EP4000428A1

EP4000428A1 - A disposable capsule unit for use in a vaping device

Info

Publication number: EP4000428A1
Application number: EP20207477.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Joao Seco; Broderick COBURN
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2020-11-13
Filing date: 2020-11-13
Publication date: 2022-05-25

Abstract

The present invention relates to a disposable capsule unit (20) for use in a vaping device (40), wherein the capsule unit (20) comprises an elongated body with a longitudinal axis (A), having a mouth end (21) and a distal end (22) located opposite to the mouth end (21), wherein the capsule unit (20) is attachable to the vaping device (40), comprising a casing defining the elongated body, having a cavity (23) for retaining a quantity of a liquid solution (29); a longitudinal channel (25) provided within the cavity (23) of the casing parallel to the longitudinal axis (A), extending from the mouth end (21) thereof; a receiving portion (24) located adjacent to the distal end (22) configured to accommodate an atomizer of the vaping device (40); at least one, two, three, four or more resealable valves (28) provided circumferentially around the longitudinal channel (25) for controlling the flow of liquid solution such that the liquid solution vaporized by the atomizer travels along the longitudinal channel (25) towards the mouth end (21).

Description

Technical field of the invention

Present invention relates to products for smoking, and more particularly relates to an electronic cigarette and its use.

Background of the invention

An electronic cigarette has becoming an alternative to the conventional cigarette, in which many different forms may present in the electronic cigarette such as vaping, heat but not burn and etc.
Generally, the electronic cigarette may include an atomizer or a heating chamber powered for instance by a battery device to release aerosol and/or smoke. In some examples, heating wire may be disposed within the atomizer device such that the liquid solution in the tank can be vaporized by the atomizer device. The electronic cigarette device often comprises an integrated tank within the device. Liquid solution can be re-filled into the tank whenever necessary.
In such type of electronic cigarette where an atomizer is provided within the tank, the liquid solution is constantly fed to the atomizer such as via a capillary element. Such type of electronic cigarettes are thus capable of constantly vaporizing e-liquid when the atomizer is being activated.
The tank for containing the liquid solution in some instances may be contaminated with impurities or other unwanted substances. Moreover, if the tank is repeatedly used, tobacco residues may be accumulated within the tank, thereby reducing the performance of the electronic cigarette.
Therefore a new solution to overcome at least part of the above-posed problems. Also it is desirable to have a seal which is capable of multiple times of usage and can be tightly closed when not in use.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect, the invention proposed herein relates to a disposable capsule unit for use in a vaping device, wherein the capsule unit comprises an elongated body with a longitudinal axis, having a mouth end and a distal end located opposite to the mouth end, wherein the capsule unit is attachable to the vaping device, comprising a casing defining the elongated body, having a cavity for retaining a quantity of a solution, a longitudinal channel provided within the cavity of the casing parallel to the longitudinal axis, extending from the mouth end thereof, a receiving portion located adjacent to the distal end configured to accommodate an atomizer of the vaping device, at least one, two, three, four or more re-sealable valves provided circumferentially around the longitudinal channel for controlling the flow of liquid solution such that the liquid solution vaporized by the atomizer travels along the longitudinal channel towards the mouth end.
A second aspect relates to an electronic cigarette system or a kit comprising a disposable capsule unit according to any one of the preceding claims, connectable through the receiving portion of the capsule unit to an atomizer of a vaping device; a vaping device comprising a body portion comprising an electrical component, including a battery unit; an atomizer for generating an inhalable aerosol mist from a solution, wherein the atomizer is configured to open the at least one re-sealable valves of the disposable capsule unit when the capsule unit is mounted to the vaping device. For example, the atomizer is configured in such a way that the re-resealable valves are slightly bulged or pushed by the atomizer so that liquid is released and vaporized by the atomizer; optionally a mouthpiece with an aerosol mist outlet.
The capsule unit according to the present invention is disposable, hence eliminating the problem of low performance of the e-cigarette due to accumulated impurities or unwanted substances within the capsule unit. Moreover, the re-sealable valves of the capsule unit are designed to function properly for multiple times of mounting and dismounting from the vaping device. The fact that the capsule unit is disconnectable from the vaping device made it possible to experience different kinds of liquid solutions (e.g. having different flavours, or nicotine concentrations).
Additionally, without the presence of the re-sealable valve, the e-liquid eventually evaporates, as well as the nicotine, which greatly impairs the effectiveness of the e-liquid as well as the user's experience. Also, lack of a re-sealable valve allows ambient air moisture to enter the cavity of the capsule unit, which could alter the flavour of the e-liquid. The re-sealable valves according to the present invention comprises one or more slit that could be tightly closed when not in use such the leakage of the liquid solution can be prevented.
In a preferred embodiment, the re-sealable valves are provided at the same axial plane circumferentially of the longitudinal channel. This allows higher volume and/or concentration of vapour to be generated.
In one embodiment, the re-sealable valves are provided next to the receiving portion, preferably within 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, 8 mm or 5 mm of the distal end of the disposable capsule unit. Such configuration ensures that almost all of the liquid solution can be used and vaporized by the vaping device. In some types of capsule units, some liquid will remain within the tank or the capsule as the liquid solution could not reach the atomizer.
In another embodiment, each re-sealable valve comprises a deformable membrane with at least one slit. The slit acts as an opening to allow liquid solution to be released from the capsule unit when a force is applied to the deformable membrane.
According to some preferred embodiments, the capsule unit has an approximately cuboid or cylindrical shape. Such shape is not only ergonomic but also allows higher volume of liquid solution to be stored within the capsule unit.
According to some preferred embodiments, the capsule unit contains a quantity of liquid solution that enables at least one session of use and to prime the solution, wherein the quantity of the liquid solution for one session is assumed to be approximately 0.1 ml. This embodiment is especially suitable for certain liquid solution which are not heavily used e.g. with strong flavour or high concentration of nicotine or being added some additional substances.
According to some preferred embodiments, the re-sealable valves comprise crossed slit valves, wherein the crossed slit valves are initially connected but at least partially ruptured when the disposable capsule unit is used for the first time where an external force or a displacement transverse to the crossed slit valve is applied against the re-sealable valves. The re-sealable valves of the capsule unit may be made of an elastomeric material e.g. a silicone. The slit area may be thinned compared to other flap region so that the slit can be easily ruptured or torn, thus forming the re-sealable valves.
In one preferred embodiment, slit of the crossed slit valves define the outline of flaps which are designed to compressed against or project towards each other along the slit to form the re-sealable valves. Thanks this feature, the re-sealable valves of the capsule unit are liquid tight when the capsule unit is not mounted and connected with the vaping device, even though the slit of the capsule unit are ruptured.
According to some preferred embodiments, the flaps are configured to projecting towards or compress against each other upon the opening lines are ruptured, serving as re-sealable valves to control-release of the solution.
According to some preferred embodiments, the capsule unit further comprises an identifier, the identifier is provided to communicate with a reader to indicate information about a number of sessions performed, the quantity of liquid solution and/or about the quality of liquid solution contained in the capsule unit. This identifier serves as a smart tag and can be provided in form of a memory chip.
According to some preferred embodiments, the capsule unit is formed by a rigid casing of a thermoplastic material.
According to some preferred embodiments, the disposable capsule unit is at least partially made of a material selected from the group consisting of biomaterials, recyclable materials and compostable materials.
According to some preferred embodiments, the mouthpiece is disposable and provides a mouthpiece casing configured to securely connect to the capsule unit disposed within.
According to some preferred embodiments, the capsule unit is securely connected to the vaping device by coupling means comprising one of a friction assembly, a snap-fit assembly and a snap-lock assembly to be opened by a tab to be pushed and/or a magnetic assembly.
According to some preferred embodiments, the atomizer is configured as a protrusion part extending from the body portion of the vaping device and configured to be received by the re-sealable valves in the receiving portion of the disposable capsule unit.
According to some preferred embodiments, the atomizer comprises a metallic coil coated with a ceramic layer such that the liquid solution transport from the capsule unit to the atomizer is provided at least partially by means of capillary effect.
According to some preferred embodiments, the metallic coil coated with the ceramic layer is arranged inside the receiving portion of the capsule unit.
By "about" or "approximately" in relation to a given numerical value, it is meant to include numerical values within 10% of the specified value. All values given in the present disclosure are to be understood to be complemented by the word "about", unless it is clear to the contrary from the context.
The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, thus should be treated broadly.
Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
A tobacco-containing substrate can be any compound, mixture, particle matter, material and/or solution that contains and/or carries a constituent of tobacco, either artificially included or naturally contained in tobacco, e.g. tobacco, tobacco particles, tobacco flavor and/or nicotine. In contrast, an example for an artificially added non-tobacco-specific flavor would be menthol or fruit flavour.
As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an aerosol-generating article for producing an aerosol comprising an aerosol-generating material that is intended to be heated rather than combusted in order to release volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article can be liquid solution such as e-juice or a heat-not-burn article which is not combustible but only being heated.
As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating" refers to a material, upon heating, capable of releasing volatile compounds, which can form an aerosol. The aerosol generated from aerosol-generating material of aerosol-generating articles described herein may be visible or invisible and may include vapours (for example, fine particles of substances, which are in a gaseous state, that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as gases and liquid droplets of condensed vapours.
The term "non-combustible" refers to an element made of material that does not ignite when exposed to a flame for at least a few seconds (or close to a minute). The term can be used interchangeably with the term "non-flammable" or "non-ignitable". Noteworthy, non-flammable e.g. cigarette papers refer to cigarette papers with a self-extinguishing property. It does not mean the paper does not combust at all. In some instances, less good non-combustible elements become brownish when exposed to a flame or high temperature for an extensive period of time before it starts igniting or combusting. For instance, a paper can be burnt, under optimum conditions, with an igniting temperature higher than 250 °C. In the present invention, the non-combustible portion comprising non-combustible filler material is capable of withstanding heating temperature of at least 600 °C or at least 1000 °C and the elements remained not flammable.
An aerosol-forming agent can be any compound, mixture and/or solution that is capable of forming an aerosol, e.g. when heated and/or in mixture with a tobacco-containing agent. Well known examples include humectants such as glycerin and propylene glycol, other alcohols, such as ethanol, etc.
An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or similar devices like electronic pipes or heat-not-burn devices, as referred to in the present invention, are not particularly limited, and may be used to provide a user with an aerosol to inhale. It can, according to certain embodiments, comprise a mouthpiece, a heater, a container e.g. a pod, stick, capsule and a casing which may be integrated within the device or may be an independent component which may comprise of a receiving portion to be connected with the electronic device.
As used herein, wt.-% is to be understood as weight percent, based on the total weight of the material, without water content, unless explicitly otherwise specified. In the present disclosure, all amounts are given in wt.-%, unless clearly stated otherwise or obvious from context. In the present disclosure, furthermore all amounts given in wt.-% add up to 100 wt.-%. The weight percent are thereby calculated by dividing the mass of each component by the total mass, unless indicated otherwise or clear from context.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the disposable capsule unit of the present invention and an exemplary vaping device.
Figures 2A and 2B shows an exemplary method of use of the disposable capsule unit according to a first embodiment.
Figure 3 shows a close-up perspective view (without an external casing) of the longtiudinal channel having re-sealable valves according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 4A and 4B show a cross sectional side view of the re-sealable valves according to the second embodiment.
Figures 5 shows a close-up cross sectional side view (without casing) of a longtiudinal channel having two different re-sealable valves according to the first and the second embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 6A and 6B show an exemplary method of use of the disposable capsule unit according to a fourth embodiment.

Detailed description of the invention

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an integrated electronic cigarette system 100 comprising a disposable capsule unit 20 and a vaping device 40. The disposable capsule unit 20 comprises a substantially elongated body with a longitudinal axis A, having a longitudinal channel 25 parallel to the longitudinal axis A and is axially aligned with the vaping device 40 where the capsule unit 20 can be connected to the atomizer region. A cavity 23 containing liquid solution such as a mixture of glycerin, propylene glycol and nicotine is contained within the elongated body of the capsule unit 20.
The capsule unit 20 according to the invention comprises a mouth end 21 (or proximal end) and a distal end 22, wherein the longitudinal channel 25 may be extended from an end to an end, or extended from the mouth end 21 to an area slightly away from the distal end 22. The longitudinal channel 25 may have a circular cross section, oval, square, rectangular or any other shape. However, the circular cross section is the most preferred option. In other words, the channel 25 may comprise an proximal air exit and/or a distal air exit for the circulation of air flow. One or more re-sealable valves 28 are provided to the circumferential of the longitudinal channel 25, wherein two, three or four re-sealable valves are the more preferred options. All of the re-sealable valves are preferably provided at a similar axial plane/transverse plane of the longitudinal channel 25 so that the liquid solution can be vaporized by the atomizer of the vaping device 40 by passing through those re-sealable valves 28 located at the same axial plane. Nevertheless, the re-sealable valves can also be provided at different axial plane along the longitudinal channel 25 (e.g. embodiment shown in the Figure 6). The distal end 22 forms at least partially with the receiving portion 24 where the receiving portion is configured to engage with the atomizer of the vaping device 40.
The method of use of the disposable capsule unit 20 is demonstrated in Figures 2A and 2B. As can be seen in the cross sectional view of the disposable capsule unit 20, two re-sealable valves 28 are provided circumferentially at the longitudinal channel 25 where the longitudinal channel 25 extends from the mouth end 21 to the distal end 22. The longitudinal channel 25 shown in this embodiment is provided in form of a trapezoid when viewed from a vertical cross section where the diameter of the longitudinal channel 25 is smaller at the mouth end 21 compared to the distal end 22. In other words, a cone-shaped longitudinal channel 25 is provided to the capsule unit 20 where the mouth end 21 has a smaller diameter while the distal end 22 comprises a larger diameter so that it serves as a receiving portion 24 for connecting with the atomizer 42 of the vaping device 40. Of course, the channel may not be necessary conical along its all length but may be so along only a portion extending from the distal end whereas the portion at the mouth end may be cylindrical.Tobacco-containing substance which may be provided to the liquid solution 29 is contained within the cavity 23 of the capsule unit 20. The cavity 23 can be annular and provided about the channel 25 and communicates with the re-sealable valves 28. The capsule unit 20 may comprise at most 10 ml of the liquid solution, preferably between 1 ml and 5 ml.
The re-sealable valves 28 of the capsule unit 20 are operable for fluid-atomizer communication where the re-sealable valves 28 can temporarily be opened by a protrusion 44 or the like of the atomizer 42. The protrusion 44 or the prong-like structure of the vaping device 40 serves as a pusher to temporarily engage with the re-sealable valves 28, thereby allowing the release of the liquid solution contained within the capsule unit 20. For the sake of clarity, it is mentioned that the plurality of "beads" or circles on Figures 2 and 6 represent the atomizer as the figures are shown in a cross-section.
The re-sealable valves 28 according to all of the embodiments of the present invention comprise at least one slit, preferably provided with crossed slit which define the outline of the flaps of the re-sealable valves 28. The flaps 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d are designed to be made of a material stiff enough to compress against or project towards each other along the slit to form the re-sealable valves 28. The re-sealable valves 28 are preferably made of silicone or thermoplastic elastomer for instance.
The vaping device 40 comprises predominantly a body 46 where electronic components as well as a battery unit may be housed therein. Furthermore, a heat generating component such as an atomizer is provided to an end of the vaping device. The atomizer region forms a region for the connection and engagement of the receiving portion 24 of the disposable capsule unit 20 (see Figures 2A and 2B). The atomizer is preferably located in a receiving cavity 23 of the vaping device 40.
Figure 3 demonstrates a perspective view of the longitudinal channel 25 where the casing of the capsule unit is removed for easy illustration. Two re-sealable valves 28 are provided at the same axial plane of the longitudinal channel 25. A crossed slit 150 of the re-sealable valves 28 can be seen provided on the re-sealable valves 28, forming the outlines of the four flaps, though only two flaps 28a, 28b can be seen completely in one re-sealable valves 28. In other words, the re-sealable valves 28 appear to be in form of a bud where the slits define an outline of the flaps of the resealable valves 28 for fluid communication with the atomizer of the vaping device. The re-sealable valves 28 are preferably provided further away from the mouth end 21 e.g. at the bottom half of the longitudinal channel 25.
The re-sealable valves 28 of the present invention is most preferably made of an elastomeric material e.g. a flexible and/or stretchable material such as rubber or silicone, so that when the pod is connected to the device, protrusions of the heating element (atomizer) rupture the half-connected resealable valve. This in turn leads to the formation of the slit 150 to allow fluid communication which upon contact with the atomizer, the liquid solution is vaporized by the atom izer.
To this end, it is mentioned that the distance of the slit 150 is intentionally drawn out of scale to show that there is a separation between the flaps 128a, b, c, d for a better visual purpose.
Figures 4A and 4B show a side view of a further variant of the second embodiment of the re-sealable valves 128. The flaps 128a, 128b are partially connected (X) initially when the capsule unit 20 has never been used before (Figure 4A). In other words, the flaps of a resealable valve 128 of a new and unused capsule unit 20 are joint by a lower half and a slit or a cut is provided at the upper half of the resealable valve 128), which the re-sealable valve 128 is formed when a protrusion or the prong-like structure (cf. 44 in Figures 2A and 2B) of the atomizer 42 penetrates through the re-sealable valves 128 (Figure 4B).
When the rupture occurs (during the insertion of the pod to the atomizer 42), the slit 150 of the re-sealable valves 128 which are partially connected are ruptured, yet the ruptured ends are in contact (having no gap, see Fig 4B) and are close enough to prevent the liquid solution to be drained out unintentionally under the ready-to-use condition (e.g. capsule unit is separated from the vaping device, or when the capsule unit is connected to the vaping device but the air pressure of the longitudinal channel is normal). Due to the capillary action conferred predominantly by the atomizer 42, fluid communication with the atomizer 42 is realised and thus the liquid solution is vaporized, releasing vapour and/or aerosol.
When such condition is created, the flaps e.g. 128a, 128b are projecting against each other but remained closed (thus forming a sealable valve). In some instance, with a small distance but sufficiently small to prevent the leak of liquid from the capsule. To this end, it is disclosed that typically a crossed slit 150 forming four flaps is preferred. Nevertheless, other number of flaps would be possible e.g. 2, 3, 5 6, 8 or 10 flaps. The flaps form a dome-shaped structure of the re-sealable valve 128 which may appear like a dispensing valve of a honey bottle. Due to the material and the structure of the flaps, the shape and position of the flaps are remained upon ruptured of the slit where the flaps are configured to compressed against or project towards each other along the slit 150 to form the dome-like shape of the re-sealable valve128.
In this connection, it is envisaged that the two different types of re-sealable valves 28, 128 according to the first and second embodiments can also be provided to a capsule unit 20 as shown in Figure 5 instead of having only one type of re-sealable valves in a capsule unit 20. This has the advantage of encouraging different rate of fluid communication as different users may prefer different rate of fluid communication where the volume of vaporized liquid solution is obtained depending on the rate of fluid communication.
In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the disposable capsule unit 320 is largely similar to the first embodiment of the capsule unit 20 with the exception that the longitudinal channel 325 does not extend from the mouth end 321 to the distal end but rather it terminates slightly away from the distal end. Furthermore, two re-sealable valves 328 which are axially aligned e.g. one on top and another is positioned beneath (see Figure 6A) are provided to the capsule unit 320. Under normal condition (e.g. when the capsule unit 320 is not connected to the vaping device 40), a layer of the liquid solution 329 are present in between the two re-sealable valves 328.
In other words, the two re-sealable valves 328 are provided at the receiving portion 324 of the capsule unit 320 where the receiving portion 324 serves as a part to receive and engage with the atomizer region of the vaping device 40.
When the disposable capsule unit 320 is connected to the vaping device 40, the atomizer 42 penetrates both the re-sealable valves 328, thus allowing a fluid communication with the atomizer. Vapour and/or aerosol is thereby created and travelled from the distal end towards the mouth end (see bold arrowhead in Figure 6B).

Claims

A disposable capsule unit (20) for use in a vaping device (40), wherein the capsule unit (20) comprises an elongated body with a longitudinal axis (A), having a mouth end (21) and a distal end (22) located opposite to the mouth end (21), wherein the capsule unit (20) is attachable to the vaping device (40), comprising
a casing defining the elongated body, having a cavity (23) for retaining a quantity of a liquid solution (29),
a longitudinal channel (25) provided within the cavity (23) of the casing parallel to the longitudinal axis (A), extending from the mouth end (21) thereof,
a receiving portion (24) located adjacent to the distal end (22) configured to accommodate an atomizer (42) of the vaping device (40),
at least one, two, three, four or more re-sealable valves (28) provided circumferentially around the longitudinal channel (25) for controlling the flow of liquid solution such that the liquid solution vaporized by the atomizer travels along the longitudinal channel (25) towards the mouth end (21).
The disposable capsule unit (20) according to claim 1, wherein the re-sealable valves (28) are provided at the same axial plane circumferentially of the longitudnal channel (25).
The disposable capsule unit (20) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the re-sealable valves (28) are provided next to the receiving portion (24), preferably within 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, 8 mm or 5 mm of the distal end (22) of the disposable capsule unit (20).
The disposable capsule unit (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (23) of the capsule unit (20) contains a quantity of liquid solution (29) that enables at least one session of use and to prime the solution, wherein the quantity of the liquid solution for one session is assumed to be approximately 0.1 ml.
The disposable capsule unit (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule unit (20) is connectable at the mouth end (21) with an aerosol mist outlet.
The disposable capsule unit (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule unit (20) further comprises a mouthpiece formed integrally at the mouth end (21).
The disposable capsule unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each re-sealable valve comprises a deformable membrane with at least one slit.
The disposable capsule unit (20) according to claim 7, wherein the re-sealable valves (28) comprise crossed slit valves, wherein the crossed slit valves are initially connected but at least partially ruptured when the disposable capsule unit (20) is used for the first time where an external force or a displacement transverse to the crossed slit valve is applied or exerted against the re-sealable valves.
The disposable capsule unit (20) according to claim 10, wherein slit (150) of the crossed slit valves define the outline of flaps (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d) which are designed to compressed against or project towards each other along the slit (150) to form the re-sealable valves (28).
The capsule unit (20) for use in a vaping device according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the flaps (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d) are configured to project towards or compress against each other upon the slit (150) are ruptured, serving as re-sealable valves (28) to control-release of the solution.
The capsule unit (20) for use in a vaping device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule unit (20) further comprises an identifier, the identifier is provided to communicate with a reader to indicate information about a number of sessions performed, the quantity of liquid solution and/or about the quality of liquid solution contained in the capsule unit (20).
An electronic cigarette system comprising
- a disposable capsule unit (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, connectable through the receiving portion (24) of the capsule unit (20) to an (42) atomizer of a vaping device (40);

- a vaping device (40) comprising:
- a body portion comprising an electrical component, including a battery unit,

- an atomizer (42) for generating an inhalable aerosol mist from a solution, wherein the atomizer (42) is configured to open the at least one resealable valve (28) when the capsule unit (20) is mounted to the vaping device (40).

- optionally a mouthpiece with an aerosol mist outlet.
The vaping device (40) according to claim 14, wherein the mouthpiece is disposable and provides a mouthpiece casing configured to securely connect to the capsule unit (20) disposed within.