JP2023503822A - Aerosol generator with cartridge release system - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol-generating device has an aerosol-generating element comprising a body, a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate, a liquid fill level, and a head space outlet above the liquid fill level. defining a vessel, a conduit for carrying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel, and a cap engageable with the body. The cap is a frame having a cavity and having a central axis, the cavity being arranged to receive the cartridge and to releasably grip the cartridge received within the receptacle. a gripping member configured to: The cartridge can be released from the gripping member using a release mechanism. The release mechanism can be part of the cartridge disposal system. [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices and systems for gripping and releasing cartridges containing aerosol-forming substrates for use in aerosol generating devices. The present disclosure also relates to systems for removing and disposing of cartridges used in aerosol generating devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to gripping and releasing systems that can be used to remove and dispose of cartridges used in shisha devices.

Conventional shisha devices are used to smoke tobacco and are configured so that the vapor and smoke pass through a basin prior to inhalation by the consumer. A shisha device may include one outlet or may include two or more outlets so that the device may be used by two or more consumers at the same time. Using a shisha machine is considered by some to be a recreational activity and a social experience.

Traditional shisha is typically used in combination with a substrate and is referred to in the art as hookah, tobacco molasses, or simply molasses. Conventional shisha substrates are relatively high in sugar (in some cases up to about 50% compared to about 20% typically found in conventional tobacco substrates such as combustible cigarettes). Tobacco used in shisha devices may be mixed with other ingredients, for example, to increase the amount of vapor and smoke produced, or to change the flavor, or both.

Conventional shisha devices employ charcoal (such as charcoal pellets) to heat and sometimes burn tobacco substrates to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Using charcoal to heat tobacco may result in total or partial combustion of the tobacco or other ingredients. In addition, charcoal may produce harmful or potentially harmful products such as carbon monoxide, which may mix with the shisha vapor and pass through the basin. You may reach the exit.

One way to reduce the production of carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts is to employ e-liquids instead of cigarettes. Shisha devices that employ e-liquids eliminate combustion by-products but deprive the shisha consumer of the traditional cigarette-derived experience.

Other shisha devices have been proposed that employ electric heaters to heat, but not burn, tobacco. Such electrically heated non-combustion shisha devices heat a tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the substrate without burning the substrate, thus reducing or eliminating by-products associated with tobacco combustion.

A shisha device may employ a cartridge for containing the aerosol-forming substrate. Cartridges may be filled with such aerosol-forming substrates. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco, preferably a shisha substrate such as molasses (a mixture of tobacco, water, sugar and other ingredients such as glycerin, flavorings, etc.). The heating system of the electrically heated shisha device heats the contents of the cartridge to generate an aerosol, which is carried through the airflow path to the user.

The shisha cartridge may have one or more holes through one or more walls to facilitate airflow through and aerosol flow from the cartridge. Prior art cartridges typically have one or more openings on at least one of the walls of the cartridge, such as one or both of the top and bottom walls. At least some of the holes or openings in the top and bottom walls may be closed during storage by a removable (eg, peelable) sealing layer such as a film, sticker, or liner. A removable layer may protect the contents (eg, molasses) from exposure to air and oxygen. The removable layer may be removed (eg, pulled or peeled off) by the user prior to first use of the cartridge.

After using the shisha device, the cartridge can be removed and disposed of. However, the cartridge may still contain materials such as used aerosol-forming substrates. Cartridges may also still be hot even if they have not had time to cool down. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system is provided for removing and disposing of cartridges.

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

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system is provided that can be used to grip and release a cartridge in an aerosol generating device. According to embodiments, the system can be used to remove the cartridge from the aerosol generator. According to embodiments, the system may be used to dispose of cartridges. For example, the system can be used with a shisha device. The system can be used to grip a shisha cartridge. The system can be used to remove the shisha cartridge from the shisha device. The system can be used to release the shisha cartridge. The system can be used to dispose of shisha cartridges. The system can be used to dispose of shisha cartridges into a waste vessel.

A system for gripping and releasing cartridges may be referred to as an extractor. The extractor can be part of the cap used in the aerosol generator. The cap may be incorporated as part of the shisha device.

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

A system for gripping and releasing the cartridge can be operated by inserting the cartridge into the aerosol generator. A cap may be placed on the device (eg, on the receptacle of the aerosol-generating element) and the cap may be depressed so that the gripping member engages the cartridge. The gripping member can grip the cartridge. The aerosol generating device may be a shisha device and the cartridge may be a shisha cartridge.

The system of the present disclosure may provide various advantages. Some of the advantages include that the system for gripping and releasing cartridges is convenient, simple, and safe to use. A user can remove a used cartridge without directly handling the cartridge and avoid direct contact with hot objects. The cartridge can be disposed of without direct handling of the cartridge, reducing the likelihood of leaks and other failures.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an extractor is provided for removing a cartridge from an aerosol generating device. The extractor may comprise a cavity arranged to receive the cartridge. The extractor may comprise a gripping member configured to removably grip a cartridge received within the cavity. The extractor may be engageable with an aerosol generator. An extractor may be provided as part of the cap. The extractor may comprise one or more piercing elements for piercing the cartridge. An extractor may be provided as part of the aerosol generator.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a cap with an extractor is provided. The cap may comprise a cavity arranged to receive the cartridge. The extractor may comprise a gripping member configured to removably grip a cartridge received within the cavity. An extractor may be housed within the cavity of the cap. The extractor can be configured to remove the cartridge from the aerosol generator. The cap may be engageable with an aerosol generator. The cap may include one or more piercing elements for piercing the cartridge. A cap and extractor may be provided as part of the aerosol generating device.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may comprise a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid fill level, and a conduit for carrying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel. The aerosol generator may comprise an extractor. The extractor may form part of the cap. The cap may be engageable with the body of the aerosol-generating element. The cap may comprise a frame having a cavity and a central axis, where the cavity is arranged to receive the cartridge. The cap may comprise a gripping member. The gripping member may be configured to releasably grip a cartridge received within the receptacle.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device comprises an aerosol-forming substrate comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device comprises a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid fill level, and a conduit for carrying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel. The aerosol generator includes an extractor. The extractor forms part of the cap. The cap is engageable with the body of the aerosol-generating element. The cap includes a frame having a cavity and a central axis, where the cavity is arranged to receive the cartridge. The cap includes a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received within the receptacle. The gripping member may comprise one or more spring fingers. The gripping member may comprise a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member. According to embodiments, an aerosol generation system may comprise an aerosol generator, a cartridge disposal device comprising a disposal vessel having an opening, and a cartridge release member. The cartridge release member may be constructed to mate with the gripping member of the cap to actuate release of the cartridge.

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

The cap may have an outer shroud. The cap may include an inner shroud disposed within the outer shroud, the inner shroud forming a cavity. A gripping member may be disposed at least partially within the cavity of the inner shroud. The inner shroud may be axially moveable within the outer shroud. The cap may further comprise a spring element. A spring element may bias the inner shroud axially away from the outer shroud. One of the inner shroud and the outer shroud may comprise one or more guide tracks, and the other of the inner shroud and the outer shroud may comprise one or more guide tracks configured to cooperate with the one or more guide tracks. A track pin may be provided.

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

The aerosol generation system may comprise an aerosol generator and a cartridge disposal device comprising a disposal vessel having an opening. The system may comprise a cartridge release member constructed to mate with a gripping member of the cap to actuate release of the cartridge. The cartridge release member may comprise a pressure ring at the opening of the waste vessel, the pressure ring constructed to flex one or more spring fingers. The pressure ring may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ring member of the gripping member but larger than the diameter of the cartridge. The cartridge release member may comprise a rim of the waste vessel.

A method of using the aerosol-generating device may include inserting the cartridge into a receptacle of the aerosol-generating element and placing the cap on the aerosol-generating element such that the cartridge is gripped by the gripping member. The cap can be pushed toward the receptacle to release the cap from the aerosol-generating element. The cap and cartridge can be removed from the aerosol generator. The gripping member is brought into contact with the cartridge release member so that the cartridge can be released from the gripping member.

The cartridge release member may comprise a rim of the waste vessel. The rim may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ring member of the gripping member, but larger than the diameter of the cartridge. Bringing the gripping member into contact with the cartridge release member involves engaging a rim of the cartridge disposal device between the cartridge and a ring member of the gripping member to bend one or more spring fingers; and releasing from.

The one or more spring fingers may exhibit a bias and the cap may comprise a release mechanism configured to oppose the bias and thereby release the cartridge. A method of using the aerosol generating device is to have the cartridge gripped by a gripping member, one or more spring fingers exerting a bias toward the cartridge, gripping and actuating a release mechanism to bias the cartridge. opposing, thereby releasing the cartridge.

The term "aerosol" is used herein to refer to a suspension of solid particles or droplets in a gas, or a combination of solid particles and droplets in a gas. The gas can be air. Solid particles or droplets may contain one or more volatile flavor compounds. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols can include vapors of substances that are normally liquids or solids at room temperature. Aerosols can include vapors of substances that are normally liquids or solids at room temperature, in combination with solid particles, or in combination with droplets, or in combination with both solid particles and droplets. In some embodiments the aerosol comprises nicotine.

The term "aerosol-forming substrate" is used herein to refer to a material capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated to volatilize one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. As an alternative to heating or combustion, volatile compounds can be released in some cases by chemical reactions or by mechanical stimuli such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be placed inside the cartridge. Aerosol-forming substrates can be solid or liquid, or can contain both solid and liquid components. Aerosol-forming substrates can be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support. Aerosol-forming substrates may include nicotine. Aerosol-forming substrates may comprise plant-derived materials. Aerosol-forming substrates may include tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise non-tobacco-containing materials. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate can include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients such as flavorants.

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

Also, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" encompass embodiments having plural referents, but not the content thereof. unless otherwise expressly provided by

As used herein, "or" is generally used in its sense to include "one, or the other, or both," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

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

As used herein, "have", "having", "include", "including", "comprise", "comprising" "comprising" or the like is used in an open-ended sense and generally means "including but not limited to." It should be understood that "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," and the like are subsumed in "comprising" and the like .

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

As used herein, the term "substantially" can be understood to be at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98% to the extent of the meaning of the subsequent term it modifies. The term "not substantially", as used herein, means the opposite of "substantially" (i.e., the subsequent term is reduced by no more than 10%, no more than 5%, or no more than 2%). modify).

Any directions referred to herein, such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "upper", "lower" and other directions or orientations, are for the sake of clarity and brevity. are not intended to be limiting of the actual device or system. The devices and systems described herein can be used in numerous directions and orientations.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may comprise a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid fill level, and a conduit for carrying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel. The aerosol generating device may comprise a cap engageable with the body. A cap may comprise a frame having a cavity and a central axis. A cavity may be arranged to receive the cartridge. The cap may include a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received within the receptacle. The gripping member may comprise one or more spring fingers. The gripping member may comprise a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member. The gripping member may engage the release mechanism to release the cartridge.

The aerosol generator can be a shisha device. A shisha device may comprise a body and a receptacle for receiving a shisha cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The shisha device may comprise a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid fill level, and a conduit for carrying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel. The shisha device may comprise a cap engageable with the body. A cap may comprise a frame having a cavity and a central axis. A cavity may be arranged to receive a shisha cartridge. The cap may include a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received within the receptacle. The gripping member may comprise one or more spring fingers. The gripping member may comprise a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member. The gripping member may engage the release mechanism to release the shisha cartridge.

The cap may comprise a frame comprising a cavity and having a central axis. A cavity may be arranged to receive the cartridge. The cap may optionally include a piercing assembly disposed within the cavity and configured to pierce the wall of the cartridge. The cap may include an extractor. The extractor may comprise a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received within the receptacle. The cap can advantageously be used to grip the cartridge and remove the cartridge from the receptacle. This allows the user to remove the used cartridge without directly touching it. A cap with a gripping member can be used with the disposal vessel. This allows the user to dispose of the used cartridge without directly touching it. The devices and systems of the present disclosure can help avoid direct contact with hot cartridges. The devices and systems of the present disclosure can also help prevent leaks and failures from open cartridges.

The cap may comprise an outer frame. The cartridge can have any suitable outer shape. In some embodiments, the outer frame is formed by a cylindrical outer wall extending between the first end wall and the open second end. The first end wall can be the top wall. The outer frame may be open at the bottom. The outer frame may define a cavity for housing the gripping member. The cap and gripping member may define a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis can be the central axis. The longitudinal axis can be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe.

According to embodiments, the cap comprises a gripping member configured to grip the cartridge. The gripping member may include a ring member and one or more gripping fingers extending from the ring member. The one or more gripping fingers may be configured to abut against the flange of the cartridge. For example, the one or more gripping fingers may be configured to abut against a flange of the cartridge when the cartridge is received within the receptacle and the cap is placed over the cartridge.

One or more gripping fingers may comprise spring fingers. One or more gripping fingers extend from the ring member to upper ends of the gripping fingers. The number of gripping fingers can be one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more. The number of gripping fingers may be 12 or less, 10 or less, 8 or less, 6 or less, or 4 or less. In one embodiment, the gripping member has 2-5 gripping fingers. In one embodiment, the gripping member has three gripping fingers. In some embodiments in which the gripping member includes a plurality of gripping fingers, the gripping fingers may be equidistantly spaced from each other around the ring member.

According to embodiments, the cap includes an outer shroud defining a cavity. The outer shroud may comprise a cylindrical outer wall extending between the first end wall and the open second end. The outer shroud may define a cavity for receiving the inner shroud.

According to embodiments, the cap includes an inner shroud. The inner shroud may be constructed to fit at least partially within the cavity of the outer shroud. The inner shroud may have an outer wall with a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions can be cylindrical elements having different diameters. The first portion can be a cylindrical wall with a first diameter and the second portion can be a cylindrical wall with a second diameter. The second diameter may be larger than the first diameter. The second portion may be coaxial with and underlie the first portion such that a shoulder is formed at the transition between the first portion and the second portion. The shoulder may support a compression spring. A compression spring may fit around the first portion. A compression spring may extend from the shoulder to the first end wall of the outer shroud.

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

A gripping member may be disposed within the cavity of the cap. In some embodiments, the gripping member is positioned within the inner shroud. The gripping member may be oriented such that one or more gripping fingers face upwardly from the ring member. One or more of the gripping fingers may slope radially inward toward the longitudinal (central) axis. The ring member may surround the cartridge body when the cartridge is received within the inner shroud. The one or more gripping fingers may be configured such that the ends of the gripping fingers abut against the top flange of the cartridge. One or more gripping fingers may have a length that is less than the height of the cartridge. The inner diameter of the ring member may be greater than the maximum diameter of the cartridge. When the cap is removed from the aerosol generator, the cartridge is removed (eg, lifted) along with the cap by the gripping fingers abutting the flanges, thereby preventing the cartridge from falling out of the cavity.

The cap may optionally include a piercing assembly (eg, top piercing assembly). The cap may include an outer shroud and a piercing element on the inner wall of the outer shroud. The piercing element may extend axially downward inside the cavity of the outer shroud. The piercing element may be oriented toward a cartridge placed within a receptacle of the shisha device. The piercing element may be integral with the outer shroud or may be mounted inside the first end wall of the outer shroud.

The inner shroud may have an opening in its first end wall. The opening may be configured to receive a piercing element. The opening may further include one or more recesses or channels for promoting airflow through the first end wall of the inner shroud while the penetrating element is received within the opening.

The cap may comprise an outer frame. The outer frame may include a projection extending from the inside of the first end wall into the cavity of the outer frame. The protrusion may be configured to push against the outer shroud. The protrusion may serve to leave a gap between the cap outer frame and the outer shroud.

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

The outer shroud and inner shroud may include tracks and pin systems for guiding movement of the outer shroud and inner shroud relative to each other. The outer shroud may be moveable vertically, horizontally, or both vertically and horizontally. The inner shroud may be moveable vertically, horizontally, or both vertically and horizontally. In one embodiment, the inner shroud defines a track and the outer shroud includes one or more pins. Alternatively, the track may be defined within the outer shroud and the one or more pins may be on the inner shroud. In one embodiment, the outer shroud includes one or more pins extending radially inward from its cylindrical outer wall. The inner shroud may include one or more tracks corresponding to one or more pins. One or more tracks may be positioned on the second (lower) portion of the inner shroud. One or more tracks may define multiple locations of the outer shroud. For example, one or more tracks may define a first position that is a rest position, a second position that is a puncture position, and a third position that is a use position. A compression spring biases the outer shroud upward when the outer shroud is in the second position. The one or more tracks may also define a fourth position which is the release position of the cap. The release position can be used to release the cap from the aerosol generator. A compression spring biases the outer shroud upward when the outer shroud is in the fourth position. As the compression spring urges the outer shroud upward, the compression spring also urges the cap outer frame upward.

The outer shroud can be depressed from a first position to a second position (eg, by a user pushing on the cap outer frame). Upon entering the second position, the piercing element engages and pierces the cartridge. When pressure is released from the outer shroud, the compression spring returns the outer shroud upward to the third position. In the third position, the airflow channels are open through openings formed in the cartridge. The airflow path may be open between the outside of the aerosol generator (for example, shisha device) and the vessel. A user may use the aerosol generator by drawing on the mouthpiece. To release and remove the cap, the user may push the outer shroud again (eg, by pushing the cap outer frame) to move the outer shroud to the fourth position. From the fourth position, the compression spring returns the outer shroud to the initial first position (rest position). In this position, the top of the cap may extend over the top edge of the aerosol-generating element and may be grasped by the user. The cartridge may remain gripped by the gripping members in at least some positions while the cap outer frame and outer shroud move between various positions. The cartridge remains gripped by the gripping member at least in a cap release position in which the cap can be released from the aerosol generator.

The bottom of the cap outer frame can be attached to the support plate. The support plate may be configured to retain various portions (eg, gripping member, outer shroud, and inner shroud) within the cavity of the outer frame. The support plate may be a substantially round plate with a central hole extending through the plate. The holes can be sized to fit the cartridge. The hole can also be sized to receive a receptacle that can accommodate a cartridge. The hole may have an inwardly tapering beveled inner edge on its upper side. The angled inner edge engages the cap with the aerosol-generating element and may assist in receiving the cartridge within the cap. The support plate may be attached in any suitable manner, such as by adhesives or coupling elements such as screws, clips, threaded couplings, snap fits or friction fits.

Various portions of the cap and gripping member may be made from any suitable material. Suitable materials include plastics, metals, ceramics, glass, and combinations thereof. Different parts of the system can be made from different materials. For example, some parts such as the outer and inner shrouds may be made of plastic, while other parts such as the springs may be made of metal. Other combinations are also possible. The gripping member is preferably made from a material that can bend. For example, gripping members can be made from metal, plastic, or combinations thereof.

A shisha device may also optionally include a piercing assembly (eg, a bottom piercing assembly). A bottom piercing assembly may be positioned below the cartridge at the upper end of the stem pipe. The bottom piercing assembly may extend from the base of the receptacle into the receptacle in a direction away from the base of the receptacle (eg, upward). When the cap is pushed down, the cartridge can be pressed against the bottom puncture assembly. The cap can be pierced by both piercing assemblies. A piercing assembly may pierce the top and bottom walls of the cartridge.

The cartridge can be released from the gripping member using a release mechanism. The release mechanism can be part of the disposal system. The disposal system may include a cartridge release member. The cartridge release member may be configured to flex the gripping fingers radially outward. The cartridge release member may be configured to push the gripping fingers outward to release the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge disposal device includes a disposal vessel having an opening. A cartridge release member may be positioned in the opening. The cartridge release member can be a pressure ring. In some embodiments, the cartridge release member comprises a waste vessel rim or mouth.

A cartridge release member (eg, pressure ring or rim) may have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the ring member of the gripping member. A cartridge release member (eg, pressure ring or rim) may have a diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the cartridge. Bringing the gripping member into contact with the cartridge release member includes inserting a rim of the cartridge disposal device between the cartridge and a ring member of the gripping member to flex one or more gripping fingers and releasing the cartridge from the gripping member. releasing.

In some embodiments the release mechanism is part of the cap. A release mechanism may be actuated to release the cartridge from the gripping member.

A cartridge may include any suitable body defining a cavity. An aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the cavity of the cartridge. The body is preferably formed from one or more refractory materials such as refractory metals or polymers. The body can include a thermally conductive material. For example, the body can comprise any of aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the body comprises aluminum.

The cartridge can be of any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge may have a shape configured to be received by a shisha device. The cartridge may have a substantially cubic shape, a cylindrical shape, a frusto-conical shape, or any other suitable shape. The cartridge preferably has a generally cylindrical or frustoconical shape.

An aerosol-generating device (eg, a shisha device) is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. The device may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge by conduction. The cartridge is adapted to provide efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge, to allow contact with the heating element of the shisha device, or to and from the heating element of the shisha device. It is preferably shaped and sized to minimize distance. Heat may be generated by any suitable mechanism (eg, by resistive heating or by induction). The cartridge may be provided with a susceptor to facilitate induction heating. For example, the cartridge body may be made of or include a material capable of functioning as a susceptor (eg, aluminum), or the susceptor material may be provided within a cavity of the cartridge. The susceptor material may be provided within the cartridge cavity in any form (eg, powder, solid block, pieces, etc.).

Any suitable aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the cavity defined by the body of the cartridge. Aerosol-forming substrates are preferably substrates capable of releasing volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing an aerosol-forming compound. Volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Volatile compounds can be released by chemical reactions or by mechanical stimuli such as ultrasound. Aerosol-forming substrates can be solid or liquid, or can contain both solid and liquid components. Aerosol-forming substrates can be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. A nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine salt matrix. Aerosol-forming substrates may include plant-derived materials. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco. The tobacco-containing material preferably comprises volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. Homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively or additionally comprise non-tobacco-containing materials. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate can include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients such as flavorants. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a shisha substrate. A shisha substrate is understood to mean a consumable material suitable for use in a shisha device. The shisha base may contain molasses.

Aerosol-forming substrates can include, for example, one or more of powders, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips, or sheets. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of herbal leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, puffed tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate can include at least one aerosol former. Suitable aerosol formers include compounds, or mixtures of compounds, that facilitate the formation of a dense, stable aerosol in use and that are substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperatures of the shisha device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (glycerol monoacetate, diacetate or triacetate). etc.), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). Particularly preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, most preferably glycerin. The aerosol-forming substrate can contain any suitable amount of aerosol formers. For example, the aerosol former content of the substrate can be 5% or more on a dry weight basis, preferably greater than 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol former content can be less than about 95% on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the aerosol former content is up to about 55%.

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

Aerosol-forming substrates may contain other additives and ingredients such as flavors, sweeteners, and the like. In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate includes any suitable amount of one or more sugars. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises invert sugar. Invert sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose obtained by splitting sucrose. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises from about 1% to about 40% by weight sugar (such as invert sugar). In some examples, one or more sugars can be mixed with a suitable carrier such as cornstarch or maltodextrin.

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

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

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

Aerosol-forming substrates may be provided on or embedded within a thermally stable carrier. The term "thermally stable" is used herein to indicate materials that do not substantially degrade at temperatures to which substrates are typically heated (eg, from about 150° C. to about 300° C.). The carrier may comprise a thin layer of substrate deposited on the first major surface, or on the second major outer surface, or on both the first and second major surfaces. The carrier can be formed of, for example, paper or paper-like material, nonwoven carbon fiber mat, low mass open mesh metal screen, or perforated metal foil, or any other thermally stable polymeric matrix. . Alternatively, the carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips, or sheets. The carrier may be a non-woven fabric or fiber bundle into which the tobacco component is incorporated. The nonwoven fabric or bundle of fibers may comprise, for example, carbon fibres, natural cellulose fibres, or cellulose derivative fibres.

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

One or more walls of the body may form heatable walls or surfaces. As used herein, "heatable wall" and "heatable surface" mean an area of a wall or surface to which heat can be applied either directly or indirectly. A heatable wall or surface may act as a heat transfer surface through which heat can be transferred from the exterior of the body to the cavity or interior surfaces of the cavity.

The body of the cartridge preferably has a length (eg, axial length along the vertical central axis) of about 15 cm or less. In some embodiments, the body has a length of about 10 cm or less. The body can have an inner diameter of about 1 cm or greater. The inner diameter of the body can be about 1.75 cm or greater. The cartridge can have a heatable surface area in the cavity of about 25 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , such as about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² . The volume of the cavity can be from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ , preferably from about 25 cm ³ to about 40 cm ³ . In some embodiments, the body has a length ranging from about 3.5 cm to about 7 cm. The inner diameter of the body can be from about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm. The body can have a heatable surface area in the cavity of about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , such as about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² . The volume of the cavity can be from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ , preferably from about 25 cm ³ to about 40 cm ³ . Preferably, the body is cylindrical or frustoconical.

The cartridge body may include one or more openings or vents through one or more walls of the body. Vents can be inlets, outlets, or both. Vents may be located in the bottom wall, top wall, side, or combinations thereof of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge does not include any preformed openings or vents. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes preformed openings or vents in only one wall. For example, the cartridge may contain openings or vents in the bottom wall only. In some embodiments, the lancing assembly provides one or more inlets or one or more outlets in the cartridge wall to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used in a shisha device. It is formed. In some embodiments, one or more inlets or outlets are formed in the cartridge wall by the piercing assembly to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used in a shisha device. In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the cartridge may define one or more openings to form one or more outlets of the cartridge. One or more of the inlets and outlets are preferably sized and shaped to provide a suitable withdrawal resistance (RTD) through the cartridge. In some examples, the RTD through the cartridge from inlet(s) to outlet(s) can be about 10 mm H ₂ O to about 50 mm H ₂ O, and about 20 mm H ₂ O. Preferably ~40 mm _H2O . The sample RTD refers to the static pressure difference between the two ends of the sample as it is traversed by an air stream under steady conditions with a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 milliliters/second at the output end. The RTD of a specimen can be measured using the method described in ISO Standard 6565:2002.

After the one or more openings on the body are formed, the openings may cover 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, or 25% or more of the area of a wall. For example, if the opening is on the top wall, the opening may cover at least 5% of the area of the top wall. The one or more openings on the body may cover no more than 75%, no more than 50%, no more than 40%, or no more than 30% of the area of the wall in which the opening is located.

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

In some embodiments, the cartridge is a shisha cartridge that can be used with any suitable shisha device. The shisha device is preferably configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge sufficiently to form an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, but not to burn the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the shisha device heats the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature ranging from about 150°C to about 300°C, more preferably from about 180°C to about 250°C, or from about 200°C to about 230°C. can be configured to heat to

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

The shisha device may include control electronics operably coupled to the heating element. Control electronics may be configured to control the heating of the heating element. Control electronics may be configured to control the temperature to which the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is heated. Control electronics may be provided in any suitable form and may include, for example, a controller, or memory and controller. The controller may include one or more of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) state machine, digital signal processor, gate array, microprocessor, or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuits. The control electronics may include memory containing instructions that cause one or more components of the circuit to perform functions or aspects of the control electronics. The functionality attributed to the control electronics in this disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, hardware.

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

In some embodiments, the control electronics can be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and control the delivery of power to the heating element in response to the electrical resistance of the heating element. In this way, the control electronics can adjust the temperature of the resistive element.

A shisha device may include a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple. A temperature sensor may be operatively coupled to the control electronics to control the temperature of the heating element. A temperature sensor may be positioned at any suitable location. For example, a temperature sensor can be configured to be inserted into the cartridge when received within the receptacle to monitor the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate being heated. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heating element. Additionally or alternatively, a temperature sensor may be positioned to detect the temperature at the aerosol outlet of the shisha device or a portion thereof. The sensor may send a signal related to the sensed temperature to the control electronics. Control electronics may adjust heating of the heating element in response to the signal to achieve a suitable temperature at the sensor.

Control electronics may be operably coupled to the power supply. A shisha device may include any suitable power source. For example, the power source of the shisha device can be a battery or set of batteries. The battery of the power source may be rechargeable, or removable and replaceable, or rechargeable, removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery can be used. For example, commercial heavy-duty type batteries or standard batteries (such as those used for industrial heavy-duty power tools). Alternatively, the power source can be any type of power including supercapacitors or hypercapacitors. Alternatively, the assembly may be connected to an external power supply and may be designed electrically and electronically for such purpose. Regardless of the type of power source employed, the power source should be charged at least once until the aerosol is depleted from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge before being recharged or requiring connection to an external power supply. It is preferable to provide sufficient energy for normal functioning of the assembly during one shisha session. The power supply provides sufficient energy for the normal functioning of the assembly for at least about 70 minutes of continuous operation of the device before being recharged or requiring connection to an external power supply. preferably.

In one embodiment, a shisha device includes an aerosol-generating element including a cartridge receptacle, a heating element, an aerosol outlet, and an air inlet. The cartridge receptacle is configured to receive a cartridge according to the present disclosure containing an aerosol-forming substrate. A heating element may define at least a portion of the surface of the receptacle.

The shisha device includes an air inlet channel in fluid connection with the receptacle. In use, when the substrate inside the cartridge is heated, the aerosol former constituents in the substrate vaporize. Air flowing through the cartridge from the air inlet channel becomes entrained in the aerosol generated from the aerosol former components in the cartridge.

Some electrically heated shisha devices employ preheated air and typically employ an airflow path whereby the air moves near the heat source as the smoke is drawn. Additionally, some electrically heated shisha devices employ elements that increase radiant heat transfer by increasing the surface area that is heated.

The air inlet channel may include one or more openings through the cartridge receptacle such that air from outside the shisha device may flow through the channel and through the one or more openings into the cartridge receptacle. If the channel includes more than one opening, it may include a manifold for directing air flowing through the channel to each opening. The shisha device preferably includes two or more air inlet channels.

As noted above, the cartridge includes one or more openings (such as inlets or outlets) formed in the body to allow air to flow through the cartridge. If the receptacle includes one or more inlet openings, at least some of the inlets in the cartridge may align with openings in the top of the receptacle. The cartridge may include alignment features configured to mate with complementary alignment features of the receptacle to align the inlet of the cartridge with the opening of the receptacle when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle.

Air entering the cartridge may flow over, through, or over and through the aerosol-forming substrate, entrain the aerosol, and exit the cartridge and receptacle via the aerosol outlet. . From the aerosol outlet, the aerosol-carrying air enters the vessel of the shisha device via the stem pipe.

A shisha device may include any suitable vessel defining an interior volume configured to contain a liquid and defining an outlet in the headspace above the liquid fill level. A vessel may include an optically transparent or opaque housing that allows a consumer to observe the contents contained within the vessel. A vessel may include liquid-filled boundaries, such as liquid-filled lines. The vessel housing may be made of any suitable material. For example, the vessel housing may comprise glass or a suitable rigid plastic material. Preferably, the vessel is removable from the portion of the shisha assembly containing the aerosol-generating element to allow the consumer to fill, empty or clean the vessel.

The vessel may be filled to a liquid fill level by the consumer. The liquid preferably comprises water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colorants, or flavors, or colors and flavors. For example, the water may be infused with one or both of plant and herbal decoctions.

Air-entrained aerosol exiting the aerosol outlet of the receptacle may travel through a conduit positioned within the vessel. so that the aerosol flowing through the vessel passes through the opening of the conduit, then through the liquid, into the headspace of the vessel, and out through the headspace outlet for delivery to the consumer; The conduit may be connected to the aerosol outlet of the aerosol generating element and may have an opening below the liquid fill level of the vessel.

The headspace outlet may be connected to a hose with a mouthpiece for delivering the aerosol to the consumer. The mouthpiece may include an activation element such as a user-activatable switch, or a smoke inhalation sensor arranged to detect a user's inhalation at the mouthpiece, or both a user-activatable switch and a smoke inhalation sensor. . The activation element is operatively connected to the control electronics of the shisha device. The activation element may be wirelessly coupled to the control electronics. Activation of the activation element may cause the control electronics to activate the heating element rather than constantly supplying energy to the heating element. As a result, the use of activation elements may serve to save energy compared to devices that do not employ such elements, providing heating on demand rather than constant heating.

For illustrative purposes, one method of using a shisha device as described herein is provided below in chronological order. The vessel may be detached from other components of the shisha device and filled with water. One or more of natural fruit juices, plant infusions, and herbal infusions may be added to the water for flavoring. The amount of liquid added should cover a portion of the conduit but not exceed a fill level mark that may optionally be present on the vessel. The vessel is then reassembled to the shisha device. A cartridge may be placed in the receptacle. A cap may be placed over the receptacle and cartridge such that the cartridge is received within the cavity within the cap. The gripping member grips the cartridge as the gripping fingers slide down the top of the cartridge. The user presses against the cartridge such that a piercing element (eg, a top piercing assembly, a bottom piercing assembly, or both top and bottom piercing assemblies) engages the cartridge to pierce one or more walls of the cartridge. You can push the cap down. The device can then be turned on. Turning on the device may initiate a heating element heating profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate but below the combustion temperature. The aerosol-forming compound on the aerosol-forming substrate vaporizes to generate an aerosol. The user can puff on the mouthpiece as desired. The user may continue to use the device for a desired length of time or until no aerosol is visible or delivered. In some embodiments, the device may be arranged to automatically shut down when the cartridge, or a compartment of the cartridge, is depleted of available aerosol-forming substrates. A user can push the cap to release it. The top of the cap may be elevated above the top level of the body of the aerosol-generating element, allowing the user to grip the top of the cap. The user can also remove the cartridge gripped by the gripping member to remove the cap. In some embodiments, the consumer may refill the device with an unused cartridge, for example, after receiving a signal from the device that the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge has been depleted or nearly depleted. A shisha device can be turned off at any time by the consumer, for example by switching off the device. The user can dispose of the cartridge by bringing the gripping member into contact with the release member of the disposal device or by activating the release mechanism on the cap.

A shisha device may have any suitable air management. In one embodiment, the act of puffing from the user creates a suction effect to create a low pressure inside the device, which forces outside air through the air inlet of the device and into the air inlet channels. , and into the receptacle. Air can then flow through the cartridge in the receptacle and be entrained in the aerosol produced from the aerosol-forming substrate. Air with entrained aerosol then exits the aerosol outlet of the receptacle and flows through a conduit to the liquid inside the vessel. The aerosol then bubbles out of the liquid, enters the headspace above the level of the liquid in the vessel, exits the headspace outlet, and exits through a hose and mouthpiece for delivery to the consumer. pass through The external air flow and the aerosol flow inside the shisha device may be driven by the action of puffing from the user.

Reference is now made to the drawings that illustrate one or more embodiments described in the present disclosure. It should be appreciated, however, that other embodiments not shown in the drawings are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. The use of different numbers to refer to elements in different figures is not intended to indicate that different numbered elements cannot be the same or similar to other numbered elements. The figures are presented for purposes of illustration and not for purposes of limitation. Schematic representations presented in the figures are not necessarily to scale.

1 is a schematic diagram of a shisha device; FIG. 2A and 2B are schematic top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a body of a shisha cartridge for use in the shisha apparatus of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment. FIG. 4A is a schematic top view of a shisha cartridge after being punctured by a puncturing assembly, according to one embodiment; 2 is a schematic bottom view of a shisha cartridge for use in the shisha device of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment; FIG. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of a shisha device and cap in use, according to one embodiment. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the cap of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment. FIG. Figure 5B is an exploded view of the cap of Figure 5A; 4B is a schematic perspective view of a cap frame of the cap of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment; FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view of an outer shroud of the cap of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment; FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view of the spring of the cap of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment; FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view of an inner shroud of the cap of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment; FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view of a support plate of the cap of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment; FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view of a gripping member of the cap of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment; FIG. 12A and 12B are schematic side and top views, respectively, of the gripping member of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment. 13A-13D are side views of tracks and pins in different positions when using the cap of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment. 14A and 14B are schematic side and top views, respectively, of a cartridge disposal device, according to one embodiment. 4B is a cross-sectional schematic partial view of the use of the cap of FIG. 4A and the cartridge disposal device of FIGS. 14A and 14B, according to one embodiment. FIG.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a shisha device 100. As shown in FIG. Apparatus 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an interior volume configured to contain liquid 19 and defining a headspace outlet 15 above the fill level of liquid 19 . Liquid 19 preferably comprises water, optionally infused with one or more coloring agents, or one or more flavoring agents, or one or more coloring agents and one or more flavoring agents. may For example, the water may be infused with one or both of plant and herbal decoctions.

Device 100 also includes an aerosol-generating element 130 . Aerosol-generating element 130 includes a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-forming substrate. Aerosol-generating element 130 may also include heating element 160 . Heating element 160 may form at least one surface of receptacle 140 . In the illustrated embodiment, heating element 160 defines the sides of receptacle 140 . Aerosol-generating element 130 also includes an air inlet channel 170 that draws air into device 100 . In some embodiments, a portion of air inlet channel 170 is formed by heating element 160 for heating the air before it enters receptacle 140 . The preheated air then enters cartridge 200, which is also heated by heating element 160 and carries the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming body and aerosol-forming substrate. Air exits the outlet of aerosol-generating element 130 and enters conduit 190 .

Conduit 190 carries air and aerosols into vessel 17 below the level of liquid 19 . Air and aerosols may bubble through liquid 19 and exit headspace outlet 15 of vessel 17 . A hose 20 may be attached to the headspace outlet 15 to deliver the aerosol to the user's mouth. Mouthpiece 25 may be attached to or form part of hose 20 .

Exemplary airflow paths for the device in use are illustrated in FIG. 1 by heavy arrows.

Mouthpiece 25 may include activation element 27 . The activation element 27 may be a switch, button or the like, or may be a smoke sensor or the like. Actuation element 27 may be placed at any other suitable location on device 100 . Activation element 27 may communicate wirelessly with control electronics 30 to arm device 100 or cause control electronics to activate heating element 160, for example by causing power supply 35 to power heating element 160. .

Control electronics 30 and power supply 35 may be located at any suitable location on aerosol-generating element 130, including locations other than the bottom portion of element 130 as illustrated in FIG.

2A and 2B, various embodiments of cartridge body 210 are shown. Body 210 may include sidewalls 212 , top wall 215 , and bottom wall 213 that define cavity 218 . Side wall 212 may be cylindrical or frusto-conical as shown. FIG. 2A shows body 210 with a portion of top 215 removed, cavity 218 inside the body. Body 210 may define a central axis A extending through body 210 . As shown in FIG. 2B, the top may include a flange 219 extending from side wall 212 .

3A and 3B, one or both of the top 215 and bottom 213 of the body are provided with multiple openings to allow air to flow through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. openings 217, 216. Some or all of openings 217, 216 may be formed by a lancing assembly. For example, opening 217 in top 215 may be formed by top piercing assembly 401 . Aperture 216 in bottom 213 may be formed by bottom puncture assembly 301 . Cartridge 200 may also or alternatively include openings along side wall 212 . In embodiments in which the top or bottom include pre-formed openings, the openings may be blocked by a peelable seal or liner when the cartridge is stored prior to use.

A partial schematic view of shisha device 100 with cap 400 and gripping member 450 is shown in FIG. 4A. Gripping member 450 is configured to grip cartridge 200 . Cap 400 may include an outer frame 410 that houses gripping member 450 . Gripping member 450 may include a ring member 451 and one or more gripping fingers 452 . The one or more gripping fingers may be configured to abut flange 219 of cartridge 200 when cartridge 200 is received within the receptacle and cap 400 is placed over cartridge 200 .

Cap 400 may optionally include a piercing assembly 401 (eg, an upper piercing assembly). Cap 400 may include an outer shroud 420 and a piercing element 440 on the inner wall of outer shroud 420 . For example, in some embodiments, such as the one shown, piercing element 440 may be disposed on inner end wall 421 . Lancing assembly 401 may further include an inner shroud 430 disposed at least partially within the outer shroud. Piercing element 440 may be oriented toward cartridge 200 placed within a receptacle of shisha device 100 . Shisha device 100 may also optionally include a piercing assembly 301 (eg, a bottom piercing assembly) at the upstream end of stem pipe 190 . When cartridge 200 is punctured by one or both puncture assemblies 301, 401, an airflow path is established through cartridge 200, as shown in FIG. 4B.

An example of cap 400 and gripping member 450 is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Detailed views of each of the elements of cap 400 and gripping member 450 are shown in FIGS. 6-11. Cap 400 and gripping member 450 may define a longitudinal axis A. As shown in FIG. The longitudinal axis A can be the central axis. The longitudinal axis A can be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe 190 when the cap 400 is disposed on the shisha device 100 .

The cap outer frame 410 shown in FIG. 6 may comprise a cylindrical outer wall 413 extending between a first end wall 411 and an open second end 412 . Outer frame 410 may define cavity 419 for housing lancing assembly 401 . The first end wall 411 can have a protrusion 414 extending from the inner wall. Protrusions 414 may be configured to push against outer shroud 420 while leaving a gap between cap outer frame 410 and outer shroud 420 .

According to embodiments, cap 400 includes a gripping member 450 configured to grip cartridge 200 . The gripping member 450 shown in FIGS. 11, 12A and 12B can include a ring member 451 and one or more gripping fingers 452. As shown in FIG. One or more gripping fingers 452 may comprise spring fingers. One or more gripping fingers 452 extend from ring member 451 to upper end 453 . In some embodiments where gripping member 450 includes multiple gripping fingers 452 , gripping fingers 452 may be positioned equidistant from each other about ring member 451 .

Gripping member 450 may be disposed within the cavity of cap 400 . Gripping member 450 may be positioned within inner shroud 430 as shown in FIG. 5A. Gripping member 450 may be oriented such that one or more gripping fingers 452 face upwardly from ring member 451 . One or more gripping fingers 452 may be angled radially inward toward the longitudinal (central) axis A. One or more gripping fingers 452 may be configured such that the ends of gripping fingers 452 abut against top flange 219 of cartridge 200 when cartridge 200 is received within inner shroud 430 . The inner diameter of ring member 451 may be larger than the maximum diameter of cartridge 200 .

The outer shroud 420 shown in FIG. 7 is constructed to fit at least partially within the cavity 419 of the cap outer frame 410 . Outer shroud 420 may include a cylindrical outer wall 423 extending between first end wall 421 and open second end 422 . Outer shroud 420 may define cavity 429 for housing penetrating element 440 and inner shroud 430 . Outer shroud 420 may include piercing element 440 . Penetrating element 440 extends axially downward inside the cavity of outer shroud 420 . Penetrating element 440 is centered with respect to longitudinal axis A of outer shroud 420 . Penetrating element 440 may be integral with outer shroud 420 or may be mounted inside first end wall 421 of outer shroud 420 . Piercing element 440 may comprise one or more piercing edges or piercing points 441 . The mating edge or puncture point 441 is configured to puncture a wall (eg, top wall) of cartridge 200 . Penetrating element 440 may be configured such that penetrating element 440 can fit through opening 437 on inner shroud 430 . Outer shroud 420 may include bottom flange 427 . A bottom flange 427 may extend outwardly from the bottom of the outer wall 423 .

The inner shroud 430 shown in FIG. 9 is constructed to fit at least partially within the cavity 429 of the outer shroud 420 . Inner shroud 430 may have an outer wall with first portion 433 and second portion 434 . The first portion 433 can be a cylindrical wall with a first diameter and the second portion 434 can be a cylindrical wall with a second diameter. The second diameter may be larger than the first diameter. First and second portions 433 , 434 may be separated by shoulder 435 . Shoulder 435 may be constructed to support a compression spring 470 (shown in FIG. 8). A compression spring 470 may fit around the first portion 433 . The ends of compression spring 470 may be supported on shoulder 435 such that the spring may be compressed against shoulder 435 . An outer wall of inner shroud 430 may extend between first end wall 431 and open second end 432 . Inner shroud 430 may define cavity 439 for housing gripping member 450 and for receiving cartridge 200 . Inner shroud 430 may have opening 437 in first end wall 431 . Opening 437 may be configured to receive piercing element 440 . Opening 437 may further include one or more channels 438 to facilitate airflow through inner shroud 430 while penetrating element 440 is received within opening 437 .

Outer frame 410 may optionally include threaded holes 462 configured to secure support plate 460 ( FIG. 10 ) to the bottom of outer frame 410 . Alternatively, support plate 460 may be secured by other means, such as by adhesive. Support plate 460 may be a substantially round plate having a central hole 461 extending therethrough. Support plate 410 may be sized to hold outer and inner shrouds 420, 430 inside cavity 419 of outer frame 410, as shown in FIG. 5A. Support plate 410 may also retain gripping member 450 within cavity 419 of outer frame 410 .

Outer shroud 420 and inner shroud 430 may include tracks and pin systems for guiding movement of outer shroud 420 and inner shroud 430 relative to one another. Outer shroud 420 may include one or more pins 425 extending radially inward from its cylindrical outer wall 423 . Inner shroud 430 may include one or more tracks 436 corresponding to one or more pins 425 . An exemplary track 436 and the path guided by the track 436 are shown in FIGS. 13A-13D. The positions of tracks 436 and pins 425 may define the relative positions of outer shroud 420 and inner shroud 430 . Initially, cap outer frame 410 and outer shroud 420 are in first position P1. That is, pin 425 is at first position P1 within track 436 . The first position P1 can be considered a rest position. The heater may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The guide track may comprise a second position P2, which may be the puncture location of the puncture element. The first portion may define a first distance between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The first portion may define a third position P3. A third position P3 may be a use position. The second portion may define a second distance between the third position P3 and the fourth position P4. The second distance may be shorter than the first distance. The first portion may guide the track pin axially and radially.

In the first position P1, the gripping member 450 is engaged with the cartridge 200. As shown in FIG. For example, the upper ends 453 of the gripping fingers 452 may slide (downwardly) past the flange 219 of the cartridge when the cap is placed in the first position P1. Alternatively, gripping member 450 may later engage cartridge 200 when cap 400 is depressed. A force can be applied to cap outer frame 410 and outer shroud 420, for example, to depress cap 400 (e.g., by a user) to move the pin from the first position to the second position P2 (Fig. See arrow in 13A). In second position P2, puncturing element 440 may also engage cartridge 200 and puncture it. For example, when pressure is released from cap outer frame 410 and outer shroud 420 (eg, by a user), compression spring 470 forces cap outer frame 410 and outer shroud 420 into the third position when the force is removed. Return to P3. Movement of the cap during initial depression of the cap to pierce the cartridge and release of the cap to allow it to return to the third (use) position is defined by a first portion of the track. . In the third position P3, gripping member 450 remains engaged with cartridge 200. FIG. At the third position P3, the airflow path opens through an opening formed in the cartridge 200 and opens between the outside of the shisha device and the vessel. To release and remove cap 400, the user presses cap outer frame 410 again to move cap outer frame 410 and outer shroud 420 to fourth position P4, from which compression spring 470 pushes cap outer frame 410 into position P4. and return the outer shroud 420 to the first position P1. Movement of the cap during a second instance of depressing and releasing the cap is defined by a second portion of the track. When the cap returns to the first position P1, the gripping member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200 and lifts the cartridge 200 with the cap upward. The top of cap 400 may rise above the top edge of the aerosol-generating element. The user may then remove (eg, lift) the cap from the aerosol-generating element, thereby removing the cartridge 200 with the cap.

In some embodiments, disposal system 600, shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, may be used with shisha device 100 and cap 400. FIG. Disposal system 600 may be used to remove and optionally discard cartridge 200 . Disposal system 600 may include a cartridge disposal device 601 . Cartridge disposal device 601 may comprise a cartridge release member 610 . Cartridge release member 610 may be a pressure ring. Cartridge release member 610 may be constructed to mate with gripping member 450 . Cartridge release member 610 (eg, pressure ring or rim) can have a diameter D610 that is less than inner diameter D451 of ring member 451 of gripping member 450 but greater than the maximum diameter of cartridge 200 .

Gripping fingers 452 of gripping member 450 may be biased toward a default position. Bringing the gripping member 450 into contact with the cartridge release member 610 can push the gripping fingers 452 out of the default position. Bringing gripping member 450 into contact with cartridge release member 610 engages cartridge release member 610 between cartridge 200 and ring member 451 of gripping member 450 to bend one or more gripping fingers 452 to Releasing cartridge 200 from gripping member 450 may be included.

Disposal system 600 may comprise a disposal vessel 620 having an opening 621 . The shape of the disposal vessel 620 is not particularly limited, and is indicated by dashed lines. Cartridge release member 610 may be positioned in opening 621 . In some embodiments, cartridge release member 610 comprises a rim or mouth of opening 621 . Bringing gripping member 450 into contact with cartridge release member 610 may include engaging a rim of cartridge disposal device 601 between cartridge 200 and ring member 451 of gripping member 450 .

Operation of the shisha device 100 and cap 400 and removal of the cartridge 200 using the disposal system 600 is shown schematically in FIG. Shisha device 100 includes an aerosol-generating element 130 having a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-forming substrate. Aerosol-generating element 130 may also include heating element 160 . Heating element 160 may form part of receptacle 140 . The user places cartridge 200 in receptacle 140 (step 1) and places cap 400 over cartridge 200 (step 2), so that cartridge 200 is received in inner shroud 430 and gripping members 450 engage gripping fingers. It can be initiated by sliding across the top of cartridge 200 so that 452 grips cartridge 200 . If the cap includes a lancing assembly, the user may push the cap to lancing cartridge 200 (step 3). After releasing cap 400, spring 470 pushes cap frame 410 and outer shroud 420 up into the operating position (step 4). In the operating position, the air path through cartridge 200 is open and the user can use the shisha device as normal. Gripping member 450 remains engaged with cartridge 200 . After using the shisha device, the user may press the cap 400 again to release it (step 5). A track and pin system guides the movement of cap 400 and allows spring 470 to return cap 400 to its starting position (step 6). Gripping member 450 remains engaged with cartridge 200 and lifts cartridge 200 with cap 400 upward. The user may then remove the cap 400 from the device (step 7). Cartridge 200 is retained within inner shroud 430 by gripping member 450 . Cartridge 200 may be removed by bringing gripping member 450 into contact with cartridge release member 610 of cartridge disposal device 601 (step 8). Cartridge release member 610 may be configured to bend gripping fingers 452 . Cartridge release member 610 may be configured to push gripping fingers 452 radially outward to release cartridge 200 .

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

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

Claims (15)

An aerosol generator,
an aerosol-generating element comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate;
a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace outlet above said liquid fill level;
a conduit for carrying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel;
A cap engageable with the body, the cap comprising:
a frame comprising a cavity and having a central axis, said cavity arranged to receive said cartridge;
a cap comprising a gripping member configured to releasably grip the cartridge received within the receptacle. 2. The aerosol generating device of Claim 1, wherein the gripping member comprises one or more spring fingers. said gripping member comprising a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from said ring member;
optionally, said one or more spring fingers extend axially towards a closed end of said cavity;
4. The aerosol generating device of any one of the preceding claims, optionally wherein said one or more spring fingers extend radially inwardly from said ring member. The cap further comprises an outer shroud and an inner shroud disposed within the outer shroud, the inner shroud defining the cavity, the gripping member being positioned at least partially within the cavity of the inner shroud. 10. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged in parallel. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the inner shroud is axially movable within the outer shroud. 6. The aerosol generating device of claims 4 or 5, wherein the cap further comprises a spring element biasing the inner shroud axially away from the outer shroud. of claims 4-6, wherein the inner shroud comprises one or more guide tracks and the outer shroud comprises one or more track pins configured to cooperate with the one or more guide tracks. An aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 4. The aerosol generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap comprises a piercing element configured to pierce the cartridge. The gripping member comprises one or more spring fingers having a bias toward a default position, and the cap comprises a release mechanism configured to oppose the bias, thereby releasing the fingers from the default position. 6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, moved apart to release a cartridge received within the cavity. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
An aerosol generation system comprising: a disposal vessel having an opening; and a cartridge disposal device comprising a cartridge release member constructed to mate with the gripping member of the cap to actuate release of the cartridge. said gripping member comprising a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from said ring member; said cartridge release member comprising a pressure ring in said opening of said waste vessel; 11. The aerosol generating system of Claim 10, wherein a ring is constructed to bend said one or more spring fingers. The gripping member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member, the cartridge release member comprising a rim of the waste vessel, the rim extending from the gripping member. 11. The aerosol generating system of claim 10, having a diameter smaller than the diameter of said ring member of but larger than the diameter of said cartridge. A method of using the aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising
inserting a cartridge into the receptacle of the aerosol-generating element;
placing the cap over the aerosol-generating element such that the cartridge is gripped by the gripping member;
pushing the cap toward the receptacle to release the cap from the aerosol-generating element;
removing the cap from the aerosol-generating element;
contacting the gripping member with a cartridge release member to cause the cartridge to be released from the gripping member. The gripping member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member, the cartridge release member comprising a rim of the waste vessel, the rim extending from the gripping member. having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ring member of but larger than the diameter of the cartridge;
Contacting the gripping member with the cartridge release member engages the rim of the cartridge disposal device between the cartridge and the ring member of the gripping member to disengage the one or more spring fingers. 14. The method of claim 13, comprising bending and releasing the cartridge from the gripping member. 10. A method of using the aerosol generating device of claim 9, the method comprising:
gripping a cartridge by the gripping member, wherein the one or more spring fingers exhibit a bias toward the cartridge;
activating the release mechanism to oppose the bias and thereby release the cartridge.

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