WO2016050246A1 - Electronic nicotine delivery system - Google Patents

Electronic nicotine delivery system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016050246A1
WO2016050246A1 PCT/DK2014/050314 DK2014050314W WO2016050246A1 WO 2016050246 A1 WO2016050246 A1 WO 2016050246A1 DK 2014050314 W DK2014050314 W DK 2014050314W WO 2016050246 A1 WO2016050246 A1 WO 2016050246A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
delivery system
nicotine
nicotine delivery
electronic
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DK2014/050314
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Bruno Provstgaard Nielsen
Original Assignee
Fertin Pharma A/S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fertin Pharma A/S filed Critical Fertin Pharma A/S
Priority to PCT/DK2014/050314 priority Critical patent/WO2016050246A1/en
Publication of WO2016050246A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016050246A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electronic nicotine delivery system according to claim 1.
  • a problem related to electronic delivery systems is that the users often complain from different unwanted features such as unwanted taste or unwanted variation in taste. This is in particular troubling, when the inhaled mixture taste or smells of plastic or metal sensation. This is even more an annoyance, given the fact that the desired functionality, i.e. a reproducible delivery of nicotine to the user often is compromised at the same time.
  • the invention relates in a first aspect to an electronic nicotine delivery system comprising a mouth piece, an atomizer arrangement, an electronic power supply, and a container arrangement containing a nicotine solution
  • the atomizer arrangement comprises an inlet from the container arrangement, the atomizer arrangement comprising at least one atomizer, the atomizer being electrically connected to the power supply, the atomizer producing aerosols, the aerosols comprising nicotine; and wherein the container arrangement is formed at least partly of plastic.
  • Another advantage may be that the application of a plastic containers according to the invention may reduce taste remnants or degradation of nicotine as well as other constituents.
  • Taste remnants may for instance be reduced for the reasons that connections between a plastic container and an atomizer arrangement according to the invention may leak less than connections for corresponding conventionally applied metal or glass containers or alternatively be formed less costly than in particular glass.
  • Degradation of nicotine as well as other constituents during storage may for instance give rise to harmful constituents during function of the electronic nicotine delivery system.
  • Leakage may in particular result in undesired taste effect when applying replaceable containers and it may even more compromise the dosing of the nicotine by means of the typically applied wick, due to the fact that leakage along the wick under certain conditions may result in an increased surface degeneration as the dose is having a higher density on or over the surface of the wick.
  • the problem is further pushing the atomizing into unknown performance due to the fact that the temperature provided by the heating element provides a differentiated heating of the nicotine soaked in the wick and the nicotine flowing one or beside the wick.
  • An advantage of using a plastic container in the electronic nicotine delivery system is that this provides the possibility of inertness in relation to the e-liquid, a possibility of cost effective high precision with respect to a critical part of the delivery system and a balanced possibility of compromising the gas permeability due to the fact that the gas permeability may be regarded as a relatively uncritical factor, considering that the nicotine has a relatively short storage time in the electronic nicotine delivery system.
  • a further advantageous property of plastic as a container for an electronic nicotine delivery system according to the invention is that desired mechanical shape and precision may be obtained surprisingly easy compared to materials such as metal and glass, and that the outlet(s) of the container may be sealed wholly or at least partly by means of mechanical fitting between the lead-in, i.e. the passage from the interior of the container to the exterior and the conduit through which the nicotine solution exits the container.
  • the plastic container may form an advantageous liquid tight coupling to a mechanical counterpart at the electronic nicotine delivery system.
  • aeroF should be understood as a suspension of fine particles in gas, typically a suspension of liquid particles or solid particles in gas, such as air.
  • Individual aerosol components may e.g. be referred to as droplets or particles.
  • aerosols may be associated with certain sizes, however, in the context of the present invention, the term aerosol may refer to particles having a diameter of up to 100 micrometer. General examples of aerosols may be fog or smoke.
  • atomizer should be understood as a device comprising a number of parts, the atomizer being arranged for reducing a liquid to a fine spray of droplets, i.e. a device which transforms a liquid into aerosols.
  • a device which transforms a liquid into aerosols.
  • An atomizer may be a device that forces a liquid out of a very small hole so that it becomes a fine spray.
  • a further example is a device that uses heating, such as resistive heating, to evaporate a liquid that may form aerosol upon condensation.
  • power supply should be understood as any portable electrical power source, such as batteries, fuel cells etc.
  • the power supply comprises a rechargeable battery.
  • the container arrangement comprises a container and wherein the container is formed of plastic.
  • the atomizer is integrated with the container arrangement.
  • An integration of the atomizer with the container arrangement may basically imply that the container may include an atomizer. This may e.g. be advantageous, when the atomizer comprises materials, e.g. a wick, which degenerates and must be replaced from time to time.
  • the container is formed of molded plastic.
  • the container(s) of the electronic nicotine delivery system are molded of plastic. According to this embodiment, undesired leaking along the surface of the wick may be significantly reduced or almost counteracted by simply molding the wick into plastic container, thereby providing a pathway for nicotine between the interior of the container to the atomizer at the exterior of the container which is almost solely defined by the wick, due to the fact that passage ways along the wick between the container wall and the wick may be minimized.
  • the outlet of the container leading to the atomizer may be fitted with e.g.
  • a wick or another type of transport element by adhesion, a separate molding, or by regular fitting.
  • a molding or adhesion of the transport element forming an effective outlet from the container must be performed so that outlet is liquid tight and allows no or little liquid passage outside the intended transport element.
  • the transport element comprises a wick
  • the wick may be pre-conditioned to bond by adhesion or bonding to the plastic container.
  • Such pre-conditioning may e.g. include a plastic jacket encapsulating the wick.
  • Another type of preconditioning may e.g. include mechanical processing of the lead- in and/or processing of the passage into the container to ensure precision and a proper mechanical fitting.
  • Molding in the present context includes e.g. blowing molding or extrusion molding.
  • a preferred molding should imply that a relatively little container may be achieved, while still providing a gas tight compartment.
  • the plastic container is formed of inert plastic.
  • the plastic container is formed by a plastic being inert towards its content, and does not contribute substantially to the chemical composition of its content, i.e. the nicotine solution.
  • Metals are usually less gas permeable than plastics. This may be at least partly compensated for by using plastic containers having a greater wall thickness than the usual metal container. Thereby excessive evaporation of for example nicotine through the container walls may be avoided.
  • Suitable materials for the manufacture of plastic containers may be acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyimide (PI), styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN), polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate (PHEMA), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or polyamide (PA).
  • ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
  • PS polystyrene
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PP polypropylene
  • PE polyethylene
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • POM polyoxymethylene
  • PC polycarbonate
  • PMMA polymethyl methacrylate
  • the plastic container is formed wholly or partly of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • PTFE may be suitable because of its chemical inertness, while high- density polyethylene (HDPE) may have good gas permeation properties and restrict evaporation through container walls.
  • HDPE high- density polyethylene
  • PTFE may also according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention be applied as an inner or outer coating of the plastic container to obtain a combination of chemical inertness and low gas permeation.
  • the plastic container is formed of high density polyethylene (FIDPE).
  • At least a part of the container comprises thermoplastic.
  • the applied plastic should be able to resist the heating provided by the heating element of the atomizer.
  • the interior of the container comprises a poly-foam.
  • the poly-foam of the interior of the container is intended to be liquid-soaked and facilitating a capillary transfer of liquid from the interior of the container to the wick of the atomizer.
  • the container may comprise other materials for collecting the content of the container, preferably by capillary forces. Such materials may e.g. comprise various materials suitable for making the wick, or may be an extension of the wick, preferably covering a substantial part of the inner volume of the container. In some embodiments, however, the container may be substantially free of such poly-foams or materials inside, and may substantially only comprise the nicotine solution.
  • the thickness of the container wall is higher than 1 mm.
  • the permeability to nicotine contained in the container may be increased, considering that nicotine is highly volatile.
  • the permeability and inertness may be acceptable for specific nicotine use.
  • the thickness of the container wall is higher than 2 mm.
  • the thickness of the container wall is higher than 3 mm. According to an embodiment, the thickness of the container wall is no more than 100 mm, such than no more than 10 mm.
  • the effective volume of the container is from about 1 ml to 20 ml.
  • an effective volume is referring to the available space for e- liquid in the container, e.g. including poly-foam or other container included or inserted parts.
  • the effective volume of the container is from about 1 ml to 6 ml.
  • the surface energy of the inner surface of a container of the container arrangement is low.
  • the surface energy of the inner surface of the container of the container arrangement is between 10 and 50 mJ/m 2 , such as between 20 and 40 mJ/m 2 .
  • the plastic container will be inert to reaction with the nicotine solution and at the same time be easy to empty due to the fact that the inner surface energy is lower than the surface tension of the applied nicotine solution.
  • the contact angle between the nicotine solution and the inner surface of the container is higher than 90 degrees.
  • the atomizer comprises a wick.
  • the wick is fitted or retrofitted into a lead-in formed in the container and wherein the wick reaches from the exterior of the container to the interior of the container.
  • the wick may be completely matched to fit the nicotine solution of the container. This means that he atomizer may be controlled by the electronic nicotine delivery system to establish the intended aerosols without deviations induced by the use of unknown wick properties or even worse, a wick that gradually changes over time and mismatches the nicotine solution of the container.
  • a further advantage of this embodiment is that leaking may be reduced due to the fact that the wick is completely integrated in the containers wall, thereby minimizing leaking along the wick.
  • the container comprises galvanic conductive wiring embedded in the molded container.
  • a significant advantage of embedding galvanic conductive wiring in the container- forming plastic is that the atomizer may be partly integrated in or together with the container, even if the container is replaceable.
  • the container is formed with a suitable surface topology fitting for galvanic conductive wiring on the exterior of the container leading from one or more connection terminals to the atomizer.
  • a further advantage of applying a plastic is that a replaceable container including a part of the atomizer, may be easily produced in a cost effective way and at the same time providing the user an easy fool-proof possibility of connecting the replaceable wick to the power supply.
  • the container arrangement is replaceable.
  • the container arrangement may be replaceable itself, whereas in other embodiments, the container arrangement may be replaceable together with the atomizer arrangement.
  • the container arrangement is molded and formed with a locking.
  • a locking in the present context is understood as mechanical structures formed typically in the exterior of the plastic container facilitating a locking to the electronic nicotine delivery system, when the electronic nicotine delivery system has been fitted with corresponding mechanical structures.
  • This locking may e.g. be a socket, a plug or any suitable physical way of obtaining a liquid-tight and secure mechanical connection of the container to the electronic nicotine delivery system.
  • the container arrangement is made of plastic and is easy moldable into having a molded locking.
  • a very interesting feature is basically that the locking of the container to the atomizer may fundamentally be coupled "liquid-tight" to the atomizer arrangement, either due to the option of integrating a part of the wick into the container wall as such or alternatively that the container, if replaceable, as such may be locked securely to the atomizer or to the electronic nicotine delivery system without leaking e-liquid into the electronic nicotine delivery system, when mounting the container.
  • the locking may also be unique to different types of containers, thereby ensuring that a certain type of container may only be mounted to the electronic nicotine delivery system in its right position. This is in particular the case when applying two or more separate containers or compartments with different composition and where these compositions are led to different atomizers for a separate atomizing process.
  • the container arrangement comprises at least one irregular formed container.
  • the container may be formed as an irregular container due to the fact, that the container may be molded.
  • the container arrangement comprises at least two separate containers.
  • the two different separate containers have a different shape.
  • a different shape may include the complete container, thereby also the socket or the overall shape as such.
  • the important thing is to use the shape of the different containers to ensure that the containers are not misplaced, when mounted in the electronic nicotine delivery system by the user.
  • This may of course be obtained in several different ways, e.g. by assigning an individual and unique socket for the nicotine container, which is different from the container not containing nicotine. These sockets should fit the corresponding socket mounting on the electronic nicotine delivery systems.
  • the unique positioning may of course be obtained in several different ways, e.g. by applying different overall shapes, thereby ensuring that it is impossible to attach the different types of containers wrongly to the delivery system.
  • the above containers may comprise a nicotine containing container as opposed to an additive containing container, this does not necessarily imply that nicotine should always be completely isolated in its own container without additives, nor does it imply that nicotine cannot be present in other containers. It does however imply that, according to the provisions of the invention, the unique fitting of the containers ensure that a container is never misplaced in the electronic nicotine delivery system.
  • the container defines an air passage, when inserted in the electronic nicotine delivery system.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system is formed to fit uniquely with at least two different containers, thereby ensuring that a nicotine container containing nicotine and an additive container containing additive cannot be misplaced in the electronic nicotine delivery system.
  • the unique fit may be obtained e.g. as mentioned above with a unique shape but also a unique mechanical locking. It is also understood that the unique fit is preferred when a user has the option of replacing the containers.
  • the container arrangement comprises a thermal fitting for fixating a transport element.
  • each container comprises a thermal fitting for fixating a transport element associated with that particular container.
  • each container comprises a lead-in providing fixation of the thermal fitting.
  • the thermal fitting is made from a thermal barrier material.
  • Thermal barrier materials may include materials having low heat conductivity.
  • thermal barrier materials may include glass, various ceramics, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • the thermal barrier material may be chosen from materials, which may endure high temperatures without deforming and/or degrading. Especially, it may be chosen to prevent release of chemical substances into the container and to prevent release of sensorial substances, such as substances giving rise to smells of burned plastic.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system is comprised in a handheld device.
  • the atomizer comprises a heating element.
  • the invention relates in a second aspect to a nicotine container for an electronic nicotine delivery system, the nicotine container comprises an inner volume and an outlet, the nicotine container being formed of plastic and comprising a locking, the locking being formed of plastic.
  • the invention relates in a third aspect to a nicotine plastic container for an electronic nicotine delivery system comprising an inner volume and an outlet, the inner volume comprising nicotine, the outlet of the plastic container comprising a breakable sealing and the nicotine plastic container being contained in a further breakable sealing.
  • a challenge related to plastic is that the material under certain conditions may be relatively permeable to gas.
  • the volatile nature of in particular the nicotine is a further challenge. According to an embodiment of the invention, this may be partly dealt with by applying a sealing the user may break immediately prior to use, i.e. prior to the mounting of the nicotine container in the electronic nicotine delivery system. In this way, the highly volatile nicotine may be contained in the container, at least prior to the mounting, thereby reducing the amount of permeating nicotine during storage and thereby facilitating the use of an inert plastic material for the container.
  • the plastic container is molded and comprises metalized coating.
  • the metalized coating may preferably be subjected to the plastic container(s) after the molding of the container(s).
  • the metalized coating is an outer coating.
  • the nicotine container forms a substrate for galvanic conducting wirings leading from a connection terminal to an atomizer integrated with the nicotine container.
  • the nicotine container is formed with a suitable surface topology fitting for galvanic conductive wiring on the exterior of the container leading from one or more connection terminals to the atomizer.
  • the nicotine container of the second or third aspect or any embodiment thereof may be suitable for the electronic nicotine delivery system according to the first aspect or any aspect thereof.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system of the first aspect or any embodiment thereof may comprise a nicotine container of the second or third aspect or any embodiment thereof.
  • figure 1 illustrates an electronic nicotine delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 1A-2D illustrate electronic nicotine delivery systems according to different embodiments of the invention
  • figure 3 A-3B illustrate a part of an electronic nicotine delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention
  • figure 4A illustrates a part of an electronic nicotine delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention
  • figure 4B illustrates a part of an electronic nicotine delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention
  • figure 4C illustrates a part of an electronic nicotine delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 5A-5B illustrate a part of an electronic nicotine delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention
  • figure 6A-6B illustrate a part of an electronic nicotine delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention
  • figure 7A illustrates a nicotine container according to an embodiment of the invention
  • figure 7B illustrates a nicotine container according to an embodiment of the invention
  • figure 8 illustrates a container arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed description
  • an electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS is illustrated according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises a casing CAS for covering the individual parts of the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS.
  • the casing CAS may be a single part, or may be assembled from two or more parts.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS furthermore comprises container arrangement CA and an atomizer arrangement AA.
  • the container arrangement CA may be formed of plastic.
  • the container arrangement CA comprises a nicotine container NC.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system may comprise further containers, such as an additive container AC.
  • the nicotine container NC and/or the additive container AC may be formed o plastic.
  • the atomizer arrangement AA comprises one atomizer.
  • the atomizer arrangement AA may comprise two atomizers, and, optionally, even further atomizers.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS furthermore comprises a mouth piece MP.
  • the mouth piece MP is adapted for allowing a user of the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS to apply a mouth induced reduced pressure to the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS via the mouth piece MP, i.e. when the user takes a drag or puff from the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS similar to that from a conventional cigarette.
  • the casing CAS may preferably comprise one or more air inlets AI for supplying air to the atomizers FA, SA.
  • the one or more air inlets AI may be positioned between the power supply PS and the atomizer arrangement AA, or at other positions.
  • the atomizer FA may preferably be positioned in an air passage AP.
  • the air passage AP may preferably provide fluid communication from said one or more air inlets AI to said mouth piece MP through the inside of said electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS.
  • the mouth piece MP comprises an opening into the inner part of the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS, that opening being in fluid communication via the inside of said electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS to the air inlet AI, and, optionally, additional air inlets AAI (not shown) through said air passage AP.
  • the nicotine container NC are positioned inside the casing CAS.
  • the nicotine container NC is connected to the atomizer arrangement AA. Thereby, the content of the nicotine container NC is each allowed to move to the atomizer arrangement AA to which it is connected.
  • a power supply PS such as a battery
  • the power supply PS is electrically connected to the atomizer arrangement AA so as to power the atomizer arrangement AA when it is activated.
  • the atomizer arrangement AA is shown comprising a transport element TE being a wick in fluid communication with the nicotine container NC and a heating element HE being a coil for heating and atomizing, when the atomizer arrangement AA is activated, the content of the nicotine container NC is transported to the wick.
  • the atomizer arrangement AA may comprise additional and/or alternative elements.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises a further container, such as an additive container AC
  • the additive container AC may preferably be connected to a separate atomizer, e.g. a second atomizer SA.
  • the nicotine container NC and further containers may be connected to the same atomizer FA.
  • the heating element FIE may in other embodiments be other than a coil.
  • the transport element TE may in other embodiments be other than a wick.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises an activator button AB for activating the atomizer FA.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS may comprise other arrangements for activating the atomizer.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS may comprise an air flow sensor for detecting when a user applies by mouth a reduced pressure to the mouth piece MP.
  • the mouth piece MP may in some embodiments be detachable from the rest of the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS, e.g. by means of threaded connections.
  • the nicotine container NC and/or further container(s), if any, may in some embodiments be removable and replaceable, preferably as a single cartridge, e.g. by removing the mouth piece MP and sliding the containers out by that end.
  • the one or more atomizers FA, SA is connected to the one or more containers NC, AC and thereby removed together with the containers NC, AC, e.g. as a single cartridge.
  • the containers NC, AC may be removed without the atomizers FA, SA, e.g. as a single cartridge.
  • electronic nicotine delivery systems ENDS according to various embodiments of the invention are illustrated.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery systems ENDS of the following embodiments may comprise one or more elements similar to the elements described above.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery systems ENDS of the following embodiments may comprise one or more elements additional or alternative to the elements described above.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system comprises an electrical control arrangement EC A.
  • the electronic control arrangement ECA may comprise several co-operating different units, it may be comprised in one housing or it may even be integrated into other units, e.g. the power supply.
  • the electronic control arrangement ECA is electrically connected to the atomizers and the activation arrangement, such as an activation button and/or an air flow sensor.
  • the electronic control arrangement ECA is arranged to controls the effective dose delivered by the atomizer on the basis of an automatic regulation of the electrical power supplied to the atomizer AT by the power supply PS and/or the activation time.
  • the electronic control arrangement ECA may in some embodiments with more than one atomizer be adapted to control the activation of the atomizers in a synchronized manner. In some embodiments, electronic control arrangement ECA may impose a delay of a predetermined period of time between the activation of the atomizers.
  • FIG 2A an electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS is shown.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises a casing CAS.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS may be constructed similar to that of figure 1, however, for some of the following embodiments distinguished as described in the following.
  • the casing CAS is shown as separated in two sections, being connectable by an outer threaded connection arrangement on one section and an inner threaded connection arrangement on the opposite section (not shown).
  • the casing may be made up by three or more connectable sections.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises a container arrangement CA and an atomizer arrangement AA, here shown as a single piece.
  • a container arrangement CA and an atomizer arrangement AA, here shown as a single piece.
  • the container arrangement CA including the nicotine container NC and the additive container AC, if any, is formed of plastic.
  • FIG 2B an embodiment is illustrated where the container arrangement CA is shown comprising a nicotine container NC and an additive container AC.
  • the container arrangement CA has a cylindrical shell-shape, with both the nicotine and the additive container NC, AC also each having a cylindrical shell-shape.
  • the atomizer arrangement AA also have a cylindrical shell-shape, having an air passage AP for allowing air to pass from one end of the atomizer arrangement AA to the other end of the atomizer arrangement AA.
  • the atomizer arrangement AA can be inserted into the inner space of the container arrangement CA, thereby forming a single cartridge.
  • FIG. 2C an embodiment is illustrated where the container arrangement CA is also shown comprising a nicotine container NC and an additive container AC.
  • the container arrangement CA has a cylindrical shape, divided along a plane parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical container arrangement CA into a nicotine container NC and an additive container AC.
  • the atomizer arrangement AA comprises a first atomizer FA and a second atomizer SA.
  • Each atomizer FA, SA has a cylindrical shell-shape.
  • Each atomizer FA, S A has an air passage AP for allowing air to pass from one end of the respective atomizer FA, SA to the other end of that particular atomizer FA, SA.
  • the atomizers FA, SA may each be inserted into the inner space of the container arrangement CA, thereby forming a single cartridge.
  • FIG 2D a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated where the container arrangement CA and the atomizer arrangement AA both has cylindrical shell shapes, both having an air passage AP.
  • the container arrangement CA may not itself comprise any air passage, or may comprise an air passage along the side of the container arrangement CA.
  • a container arrangement CA comprising a nicotine container NC is illustrated.
  • the nicotine container NC is formed of plastic.
  • the nicotine container NC has a cylindrical shell-formed shape with an air passage AP.
  • a transport element TE such as a wick, is positioned inside the air passage AP.
  • the transport element TE extends across the air passage AP.
  • the container may comprise a poly-foam PF for collecting the nicotine solution to the transport element TE.
  • the nicotine container NC comprises two lead-ins LI from the air passage AP to the inside of the nicotine container NC.
  • the two lead-ins are positioned substantially opposite each other to allow a transport element TE, preferably a wick, to extend from the inside of said nicotine container NC through one of the lead-ins LI to the air passage AP, across the air passage AP, through the other lead-in LI, and into the nicotine container NC again.
  • a transport element TE preferably a wick
  • the nicotine container NC may only have a single lead-in LI.
  • FIG. 4A A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated on figures 4A to 4C.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises a casing CAS and a container of a container arrangement CA, such as a nicotine container NC or an additive container AC.
  • the container comprises an outlet OUT.
  • the container NC, AC comprises a breakable sealing BS covering the outlet OUT. Furthermore, the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises an atomizer arrangement AA.
  • the breakable sealing BS prevents the content of the container NC, AC from leaking.
  • the container NC, AC may preferably be formed of plastic.
  • the breakable sealing BS may in some embodiments be formed as a plastic layer, preferably having a lower thickness than the rest of the container NC, AC.
  • FIG. 4B and 4C are shown a container NC, AC being coupled to an atomizer arrangement AA.
  • the setup is illustrated in a cross-sectional side-view.
  • the setup is illustrated in an end-view.
  • the container NC, AC comprises a locking LO at its outlet OUT.
  • the locking may e.g. be formed as a flange FL for engaging locking pins LP.
  • the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises one or more air passages AP, i.e. passages of air inside said casing CAS.
  • the flange FL is adapted for engaging locking pins LP.
  • Figure 4B shows two locking pins LP, however, there may preferably be more than two locking pins, such as e.g. three, four, five, or more locking pins LP.
  • the atomizer arrangement AA comprises a seal breaking arrangement SBA, which is adapted to break or pierce the breakable sealing BS while at the same time to protect the transport element TE.
  • the seal breaking arrangement SBA comprises one or more openings for providing liquid communication from the transport element TE to the inside of the container NC, AC when the transport element TE is inserted into the container NC, AC as shown in figure 4B.
  • air may pass the container arrangement CA through the air passage AP.
  • the container wall CW may have a thickness adapted for establishing an effective gas barrier and/or effective barrier for nicotine.
  • the illustrated container may e.g. be a nicotine container NC or an additive container AC.
  • the container is formed as a half cylindrical shell, i.e. having a cylindrical shell shape but cut in half along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.
  • the container NC, AC may be used together with another container to form a two-container setup.
  • the container NC, AC may be used in a single-container setup, where it may preferably be formed as a full cylindrical shell.
  • the container NC, AC is formed of plastic.
  • the illustrated container NC, AC comprises galvanic conductive wirings GCW and connection terminals CT.
  • the conductive wirings GCW and connection terminals CT are cast into the outer surface of the container NC, AC.
  • the container NC, AC may be molded with pre-formed recesses or grooves for receiving the conductive wirings GCW and/or the connection terminals CT.
  • connection terminals CT provides electrical connection from the connection terminals CT to the heating element HE, which may e.g. be a coil.
  • the heating element HE and transport element TE are positioned in an air passage AP.
  • the air passage AP is formed having a narrow end and a wider end. Thereby, air entering at the narrower end at a certain flow velocity will slow down as the air passage AP widens. Similarly, if the air enters at the wider end, the air flow velocity would increase gradually towards the narrower end.
  • the container shown on figure 5A and 5B is put into abutment with a further container having a similar design to form a symmetric shell-shaped container arrangement CA, only that the transport element TE of the further container has a transport element TE in the wider end of the air passage AP, whereby the air flow velocity for each transport element TE would be different.
  • FIG. 6A and 6B another embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
  • a container arrangement CA comprising a nicotine container NC is illustrated.
  • the nicotine container NC is formed of plastic.
  • the nicotine container NC has a cylindrical shell-formed shape with an air passage AP.
  • a transport element TE preferably a wick, is positioned at the end of the air passage AP.
  • the transport element TE extends across the air passage AP.
  • the container may comprise a poly-foam for collecting the nicotine solution to the transport element TE.
  • the nicotine container NC comprises two lead-ins LI at the end of the nicotine container NC, and positioned opposite each other.
  • the lead-ins LI each provide fixation of the transport element TE such that each end of the transport element TE extend from the inside of the nicotine container NC to the outside of the nicotine container NC, and across the air passage AP, when seen from the end, as on figure 6B.
  • the nicotine container may only have a single lead-in LI.
  • a container arrangement CA for an electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprising a container, e.g. a nicotine container NC.
  • the container comprises an outlet OUT.
  • the container comprises a breakable sealing BS covering the outlet OUT of the container.
  • the breakable sealing BS may be formed as a part of the container, preferably as a thin layer.
  • the nicotine container NC comprises an outer metallized coating MC, i.e. a metallized coating MC on the outside of the container wall CW.
  • the metallized coating MC may be applied to a molded container after molding.
  • the metallized coating MC may act as a gas barrier, e.g. to prevent diffusion of oxygen into the container.
  • the metallized coating MC may furthermore act as a barrier for the content of the container, both nicotine and/or other substances of the nicotine container, such as flavors.
  • the metallized coating MC may be an inner coating, or a combination of inner and outer coatings.
  • FIG 7B a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
  • a container arrangement CA comprising a container, e.g. a nicotine container NC, for an electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS is shown.
  • the container comprises an outlet OUT.
  • the container comprises a breakable sealing BS covering the outlet OUT of the container.
  • the breakable sealing BS may be formed as a part of the container, preferably as a thin layer.
  • the container also comprises a further breakable sealing FBS, e.g. being a thin foil, into which the container is packaged.
  • the further breakable sealing FBS may also comprise an inner or outer supporting plastic layer.
  • the further breakable sealing FBS covers the whole of the container, and may preferably be arranged in relatively close proximity of the container walls CW.
  • the further breakable sealing FBS may preferably be formed so as to be easily removed by a user before installing the container in the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS.
  • a container arrangement CA comprising a nicotine container NC is illustrated.
  • the nicotine container NC is formed in plastic.
  • the nicotine container NC may have a shape as illustrated, or may have a cylindrical shell-formed shape. Other shapes may be applicable within the scope of the invention.
  • a transport element TE preferably a wick, is positioned through an passage AP.
  • the transport element TE extends across the passage AP.
  • the passage AP may e.g. allow air flow from an air inlet AI to the mouth piece MP, e.g. as illustrated on figure 1.
  • the container may comprise a poly-foam or other suitable material (not shown) for transferring the nicotine solution to the transport element TE.
  • the nicotine container NC comprises a lead-in LI at the end of the nicotine container NC.
  • the lead-in LI provide fixation for a thermal fitting TF, which again provide fixation for the transport element TE.
  • the transport element TE is further fitted with a heating element HE, such as a coil.
  • the heating element is electrically connected with a power supply PS, such as a battery (not shown) via an electrical control unit and/or a user operable contact (not shown).
  • the heating element HE is applied for the purpose of performing an evaporation of nicotine liquid transported by and through the transport element TE, e.g. a wick.
  • An important aspect of the present embodiment is to include at thermal barrier between the heating element (HE) and the plastic container, to avoid unwanted melting or reaction with the plastic of the container.
  • the thermal fitting may comprise any suitable thermal barrier material which may enable the fitting to protect the plastic of the container from overheating.

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Abstract

Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) is disclosed, the electronic nicotine delivery system comprising a mouth piece (MP), an atomizer arrangement (AA), an electronic power supply (PS), and a container arrangement (CA) containing a nicotine solution, the atomizer arrangement (AA) comprises an inlet from the container arrangement (CA), the atomizer arrangement (AA) comprising at least one atomizer, the atomizer being electrically connected to the power supply (PS), the atomizer producing aerosols, the aerosols comprising nicotine; and wherein the container arrangement (CA) is formed at least partly of plastic. Furthermore, a nicotine container (NC) is disclosed.

Description

ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEM
Field of the invention
The invention relates to an electronic nicotine delivery system according to claim 1.
Background of the invention
A problem related to electronic delivery systems is that the users often complain from different unwanted features such as unwanted taste or unwanted variation in taste. This is in particular troubling, when the inhaled mixture taste or smells of plastic or metal sensation. This is even more an annoyance, given the fact that the desired functionality, i.e. a reproducible delivery of nicotine to the user often is compromised at the same time.
It is an object of the invention to address these annoyances with an easy-to-user system, which may both be user friendly and avoid unwanted taste or flavor sensation when using the electronic nicotine delivery system over time.
Summary of the invention The invention relates in a first aspect to an electronic nicotine delivery system comprising a mouth piece, an atomizer arrangement, an electronic power supply, and a container arrangement containing a nicotine solution, the atomizer arrangement comprises an inlet from the container arrangement, the atomizer arrangement comprising at least one atomizer, the atomizer being electrically connected to the power supply, the atomizer producing aerosols, the aerosols comprising nicotine; and wherein the container arrangement is formed at least partly of plastic. One of the advantages of using containers made wholly or at least mostly of plastic is that the established container may be established relatively inert to the volatile nicotine solution to be contained in the container. This is in particular the fact if certain plastic materials are applied as container material.
Another advantage may be that the application of a plastic containers according to the invention may reduce taste remnants or degradation of nicotine as well as other constituents. Taste remnants may for instance be reduced for the reasons that connections between a plastic container and an atomizer arrangement according to the invention may leak less than connections for corresponding conventionally applied metal or glass containers or alternatively be formed less costly than in particular glass. Degradation of nicotine as well as other constituents during storage may for instance give rise to harmful constituents during function of the electronic nicotine delivery system.
Leakage may in particular result in undesired taste effect when applying replaceable containers and it may even more compromise the dosing of the nicotine by means of the typically applied wick, due to the fact that leakage along the wick under certain conditions may result in an increased surface degeneration as the dose is having a higher density on or over the surface of the wick. The problem is further pushing the atomizing into unknown performance due to the fact that the temperature provided by the heating element provides a differentiated heating of the nicotine soaked in the wick and the nicotine flowing one or beside the wick.
An advantage of using a plastic container in the electronic nicotine delivery system is that this provides the possibility of inertness in relation to the e-liquid, a possibility of cost effective high precision with respect to a critical part of the delivery system and a balanced possibility of compromising the gas permeability due to the fact that the gas permeability may be regarded as a relatively uncritical factor, considering that the nicotine has a relatively short storage time in the electronic nicotine delivery system.
A further advantageous property of plastic as a container for an electronic nicotine delivery system according to the invention, is that desired mechanical shape and precision may be obtained surprisingly easy compared to materials such as metal and glass, and that the outlet(s) of the container may be sealed wholly or at least partly by means of mechanical fitting between the lead-in, i.e. the passage from the interior of the container to the exterior and the conduit through which the nicotine solution exits the container.
Alternatively, if the passage as such forms the outlet, e.g. if the container comprises an opening having a socket of fitting a socket in the electronic nicotine delivery system, the plastic container may form an advantageous liquid tight coupling to a mechanical counterpart at the electronic nicotine delivery system. In the context of the present invention the term "aerosoF should be understood as a suspension of fine particles in gas, typically a suspension of liquid particles or solid particles in gas, such as air. Individual aerosol components may e.g. be referred to as droplets or particles. Typically, aerosols may be associated with certain sizes, however, in the context of the present invention, the term aerosol may refer to particles having a diameter of up to 100 micrometer. General examples of aerosols may be fog or smoke.
In the context of the present invention the term "atomizer" should be understood as a device comprising a number of parts, the atomizer being arranged for reducing a liquid to a fine spray of droplets, i.e. a device which transforms a liquid into aerosols. One example of an atomizer may be a device that forces a liquid out of a very small hole so that it becomes a fine spray. A further example is a device that uses heating, such as resistive heating, to evaporate a liquid that may form aerosol upon condensation.
In the context of the present invention the term "power supply" should be understood as any portable electrical power source, such as batteries, fuel cells etc.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the power supply comprises a rechargeable battery.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container arrangement comprises a container and wherein the container is formed of plastic.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the atomizer is integrated with the container arrangement.
An integration of the atomizer with the container arrangement may basically imply that the container may include an atomizer. This may e.g. be advantageous, when the atomizer comprises materials, e.g. a wick, which degenerates and must be replaced from time to time.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container is formed of molded plastic. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container(s) of the electronic nicotine delivery system are molded of plastic. According to this embodiment, undesired leaking along the surface of the wick may be significantly reduced or almost counteracted by simply molding the wick into plastic container, thereby providing a pathway for nicotine between the interior of the container to the atomizer at the exterior of the container which is almost solely defined by the wick, due to the fact that passage ways along the wick between the container wall and the wick may be minimized. According to a more preferred embodiment, the outlet of the container leading to the atomizer may be fitted with e.g. a wick or another type of transport element by adhesion, a separate molding, or by regular fitting. A molding or adhesion of the transport element forming an effective outlet from the container must be performed so that outlet is liquid tight and allows no or little liquid passage outside the intended transport element.
If the transport element comprises a wick, the wick may be pre-conditioned to bond by adhesion or bonding to the plastic container. Such pre-conditioning may e.g. include a plastic jacket encapsulating the wick.
Another type of preconditioning may e.g. include mechanical processing of the lead- in and/or processing of the passage into the container to ensure precision and a proper mechanical fitting.
Molding in the present context includes e.g. blowing molding or extrusion molding. A preferred molding should imply that a relatively little container may be achieved, while still providing a gas tight compartment. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plastic container is formed of inert plastic.
I.e. the plastic container is formed by a plastic being inert towards its content, and does not contribute substantially to the chemical composition of its content, i.e. the nicotine solution.
Metals are usually less gas permeable than plastics. This may be at least partly compensated for by using plastic containers having a greater wall thickness than the usual metal container. Thereby excessive evaporation of for example nicotine through the container walls may be avoided.
Suitable materials for the manufacture of plastic containers may be acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyimide (PI), styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN), polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate (PHEMA), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or polyamide (PA).
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plastic container is formed wholly or partly of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
In particular, PTFE may be suitable because of its chemical inertness, while high- density polyethylene (HDPE) may have good gas permeation properties and restrict evaporation through container walls.
PTFE may also according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention be applied as an inner or outer coating of the plastic container to obtain a combination of chemical inertness and low gas permeation. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plastic container is formed of high density polyethylene (FIDPE).
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the container comprises thermoplastic.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the applied plastic should be able to resist the heating provided by the heating element of the atomizer.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the interior of the container comprises a poly-foam.
The poly-foam of the interior of the container is intended to be liquid-soaked and facilitating a capillary transfer of liquid from the interior of the container to the wick of the atomizer. Alternatively, the container may comprise other materials for collecting the content of the container, preferably by capillary forces. Such materials may e.g. comprise various materials suitable for making the wick, or may be an extension of the wick, preferably covering a substantial part of the inner volume of the container. In some embodiments, however, the container may be substantially free of such poly-foams or materials inside, and may substantially only comprise the nicotine solution.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the container wall is higher than 1 mm.
By applying at relatively high thickness of the container wall, the permeability to nicotine contained in the container may be increased, considering that nicotine is highly volatile. By the application of a suitable thickness, the permeability and inertness may be acceptable for specific nicotine use.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the container wall is higher than 2 mm.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the container wall is higher than 3 mm. According to an embodiment, the thickness of the container wall is no more than 100 mm, such than no more than 10 mm.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the effective volume of the container is from about 1 ml to 20 ml.
In the present context, an effective volume is referring to the available space for e- liquid in the container, e.g. including poly-foam or other container included or inserted parts. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the effective volume of the container is from about 1 ml to 6 ml. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface energy of the inner surface of a container of the container arrangement is low. According to an embodiment of the invention, the surface energy of the inner surface of the container of the container arrangement is between 10 and 50 mJ/m2, such as between 20 and 40 mJ/m2.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plastic container will be inert to reaction with the nicotine solution and at the same time be easy to empty due to the fact that the inner surface energy is lower than the surface tension of the applied nicotine solution.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contact angle between the nicotine solution and the inner surface of the container is higher than 90 degrees.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the atomizer comprises a wick.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the wick is fitted or retrofitted into a lead-in formed in the container and wherein the wick reaches from the exterior of the container to the interior of the container. An advantage in relation to the present embodiment is that the wick may be completely matched to fit the nicotine solution of the container. This means that he atomizer may be controlled by the electronic nicotine delivery system to establish the intended aerosols without deviations induced by the use of unknown wick properties or even worse, a wick that gradually changes over time and mismatches the nicotine solution of the container. A further advantage of this embodiment is that leaking may be reduced due to the fact that the wick is completely integrated in the containers wall, thereby minimizing leaking along the wick. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container comprises galvanic conductive wiring embedded in the molded container.
A significant advantage of embedding galvanic conductive wiring in the container- forming plastic is that the atomizer may be partly integrated in or together with the container, even if the container is replaceable.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container is formed with a suitable surface topology fitting for galvanic conductive wiring on the exterior of the container leading from one or more connection terminals to the atomizer.
A further advantage of applying a plastic is that a replaceable container including a part of the atomizer, may be easily produced in a cost effective way and at the same time providing the user an easy fool-proof possibility of connecting the replaceable wick to the power supply.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container arrangement is replaceable.
In certain embodiments, the container arrangement may be replaceable itself, whereas in other embodiments, the container arrangement may be replaceable together with the atomizer arrangement.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container arrangement is molded and formed with a locking.
A locking in the present context is understood as mechanical structures formed typically in the exterior of the plastic container facilitating a locking to the electronic nicotine delivery system, when the electronic nicotine delivery system has been fitted with corresponding mechanical structures. This locking may e.g. be a socket, a plug or any suitable physical way of obtaining a liquid-tight and secure mechanical connection of the container to the electronic nicotine delivery system.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the container arrangement is made of plastic and is easy moldable into having a molded locking. Several benefits is obtained through this measure, but a very interesting feature is basically that the locking of the container to the atomizer may fundamentally be coupled "liquid-tight" to the atomizer arrangement, either due to the option of integrating a part of the wick into the container wall as such or alternatively that the container, if replaceable, as such may be locked securely to the atomizer or to the electronic nicotine delivery system without leaking e-liquid into the electronic nicotine delivery system, when mounting the container.
The locking may also be unique to different types of containers, thereby ensuring that a certain type of container may only be mounted to the electronic nicotine delivery system in its right position. This is in particular the case when applying two or more separate containers or compartments with different composition and where these compositions are led to different atomizers for a separate atomizing process.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container arrangement comprises at least one irregular formed container.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the container may be formed as an irregular container due to the fact, that the container may be molded.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container arrangement comprises at least two separate containers. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two different separate containers have a different shape.
A different shape may include the complete container, thereby also the socket or the overall shape as such. In this context, the important thing is to use the shape of the different containers to ensure that the containers are not misplaced, when mounted in the electronic nicotine delivery system by the user. This may of course be obtained in several different ways, e.g. by assigning an individual and unique socket for the nicotine container, which is different from the container not containing nicotine. These sockets should fit the corresponding socket mounting on the electronic nicotine delivery systems. The unique positioning may of course be obtained in several different ways, e.g. by applying different overall shapes, thereby ensuring that it is impossible to attach the different types of containers wrongly to the delivery system.
It should also be noted that whereas the above containers may comprise a nicotine containing container as opposed to an additive containing container, this does not necessarily imply that nicotine should always be completely isolated in its own container without additives, nor does it imply that nicotine cannot be present in other containers. It does however imply that, according to the provisions of the invention, the unique fitting of the containers ensure that a container is never misplaced in the electronic nicotine delivery system.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container defines an air passage, when inserted in the electronic nicotine delivery system.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electronic nicotine delivery system is formed to fit uniquely with at least two different containers, thereby ensuring that a nicotine container containing nicotine and an additive container containing additive cannot be misplaced in the electronic nicotine delivery system. It is understood that the unique fit may be obtained e.g. as mentioned above with a unique shape but also a unique mechanical locking. It is also understood that the unique fit is preferred when a user has the option of replacing the containers.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container arrangement comprises a thermal fitting for fixating a transport element.
Preferably, in embodiments where the container arrangement comprises more than one container, each container comprises a thermal fitting for fixating a transport element associated with that particular container. Preferably, each container comprises a lead-in providing fixation of the thermal fitting.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the thermal fitting is made from a thermal barrier material.
Thermal barrier materials may include materials having low heat conductivity. Examples of thermal barrier materials may include glass, various ceramics, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Preferably, in many embodiments, the thermal barrier material may be chosen from materials, which may endure high temperatures without deforming and/or degrading. Especially, it may be chosen to prevent release of chemical substances into the container and to prevent release of sensorial substances, such as substances giving rise to smells of burned plastic.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electronic nicotine delivery system is comprised in a handheld device.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the atomizer comprises a heating element.
The invention relates in a second aspect to a nicotine container for an electronic nicotine delivery system, the nicotine container comprises an inner volume and an outlet, the nicotine container being formed of plastic and comprising a locking, the locking being formed of plastic.
The invention relates in a third aspect to a nicotine plastic container for an electronic nicotine delivery system comprising an inner volume and an outlet, the inner volume comprising nicotine, the outlet of the plastic container comprising a breakable sealing and the nicotine plastic container being contained in a further breakable sealing.
A challenge related to plastic is that the material under certain conditions may be relatively permeable to gas. The volatile nature of in particular the nicotine is a further challenge. According to an embodiment of the invention, this may be partly dealt with by applying a sealing the user may break immediately prior to use, i.e. prior to the mounting of the nicotine container in the electronic nicotine delivery system. In this way, the highly volatile nicotine may be contained in the container, at least prior to the mounting, thereby reducing the amount of permeating nicotine during storage and thereby facilitating the use of an inert plastic material for the container.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plastic container is molded and comprises metalized coating. The metalized coating may preferably be subjected to the plastic container(s) after the molding of the container(s). According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the metalized coating is an outer coating. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, wherein the nicotine container forms a substrate for galvanic conducting wirings leading from a connection terminal to an atomizer integrated with the nicotine container.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the nicotine container is formed with a suitable surface topology fitting for galvanic conductive wiring on the exterior of the container leading from one or more connection terminals to the atomizer.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the nicotine container of the second or third aspect or any embodiment thereof may be suitable for the electronic nicotine delivery system according to the first aspect or any aspect thereof.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electronic nicotine delivery system of the first aspect or any embodiment thereof may comprise a nicotine container of the second or third aspect or any embodiment thereof.
The figures
The invention will now be described with reference to the figures, where figure 1 illustrates an electronic nicotine delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention,
figure 2A-2D illustrate electronic nicotine delivery systems according to different embodiments of the invention,
figure 3 A-3B illustrate a part of an electronic nicotine delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention,
figure 4A illustrates a part of an electronic nicotine delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention,
figure 4B illustrates a part of an electronic nicotine delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention,
figure 4C illustrates a part of an electronic nicotine delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention,
figure 5A-5B illustrate a part of an electronic nicotine delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention,
figure 6A-6B illustrate a part of an electronic nicotine delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention,
figure 7A illustrates a nicotine container according to an embodiment of the invention,
figure 7B illustrates a nicotine container according to an embodiment of the invention, and
figure 8 illustrates a container arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed description
Referring to figure 1, an electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS is illustrated according to an embodiment of the invention. The electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises a casing CAS for covering the individual parts of the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS.
The casing CAS may be a single part, or may be assembled from two or more parts.
The electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS furthermore comprises container arrangement CA and an atomizer arrangement AA.
The container arrangement CA may be formed of plastic.
The container arrangement CA comprises a nicotine container NC.
In some embodiments, the electronic nicotine delivery system may comprise further containers, such as an additive container AC.
The nicotine container NC and/or the additive container AC may be formed o plastic.
The atomizer arrangement AA comprises one atomizer. In some embodiments, the atomizer arrangement AA may comprise two atomizers, and, optionally, even further atomizers. The electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS furthermore comprises a mouth piece MP. The mouth piece MP is adapted for allowing a user of the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS to apply a mouth induced reduced pressure to the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS via the mouth piece MP, i.e. when the user takes a drag or puff from the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS similar to that from a conventional cigarette. The casing CAS may preferably comprise one or more air inlets AI for supplying air to the atomizers FA, SA. The one or more air inlets AI may be positioned between the power supply PS and the atomizer arrangement AA, or at other positions. The atomizer FA may preferably be positioned in an air passage AP. The air passage AP may preferably provide fluid communication from said one or more air inlets AI to said mouth piece MP through the inside of said electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS. The mouth piece MP comprises an opening into the inner part of the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS, that opening being in fluid communication via the inside of said electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS to the air inlet AI, and, optionally, additional air inlets AAI (not shown) through said air passage AP. The nicotine container NC are positioned inside the casing CAS.
The nicotine container NC is connected to the atomizer arrangement AA. Thereby, the content of the nicotine container NC is each allowed to move to the atomizer arrangement AA to which it is connected.
Inside the casing CAS, a power supply PS, such as a battery, is disposed. The power supply PS is electrically connected to the atomizer arrangement AA so as to power the atomizer arrangement AA when it is activated. In this embodiment the atomizer arrangement AA is shown comprising a transport element TE being a wick in fluid communication with the nicotine container NC and a heating element HE being a coil for heating and atomizing, when the atomizer arrangement AA is activated, the content of the nicotine container NC is transported to the wick. In alternative embodiments the atomizer arrangement AA may comprise additional and/or alternative elements.
In embodiments where the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises a further container, such as an additive container AC, the additive container AC may preferably be connected to a separate atomizer, e.g. a second atomizer SA. However, in some embodiments, the nicotine container NC and further containers may be connected to the same atomizer FA.
The heating element FIE may in other embodiments be other than a coil. The transport element TE may in other embodiments be other than a wick. In this embodiments the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises an activator button AB for activating the atomizer FA. However, in alternative embodiments, the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS may comprise other arrangements for activating the atomizer. For example, the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS may comprise an air flow sensor for detecting when a user applies by mouth a reduced pressure to the mouth piece MP.
Furthermore, the mouth piece MP may in some embodiments be detachable from the rest of the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS, e.g. by means of threaded connections.
The nicotine container NC and/or further container(s), if any, may in some embodiments be removable and replaceable, preferably as a single cartridge, e.g. by removing the mouth piece MP and sliding the containers out by that end. In some embodiments the one or more atomizers FA, SA is connected to the one or more containers NC, AC and thereby removed together with the containers NC, AC, e.g. as a single cartridge. However, in other embodiments, the containers NC, AC may be removed without the atomizers FA, SA, e.g. as a single cartridge. In the following, electronic nicotine delivery systems ENDS according to various embodiments of the invention are illustrated. The electronic nicotine delivery systems ENDS of the following embodiments may comprise one or more elements similar to the elements described above. The electronic nicotine delivery systems ENDS of the following embodiments may comprise one or more elements additional or alternative to the elements described above.
Electrical connections are shown in the figures for illustrative purposes and may for practical purposes be arranged and positioned differently.
Furthermore, in many embodiments of the invention, the electronic nicotine delivery system comprises an electrical control arrangement EC A. The electronic control arrangement ECA may comprise several co-operating different units, it may be comprised in one housing or it may even be integrated into other units, e.g. the power supply. The electronic control arrangement ECA is electrically connected to the atomizers and the activation arrangement, such as an activation button and/or an air flow sensor.
The electronic control arrangement ECA is arranged to controls the effective dose delivered by the atomizer on the basis of an automatic regulation of the electrical power supplied to the atomizer AT by the power supply PS and/or the activation time.
Furthermore, the electronic control arrangement ECA may in some embodiments with more than one atomizer be adapted to control the activation of the atomizers in a synchronized manner. In some embodiments, electronic control arrangement ECA may impose a delay of a predetermined period of time between the activation of the atomizers.
Now referring to figure 2, several further embodiments are illustrated. First, on figure 2A, an electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS is shown. The electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises a casing CAS. The electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS may be constructed similar to that of figure 1, however, for some of the following embodiments distinguished as described in the following.
The casing CAS is shown as separated in two sections, being connectable by an outer threaded connection arrangement on one section and an inner threaded connection arrangement on the opposite section (not shown). In some embodiments, the casing may be made up by three or more connectable sections.
As shown in figure 1, the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises a container arrangement CA and an atomizer arrangement AA, here shown as a single piece. Some examples of compositions of the container arrangement CA and the atomizer arrangement AA are illustrated on figures 2B-2D.
Preferably, the container arrangement CA, including the nicotine container NC and the additive container AC, if any, is formed of plastic.
First, on figure 2B, an embodiment is illustrated where the container arrangement CA is shown comprising a nicotine container NC and an additive container AC.
The container arrangement CA has a cylindrical shell-shape, with both the nicotine and the additive container NC, AC also each having a cylindrical shell-shape.
The atomizer arrangement AA also have a cylindrical shell-shape, having an air passage AP for allowing air to pass from one end of the atomizer arrangement AA to the other end of the atomizer arrangement AA.
The atomizer arrangement AA can be inserted into the inner space of the container arrangement CA, thereby forming a single cartridge.
Secondly, on figure 2C, an embodiment is illustrated where the container arrangement CA is also shown comprising a nicotine container NC and an additive container AC.
The container arrangement CA has a cylindrical shape, divided along a plane parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical container arrangement CA into a nicotine container NC and an additive container AC.
The atomizer arrangement AA comprises a first atomizer FA and a second atomizer SA. Each atomizer FA, SA has a cylindrical shell-shape.
Each atomizer FA, S A has an air passage AP for allowing air to pass from one end of the respective atomizer FA, SA to the other end of that particular atomizer FA, SA.
The atomizers FA, SA may each be inserted into the inner space of the container arrangement CA, thereby forming a single cartridge. Now, referring to figure 2D, a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated where the container arrangement CA and the atomizer arrangement AA both has cylindrical shell shapes, both having an air passage AP.
In some alternative embodiments, the container arrangement CA may not itself comprise any air passage, or may comprise an air passage along the side of the container arrangement CA.
Now referring to figure 3A and 3B, another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. A container arrangement CA comprising a nicotine container NC is illustrated. The nicotine container NC is formed of plastic.
The nicotine container NC has a cylindrical shell-formed shape with an air passage AP.
Inside the air passage AP, a transport element TE, such as a wick, is positioned. The transport element TE extends across the air passage AP.
The container may comprise a poly-foam PF for collecting the nicotine solution to the transport element TE.
The nicotine container NC comprises two lead-ins LI from the air passage AP to the inside of the nicotine container NC. The two lead-ins are positioned substantially opposite each other to allow a transport element TE, preferably a wick, to extend from the inside of said nicotine container NC through one of the lead-ins LI to the air passage AP, across the air passage AP, through the other lead-in LI, and into the nicotine container NC again.
In certain alternative embodiments, the nicotine container NC may only have a single lead-in LI.
A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated on figures 4A to 4C.
First, on figure 4A a part of an electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS is shown. The electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises a casing CAS and a container of a container arrangement CA, such as a nicotine container NC or an additive container AC.
The container comprises an outlet OUT.
The container NC, AC comprises a breakable sealing BS covering the outlet OUT. Furthermore, the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises an atomizer arrangement AA.
The breakable sealing BS prevents the content of the container NC, AC from leaking.
The container NC, AC may preferably be formed of plastic.
The breakable sealing BS may in some embodiments be formed as a plastic layer, preferably having a lower thickness than the rest of the container NC, AC.
Secondly, on figure 4B and 4C are shown a container NC, AC being coupled to an atomizer arrangement AA. On figure 4B the setup is illustrated in a cross-sectional side-view. On figure 4C the setup is illustrated in an end-view. The container NC, AC comprises a locking LO at its outlet OUT. The locking may e.g. be formed as a flange FL for engaging locking pins LP.
The electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS comprises one or more air passages AP, i.e. passages of air inside said casing CAS.
The flange FL is adapted for engaging locking pins LP. Figure 4B shows two locking pins LP, however, there may preferably be more than two locking pins, such as e.g. three, four, five, or more locking pins LP. The atomizer arrangement AA comprises a seal breaking arrangement SBA, which is adapted to break or pierce the breakable sealing BS while at the same time to protect the transport element TE. Furthermore, the seal breaking arrangement SBA comprises one or more openings for providing liquid communication from the transport element TE to the inside of the container NC, AC when the transport element TE is inserted into the container NC, AC as shown in figure 4B. During operation of the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS, air may pass the container arrangement CA through the air passage AP.
The container wall CW may have a thickness adapted for establishing an effective gas barrier and/or effective barrier for nicotine.
Referring now to figure 5A and 5B a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The illustrated container may e.g. be a nicotine container NC or an additive container AC.
As seen, the container is formed as a half cylindrical shell, i.e. having a cylindrical shell shape but cut in half along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.
Preferably, the container NC, AC may be used together with another container to form a two-container setup. Alternatively, the container NC, AC may be used in a single-container setup, where it may preferably be formed as a full cylindrical shell.
The container NC, AC is formed of plastic.
The illustrated container NC, AC comprises galvanic conductive wirings GCW and connection terminals CT.
The conductive wirings GCW and connection terminals CT are cast into the outer surface of the container NC, AC.
Alternatively, the container NC, AC may be molded with pre-formed recesses or grooves for receiving the conductive wirings GCW and/or the connection terminals CT.
On figure 5A and 5B it is illustrated that the conductive wirings GCW provides electrical connection from the connection terminals CT to the heating element HE, which may e.g. be a coil.
As illustrated, the heating element HE and transport element TE are positioned in an air passage AP.
As illustrated the air passage AP is formed having a narrow end and a wider end. Thereby, air entering at the narrower end at a certain flow velocity will slow down as the air passage AP widens. Similarly, if the air enters at the wider end, the air flow velocity would increase gradually towards the narrower end.
In one embodiment, the container shown on figure 5A and 5B is put into abutment with a further container having a similar design to form a symmetric shell-shaped container arrangement CA, only that the transport element TE of the further container has a transport element TE in the wider end of the air passage AP, whereby the air flow velocity for each transport element TE would be different.
Now referring to figure 6A and 6B, another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. A container arrangement CA comprising a nicotine container NC is illustrated.
The nicotine container NC is formed of plastic.
The nicotine container NC has a cylindrical shell-formed shape with an air passage AP.
A transport element TE, preferably a wick, is positioned at the end of the air passage AP. The transport element TE extends across the air passage AP.
The container may comprise a poly-foam for collecting the nicotine solution to the transport element TE. The nicotine container NC comprises two lead-ins LI at the end of the nicotine container NC, and positioned opposite each other. The lead-ins LI each provide fixation of the transport element TE such that each end of the transport element TE extend from the inside of the nicotine container NC to the outside of the nicotine container NC, and across the air passage AP, when seen from the end, as on figure 6B.
In certain alternative embodiments, the nicotine container may only have a single lead-in LI.
Now referring to figure 7A, a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated. A container arrangement CA for an electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS is shown comprising a container, e.g. a nicotine container NC. The container comprises an outlet OUT.
The container comprises a breakable sealing BS covering the outlet OUT of the container. I certain embodiments, the breakable sealing BS may be formed as a part of the container, preferably as a thin layer.
The nicotine container NC comprises an outer metallized coating MC, i.e. a metallized coating MC on the outside of the container wall CW. The metallized coating MC may be applied to a molded container after molding. The metallized coating MC may act as a gas barrier, e.g. to prevent diffusion of oxygen into the container. The metallized coating MC may furthermore act as a barrier for the content of the container, both nicotine and/or other substances of the nicotine container, such as flavors.
In some alternative embodiments, the metallized coating MC may be an inner coating, or a combination of inner and outer coatings. Referring to figure 7B, a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated. A container arrangement CA comprising a container, e.g. a nicotine container NC, for an electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS is shown. The container comprises an outlet OUT.
The container comprises a breakable sealing BS covering the outlet OUT of the container. In certain embodiments, the breakable sealing BS may be formed as a part of the container, preferably as a thin layer.
The container also comprises a further breakable sealing FBS, e.g. being a thin foil, into which the container is packaged. The further breakable sealing FBS may also comprise an inner or outer supporting plastic layer. The further breakable sealing FBS covers the whole of the container, and may preferably be arranged in relatively close proximity of the container walls CW.
The further breakable sealing FBS may preferably be formed so as to be easily removed by a user before installing the container in the electronic nicotine delivery system ENDS.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated with reference to figure 8.
A container arrangement CA comprising a nicotine container NC is illustrated.
The nicotine container NC is formed in plastic.
The nicotine container NC may have a shape as illustrated, or may have a cylindrical shell-formed shape. Other shapes may be applicable within the scope of the invention. A transport element TE, preferably a wick, is positioned through an passage AP. The transport element TE extends across the passage AP. The passage AP may e.g. allow air flow from an air inlet AI to the mouth piece MP, e.g. as illustrated on figure 1. Referring again to figure 8, the container may comprise a poly-foam or other suitable material (not shown) for transferring the nicotine solution to the transport element TE.
The nicotine container NC comprises a lead-in LI at the end of the nicotine container NC. The lead-in LI provide fixation for a thermal fitting TF, which again provide fixation for the transport element TE. The transport element TE is further fitted with a heating element HE, such as a coil. The heating element is electrically connected with a power supply PS, such as a battery (not shown) via an electrical control unit and/or a user operable contact (not shown).
The heating element HE is applied for the purpose of performing an evaporation of nicotine liquid transported by and through the transport element TE, e.g. a wick.
An important aspect of the present embodiment is to include at thermal barrier between the heating element (HE) and the plastic container, to avoid unwanted melting or reaction with the plastic of the container. The thermal fitting may comprise any suitable thermal barrier material which may enable the fitting to protect the plastic of the container from overheating.
List of figure references
ENDS. Electronic nicotine delivery system
MP. Mouth piece
AA. Atomizer arrangement
PS. Power supply
CA. Container arrangement
NC. Nicotine container
AC. Additive container
FA. First atomizer
SA. Second atomizer
TE. Transport element
PTE. Heating element
CAS. Casing
AB . Activator button
AI. Air inlet
AP. Air passage
LI. Lead-in
BS. Breakable sealing
FL. Flange
LP. Locking pin
CW. Container wall
GCW. Galvanic conductive wiring
CT. Connection terminal
OUT. Outlet
LO. Locking
PF. Poly-foam
FBS. Further breakable sealing

Claims

Claims
1. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) comprising a mouth piece (MP), an atomizer arrangement (AA), an electronic power supply (PS), and a container arrangement (CA) containing a nicotine solution, the atomizer arrangement (AA) comprises an inlet from the container arrangement (CA), the atomizer arrangement (AA) comprising at least one atomizer, the atomizer being electrically connected to the power supply (PS), the atomizer producing aerosols, the aerosols comprising nicotine; and wherein the container arrangement (CA) is formed at least partly of plastic.
2. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to claim 1, wherein the container arrangement (CA) comprises a container and wherein the container is formed of plastic.
3. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the atomizer is integrated with the container arrangement (CA).
4. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container is formed of molded plastic.
5. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic container is formed of inert plastic.
6. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic container is formed wholly or partly of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
7. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic container is formed of high density polyethylene (HDPE).
8. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the container comprises thermoplastic.
9. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the interior of the container comprises a poly-foam (PF).
10. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the container wall (CW) is higher than 1 mm.
11. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the container wall (CW) is higher than 2 mm.
12. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the container wall (CW) is higher than 3 mm.
13. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the effective volume of the container is from about 1 ml to 20 ml.
14. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the effective volume of the container is from about 1 ml to 6 ml.
15. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the surface energy of the inner surface of a container of the container arrangement (CA) is low.
16. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the contact angle between the nicotine solution and the inner surface of the container is higher than 90 degrees.
17. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the atomizer comprises a wick.
18. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wick is fitted or retrofitted into a lead-in (LI) formed in the container and wherein the wick reaches from the exterior of the container to the interior of the container.
19. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises galvanic conductive wiring (GCW) embedded in the molded container.
20. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container is formed with a suitable surface topology fitting for galvanic conductive wiring (GCW) on the exterior of the container leading from one or more connection terminals (CT) to the atomizer.
21. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container arrangement (CA) is replaceable.
22. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container arrangement (CA) is molded and formed with a locking (LO).
23. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container arrangement (CA) comprises at least one irregular formed container.
24. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container arrangement (CA) comprises at least two separate containers.
25. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the two different separate containers have a different shape.
26. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container defines an air passage (AP), when inserted in the electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS).
27. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) is formed to fit uniquely with at least two different containers, thereby ensuring that a nicotine container (NC) containing nicotine and an additive container (AC) containing additive cannot be misplaced in the electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS).
28. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container arrangement (CA) comprises a thermal fitting (TF) for fixating a transport element (TE).
29. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to claim 28, wherein the thermal fitting (TF) is made from a thermal barrier material.
30. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) is comprised in a handheld device.
31. Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the atomizer comprises a heating element (HE).
32. Nicotine container (NC) for an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), the nicotine container (NC) comprises an inner volume and an outlet (OUT), the nicotine container (NC) being formed of plastic and comprising a locking, the locking being formed of plastic.
33. Nicotine plastic container (NC) for an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), the nicotine plastic container (NC) comprising an inner volume and an outlet (OUT), the inner volume comprising nicotine, the outlet (OUT) of the plastic container comprising a breakable sealing (BS) and the nicotine plastic container being contained in a further breakable sealing (FBS).
34. Nicotine container (NC) according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the plastic container is molded and comprises metalized coating (MC).
35. Nicotine container (NC) according to claim 34, wherein the metalized coating (MC) is an outer coating.
36. Nicotine container (NC) according to any of the claims 32-35, wherein the nicotine container (NC) forms a substrate for galvanic conducting wirings (GCW) leading from a connection terminal (CT) to an atomizer integrated with the nicotine container (NC).
37. Nicotine container (NC) according to any of the claims 32-36, wherein the nicotine container (NC) is formed with a suitable surface topology fitting for galvanic conductive wiring (GCW) on the exterior of the container leading from one or more connection terminals (CT) to the atomizer.
38. Nicotine container (NC) according to any of the claims 32-37 for an electronic nicotine delivery system according to any of claims 1-31.
39. Electronic nicotine delivery system according to any of claims 1-31 comprising a nicotine container (NC) according to any of the claims 32-37.
PCT/DK2014/050314 2014-10-03 2014-10-03 Electronic nicotine delivery system WO2016050246A1 (en)

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