CN114727651A - Aerosol-generating device with cartridge release system - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising: an aerosol-generating element comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; a vessel having a liquid level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid level; a conduit for conveying a flow of gas from the receptacle to the container; and a cover engageable with the body. The cover includes: a frame comprising a cavity and having a central axis, wherein the cavity is arranged to receive the cartridge; and a gripping member configured to releasably grip the cartridge received in the receptacle. A release mechanism can be used to release the cartridge from the gripping member. The release mechanism can be part of a cartridge disposal system.

Description

Aerosol-generating device with cartridge release system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to aerosol-generating devices and systems for gripping and releasing cartridges containing aerosol-forming substrates for use in aerosol-generating devices. The present disclosure also relates to a system for removing and discarding cartridges for use in aerosol-generating devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a grip and release system that may be used to remove and dispose of cartridges used in hookah devices.

Background

Conventional hookah apparatus are used for smoking and are constructed so that vapor and smoke pass through a water basin before being inhaled by a consumer. The hookah apparatus may include one outlet or more than one outlet, such that the apparatus may be used by more than one consumer at a time. Many people view the use of hookah devices as a leisure activity and social experience.

Typically, traditional hookah is used in combination with a substrate, sometimes referred to in the art as hookah tobacco, tobacco molasses, or simply molasses. Conventional hookah substrates contain relatively high amounts of sugar (in some cases, up to-50%, while conventional tobacco substrates (e.g., combustible cigarettes) are typically-20%). Tobacco used in hookah devices may be mixed with other ingredients to, for example, increase the volume of steam and smoke generated, change flavor, or both.

Conventional hookah devices employ charcoal (such as charcoal pellets) to heat and sometimes burn a tobacco substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Heating tobacco using charcoal may result in complete or partial combustion of the tobacco or other components. Additionally, the charcoal may generate harmful or potentially harmful products, such as carbon monoxide, which may mix with the water vapor and pass through the pool to the outlet.

One way to reduce the production of carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts is to use e-liquid instead of tobacco. Hookah devices that employ electronic cigarette liquid will eliminate combustion byproducts, but will deprive hookah consumers of the traditional tobacco-based experience.

Other hookah devices have been proposed that use an electric heater to heat, but not burn, the tobacco. Such electrically heated non-burning hookah devices heat a tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the substrate without burning the substrate, and thus reduce or eliminate byproducts associated with tobacco combustion.

A hookah device may employ a cartridge for containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be filled with such an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco, preferably a hookah substrate, such as molasses, a mixture of tobacco, water, sugar and other components (e.g. glycerol, flavourings etc.). The heating system of the electrically heated hookah apparatus heats the contents of the cartridge to generate an aerosol which is delivered to the user through the airflow path.

To facilitate the flow of air through the cartridge and aerosol from the cartridge, the hookah may have one or more apertures through one or more walls. Prior art cartridges typically have one or more openings in at least one wall of the cartridge, such as in one or both of the top and bottom walls. During storage, at least some of the holes or openings in the top and bottom walls may be closed by a removable (e.g., peelable) sealing layer, such as a film, sticker, or liner. The removable layer may protect the contents (e.g., honey) from exposure to air and oxygen. The removable layer may be removed (e.g., pulled or peeled off) by the user prior to first use of the cartridge.

After use of the hookah apparatus, the cartridge may be removed and discarded. However, the cartridge may still contain material, such as used aerosol-forming substrate. If the cartridge does not have time to cool, the cartridge may still be hot. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for removing and discarding a cartridge is provided.

Disclosure of Invention

It is desirable to provide a system for removing a used cartridge from an aerosol-generating device. It is desirable to provide a system for discarding cartridges used in aerosol-generating devices. It is desirable to provide a system for removing a used cartridge from an aerosol-generating device that may be incorporated as part of the aerosol-generating device. It is desirable to provide a convenient and easy to use system for removing a used cartridge from an aerosol-generating device. It is desirable to provide a convenient and easy to use system for discarding used cartridges. It is desirable to provide a system for removing a used cartridge from an aerosol-generating device that does not require the user to dispose of the cartridge directly. It is desirable to provide a system for discarding used cartridges that does not require the user to dispose of the cartridge directly.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system is provided that may be used to grasp and release a cartridge in an aerosol-generating device. According to an embodiment, the system may be used to remove a cartridge from an aerosol-generating device. According to an embodiment, the system may be used to discard cartridges. For example, the system may be used with a hookah apparatus. The system may be used to grip a hookah. The system may be used to remove a hookah cartridge from a hookah apparatus. The system may be used to release a water pipe. The system may be used for a disposable hookah. The system may be used to discard a hookah into a disposal container.

The system for gripping and releasing the cartridge may be referred to as an extractor. The extractor may be part of a cap for use with an aerosol-generating device. The lid may be incorporated as part of a hookah apparatus.

The system for gripping and releasing the cartridge may comprise a cap mountable on the aerosol-generating device. The cap includes a body having a cavity for receiving the cartridge and a gripping member. The gripping member is configured to grip and release the cartridge.

The system for gripping and releasing the cartridge may be operated by inserting the cartridge into the aerosol-generating device. The cap may be placed on the device (e.g. on a receptacle of the aerosol-generating element) and the cap may be depressed such that the gripping member engages the cartridge. The gripping member may grip the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device may be a hookah device and the cartridge may be a hookah cartridge.

The system of the present disclosure may provide various advantages. Some advantages include that the system for grasping and releasing the cartridge is convenient, easy and safe to use. The user can remove the used cartridge without having to dispose of the cartridge directly, thereby avoiding direct contact with the hot object. The cartridge may be discarded without having to dispose of the cartridge directly, thereby reducing the likelihood of leaks and other clutter.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an extractor for removing a cartridge from an aerosol-generating device. The extractor may comprise a cavity arranged to receive the cartridge. The extractor may include a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received in the cavity. The extractor may be engaged with the aerosol-generating device. The extractor may be provided as part of the lid. The extractor may comprise one or more piercing elements for piercing the cartridge. The extractor may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating device.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cap including an extractor. The cap may comprise a cavity arranged to receive the cartridge. The extractor may include a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received in the cavity. The extractor can be housed within the cavity of the lid. The extractor may be configured to remove the cartridge from the aerosol-generating device. The cap may be engaged with the aerosol-generating device. The cap may include one or more piercing elements for piercing the cartridge. The cap and the extractor may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating device.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device may comprise an aerosol-generating element having a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may comprise: a vessel having a liquid level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid level; and a conduit for conveying a flow of gas from the receptacle to the container. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an extractor. The extractor may form part of the lid. The cap may engage with the body of the aerosol-generating element. The lid may comprise a frame having a cavity and a central axis, wherein the cavity is arranged for receiving the cartridge. The lid may include a gripping member. The gripping member may be configured to releasably grip a cartridge received in the receptacle.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device comprises an aerosol-generating element having a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-generating device comprising: a vessel having a liquid level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid level; and a conduit for conveying a flow of gas from the receptacle to the container. The aerosol-generating device comprises an extractor. The extractor forms part of the lid. The cap is engageable with the body of the aerosol-generating element. The lid comprises a frame having a cavity and a central axis, wherein the cavity is arranged for receiving the cartridge. The lid includes a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received in the receptacle. The gripping member may include one or more spring fingers. The gripping member may include a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member. According to an embodiment, an aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device and a cartridge disposal device comprising a disposal container having an opening; and a cartridge release member. The cartridge release member may be configured to cooperate with a grip member of the cap to actuate release of the cartridge.

One or more spring fingers may extend axially toward the closed end of the chamber. One or more spring fingers extend radially inward from the ring member toward the central axis.

The lid may include an outer shield. The lid may include an inner shield disposed within the outer shield, wherein the inner shield forms the cavity. The gripping member may be at least partially disposed within the lumen of the inner shield. The inner shield is axially movable within the outer shield. The cover may further comprise a spring element. The spring element may bias the inner shield axially away from the outer shield. One of the inner and outer shrouds may include one or more guide tracks, and the other of the inner and outer shrouds may include one or more track pins configured to cooperate with the one or more guide tracks.

The cover has an operative position. The operating position may be a position in which the cap is configured such that the gripping member grips a cartridge received in the receptacle. The cover has a cover release position. The release position may be a position in which the cartridge may be released from the gripping member. The cover may have an intermediate position. In some embodiments, the cap is configured such that in the intermediate position, the cartridge is gripped by the gripping member even if the cap is disengaged from the body.

An aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device and a cartridge disposal device comprising a disposal container having an opening. The system may include a cartridge release member configured to cooperate with the grip member of the lid to actuate release of the cartridge. The cartridge release member may include a pressure ring at the opening of the disposal container configured to flex the one or more spring fingers. The pressure ring may have a diameter that is less than the diameter of the ring member of the gripping member, but greater than the diameter of the barrel. The cartridge release member may comprise a rim of the disposal container.

A method of using an aerosol-generating device may comprise inserting a cartridge into a receptacle of an aerosol-generating element and placing a lid at the aerosol-generating element such that the cartridge is gripped by a gripping member. The cap may be urged towards the receptacle to release the cap from the aerosol-generating element. The cap and the cartridge are removable from the aerosol-generating element. The grip member may be in contact with the cartridge release member such that the cartridge is released from the grip member.

The cartridge release member may comprise a rim of the disposal container. The rim may have a diameter less than the diameter of the ring member of the gripping member but greater than the diameter of the barrel. Contacting the grip member with the cartridge release member may include engaging a rim of the cartridge handling device between the cartridge and a ring member of the grip member to flex the one or more spring fingers to release the cartridge from the grip member.

The one or more spring fingers may exhibit a bias, and the cap may include a release mechanism configured to counteract the bias, thereby releasing the cartridge. A method of using an aerosol-generating device may comprise gripping a cartridge by a gripping member, wherein one or more spring fingers are biased towards cartridge display; and actuating a release mechanism to counteract the bias, thereby releasing the cartridge.

The term "aerosol" as used herein refers to a suspension of solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets in a gas. The gas may be air. The solid particles or liquid droplets may contain one or more volatile flavour compounds. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include vapors of substances that are typically liquids or solids at room temperature. Aerosols may include vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid particles or liquid droplets or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets. In some embodiments, the aerosol comprises nicotine.

The term "aerosol-forming substrate" as used herein refers to a material capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated to volatilize one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. As an alternative to heating or combustion, in some cases the volatile compounds may be released by chemical reaction or by mechanical stimulation (e.g. ultrasound). The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed in the interior of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid, or may comprise solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants.

The terms "integral" and "integrally formed" are used herein to describe elements formed in one piece (a single integral piece). The integrally or monolithically formed components may be configured such that they cannot be removed separately from each other without causing structural damage to the piece.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" also encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, "or" is generally employed in its sense including "one or the other or both" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The term "about" is used herein in conjunction with a numerical value to include normal variations in measured values as would be expected by one of ordinary skill in the art, and should be understood to have the same meaning as "about". The term "about" should be understood to encompass a typical range of error. A typical error range may be, for example, ± 5% of the stated value.

As used herein, "having," "comprising," "including," and the like are used in their open sense and generally mean "including (but not limited to)". It is understood that "consisting essentially of … …", "consisting of … …", and the like are included in the "comprising" and the like.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.

The term "substantially" as used herein may be understood as the term before at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98% of the modification. The term "substantially" as used herein may be understood to have the opposite meaning of "substantially", i.e., modifying the term before no more than 10%, no more than 5%, or no more than 2%.

Any directions mentioned herein, such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," and other directions or orientations described for clarity and brevity, are not intended to limit the actual device or system. The devices and systems described herein can be used in a variety of directions and orientations.

An aerosol-generating device may comprise an aerosol-generating element having a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may comprise: a vessel having a liquid level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid level; and a conduit for conveying a flow of gas from the receptacle to the container. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a cap engageable with the body. The cover may include a frame having a cavity and a central axis. The cavity may be arranged to receive the cartridge. The lid may include a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received in the receptacle. The gripping member may include one or more spring fingers. The gripping member may include a loop member and one or more spring fingers extending from the loop member. The grip member may be engaged with a release mechanism to release the cartridge.

The aerosol-generating device may be a hookah device. A hookah device may comprise an aerosol-generating element having a body and a receptacle for receiving a hookah comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The hookah apparatus may include a container having a liquid level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid level; and a conduit for conveying a flow of gas from the receptacle to the container. The hookah apparatus may include a lid engageable with the body. The cover may include a frame having a cavity and a central axis. The cavity may be arranged to receive a hookah pipe. The lid may include a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received in the receptacle. The gripping member may include one or more spring fingers. The gripping member may include a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member. The gripping member may be engaged with a release mechanism to release the hookah.

The cover may include a frame including a cavity and having a central axis. The cavity may be arranged to receive the cartridge. The cap may optionally include a piercing assembly disposed within the cavity and configured to pierce a wall of the cartridge. The lid may include an extractor. The extractor may include a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received in the receptacle. The lid may advantageously be used to grip the cartridge and remove the cartridge from the receptacle. This allows the user to remove the cartridge without having to directly contact the used cartridge. A lid having a gripping member may be used with a disposal container. This allows the user to discard the cartridge without having to directly contact the used cartridge. The devices and systems of the present disclosure can help avoid direct contact with the heat cylinder. The devices and systems of the present disclosure may also help prevent leakage and clutter from the open cartridge.

The cover may include an outer frame. The outer frame may have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the outer frame is formed from a cylindrical outer wall extending between the first end wall and the open second end. The first end wall may be a top wall. The outer frame may be open at the bottom. The outer frame may define a cavity for receiving the gripping member. The cover and the grip member may define a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be a central axis. The longitudinal axis may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem tube.

According to an embodiment, the lid comprises a gripping member configured to grip the cartridge. The gripping member may include a loop member and one or more gripping fingers extending from the loop member. One or more gripping fingers may be configured to abut a flange of the barrel. For example, the one or more gripping fingers may be configured to abut a flange of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the receptacle and the lid is placed over the cartridge.

The one or more gripping fingers may comprise spring fingers. One or more gripping fingers extend from the ring member to upper ends of the gripping fingers. The number of gripping fingers may be 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more. The number of gripping fingers may be 12 or less, 10 or less, 8 or less, 6 or less, or 4 or less. In one embodiment, the gripping member has 2 to 5 gripping fingers. In one embodiment, the gripping member has 3 gripping fingers. In some embodiments, wherein the gripping member comprises a plurality of gripping fingers, the gripping fingers may be equally spaced from each other around the loop member.

According to an embodiment, the cover comprises an outer shield defining the cavity. The outer shroud may include a cylindrical outer wall extending between the first end wall and the open second end. The outer shield may define a cavity for receiving the inner shield.

According to an embodiment, the cover comprises an inner shield. The inner shield may be configured to fit at least partially within the cavity of the outer shield. The inner shroud may have an outer wall including a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions may be cylindrical elements having different diameters. The first portion may be a cylindrical wall having a first diameter and the second portion may be a cylindrical wall having a second diameter. The second diameter may be greater than the first diameter. The second portion may be coaxial with and below the first portion such that a shoulder is formed at a transition between the first portion and the second portion. The shoulder may support the compression spring. The compression spring may be fitted around the first portion. The compression spring may extend from the shoulder to the first end wall of the outer shield.

The outer wall of the inner shroud may extend between the first end wall and the open second end. The inner shield may define a cavity for receiving the cartridge and for receiving the gripping member.

The gripping member may be disposed inside the cavity of the lid. In some embodiments, the gripping member is positioned within the inner shield. The gripping member may be oriented such that one or more gripping fingers point upward from the loop member. The one or more gripping fingers may be inclined radially inward toward the longitudinal (central) axis. The ring member may surround the cartridge body when the cartridge is received in the inner shroud. The one or more gripping fingers may be configured such that the ends of the gripping fingers abut the upper flange of the barrel. The one or more gripping fingers may have a length less than the height of the barrel. The inner diameter of the ring member may be greater than the maximum diameter of the barrel. When the cap is removed from the aerosol-generating device, the cap is removed (e.g. lifted) with the cartridge as a result of the gripping fingers abutting the flange, and the cartridge is thus prevented from falling out of the cavity.

The lid may optionally include a piercing assembly (e.g., a top piercing assembly). The cap may include an outer shield and a piercing element on an inner wall of the outer shield. The piercing element can extend axially downward within the lumen of the outer shield. The piercing element may be oriented towards a cartridge placed within a receptacle of the hookah apparatus. The puncturing element may be integral with the outer shield or may be attached to the interior of the first end wall of the outer shield.

The inner shroud may have an opening at a first end wall thereof. The opening may be configured to receive a piercing element. The opening may also include one or more recesses or channels for facilitating airflow through the first end wall of the inner shield when the puncturing element is received in the opening.

The cover may include an outer frame. The outer frame may include a protrusion extending from an interior of the first end wall into a cavity of the outer frame. The protrusion may be configured to press the outer shield. The protrusion may be used to leave a gap between the cover outer frame and the outer shield.

The top piercing element may have any suitable shape for piercing the wall of the cartridge. For example, the top piercing element may include one or more piercing edges or points. The piercing edge or point is configured to pierce a wall (e.g., a top wall) of the cartridge. The number of puncture points or edges is not particularly limited. The piercing element may have only a single piercing point or edge. The piercing element can have a plurality of piercing points or edges. For example, the piercing element can have 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, or 8 or more piercing points or edges. The piercing elements can have 20 or fewer piercing points or edges, 15 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 10 or fewer, or 8 or fewer piercing points or edges. In one embodiment, the piercing elements are shaped like an inverted crown with a plurality of piercing points extending downward. The inverted crown may have 4 to 10 or 6 to 8 pierce points or edges.

The outer and inner shrouds may include a rail and pin system to guide movement of the outer and inner shrouds relative to each other. The outer shield may be vertical, horizontal, or both vertically and horizontally movable. The inner shield may be vertical, horizontal, or both vertically and horizontally movable. In one embodiment, the inner shroud defines a track and the outer shroud includes one or more pins. Alternatively, the track may be defined in an outer shroud and the one or more pins may be located on an inner shroud. In one embodiment, the outer shroud includes one or more pins extending radially inward from its cylindrical outer wall. The inner shroud may include one or more tracks corresponding to the one or more pins. One or more rails may be provided on the second (lower) portion of the inner shroud. The one or more rails may define a plurality of positions of the outer shroud. For example, one or more tracks may define a first position that is a rest position, a second position that is a puncturing position, and a third position that is a use position. The compression spring biases the outer shield upwardly when the outer shield is in the second position. The one or more tracks may also define a fourth position of the release position of the cover. The release position may be for releasing the cap from the aerosol-generating device. The compression spring biases the outer shield upwardly when the outer shield is in the fourth position. When the compression spring biases the outer shroud upward, it also biases the cover outer frame upward.

The outer shield can be pressed downward (e.g., by a user pressing on the cover outer frame) from a first position to a second position. Upon entering the second position, the puncturing element engages and punctures the cartridge. When pressure is released from the outer shield, the compression spring returns the outer shield upward to the third position. In the third position, the airflow path is open through an opening formed in the cartridge. The airflow path may be open between the exterior of the aerosol-generating device (e.g. a hookah device) and the container. The user may use the aerosol-generating device by drawing on the mouthpiece. To release and remove the cap, the user may again press on the outer shield (e.g., by pressing on the cap outer frame), causing the outer shield to move to the fourth position. The compression spring returns the outer shield from the fourth position to the initial first position (rest position). In this position, the top of the lid may extend over the top edge of the aerosol-generating element and may be gripped by a user. The cartridge may remain gripped by the gripping member in at least some positions as the cover outer frame and outer shield move between the various positions. The cartridge remains gripped by the gripping member at least in a cap release position, wherein the cap can be released from the aerosol-generating device.

The bottom of the cover outer frame may be attached to the support plate. The support plate may be configured to hold various portions (e.g., the grip member, the outer shroud, and the inner shroud) inside the cavity of the outer frame. The support plate may be a substantially circular plate having a central hole extending through the plate. The aperture may be sized to receive the cartridge. The aperture may also be sized to receive a receptacle that can receive the cartridge. The aperture may have an angled inner edge that tapers laterally inward thereon. The angled inner edge may facilitate the cap engaging with the aerosol-generating element and receiving the cartridge in the cap. The support plate may be attached in any suitable manner, such as by an adhesive or by a coupling element, such as a screw, clamp, threaded coupling, snap fit, or friction fit.

The various portions of the cover and the gripping member may be made of any suitable material. Suitable materials include plastics, metals, ceramics, glass, and combinations thereof. Different parts of the system may be made of different materials. For example, some portions, such as the outer and inner shields, may be made of plastic while other portions, such as the springs, may be made of metal. Other combinations are possible. The gripping member is preferably made of a flexible material. For example, the gripping member may be made of metal, plastic, or a combination thereof.

The hookah apparatus may also optionally include a piercing assembly (e.g., a bottom piercing assembly). The bottom piercing assembly may be disposed at the upper end of the stem tube, below the barrel. The bottom piercing assembly may extend from the base of the receptacle into the receptacle in a direction away from the base of the receptacle (e.g., upward). The cartridge may also be pressed against the bottom piercing assembly when the cap is pressed downward. The cap may be pierced by two piercing assemblies. The piercing assembly can pierce the top and bottom walls of the cartridge.

A release mechanism can be used to release the cartridge from the gripping member. The release mechanism may be part of a disposal system. The disposal system may include a cartridge release member. The cartridge release member may be configured to flex the gripping fingers radially outward. The cartridge release member may be configured to urge the grip fingers outwardly to release the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge disposal device includes a disposal container having an opening. A cartridge release member may be disposed at the opening. The cartridge release member may be a pressure ring. In some embodiments, the cartridge release member comprises a rim or port of the disposal container.

The diameter of the cartridge release member (e.g., pressure ring or rim) may be smaller than the diameter of the ring member of the gripping member. The diameter of the cartridge release member (e.g., pressure ring or rim) may be greater than the maximum diameter of the cartridge. Contacting the grip member with the cartridge release member may include inserting a rim of the cartridge handling device between the cartridge and a ring member of the grip member to flex the one or more grip fingers to release the cartridge from the grip member.

In some embodiments, the release mechanism is part of the lid. The release mechanism may be actuated to release the cartridge from the grip member.

The cartridge may include any suitable body defining a cavity. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed in the cavity of the cartridge. The body is preferably formed of one or more heat resistant materials, such as a heat resistant metal or polymer. The body may comprise a thermally conductive material. For example, the body may include any one of the following: aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloy thereof, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the body comprises aluminium.

The cartridge may be of any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge may have a shape configured to be received by a hookah apparatus. The cartridge may have a generally cubic, cylindrical, frustoconical or any other suitable shape. Preferably, the cartridge has a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical shape.

An aerosol-generating device (e.g. a hookah device) is configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate in a cartridge. The device may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge by conduction. The shape and size of the cartridge is preferably designed to allow contact with, or minimise the distance between, the heating element of the hookah apparatus to provide effective heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol generating substrate in the cartridge. The heat may be generated by any suitable mechanism, such as by resistive heating or by induction. To assist induction heating, the cartridge may be provided with a susceptor. For example, the cartridge body may be made of or include a material capable of acting as a susceptor (e.g., aluminum), or a susceptor material may be disposed within the chamber of the cartridge. The susceptor material may be provided in the cavity of the cartridge in any form, such as a powder, a solid mass, chips, etc.

Any suitable aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the cavity defined by the body of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing a compound that can form an aerosol. The volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The volatile compounds may be released by chemical reaction or by mechanical stimulation (e.g. ultrasound). The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid, or may comprise solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine salt substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant based material. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco. Preferably, the tobacco-containing material comprises volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. Homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-free material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised plant matrix material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a hookah substrate. A hookah substrate is understood to mean a consumable material suitable for use in a hookah device. The hookah substrate may include molasses.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of: powder, granules, pellets, chips, strands, ribbons or sheets. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of the following: herbaceous plant leaves, tobacco vein segments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. Suitable aerosol-formers include a compound or mixture of compounds which, in use, facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the hookah apparatus. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as monoacetin, diacetin, or triacetin; and fatty acid esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Particularly preferred aerosol-forming agents are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, for example triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol and most preferably glycerol. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise any suitable amount of aerosol-former. For example, the aerosol former content of the substrate may be equal to or greater than 5% by dry weight, and preferably greater than 30% by weight by dry weight. The aerosol former content may be less than about 95% by dry weight. Preferably, the aerosol former is present in an amount of up to about 55%.

The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises nicotine and at least one aerosol former. In some embodiments, the aerosol former is glycerin or a mixture of glycerin and one or more other suitable aerosol formers, such as those listed above.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients, such as flavourings and sweeteners. In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises any suitable amount of one or more sugars. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises invert sugar. Invert sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose obtained by splitting sucrose. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises from about 1% to about 40% by weight of a sugar, such as invert sugar. In some examples, one or more sugars can be mixed with a suitable carrier such as corn starch or maltodextrin.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more sensory enhancers. Suitable sensory enhancers include flavoring agents and sensory agents, such as cooling agents. Suitable flavoring agents include natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, flavors (such as cinnamon, clove, ginger, or combinations thereof), cocoa, vanilla, fruit flavors, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, agave, juniper, anethole, linalool, and any combinations thereof.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a suspension. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise molasses. As used herein, "molasses" refers to an aerosol-forming substrate composition comprising about 20% or more of sugar. For example, the molasses may include at least about 25% by weight sugar, such as at least about 35% by weight sugar. Typically, the molasses will contain less than about 60% by weight sugar, such as less than about 50% by weight sugar.

Any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate (e.g., molasses or tobacco substrate) may be disposed in the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, from about 3g to about 25g of the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed in the cavity. The cartridge may comprise at least 6g, at least 7g, at least 8g or at least 9g of aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may contain up to 15g, up to 12 g; up to 11g, or up to 10g of aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, about 7g to about 13g of aerosol-forming substrate is disposed in the cavity.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The term "thermally stable" as used herein refers to a material that does not substantially degrade at the temperature to which the substrate is typically heated (e.g., about 150 ℃ to about 300 ℃). The carrier may comprise a thin layer on which the substrate is deposited on the first major surface, the second major outer surface, or both the first major surface and the second major surface. The carrier may be formed from, for example, paper or paper-like material, a non-woven carbon fibre mat, a low mass open mesh metal screen, or a perforated metal foil or any other thermally stable polymer matrix. Alternatively, the carrier may be in the form of a powder, granules, pellets, chips, noodles, strips or sheets. The carrier may be a nonwoven fabric or a tow of fibers into which the tobacco component has been incorporated. The nonwoven fabric or fiber bundle may comprise, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulose fibers, or cellulose-derived fibers.

The body of the cartridge may include one or more walls. In some embodiments, the body includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall. The sidewall may be cylindrical or frustoconical, extending from the bottom to the top. The body may comprise one or more parts. For example, the side wall and the bottom wall may be a single integral part. The side wall and the bottom wall may be two parts configured to engage each other in any suitable manner. For example, the side wall and the bottom wall may be configured to engage one another by a threaded engagement or an interference fit. The side wall and the bottom wall may be two parts joined together. For example, the side walls and the bottom wall may be joined together by welding or by adhesive. The top and side walls may be a single integral part. The side wall and the top wall may be two parts configured to engage each other in any suitable manner. For example, the side wall and the top wall may be configured to engage one another by a threaded engagement or an interference fit. The side wall and the top wall may be two parts joined together. For example, the side walls and the top wall may be joined together by welding or by an adhesive. The top wall, side walls and bottom wall may each be a single integral part. The top wall, side walls and bottom wall may be three separate parts configured to engage each other in any suitable manner. For example, the top, side and bottom walls may be configured to be joined by a threaded engagement, an interference fit, welding or an adhesive.

One or more walls of the body may form a heatable wall or surface. As used herein, "heatable wall" and "heatable surface" mean a region of a wall or surface to which heat may be applied directly or indirectly. The heatable wall or surface may serve as a heat transfer surface through which heat may be transferred from the exterior of the body to the cavity or the inner surface of the cavity.

Preferably, the body of the cartridge has a length (e.g., axial length along a vertical central axis) of about 15cm or less. In some embodiments, the length of the body is about 10cm or less. The body may have an inner diameter of about 1cm or greater. The body may have an inner diameter of about 1.75cm or greater. The cartridge may have about 25cm in the cavity²To about 100cm²E.g. about 70cm²To about 100cm²Of the heatable surface area of (a). The volume of the cavity may be about 10cm³To about 50cm³(ii) a Preferably about 25cm³To about 40cm³. In some embodiments, the length of the body is in the range of about 3.5cm to about 7 cm. The body may have an inner diameter of about 1.5cm to about 4 cm. The body may have about 30cm in the cavity²To about 100cm²Such as about 70cm²To about 100cm²Of the heatable surface area of (a). The volume of the cavity may be about 10cm³To about 50cm³(ii) a Preferably about 25cm³To about 40cm³. Preferably, the body is cylindrical or frusto-conical.

The cartridge body may include one or more openings or vents through one or more walls of the body. The vent may be an inlet, an outlet, or both. The ventilation hole can be arranged atThe bottom wall, the top wall, the sides of the cartridge, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cartridge does not include any pre-formed openings or vents. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes pre-formed openings or vents in only one wall. For example, the cartridge may include openings or vents only in the bottom wall. In some embodiments, one or more inlets or one or more outlets are formed in the cartridge wall by a piercing assembly to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used with a hookah apparatus. In some embodiments, one or more inlets and outlets are formed in the cartridge wall by a piercing assembly to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used with a hookah apparatus. In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the cartridge may define one or more openings to form one or more outlets of the cartridge. Preferably, the one or more inlets and outlets are sized and shaped to provide a suitable Resistance To Draw (RTD) through the cartridge. In some examples, the RTD through the cartridge from the one or more inlets to the one or more outlets may be about 10mm H₂O to about 50mm H₂O, preferably about 20mm H₂O to about 40mm H₂And (O). The RTD of the sample refers to the static pressure difference between the two ends of the sample as the gas flow traverses the sample under steady conditions where the volumetric flow rate at the output end is 17.5 ml/sec. The RTD of the sample can be measured using the method specified in ISO Standard 6565: 2002.

The one or more openings in the body (once formed) may cover 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, or 25% or more of the area of the wall in which the openings are located. For example, if the opening is on the top wall, the opening may cover at least 5% of the area of the top wall. The one or more openings in the body may cover 75% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, or 30% or less of the area of the wall in which the openings are located.

The cartridge may also include a seal or layer that covers one or more pre-formed openings prior to use. The cartridge may include a first removable seal covering the one or more inlets and a second removable seal covering the one or more outlets. The first and second seals are preferably sufficient to prevent air flow through the inlet and outlet to prevent leakage of the cartridge contents and to extend shelf life. The seal may comprise a peelable label, sticker, foil, or the like. The seal may comprise a pierceable label, sticker, foil, or the like. The label, sticker, or foil may be affixed to the cartridge in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive, crimping, welding, or otherwise joined to the container. The seal may include a tab that can be grasped to peel or remove the label, sticker, or foil from the cartridge.

In some embodiments, the cartridge is a hookah cartridge that can be used with any suitable hookah apparatus. Preferably, the hookah device is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge sufficiently to form an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, but not to burn the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, a hookah device may be configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature of from about 150 ℃ to about 300 ℃; more preferably from about 180 ℃ to about 250 ℃ or from about 200 ℃ to about 230 ℃.

The hookah apparatus may include a receptacle for receiving the cartridge. The hookah apparatus may include a heating element configured to contact or approach the body of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the receptacle. The heating element may form at least a portion of the receptacle. For example, the heating element may form at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle. The hookah may be configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity by conduction. In some embodiments, the heating element comprises an electrical heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element comprises a resistive heating component. For example, the heating element may include one or more resistive wires or other resistive elements. The resistance wire may be in contact with a thermally conductive material to distribute the heat generated over a wider area. Examples of suitable conductive materials include aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof. The heating element may form at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle.

The hookah apparatus may include control electronics operably coupled to the heating element. The control electronics may be configured to control heating of the heating element. The control electronics may be configured to control the temperature to which the aerosol-forming substrate is heated in the cartridge. The control electronics may be provided in any suitable form and may, for example, comprise a controller or a memory and controller. The controller may include one or more of the following: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) state machine, a digital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or a comparable discrete or Integrated logic Circuit. The control electronics may include a memory containing instructions that cause one or more components of the circuit to implement functions or aspects of the control electronics. The functions attributable to the control electronics in the present disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

The electronic circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The electronic circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of electrical power. Power may be supplied to the heater element in the form of current pulses.

In some examples, the control electronics may be configured to monitor the resistance of the heating element and control the supply of power to the heating element in dependence on the resistance of the heating element. In this way, the control electronics can regulate the temperature of the resistive element.

The hookah apparatus may include a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple. The temperature sensor may be operatively coupled to the control electronics to control the temperature of the heating element. The temperature sensor may be positioned at any suitable location. For example, a temperature sensor may be configured to be inserted into a cartridge received within the receptacle to monitor the temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heating element. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be positioned to detect the temperature at the aerosol outlet of the hookah apparatus or portion thereof. The sensor may transmit a signal to the control electronics regarding the sensed temperature. The control electronics can adjust the heating of the heating element in response to a signal that achieves a suitable temperature at the sensor.

The control electronics may be operably coupled to the power source. The hookah apparatus may include any suitable power source. For example, the power source of the hookah apparatus may be a battery or battery pack. The battery of the power source may be rechargeable, removable and replaceable, or rechargeable and removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery may be used. For example, heavy duty or standard batteries, such as those used in industrial heavy duty power tools, are available on the market. Alternatively, the power supply may be any type of power supply, including a super capacitor. Alternatively, the components may be connected to an external power source, and electrically and electronically designed for such purposes. Regardless of the type of power source employed, the power source preferably provides sufficient energy to function the assembly normally for at least one hookah period until the aerosol is exhausted from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge, before the device is recharged or needs to be connected to an external power source. Preferably, the power source provides sufficient energy to allow the assembly to function properly for continuous operation of the device for at least about 70 minutes before the device is recharged or otherwise needs to be connected to an external power source.

In one example, a hookah device comprises an aerosol-generating element comprising a cartridge holder, a heating element, an aerosol outlet and an air inlet. The cartridge holder is configured to receive a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate according to the present disclosure. The heating element may define at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle.

The hookah apparatus includes an air inlet passage fluidly connected to the receiver. In use, as the substrate inside the cartridge is heated, the aerosol former component in the substrate is caused to vaporise. Air flowing through the cartridge from the air inlet passage entrains aerosol generated from the aerosol former component in the cartridge.

Some electrically heated hookah apparatuses employ preheated air and typically employ an airflow path such that the air travels near the heat source when drawn. In addition, some electrically heated hookah apparatuses employ elements that increase radiant heat transfer by increasing the surface area that is heated.

The air inlet passage may comprise one or more apertures through the cartridge receiver such that air from outside the hookah apparatus may flow through the passage and into the cartridge receiver through the one or more apertures. If the channel includes more than one aperture, the channel may include a manifold to direct air flowing through the channel to each aperture. Preferably, the hookah apparatus comprises two or more air inlet channels.

As described above, the cartridge includes one or more openings (such as an inlet or an outlet) formed in the body that allow air to flow through the cartridge. If the receptacle includes one or more inlet apertures, at least some of the inlets in the cartridge may be aligned with apertures in the top of the receptacle. The cartridge may include an alignment feature configured to mate with a complementary alignment feature of the receptacle to align the inlet of the cartridge with the aperture of the receptacle upon insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle.

Air entering the cartridge may flow through or past or both the aerosol-forming substrate, entrain aerosol, exiting the cartridge and receptacle via the aerosol outlet. The aerosol-laden air enters the container of the hookah apparatus from the aerosol outlet via the stem tube.

The hookah apparatus may comprise any suitable container defining an internal volume configured to contain a liquid and defining an outlet in a headspace above a liquid fill level. The container may include an optically clear or opaque shell to allow a consumer to view the contents contained in the container. The container may include a liquid fill boundary, such as a liquid fill line. The reservoir housing may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the container housing may comprise glass or a suitable rigid plastic material. Preferably, the container is removable from the portion of the hookah assembly comprising the aerosol generating element to allow a consumer to fill, clean or clean the container.

The consumer can fill the container to a liquid level. The liquid preferably comprises water, which may optionally be injected with one or more colouring, flavouring or colouring or flavouring agents. For example, water may be injected with one or both of the plant and herbal infusions.

Aerosol entrained in air exiting the aerosol outlet of the receptacle may travel through a conduit positioned in the container. The conduit may be coupled to the aerosol outlet of the aerosol-generating element and may have an opening below the liquid fill level of the container, such that aerosol flowing through the container flows through the opening of the conduit, then through the liquid into the headspace of the container and out the headspace outlet for delivery to a consumer.

The headspace outlet may be coupled to a hose that includes a mouthpiece for delivering the aerosol to a consumer. The mouthpiece may comprise an activation element, such as a switch actuable by a user, a puff sensor arranged to detect a user puffing on the mouthpiece, or both a switch and a puff sensor actuable by a user. The activation element is operatively coupled to the control electronics of the hookah apparatus. The activation element may be wirelessly coupled to the control electronics. Activation of the activation element may cause the control electronics to activate the heating element rather than constantly energizing the heating element. Thus, the use of an actuating element may serve to save energy relative to devices that do not employ such elements to provide on-demand heating rather than constant heating.

For purposes of example, a method of using a hookah apparatus as described herein is provided below chronologically. The container may be separated from the other components of the hookah apparatus and filled with water. One or more of natural fruit juice, botanicals, and herbal infusions can be added to water for flavoring. The amount of liquid added should cover a portion of the conduit but should not exceed the fill level indicia that may optionally be present on the container. The container is then reassembled to the hookah apparatus. The cartridge may be placed into the receptacle. The lid may be placed over the receptacle and cartridge such that the cartridge is received in the cavity inside the lid. The gripping member grips the cartridge as the gripping fingers slide below the top of the cartridge. The user may press the cap downward against the cartridge such that the piercing element (e.g., the top piercing assembly, the bottom piercing assembly, or both the top piercing assembly and the bottom piercing assembly) engages the cartridge to pierce one or more walls of the cartridge. The device can then be switched on. The opening means may activate the heating profile of the heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature equal to or above the vaporisation temperature but below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming compound of the aerosol-forming substrate evaporates, thereby generating an aerosol. The user may puff on the mouthpiece as desired. The user may continue to use the device as desired, or until no more aerosol is visible or delivered. In some embodiments, the device may be arranged to automatically shut off when the cartridge or the compartment of the cartridge is depleted of the available aerosol-forming substrate. The user may depress the cap to release the cap. The top of the cap may rise above the top level of the body of the aerosol-generating element, allowing a user to grip the top of the cap. The user may remove the cap and also remove the cartridge gripped by the gripping member. In some embodiments, the consumer may refill the device with a fresh cartridge after, for example, receiving an indication from the device that the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is depleted or nearly depleted. The consumer can turn off the hookah apparatus at any time, for example, by turning off the apparatus. The user may discard the cartridge by contacting the grip member with a release member of the disposal device, or by actuating a release mechanism on the cap.

The hookah apparatus may have any suitable air management. In one example, the suction action of the user will create a suction effect, causing a depression inside the device, which will cause outside air to flow through the air inlet of the device, into the air inlet passage and into the receptacle. The air may then flow into the cartridge in the receptacle and entrain the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol entrained air then exits the aerosol outlet of the receptacle and flows through the conduit into the liquid inside the container. The aerosol will then gush out of the liquid and into the headspace above the liquid level in the container, flowing out of the headspace outlet and delivered to the consumer through the hose and mouthpiece. The flow of outside air and the flow of aerosol inside the hookah apparatus may be driven by the user's suction action.

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which depict one or more embodiments described in the disclosure. However, it should be understood that other embodiments not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like parts. The use of different numbers to refer to parts in different figures is not intended to indicate that the different numbered parts cannot be the same or similar to other numbered parts. The drawings are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The schematic diagrams presented in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a hookah apparatus.

Fig. 2A and 2B are schematic top and bottom views, respectively, of a body of a hookah cartridge for use in the hookah apparatus of fig. 1, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3A is a schematic top view of a hookah pipe after being pierced by a piercing assembly, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3B is a schematic bottom view of a hookah cartridge used in the hookah apparatus of fig. 1, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4A and 4B are schematic views of a hookah apparatus and lid in use, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of the lid of fig. 4A, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5B is an exploded view of the cap of fig. 5A.

Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a cover frame of the cover of fig. 4A, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of an outer shield of the lid of fig. 4A, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a spring of the cover of fig. 4A, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an inner shield of the lid of fig. 4A, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a support plate of the cover of fig. 4A, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a gripping member of the lid of fig. 4A, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 12A and 12B are schematic side and top views, respectively, of the gripping member of fig. 4A, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 13A-13D are side views of a track and pin in different positions during use of the lid of fig. 4A, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 14A and 14B are schematic side and top views, respectively, of a cartridge disposal device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the lid of fig. 4A and use of the cartridge disposal device of fig. 14A and 14B, according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a hookah apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an interior volume configured to contain a liquid 19 and defining a headspace outlet 15 above a fill level of the liquid 19. Liquid 19 preferably includes water, which may optionally be injected with one or more coloring agents, one or more flavoring agents, or one or more coloring agents and one or more flavoring agents. For example, water may be injected with one or both of the plant and herbal infusions.

The device 100 further comprises an aerosol-generating element 130. The aerosol-generating element 130 comprises a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating element 130 further comprises a heating element 160. The heating element 160 may form at least one surface of the receptacle 140. In the depicted embodiment, the heating element 160 defines a side surface of the receptacle 140. The aerosol-generating element 130 further comprises an air inlet channel 170 which draws air into the device 100. In some embodiments, a portion of the air inlet passage 170 is formed by the heating element 160 to heat the air before it enters the receptacle 140. The preheated air then enters the cartridge 200 (which is also heated by the heating element 160) to carry the aerosol generated by the aerosol former and aerosol-forming substrate. Air exits the outlet of the aerosol-generating element 130 and enters the conduit 190.

The conduit 190 carries air and aerosol into the container 17 below the level of the liquid 19. The air and aerosol can bubble through the liquid 19 and then exit the headspace outlet 15 of the container 17. A hose 20 may be attached to the headspace outlet 15 to carry the aerosol into the user's mouth. The mouthpiece 25 may be attached to the hose 20 or formed as part of the hose.

In use, an exemplary air flow path of the device is indicated by the bold arrows in fig. 1.

The mouthpiece 25 may comprise an activation element 27. The activation element 27 may be a switch, button, etc., or may be a suction sensor, etc. The actuating member 27 may be placed in any other suitable location of the device 100. The activation element 27 may be in wireless communication with the control electronics 30 to place the device 100 in use or to cause the control electronics to activate the heating element 160; for example, by having power source 35 power heating element 160.

The control electronics 30 and power supply 35 may be located at any suitable location of the aerosol-generating element 130, including locations other than the bottom portion of the element 130 as shown in figure 1.

Referring now to fig. 2A and 2B, various embodiments of a cartridge body 210 are shown. The body 210 may include side walls 212, a top wall 215, and a bottom wall 213 that define a cavity 218. As shown, the sidewall 212 may be cylindrical or frustoconical. Fig. 2A shows the body 210 with a portion of the top 215 removed, showing a cavity 218 inside the body. The body 210 may define a central axis a extending through the body 210. As shown in fig. 2B, the top may include a flange 219 extending from the sidewall 212.

Referring now to fig. 3A and 3B, one or both of the top 215 and bottom 213 of the body may have a plurality of apertures 217, 216 to allow air to flow through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. Some or all of the ports 217, 216 may be formed by piercing members. For example, aperture 217 of top 215 may be formed by top piercing assembly 401. The aperture 216 of the base 213 may be formed by the base piercing assembly 301. The cartridge 200 may also or alternatively include apertures along the sidewall 212. In embodiments where the top or bottom portion includes a preformed aperture, the aperture may be blocked by a peelable seal or liner when the cartridge is stored prior to use.

A partial schematic view of a hookah apparatus 100 having a lid 400 and a grip member 450 is shown in fig. 4A. The gripping member 450 is configured to grip the cartridge 200. The cover 400 may include an outer frame 410 that houses a gripping member 450. The gripping member 450 may include a loop member 451 and one or more gripping fingers 452. The one or more gripping fingers may be configured to abut the flange 219 of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is received within the receptacle and the cap 400 is placed over the cartridge 200.

The lid 400 may optionally include a piercing assembly 401 (e.g., a top piercing assembly). The lid 400 may include an outer shield 420 and a piercing member 440 on an inner wall of the outer shield 420. In some embodiments, such as those illustrated, piercing element 440 can be disposed on inner end wall 421. Piercing assembly 401 may also include an inner shield 430 disposed at least partially within the outer shield. The piercing element 440 may be oriented toward the cartridge 200 placed within the receptacle of the hookah apparatus 100. The hookah apparatus 100 may also optionally include a piercing assembly 301 (e.g., a bottom piercing assembly) at the upstream end of the stem tube 190. Once cartridge 200 has been pierced by one or both piercing assemblies 301, 401, an airflow path is established through cartridge 200, as shown in fig. 4B.

An example of a cover 400 and a gripping member 450 are shown in fig. 5A and 5B. A detailed view of each of the elements of the cover 400 and the gripping member 450 is shown in fig. 6-11. The cover 400 and the gripping member 450 may define a longitudinal axis a. The longitudinal axis a may be a central axis. The longitudinal axis a may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem tube 190 when the cap 400 is disposed on the hookah apparatus 100.

The cover outer frame 410 shown in fig. 6 may include a cylindrical outer wall 413 extending between a first end wall 411 and an open second end 412. Outer frame 410 may define a cavity 419 for housing piercing assembly 401. The first end wall 411 may have a protrusion 414 extending from the inner wall. The protrusion 414 may be configured to press the outer shield 420 while leaving a gap between the cover outer frame 410 and the outer shield 420.

According to an embodiment, the cap 400 includes a gripping member 450 configured to grip the cartridge 200. The gripping member 450 shown in fig. 11, 12A, and 12B may include a loop member 451 and one or more gripping fingers 452. The one or more gripping fingers 452 may include spring fingers. One or more gripping fingers 452 extend from the loop member 451 to the upper end 453. In some embodiments in which the gripping member 450 includes a plurality of gripping fingers 452, the gripping fingers 452 may be positioned equidistant from one another about the loop member 451.

The gripping member 450 may be disposed inside the cavity of the cover 400. As illustrated in fig. 5A, the gripping member 450 may be positioned within the inner shield 430. The gripping member 450 may be oriented such that the one or more gripping fingers 452 point upward from the loop member 451. The one or more gripping fingers 452 may be angled radially inward toward the longitudinal (central) axis a. The one or more gripping fingers 452 may be configured such that when the cartridge 200 is received in the inner shield 430, the ends of the gripping fingers 452 abut the upper flange 219 of the cartridge 200. The inner diameter of the ring member 451 may be greater than the maximum diameter of the cartridge 200.

The outer shroud 420 shown in fig. 7 is configured to fit at least partially within the cavity 419 of the cover outer frame 410. The outer shield 420 may include a cylindrical outer wall 423 extending between a first end wall 421 and an open second end 422. The outer shield 420 may define a cavity 429 for receiving the puncturing element 440 and the inner shield 430. The outer shield 420 may include a piercing element 440. The piercing element 440 extends axially downward within the lumen of the outer shield 420. The piercing element 440 is centered with respect to the longitudinal axis a of the outer shield 420. The piercing element 440 may be integral with the outer shield 420 or may be attached to the interior of the first end wall 421 of the outer shield 420. Piercing element 440 may include one or more piercing edges or piercing points 441. The piercing edge or point 441 is configured to pierce a wall (e.g., a top wall) of the cartridge 200. The piercing element 440 can be configured such that the piercing element 440 can be engaged through the opening 437 on the inner shield 430. The outer shield 420 may include a bottom flange 427. A bottom flange 427 may extend outwardly from the bottom of the outer wall 423.

The inner shroud 430 shown in fig. 9 is configured to fit at least partially within the cavity 429 of the outer shroud 420. The inner shield 430 may have an outer wall including a first portion 433 and a second portion 434. The first portion 433 may be a cylindrical wall having a first diameter and the second portion 434 may be a cylindrical wall having a second diameter. The second diameter may be greater than the first diameter. First portion 433 and second portion 434 may be separated by a shoulder 435. Shoulder 435 may be configured to support a compression spring 470 (shown in fig. 8). The compression spring 470 may fit around the first portion 433. The ends of the compression spring 470 may be supported on the shoulder 435 such that the spring may compress against the shoulder 435. The outer wall of the inner shroud 430 may extend between a first end wall 431 and an open second end 432. The inner shield 430 may define a cavity 439 for receiving the grip member 450 and for receiving the cartridge 200. The inner shroud 430 may have an opening 437 at the first end wall 431. The opening 437 can be configured to receive the piercing element 440. The opening 437 may also include one or more channels 438 for facilitating airflow through the inner shield 430 when the piercing element 440 is received in the opening 437.

The outer frame 410 may optionally include screw holes 462 configured for fastening a support plate 460 (fig. 10) to the bottom of the outer frame 410. Alternatively, the support plate 460 may be secured by other means (such as by an adhesive). The support plate 460 may be a substantially circular plate having a central aperture 461 extending through the plate. As shown in fig. 5A, the support plate 410 may be sized to retain the outer shroud 420 and the inner shroud 430 within the cavity 419 of the outer frame 410. The support plate 410 may also hold the gripping member 450 inside the cavity 419 of the outer frame 410.

The outer shield 420 and the inner shield 430 may include a rail and pin system to guide movement of the outer shield 420 and the inner shield 430 relative to each other. The outer shroud 420 may include one or more pins 425 extending radially inward from its cylindrical outer wall 423. The inner shroud 430 may include one or more tracks 436 corresponding to one or more pins 425. Fig. 13A-13D illustrate an exemplary track 436 and a path guided by the track 436. The location of the tracks 436 and pins 425 may define the relative position of the outer shroud 420 and the inner shroud 430. First, the lid outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 are in the first position P1. That is, the pin 425 is in the first position P1 within the track 436. The first position P1 may be considered a rest position. The guide track may include a first portion and a second portion. The guide track may include a second position P2, which may be a piercing position of the piercing element. The first portion may define a first distance between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The first portion may define a third position P3. The third position P3 may be a use position. The second portion may define a second distance between the third position P3 and the fourth position P4. The second distance may be shorter than the first distance. The first portion may guide the track pin in an axial direction and in a radial direction.

In the first position P1, the grip member 450 engages the cartridge 200. For example, when the cap is placed in the first position P1, the upper end 453 of the gripping finger 452 may slide beyond (below) the flange 219 of the barrel. Alternatively, the gripping member 450 may later engage the cartridge 200 when the cap 400 is pushed downward. A force may be applied to the lid outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420, for example, the lid 400 may be pressed downward (e.g., by a user) to move the pin from the first position to the second position P2 (see arrow in fig. 13A). In the second position P2, piercing element 440 may also engage and pierce cartridge 200. When the force is removed, such as when the pressure is released from the lid outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 (e.g., released by the user), the compression spring 470 returns the lid outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 to the third position P3. Movement of the lid during initial depression of the lid to pierce the cartridge and release of the lid to allow the lid to return to the third (use) position is defined by the first portion of the track. In the third position P3, the grip member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200. In the third position P3, the airflow path is open through an opening formed in the cartridge 200 and open between the exterior of the hookah apparatus and the container. To release and remove the lid 400, the user may again press the lid outer frame 410, moving the lid outer frame 410 and the outer shield 420 to the fourth position P4, from which the compression spring 470 returns the lid outer frame 410 and the outer shield 420 to the initial first position P1. Movement of the lid with the lid pushed downwardly a second time to release the lid is defined by the second portion of the track. When the lid is returned to the first position P1, the grip members 450 remain engaged with the cartridge 200, thereby lifting the cartridge 200 upwardly with the lid. The top of the lid 400 may rise above the top edge of the aerosol-generating element. The user may then remove (e.g. lift) the cap from the aerosol-generating element, thus removing the cartridge 200 with the cap.

In some embodiments, the treatment system 600 shown in fig. 14A and 14B may be used with a hookah apparatus 100 and lid 400. The disposal system 600 may be used to remove and optionally dispose of the cartridge 200. The disposal system 600 may include a cartridge disposal device 601. The cartridge disposal device 601 may include a cartridge release member 610. The cartridge release member 610 may be a pressure ring. The cartridge release member 610 may be configured to engage the grip member 450. The diameter D610 of the cartridge release member 610 (e.g., pressure ring or rim) may be less than the inner diameter D451 of the ring member 451 of the grip member 450, but greater than the maximum diameter of the cartridge 200.

The gripping fingers 452 of the gripping member 450 may be biased toward a default position. Contacting the grip member 450 with the cartridge release member 610 may urge the grip fingers 452 outwardly away from a default position. Contacting the grip member 450 with the cartridge release member 610 may include engaging the cartridge release member 610 between the cartridge 200 and a loop member 451 of the grip member 450 to flex one or more grip fingers 452 to release the cartridge 200 from the grip member 450.

The disposal system 600 may include a disposal container 620 having an opening 621. The shape of the disposal container 620 is not particularly limited and is shown in a dotted line. The cartridge release member 610 may be disposed at the opening 621. In some embodiments, the cartridge release member 610 includes a rim or mouth of the opening 621. Contacting the grip member 450 with the cartridge release member 610 may include engaging a rim of the cartridge disposal device 601 between the cartridge 200 and the loop member 451 of the grip member 450.

Figure 15 schematically illustrates the operation of the hookah apparatus 100 and lid 400 and the removal of the cartridge 200 using the disposal system 600. The hookah device 100 comprises an aerosol-generating element 130 having a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating element 130 further comprises a heating element 160. The heating element 160 may form a portion of the receptacle 140. The user may begin placing the cartridge 200 in the receptacle 140 (step 1) and the cap 400 on the cartridge 200 (step 2) such that the cartridge 200 is received in the inner shield 430 and the gripping members 450 slide over the top of the cartridge 200 such that the gripping fingers 452 grip the cartridge 200. If the cap includes a piercing assembly, the user may push on the cap to pierce the cartridge 200 (step 3). After releasing the lid 400, the spring 470 urges the lid frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 upward to the operating position (step 4). In the operating position, the air path through the cartridge 200 is open and the user can use the hookah apparatus as usual. The gripping member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200. After using the hookah apparatus, the user may again push on the lid 400 to release the lid (step 5). The track and pin system will guide the movement of the cover 400 allowing the spring 470 to return the cover 400 to its starting position (step 6). The gripping member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200, lifting the cartridge 200 upwardly with the lid 400. The user may then remove the cover 400 from the device (step 7). The cartridge 200 is held in the inner shield 430 by a gripping member 450. The cartridge 200 may be removed by contacting the grip member 450 with the cartridge release member 610 of the cartridge disposal device 601 (step 8). The cartridge release member 610 may be configured to flex the gripping fingers 452. The cartridge release member 610 may be configured to urge the gripping fingers 452 radially outward to release the cartridge 200.

Alternatively, the cartridge 200 may be removed by actuating a release mechanism on the cap 400 that causes the gripping finger 452 to release the cartridge 200.

Thus, a system for grasping and releasing a cartridge for a hookah apparatus is described. Various modifications and alterations of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. While the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in mechanical techniques, chemical techniques, and aerosol-generating article manufacture or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

1. An aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

an aerosol-generating element comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate;

a vessel having a liquid level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid level;

a conduit for conveying a flow of gas from the receptacle to the container; and

a cover engageable with the body, the cover comprising:

a frame comprising a cavity and having a central axis, wherein the cavity is arranged to receive the cartridge; and

a gripping member configured to releasably grip the cartridge received in the receptacle.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the gripping member comprises one or more spring fingers.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member, and

optionally wherein the one or more spring fingers extend axially toward the closed end of the cavity, and

optionally wherein the one or more spring fingers extend radially inward from the ring member.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, the cap further comprising an outer shield and an inner shield disposed within the outer shield, wherein the inner shield forms the cavity and the gripping member is at least partially disposed within the cavity of the inner shield.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein the inner shield is axially movable within the outer shield.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 4 or 5, the cap further comprising a spring element biasing the inner shield axially away from the outer shield.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the inner shroud comprises one or more guide tracks and the outer shroud comprises one or more track pins configured to cooperate with the one or more guide tracks.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cap comprises a piercing element configured to pierce the cartridge.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the grip member comprises one or more spring fingers having a bias towards a default position, and wherein the cap comprises a release mechanism configured to counteract the bias, thereby moving the fingers away from the default position to release a cartridge received in the cavity.

10. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 9 and a cartridge disposal device, the cartridge disposal device comprising:

a disposal container having an opening; and

a cartridge release member configured to cooperate with the grip member of the cap to actuate release of the cartridge.

11. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 10, wherein the grip member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member, and wherein the cartridge release member comprises a pressure ring at the opening of the disposal container, the pressure ring configured to flex the one or more spring fingers.

12. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 10, wherein the grip member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member, and wherein the cartridge release member comprises a rim of the disposal container, wherein the rim has a diameter that is smaller than the ring member of the grip member but larger than the diameter of the cartridge.

13. A method of using an aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising:

inserting a cartridge into the receptacle of the aerosol-generating element;

placing the cap on the aerosol-generating element such that the cartridge is gripped by the gripping member;

pushing the cap towards the receptacle to release the cap from the aerosol-generating element;

removing the cap from the aerosol-generating element; and

contacting the grip member with a cartridge release member such that the cartridge is released from the grip member.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

wherein the gripping member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member; and the cartridge release member comprises a rim of the disposal container, wherein the rim has a diameter that is less than a diameter of the ring member of the grip member but greater than a diameter of the cartridge; and is

Wherein contacting the grip member with the cartridge release member comprises engaging the rim of the cartridge handling device between the cartridge and the ring member of the grip member to flex the one or more spring fingers to release the cartridge from the grip member.

15. A method of using an aerosol-generating device according to claim 9, the method comprising:

grasping a cartridge by the grasping member, wherein the one or more spring fingers assume a bias toward the cartridge; and

actuating the release mechanism to counteract the bias, thereby releasing the cartridge.

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