GB2574607A - Mouthpiece holder - Google Patents

Abstract

A testing instrument (10, figure 1) for testing electronic nicotine delivery systems is disclosed. The testing instrument comprises suction means (22, figure 1) for drawing air through a testing sample (i.e cigarette, cigar, e-cigarette) comprising nicotine, and a holder 12 for holding a mouthpiece of the sample. The holder comprises a flexible tube 24 that can rotate with respect to an outer tube 26 to form an iris closure around the mouthpiece of a sample. Ideally the flexible and outer tubes and co-axial. The instrument may comprise a ratchet mechanism 52 to allow for rotation in one direction only. Preferably, the holder is removable from the instrument. There is also disclosed a method of using the instrument.

Description

MOUTHPIECE HOLDER

The present invention relates to a holder for holding the mouthpiece of a product under test, and in particular a holder which can allow the mouthpiece to be held in a substantially airtight fashion. The invention has particular, but not exclusive, application with a testing instrument for testing an inhalation device such as a vaping device or an inhaler.

Vaping devices, also known as Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, or personal vaporisers, have been developed mainly as a response to the health risks associated with smoking tobacco.

Vaping devices work by vaporising a liquid which is then inhaled by the user. Vaping devices typically comprise a mouthpiece, a tank, an atomizer, a control unit, and a battery. The liquid to be vaporised (the “e-liquid” or “e-juice”) is contained in the tank. The atomizer comprises a wicking material that draws the e-liquid onto a heating element. When the user pushes a button or activates a pressure sensor by inhaling, the heating element atomises the e-liquid to create an aerosolized vapour which is inhaled by the user.

With the number of users of vaping devices increasing, there is an increasing need to analyse the vapour produced by such devices for regulatory and quality control purposes. Analytical vaping machines have therefore been developed for such studies. Vaping machines typically puff or “vape” one or more e-cigarettes in order to produce a vapour stream which can then be analysed.

Vaping device emissions are the subject of legislation in an increasing number of countries worldwide and standards have been and continue to be developed to test such products on standardised machines. This requires that the device under test is held in the machine and then puffed in a highly controlled manner. In order to produce consistent results, the holding and connection to the puffing machine must be leak tight.

The name “e-cigarette” implies a device that is cylindrical and outwardly similar in form to a cigarette. However, vaping devices are often characterised by their innovative designs, styles and forms. These vary from units that are activated by the flow of air drawn to those that are activated by pressing a button. Thus, in practice, vaping devices can be many different shapes, for example, from pebble shapes to conical forms. In particular the size and shape of the mouthpiece can vary considerably with the aim of improving user comfort and experience.

Conventional smoking machines, which are used to test smoking articles such as cigarettes, typically comprise a set of flexible silicone or neoprene seals to hold the smoking article. The seals consist of a membrane with a hole punched into it that closely, but not exactly, matches the diameter of the cigarette. This allows the cigarette to be held firmly yet gently in place for the puffing process.

The holders used in a convention smoking machine may be adequate for holding vaping devices which are cigarette shaped or where the mouthpiece is generally cylindrical and small in nature. The holders can even be modified for mouthpieces that are moderately oval by cutting an oval hole in the membrane. However, the holders may fail where the mouthpiece is some other shape, such as tetrahedral, square section, or excessively oval, or one of a number of other shapes that cannot be held by a simple hole. Furthermore, conventional holders are not easily adapted to hold different types of mouthpiece.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a holder with the flexibility to be used on a variety of different mouthpiece forms. Additionally, it would be desirable for the holder to be reusable, easy fitting and/or to form reliable leak tight seals.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a holder for holding a mouthpiece of a product under test, the holder comprising:

a tube of flexible material, the tube defining an aperture for receiving the mouthpiece; and a twisting mechanism which allows one end of the tube to be rotated with respect to the other, thereby to adjust the size of the aperture.

The present invention may provide the advantage that, by providing a holder comprising a tube of flexible material, and a twisting mechanism which allows one end of the tube to be rotated with respect to the other, it may be possible for the aperture to form around mouthpieces having various different shapes and/or sizes. This can allow various different mouthpieces to be held during tests.

Preferably, rotating one end of the tube with respect to the other end causes the aperture to close around the mouthpiece. For example, the aperture may be arranged to form a seal about the mouthpiece, which seal is preferably air tight. This can allow the mouthpiece to be held in an air tight manner, and thus may help to prevent leaks during testing.

Preferably the twisting mechanism is arranged such that one end of the tube can be rotated with respect to the other end about a notional axis running through the centre of the tube. This may help to ensure that the aperture is able to close around the mouthpiece and/or that the mouthpiece is held correctly. However it would also be possible for one end of the tube to be rotated in a plane which is at an angle to the axis, for example, if the mouthpiece is to be held at an angle.

Preferably the twisting mechanism has a hollow centre, and the tube of flexible material passes through the hollow centre. This can help to ensure that the aperture is able to close in around the mouthpiece. The hollow centre may be defined, for example, by a substantially cylindrical inner surface of at least part of the twisting mechanism.

Preferably the twisting mechanism comprises two counter rotatable parts. In this case, one end of the tube of flexible material may be attached to one counter rotatable part, and the other end of the tube may be attached to the other counter rotatable part. This can provide a convenient mechanism for rotating one end of the tube with respect to the other.

Preferably each counter rotatable part comprises a portion which is rotatably engaged with the other counter rotatable part, and a portion to which one end of the tube of flexible material is attached. Preferably at least a portion of each counter rotatably part is substantially annular.

In one embodiment, each counter rotatable part comprises a portion in the form of a hollow cylinder (preferably a circular hollow cylinder). In this case, the hollow cylindrical portion of one part may be located inside the hollow cylindrical portion of the other part. Thus, the outer part may have a cylindrical inner surface which interfaces with a cylindrical outer surface on the inner part. The tube of flexible material may pass through the centre of the hollow cylindrical portion of the inner part. This may provide a convenient mechanism for both holding the tube of flexible material, and allowing one end to be rotated with respect to the other.

However, other arrangements are also possible, and the two counter rotatable parts may engage with each other, for example, using a sliding tongue and groove type arrangement, or any other suitable arrangement which allows one part to be rotated with respect to the other.

At least one of the counter rotatable parts may comprise an annular flange for engagement with a respect end of the tube of flexible material. Preferably the annular flange extends outwards in a radial direction. The flange may also help to prevent axial movement between the two parts.

In order to help secure the tube to the twisting mechanism, at least one end of the tube of flexible material may comprise an annular lip, and the annular lip may engage with one of the counter rotatable parts. For example, where the counter rotatable part comprises a flange, the annular lip may engage with the flange. However, if desired, some other mechanism for securing the tube to the twisting mechanism, such as a clamping mechanism or a tie, may be used as well or instead.

Preferably the twisting mechanism comprises means for allowing rotation in one direction but not the other. This can help to ensure that, once the aperture has closed in around the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece can be held in place and/or the seal maintained.

The means for allowing rotation in one direction but not the other may comprise, for example, a ratchet mechanism. In this case the ratchet mechanism may comprise a plurality of teeth which engage with a pawl.

Preferably the means for allowing rotation in one direction but not the other is releasable. This can allow the holder to be reused and/or other products to be tested. For example, where the means for allowing rotation in one direction but not the other comprises a ratchet mechanism with a plurality of teeth which engage with a pawl, the pawl may be removable from the teeth in order to release the ratchet mechanism.

Where the twisting mechanism comprises two counter rotatable parts, the means for allowing rotation in one direction but not the other may be located between the two counter rotating parts.

The tube of flexible material is preferably in the form of a thin layer (or membrane) of material, preferably a flexible, elastic material. The thickness of the layer of material may be, for example, less than 1 mm or less than 0.5 mm, although other values could be used instead. Suitable materials for the flexible material are a silicone, a synthetic rubber, or an elastomer.

The holder may be arranged to form a seal around mouthpieces of different sizes and/or shapes. If desired, a plurality of different holders could be provided, with each holder arranged to hold a mouthpiece of a different size and/or shape, or range of sizes and/or shapes.

Preferably the holder is arranged to be fitted to a testing instrument. For example, where the twisting mechanism comprises two counter rotatable parts, one counter rotatable part may be arranged to be held by the testing apparatus, and the other counter rotatable part may be arranged to be rotated. This can allow the mouthpiece to be held and/or a seal to be formed around the mouthpiece during testing.

Preferably the holder is arranged to be removably fitted to the testing instrument. This can allow the holder to be replaced when it is worn and/or different holders to be used for mouthpieces of different sizes and/or shapes.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a testing instrument comprising a holder in any of the forms described above, and means for drawing air through the product under test.

In any of the above arrangements, the product under test may be an inhalation device, such as a vaping device or an inhaler. However, the holder may also be used with other types of products, such as conventional cigarettes.

Corresponding methods may also be provided. Thus, according to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming a seal around a mouthpiece of a product under test, the method comprising:

inserting the mouthpiece into a tube of flexible material, the tube defining an aperture for receiving the mouthpiece; and rotating one end of the tube with respect to the other end, thereby to close the aperture around the mouthpiece.

Features of one aspect of the invention may be provided with any other aspect. Apparatus features may be provided with method aspects and vice versa.

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an example of a typical testing instrument;

Figure 2 shows parts of a testing instrument incorporating a holder in an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows an example of a flexible membrane for use in an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 shows the flexible membrane of Figure 3 with one end twisted with respect to the other end;

Figure 5 is a cutaway diagram showing parts of the holder viewed in a radial direction; and

Figure 6 is a cutaway diagram showing parts of the holder viewed in an axial direction.

Figure 1 shows an example of a typical testing instrument. In this example, the testing instrument is a vaping machine which comprises eight ports for testing between one and eight vaping devices. A puffing mechanism is provided for drawing air through the vaping devices. The instrument may offer the user the ability to program a puffing routine for establishing delivery from various different devices. For example, the user may be able to select puff shape, volume, duration, interval and number of puffs taken, allowing capture on a filter pad or by impingers for off-line chemical analysis.

In a testing instrument such as that shown in Figure 1, it is necessary for each vaping device to be held at the mouthpiece with a leak free sealing mechanism, in order to ensure consistent test results. However, this is complicated by the fact that the shape and size of the mouthpiece may vary considerably between different vaping devices.

In embodiments of the present invention, a holder for holding the mouthpiece of a vaping device or other product under test comprises a flexible membrane made of silicone, neoprene or other flexible material. The membrane is twisted around the mouthpiece of the device, and so takes on the shape of the mouthpiece. The membrane when twisted creates a seal surface that is sufficiently large to prevent leakage around any mouthpiece form that may be inserted into the seal.

In preferred embodiments, the membrane is held in its twisted form by means of a ratchet mechanism which allows the membrane to form a seal around the vaping device and then hold it in place for the duration of any mechanical puffing test. The vaping device can be released by rotating the ratchet in the opposite direction or releasing a locking cam depending upon the detailed design. In order for the seal aperture to be formed it is necessary for one end of the flexible membrane to be twisted with respect to the other end of the membrane. This can be accomplished by anchoring the two ends of the membrane on two separate pieces that rotate with respect to each other.

Figure 2 shows parts of a testing instrument incorporating a holder in an embodiment of the invention. Referring to Figure 2, the testing instrument 10 comprises a holder 12 for holding an e-cigarette 14 or other vaping device, a

Cambridge filter pad holder 16 for holding a particulate capture filter 18, a gas transfer tube 20 and a puff engine 22. The puff engine 22 is operable to draw a series of puffs through the e-cigarette 14 via the transfer tube 20, filter pad holder 16 and holder 12.

In the arrangement of Figure 2, the holder 12 comprises a flexible membrane 24 which is attached to a twisting mechanism 26. The membrane 24 and twisting mechanism 26 operate to form a seal around the mouthpiece of the vaping device. The holder 12 is fitted to the Cambridge filter holder 16 by means of a push fit and O-ring seals.

Figure 3 shows an example of a flexible membrane for use in an embodiment of the invention. Referring to Figure 3, the membrane 24 is in the form of a tube with a substantially cylindrical centre portion 28 leading at each end to an outwardly tapering shoulder portion 30 and terminating at each end in a lip 32. In the arrangement shown the membrane is pre-formed into this shape, although it could be in the form of a simple tube that takes its shape when fitted to the twisting mechanism. The membrane 24 is made of a flexible, elastic material. Suitable materials for the membrane include silicones, such as polysiloxanes, or synthetic rubbers, such as neoprene, latex or other flexile elastomers.

Figure 3 shows the membrane in its relaxed state, with no twisting applied. In this state a relative large aperture 34 is formed through the centre of the membrane.

Figure 4 shows the flexible membrane of Figure 3 with one end twisted with respect to the other end. The twisting is achieved by rotating one end of the membrane with respect to the other end about a notional axis running through the centre of the cylindrical centre portion 28. Referring to Figure 4, it can be seen that, due to the twisting, the centre portion 28 closes in, thereby reducing the size of the aperture 34. Since the membrane is flexible and elastic, when it is twisted around the mouthpiece of a device, it takes on the shape of the mouthpiece.

Figure 5 is a cutaway diagram showing parts of the holder viewed in a radial direction. Referring to Figure 5, the holder 12 comprises flexible membrane 24 and twisting mechanism 26. The twisting mechanism 26 comprises outer part 36 and inner part 38.

The outer part 36 comprises a cylindrical main body 40, with a radially outwardly extending annular flange 42 at one end. The inside of the outer part 36 has a substantially cylindrical surface along most of its length, but with a radially inwards extending annular step 44 towards the end with the flange 42. The inside of the outer part 36 then tapers outwards in a substantially frusto-conical taper 45 from the step 44 to the end of the flange 42.

The inner part 38 comprises a cylindrical main body 46 with a radially outwardly extending annular flange 48 at one end. The outside of the inner part 38 is substantially cylindrical along most of its length, with a radially outwards extending step 50 towards the end with the flange 48.

The shape and dimensions of the outer part 36 and the inner part 38 are such that the cylindrical main body 46 of the inner part 38 fits inside the cylindrical main body 40 of the outer part 36. The fit is such as to allow the inner part and the outer part to rotate with respect to each other, while limiting the amount of play. The end of the inner part 38 abuts the step 44 on the inside of the outer part. The end 51 of the outer part 36 abuts the step 50 on the outside of the inner part. This prevents axial movement between the outer part 36 and the inner part 38 in one direction. Axial movement in the other direction is prevented or restricted by the membrane 24.

The membrane 24 extends through the centre of the inner part 38. One end of the membrane extends around the flange 48 at the end of the inner part, and the other end of the membrane extends around the flange 42 at the end of the outer part. The membrane is held in place at either end by rolling the lip of the membrane into a corresponding annular groove on the respective part. This provides sufficient friction to hold the membrane in place. However if desired the membrane could also be clamped in place or secured in some other way.

A ratchet mechanism 52 is provided between the outer part 36 and the inner part 38. The ratchet mechanism allows the inner part to rotate inside the outer part in one direction, but prevents rotation in the opposite direction until a release button is pushed.

Figure 6 is a cutaway diagram showing parts of the holder viewed in an axial direction. Visible in Figure 6 are outer part 36, inner part 38, and ratchet mechanism 52. The ratchet mechanism comprises a set of ratchet teeth 54 on the inner part which engage with a pawl 56 on the outer part. When the pawl is engaged, it allows the ratchet teeth to rotate in one direction but prevents rotation in the opposite direction. The ratchet mechanism is released by moving the pawl away from the teeth using a release button.

In use, the holder 12 is fitted to a testing instrument such as that shown in Figures 1 and 2. This is achieved by pushing the flange 48 at the end of the inner part 38 into a cooperating port on the testing instrument. The holder is received with a push fit and sealed with O-ring seals. The inner part 38 is then fixed relative to the testing instrument, while the outer part 36 is free to rotate.

The mouthpiece of a product under test is placed in the aperture 34 formed by the membrane 24 when the membrane is in the un-twisted, or partially-twisted, state. Insertion of the mouthpiece is aided by the presence of the taper 45 at the end of the outer part 36. The outer part 36 of the twisting mechanism 26 is then rotated with respect to the inner part 38. This can be achieved either manually, or using a motor such as a stepper motor connected to the outer part 36.

As the membrane 24 is twisted, one end of the membrane is held static on the inner part 38 whilst the other end of the membrane moves together with the outer part 36. As a consequence, the flexible membrane 24 begins to twist. The action of twisting the membrane narrows the aperture 34 at its centre. The twisting is continued until the aperture closes around the mouthpiece of the product under test. This aperture by its nature is still deformable and has a seal surface that can form an air tight seal around various possible mouthpiece shapes. Thus, the membrane is able to hold the mouthpiece in the required position, and to form an air tight seal around the mouthpiece.

Once a seal has been formed, testing of the product can take place by drawing puffs of air through the product. During testing, the membrane needs to be held in place. This is accomplished by the teeth 54 on the inner part 38 engaging with the pawl 56 on the outer part 36. As the teeth run over the pawl the two parts can move with respect to each other, but the reverse motion is prevented through the sawtooth nature of the teeth.

Once testing of the item is completed, the seal can be relaxed by disengaging the pawl from the teeth either through force or by moving the pawl so it disengages from the teeth, for example a radial or axial movement through a release button. The pawl can then be re-engaged, and the process repeated for another item to be tested.

If desired, a number of different holders could be provided, with different diameters through the centre. This can reduce the amount of twisting required for mouthpieces with a smaller diameter, while allowing mouthpieces with a larger diameter to be accommodated.

The holder mechanism described above is able to retain an e-cigarette, vaporiser or inhaling device in the required position for vaping. The holder has the capability to form an air tight seal about the e-cigarette, vaporiser or inhaling device during vaping. Custom holders can be used to facilitate a better seal with the more irregular shapes by reducing the amount required to twist and thus reducing the extent of the creases formed in the membrane. The holder is adjustable for various sizes and shapes of e-cigarette, vaporiser or inhaling device mouthpiece. The membrane which forms a seal with the mouthpiece of the e-cigarette, vaporiser or inhaling device is made of a flexible elastomer such as latex, neoprene or silicone. The sealing membrane is twisted to form an adjustable aperture for the e-cigarette, vaporiser or inhaling device mouthpiece to fit inside. The sealing membrane has ends separately fixed to two parts that hold the membrane yet rotate with relation to one another so twisting the sealing membrane. The form of the twisted membrane is held by means of a ratchet and pawl mechanism on the two counter rotating parts, which also allows the membrane to be returned to its untwisted form when the pawl is released from the teeth of the ratchet.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention have been described above by way of example only, and modifications in detail will be apparent to the skilled person.

For example, in the embodiments described above, the item under test is a vaping device which is designed to vaporise an e-liquid. However, the holder is not restricted to use with e-cigarettes or vaporisers used to deliver nicotine but could be applied to any device where an aerosol or gas is delivered to a human or animal via the mouth. Such devices typically have a mouthpiece which needs to be validated and tested on laboratory or production apparatus, and a holder is therefore needed that performs the function of human or animal lips. Examples of such devices include inhalers for delivering powders or aerosols for therapeutic treatments or vaporisers used for delivering THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) for therapeutic or recreational use.

Furthermore, the use of the holder is not limited to aerosol devices or devices requiring a seal. The flexibility of the membrane will enable the device to grip a variety of different, irregular shapes where an air tight seal is not a requirement, for example carrying out measurement tests on cigarettes.

Other modifications in detail will be apparent to the skilled person within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (25)

1. A holder for holding a mouthpiece of a product under test, the holder comprising:

a tube of flexible material, the tube defining an aperture for receiving the mouthpiece; and a twisting mechanism which allows one end of the tube to be rotated with respect to the other, thereby to adjust the size of the aperture.

2. A holder according to claim 1, wherein rotating one end of the tube with respect to the other end causes the aperture to close around the mouthpiece.

3. A holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aperture is arranged to form a seal about the mouthpiece.

4. A holder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the twisting mechanism is arranged such that one end of the tube can be rotated with respect to the other end about a notional axis running through the centre of the tube.

5. A holder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the twisting mechanism has a hollow centre, and the tube of flexible material passes through the hollow centre.

6. A holder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the twisting mechanism comprises two counter rotatable parts.

7. A holder according to claim 6, wherein one end of the tube of flexible material is attached to one counter rotatable part, and the other end of the tube is attached to the other counter rotatable part.

8. A holder according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each counter rotatable part comprises a portion which is rotatably engaged with the other counter rotatable part, and a portion to which one end of the tube of flexible material is attached.

9. A holder according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein each counter rotatable part comprises a portion in the form of a hollow cylinder, and the hollow cylindrical portion of one part is located inside the hollow cylindrical portion of the other part.

10. A holder according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein at least one of the counter rotatable parts comprises an annular flange for engagement with a respect end of the tube of flexible material.

11. A holder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one end of the tube of flexible material comprises an annular lip, and the annular lip engages with one of the counter rotatable parts.

12. A holder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the twisting mechanism comprises means for allowing rotation in one direction but not the other.

13. A holder according to claim 12, wherein the means for allowing rotation in one direction but not the other comprises a ratchet mechanism.

14. A holder according to claim 13, wherein the ratchet mechanism comprises a plurality of teeth which engage with a pawl.

15. A holder according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the means for allowing rotation in one direction but not the other is releasable.

16. A holder according to any of claims 12 to 15 when dependent on claim 6, wherein the means for allowing rotation in one direction but not the other is located between the two counter rotating parts.

17. A holder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tube of flexible material comprises a thin layer of flexible, elastic material.

18. A holder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible material is a silicone, a synthetic rubber, or an elastomer.

19. A holder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holder is arranged to form a seal around mouthpieces of different sizes and/or shapes.

20. A holder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holder is arranged to be fitted to a testing instrument.

21. A holder according to claim 20 when dependent on claim 6, wherein one counter rotatable part is arranged to be held by the testing apparatus, and the other counter rotatable part is arranged to be rotated.

22. A holder according to claim 20 or 21 wherein the holder is arranged to be removably fitted to the testing instrument.

23. A testing instrument comprising a holder according to any of the preceding claims, and means for drawing air through the product under test.

24. A holder or testing instrument according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the product under test is an inhalation device.

25. A method of forming a seal around a mouthpiece of a product under test, the method comprising:

inserting the mouthpiece into a tube of flexible material, the tube defining an aperture for receiving the mouthpiece; and rotating one end of the tube with respect to the other end, thereby to close the aperture around the mouthpiece.