ITBO20130157A1 - SMOKE REPLACEMENT ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

Description

ELECTRONIC SMOKE REPLACEMENT DEVICE

Technical field

The present invention relates to an electronic smoke replacement device, generally known as an electronic cigarette.

Known art

It has been known for some time to use electronic smoke replacement devices, generally known as electronic cigarettes, which allow the user to inhale a substance that emulates the taste of traditional tobacco derivatives but does not produce flame or smoke. The inhalable substance, in the form of vapor, may or may not contain nicotine, as well as suitable aromas. In practice, electronic cigarettes allow the user to experience a sensation similar to that provided by traditional smoking products, such as cigars and cigarettes, but are potentially less harmful to health as there is no combustion.

Electronic cigarettes generally have a rechargeable electric battery, a vaporizing organ powered by the battery and a container for the liquid to be vaporized positioned in contact with the vaporizer. In a known type of electronic cigarette, the battery, the vaporizer and the liquid container are housed inside an elongated casing which also visually reproduces the shape of a normal cigarette. For example, electronic cigarettes are known in which the liquid container is placed inside a portion of the tubular casing that simulates the cigarette filter and is inserted on the vaporizer associated with the battery, which is in turn placed inside the Inside of a distal portion of the tubular casing that simulates the cylindrical body of the cigarette.

When the vaporizer is activated, through the electric battery, the liquid solution present in the container vaporizes and can be inhaled by the user. The dose of liquid solution contained in the container is such as to allow, once vaporized, a predetermined number of inhalations. When the contents of the container have run out, the container is filled with a new dose of liquid solution.

An electronic smoke replacement device is described for example in patent application GB 2465247. This device consists of a tube containing a reservoir that contains a liquid comprising an inhalable substance, for example an aqueous solution of nicotine and other aromas. The device also includes a heating element which is in direct contact with the tank. The heating element is designed to be powered by a rechargeable electric battery.

The evolution of the sector has led to the production of electronic cigarettes with advanced features, which even in design no longer recall normal cigarettes. Such electronic cigarettes provide for example an electronic circuit which controls their functions.

The most widely used electronic cigarettes currently provide, as a container for the inhalable liquid, a rechargeable tank, also known as the tank, which in use is connected to the tubular body in which the electric battery and the vaporizer are housed. Said tank or tank is usually made from a plastic casing suitable for containing an appropriate quantity of liquid. The tank is open at the end facing in use inside the electronic cigarette and has a suction hole at the opposite end. Sometimes the tank is shaped to act as the mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette.

The tank has sufficient capacity to allow prolonged use of the electronic cigarette, for example one or more days, obviously depending on individual habits, ie the frequency with which the user normally uses the device. Before use, the tank is filled with the required quantity of liquid; when this quantity of liquid is exhausted, the user removes the tank from the body of the device and refills it by drawing from a special bottle.

Frequent refilling of the electronic cigarette tank is a generally inconvenient operation, especially if the user has to carry the bottle with the filling liquid. For this reason, the manufacturers of electronic cigarettes have often turned to the use of larger tanks, in order to significantly increase the number of inhalations obtainable with each refill. However, this leads to an unwelcome increase in the size and weight of the devices. The problem of the need for frequent refilling also does not change in substance for those who make a moderate use of smoke.

Another drawback complained of in the use of traditional electronic cigarettes is the poor hygiene that can derive from the use of the aforementioned liquid tanks if, as generally happens, they are also used as a mouthpiece. It is in fact evident that the tank generally remains exposed to external agents, for example if the electronic cigarette is stored in a bag or pocket.

Presentation of the invention

The task of the present invention is that of solving the aforementioned problems by providing an electronic smoke replacement device which does not require frequent refilling of the liquid tank.

Within the scope of this aim, a further object of the present invention is to provide an electronic smoke replacement device of limited weight and dimensions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic smoke replacement device which ensures the best hygiene conditions in use.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electronic smoke replacement device with great constructive and functional simplicity, of versatile use, as well as relatively cheap cost.

The aforementioned purposes are achieved, according to the present invention, by the electronic smoke replacement device according to claim 1.

According to the present invention, the electronic smoke replacement device provides for the use of a removable tank preloaded with a predetermined quantity of an inhalable substance in aqueous solution.

Preferably the removable tank is non-refillable.

Preferably, the removable tank comprises a casing of plastic material able to contain said predetermined quantity of inhalable substance in aqueous solution, to allow a predetermined number of inhalations.

Preferably, the tank is hermetically closed, in correspondence with one of its open ends, suitable for being positioned in proximity to said vaporizer, by means that can be opened at the moment of use.

According to an embodiment, said means that can be opened at the moment of use comprise a removable tear-off tab suitable for closing a front opening of said tank.

According to a different embodiment, said means that can be opened at the moment of use comprise a front closure cap of said tank, adapted to be pierced by coupling means associated with a vaporizer of the electronic smoke replacement device.

Preferably said plastic material casing defines inside it a chamber containing said predetermined quantity of inhalable substance in aqueous solution.

Preferably, said chamber of the reservoir is defined in a central portion of the casing which is adapted to be inserted axially, in a removable manner, at least for a part thereof in a proximal portion of the tubular body.

Preferably, said central portion of the casing is connected to an external portion of the tank, having a considerably flattened shape, which is adapted to act as a mouthpiece and is equipped with a suction hole.

The present invention also relates to an inhalable solution tank intended for use in an electronic smoke replacement device, which removable tank is preloaded with a predetermined amount of an inhalable substance in aqueous solution and is sold sealed to the ™ inside of a sachet.

Brief description of the drawings

The details of the invention will become more evident from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the electronic smoke replacement device, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the electronic smoke replacement device according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a front view of a reservoir of inhalable liquid usable in the device in question;

Figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 4a, 4b, 4c show a front view, respectively in closed and open configuration, of sales packages of said tank having different dimensions.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 show perspective views, with enlarged details, of successive stages of use of the reservoir of inhalable liquid;

figure 8 shows a front view of a different embodiment of the electronic smoke replacement device according to the invention;

Figures 9 and 10 show perspective views, with enlarged details, of successive phases of use of the inhalable liquid tank intended for use in the electronic smoke replacement device of Fig.8;

Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of a sales package of said reservoir of inhalable liquid intended for use in the electronic smoke replacement device of Figure 8;

figure 12 shows a front view, in assembly configuration and in exploded form, of a further embodiment of the electronic smoke replacement device according to the invention;

Figures 13 and 14 show perspective views, with enlarged details, of successive stages of use of the inhalable liquid tank intended for use in the electronic smoke replacement device of Fig.12;

Figure 15 shows in a front view and in perspective a further embodiment of the reservoir of inhalable liquid.

Embodiments of the invention

With particular reference to these at first to figures 1 - 7, the electronic smoke replacement device object of the present invention has been indicated together with 1, hereinafter referred to for simplicity as electronic cigarette.

The electronic cigarette 1 comprises a tubular body 2 of rigid material, for example metal or plastic. The tubular body 2 has, for example, a circular or oval profile. In the illustrated case, the tubular body 2 has a distal portion 2a and a proximal portion 2b axially coupled. The distal portion 2a of the tubular body 2 is closed at the free end, while the proximal portion 2b has an open mouth, preferably circular. Obviously it is possible to provide that the tubular body 2 has a different shape, according to requirements.

Inside the tubular body 2 there is a rechargeable electric battery, known per se. The electric battery is for example of the lithium ion type. To carry out periodic recharging, the electric battery can be connected, in a known way, to an electric socket by means of a conventional battery charger. Alternatively, the electric battery can be connected via a USB cable to a USB port, for example in a computer.

The tubular body 2 is also associated with a vaporizer, known per se, capable of being powered by the electric battery. The vaporizer is connected to the electric battery by means of a suitable connector.

The electronic cigarette 1 provides for the use of a non-refillable tank 10, preloaded with a predetermined quantity of an inhalable substance in aqueous solution. The tank 10 is adapted to be positioned in a removable manner on the tubular body 2, near the vaporizer. More particularly, the tank 10 of the inhalable solution comprises an envelope of hypoallergenic plastic material able to contain a predetermined quantity of liquid, to allow a predetermined number of inhalations or shots. Conveniently, the tank 10 is shaped so as to act as a mouthpiece for the electronic cigarette.

In a preferred embodiment, the casing of the tank 10 has a central portion 11 of a sensitively cylindrical shape which is adapted to engage at least partially in the tubular body 2 through the open mouth of the proximal portion 2b. Inside this central portion 11 a compartment or chamber 12 is defined which constitutes the container of the liquid. Connected to the central portion 11 of the tank is an external portion 13, for example having a considerably flattened shape, adapted to act as a mouthpiece for the electronic cigarette and equipped in a known manner with a suitable suction hole.

At the opposite end, facing the inside of the electronic cigarette in the configuration of use, the tank 10 is suitably hermetically sealed by means that can be opened at the moment of use. Preferably, these means which can be opened at the moment of use comprise a tear-off removable tab 14, suitable for closing a front opening in communication with the chamber 12 of the tank. Preferably, this tab 14 is of material of the aluminum type. The tank is also suitably associated in correspondence with said front opening with a cap 15 suitable for guaranteeing the hermeticity of the tank itself, preventing accidental breakage or removal of the tab 14 with consequent leakage of the liquid.

Obviously, it is possible to foresee that the liquid tank has a different conformation from the one illustrated. For example, it is possible to provide that the hermetic closing tab is applied to the tank closing cap 15, so as to seal on the peripheral edge of the front opening of the tank when the cap 15 is applied to the same tank. Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the hermetic closing tab 14 can be opened by drilling it when it is inserted into a suitable pin of the vaporizer. The predetermined quantity or dose of liquid contained in the tank 10 is preferably not less than 0.5 ml and for example included in the range 0.5 - 2.0 ml. However, it is clear that this predetermined amount may differ according to specific needs.

The electronic cigarette 1 is also equipped with means for activating the vaporizer to heat it by the electric battery. Such activation means provide for example a button 5 arranged in an intermediate position on the tubular body 2 of the electronic cigarette. By pressing the button 5 the user activates the heating of the vaporizer which in turn determines the vaporization of the liquid solution contained in the chamber 12 of the tank. The operation of the electronic cigarette is easily understood from the above description.

At the moment of use, the user inserts the liquid reservoir 10 on the tubular body 2 of the electronic cigarette, preloaded with the required dose of liquid. The tank 10 is conveniently sold sealed inside a sachet 16, for example made of transparent material, which guarantees its integrity and preserves the aromas contained in the inhalable liquid (see fig. 2). The user therefore opens the sachet 16, removes the tank 10 from this sachet 16 and removes the tab 14 from the front opening of the envelope, which guarantees its hermetic seal, after having removed the cap 15 ( see figures 5, 6 and 7). The open tank 10 is inserted, as mentioned, in the proximal portion 2b of the tubular body 2 of the electronic cigarette.

The electronic cigarette thus prepared is ready to allow a predetermined number of inhalations. Once the entire contents of the tank 10 have been consumed, this is extracted from the tubular body 2 of the cigarette and thrown away. In its place, the user will then insert, in the same way, a new tank preloaded with the aforementioned dose of liquid.

Fig. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of the electronic cigarette, in which the tubular body 2 is made in a single piece with a significantly oval section. The non-refillable tank that can be used in this electronic cigarette, again indicated with 10 for greater clarity, in turn has a suitably ovalized section, so that it can be inserted for a portion into a mouth 2c of the tubular body 2 of the cigarette.

More precisely, the tank 10 also in this case has a portion 11 in which the chamber 12 which constitutes the liquid container is defined; the external portion 13 which acts as a mouthpiece is connected to this portion 11 of the tank. The chamber 12 is in communication with the outside by means of a front opening 17 which is closed, before use, by means of the removable tear-off tab 14. The tank 10 is also suitably closed from the front by the cap 15 to ensure airtightness and is sold sealed inside a bag 16.

Also in this case, at the moment of use, the user opens the sachet 16, extracts the tank 10 and removes the tab 14 from the front opening 17 which guarantees its airtightness, after removing the cap 15 (see figures 9 and 10). The open tank 10 is inserted into the mouth 2c of the tubular body 2 of the electronic cigarette.

In fig. 12 illustrates a further embodiment of the electronic cigarette, in which a lid 6 for closing the mouth 2c is associated with the tubular body 2; the lid 6 engages on the tubular body 2 so as to cover the tank 10 when the electronic cigarette is not in use.

In this case the tank 10 suitably has a reduced axial extension. In practice, the tank 10 consists only of the casing which defines the chamber 12 containing the liquid.

At the time of use, the user proceeds, as before, to open the bag 16 in which the tank 10 is sealed, to extract the tank 10 and to remove the tab 14 from the front opening of the latter, which guarantees airtightness, after having removed the relative cap 15 (see figures 13 and 14). The open tank 10 is inserted into the mouth 2c of the tubular body 2 of the electronic cigarette, after having removed the cover 6.

Fig. 15 illustrates a further embodiment of the tank 10 in which the front closure cap 15 of the chamber 12 is made stably integral with the portion 11 in which the aforementioned chamber 12 is defined. The cap 15 is made for example in material such as silicone.

The cap 15 is adapted to be pierced by coupling means associated with the vaporizer. In particular, the cap 15 is adapted to be pierced by a pin of the vaporizer which is axially engaged in the cap itself. To this end, the cap 15 conveniently has a central lightening 18 adapted to facilitate drilling by the pin of the vaporizer.

The electronic cigarette according to the present invention achieves the object of not requiring frequent refilling of the liquid tank. In fact, the liquid tank is not refillable but is supplied preloaded with a dose of liquid and must be thrown away at the end of use, when the smoker has inhaled the inside contents of the tank.

It should be pointed out that the invention overcomes the technical prejudice for which current electronic cigarettes use a refillable tank that must be periodically refilled with the liquid supplied separately. This makes the use of the electronic cigarette easier, since it avoids the user having to keep the inhalable liquid bottle with him and having to fill it.

Another advantage of the electronic cigarette according to the present invention is that of having contained weight and dimensions, since the tank is inserted only at the time of use and can in turn have contained dimensions and weight, not having to be used for a prolonged period.

A further advantage of the electronic cigarette according to the present invention is to ensure the best hygiene conditions in use.

In particular, as has been said, it is possible to supply the single tank 10, preloaded with the predetermined dose of liquid, inside a sealed bag 16, for example made of transparent material. The user will open the bag only at the moment of use, to guarantee maximum hygiene, as well as the perfect preservation of the aroma of the inhalable solution. Obviously, the use of a constantly new tank contributes significantly to the perfect hygiene of the electronic cigarette.

The tank 10 sealed inside the bag 16 can be sold in single or multiple packs 20, as shown in figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 4a, 4b, 4c. For example, such packages 20 can realize a housing pocket 21 for one or more tanks side by side. A foldable flap 22 conveniently closes the package, preventing the dispersion of the tanks. Obviously the number of tanks contained in a single package 20 may be different from that illustrated purely by way of example.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide for the tanks to be sold in a box-like package 30 of rigid or semi-rigid material, for example cardboard, as shown for example in figures 9, 11 and 13. This box-like package 30 is suitably equipped with an element closure 31 articulated in its upper part. Obviously the dimensions of the package 30 will be different according to the number of tanks 10 contained therein.

In the practical implementation of the invention, the materials used, as well as their shape and dimensions, can be any according to requirements.

Where the technical characteristics mentioned in each claim are followed by reference signs, these reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the understanding of the claims and consequently they have no limiting value on the purpose of each element identified by way of ™ example from such reference marks.

Claims (10)

Claims 1) Electronic smoke replacement device, comprising a tubular body (2) of rigid material; a rechargeable electric battery arranged inside said tubular body (2); a vaporizer associated with said tubular body (2) and adapted to be powered by said electric battery; a tank (10) for an inhalable substance in aqueous solution, adapted to be removably positioned in contact with said vaporizer; means (5) for activating said vaporizer to heat it by said electric battery, characterized in that said tank (10) of the inhalable substance in aqueous solution is preloaded with a predetermined quantity of said inhalable substance and comprises a casing of plastic material which defines inside it a chamber (12) which contains said predetermined quantity of substance inhalable in aqueous solution, suitable for allowing a predetermined number of inhalations, and is hermetically closed, in correspondence with one of its open extremities able to be positioned near said vaporizer, by means (14, 15) which can be opened at the moment of € ™ use. 2) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said reservoir (10) preloaded with a predetermined quantity of inhalable substance is non-refillable. 3) Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said means that can be opened at the moment of use comprise a tear-off removable tab (14) suitable for closing a front opening (17) of said chamber (12) of the tank (10). 4) Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that said means that can be opened at the moment of use comprise a cap (15) for front closure of said tank (10), able to be pierced by coupling means associated with said vaporizer. 5) Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said activation means (5) comprise a button arranged in an intermediate position on said tubular body (2) and able to be operated under pressure to activate the heating of said vaporizer. 6) Tank of inhalable substance in an electronic smoke substitute device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is preloaded with a predetermined quantity of inhalable substance in aqueous solution and by the fact that it comprises a casing of plastic material which defines inside it a chamber (12) which contains said predetermined quantity of inhalable substance, capable of allowing a predetermined number of inhalations, and is hermetically closed, at one end thereof capable of being positioned near the vaporizer of said electronic device, by means (14, 15) that can be opened at the moment of use. 7) Tank according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that said chamber (12) of the tank (10) is defined in a central portion (11) of said casing and has a front opening (17) closed, before the ™ use, by opening means (14) comprising a removable tear-off tab. 8) Tank according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that said means that can be opened at the moment of use comprise a cap (15) for front closure of said chamber (12), able to be pierced by coupling means associated with said vaporizer. 9) Tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is sold sealed inside a sachet (16). 10) Use of a tank preloaded with a predetermined quantity of inhalable substance in aqueous solution in an electronic smoke replacement device according to one of the preceding claims.