Patent Publication Number: US-2010126518-A1

Title: Hookah capsule

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 those  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) 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&#39;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&#39;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. 
     In addition to smoking material  26 , capsule  24  includes a body which encloses smoking material  26 . 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 How 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 sidewalks  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 sidewalks  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 lop  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 , sidewalks  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  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 . 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 lop  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 heal 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  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  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 punctured, 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. 
       FIGS. 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.