EP3692843A1 - Distributeur pour un appareil de substitution au tabac - Google Patents

Distributeur pour un appareil de substitution au tabac Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3692843A1
EP3692843A1 EP19155901.2A EP19155901A EP3692843A1 EP 3692843 A1 EP3692843 A1 EP 3692843A1 EP 19155901 A EP19155901 A EP 19155901A EP 3692843 A1 EP3692843 A1 EP 3692843A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dispenser
smoking substitute
modifying agent
substitute apparatus
property modifying
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19155901.2A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Samantha MURRAY
Chirs LORD
David Jones
Jonathan MARCHBANK
Tom Sudlow
Ian Stuart
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nerudia Ltd
Original Assignee
Nerudia Ltd
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 Nerudia Ltd filed Critical Nerudia Ltd
Priority to EP19155901.2A priority Critical patent/EP3692843A1/fr
Publication of EP3692843A1 publication Critical patent/EP3692843A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F15/00—Receptacles or boxes specially adapted for cigars, cigarettes, simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor
    • A24F15/01—Receptacles or boxes specially adapted for cigars, cigarettes, simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor specially adapted for simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor
    • A24F15/015—Receptacles or boxes specially adapted for cigars, cigarettes, simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor specially adapted for simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor with means for refilling of liquid 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 present invention relates to a dispenser for a smoking substitute apparatus and, in particular, a dispenser that is able to dispense a property modifying agent to an aerosol former stored in the smoking substitute device.
  • the smoking of tobacco is generally considered to expose a smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally thought that a significant amount of the potentially harmful substances are generated through the heat caused by the burning and/or combustion of the tobacco and the constituents of the burnt tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.
  • Such smoking substitute systems can form part of nicotine replacement therapies aimed at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome a dependence on nicotine.
  • Smoking substitute systems include electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol (also referred to as a "vapour") that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled) and then exhaled.
  • the inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/or a flavourant without, or with fewer of, the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking.
  • smoking substitute systems are intended to provide a substitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst providing the user with a similar experience and satisfaction to those experienced with traditional smoking and with combustible tobacco products.
  • vaping in which a vaporisable liquid, typically referred to (and referred to herein) as “e-liquid”, is heated by a heating device (referred to herein as an electronic cigarette or “e-cigarette” device) to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user.
  • e-liquid typically includes a base liquid as well as nicotine and/or a flavourant.
  • the resulting vapour therefore also typically contains nicotine and/or a flavourant.
  • the base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
  • a typical e-cigarette device includes a mouthpiece, a power source (typically a battery), a tank for containing e-liquid, as well as a heating device.
  • a power source typically a battery
  • a tank for containing e-liquid as well as a heating device.
  • electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heating device, which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or "vapour") which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • E-cigarettes can be configured in a variety of ways.
  • there are "closed system" vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a sealed tank and heating element. The tank is prefilled with e-liquid and is not intended to be refilled by an end user.
  • One subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems include a main body which includes the power source, wherein the main body is configured to be physically and electrically coupled to a consumable including the tank and the heating element. In this way, when the tank of a consumable has been emptied, that consumable is disposed of. The main body can be reused by connecting it to a new, replacement, consumable.
  • Another subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems are completely disposable, and intended for one-use only.
  • vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a tank that is configured to be refilled by a user. In this way the entire device can be used multiple times.
  • An example vaping smoking substitute system is the mybluTM e-cigarette.
  • the mybluTM e-cigarette is a closed system which includes a main body and a consumable.
  • the main body and consumable are physically and electrically coupled together by pushing the consumable into the main body.
  • the main body includes a rechargeable battery.
  • the consumable includes a mouthpiece, a sealed tank which contains e-liquid, as well as a heater, which for this device is a heating filament coiled around a portion of a wick.
  • the wick is partially immersed in the e-liquid, and conveys e-liquid from the tank to the heating filament.
  • the device is activated when a microprocessor on board the main body detects a user inhaling through the mouthpiece. When the device is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heating device, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • e-liquid is heated by a heating device to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user.
  • Many e-cigarettes also deliver flavour to the user to enhance the experience.
  • e-liquid is often sold as a flavoured product, e.g. a specific blend of flavour compounds are already homogeneously mixed with the e-liquid during the manufacturing process.
  • flavoured consumables may interact with other constituents in the e-liquid during storage.
  • the consumables that are commercially available on the market may preclude users from adding flavourant to the e-liquid, e.g. the e-liquid is sealed in a liquid storage. Moreover, there isn't a mechanism available for a user to dispense a desired dose of flavourant to the e-liquid, so as to personalise the experience.
  • the present invention relates to a dispenser for dispending a property modifying agent to an aerosol former stored in a smoking substitute apparatus.
  • the dispenser may allow an adjustable dose of property modifying agent to be added to the aerosol former. This may allow a user to create an aerosol former that is flavoured and/or coloured according to the user's preference.
  • the dispenser may allow a correct dose of property modifying agent to be dispensed in an efficient and orderly manner.
  • a dispenser for dispensing a property modifying agent to a storage of aerosol former in a smoking substitute apparatus comprising:
  • the aerosol former may be an e-liquid.
  • the e-liquid may, for example, comprise a base liquid and nicotine.
  • the base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
  • the e-liquid may be flavourless. That is, the e-liquid may not contain any flavourant and may consist solely of a base liquid of propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine and nicotine.
  • the property modifying agent may comprise a flavourant.
  • the flavourant may be provided in solid, gel or liquid form. It may include menthol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g. citrus, cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g. ginger, cinnamon) and tobacco flavour.
  • the flavourant may modify a flavour of the aerosol former upon contacting or mixing with the aerosol former.
  • the property modifying agent may be a colorant.
  • the colorant may be provided in solid, gel or liquid form.
  • the colorant may modify a colour of the aerosol former upon contacting or mixing with the aerosol former.
  • the colorant may provide visual indication to a user for indicating a progress of dispensing or release of property modifying agent to the aerosol former.
  • the concentration of the flavourant dispensed or released in the aerosol former may correspond to a change in colour of the aerosol former.
  • the dispensing conduit may be configured to interact with the smoking substitute apparatus so as to deliver the property modifying agent from the dispenser reservoir to a storage of aerosol former in the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • the dispensing conduit may comprise an elongate body, e.g. a needle or a cannula, extending away from pumping arrangement.
  • this may allow the dispensing conduit to extend deep into the aerosol former storage to dispense the property modifying agent, and thereby reduces or eliminates spillage that may otherwise occur.
  • the pump arrangement may be any pump arrangement known to the person skilled in the art, for example, it may be an electrically-driven pump arrangement or it may be a manually driven pump arrangement, such as a piston pump.
  • the pump arrangement may be positioned in between the reservoir and dispensing conduit.
  • the pump arrangement may be configured to pump a predetermined volume of the property modifying agent to be dispensed through the dispensing conduit.
  • such pump arrangement may allow a precise amount of flavourant and/or colorant to be dosed into the aerosol former.
  • a user may combine different known dosage/amount of flavourant and/or colorant from different dispensers to create an aerosol former with personalised flavour and/or colour.
  • the pump arrangement may comprise an adjusting means for adjusting the predetermined volume of property modifying agent to be dispensed.
  • the adjusting means may comprise any adjusting means known to the skilled person.
  • the adjusting means may allow a user to specify a desired amount of flavour and/or colour to be added to the aerosol former.
  • the adjusting means is configured to limit the predetermined volume below an upper threshold.
  • the adjusting means may be configured to set a maximum volume of property modifying agent to be dispensed to the aerosol former.
  • this may prevent overdose of property modifying agent to the aerosol former, e.g. it may prevent over-flavouring or over-colouring of the aerosol former.
  • the pump arrangement comprises a piston pump, wherein the actuating the piston pump with a single pump stroke dispenses the predetermined volume of property modifying agent.
  • the piston pump may comprise a piston in a pumping chamber, and whereby actuating the piston pump comprises moving the piston longitudinally along a predetermined length in the pump stroke.
  • the use of a piston pump may simplify the design of the pump arrangement.
  • a pump stroke may refer to a distance or displacement a pumping element, e.g. a piston in the piston pump, travels in a given direction during pump actuation.
  • the pump stroke may refer to the axial displacement of the piston from the beginning to the end of pump actuation.
  • said adjusting the predetermined volume of property modifying agent to be dispensed comprises varying a length of a pump stroke of the pump arrangement.
  • the predetermined volume may be adjusted by varying or controlling the amount of axial displacement piston in a single pump stroke.
  • this may allow a more intuitive control on the dispensed volume, as the length of pump stoke relates linearly or proportionally to the dispensed volume.
  • the adjusting means for adjusting the predetermined volume of property modifying agent to be dispensed comprises limiting the length of the pump stroke. For example, by limiting the travel of the piston, the user may dispense a limited amount of property modifying agent with a single pump stroke.
  • this may allow a more efficient control on dispensing the property modifying agent as the user may dispense a limited volume with a single pump stroke.
  • the pump arrangement is configured to be actuated by urging the smoking substitute apparatus towards the dispenser in a pump stroke until the smoking substitute apparatus flushes with a surface of the dispenser, wherein said adjusting means comprises varying a length of smoking substitute apparatus protruding from a surface of the dispenser when it is partially received in the dispenser and thereby varying or limiting the length of a pump stroke.
  • the pump may be actuated by a urging a protruded portion of the smoking substitute apparatus towards the dispenser until said protruded portion is flushed with a surface of dispenser.
  • a lengthier protruded portion of the smoking substitute apparatus may result in a longer pump stroke because the consumable may have to travel further to flush with the surface of the dispenser.
  • the adjusting means comprises an adjustable outer casing for adjusting an axial extent of the dispenser, and thereby varying the length of smoking substitute apparatus protruding from the surface of the dispenser. More specifically, varying the axial extent of the dispenser may vary the length of the smoking substitute apparatus protruding from the surface of the dispenser, and thereby it may vary or limit the length of a pump stroke.
  • the adjustable outer casing may extend and thereby increases the axial extent of the dispenser to shield a larger portion of the consumable, which results in a reduced amount of consumable being protruded from the surface of the dispenser and thus a shorter pump stroke.
  • the dispenser comprises a stopper for shielding the dispensing conduit, wherein the stopper is configured to be removed from the dispenser upon engaging with a first end of the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • the stopper may stop the dispensing conduit from exposing to environment and may only be removed in the presence of a corresponding smoking substitute apparatus.
  • the stopper may prevent the dispensing conduit, which may be a needle or cannula, from causing injury, as well as reducing the risk of accidental discharge of property modifying agent.
  • the stopper may form a security feature, or a childproof feature, in that the stopper may not be removed unless the user is already in a possession of smoking substitute apparatus. This may reduce the risk of use by an unauthorised user or minors.
  • the stopper is configured to be retained on the first end of the smoking substitute device once it is removed from the dispenser.
  • this may prevent the stopper from being misplaced.
  • the dispenser comprises a receptacle configured to receive a second end of the smoking substitute apparatus, and thereby allows the dispenser conduit in the receptacle to engage with said second end of the smoking substitute device to dispense the predetermined volume of property modifying agent. More specifically, the dispenser may be configured to partially receive the second end of the smoking substitute apparatus to secure said apparatus onto the dispenser.
  • the dispenser conduit comprises a cannula, said cannula is configured to penetrate a seal sealing the storage of aerosol former at the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • the seal may be a resilient seal, e.g. a silicone seal or a rubber seal, which is penetrable by the needle and configured to reseal once the needle is withdrawn.
  • the needle may extend into a sealed storage of aerosol former and thereby it may eliminate spillage and/or leakage of fluid, e.g. aerosol former and the property modifying agent.
  • the first end of the smoking substitute apparatus may have the stopper fitted thereon and therefore the user may press onto a surface of the stopper to urge the smoking substitute apparatus towards the dispenser.
  • the stopper may provide an improved surface or grip for the user to press onto.
  • the dispenser comprises a cap for covering the dispenser conduit, wherein the cap is lockably engaged with the dispenser.
  • the cap may prevent water ingress to the dispenser.
  • the property modifying agent is in the form of any one of a solid, a liquid, a solid-liquid suspension, a gel, or a gas.
  • a smoking substitute apparatus for use with the dispenser described herein, the smoking substitute apparatus comprising:
  • a smoking substitute kit comprising:
  • a method of dispensing a property modifying agent from a dispenser to a storage of aerosol former stored in a smoking substitute apparatus comprising:
  • the adjusting means comprises an adjustable outer casing, wherein said adjusting comprises adjusting an axial extent of the dispenser with the adjustable outer casing.
  • said actuating comprises urging the smoking substitute apparatus towards the dispenser.
  • the method further comprises:
  • a method of dispensing a property modifying agent from a dispenser to a storage of aerosol former stored in a smoking substitute apparatus comprising:
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may be in the form of a consumable.
  • the consumable may be configured for engagement with a main body (i.e. so as to form a closed smoking substitute system).
  • the consumable may comprise components of the system that are disposable, and the main body may comprise non-disposable or non-consumable components (e.g. power supply, controller, sensor, etc.) that facilitate the delivery of aerosol by the consumable.
  • the aerosol former e.g. e-liquid
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may be a non-consumable apparatus (e.g. that is in the form of an open smoking substitute system).
  • an aerosol former e.g. e-liquid
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may be replenished by re-filling e.g. a reservoir of the smoking substitute apparatus with the aerosol former (rather than replacing a consumable component of the apparatus).
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may alternatively form part of a main body for engagement with the smoking substitute apparatus (i.e. when the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable).
  • the main body and the consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together.
  • the consumable may be at least partially received in a recess of the main body, such that there is an interference fit between the main body and the consumable.
  • the main body and the consumable may be physically coupled together by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise one or more engagement portions for engaging with a main body.
  • one end of the smoking substitute apparatus may be coupled with the main body, whilst an opposing end of the smoking substitute apparatus may define a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute system.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise a storage or aerosol former reservoir configured to store an aerosol former, such as an e-liquid.
  • Said storage may be in the form of a tank. At least a portion of the tank may be translucent.
  • the tank may comprise a window to allow a user to visually assess the quantity of e-liquid in the tank.
  • a housing of the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise a corresponding aperture (or slot) or window that may be aligned with a translucent portion (e.g. window) of the tank.
  • the reservoir may be referred to as a "clearomizer” if it includes a window, or a "cartomizer” if it does not.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise a passage for fluid flow therethrough.
  • the passage may extend through (at least a portion of) the smoking substitute apparatus, between openings that may define an inlet and an outlet of the passage.
  • the outlet may be at a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • a user may draw fluid (e.g. air) into and through the passage by inhaling at the outlet (i.e. using the mouthpiece).
  • the passage may be at least partially defined by the tank.
  • the tank may substantially (or fully) define the passage. In this respect, the tank may surround the passage.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise an aerosol-generator.
  • the aerosol generator may comprise a wick.
  • the aerosol generator may further comprise a heater.
  • the wick may comprise a porous material. A portion of the wick may be exposed to fluid flow in the passage.
  • the wick may also comprise one or more portions in contact with liquid stored in the reservoir. For example, opposing ends of the wick may protrude into the reservoir and a central portion (between the ends) may extend across the passage so as to be exposed to fluid flow in the passage. Thus, fluid may be drawn (e.g. by capillary action) along the wick, from the reservoir to the exposed portion of the wick.
  • the heater may comprise a heating element, which may be in the form of a filament wound about the wick (e.g. the filament may extend helically about the wick).
  • the filament may be wound about the exposed portion of the wick.
  • the heating element may be electrically connected (or connectable) to a power source.
  • the power source may supply electricity to (i.e. apply a voltage across) the heating element so as to heat the heating element. This may cause liquid stored in the wick (i.e. drawn from the tank) to be heated so as to form a vapour and become entrained in fluid flowing through the passage. This vapour may subsequently cool to form an aerosol in the passage.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus (or main body engaged with the smoking substitute apparatus) may comprise a power source.
  • the power source may be electrically connected (or connectable) to a heater of the smoking substitute apparatus (e.g. when engaged with the main body).
  • the power source may be a battery (e.g. a rechargeable battery).
  • a connector in the form of e.g. a USB port may be provided for recharging this battery.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus When the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable, the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise an electrical interface for interfacing with a corresponding electrical interface of the main body.
  • One or both of the electrical interfaces may include one or more electrical contacts.
  • the electrical interface when the main body is engaged with the consumable, the electrical interface may be configured to transfer electrical power from the power source to a heater of the consumable.
  • the electrical interface may also be used to identify the smoking substitute apparatus (in the form of a consumable) from a list of known types.
  • the consumable may have a certain concentration of nicotine and the electrical interface may be used to identify this.
  • the electrical interface may additionally or alternatively be used to identify when a consumable is connected to the main body.
  • the main body may comprise an interface, which may, for example, be in the form of an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader.
  • This interface may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of a consumable engaged with the main body.
  • the consumable may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the interface.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus or main body may comprise a controller, which may include a microprocessor.
  • the controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater of the smoking substitute apparatus (e.g. via the electrical contacts).
  • a memory may be provided and may be operatively connected to the controller.
  • the memory may include non-volatile memory.
  • the memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
  • the main body or smoking substitute apparatus may comprise a wireless interface, which may be configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth®.
  • the wireless interface could include a Bluetooth® antenna.
  • Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi®, are also possible.
  • the wireless interface may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.
  • a puff sensor may be provided that is configured to detect a puff (i.e. inhalation from a user).
  • the puff sensor may be operatively connected to the controller so as to be able to provide a signal to the controller that is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing).
  • the puff sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor. That is, the controller may control power supply to the heater of the consumable in response to a puff detection by the sensor. The control may be in the form of activation of the heater in response to a detected puff. That is, the smoking substitute apparatus may be configured to be activated when a puff is detected by the puff sensor.
  • the puff sensor When the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable, the puff sensor may form part of the consumable or the main body.
  • the invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.
  • FIGS 1A and 1B illustrate a smoking substitute system in the form of an e-cigarette system 101.
  • the system 101 comprises an e-cigarette device defining a main body 102 of the system 101, and an smoking substitute apparatus in the form of an e-cigarette consumable (or "pod") 103.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus is a smoking substitute apparatus.
  • the consumable 103 is removable from the main body (e-cigarette device), so as to be a replaceable component of the system 101.
  • the e-cigarette system 101 is a closed system.
  • the consumable 103 is configured to engage the main body 102.
  • Figure 1A shows the main body 102 and the consumable 103 in an engaged state
  • Figure 1B shows the main body 102 and the consumable 103 in a disengaged state.
  • a portion of the consumable 103 is received in a cavity of the main body 102 and is retained in the engaged position by way of a snap-engagement mechanism.
  • the main body 102 and consumable 103 may be engaged by screwing one into (or onto) the other, through a bayonet fitting, or by way of an interference fit.
  • the system 101 is configured to vaporise an aerosol-former, which in the illustrated embodiment, is in the form of a nicotine-based e-liquid 104.
  • the e-liquid 104 comprises nicotine and a base liquid including propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
  • the e-liquid 104 is flavourless (and does not include any added flavourant). That is, if the e-liquid 104 were to be inhaled (i.e. in aerosol form) by a user, it would not have a particularly perceptible flavour or taste.
  • this e-liquid 104 is stored within a reservoir in the form of a tank 105 that forms part of the consumable 103.
  • the consumable 103 is a "single-use" consumable 103. That is, upon exhausting the e-liquid 104 in the tank 105, the intention is that the user disposes of the entire consumable 103.
  • the e-liquid i.e. aerosol former
  • the tank may be refillable with e-liquid or the e-liquid may be stored in a non-consumable component of the system.
  • the e-liquid may be stored in a tank located in the main body or stored in another component that is itself not single-use (e.g. a refillable cartomizer).
  • the tank 105 surrounds, and thus defines a portion of, a passage 106 that extends between an inlet 107 and an outlet 108 at opposing ends of the consumable 103.
  • the passage comprises an upstream end at the end of the consumable 103 that engages with the main body 102, and a downstream end at an opposing end of the consumable 103 that comprises a mouthpiece 109 of the system 101.
  • a user can inhale (i.e. take a puff) via the mouthpiece 109 so as to draw air through the passage 106, and so as to form an airflow (indicated by arrows) in a direction from the inlet 107 to the outlet 108 of the passage 106.
  • the passage 106 may be partially defined by a tube (e.g. a metal tube) extending through the consumable 103.
  • the passage 106 is in fluid communication with a gap defined between the consumable 103 and the main body 102 (when engaged) such that air outside of the system 101 is drawn into the passage 106 (during an inhale).
  • the smoking substitute system 101 is configured to vaporise the e-liquid 104 for inhalation by a user.
  • the consumable 103 comprises a heater having of a porous wick 110 and a resistive heating element in the form of a heating filament 111 that is helically wound around a portion of the porous wick 110.
  • the porous wick 110 extends across the passage 106 (i.e. transverse to a longitudinal axis of the passage106) and opposing ends of the wick 110 extend into the tank 105 (so as to be submerged in the e-liquid 104).
  • e-liquid 104 contained in the tank 105 is conveyed from the opposing ends of the porous wick 110 to a central portion of the porous wick 110 so as to be exposed to the airflow in the passage 106 (i.e. caused by a user inhaling).
  • the helical filament 111 is wound about this exposed central portion of the porous wick 110 and is electrically connected to an electrical interface in the form of electrical contacts 112 mounted at the end of the consumable that is proximate the main body 102 (when engaged).
  • the electrical contacts 112 contact corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) of the main body 102.
  • the main body electrical contacts are electrically connected to a power source (not shown) of the main body 102, such that (in the engaged position) the filament 111 is electrically connected to the power source. In this way, power can be supplied by the main body 102 to the filament 111 in order to heat the filament 111.
  • This heat is transferred from the filament 111 to the porous wick 110 which causes e-liquid 104 conveyed by the porous wick 110 to increase in temperature to a point at which it vaporises.
  • the vaporised e-liquid becomes entrained in the airflow and, between the vaporisation point at the filament 111 and the outlet 108 of the passage 106, condenses to form an aerosol.
  • This aerosol is then inhaled, via the mouthpiece 109, by a user of the system 101.
  • the power source of the main body 102 may be in the form of a battery (e.g. a rechargeable battery).
  • the main body 102 may comprise a connector in the form of e.g. a USB port for recharging this battery.
  • the main body 102 may also comprise a controller that controls the supply of power from the power source to the main body electrical contacts (and thus to the filament 111). That, is the controller may be configured to control a voltage applied across the main body electrical contacts, and thus the voltage applied across the filament 111. In this way, the filament 111 may only be heated under certain conditions (e.g. during a puff and/or only when the system is in an active state).
  • the main body 102 may include a puff sensor (not shown) that is configured to detect a puff (i.e. inhalation).
  • the puff sensor may be operatively connected to the controller so as to be able to provide a signal, to the controller, which is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing).
  • the puff sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor.
  • the main body 102 and consumable 103 may comprise a further interface which may, for example, be in the form of an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader.
  • This interface may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of a consumable 103 engaged with the main body 102.
  • the consumable 103 may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the interface.
  • FIGS 2A to 2I show a dispenser 220 for use with a consumable 203 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the dispenser 220 comprises a dispenser body 234 having a reservoir 232 attached to its first end, or a reservoir end.
  • the reservoir 232 contains a volume of property modifying agent, for example a flavourant and/or a colorant, to be dispensed into a storage of aerosol former at the consumable 203 by means of a dispensing conduit.
  • the dispensing conduit (not shown in these views) is located towards the second end, or a dispensing end, of the dispenser body 234.
  • the dispensing end is positioned opposite to the reservoir end of the dispensing body 234.
  • the dispenser body 234 comprises a pump arrangement or a pump (not shown in these views) for pumping a predetermined volume of property modifying agent from the reservoir 232 towards the dispensing conduit when the consumable engages with the dispensing end of the dispenser body 234.
  • the dispensing conduit in the illustrated embodiment is a cannula, or a needle, which allows the dispensing conduit to pierce through a corresponding silicone or rubber seal 262 at the consumable 203.
  • the needle is shielded by multiple safety features.
  • the dispensing end of the dispenser body 234 is be closed by a cap, or an end cap 238.
  • the end cap 238 serves as a primary safety feature as it lockably engages the dispensing end of the dispenser body 234 from the environment, and thereby shields the cannula. More specifically, as shown in Figures 2A the end cap 238 is lockably engaged with the dispenser body 234 with a bayonet fitting. That is, the end cap 238 cannot be removed from the dispenser body 234 by simply pulling the end cap 238 away from the dispenser body 234. Such lockable engagement is indicated by the misaligned markings 237 between the dispenser body 234 and the end cap 238.
  • a user may rotate the end cap 238 about its longitudinal axis, e.g. twisting the end cap 238, until the markings 237 on the dispenser body 234 and the end cap 238 are in alignment, as shown in Figure 2B .
  • This disengages the lockable engagement and thereby allows the end cap 238 to be readily removed from the dispenser body 234.
  • the end cap 238 may then be removed by pulling the end cap 238 away from the dispenser body 234, as shown in Figure 2C .
  • This exposes a stopper 242 that is configured to block the dispensing end of the dispenser body 234, and thereby conceals the cannula at the dispensing end of the dispenser body 234.
  • the stopper 242 serves as a secondary safety feature and can be removed by a corresponding mechanism on the consumable 203.
  • the stopper 242 comprises an outwardly facing screw thread 243 which corresponds to a screw thread 260 at a first end of the consumable 203.
  • a user may screw the consumable 203 onto the stopper 242 so as to engage the consumable 203 with the stopper 242. Thereafter the user may remove the stopper 242 by pulling the consumable 203 outwardly away from the dispenser body 234. Since the stopper 242 is fully received in the dispensing end of the dispenser body 234, a user may not remove the stopper 242 without the presence of the consumable 203.
  • the removed stopper 242 may then be retained on the consumable 203 while the dispenser dispenses a predetermined volume of property modifying agent to the consumable 203.
  • the consumable 203 is similar, functionally, to the consumable 103 as shown in Figures 1A to 1C . It differs to the consumable 203 in that it is configured to allow a property modifying agent, e.g. flavourant and/or colourant, to be added to an unflavoured aerosol former stored in a storage in the consumable 203.
  • the second end of the consumable 203 comprises a silicone seal 262 for hermetically sealing an opening to the storage of aerosol former.
  • the silicone seal 262 is configured to be pierced by the dispensing conduit, e.g. the cannula, during the addition of property modifying agent, and it is configured to reseal the opening once the cannula has been withdrawn.
  • the dispensing end of the dispenser body 234 comprises a receptacle 246 for receiving a second end of the consumable 203.
  • a user may insert the second end of the consumable 203 into the receptacle 246 at the dispensing end of the dispenser body 234. This causes the silicone seal 260 on the consumable 203 to move towards the cannula and thereby enables the cannula to pierce through the silicone seal and extends into the storage of aerosol former. This establishes fluid communication between the dispensing conduit and the storage.
  • a user may press onto the stopper 242 that is being retained on the first end of the consumable 203. This urges the consumable 203 towards a pump actuator located in the dispenser, which in turn causes a piston in the pump to move longitudinally and thereby dispenses property modifying agent form the reservoir 232 to the aerosol former storage in the consumable 203.
  • the user may continue pressing on the consumable 203 until the piston in the pump has travelled a full pump stroke.
  • This dispenses a predetermined volume of the property modifying agent into the storage of aerosol former at the consumable 203. In this case, the predetermined volume is 0.25mL.
  • FIGS 3A and 3B show a dispenser 320 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the dispenser 320 operates similarly to the dispenser 220 of Figures 2A to 2I for adding a predetermined volume of property modifying agent to a storage of aerosol former at the consumable.
  • the dispenser 320 is configured to allow a user to adjust the predetermined volume of property modifying agent (e.g. a flavourant and/or a colourant) to be dispensed from the reservoir 332, such that a desired flavour and/or colour of the aerosol former can be formed in the consumable according to the user's needs.
  • the dispenser 320 is shown having an end cap 338 for closing its dispensing end, said end cap 338 may be removed as shown in Figure 3B .
  • the dispenser 320 comprises a dispenser body formed from a main dispenser body portion 334 and an adjuster portion 336. Similar to the dispenser 220, the main dispenser body portion 334 comprises a pump and a reservoir 332 for containing a storage of property modifying agent to be dispensed, wherein the adjuster portion 336 comprises a receptacle 346 for receiving a consumable 303.
  • the adjuster portion 336 is roatably attached onto the main dispenser body portion 334 by a threaded connection. More specifically, the adjuster portion 336 is configured to traverse towards or away from the dispenser body portion 334 by rotating adjustor portion 336 in a clockwise/anticlockwise direction. That is, a main dispenser body portion 334 and an adjuster portion 336 forms an adjustable outer casing. As such, the axial extent of the dispenser body can changed for adjusting the extent of the pump stroke, and thereby varying the predetermined volume of property modifying agent to be dispensed in a single pump stroke.
  • Figures 3C is cross sectional view of the dispenser 320 having a consumable 303 partially received in the receptacle 346. That is, a dispensing conduit 350, or a cannula, is shown pierced through a silicone seal at a second end of the consumable 303 and thereby extends into a storage of aerosol former.
  • a pump 360 is provided for pumping a predetermined volume of property modifying agent from the reservoir 332, through the dispensing conduit 350, to the storage of aerosol former at the consumable 303.
  • the pump 360 comprises a pumping chamber 362 and a piston 364.
  • the pumping chamber is configured to receive the property modifying agent from the reservoir 332 though a one way valve 366.
  • the piston 364 is provided in the pumping chamber 362 and is configured to be activated by an actuator 361.
  • the piston 364 is normally, e.g. when it is not actuated, bias towards an outlet 365 of the pumping chamber 362 by a spring. As such the piston 364 abuts the outlet 365 and thereby closes the pumping chamber 362 when the pump is not actuated.
  • the consumable 303 When the consumable 303 is fitted onto the dispenser 320, e.g. when the consumable 303 is received in the receptacle 346 of the adjuster portion 336, a second end of the consumable 303 abuts the actuator 361. As shown in Figure 3C , the consumable 303 is sized such that the first end of the consumable 303 protrudes from the end of receptacle 346 by a distance "X1", wherein said distance equals to, or substantially equals to, the depth of pumping chamber 362. In use, the user presses onto the first end of the consumable 303, which urges the actuator 361 towards the pump 360.
  • the actuator 361 then pushes the piston 364 towards the reservoir 332 and thereby forces the property modifying agent in the pumping chamber 362 to flow through the outlet 365, via the dispenser conduit 350, to be dispensed into the storage of aerosol former in the consumable 303.
  • the user may continue to press onto the consumable 303 to urge the piston 364 further into the pumping chamber 362 until it reaches an end of the pumping chamber 362.
  • the displacement of the consumable 303 is indicated by the distance "X1" in Figure 3C . That is, in this position the first end of the consumable 303 is flushed with, or substantially flushed with the top end of the receptacle 346.
  • the piston 364 is configured to travel the full depth of the pumping chamber 362 to displace all of the property modifying agent in the pumping chamber 362.
  • the pump discharges a predetermined volume of the property modifying agent with a single pump stroke, wherein said predetermined volume in this case is equal to the volume of the pumping chamber 362.
  • the user may release the pressure exerting on the consumable 303.
  • the piston 364 is urged back towards the outlet 365 by a spring.
  • the piston 364 retracts it creates a negative pressure in the pumping chamber 362 and thereby draws further property modifying agent from the reservoir 332 through the one way valve 366 to fill up said pumping chamber 362. This way, the pumping chamber 362 is replenished with property modifying agent.
  • the discharge volume in this case corresponds the volume of pumping chamber 362, which is 0.25mL in the illustrated embodiment. More specifically, the amount of property modifying agent that can be pumped in a single pump stroke depends on the displacement of the piston, e.g. the length of pump stroke. That is, if the piston is allowed to travel the depth of the pumping chamber 362 it discharges the entire content of said pumping chamber 362 in a single pump stroke.
  • the predetermined volume can be adjusted by limiting the length of the pump stroke, or the distance the piston travels longitudinally, by reducing or limiting the displacement of consumable 303, e.g. "X1" as indicated in Figure 3C .
  • the main dispenser body portion 334 and the adjuster portion 336 are respectively provided with corresponding markings 340a, 340b adjacent to their points of interconnection.
  • the markings 340a, 340b indicates the angular position of the adjustor potion 336 relative to the main dispenser body portion 334. More specifically, as the adjuster portion 336 is configured to traverse towards or away from the dispenser body portion 334 by rotating adjustor portion 336 in a clockwise/anticlockwise direction, the markings 340a, 340b also indicate the axial extent of the dispenser body. In the illustrated embodiment, four markings "I”, “II”, “III”, “IIII” are provided, at 90° separation, around the circumferential surface of the main dispenser body portion 334. That is, the length or axial extent of the dispenser 320 decreases proportionally when the marking 340a on the adjustor portion 336 changes from aligning with "I” through “II” and “III", to "IIII".
  • the marking 340a on the adjustor portion 336 aligns with a "IIII" marking 340b provided on the main dispenser body portion 334, indicating a maximum volume of property modifying agent can be dispensed in a single pump stroke.
  • the dispenser may be described as being put into a maximum dosing configuration.
  • the consumable 303 may be fully received in the receptacle 346 at the end of the pump stroke and thereby urging, via the actuator 361, the piston 364 to travel the full depth of pumping chamber 362.
  • the length of the pump stroke equals to the depth of pumping chamber 362.
  • the pump 360 may dispense all of the property modifying agent, e.g. 0.25mL, out of the pumping chamber 362 to the storage of aerosol former in a single pump stroke.
  • Figure 3F shows the adjustor portion 336 being rotated relatively to the main dispenser body portion 334 to a position where a minimum predetermined volume of property modifying agent can be dispensed in a single pump stroke.
  • the dispenser may be described being put into a minimum dosing configuration.
  • the adjustor portion 336 is rotated 270° from the angular position as shown in Figure 3E .
  • Figure 3F corresponding to the cross section view of Figure 3D , shows that the marking 340a on the adjustor portion 336 aligns with an "I" marking 340b on the main dispenser body portion 334.
  • Figure 3D when the consumable 303 is fitted onto the dispenser 320 and without actuating the pump 360, the first end of the consumable 303 protrudes from the end of receptacle 346 by a reduced length of "X2". This is because, whilst the consumable 303 does not change its relative position to the main dispenser body portion 334, the adjustor portion 336 moves away the main dispenser body portion 334 and thereby concealing a larger portion of the consumable 303 in the receptacle 346.
  • the length of the protruded portion of the consumable "X2" in such minimum dosing configuration amounts to a quarter of that of "X1" as shown in the maximum dosing configuration of Figure 3C .
  • Such arrangement limits the distance the consumable 303 may travel in the longitudinal direction, and thereby limits the length of the pump stroke and the amount of property modifying agent to be dispensed in a single pump stroke. For example, as the user presses onto the first end of the consumable 303 to urge the piston 364 into the pumping chamber 362, the consumable 303 may only be allowed to travel a reduced distance "X2" before it becomes flushed with the outer end of the receptacle 346.
  • the outer end of the receptacle 346 prevents the user from urging the consumable 303 further into the dispenser 320 and thus the length of pump stroke is limited.
  • the consumable 303 is configured to travel by a distance of "X2", which is a quarter of displacement "X1" that is allowed in the maximum dosing configuration.
  • the pump stroke is reduced to 25% of that of the maximum dosing configuration and therefore, the predetermined volume of property modifying agent to be dispensed is adjusted or reduced from 0.25mL to 0.0625mL in a single pump stroke.
  • the axial extent of the dispenser 320 increases proportionally when the marking 340a on the adjustor portion 336 changes from aligning with the markings 340b, "IIII” through “III” and “II", to "I". For example, rotating the adjustor portion 336 by 90° from the maximum dosing configuration as shown in Figure 3E , results in the marking 340a on the adjustor portion 336 to align with "III", and thereby reduces the predetermined volume by 25% from 0.25mL to 0.1875mL.

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EP19155901.2A 2019-02-07 2019-02-07 Distributeur pour un appareil de substitution au tabac Withdrawn EP3692843A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19155901.2A EP3692843A1 (fr) 2019-02-07 2019-02-07 Distributeur pour un appareil de substitution au tabac

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19155901.2A EP3692843A1 (fr) 2019-02-07 2019-02-07 Distributeur pour un appareil de substitution au tabac

Publications (1)

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EP3692843A1 true EP3692843A1 (fr) 2020-08-12

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023039920A1 (fr) * 2021-09-16 2023-03-23 郑明炜 Dispositif de désaccoutumance au tabac

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150245654A1 (en) * 2014-02-28 2015-09-03 Beyond Twenty Ltd. E-cigarette personal vaporizer
US20170135398A1 (en) * 2015-11-17 2017-05-18 Nerudia Ltd. Dispenser

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150245654A1 (en) * 2014-02-28 2015-09-03 Beyond Twenty Ltd. E-cigarette personal vaporizer
US20170135398A1 (en) * 2015-11-17 2017-05-18 Nerudia Ltd. Dispenser

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023039920A1 (fr) * 2021-09-16 2023-03-23 郑明炜 Dispositif de désaccoutumance au tabac

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