 724 mounts upon tube mount portion 729 and contains smoking material 26. Capsule 724 (also known as a tablet or packet) comprises a single unit package containing smoking material 26. Capsule 724 surrounds smoking material 726 on substantially all sides. Prior to its modification when mounted upon tube 32 of hookah 722, capsule 724 substantially seals about smoking material 26, maintaining the freshness of the smoking material 26. As a result, capsule 724 is used to store, distribute and sell individual prepackaged portions of smoking material 26. Capsule 724 also enables the individual portions of smoking material 26 to be easily mounted upon tube 32 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 720.
In short, hookah bowl capsule 724 serves to at least two functions: (1) containing smoking material 26 in a sealed interior to maintain freshness and moistness of smoking material 26 and (2) serving as a hookah bowl by supporting and pneumatically connecting smoking material 26 to tube 32. As a result, a person intending to use hookah system 720 merely removably mounts capsule 724 on tube mounting portion 729. The person does not need to manually handle smoking material 26. When smoking is finished, the person merely needs to lift, remove and discard capsule 724 containing the used smoking 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 of hookah 722. Overall, hookah system 720 and capsule 724 offer enhanced convenience and ease of use.
In addition to smoking material 26, capsule 724 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 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 onto tube mounting portion 729 of tube 32 without having to physically contact or touch the smoking 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 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.
In the example illustrated, the body of capsule 724 generally includes container 760 and top 762. Container 760 comprises a structure which substantially receives and retains smoking 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 includes floor 764, interface 765 and side walls 766. Floor 764 extends generally opposite to and faces top 762. Floor 764 extends in closest proximity to a mounting portion 729 when container 760 is positioned on tube 32.
Interface 765 facilitates mounting of capsule 724 onto mounting portion 729. In one embodiment, interface 765 facilitates such mounting of capsule 724 without the use of tools. In the example illustrated, interface 765 comprises a tube 767 located within container 760 and configured to receive and seal against mounting portion 729. In such an embodiment, one or both of interface 765 and mounting portion 729 may include one or more sealing arrangements such as gaskets, sealing rings and the like. Because tube 767 is contained within container 760, capsule 724 is more compact and has a lower profile that facilitates stacking and packaging of multiple capsules 724.
According to one embodiment, tube 767 of interface 765 has a sealed or closed imperforate axial face 768. Likewise, circumferential sides of tube 767 are also imperforate. As a result, circumferential sides of tube 767, axial face 768 of tube 767, floor 764, side walls 766 and top 762 substantially enclose and seal about smoking material 26 to maintain the freshness of smoking 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 of face 768. In one embodiment, axial face 768 is formed from a metallic foil, such as aluminum foil. As will be described hereafter, perforation of axial face 768 to pneumatically connect interior 776 of capsule 724 with the interior of tube 32 may be performed using perforator 726 or other perforation tools 727 (shown in
In yet other embodiments, axial face 768 or circumferential portions of tube 767 proximate to face 768 may include punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openings formed during the fabrication or manufacture of container 760 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 760 or after insertion of smoking material 26 into container 760 but before wholesale or retail distribution of capsule 724. In one embodiment, such openings 770 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 724 may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 774. Flap 774 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 760 so as to open openings 770 or so as to open tube 767 for insertion of mounting portion 729. In one embodiment, flap 774 may be temporarily joined to floor 64 across tube 767 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap 774. In other embodiments, flap 774 may be secured to container 760 in a more permanent fashion across tube 767, wherein flap 774 is torn away from remaining portions of container 760 to open tube 767.
In those embodiments in which capsule 724 includes sealing flap 769 and in which an interior of tube 767 is already in communication with the interior 772 of container 760 through openings 770 within tube 766 or face 768, hookah system 720 may omit perforator 726 and may not necessarily require the use of a perforation tool 727. Alternatively, in those embodiments in which axial face 768 is to be perforated using perforator 726 or perforation 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 of axial face 768 until use of capsule 724.
Sidewalls 766 extend between floor 764 and top 762. Together with floor 764 and interface 765, sidewalls 766 form a volume for containing smoking material 26. Sidewalls 766 are imperforate. Side walls 766 have an inner most surface 776 and an innermost layer 776 of one or more metallic materials. The innermost layer of metallic materials contacts smoking material 26. In one embodiment, an entirety of side walls 766 is formed from one or more metallic materials. Because at least the inner most layer 776 of sidewalls 766 is formed from a metallic material, sidewall 766 have an enhanced thermal conductivity for thermally conducting heat from a heat source 78 (shown in
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 highly conductive layer 780 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment, layer 780 may provide the innermost surface of floor 764. In other embodiments, layer 780 may be spaced from the inner most surface of floor 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 smoking material 26. Because floor 764 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is also effectively conducted from sidewall 766 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 764 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers.
According to one embodiment, both floor 764 and sidewalls 766 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment, floor 764 and sidewalls 766 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil (also known as aluminum foil). In other embodiments, floor 764 and sidewall 766 may be formed from one or more other materials.
As further shown by
Sidewalls 766 are joined to top 762 at junction 784. According to one embodiment, sidewalls 766 are connected to top 762 by a crimped junction 784. In one embodiment, sidewalls 766 are solely connected to top 762 by crimped junction 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 to sidewall 766. 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 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, wherein sidewalls 766 are integrally formed as a single unitary body with top 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 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 784 to assist in joining top 762 to sidewall 766 and/or to assist in sealing between top 762 and sidewall 766. Because the same materials added to the smoking material are also used to enhance or facilitate joining in sealing between sidewall 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 or manufacturing 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 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 724. For example, the smoking material additive may be used to seal and join removable flaps to either top 762 or floor 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 across interior 772 of container 760. Top 762 captures and substantially encloses smoking material 726 within interior 772. Top 762 additionally supports heating source 778 (hot coals) over and above smoking material 26. Top 762 includes central portion 786.
Central portion 786 covers interior 772 while standing over interior 772 between opposite sides of sidewalls 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) over interior 772 and over smoking material 26. In other words, the hot coals are less likely to roll off of central portion 786. In one embodiment, central portion 786 is either sufficiently rigid and strong or is sufficiently supported by sidewall 766 so as to be sufficiently taught when supporting the coals of heat source 778 such that an underside of central portion 786 does not collapse or rest upon smoking material 26. In other words, central portion 786 is configured such that the weight of heat source 78 does not cause central portion 786 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 786 is formed from or includes a highly conductive layer 789 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment, layer 789 may provide the innermost surface of central portion 786. In other embodiments, layer 789 may be spaced from the inner most surface of central 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 smoking material 26. Because central portion 786 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is more effectively conducted to smoking material 26 through central portion 786, heating the upper side of smoking material 26. In other embodiments, central portion 786 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers.
As shown by
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 of central portion 786 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 760 or after insertion of smoking material 26 into container 760 but before wholesale or retail distribution of capsule 724. In one embodiment, such openings 790 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 724 may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 794. As shown by arrow 795, flap 794 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so as to open openings 790.
In one embodiment, flap 794 may be temporarily joined to central portion 786 across openings 790 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap 794. In other embodiments, flap 794 may be secured to container 760 in a more permanent fashion across openings 790, wherein flap 794 is torn or folded away from remaining portions of container 760 to expose openings 790. In one embodiment, flap 794 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) through central portion 768 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26.
Perforator 726 comprises one or more structures configured to facilitate perforation of face 768 of interface 765 to “break” the seal about smoking material 26 and to provide pneumatic communication between interior 772 of container 760 and the interior of tube 32 such that smoke from heated smoking material 26 may be drawn out of interior 772 through tube 32. As shown by
In the example illustrated, perforator 726 comprises a structure configured to be removably mounted upon tube mounting portion 729 and so as to be insertable into interface 765 while being supported by mounting portion 729. In the example illustrated, perforator 729 is cup-shaped, having interior 790 configured to receive mounting portion 729. In other embodiments, perforator 726 may be mounted to mounting portion 729 using other mounting structures. Because perforator 726 is removable from mounting portion 729, perforator 726 may be removed from mounting portion 729 for cleaning or replacement.
In other embodiments, as shown by
Although
Although
Although
Perforator 926 is similar to perforator 726 in a perforator 926 includes a support plate 980, a plurality of needles 982 and one or more slots or apertures 928. As shown by
Interface 1065 is similar to interface 865 in that it mounts a container 1060 containing smoking material 206 to pipe stem or hookah tube 32. Container 1060 is similar to container 760 except the container 1060 omits an integrally formed interface and instead includes a substantially flat floor 1064 and upwardly extending sidewalls 766. Floor 1064 includes a central portion 1067 that is either configured to be punctured or perforated with the perforation tool such as tool 727 shown in
Sidewalls 766 are described above with respect to container 760. Sidewalls 766 are sufficiently rigid and strong so as to support top 762 above and at a spaced relationship to smoking material 206 and panel 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 of sidewalls 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 of floor 1064 and is further sealed to and about hookah tube 32. An example illustrated, interface 1065 includes tube receiving portion 1100 and platform 1102. To receiving portion 1100 includes an internal tube opening 1104 configured to receive a terminal end of tube 32. Tube opening 1104 is configured to seal against or mate with tube 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 a gasket 1106 to further enhance sealing against tube 32. In other embodiments, gasket 1106 may be omitted or may be integrally formed as part of tube mounting portion 1100.
Platform 1102 extends outwardly from tube mounting portion 1100 and provides a surface 1108 facing floor 1064. In the example illustrated, platform 1102 is sealed against floor 1064 by an adhesive ring or bead 1012 continuously extending about opening 1104 and adhesively joined to both platform 1108 and floor 1064. In other embodiments, platform 1108 may be sealed against or to floor 1064 by an O-ring, an annular gasket, or mechanical locking mechanism that provides a pneumatic seal. Because platform 1102 sealed against floor 1064, sidewalls 766 remain exposed, allowing advertising, instructions or other information to be displayed alongside while 766 when container 1060 is being used as part of hookah system 1020. In addition, gravity assists in the formation of the seal.
According to one embodiment, interface 1065 is separate and distinct from tube 32 and container 1060. In such an embodiment, the adhesive ring or bead 1012 (or other sealing structure) may be either provided on top of platform 1102 or on an underside of floor 10 64 prior to the joining of container 1060 to interface 1065. For example, in one embodiment, the decent ring or bead 1012 maybe preformed on an underside of floor 1064 and may be covered by a sealing flap which also steals openings 1070. Once the sealing flap is torn or peeled away to expose the adhesive bead 1012, the adhesive bead 1012 may be pressed against a top of platform 1102 to seal interface 1065 to floor 1064 of container 1060. In another embodiment, the adhesive bead or sealing ring 1012 may be preformed on top of platform 1102 and covered by flap which may be peeled and separated from the adhesive ring 1012, allowing the adhesive ring 1012 to be bonded to an underside of floor 1064.
In another embodiment, interface 1065 may be permanently join to floor 1064 and distributed or sold as part of container 1060. In yet another embodiment, interface about 1065 may be permanently joined are formed as part of tube 32. In yet other embodiments, interface 10 65 may have other configurations. For example, in other embodiments, the sealing structure between floor 10 64 and platform 1102 of interface 1065 provided by sealing ring 1012 may be omitted wherein tube 32 sealed against floor 1064 about openings 1070.
In the example illustrated, platform 1102 sealed against floor 1064 while sidewalls 1269 seal against sidewalls 766. In one embodiment, the seal is provided by a friction pneumatically sealing fit of container 1060 within receptacle 1273 without a gasket or adhesive. In other embodiments, adhesives or gaskets may be provided between platform 1102 and floor 1064 and/or between sidewalls 1269 and sidewalls 766. In yet other embodiments, interface 1265 may alternatively seal only against floor 1064 or only against sidewalls 766 of container 1060. For example, one embodiment, sidewalls to 69 seal against sidewalls 766 while floor without 64 is spaced above platform 1102.
As with interface 1065, interface 1065 is separate and distinct from tube 32 and container 1060. In yet other embodiments, interface 1265 may alternatively be permanently joined to floor 1064 and distributed or sold as part of container 1060. In yet another embodiment, interface about 1065 may be permanently joined are formed as part of tube 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
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.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 4, 2010
Publication Date: Aug 4, 2011
Inventor: Saleh A. Saleh (Vernon Hills, IL)
Application Number: 12/700,717
International Classification: A24F 1/30 (20060101);
