EP3912490A1

EP3912490A1 - Pod having a tab for a vaping device, vaping device, and method of replacing a pod having a tab

Info

Publication number: EP3912490A1
Application number: EP20176164.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ben Wilson; Simon France
Original assignee: Nextgen360 Ltd
Current assignee: Nextgen360 Ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-22
Filing date: 2020-05-22
Publication date: 2021-11-24
Also published as: WO2021234149A1; EP4175497A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a vaping device (200) having a replaceable filter member (25) and a replaceable liquid storage pod (10) for convenient insertion into and removal from a vaping device (200). A method for operating the vaping device is also disclosed. The pod (10) comprises a liquid storage compartment (70), a heating coil (50), at least two battery connection points (90); a vaping core (60), and an external tab (20). The external tab guides the pod (10) during insertion into the vaping device (200) and ensures accurate orientation of the pod. When the liquid in the pod has been depleted, the pod (10) may be removed by pushing down on the external tab (20). The pod (10) can then be removed easily from the pod storage compartment (240) of the vaping device (200). The filter member (250) contains a storage capsule (255) for storing at least one of a flavour compound, a medicament, or a vitamin.

Description

METHOD OF REPLACING A POD HAVING A TAB

Field of the Invention

The invention concerns a vaping device with a replaceable liquid storage pod having a tab, i.e., a wing portion, for convenient insertion into and removal from a vaping device and a disposable filter member. The liquid storage pod is arranged in an enclosed pod storage compartment of the vaping device. Further, the invention relates to a method of operating the vaping device.

Background of the Invention

Vaping devices, also known as electronic cigarettes, have become popular in recent years as a replacement for traditional cigarettes and as smoking cessation aides. Vaping devices operated by vaporising a vaporisable liquid component, also referred to as an "electronic liquid" or e-liquid, instead of generating smoke. Specifically, the e-liquid is vaporised in the vaping device and the resulting vapour is consumed instead of the smoke that is created when burning tobacco products, e.g., cigarettes.
In some vaping devices, the e-liquid can be replenished by refilling an e-liquid tank. However, the refilling can cause spills or be otherwise messy. Further, the e-liquid additionally contains an active ingredient like nicotine along with one or more other substances, like flavour compounds responsible for the taste. Thus, vaporising of the e-liquid in the vaping chamber of the vaping device must be carried out in a manner that allows the generation of a vapour containing nicotine and the flavour compound(s), which puts a constraint on the optimisation of how these components are delivered. For example, a temperature setting in the vaping chamber may be set to a value that is not optimal for the delivery of one of the active ingredients or other substances, but that must be used to ensure the delivery of all of the active ingredients and other substances. Specifically, one of the flavour compounds may partially decompose at the selected temperature setting, but using a lower temperature setting is not feasible because the lower temperature would not allow for cleanly vaporising all of the active ingredients and other substances of the e-liquid.
In addition, the known devices do not allow a consumer to easily switch between different flavours. If the consumer wants to switch to a different flavour before the entire e-liquid is consumed, the e-liquid must be changed, which requires either emptying the e-liquid container and filling in a different e-liquid, or replacing the entire e-liquid tank. However, the previously used e-liquid must then be stored or discarded.
What is more, in some of the known devices, it can be cumbersome to refill or replace the e-liquid. Further, there is a chance of leakage of the e-liquid when the e-liquid tank is not properly inserted.
Moreover, traditional cigarettes are suitable vehicles for delivering nicotine. It is known that other substances having beneficial properties, such as treatments for respiratory ailments, can also be delivered through the respiratory system. However, it is not feasible to deliver these substances with a traditional cigarette because of the known health risks of smoking.
Based on the above, there is a need to provide a vaping experience that is more convenient and avoids leakage of e-liquid. Further, there is a need to replace the e-liquid more easily and quickly without spilling. Moreover, it should be possible to deliver other substances in addition or as an alternative to nicotine, as well as to make it simpler for a consumer to switch between flavours.

Brief Summary of the Invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a pod containing a vaporisable liquid for a vaping device that can be easily inserted into and removed from a vaping device and to reduce or eliminate the active ingredients and/or other substances in typical e-liquids. It is a further object of the invention to provide a simpler and tidier way to switch flavours. Moreover, it is an object to provide a pod that is held securely in the vaping device during storage and use and is 100% leak free. Additionally, it is an object of the invention to provide a device and a method for delivering chemical substances in addition to or other than nicotine.
This object is achieved by a vaping device having the features according to claim 1, by a pod having the features of claim 8, and by a method of operating a vaping device having the features according to claim 14. Further preferred embodiments are provided in the dependent claims.
According to a preferred embodiment, a vaping device includes: a filter holder designed to hold a filter member; a battery compartment having at least two contact points; a pod storage compartment arranged between the filter holder and the contact points, wherein the pod storage compartment has a receiving section designed to receive an external tab of a pod. In another preferred embodiment, the receiving section is designed to permit a downward push on an external tab of a pod stored in the pod storage compartment to dislocate the pod. In yet another preferred embodiment, the contact points are spring loaded.
In another preferred embodiment, the at least one, preferably one or two substance storage capsules designed as compartments for storing at least one substance are preferably embedded in the filter member. Also preferably, the at least one substance is at least one of a flavour compound, a medicament, or a vitamin.
Preferably, the vaping device further includes a hollow connector, wherein an inlet end of the filter holder is arranged within the connector. Also preferably, the connector is made from an elastic material, preferably rubber, more preferably a silicone rubber.
In a preferred embodiment, a pod includes: a liquid storage compartment; a heating coil; at least two battery connection points; a vaping core; and an external tab. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pod includes two external tabs arranged on opposite sides of the pod. In another preferred embodiment, the two external tabs are arranged in a V-shape when seen in a cross sectional view.
Preferably, the pod has a receiving bore arranged on a side opposite to the battery connection points. Also preferably, an end section of the vaping core is arranged within the receiving bore. Particularly preferably, the pod has an elliptical cross-section. The external tabs can be arranged at the vertices defined by the major axis of the ellipsis. However, preferably the tabs are displaced from said vertices, preferably in a range from 1 mm to 5 mm, e.g. for 3 mm, and are arranged on one (i.e. the same) side of the major axis of the ellipsis.
In another preferred embodiment, the liquid storage compartment is designed as a compartment for storing a vaporisable liquid component, preferably for storing a vaporisable liquid component containing at least one active ingredient, the active ingredient preferably being selected from a group consisting of nicotine, nicotine salts, cannabidiol (CBD), and terpenes, in particularly preferably consisting of nicotine.
A preferred method of operating a vaping device includes the steps of: providing a vaping device having a filter holder; a battery compartment having at least two contact points; a pod storage compartment arranged between the filter holder and the contact points; and a receiving section for an external tab of the pod; inserting a filter member into the filter holder; inserting a pod into the vaping device, the pod having: a liquid storage compartment; a heating coil; at least two battery connection points; a vaping core; and the external tab; vaporising at least some of the liquid stored in the storage compartment; pushing the external tab into the receiving section to dislocate the pod; and removing the pod from the pod storage compartment. Another preferred method of operating a vaping device includes the step of rupturing a storage capsule embedded in the filter member.
In a preferred method of replacing a pod in a vaping device, the following steps are performed: providing a vaping device having a filter holder; a battery compartment having at least two contact points; a pod storage compartment arranged between the filter holder and the contact points; and a receiving section for an external tab of the pod; inserting a filter member into the filter holder; inserting a pod into the vaping device, the pod having: a liquid storage compartment; a heating coil; at least two battery connection points; a vaping core; and the external tab; vaporising at least some of the liquid stored in the storage compartment; pushing the external tab into the receiving section to dislocate the pod; removing the pod from the pod storage compartment; and inserting a new pod into the vaping device. The liquid in the new pod may have the same or a different composition than the pod that was replaced.
Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations referred to in the above description and the features and combinations of features in the description of the figures and/or only shown in the figures may be also be used in other combinations or on their own without departing from the scope of the invention. Embodiments of the invention that are not explicitly shown and described in the figures but which emerge from the described embodiments by way of separate feature combinations should also be considered to be disclosed. Therefore, embodiments and feature combinations that do not have all of the features of an originally formulated independent claim should also be considered to be disclosed.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawings

Below, advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are schematically depicted in the drawings, are described, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a pod having two external tabs;
Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal cross section of the pod shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3A shows a bottom view of the pod of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3B shows a bottom view of a pod with differently arranged external tabs;
Fig. 4 shows a top view of the pod of Fig. 1;
Fig. 5A shows a backside view of the vaping device designed to receive the pod of Fig. 1;
Fig. 5B shows a back panel for the vaping device of Fig. 5A;
Fig. 6A shows a longitudinal cross section of the vaping device shown in Fig. 5A;
Fig. 6B shows a frontside view of the vaping device of Fig. 5A;
Fig. 7A shows a longitudinal cross section of a filter member with an embedded flavour capsule;
Fig. 7B shows a transverse cross section of the filter member in Fig. 7A along line B; and
Fig. 8 shows a flow chart of a preferred method of operating a vaping device according to Fig. 5A.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Fig. 1 shows a front view of a pod (10) with two external tabs (20, 20') arranged at opposite sides of the pod (10). In a preferred embodiment, the pod (10) has a generally conical shape wherein one end has a smaller cross section than the other end. In the particular preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the external tabs (20, 20') are arranged towards the end of the pod (10) having the smaller cross section.
Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal cross section of the pod (10). In the preferred embodiment of Fig. 2, the end having the smaller cross section of the pod (10) faces the filter holder (hereinafter "the filter side") when in use. Further, the pod (10) preferably has an elliptical cross section, as shown in Figs. 3A, 3B, and 4. However, the invention is not limited to the configuration shown in the figures. For example, the pod could also have a cylindrical form or a conical form in which the filter side is wider than the battery side. Similarly, the cross section could also be circular, rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners or any other suitable shape.
Further, the heating coil (50) and vaping core (60) are optimised to vaporise the liquid, which allows for a more precise and consistent delivery of liquid, which optionally can contain an active ingredient like nicotine. Specifically, the heating coil (50) positioned inside the pod (10) allows the liquid to be heated more precisely, which results in a more refined delivery of the liquid. The heating coil (50) can be a nickel-chromium alloy or a ceramic heating coil. The performance of the heating coil (50) remains optimal throughout the consumption of the entire volume of the liquid in the pod, resulting in a premium vaping experience. If an e-liquid other than a nicotine containing e-liquid is to be delivered, the pod (10) is optimised for that e-liquid.
At the filter side, the pod (10) is sealed off with a plug (40). Correspondingly, at the battery side the pod (10) is closed off with a plug 40'. Embedded into the plug (40') are at least two battery connection points (90), preferably exactly two battery connection points. The battery connection points connect the heating coil (50) to the battery (330), which powers the vaping device when in use. Further, the pod (10) includes a liquid storage compartment (70) in which a liquid, such as an e-liquid, is stored. Silicon disc (80) prevents the e-liquid from leaking out of the pod (10). In use, the e-liquid is absorbed into a wadding (not shown), preferably made of cotton, which is located within the heating coil (50). Subsequently, the e-liquid is drawn through the vaping core (60) into a filter member (250) inserted into the filter holder (310).
Fig. 3A shows the pod (10) seen from the battery side, which includes the two battery connection points (90) embedded in plug (40'). The battery connection points (90) are spaced apart from each other and align with the contact points (230) of the battery when the pod (10) is inserted in the vaping device. As can be seen from Fig. 3A, the external tabs (20, 20') are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the pod (10), particularly preferably on the same side of the pod, i.e. the external tabs are arranged above the major axis of the ellipsis.
However, other orientations of the external tabs are also possible. For example, the tabs may be provided at opposite ends on the same side of the pod in a V-shape, as shown in Fig. 3B.
Fig. 38 further shows air holes (30), which are provided within plug (40') to allow for airflow. Specifically, once e-liquid is consumed, air holes (30) allow for air to flow into the pod (10) to avoid a vacuum that would otherwise prevent further e-liquid from leaving the pod (10) through the vaping core (60). For clarity only, the air holes are omitted from Fig. 3A.
The pod (10) is a self-contained unit for storing the vaporisable liquid component, which is vaporised in the vaping core (60) during use of the device. Accordingly, the liquid storage pod is a self-contained unit that is inserted as a whole into the vaping device so that there is no need to freely transfer any e-liquid. Moreover, the pod (10) is sealed by plugs (40, 40') to prevent tampering. For example, in a preferred embodiment, it can be prevented that additional substances are added to the liquid storage compartment (70). Unlike current vaping devices allowing a consumer to add components to the e-liquid, which may have a detrimental effect on the consumer's health, either alone or in combination with the other ingredients of the e-liquid, the enclosed pod (10) ensures that only the e-liquid from the liquid storage compartment (70) is vaporised and consumed. However, it is also possible to provide the pod (10) as a refillable component of the vaping device (200).
Further, the heating coil and vaping core are optimised to vaporise the e-liquid, which allows for a more precise and consistent delivery of e-liquid, which optionally can contain an active ingredient like nicotine. Specifically, the nickel chromium alloy or ceramic coil being positioned inside the pod (10) allows the e-liquid to be heated more precisely, which results in a more refined delivery of the e-liquid. Additionally, the performance of the heating coil remains optimal throughout the entire volume of the e-liquid in the liquid storage pod, resulting in a premium vaping experience. If a liquid other than a nicotine containing liquid is to be delivered, the liquid storage pod is optimised for that liquid. Moreover, the consumer can switch to a different flavour or nicotine content by simply replacing the pod (10) with a different pod to create a different vaping experience.
Fig. 4 shows a view of the pod (10) as seen from the filter member or filter side. Receiving bore (100) is arranged on a side opposite from the battery connecting points and can receive connector (210) when the pod (10) is inserted in the pod storage compartment (240) of vaping device (200). In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 4, end section (110) is arranged within the receiving bore (100). However, other arrangements for the end section and the receiving bore are also possible.
Fig. 5A shows the backside of a vaping device (200) without back panel (270). The pod (10) can be inserted in the pod storage compartment (240). In use, the backside of the vaping device (200), including the pod storage compartment (240), is covered by the removable back panel (270). The back panel (270) may be freely removable, as shown in the preferred embodiment of Fig. 5A. However, the back panel may also be attached to the housing of the vaping device by one or more hinges (not shown).
A replaceable filter member (250) is inserted in the direction of arrow A into filter holder (310), which is shown in Fig. 6. A part of the filter member (250) sticks out of the housing of the vaping device to allow the consumer to draw in the mixture of vaporised e-liquid and a substance like a flavour compound.
Fig. 5A further shows receiving sections (220) in which the external tabs (20, 20') rest when the pod is inserted into the vaping device. The receiving sections (220) allow for a sufficient downward movement of one of the external tabs, for example external tab (20), when pushed down. As a result, the pod (10) turns around its longitudinal axis, such that the opposite external tab (20') is lifted up. The pod (10) can be completely removed from the pod storage compartment (240). Of course, the user may also push down on external tab (20') instead of external tab (20) to remove the pod (10). Two spring loaded contact points (230) are arranged at one end of the pod storage compartment (240). One or more grooves (260) is provided to receive locking pin (280). In a preferred embodiment of Fig. 5A, eight grooves (260) are provided along the outer rim of the vaping device (200). However, it is also possible to provide more or less than eight grooves. Additionally, an uneven number of grooves may be provided.
The pod (10) is securely fixed in the vaping device during use and storage due to the design of the pod storage compartment (240). However, when one of the external tabs is pushed down, the pod (10) can be removed easily. During removal, the spring loaded contact points automatically return to their resting position.
An accidental release of the pod (10) is prevented by placing the back panel (270) over the pod storage compartment (240). Further, a metal plate (265) is arranged within the vaping device (200).
Fig. 5B shows the removable back panel (270), which contains one or more air holes (290), which allow(s) for air to flow into the pod storage compartment (240) when the back panel (270) is attached. The back panel (270) contains locking pins (280), which engage with grooves (260) when the pack panel is attached to the vaping device (200). The back panel contains the same number of locking pins (280) as there are grooves (260). In the particularly preferred embodiment shown, eight locking pins (280) and eight grooves (260) are provided. Further, the back panel (270) contains a magnet (295), which engages with metal plate (265) when the back panel is attached. However, it is also possible to arrange the metal plate (265) on the back panel and the magnet on the vaping device. The back panel is held in place tightly by the concerted effect of the magnet/metal plate and locking pin/groove interaction.
The vaping device (200) allows for the delivery of a mixture of at least the vaporised liquid from the pod (10) and at least one substance from the substance storage capsule (255). The choice of neither the liquid nor the substance is particularly limited. It is within the scope of the invention to provide the same substance within the liquid from the pod (10) or to add the same or a different to the substance storage capsule (255).
After use, the filter member (250) is simply discarded. The filter member (250) may be considered the most soiled component of the vaping device because the filter member can come into contact with the consumer's saliva and can collect condensated e-liquid. Thus, the consumer experiences a fresh vaping experience every time a new filter member (250) is inserted. Additionally, storage of the separately provided e-liquid and substance is improved in the vaping device because the separate storage components can be optimised with the specific requirements in mind. For example, the material for the liquid storage chamber can be chosen to be optimal for the e-liquid without taking into account whether the material is suitable for the substance and vice versa. Moreover, filter members (250) and pods (10) can be stored under storage conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure, that are optimal for each component. It is also of importance that a shorter shelf life of one component does not dictate the shelf life of all consumables. While the e-liquid of the known vaping devices can only be stored for the shelf life of the component having the shortest shelf life, the separately stored consumables for vaping device (200) can be individually stored for the respective shelf lives. Further, vaping device (200) is easy to clean and store.
Fig. 6A shows a cross section of vaping device (200) with the pod (10) inserted and external tabs (20, 20') resting within receiving sections (220). Battery (330) is provided in battery section (320). The battery (330) is preferably rechargeable without removal from the battery compartment, for example, through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable. However, it is also possible to provide a removable rechargeable or disposable battery to power the vaping device.
Filter holder (310) replacably holds filter member (250). Further, filter holder (310) is fluidly connected to vaping core (60). The filter member (250) is held securely in the filter holder (310). A part of the filter member (250) sticks out of the housing of the vaping device to allow the consumer to draw in the vaporised liquid in the direction of arrow A. In a preferred embodiment, the filter member (250) is formed as a filter member, wherein the curved cylindrical surface of the filter member is covered with a paper material similar or identical to traditional filters for filter cigarettes, whereas the flat ends are uncovered to allow passage of an air flow. Thus, the vaping experience with vaping device (200) is very similar to a traditional cigarette because the filter member provides the same feel to a consumer when the consumer's lips contact the filter. Moreover, the air flow through the filter member is restricted in the same or similar manner as through the filter of a traditional cigarette, so that the consumer experiences drawing air through the filter as being identical or similar. However, in another preferred embodiment, the filter member (250) is formed as a hollow cylinder, i.e., as a mouth piece.
Fig. 6B shows the front side of the vaping device (200). Three LED lights (340) are provided as status indicators. For example, the LED signals can indicate whether battery (330) is charged, charging, or discharged. Further, the LED lights can indicate whether the e-liquid in pod (10) is depleted.
The filter member (250) is replaceable. In case the filter member (250) is made from a porous material, the filter member is disposable. When formed as a hollow cylinder, the filter member can be removed to allow for easy cleaning.
Typically, the substance embedded in substance storage capsule (255) is a flavour compound, a medicament, or a vitamin. The filter member can be made from a micro-porous, medium density foam, which typically has a diameter from 5 mm to 10 mm, more typically 6 mm to 8 mm, and even more typically of 7.4 mm. Preferably, the filter member has a length from 35 to 50 mm, more preferably 40 to 45 mm, and even more preferably of 43 mm. The at least one substance storage capsule (255) typically has a diameter from 1 to 9 mm, preferably from 2 to 5 mm, and more preferably of 3 mm. However, other dimensions of the filter member may also be chosen.
The liquid storage compartment (70) typically has a storage volume from 0.2 ml to 3 ml, preferably 0.5 ml to 2 ml, and more preferably of 1.5 ml. According to yet another preferred embodiment, battery (330) has a capacity from 100 mAh to 2,000 mAh, preferably from 350 mAh to 1,000 mAh, and more preferably of 830 mAh.
Fig. 7A shows filter member (250) along a longitudinal cross section with two embedded storage capsules (255). However, in another preferred embodiment exactly one storage capsule is embedded per filter member. The capsule or capsules can be ruptured before insertion into the filter holder (310). Fig. 7B shows filter member (250) in a transversal cross section along line B in Fig. 7A. Preferably, the storage capsules (255) are arranged along the cylinder axis of filter member (250).
The vaping device according to the invention can combine traditional elements of filtered cigarettes, such as the fitter member being made from a micro-porous, medium density foam material, with new vaping technology. Not only can the knowledge gained from employing the traditional elements of filter cigarettes over the years be relied on to make desirable products, but it is also possible to take advantage of the economy of scale by utilising the materials for the filter member that are also used for the productions of filter cigarettes.
The invention can provide a vaping experience that can be considered less harmful than traditional smoking and is equal to or even less harmful than current vaping products. In particular, the inventive vaping device not only avoids the use of burning tobacco like the current vaping products, but it also reduces or eliminates the use of at least some of the active ingredients and/or other substances of the e-liquids of the current vaping products. As an added benefit, the vaping device according to the invention is compact and simple to operate.
Moreover, the device and the method disclosed herein are suitable for the delivery of chemical substances other than or in addition to nicotine. The kind of substance is not particularly limited, as long as the substance is vaporisable, i.e. mixable with the vaporised liquid component. For example, the device and method are suitable for the delivery of vaporisable drugs for treating respiratory conditions. Moreover, the substances can be provided in pure, dissolved or suspended form.
The type of the substance stored in the at least one substance storage capsule (255) is not restricted in any way. The substance can be a flavour resembling or being identical to any of the flavours of traditional cigarettes, but may also include additional or alternative flavours, such as a fruit flavour. Further, the substance can be a compound other than a flavour, such as a vitamin or a medicament. In principle, the substance can be any compound with a beneficial effect on the consumer, such as, but not limited to, a medicine for treating respiratory ailments. It is merely necessary for the substance to be mixable with the vaporised liquid in the filter member. Although the substance can be a single chemical component, such as a flavour, it is noted that the flavour can be composed of a variety of different flavour compounds that jointly form the flavour and/or taste experienced by the consumer. Additionally, the substance storage capsules (255) may contain additives, such as colorants, preservatives, and fragrances. If there is more than one substance storage capsules (255) embedded in the filter member (250), the substances of the substance storage capsules (255) can be identical or can be different.
The consumer can switch to a different substance by simply replacing the filter member (250) with a filter member having a different substance to create a different vaping experience. Further, once the released substance has been consumed, the filter member (250) can be simply discarded. However, it is not necessary to replace the pod (10) to create the different vaping experience. Rather, the liquid storage pod (10) is only discarded after the liquid in the liquid storage compartment has been consumed.
Fig. 8 shows a preferred method (400) of the invention for operating a vaping device (200), i.e. inserting and exchanging a pod (10). In a first step (410), a pod (10) inserted into the vaping device (200) is provided. Subsequently, in step (420) the consumer presses downward on external tab (20) to dislocate the pod along its longitudinal axis. Now, external tab (20') is pointing upward and away from the pod storage compartment (240). In step (430), the consumer can push external tab (20') even further and/or lift the pod (10) out of the pod storage compartment (240). In optional step (440), a new pod (10) is inserted into the pod storage compartment (240). The entire removal, and, if desired replacement, takes only a few seconds. Nonetheless, the pod can be reliably replaced numerous times, whereby the correct orientation in the use position is ensured.
The pod (10) is 100% leak free during storage and when inserted in the vaping device (200). There are also no leaks during insertion of the pod because the concerted action of the spring loaded contact points (230) and the connector (210) holds the pod (10) safely in the pod storage compartment (240). Moreover, the liquid can only be extracted when the pod is inserted into the vaping device.
The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure illustrates and describes the present invention. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only the exemplary embodiments but, as mentioned above, it is to be understood that the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings and/or the skill or knowledge of the related art.
The term "comprising" (and its grammatical variations) as used herein is used in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including" and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of." The terms "a" and "the" as used herein are understood to encompass the plural as well as the singular.

Reference list

10: Pod
20,20': External Tab
30: Airflow Hole
40,40': Plug
50: Heating Coil
60: Vaping Core
70: Liquid Storage Compartment
80: Silicone Disc
90: Battery Connection Points
100: Receiving Bore
110: Vaping Core End Section
200: Vaping Device
210: Connector
220: Receiving Section
230: Contact Point
240: Pod Storage Compartment
250: Filter member
255: Embedded Storage Capsule
260: Groove
265: Metal Plate
270: Back Panel
280: Locking Pin
290: Air hole
295: Magnet
310: Filter Holder
320: Battery Section
330: Battery
340: LED Light
400: Flow Chart
410: Inserting pod into vaping device
420: Pressing on external tab
430: Removing pod from vaping device
440: Inserting new pod into vaping device
A: Insertion Direction
B: Line

Claims

A vaping device (200) comprising:
a filter holder (310) designed to hold a filter member (250);

a battery compartment (320) including at least two contact points (230); and

a pod storage compartment (240) arranged between the filter holder (310) and the contact points (230),

characterised in that the pod storage compartment (240) has a receiving section (220) designed to receive an external tab (20, 20') of a pod (10).
The vaping device (200) according to claim 1, characterised in that the receiving section (220) is designed to permit a downward push on an external tab (20) of a pod (10) stored in the pod storage compartment (240) to dislocate the pod (10).
The vaping device (200) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one, preferably one or two substance storage capsule/s (255) designed as (a) compartment/s for storing at least one substance, wherein the at least one, preferably one or two substance storage capsule/s (255) is/are preferably embedded in a filter member (250).
The vaping device (200) according to claim 3, characterised in that the at least one substance is at least one of a flavour compound, a medicament, or a vitamin.
The vaping device (200) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a connector (210), characterized in that the connector (210) is hollow and in that an inlet end of the filter holder (310) is arranged within the connector.
The vaping device (200) according to claim 5, characterised in that the connector (210) is made from an elastic material, preferably rubber, more preferably a silicone rubber.
The vaping device (200) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact points (230) are spring loaded.
A pod (10) for a vaping device (200) comprising:
- a liquid storage compartment (70);

- a heating coil (50);

- at least two battery connection points (90); and

- a vaping core (60),
characterised in that the pod (10) has an external tab (20).
The pod (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the pod (10) comprises two external tabs (20, 20') being arranged on opposite sides of the pod (10).
The pod (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the pod (10) has a receiving bore (100) arranged on a side opposite to the battery connection points (90).
The pod according to claim 10, characterized in that an end section (110) of the vaping core (60) is arranged within the receiving bore (100).
The pod according to any of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the pod (10) has an elliptical cross-section.
The pod (10) according to any of claims 8 to 12, characterised in that the liquid storage compartment (70) is designed as a compartment for storing a vaporisable liquid component, preferably for storing a vaporisable liquid component containing at least one active ingredient, the active ingredient preferably being selected from a group consisting of nicotine, nicotine salts, cannabidiol (CBD), and terpenes, in particularly preferably consisting of nicotine.
A method of operating a vaping device (200), the method comprising the steps of:
providing a vaping device (200) including:
a filter holder (310);

a battery compartment (320) including at least two contact points (230);

a pod storage compartment (240) arranged between the filter holder (310) and the contact points (230); and

a receiving section (220) for an external tab (20, 20') of the pod (10);

inserting a filter member (250) into the filter holder (310);

inserting a pod (10) into the vaping device (200), the pod (10) including:
a liquid storage compartment (70);

a heating coil (50);

at least two battery connection points (90);

a vaping core (60); and

the external tab (20);

vaporising at least some of the liquid stored in the storage compartment (70);

pushing the external tab (20) into the receiving section to dislocate the pod (10); and

removing the pod (10) from the pod storage compartment (240).
The method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of:
rupturing a storage capsule (255) embedded in the filter member (250).