RU2805903C2 - Cartridge with cover for hookah - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol generation systems.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to cartridges for containing an aerosol-generating substrate, in particular for use in aerosol generators. A cartridge for housing an aerosol-generating substrate comprises a housing containing one or more walls, and a wall opening in at least one of the one or more walls, a cavity in the housing in fluid communication with at least one wall opening, and a cover connected to the housing with the possibility of rotation. The cover contains an outer edge, a non-electrically conductive material, a first electrical connection point located along the outer edge, a second electrical connection point located along the outer edge, and an electrically conductive material forming an electrically conductive path extending from the first electrical connection point to the second electrical connection point. The cover is configured to move between a first position in which the wall opening is open and a second position in which the wall opening is closed by the cover. The hookah system contains a claimed cartridge with an aerosol-generating substrate and a hookah device containing a reservoir for housing the cartridge, a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating substrate when the cartridge is placed in the reservoir of the hookah device, a vessel having a liquid filling level and defining a free space above the filling level liquid, an aerosol tube for transferring the aerosol from the reservoir to the vessel and an outlet in communication with the free space.

EFFECT: possibility of repeated use or use in one session of a part of the contents without the risk of contamination of the contents or hookah device, as well as the ability for the user to select different mixtures or flavours of the aerosol-generating substrate.

18 cl, 21 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to cartridges for containing an aerosol-generating substrate, particularly for use in aerosol-generating devices, and more particularly to cartridges comprising a lid for covering at least part of such cartridges.

Traditional hookah devices are used for smoking tobacco and are designed in such a way that the vapor and smoke pass through a container of water before being inhaled by the user. Hookah devices may contain one outlet or more than one outlet so that the device can be used by more than one user at a time. Many people view the use of hookah devices as a leisure activity and social experience.

Typically, traditional hookahs are used in combination with a substrate known as molasses, which contains a relatively high amount of sugar (in some cases up to ~50%, as opposed to the ~20% typically found in tobacco substrate). Tobacco used in hookah devices can be mixed with other ingredients, for example to increase the volume of vapor and smoke produced, to change the flavor, or both.

Traditional hookah devices use charcoal to burn a tobacco substrate to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale. Using charcoal pellets to heat tobacco may cause complete or partial combustion of the tobacco or other ingredients. Additionally, charcoal in pellet form can generate harmful or potentially harmful products, such as carbon monoxide, which can mix with the hookah vapor and pass through the water container to the outlet.

One way to reduce the formation of carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts is to use e-liquid instead of tobacco. Hookah devices that use e-liquids eliminate combustion byproducts, but hookah users are deprived of the traditional sensation associated with consuming a tobacco product.

Other hookah devices have been proposed that use electric heaters to heat rather than burn the tobacco. Such electrically heated hookah non-combustion heating devices heat the tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient to produce an aerosol from the substrate without burning the substrate, and therefore reduce or eliminate by-products associated with combustion of tobacco.

US 2010/101590 A1 discloses a cartridge which comprises a container wall with sealed openings and which, within the container wall, contains a discrete portion of hookah tobacco.

Hookah devices may use a cartridge to hold a substrate that produces an aerosol. The cartridge can be filled with such a substrate, forming an aerosol. The aerosol generating substrate may contain tobacco, preferably a hookah substrate such as molasses - a mixture of tobacco, water, sugar and other components such as glycerin, flavorings, etc. The heating system of an electrically heated hookah device heats the contents of the cartridge to generate the aerosol , which is carried along the path of the air flow to the user.

To facilitate the flow of air through the cartridge and the flow of aerosol from the cartridge, the hookah cartridge may include one or more openings in one or more walls. The cartridge may include one or more openings at the top, one or more openings at the bottom, or both, one or more holes at the top and one or more holes at the bottom. The holes may also be located along the sides of the cartridge. Alternatively, the top part may be open, that is, the top wall may be partially or completely absent. Any holes or openings in the top and bottom walls may be covered during storage with removable (eg, peel-off) film (eg, sticker). The removable film can protect the contents (such as molasses) from exposure to air and oxygen. The removable film can be removed by the user before using the cartridge for the first time.

Holes or openings in the cartridge, if not left sealed, may result in loss of freshness (such as loss of moisture) or contamination of the substrate, as well as leakage problems. For one or more reasons, such as to maintain freshness, to prevent leakage of the substrate, or to maintain the quality and integrity of the substrate during storage, it is desirable to close or seal the openings or openings of the cartridge before use or between uses if the contents of the cartridge are not used immediately.

Some users may want to extend the use of a cartridge over two or more usage sessions, or may want to pause a usage session before the contents of the cartridge are completely used up. However, over a relatively short period of time, exposure to air can cause oxidation of molasses. Therefore, molasses may deteriorate in an open cartridge if the cartridge is not completely used up within a short period of time. Additionally, regular molasses contains liquid components that may leak from the cartridge if the cartridge is not completely used up within a short period of time, even if stored inside the hookah device. Leaked molasses can contaminate the inside of the hookah device, and may be dirty, unhygienic or unpleasant to the user, and may have a negative impact on future sensory experience due to reduced freshness.

Additionally, some users may want to be able to choose between more than one flavor or substrate type.

Existing removable labels or caps used to seal cartridges during storage can be secured using adhesive, welding, crimping, or a combination of these. However, such stickers or caps are typically disposable and are not designed to be reinstalled or re-adhesive to cover the cartridge between uses.

It would be desirable to have a hookah cartridge that is designed to be reusable or reusable in one session. It would be desirable to provide a hookah cartridge capable of being closed, preferably resealed, after use. It would be desirable to have a hookah cartridge that is designed to heat only when it is opened. It would also be desirable to have a hookah cartridge containing compartments that could be selectively opened or heated, or both. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a hookah cartridge that provides the ability to protect the remaining molasses (or other aerosol-forming substrate) in the cartridge after the cartridge has been depressurized, for example, if all of the aerosol-forming substrate was not completely used during a use session.

Various aspects of the present invention relate to a hookah cartridge comprising a cover for closing, sealing or resealing an opening in a wall (eg, a top wall, a bottom wall or a side wall; preferably a top wall) of the cartridge body. The cartridge body contains one or more walls with an opening. The lid covers at least a portion of the wall containing the opening. The openings in the wall or the lid, or both, may include a single opening (eg, a sector-shaped opening) or a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings may include perforations in the material, mesh, or breathable material. The cover may further include electrical connection points that may be configured to be arranged in series with other electrical components to form an electrical circuit comprising the heating element.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a cartridge for housing an aerosol-forming substrate, the cartridge comprising a housing comprising one or more walls, and an opening in at least one of the one or more walls; a cavity in the housing in fluid communication with at least one wall opening; and a cover rotatably connected to the housing. The lid contains an outer edge; non-conductive material; a first electrical connection point located along the outer edge; a second electrical connection point located along the outer edge; and an electrically conductive material defining an electrically conductive path extending from the first electrical connection point to the second electrical connection point. The cover is configured to move between a first position in which the wall opening is open and a second position in which the wall opening is closed by the cover. The lid may include a lid opening. The opening in the lid can be hingedly closed with a shutter.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the lid may be rotatable about an axis from a first position in which the lid opening is at least partially aligned with the wall opening to a second position in which the lid opening is not aligned with the wall opening. In the first position, the electrical connection points of the cap may be aligned with other electrical components of the cartridge or hookah device, which form an electrical circuit containing the heating element. Therefore, when the lid is in the first (open) position, heating of the contents of the cartridge can be performed. The cartridge can be divided into compartments by internal walls. The lid can be used to selectively open and close compartments. The lid can be used to selectively control the heating of compartments so that only the open compartment is heated.

In some aspects, the lid may include a closure portion and a cylindrical portion extending axially from the closure portion. The cover contains a non-electrically conductive material and an electrically conductive material. The cover contains electrical connection points and an electrically conductive path extending from the first electrical connection point to the second electrical connection point. The first and second electrical connection points may be located at any suitable location on the cover portion or the cylindrical portion, allowing electrical connection points to be selectively aligned with and connected to other electrical components. The electrically conductive path and electrical connection points of the cover are configured to close an electrical circuit with the heating element. The heating element may contain resistive material in the tank of the hookah device, or in the cartridge body, or both. The resistive material may be positioned such that only one compartment of the cartridge cavity can be heated at a time.

In some aspects, the lid may include a closure portion and a tubular portion extending axially into the housing, the closure portion including a central opening aligned with the tubular portion, and the tubular portion including an opening leading into a cavity in the cartridge body. The opening of the tubular portion may include one or more openings. In some embodiments, the tubular portion is not fully formed such that the opening is formed by a gap in the tubular portion. The cartridge body may have a double wall structure, with an outer wall and a cylindrical inner wall, with a cavity formed between the outer and inner walls. The tubular portion of the lid may be located adjacent to the cylindrical inner wall. The tubular portion of the lid may be coaxial with the cylindrical inner wall. There may be an opening in the cylindrical inner wall. The lid can be rotated to align an opening in the cylindrical inner wall of the housing with an opening in the tubular portion of the lid.

The lid in accordance with the present invention allows the user to easily open and close the cartridge. For example, the user can temporarily close the cartridge between uses. The cap may allow the user to apply only a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate without the risk of contaminating the contents or the hookah device. The lid may also allow the user to heat only a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. In some aspects, the lid allows the user to heat only one compartment at a time in a cartridge containing two or more compartments. The presence of two or more compartments can also accommodate different mixtures or flavors of the aerosol-forming substrate, allowing the user to choose from a variety of options.

The term "aerosol" is used herein to mean a suspension of small solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas such as air, which may contain volatile aromatic compounds.

The term "substrate" is used herein to refer to a consumable material that may be contained within a cartridge.

The terms "inseparable" and "as a whole" are used herein to describe elements that are formed as a single unit (as one integral piece) that cannot be separated from each other without causing structural damage to the piece.

As used herein, the singular forms include embodiments with plural references unless the content clearly indicates otherwise.

In the context of this document, the conjunction “or” is generally used in its meaning to include “one or the other or both” unless the content clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the words “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” “contain,” “comprising,” or the like are used in their broadest sense and generally mean “including but not limited to " It will be understood that the expressions “consisting essentially of”, “consisting of”, etc. fall within the category of “comprising”, etc.

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

As used herein, the term “substantially” has the same meaning as “substantially” and can be understood to modify the following term by at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98%. In the context of this document, the term “not substantially” has the same meaning as “slightly” and may be understood to have the reverse meaning of the term “substantially”, that is, it changes the following term by no more than 10%, no more by more than 5% or no more than 2%.

Any direction mentioned herein, such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", and other directions or orientations are described herein for clarity and brevity and are not intended to to limit the actual device or system. The devices and systems described in this document may be used in a variety of directions and orientations.

The cartridge may comprise any suitable housing defining the cavity. The aerosol-forming substrate may be contained within the cavity of the cartridge. The housing is preferably formed from one or more heat-resistant materials, such as a heat-resistant metal or polymer. The housing may contain thermally conductive material. The housing may contain electrically resistive material that can be heated by passing an electrical current through the material. For example, the housing may contain any of the following: aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. Preferably the housing comprises aluminum.

The cartridge may have any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge may be shaped to be received by a hookah device. The cartridge may have a substantially cubic shape, a cylindrical shape, a truncated conical shape, or any other suitable shape. Preferably, the cartridge is generally cylindrical or frusto-conical in shape.

The hookah device is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. The device may preferably be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge due to conductivity. The cartridge is preferably shaped and sized to contact or minimize distance from the heating element of the hookah device to ensure efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. Heat may be generated through any suitable mechanism, such as resistance heating or induction. To facilitate induction heating, the cartridge may be provided with a current collector. For example, the cartridge body may be made of or contain a material (eg aluminum) that is capable of acting as a current collector, or a current collector material may be provided in the cartridge cavity. The current collector material may be provided in the cartridge cavity in any form, such as powder, solid block, pieces, etc.

Any suitable aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the cavity defined by the cartridge body. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing compounds that can form an aerosol. Volatile compounds can be released by heating the substrate to form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid or contain both solid and liquid components. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a hookah substrate. A hookah substrate should be understood as a consumable material suitable for use in a hookah device. The hookah substrate may contain molasses.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains tobacco. The tobacco-containing material preferably contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate when heated. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. Homogenized tobacco material can be formed by agglomeration of tobacco particles. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively or additionally comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-based material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain, for example, one or more of: powder, granules, pellets, pieces, fine threads, strips or sheets. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more of the following: grass leaf, tobacco leaf, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least one aerosol-forming substance. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include compounds or mixtures of compounds that, when used, facilitate the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that are substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the hookah device. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; polyhydric alcohol esters such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Particularly preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and most preferably glycerol. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain any suitable amount of an aerosol-forming substance. For example, the content of the aerosol-forming agent in the substrate may be equal to or greater than 5% by weight on a dry weight basis, and preferably greater than 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol forming agent content may be less than about 95% on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the aerosol-forming agent content is up to about 55%.

The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains nicotine and at least one aerosol-forming agent. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent is glycerol or a mixture of glycerin and one or more other suitable aerosol forming agents such as those listed above.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients, such as flavoring agents, sweeteners, etc. In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate contains one or more sugars in any suitable amount. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains invert sugar, which is a mixture of glucose and fructose obtained by separating sucrose. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains from about 1% to about 40% by weight of sugar, such as invert sugar. In some example, one or more sugars may be mixed with a suitable carrier, such as corn starch or maltodextrin.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate contains one or more sensory enhancers. Suitable sensory enhancers include flavoring agents and sensory agents such as cooling agents. Suitable flavors 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, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain molasses. As used herein, “molasses” means an aerosol-forming substrate composition containing approximately 20% or more sugar. For example, molasses may contain at least about 25% by weight sugar, such as at least about 35% by weight sugar. Typically, molasses will contain less than about 60% by weight sugar, such as less than about 50% by weight sugar.

Any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate (eg molasses or tobacco substrate) may be placed in the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, from about 3 g to about 25 g of the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity. The cartridge may contain at least 6 g, at least 7 g, at least 8 g, or at least 9 g of aerosol-forming substrate. The 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, from about 7 g to about 13 g of the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity. In some embodiments, the cartridge contains two or more different types of aerosol-forming substrate located in compartments of the cartridge.

The cartridge body may include one or more walls. In some embodiments, the housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall. The side wall may be cylindrical or frusto-conical, extending from the top to the bottom. The housing may contain one or more parts. For example, the side wall and the bottom wall may be formed integrally in one piece. The side wall and the bottom wall may be two parts configured to engage each other in any suitable manner. For example, the side wall and the bottom wall may be configured to engage each other in a threaded engagement or interference fit. The side wall and the bottom wall may consist of two parts joined together. For example, the side wall and the bottom wall may be joined together by welding or adhesive. The top wall and the side wall can be formed as a single piece. The side wall and the top wall may be two parts configured to engage each other in any suitable manner. For example, the side wall and the top wall may be configured to engage each other in a threaded engagement or interference fit. The side wall and the top wall may consist of two parts joined together. For example, the side wall and the top wall may be joined together by welding or adhesive. The top wall, the side wall and the bottom wall can be formed as a single piece. The top wall, side wall and bottom wall may be three separate parts configured to engage each other in any suitable manner. For example, the top wall, side wall, and bottom wall may be threaded, interference fit, welded, or adhesive engaged.

One or more walls of the housing may define a heated wall or surface. As used herein, the terms "heated wall" and "heated surface" mean the area of a wall or surface to which heat can be transferred directly or indirectly, or which can itself generate heat, for example, by induction or electrical resistance. The heated wall or surface may function as a heat transfer surface over which heat may be transferred from the outside of the housing into the cavity or to the interior surface of the cavity. The heated wall or surface may function as a heating element that heats up and transfers heat to the contents (eg, substrate) of the cartridge.

Preferably, the cartridge body has a length (eg, axial length along the vertical central axis) of approximately 15 cm or less. In one embodiment, the body has a length of approximately 10 cm or less. The housing may have an internal diameter of approximately 1 cm or greater. The inner diameter of the housing may be approximately 1.75 cm or larger. The cartridge may have a heated surface area in the cavity from about 25 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , for example, from about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² . The volume of the cavity can range from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ ; preferably from about 25 cm ³ to about 40 cm ³ . In one embodiment, the housing has a length ranging from about 3.5 cm to about 7 cm. The internal diameter of the housing may be from about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm. The housing may have a heated surface area in the cavity from about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , for example from about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² . The volume of the cavity can range from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ ; preferably from about 25 cm ³ to about 40 cm ³ . Preferably the body has a cylindrical or truncated conical shape.

The cartridge housing may include one or more openings or vents in one or more walls of the housing. The vents may be inlets, outlets, or both. Vents can be placed on the bottom wall, top wall, sides, or a combination thereof of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes one or more inlet ports and one or more outlet ports to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used with a hookah device. In some embodiments, the top wall of the cartridge may define one or more openings to define one or more cartridge inlets. The bottom wall of the cartridge may define one or more openings to define one or more cartridge outlets. Preferably, the one or more inlets and outlets are sized and shaped to provide suitable resistance to draw (RTD) through the cartridge. In some examples, the RTD across the cartridge from the inlet or inlets to the outlet or outlets may be from about 10 mm H ₂ O to about 50 mm H ₂ O, preferably from about 20 mm H ₂ O to about 40 mm H ₂ O The RTD of a sample refers to the static pressure difference between the two ends of the sample while air flows through it under steady-state conditions in which the volumetric flow is 17.5 milliliters per second at the outlet end. The RTD of a sample can be measured using the method outlined in ISO 6565:2002.

The one or more openings on the body may cover 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, or 25% or more of the wall area on which the openings are located. For example, if there are openings on the top wall, the openings may cover at least 5% of the area of the top wall. The one or more openings on the body may cover 75% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, or 30% or less of the wall area on which the openings exist.

According to an embodiment, the cartridge includes a cover that is rotatably connected to the housing. The cover can be used to close and reopen openings on the cartridge body. The cover can be used to selectively open and close one or more openings on the housing. The cover can be used to selectively close the electrical circuit with the heating element.

The lid may be rotatable between at least a first position and a second position about a central axis extending through the lid. In the first position, the opening in the housing may be uncovered or open to the outside environment. In the second position, the opening in the housing can be covered or closed. The central axis of the cover may be parallel to or coaxial with the central axis of the cartridge body. The central axis of the cartridge body can be thought of as a line running vertically through the center of the body when the body is in a vertical position. The cover may be removable or may be permanently attached to the body. The cover may be attached to the body by any suitable mechanism, such as a clamp, a snap connection, or a friction fit.

The cover may at least partially cover the upper wall or the lower wall of the housing. The cover may cover at least a portion of the side wall of the housing. The cover may include a closing portion covering the top or bottom of the cartridge body. The cover portion may be flat or may be contoured (eg, dome-shaped). The closing portion may form an outer surface of the lid. The lid may also include a cylindrical portion extending axially in the direction of the central axis from the closing portion. The cylindrical portion may be a side wall of the lid and may cover at least a portion of the side wall of the housing. In some embodiments, the lid includes only a closing portion and does not include a cylindrical portion.

According to an embodiment, the cover includes first and second electrical connection points. The term "electrical connection points" is used herein to refer to a portion of a cover configured to form an electrical connection (eg, an electrical circuit) to another electrical component. A point may be a small point or may be part of a larger structure (eg, space, surface, plate, grid, line, etc.), as long as the larger structure contains at least one point capable of forming an electrical connection. The cover may include an outer edge and one or both of the first and second electrical connection points may be located along the outer edge. The cover may be made primarily (eg, at least 50%, at least 75%, or at least 90%) of non-electrically conductive material. The cover may contain electrically conductive material located on and partially in the non-conductive material. The electrically conductive material may form an electrically conductive path extending from the first electrical connection point to the second electrical connection point.

The first and second electrical connection points may be spaced radially apart by 20° degrees or more, 30° degrees or more, 40° degrees or more, 50° degrees or more, or 60° degrees or more. The first and second electrical connection points may be spaced radially apart by up to 180°, up to 150°, up to 120°, up to 90°, or up to 60°.

The lid may include one or more lid openings. For example, the lid may include a lid opening in a closing portion, a cylindrical portion, or both. The lid opening may be an opening or channel extending through the lid material, or may be a cut out extension of the lid edge, or both. In some embodiments, the first and second electrical connection points define a sector of the cover, with the cover opening located in the sector. In one example, the cover opening is a cutout in the cover portion extending from a first electrical connection point to a second electrical connection point. The electrically conductive path may extend along the edge of the cutout. The outer edge of the cover beyond the first and second electrical connection points may be non-conductive. The material of the cover, with the exception of the first and second electrical connection points and the electrically conductive path, may be non-electrically conductive.

The lid opening can have any suitable size and shape. For example, the cover opening may be circular, polygonal (e.g., square, triangular, etc.), sector-shaped, grooved, or irregularly shaped. The cover opening may contain a plurality of holes. The size of the lid opening can be expressed as a percentage of the external area of the lid. By outer area of the lid is meant the outward-facing surface area of the lid (eg, not facing the body), such as the outward-facing surface area of the closure portion and the cylindrical portion. In some embodiments, the lid opening may comprise 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, or 25% or more of the area of the lid. The lid opening may comprise 75% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, or 30% or less of the lid area. The openings in the body and cover do not have to be the same shape, number or size. In some embodiments, the lid opening is different (eg, has a different shape, size, or number of holes) than the housing opening. In some embodiments, the lid opening is the same (eg, has the same shape, size, or number of holes) as the housing opening.

The openings in the body and lid may be positioned such that when the lid is rotated to a first position, at least some of the openings are aligned such that the body cavity is in fluid communication with the external environment (e.g., the air flow path of a hookah device) through the aligned holes, and when the cover is rotated to the second position, the holes are not aligned (that is, the cover covers the body openings).

The cartridge body may include one or more internal walls dividing the cavity into compartments. For example, the cavity may be divided into a first compartment and a second compartment. The cavity can be divided into 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or even 8 compartments. The inner wall may extend from the bottom of the housing to the top. In some embodiments, the inner wall may include perforations or openings.

The lid can be rotated to selectively open the compartment. The lid can rotate to close all compartments or all but one compartment. This allows the user to selectively use the contents of one compartment while keeping the other compartments closed (preferably hermetically sealed). The cartridge compartments can be filled with the same substrate. In some cases, the compartments may be filled with different substrates, for example, substrates containing different flavors or otherwise containing different compounds. By rotating the cap, the user can select a specific substrate (eg, a specific flavor) for a use session.

The cover can be rotated to align the first and second electrical connection points with other electrical components to complete the electrical circuit. Other electrical components may be electrical connection points or electrically conductive paths or areas on the cartridge body or hookah device. Preferably, alignment of the first and second electrical connection points with other electrical components causes electrical connection of the first and second electrical connection points with the other electrical components, thereby completing an electrical circuit. Completing the electrical circuit may also require other actions, such as placing the cartridge in the tank of the hookah device. Rotating the cap and aligning the first and second electrical connection points with other electrical components to complete an electrical circuit can be used to selectively heat a portion of the substrate in the cartridge. For example, the cartridge body may include a plurality of heating elements located around the perimeter of the body, and rotation of the lid may be used to selectively heat one heating element without heating the others. In another example, the hookah device may contain multiple heating elements, and rotation of the lid may be used to selectively heat one heating element without heating the others.

In some embodiments, the cartridge body includes an outer wall and an inner cylindrical wall such that a cavity is formed between the outer wall and the inner cylindrical wall. The cavity may be further divided into compartments by one or more internal walls. The inner walls may extend from the outer wall to the inner cylindrical wall. The inner cylindrical wall may define a central cavity that may receive the tubular portion of the lid. The inner cylindrical wall may contain one or more openings connecting the central cavity with compartments of the cavity containing the substrate. The tubular portion of the lid may include a corresponding opening that may be aligned with the openings of the inner cylindrical wall to provide an air flow path between the compartment, the central cavity, and the exterior of the cartridge. The cover can be rotated to open or close the opening on the inner cylindrical wall.

The cartridge may further comprise a removable seal layer covering one or more inlet openings and a second removable layer covering one or more outlet openings. The removable layer may comprise a peelable label, sticker, foil, or the like. The label, sticker, or foil may be attached to the cartridge in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive, crimping, welding, or otherwise attaching to the container. The release layer may include a tab that can be grasped to peel or remove a label, sticker, or foil from the cartridge prior to first use.

In some embodiments, the cartridge is a hookah device cartridge that can be used with any suitable hookah device. Preferably, the hookah device is configured to sufficiently heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge to form an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, but without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the hookah device may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature in the range of 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.

The hookah device may include a reservoir for receiving a cartridge. The hookah device may include a heating element configured to contact or be in close proximity to the cartridge body when the cartridge is placed in the tank. The heating element may define at least a portion of the reservoir. For example, the heating element may define at least a portion of the surface of the reservoir. The hookah cartridge may be configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate within the cavity through conduction. Alternatively, the heating element may be located on the cartridge body. In some embodiments, the heating element comprises an electrical heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element includes a resistive heating component. For example, the heating element may include one or more resistance wires or other resistive elements. Resistance wires can be placed in contact with a thermally conductive material to distribute the heat produced over a larger area. Examples of suitable conductive materials include aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof. The heating element may define at least a portion of the surface of the reservoir. In some embodiments, the heating element is housed within the cartridge body and the hookah device does not include a heating element.

The hookah device may include control electronics operably coupled to the heating element. The control electronics may be configured to control the heating of the heating element. The control electronics may be configured to control the temperature to which the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is heated. The control electronics may be provided in any suitable form and may, for example, comprise a controller or memory device and a controller. The controller may comprise one or more of the following: an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) state machine, a digital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or an equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuit. The control electronics may include a memory device that stores instructions causing one or more circuit components to perform a function or aspect of the control electronics. The functions inherent in the control electronics in the present invention may be implemented as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

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

In some examples, the control electronics may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and to control the supply of power to the heating element depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element. In this way, the control electronics can regulate the temperature of the resistive element.

The hookah device may include a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple. The temperature sensor may be operatively coupled to control electronics to control the temperature of the heating element. The temperature sensor can be located in any suitable location. For example, a temperature sensor may be configured to be inserted into the cartridge when placed within the reservoir to monitor the temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate. In addition or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heating element. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be positioned to sense the temperature at the aerosol outlet of the hookah device or portion thereof. The sensor can transmit signals regarding the measured temperature to the control electronics. The control electronics, in response to the signal, can adjust the heating of the heating elements to achieve a suitable temperature at the sensor.

The control electronics can be functionally connected to the power supply. The hookah device may contain any suitable power supply. For example, the power supply of a hookah device may be a battery or a set of batteries. The power supply batteries may be rechargeable, removable and replaceable, or rechargeable, both removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery may be used. For example, high-power batteries or standard batteries available on the market, such as those used for high-power industrial power tools. Alternatively, the power supply may be any type of electrical power supply, including a super or hypercapacitor. Alternatively, the node may be connected to an external power supply and electrically and electronically designed for such purpose. Regardless of the type of power supply used, the power supply preferably provides sufficient power to operate the unit normally for at least one hookah smoking session until the aerosol is consumed from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge before recharging or needing to be connected to an external power source . Preferably, the power supply provides sufficient power for normal operation of the assembly for at least about 70 minutes of continuous operation of the device before recharging or needing to be connected to an external power source.

In one example, a hookah device includes an aerosol generating element that includes a cartridge reservoir, a heating element, an aerosol outlet, and a fresh air inlet. The cartridge reservoir is configured to receive a cartridge according to the present invention containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may form at least a portion of the surface of the reservoir or may be part of the cartridge.

The hookah device includes a fresh air inlet channel in fluid communication with the reservoir. In use, when the substrate inside the cartridge is heated, the components of the aerosol forming agent in the substrate evaporate. Air entering from the fresh air inlet through the cartridge is entrained in the aerosol generated from the components of the aerosol forming agent in the cartridge.

Some electrically heated hookah devices use preheated air and typically use an air flow path that places the air close to the heat source when inhaling. Additionally, some electrically heated hookah devices use elements that increase heat transfer by radiation by increasing the heated surface area.

The fresh air inlet passage may include one or more openings extending through the cartridge reservoir such that fresh air from outside the hookah device may flow through the passage and into the cartridge reservoir through the one or more openings. If the channel contains more than one hole, the channel may include a manifold for directing air flowing through the channel into each hole. Preferably, the hookah device includes two or more fresh air inlets.

As described above, the cartridge includes one or more openings (such as inlets or outlets) formed in the housing. When the rotating cover is rotated to align the at least one opening on the cover with the at least one opening on the housing, air is allowed to pass through the cartridge. If the reservoir includes one or more inlet openings, at least some of the inlet openings in the cartridge may align with openings in the top of the reservoir. The cartridge may include an alignment member configured to mate with a complementary reservoir alignment member to align the inlet openings of the cartridge with the openings of the reservoir when the cartridge is inserted into the reservoir.

Air that enters the cartridge may flow through, or through, or both through and through the aerosol-forming substrate, entraining the aerosol, and exit the cartridge and reservoir through the aerosol outlet. From the aerosol outlet, air carrying the aerosol enters the vessel of the hookah device.

The hookah device may comprise any suitable vessel defining an internal volume configured to receive liquid and defining an outlet in a free space above the liquid filling level. The container may include an optically transparent or opaque body so that the contents contained in the container are visible to the consumer. The container may include a liquid fill limiting element, such as a liquid fill line. The vessel casing may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the body of the vessel may comprise glass or a suitable rigid plastic material. Preferably, the container is detachable from the portion of the hookah assembly containing the aerosol generating element, allowing the user to fill, empty or clean the container.

The consumer can fill the container to the liquid level. The liquid preferably contains water, to which one or more colors, flavors, or colors and flavors may optionally be added. For example, one or both of the plant or herbal additives may be added to the water.

The aerosol captured in the air leaving the aerosol outlet of the reservoir may pass through a tube located in the container. The tube may be coupled to the aerosol outlet of the aerosol generating element and may have an opening below the liquid fill level of the container such that aerosol flowing through the container flows through the opening of the tube, then through the liquid, into the free space of the container, and exits through the free space outlet. space for delivery to the consumer.

The free space outlet may be coupled to a hose containing a mouthpiece to deliver the aerosol to the consumer. The mouthpiece may include an activation element, such as a user-activated switch, a puff detector configured to detect the user taking a puff on the mouthpiece, or both a user-activated switch and a puff detector. The activation element is functionally connected to the control electronics of the hookah device. The activation element may be wirelessly coupled to the control electronics. Activation of the activation element may cause the heating element to be activated by the control electronics instead of continuously supplying power to the heating element. Activation of the activation element may cause the heating element to be activated by the control electronics instead of continuously supplying power to the heating element. Accordingly, the use of an activation element may result in energy savings compared to devices that do not use such elements to provide heating on demand instead of continuous heating.

As an example, one method of using the hookah device described in this document is presented below in chronological order. The vessel can be detached from other components of the hookah device and filled with water. One or more of natural fruit juices, herbal supplements, and herbal supplements may be added to the water for flavoring. The amount of liquid added should cover part of the tube, but should not exceed the fill level mark, which may not necessarily be present on the container. The vessel is then reinstalled in the hookah device. The cartridge can be prepared by removing the release layer (if present) and rotating the lid so that the opening in the lid is aligned with the opening in the body. The cover can be rotated to align electrical connection points with other electrical components on the housing or tank, or both. The cover can be rotated to selectively open the housing cavity compartment and to align electrical connection points to selectively heat the open compartment. A portion of the aerosol generating element may be removed or opened to allow the cartridge to be inserted into the reservoir. The aerosol generating element is then reattached or closed. The device can then be turned on. Turning on the device may initiate a heating profile of the heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature that is at or above the evaporation temperature but below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate evaporate, generating an aerosol. The user can puff through the mouthpiece as needed. The user can continue to use the device as long as they wish or until the aerosol is no longer visible or can no longer be delivered. In some embodiments, the device may be configured to automatically turn off when the usable aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge or compartment of the cartridge is depleted. The user can rotate the cap on the cartridge to open and heat another compartment and continue using the hookah device. Alternatively, the user can rotate the cap on the cartridge to close the cartridge or the remaining compartments of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the user may open another compartment or refill the device with a new cartridge, for example, upon receiving a signal from the device that the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge has been used up or is nearly used up. The hookah device can be turned off by the consumer at any time, for example by turning off the device.

The hookah device may be characterized by any suitable air movement control. In one example, a user's puffing will create a suction effect resulting in a low pressure within the device, which will cause outside air to flow through the air inlet of the device into the fresh air inlet and into the reservoir. Air can then flow through the cartridge into a reservoir to carry the aerosol produced from the aerosol-forming substrate. The air containing the entrained aerosol then exits the reservoir's aerosol outlet, flowing through a tube into the liquid inside the container. The aerosol will then bubble up from the liquid and into the headspace in the container above the liquid level, from the headspace outlet and through the hose and mouthpiece for delivery to the consumer. The outside air flow and the aerosol flow inside the hookah device can be activated by a puff from the user.

Reference will now be made to drawings which depict one or more aspects described in the present invention. However, it should be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it should be understood that the use of a number to designate a component on a given figure is not intended to limit a component on another figure designated by the same number. In addition, the use of different reference numerals to designate components in different figures is not intended to indicate that components with different reference numerals may not be the same or similar to components with different reference numerals. The figures are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The schematic representations shown in the figures are not necessarily to scale.

In fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a hookah device.

In fig. 2A and 2B are views of a hookah cartridge with a rotating lid for use in the hookah device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

In fig. 3A and 3B are perspective views of a hookah cartridge body for use in the hookah device of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

In fig. 3C is a perspective view of a hookah cartridge body with the top portion removed.

In fig. 3D shows the bottom view of a hookah cartridge.

In fig. 4A - 4D are cross-sectional and perspective views of a hookah cartridge cover for use in the hookah device of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

In fig. 5A and 5B are schematic views of a hookah cartridge in a tank of the hookah device of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

In fig. 6A - 6C are cross-sectional views of the mechanisms for securing the cap to the cartridge body according to embodiments.

In fig. 7A is a perspective view of a hookah cartridge with a rotating cap having a tubular portion and a compartmentalized body for use in the hookah device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

In fig. 7B is a perspective view of the hookah cartridge cover of FIG. 7A .

In fig. 7C is a perspective view of the body of the hookah cartridge of FIG. 7A .

In fig. 7D is a perspective view of another embodiment of the hookah cartridge cover of FIG. 7A .

In fig. 7E shows a diagram of inserting the cap into the hookah cartridge of FIG. 7A .

In fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a hookah device 100 . The device 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an internal volume configured to contain liquid 19 and defining an outlet 15 of free space above the fill level for liquid 19 . Liquid 19 preferably contains water, to which one or more colors, one or more flavors, or one or more colors and one or more flavors may optionally be added. For example, one or both of the herbal supplements or herbal supplements can be added to the water.

The device 100 also includes an aerosol generating element 130 . The aerosol generating element 130 includes a reservoir 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 containing the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating element 130 may also include a heating element 160 that defines at least one surface of the reservoir 140 . In the illustrated embodiment, heating element 160 defines the sides of reservoir 140 . The aerosol generating element 130 also includes a fresh air inlet 170 that draws fresh air into the device 100 . In some embodiments, a portion of the fresh air inlet duct 170 is formed by a heating element 160 to heat the air before the air enters the reservoir 140 . The preheated air then enters the cartridge 200 , which is also heated by the heating element 160 to transport the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming agent and the aerosol-forming substrate. Air exits the outlet of aerosol generating element 130 and enters tube 190 .

A tube 190 carries air and aerosol into a vessel 17 below the liquid level 19 . Air and aerosol can bubble up through the liquid 19 and exit the outlet 15 of the free space of the vessel 17 . A hose 20 may be attached to the free space outlet 15 to transfer the aerosol to the user's mouth. The mouthpiece 25 may be attached to or form part of the hose 20 .

An exemplary air flow path of the device in use is depicted by bold arrows in FIG. 1 .

The mouthpiece 25 may include an activation element 27 . The activation element 27 may be a switch, button, or the like, or may be a tightening sensor or the like. The activation element 27 may be located at any other suitable location of the device 100 . The activation element 27 may be in wireless communication with the control electronics 30 to bring the device 100 into a state of use or to cause the heating element 160 to be activated by the control electronics, for example, by the power supply unit 35 supplying electrical power to the heating element 160 .

The control electronics 30 and power supply 35 may be located at any suitable location of the aerosol generating element 130 , including locations other than the bottom of the element 130 , as shown in FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 2A and 2B , the cartridge 200 has a housing 210 defining a cavity 218 in which the aerosol-forming substrate 201 can be housed. Housing 210 includes a top wall 215 , a bottom wall 213 , and a side wall 212 . The side wall 212 may be cylindrical, as shown, or frusto-conical, or a combination of shapes. The housing 210 may have a central axis A extending through the housing 210 . The housing 210 may be formed from one or more parts. For example, top wall 215 or bottom wall 213 may be removably attached to side wall 212 to allow aerosol-forming substrate 201 to be placed in cavity 218 . The cartridge 200 also includes a cover 300 . In the example shown, cover 300 at least partially covers top wall 215 and a portion of side wall 212 .

In the example shown in FIG. 2B , the cover 300 includes a cover portion 315 and a cylindrical portion 312 extending axially (ie, in the direction of the central axis A ) from the cover portion 315 . The lid 300 may also be provided with only a closing portion 315 , without a cylindrical portion. The cover portion 315 may at least partially cover the top wall 215 of the housing 210 . The cover portion 315 may be a flat portion. The cover 300 includes a cover opening 317 extending through the cover portion 315 . The cover 300 may be rotatable about a central axis A. Rotation of the cover 300 can be used to open the cartridge 200 by aligning the cover opening 317 with the opening on the housing 210 .

The cover 300 includes a first electrical connection point 341 and a second electrical connection point 342 . The cover 300 further includes an electrically conductive path 343 extending between the first and second electrical connection points 341 , 342 . Electrically conductive track 343 includes electrically conductive material that may be located on or in (eg, embedded in) electrically non-conductive material. Electrical connection points in schematic drawings are enlarged for clarity. However, the electrical connection points may simply comprise the ends of the electrically conductive path 343 . One or both of the first and second electrical connection points 341 , 342 may be located along the edge of the cover 300 or, for example, along the edge of the cover portion 315 , or may extend downward along the cylindrical portion 312 . The first and second electrical connection points 341 , 342 are open such that they can make an electrical connection to another electrical component, such as corresponding electrical connection points on the body 210 or on the hookah device.

With reference to FIG. 3A - 3D show various aspects of the housing 210 . Housing 210 may include one opening 217 , as shown in FIG. 3A , or a plurality of openings 217 as shown in FIG. 3B . The opening(s) 217 may be located on the top wall 215 , on the bottom wall 213 , or on both. Preferably, one or more openings 217 are located in an area of the housing 210 that is covered by the cover 300 such that when the cover 300 is rotated, the openings 217 can be exposed (open) or covered (closed). The wall on which one or more openings 217 are located may also include an impermeable portion 214 . The term "impermeable portion" is used herein to refer to a material that is impermeable to air. The housing 210 may also include a plurality of openings 216 on an opposing wall (eg, a bottom wall) to allow air to pass through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. An example of the arrangement of holes 216 on the bottom wall 213 is shown in FIG. 3D The cartridge 200 may also or alternatively include openings along the side wall 212 . One or more housing openings or openings 217 , 216 may be further blocked by a peel-off seal or cap when the cartridge is stored prior to use.

In fig. 3C shows an example of a cartridge body 210 with the top wall 215 removed. Housing 210 may include internal walls 228 or partitions. The inner walls 228 may divide the cavity 218 into a plurality of compartments 219 . Although six compartments 219 are shown, any suitable number may be created. The housing 210 with interior walls 228 may be used without a top wall 215 (with a lid covering the open top) or with a top wall 215 containing openings 217 aligned with each of the compartments 219 . In some embodiments, one or more interior walls 228 may include through holes 227 connecting adjacent compartments 219 . If the cover 300 is placed on the cartridge body 210 , the cover 300 can be rotated to align the cover opening 317 with at least one compartment 219 by either aligning the cover opening 317 with the housing openings 217 or aligning the opening 317 with the open top of the compartment 219 so that air can receive ability to pass through the cartridge.

In some embodiments, housing 210 may include heating elements 260 that can be selectively activated to heat the substrate in compartment 219 . Heating elements 260 may be located on the wall 212 of the cartridge 210 . Heating elements 260 may be aligned with compartments 219 of cartridge 210 . The heating elements 260 may be coupled to first and second electrical connection points 241 , 242 , which may be aligned and connected to the first and second electrical connection points 341 , 342 of the lid 300 when the lid 300 is rotated.

In fig. 4A - 4D illustrate various embodiments of the cover 300 . The lid may include a closing portion 315 , which may be flat as shown in FIG. 4A . Although not shown, cover 300 may also include a cylindrical portion 312 extending axially from cover portion 315 . The cylindrical portion may form a side wall of the lid, as shown in FIG. 2B . The cover 300 includes a cover opening 317 . The lid opening 317 may include one opening 317 as shown in FIG. 4B , or a plurality of openings 317 as shown in FIG. 4C . Where the lid opening 317 includes a plurality of openings, in some embodiments, the plurality of openings may be provided with mesh. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4D , the cover 300 includes one opening 317 covered by a shutter 325 . The shutter 325 may be rotatable to open and close. A cover 300 with a single opening 317 may be associated with a housing 210 containing a single opening 217 or a plurality of openings 217 . A cover 300 with a plurality of openings 317 may be associated with a housing 210 containing a single opening 217 or a plurality of openings 217 . The lid 300 (eg, the closure portion 315 ) may also include an impermeable portion 314 . In an embodiment, the cover 300 is rotatable from a first position in which the cover opening 317 is aligned with at least one opening 217 on the housing 210 (opening the opening 217 ) to a second position in which the cover opening 317 is aligned with another opening 217 on housing 210 or where the lid opening 317 is not aligned with any opening on housing 210 (covering cartridge 200 ). In the closed position, the cover opening 317 is aligned with the sealed portion 214 of the housing 210 , and the housing opening 217 is aligned with the sealed portion 314 of the cover 300 .

The cover 300 includes a first electrical connection point 341 and a second electrical connection point 342 . One or both of the first and second electrical connection points 341 , 342 may be located along the edge of the cover 300 . An electrically conductive path 343 made of an electrically conductive material connects the first and second electrical connection points 341 , 342 . The electrically conductive track 343 may be embedded in an electrically non-conductive material. The first and second electrical connection points 341 , 342 are open such that they can make an electrical connection to another electrical component, such as corresponding electrical connection points on the body 210 or on the hookah device.

In fig. 5A and 5B schematically show a configuration in which the first and second electrical connection points 341 , 342 and the electrical conductive path 343 of the cover 300 form an electrical circuit 440 with a heating element 160 located on the tank 140 of the hookah device. Electrical circuit 440 may include at least first and second electrical connection points 341 , 342 , electrical path 343 , and heating element 160 . Electrical circuit 440 may further include other electrical components such as wires, connectors, power supply, switch, controls, etc. Reservoir 140 may include a plurality of heating elements 160 as shown in FIG. 5B . Heating elements 160 may be positioned to align with compartments 219 of cartridge body 210 . Cartridge 200 and reservoir 140 may include complementary alignment elements that help align compartments 219 and electrical connection points 341 , 342 of cap 300 to heating element 160 of reservoir 140 when the cartridge is placed in the reservoir.

In fig. 6A - 6C illustrate various mechanisms that are suitable for attaching the cover 300 to the body 210 . The cover 300 may be removably attached. The cover 300 may be attached via a threaded connection. The cover 300 may be attached through a friction fit, as shown in FIG. 6A . The cover 300 may also be attached via a snap connection, as shown in FIG. 6B and 6C . The housing 210 may include a structure, such as a projection 222 , and the lid 300 may include a corresponding structure, such as a projection 322 , that surrounds the housing structure 210 and holds the lid 300 in place in a rotatable manner, as shown in FIG. 6B . The housing structure 210 may also include a central post with a projection 223 and the cover 300 may include a corresponding cavity with a projection 323 as shown in FIG. 6C . The post cap 300 may or may not include a cylindrical portion 312 .

Let us now turn to FIG. 7A - 7C , in which the air flow from the cavity 218 can be arranged through the central opening. The cover 300 may include a tubular portion 352 configured to fit within the central opening. The tubular portion 352 may have a diameter D352 smaller than the diameter D315 of the closure portion 315 . The tubular portion 352 may extend axially from the closure portion 315 . The cover 300 may further include a cylindrical portion 312 (not shown), which may be coaxial with the tubular portion 352 . The tubular portion 352 may define a cavity 318 substantially aligned with the lid opening 317 on the closure portion 315 . The tubular portion 352 may also include one or more openings 327 that may be configured to align with the opening on the housing 210 . The cover 300 includes a first electrical connection point 341 and a second electrical connection point 342 , as described above with reference to FIG. 4A - 4D .

Housing 210 may include a corresponding inner cylindrical wall 232 ( FIG. 7C ). A cavity 218 may be formed between the outer wall 212 and the inner cylindrical wall 232 .

The cavity 218 may optionally be divided into compartments 219 by one or more internal walls 228 . The inner walls 228 may extend from the inner surface of the side wall 212 to the outer surface of the inner cylindrical wall 232 of the cartridge body. The inner cylindrical wall 232 may define a central cavity 227 . A tubular portion 352 of the lid 300 may engage with an inner cylindrical wall 232 defining a central cavity 227 of the housing 210 . For example, the tubular portion 352 of the lid 300 may fit into a central cavity 227 defined by the inner cylindrical wall 232 of the housing 210 , as shown in FIG. 7E . The inner cylindrical wall 232 may include one or more openings 237 connecting the compartments to the central cavity 227 .

The insertion of the tubular portion 352 into the central cavity 227 of the housing 210 is indicated by a downward arrow in FIG. 7E. The cover 300 may be pressed until the cover portion 315 contacts (or mates with) the side wall 212 of the housing 210 . When the cover 300 is positioned on the housing 210 such that the tubular portion 352 fits into the central cavity 227 , the cover 300 can be rotated about an axis A to align the opening 327 with one or more openings 237 on the inner cylindrical wall 232 of the housing 210 . The alignment of the openings 327 , 237 also aligns the first and second electrical connection points 341 , 342 with other electrical components (eg, the first and second electrical connection points 241 , 242 ) on the body 210 or on the hookah device. When the openings 327 , 237 are so aligned, the heating element 160 or 260 can be activated to heat the substrate in a particular compartment 219 (depending on the position of the electrical connection points 341 , 342 relative to the compartments 219 ), and air can flow from the cavity 318 into the compartment 219 ( or vice versa, depending on the configuration of the flow path in the hookah device and the direction of flow).

The inner cylindrical wall 232 may also include an opaque portion (not shown) such that the lid 300 can be rotated to align the opening 318 with the opaque portion to block the flow path from the cavity 218 (to close the cartridge).

The cartridge may contain distinctive features that enable the cartridge to be placed in the tank of the hookah device or the cartridge to be removed from the tank. For example, the cartridge may include a projection (eg, a flange) for alignment, positioning, gripping, etc. The cap may also serve as a projection.

Thus, cartridges for hookah devices are described. Various modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the claimed invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications to the described embodiments of the present invention that will be apparent to those skilled in the fields of mechanics, chemistry, and aerosol generating article manufacturing or related fields are intended to be included within the scope of the claims below.

Claims (34)

1. A cartridge for containing an aerosol-forming substrate, the cartridge comprising: a housing comprising one or more walls, and a wall opening in at least one of the one or more walls; a cavity in the housing in fluid communication with at least one wall opening; And a cover rotatably connected to the housing, the cover comprising: outer edge; non-conductive material; a first electrical connection point located along the outer edge; a second electrical connection point located along the outer edge; and an electrically conductive material defining an electrically conductive path extending from the first electrical connection point to the second electrical connection point, wherein the lid is movable between a first position in which the wall opening is open and a second position in which the wall opening is closed by the lid. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer edge of the cover, with the exception of the first and second electrical connection points and the electrically conductive material forming the electrically conductive path, is non-electrically conductive. 3. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the one or more walls of the housing contains resistive material. 4. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover is rotatable around an axis to selectively form an electrical circuit containing an electrically conductive path and a heating element. 5. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing includes an inner wall dividing the cavity into at least a first compartment and a second compartment. 6. The cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that the lid is rotatable around an axis to selectively open the first compartment or the second compartment or to close both the first and second compartments. 7. The cartridge according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that at least one of the one or more walls of the housing contains two or more sections of resistive material, each section of resistive material corresponding to one of the two or more compartments. 8. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second electrical connection points define a sector of the cover, wherein the cover includes a cover opening in the sector, wherein in the first position the cover opening is at least partially aligned with the wall opening, and wherein in the second The lid opening is not aligned with the wall opening. 9. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second electrical connection points are spaced radially apart by 20° or more, 30° or more, 40° or more, 50° or more, or 60° or more, and /or up to 180°, up to 150°, up to 120°, up to 90° or up to 60°. 10. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover includes an opening containing a cutout extending from the first electrical connection point to the second electrical connection point. 11. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall opening is on the top wall, on the bottom wall or on the side wall, or any combination thereof. 12. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains an aerosol-forming substrate located in the cavity. 13. The cartridge according to claim 12, characterized in that the aerosol-forming substrate contains tobacco. 14. The cartridge according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the aerosol-forming substrate contains an aerosol-forming hookah substrate. 15. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing includes an internal wall dividing the cavity into a first compartment and a second compartment, the cartridge containing a first type of aerosol-forming substrate located in the first compartment and a second type of aerosol-forming substrate, located in the second section. 16. Hookah system containing: cartridge according to any one of paragraphs. 1-15 with an aerosol-forming substrate located in a cartridge; And hookah device containing: reservoir for holding the cartridge; a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is placed in the tank of the hookah device; a vessel having a liquid filling level and defining a free space above the liquid filling level; an aerosol tube for transferring the aerosol from the reservoir to the vessel; And an outlet in communication with free space. 17. The hookah system of claim 16, wherein the reservoir contains electrical connection points configured to align and connect with the first and second electrical connection points of the cartridge. 18. The hookah system of claim 17, wherein the heating element comprises two or more sections of resistive material configured to selectively heat when the first and second electrical connection points are aligned and connected to the electrical connection points of the tank.