RU2805911C2 - Hookah cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking articles.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a hookah cartridge. The hookah cartridge contains a housing defining a cavity. The aerosol-generating substrate is placed in the cavity. The cartridge also has a heated surface area. The ratio of the heated surface area of the cartridge to the cavity volume ranges from about 1 cm^-1 to about 4 cm^-1. The maximum internal width of the cavity may be 4 cm. The height of the cavity may be 3 cm or more.

EFFECT: invention makes it possible to have a significant impact on the overall aerosol production and on the amount of molasses that can be used.

17 cl, 21 dwg, 2 tbl, 2 ex

Description

The present invention relates to hookah devices and cartridges containing an aerosol-forming substrate for use in hookah devices; and more particularly to cartridges for use in hookah devices that heat a substrate to form an aerosol without burning the substrate.

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 element or more than one outlet element so that the device can be used simultaneously by more than one consumer. Many people view the use of hookah devices as a leisure activity and social experience.

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. To heat tobacco, a traditional hookah device typically uses charcoal in the form of pellets, which can 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.

Some hookah devices have been proposed that use electrical heat sources to burn tobacco, for example to eliminate by-products of burning charcoal or to improve the combustion stability of tobacco. Other hookah devices have been proposed that use e-liquids rather than tobacco. Hookah devices that use e-liquids eliminate combustion byproducts, but hookah users are deprived of the sensation associated with consuming a tobacco product.

Various hookah devices have been proposed that use electric heaters to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, such as tobacco, without burning the substrate. These hookah devices provide a tobacco-based experience without combustion byproducts. However, replacing charcoal with an electric heater may reduce the total aerosol mass produced from the substrate.

Charcoal-fired hookah devices use conduction and convection to transfer heat and produce aerosol. Through conductivity, the charcoal heats the aerosol-forming substrate to temperatures up to approximately 200ºC, which remains fairly constant throughout the session. By convection, the aerosol-forming substrate can heat up to approximately 230ºC, with air temperatures reaching up to approximately 700ºC during a puff.

Electric heaters, such as resistance heaters, can provide similar levels of heat transfer through conduction. However, achieving air temperatures of approximately 700ºC using electric heaters, especially if the hookah device is battery powered, is difficult. Thus, the substrate may not be heated enough to cause significant aerosol generation over an extended period of time, which may result in less total aerosol mass being generated compared to hookah devices using charcoal.

It would be desirable to provide a hookah cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate that can be heated by an electric heater so as to provide aerosol production that is similar to the aerosol production experienced with hookah devices that heat with charcoal. More specifically, it would be desirable to provide a cartridge for use in a heated, non-combustion hookah device that provides desired aerosol mass levels.

Various aspects of the present invention relate to a hookah cartridge including a housing defining a cavity. The cartridge contains an aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity. The cartridge has a heated surface area. The heated surface area can be determined by the housing. The ratio of the heated surface area of the cartridge to the cavity volume ranges from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . For example, the ratio of the heated surface area of the cartridge to the cavity volume may range from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 2 cm ^-1 , for example from about 1.2 cm ^-1 to about 1.6 cm ^-1 or from about 1. 3 cm ^-1 to approximately 1.5 cm ^-1 . In some embodiments, the surface area to be heated is from about 25 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , such as from about 25 cm ² to about 55 cm ² .

Various aspects of the present invention relate to a hookah cartridge including a housing defining a cavity. The cartridge contains an aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity. A cavity has the surface area of a cavity. The surface area of the cavity can be determined by the housing. The ratio of the surface area of the cartridge cavity to the volume of the cavity ranges from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 .

Various aspects of the present invention relate to a hookah cartridge including a housing defining a cavity. The cartridge contains an aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity. The cavity has a cavity surface area comprising a lateral cavity surface area. The surface area of the cavity can be determined by the housing. The lateral surface area of the cavity may be defined by a housing sidewall, such as a cylindrical or frusto-conical housing sidewall. The ratio of the lateral surface area of the cartridge cavity to the volume of the cavity ranges from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 .

Various aspects of the present invention relate to a hookah cartridge comprising a body defining a cavity having a maximum internal width of 4 cm. In some embodiments, the hookah cartridge includes a body defining a cavity having a maximum internal width of 3.5 cm. In some embodiments, the hookah cartridge comprises a housing defining a cavity having a maximum internal width of 3 cm. The cartridge contains an aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the cavity. The housing contains a side wall having an inner surface that defines at least part of the cavity. The cartridge has a longitudinal axis, a height along the longitudinal axis, and an internal width. For purposes of the present invention, the inner width of the cartridge is defined along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, from the inner surface of the side wall on one side of the side wall to the inner surface of the side wall on the opposite side of the side wall, measured through the geometric center of the cavity. If the section of the side wall in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is circular, the width may be the diameter. Preferably, the maximum width is the section width at or near the top of the container.

Various aspects of the present invention relate to a hookah cartridge comprising a housing defining a cavity having a height of 3 cm or more. The cartridge contains an aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity.

Various aspects of the present invention relate to a hookah cartridge comprising a housing defining a cavity having a height of 3.5 cm or more. The cartridge contains an aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity.

The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3 cm or more and a width of 4 cm or less. The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3 cm or more and a width of 4 cm or less, and the cartridge may have a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3 cm or more, and the cartridge may have a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . The housing may define a cavity having a width of 4 cm or less, and the cartridge may have a heated cartridge surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 .

The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3.5 cm or more and a width of 4 cm or less. The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3.5 cm or more and a width of 4 cm or less, and the cartridge may have a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3.5 cm or more, and the cartridge may have a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . The housing may define a cavity having a width of 4 cm or less, and the cartridge may have a heated cartridge surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 .

The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3 cm or more and a width of 3.5 cm or less. The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3 cm or more and a width of 3.5 cm or less, and the cartridge may have a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3 cm or more, and the cartridge may have a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . The housing may define a cavity having a width of 3.5 cm or less, and the cartridge may have a heated cartridge surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 .

The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3.5 cm or more and a width of 3.5 cm or less. The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3.5 cm or more and a width of 3.5 cm or less, and the cartridge may have a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3.5 cm or more, and the cartridge may have a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . The housing may define a cavity having a width of 3.5 cm or less, and the cartridge may have a heated cartridge surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 .

The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3.5 cm or more and a width of 3 cm or less. The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3.5 cm or more and a width of 3 cm or less, and the cartridge may have a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3.5 cm or more, and the cartridge may have a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . The housing may define a cavity having a width of 3 cm or less, and the cartridge may have a heated cartridge surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 .

The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3 cm or more and a width of 3 cm or less. The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3 cm or more and a width of 3 cm or less, and the cartridge may have a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3 cm or more, and the cartridge may have a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . The housing may define a cavity having a width of 3 cm or less, and the cartridge may have a heated cartridge surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 .

In some preferred embodiments, the housing defines a cavity having a height of 3.5 cm or more and a width of 3 cm or less, and may have a heated cartridge surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 .

A ratio of the heated surface area, such as the surface area of the cavity defined by the body, to the cavity volume of approximately 1 cm ^-1 or more increases heat transfer by conduction relative to traditional charcoal-fired hookah devices. This increases aerosol production. Increased heat transfer by conduction can overcome or at least partially compensate for the lack of heat transfer by convection in electrically heated hookah devices relative to traditional charcoal-fired hookah devices. A ratio of heated surface area to cavity volume of approximately 1 cm ^-1 or greater may be particularly beneficial in increasing aerosol production during initial puffs. This helps reduce the time between initiation of heating of the aerosol-forming substrate and the time at which the device is ready for the user to take his first puff.

A ratio of the heated surface area, such as the surface area of the cavity defined by the housing, to the cavity volume of approximately 4 cm ^-1 or less prevents premature consumption of the substrate. In some embodiments, the ratio of the heated surface area of the cavity body to the volume of the cavity is from about 1.2 cm ^-1 to about 3 cm ^-1 , for example, from about 1.5 cm ^-1 to about 3 cm ^-1 , or, for example, from approximately 2.5 cm ^-1 to approximately 3 cm ^-1 .

The ratio of heated surface area to cavity volume can be easily changed by changing one or more dimensional constraints of the cartridge, such as the length, internal diameter, or shape of the cartridge body. As used herein, the "inner diameter" of a cartridge means the average cross-sectional distance along the cavity when measured through the geometric center of the section. If the cross-section is circular, each cross-section distance measured should be the same as the average cross-section distance. However, the cross-section may have any suitable shape, including shapes other than circular. The cartridge may have different internal diameters along the length of the cartridge, or the internal diameter may be the same along the length of the capsule.

The heated surface area can be easily varied by using one or more thermal bridges within the cavity to increase the heated surface area. One or more thermal bridges may be provided within the cartridge cavity.

The cartridge may be of any suitable shape adapted to be received by the hookah device. The hookah device is preferably configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge by conduction. The cartridge is preferably shaped and sized to contact or minimize distance from the hookah device heating element to ensure efficient heat transfer from the hookah heater to the aerosol generating substrate in the cartridge.

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 truncated-conical in shape.

If the cartridge has a frusto-conical shape, in some embodiments, the side walls of the cartridge body deviate from the longitudinal axis at an angle of about 2º to about 45º, preferably at an angle of about 3º to about 5º. In some embodiments, the side walls of the cartridge body deviate from the longitudinal axis at an angle of approximately 4.5 degrees.

The cartridge may comprise any suitable housing defining a cavity in which the aerosol-forming substrate is located. The housing is preferably formed from one or more heat-resistant materials, such as a heat-resistant polymer or metal. Preferably the housing contains a thermally conductive 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 housing may include a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall.

In some embodiments, the bottom portion may be a flat bottom portion. In some embodiments, the lower portion may be a substantially planar lower portion. In some embodiments, the bottom portion may transition to the side walls in a single transition, such as through a top or curved edge.

In some embodiments, the bottom portion is not completely planar or flat. In some embodiments, the bottom portion is angled away from the flat bottom portion. The angle may be from about 5º to about 40º, for example from about 10º to about 30º, preferably from about 15º to about 25º, or from about 15º to about 20º, for example 18º. In some embodiments, the bottom portion is deflected from the flat portion by the intermediate transition medium, providing a first transition between the side wall and the intermediate transition medium and a second transition between the intermediate transition region and the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the intermediate transition media may be positioned at an angle to the rest of the bottom portion. The angle may be from about 5º to about 40º, for example from about 10º to about 30º, preferably from about 15º to about 25º, or from about 15º to about 20º, for example 18º. The remainder of the lower portion may be substantially flat. The remainder of the lower portion may be substantially planar. The intermediate transition may lie in a plane intersecting both the plane of the rest of the bottom region and the plane of the side wall. The angle at which the plane of the intermediate transition and the rest of the bottom region is located may be from about 5º to about 40º, for example from about 10º to about 30º, preferably from about 15º to about 25º or from about 15º to about 20º, for example, 18º. The intermediate transition may be a beveled edge in some embodiments.

The housing may contain one or more parts. For example, the side wall and the bottom may be one piece or two pieces configured to engage each other in any suitable manner, such as a threaded engagement or an interference fit. The top portion and the side wall may be one piece or two pieces configured to engage each other in any suitable manner, such as a threaded engagement or an interference fit.

The housing defines a cavity in which the aerosol-forming substrate can be placed. The portion of the housing defining the cavity has a heated surface area. As used herein, "heatable surface area" means the surface area through which heat supplied at a location other than the surface area can be transferred to the surface area. For example, the heated surface area of the cavity defining body portion is the surface area through which heat can be transferred from outside the cavity through the body to the surface of the cavity defining body. For example, the heated surface area of the cavity defining body portion is the surface area of the interior of the cavity through which heat can be transferred from outside the cavity, such as the outer surface area of the body, through the body to the surface of the cavity defining body. For example, heat may be applied to an outer surface area of the housing, which heat may be transferred to a heated surface area, the surface area of a cavity defined by the housing, to the cavity. The heated surface area may be a laterally heated surface area. The heated surface area may be a radially heated surface area. Preferably, the surface area to be heated has a thermal conductivity of at least 100 W∙m ^-1 ∙K ^-1 . More preferably, the surface area being heated has a thermal conductivity of at least about 150 W∙m ^-1 ∙K ^-1 , such as at least about 200 W∙m ^-1 ∙K ^-1 .

The heated surface area may have any suitable total surface area, as long as the ratio of heated surface area to cavity is in the range of from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . In some embodiments, the ratio of heated surface area to cavity volume ranges from about 1.2 cm ^-1 to about 3 cm ^-1 . Preferably, the ratio of heated surface area to cavity volume is in the range of about 1.5 cm ^-1 to about 3 cm ^-1 , for example, from about 2.5 cm ^-1 to about 3 cm ^-1 . In some preferred embodiments, the ratio of heated surface area to cavity volume is in the range of from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 2 cm ^-1 , for example, from about 1.2 cm ^-1 to about 1.6 cm ^-1 or from about 1 .3 cm ^-1 to approximately 1.5 cm ^-1 .

To achieve these heated surface area to volume ratios, the housing can be long and narrow or short and wide. The cartridge may include one or more elements or features within the cavity to increase the heated surface area within the cavity. For example, the side wall may include one or more ribs that extend into the cavity. The cartridge may contain a thermal bridge within the cavity. Preferably, the thermal bridges are located in the cavity such that the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity and contacts the thermal bridge on opposing main surfaces. In some embodiments, the thermal bridge may comprise the same material as the housing. In some embodiments, the thermal bridge may comprise a material other than the housing material. The thermal bridge may be in thermal connection with another part of the housing. For example, the thermal bridge may be in thermal contact with one or more of the top, bottom, and side wall. In some embodiments, the thermal bridge extends from one portion of the side wall to another portion of the side wall. In some embodiments, the thermal bridge may not be in contact with the side wall. If a thermal bridge is provided in the cavity, the thermal bridge forms part of the heated surface area of the cartridge. In some embodiments, more than one thermal bridge may be provided.

The thermal bridge can have any suitable shape. For example, a thermal bridge can form a cylinder. The cylinder may be located inside the cavity. The cylinder may be concentric with a cavity, such as the side wall of the housing. The thermal bridge can be in thermal contact with the top or bottom of the housing. The thermal bridge may include one or more additional thermal bridges that extend from the side wall to the cylindrical thermal bridge or may be in contact with one or more of the top, bottom, and side wall.

In some examples, the thermal bridge is substantially rectangular and extends from one side wall portion to another side wall portion. In some examples, the thermal bridge comprises an S-shaped cross-section and extends from one portion of the side wall to another portion of the side wall. The thermal bridge preferably has a thermal conductivity at least as high as that of the housing portion, such as a side wall, bottom, or top, with which the thermal bridge is in contact. Preferably, the thermal bridge has a conductivity that is greater than that of the portion of the housing with which the thermal bridge is in contact. A thermal bridge can divide a cavity into more than one compartment. Preferably, the compartments are large enough to allow the aerosol-forming substrate to easily occupy at least a portion of each compartment to provide contact between the opposing major surfaces of the thermal bridge and the aerosol-forming substrate.

In some embodiments, the surface area to be heated has a total surface area of from about 20 cm ² to about 105 cm ² , such as from about 25 cm ² to about 100 cm ² . In some embodiments, the surface area to be heated has a total surface area of from about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , such as from about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² .

The housing may have any suitable dimensions, such as length and internal diameter, and shape. It should be understood that the length may refer to the height of the housing. In some embodiments, the body has a length of approximately 10 cm or less, such as approximately 6.5 cm or less. The length of the body is preferably greater than about 2.5 cm. In some preferred embodiments, the body has a length of from about 3.5 cm to about 7 cm.

The housing may have an internal diameter of about 1 cm or more, such as about 1.5 cm or more, about 1.75 cm or more, or about 2 cm or more. The housing preferably has an internal diameter of approximately 5 cm or less. In some preferred embodiments, the housing has an internal diameter ranging from about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm.

Preferably, the body has a length of approximately 15 cm or less and has an internal diameter of approximately 1 cm or more. More preferably, the body has a length of approximately 10 cm or less and an internal diameter of approximately 1.75 cm or more. Even more preferably, the body has a length in the range of about 3.5 cm to about 7 cm and has an internal diameter in the range of about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm. Preferably, the body is cylindrical or frusto-conical. If the body has a frusto-conical shape, the body preferably has a length of from about 3 cm to about 5 cm, and has a maximum internal diameter of from about 2.5 cm to about 3 cm, for example, about 2.7 cm, and has a minimum internal diameter a diameter of from about 1.5 cm to about 2.5 cm, for example from about 1.8 cm to about 2.3 cm.

In some embodiments, the housing is about 15 cm or less in length, has an internal diameter of about 1 cm or more, and has a heated surface area within the cavity from about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² ; preferably from about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² . In some embodiments, the housing has a length of about 10 cm or less, an internal diameter of about 1.75 cm or more, and has a heated surface within the cavity of about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² ; for example, from about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² . In some embodiments, the housing has a length ranging from about 3.5 cm to about 7 cm, has an internal diameter ranging from about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm, and has a heated surface within the cavity from about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² ; preferably from about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² . In some embodiments, the body is cylindrical or frusto-conical. If the body has a frusto-conical shape, the body preferably has a length of from about 3 cm to about 5 cm, and has a maximum internal diameter of from about 2.5 cm to about 3 cm, for example, about 2.7 cm, and has a minimum internal diameter a diameter of from about 1.5 cm to about 2.5 cm, for example from about 1.8 cm to about 2.3 cm.

The housing may define a cavity having a maximum internal width of 4 cm. For example, the housing may define a cavity having a maximum internal width of from about 2 cm to about 4 cm. Preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width from about 2.5 cm to about 3 cm. .5 cm, for example, from about 2.7 cm to about 3.3 cm or from about 2.9 cm to about 3.1 cm.

The housing may define a cavity having a height of 3 cm or more. For example, the housing may define a cavity having a height of from about 3 cm to about 5 cm. Preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a height from about 3.5 cm to about 4.5 cm, for example, from about 3.6 cm to about 3. 9 cm or from about 3.8 cm to about 3.9 cm. Preferably, the height of the cavity is greater than the maximum internal width of the cavity.

Preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width of 4 cm and a height of 3 cm or more. Preferably, the height of the cavity is greater than the maximum internal width of the cavity. For example, the housing may define a cavity having a maximum internal width from about 2 cm to about 4 cm and a height from about 3 cm to about 5 cm. Preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width from about 2.5 cm to about 3.5 cm. cm and a height of from about 3.5 cm to about 4.5 cm. More preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width of from about 2.7 cm to about 3.3 cm and a height from about 3.7 cm to about 3.5 cm. 9 cm. Even more preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width of from about 2.9 cm to about 3.1 cm and a height from about 3.8 cm to about 3.9 cm.

Preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width of 4 cm, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 2 cm ^-1 . More preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width of from about 2 cm to about 4 cm, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 2 cm ^-1 . Even more preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width of from about 2.5 cm to about 3.5 cm, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1.2 cm ^-1 to about 1.6 cm ^-1 . Still more preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width of from about 2.7 cm to about 3.3 cm, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio in the range of about 1.2 cm ^-1 to about 1.6 cm ^-1 . More preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width of from about 2.9 cm to about 3.1 cm, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1.3 cm ^-1 to about 1.5 cm ^{- 1} .

Preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a height of 3 cm or more, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 2 cm ^-1 . More preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a height of from about 3 cm to about 5 cm, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 2 cm ^-1 . Even more preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a height of from about 3.5 cm to about 4.5 cm, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1.2 cm ^-1 to about 1.6 cm ^-1 . Still more preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a height of from about 3.7 cm to about 3.9 cm, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio in the range of about 1.2 cm ^-1 to about 1.6 cm ^{- 1} . More preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a height of from about 3.8 cm to about 3.9 cm, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1.3 cm ^-1 to about 1.5 cm ^-1 .

Preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width of 4 cm and a height of 3 cm or more, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 2 cm ^-1 . More preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width of from about 2 cm to about 4 cm and a height from about 3 cm to about 5 cm, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio in the range of about 1 cm ^-1 to about 2 cm ^-1 . Even more preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width of from about 2.5 cm to about 3.5 cm and a height from about 3.5 cm to about 4.5 cm, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio in the range from about 1.2 cm ^-1 to about 1.6 cm ^-1 . More preferably, however, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width of from about 2.7 cm to about 3.3 cm, a height of from about 3.7 cm to about 3.9 cm, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio of ranging from about 1.2 cm ^-1 to about 1.6 cm ^-1 . More preferably, the housing defines a cavity having a maximum internal width of from about 2.9 cm to about 3.1 cm and a height from about 3.8 cm to about 3.9 cm, and the cartridge has a heated surface area to cavity volume ratio ranging from approximately 1.3 cm ^-1 to approximately 1.5 cm ^-1 .

The cavity may have any suitable volume. Preferably the cavity has a volume of from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ ; for example, from about 15 cm ³ to about 40 cm ³ or from about 15 cm ³ to about 30 cm ³ . In some preferred embodiments, the cavity has a volume of from about 15 cm ³ to about 25 cm ³ or from about 18 cm ³ to about 22 cm ³ .

Preferably, the body has a cylindrical or frusto-conical shape and defines a cylindrical cavity or a frusto-conical cavity, respectively. In some such embodiments, the angle at which the side wall deviates from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge is preferably from about 2º to about 10º, such as from about 3º to about 8º. More preferably, the angle at which the side wall deviates from the longitudinal axis is preferably from about 3º to about 6º, for example from about 4º to about 5º. Such frusto-conical cartridges with such angles may advantageously provide improved heat transfer to an aerosol-forming substrate housed in a cavity when the cartridge is a heated aerosol-forming substrate. Such frusto-conical cartridges with such angles may advantageously provide more efficient heating of an aerosol-forming substrate housed in a cavity when the cartridge is a heated aerosol-forming substrate. Such frusto-conical cartridges with such angles may advantageously be simpler to manufacture. Such frusto-conical cartridges with such angles may advantageously be easier to manufacture using deep drawing techniques. Such frusto-conical cartridges with such angles may advantageously be more easily inserted into or removed from the heating chamber of an aerosol generating device, such as a hookah aerosol generating device.

In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a flange at the top. The flange may be configured to be positioned on the shoulder of the tank of the hookah device such that the cartridge can be easily removed from the tank after use by gripping the flange. The flange may also help prevent the cartridge from being over-inserted into the reservoir.

The aerosol-forming substrate may occupy any suitable volume of the cavity. The volume of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge can be changed by changing the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cartridge. The volume of aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge can be changed by changing the composition of the substrate placed in the cartridge. The volume of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge can be changed by changing the shape or format of the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the cartridge. Preferably, the ratio of heated surface area to volume of aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity is in the range of from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 , for example from about 1.2 cm ^-1 to about 3 cm ^-1 , from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 2 cm ^-1 , from about 1.2 cm ^-1 to about 1.6 cm ^-1 , or from about 1.3 cm ^-1 to about 1.5 cm ^-1 . In some embodiments, the volume of substrate in the cavity is from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ ; preferably from about 20 cm ³ to about 40 cm ³ , for example from about 20 cm ³ to about 25 cm ³ .

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 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 contains a solid.

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 material of plant origin. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains tobacco, and preferably the tobacco-containing material contains tobacco volatile aromatic 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 generating substrate may contain homogenized material of plant origin.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, pellets, grains, thin tubes, strips or sheets containing 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. The aerosol generating agent may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, when used, promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation 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 other additives and ingredients such as flavoring agents. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains nicotine and at least one aerosol-forming agent. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming agent is glycerol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain any suitable amount of an aerosol-forming substance. For example, the aerosol-forming agent content may be equal to or greater than 5% by dry weight, and preferably greater than 30% by weight, on a dry weight basis. The aerosol generating 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 may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may comprise a thin layer on which the substrate is applied to a first major surface, a second major outer surface, or both the first and second major surfaces. The carrier may be formed, for example, from paper or paper-like material, non-woven carbon fiber mat, lightweight open-cell metal mesh or perforated metal foil, or any other heat-stable polymer matrix. Alternatively, the carrier may be in the form of powder, granules, pellets, grains, thin tubes, strips or sheets. The carrier may be a non-woven fabric or a bundle of fibers into which tobacco components are included. The nonwoven web or bundle of fibers may contain, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulose fibers or cellulose derivative fibers.

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 resolving 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 and/or ginger), 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 generating 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.

Aerosol-forming substrates for use with traditional hookah devices are in the form of molasses, which may not be uniform and may contain lumps and voids. Such voids prevent direct thermal contact between the substrate and the heated surface, making thermal conduction particularly ineffective. As a result, electronic heated hookah devices tend to separate from traditional molasses by using e-liquids or dry pellets, for example. Because of the heated surface area to cavity volume ratio of the cartridge described herein, a more traditional molasses aerosol-forming substrate can be used to maintain the typical smoking ritual and hookah experience when using electrical heating.

Any suitable amount of molasses may be placed in the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, from about 3 g to about 25 g of molasses is placed in the cavity. Preferably, from about 7 g to about 13 g of molasses is placed in the cavity. More preferably, approximately 10 g of molasses is placed in the cavity.

In some embodiments, the housing is about 15 cm or less in length, has an internal diameter of about 1 cm or more, and has a heated cavity surface area of from about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , such as from about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² and the volume of the cavity is from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ ; for example, from about 25 cm ³ to about 40 cm ³ . In some embodiments, the housing has a length of about 10 cm or less, an internal diameter of about 1.75 cm or more, and has a heated surface area in the cavity of from about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , such as from about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm 2 cm ² and the volume of the cavity is from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ ; for example, from about 25 cm ³ to about 40 cm ³ . In some embodiments, the housing has a length ranging from about 3.5 cm to about 7 cm, has an internal diameter ranging from about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm, and has a heated cavity surface area from about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , for example, from about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , and the volume of the cavity is 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 truncated-conical.

In some embodiments, the housing is about 15 cm or less in length, has an internal diameter of about 1 cm or more, and has a heated cavity surface area of from about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , such as from about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , and the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity is molasses having a mass of from about 3 g to about 25 g, such as from about 1 g to about 13 g. In some embodiments, the body has a length of about 10 cm or less, the inner diameter is about 1.75 cm or greater and has 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 , and the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity is molasses , having a mass of from about 3 g to about 25 g, such as from about 1 g to about 13 g. In some embodiments, the body has a length ranging from about 3.5 cm to about 7 cm, has an internal diameter ranging from about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm and has a heated surface area in the cavity of from about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , for example, from about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , and the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity is molasses , having a mass of from about 3 g to about 25 g, for example, from about 7 g to about 13 g. Preferably, the body is cylindrical or truncated-conical.

In some embodiments, the housing is about 15 cm or less in length, has an internal diameter of about 1 cm or more, and has a heated cavity surface area of from about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , such as from about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² and the volume of the cavity is from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ , for example, from about 25 cm ³ to about 40 cm ³ , and the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity is molasses having a mass of from about 3 g to about 25 g, for example, from about 7 g to about 13 g. In some embodiments, the housing has a length of about 10 cm or less, an internal diameter of about 1.75 cm or more, and has a heated surface area in the cavity of from about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , for example, from about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , and the cavity volume is from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ , for example, from about 25 cm ³ to about 40 cm ³ , and the aerosol-forming substrate , in the cavity is molasses having a mass of from about 3 g to about 25 g, such as from about 7 g to about 13 g. In some embodiments, the body has a length ranging from about 3.5 cm to about 6.7 cm , has an internal diameter ranging from about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm and has 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 , and a cavity volume is from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ , for example from about 25 cm ³ to about 40 cm ³ , and the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity is molasses having a mass of from about 3 g to about 25 g, for example, from about 7 g to about 13 g. Preferably the body is cylindrical or frusto-conical.

Preferably, the cartridge contains an amount of aerosol-forming substrate that will provide sufficient aerosol for a hookah smoking session lasting from about 10 minutes to about 60 minutes; preferably from about 20 minutes to about 50 minutes; and more preferably from about 30 minutes to about 40 minutes.

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 of the cartridge may define one or more openings to define one or more cartridge inlets. In some embodiments, the bottom 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 the sample can be measured using the method outlined in ISO 6565:2002 with all ventilation blocked.

The cartridge may include a first removable seal covering one or more inlet openings and a second removable seal covering one or more outlet openings. The first and second seals are preferably sufficient to prevent air from flowing through the inlets and outlets to prevent leakage of the contents of the cartridge and to prolong shelf life. The seal may comprise a peelable sticker label, 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 seal may include a tab that can be grasped to remove or remove a label, sticker, or foil from the cartridge.

In some embodiments, the cartridge does not include one or more inlets and one or more outlets.

The hookah cartridge of the present invention can be used with any suitable hookah device. Preferably, the hookah device is configured to sufficiently heat the aerosol-generating substrate in the cartridge to cause the aerosol-generating substrate to form an aerosol, but not to burn the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the hookah device may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature ranging from about 150°C to about 300°C; more preferably from about 180ºC to about 250ºC or from about 200ºC to about 230ºC.

The hookah device is preferably configured to heat the cartridge. The hookah device may include a reservoir for receiving a cartridge. The hookah device includes a heating element configured to contact or be in close proximity to the cartridge body when the cartridge is placed in the reservoir. The heating element may define at least a portion of the reservoir. The heating element may define at least a portion of the surface of the reservoir. The hookah cartridge may be configured to transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity by conduction. 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. For purposes of the present invention, if the resistance wires are in contact with a thermally conductive material, then both the resistance wires and the thermally conductive material are part of the heating element. The heating element may define at least a portion of the surface of the reservoir.

The hookah device may include control electronics operably coupled to the heating element to control heating of the heating element and thereby control the temperature at 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, operably 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 a portion thereof. The sensor can transmit signals regarding the measured temperature to the control electronics, which 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 element, and a fresh air inlet element. The cartridge reservoir is configured to receive a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be as described above. The heating element may define at least a portion of the surface of the reservoir.

The hookah device includes a fresh air inlet duct in fluid communication with the reservoir. When in use, fresh air flows through the fresh air inlet into the tank and through the cartridge housed in the tank. Fresh air flowing through the cartridge is entrained by the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. Fresh air entrained by the aerosol flows into the aerosol.

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 inlet holes formed in the housing to allow air to flow through the chambers of the cartridge during use. 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.

The air that enters the cartridge flows over the aerosol-forming substrate, entrains the aerosol, and exits the cartridge and reservoir through the aerosol outlet. From the aerosol outlet, the 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 contain liquid and defining an outlet element in a free space above the liquid filling level. The container may include an optically transparent or opaque housing to allow the user to view the contents of the container. The container may include a liquid fill restriction, such as a liquid fill line. The vessel casing may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the vessel casing 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 color 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 exiting the reservoir aerosol outlet may pass through a tube located in the container. The tube may be coupled to an aerosol outlet member of the aerosol generating element of the hookah assembly 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 empty space of the container, and exits through outlet element of free space for delivery to the consumer.

The headspace outlet may be coupled to a hose containing a mouthpiece to deliver the aerosol to a consumer. The mouthpiece may include a user-activated switch or a puff sensor operably coupled to the control electronics of the hookah device. Preferably, the switch or tightening sensor is wirelessly coupled to the control electronics. Activation of a switch or puff sensor may cause the control electronics to activate the heating element instead of constantly supplying power to the heating element. Accordingly, the use of a switch or tightening sensor may result in energy savings compared to devices that do not use such elements to provide heat on demand instead of constant heat.

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. 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 reinstalled or covered. 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 vaporization temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. The user can puff through the mouthpiece as needed. The user can continue to use the device until the aerosol is no longer visible or can no longer be delivered. In some embodiments, the device will automatically shut down when the aerosol generating substrate used in the cartridge is depleted. In some embodiments, the consumer may 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. When refilled with a new cartridge, the device can continue to be used. Preferably, the hookah device can be turned off by the user 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 device's air inlet 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 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge without aerosol-forming substrate.

In fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-forming substrate cartridge.

In fig. 3 is a top-down plan view of the top of the cartridge.

In fig. 4 shows a bottom-up plan view of the lower part of the cartridge.

In fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the cartridge.

In fig. 6 is a schematic top-down plan view of the cartridge with the top portion removed, thereby showing a thermal bridge housed in the cavity.

In fig. 7 is a schematic top-down plan view of the cartridge with the top portion removed, thereby showing a thermal bridge housed in the cavity.

In fig. 8-9 show schematic cross-sectional views of the cartridges.

In fig. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a hookah device.

In fig. 11A is an image of a thermal bridge used in the cartridge.

In fig. 11B is a top-down view of the cartridge with the top portion removed. Thermal bridge in Fig. 11A is located in the cartridge cavity.

In fig. 11C is a side view of a cartridge having a side wall slot to accommodate a portion of a thermal bridge, such as the thermal bridge shown in FIG. 11A.

In fig. 11D is a side view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 11C, into which the thermal bridge of FIG. 11A.

In fig. Figure 12 shows a top-down image of the cartridge with its upper part removed, revealing a thermal bridge located in the cavity.

In fig. 13 is a graph showing the total aerosol mass per puff generated using a variety of cartridge designs.

In fig. 14 shows a graph of the heated surface area ( _SH ) obtained by cartridges of different sizes, with and without thermal bridges.

In fig. Figure 15 shows a graph of absolute values and relative values of evaporated molasses for various cartridge designs.

In fig. 16 shows a graph of the total aerosol mass obtained for various cartridge designs.

In fig. 17 shows a graph of absolute values and relative values of evaporated molasses for cartridges containing various amounts of molasses.

In fig. 18 shows a graph of the total aerosol mass obtained for cartridges containing various amounts of molasses.

Referring to FIG. 1-2, the cartridge 200 has a housing 210 defining a cavity 218 in which the aerosol-forming substrate 300 can be housed. The housing 210 includes a top portion 215, a bottom portion 213, and a side wall 212. The housing 210 may be formed from one or more portions. For example, top 215 or bottom 213 may be removably attached to side wall 212 to allow aerosol-forming substrate 300 to be placed in cavity 218. Cartridge 200 has a length (l) and a width (w), referred to herein as document internal diameter. The cartridge 200 has a heated surface area ( _SH ) within the cavity 215, which is a surface area capable of transferring heat applied to the outside of the housing, such as by a hookah device heating element, to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 in the cavity 218. The cavity 218 has a volume such that the ratio of the heated surface area ( _SH ) of the housing 210 to the volume of the cavity 218 is in the range of from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . The aerosol-forming substrate 300 occupies a volume within the cavity 218. Preferably, the ratio of the heated surface area of the housing 210 in the cavity 218 ( _SH ) to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate 300 in the cavity 218 is in the range of from about 1 cm ^-1 to about 4 cm ^-1 . Such ratios allow the aerosol-forming substrate 300 to produce the desired amount of aerosol mass without prematurely depleting the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

Referring now to FIG. 3-4, the upper housing portion 215 and the lower housing portion 213 may have a plurality of openings 217, 216 to allow air to flow through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. The holes 216, 217 of the top 215 and bottom 213 may be aligned. The openings 217, 216 may be blocked when the cartridge is stored before use. For example, openings 216, 217 may be blocked with a release film (not shown).

In fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the cartridge 200. The side wall 212 defines a frusto-conical shape. The bottom portion 213 defines a plurality of openings to allow air to flow through the cartridge 200. The top portion includes a flange 219 that extends from the side wall 212. The flange 219 may be supported by the shoulder of the hookah device tank so that the cartridge 200 can be easily removed from the tank after use by flange grip.

In fig. 6 is a schematic top-down view of the cavity 218 of the cartridge 200. A thermal bridge is shown having two arms 221, 223 that span the cavity 218 and contact the side wall 212. The arms 221, 223 may also contact the bottom portion 213. The thermal bridge increases the heating the surface area in the cavity is 218 ( _SH ) relative to a cartridge of the same dimensions that does not contain a thermal bridge.

In fig. 7 is a schematic top-down view of the cavity 218 of the cartridge 200. A cylindrical thermal bridge 220 is located in the cavity 218. The thermal bridge 220 contacts the bottom 213 of the cartridge 200. The thermal bridge 220 increases the heated surface area in the cavity 218 ( _SH ) relative to the cartridge with such the same size, which does not contain a thermal bridge.

In fig. 8-9 are schematic cross-sectional views of the cartridges 200. The cartridges 200 have a side wall 212, a top 215, and a bottom 213 that together define a cavity 218 in which an aerosol generating substrate (not shown) can be housed. Cartridge 200 in FIG. 8 includes a generally flat bottom portion 213 with slightly rounded edges, and the cartridge 200 of FIG. 9 includes a generally frusto-conical lower portion 213. Otherwise, the cartridges 200 in FIG. 8-9 are essentially the same.

The cartridges 200 have a flange 219 at the top 215. The flange 219 may rest on the shoulder of the hookah device tank so that the cartridge 200 can be easily removed from the tank after use by gripping the flange. The flange may also help prevent the cartridge 200 from being overly inserted into the reservoir.

The cavity 218 has a maximum internal width (Wt) and height (h). In the case of a frusto-conical cartridge 200, the maximum internal width (Wt) may be located substantially at the top of the cartridge 200. The maximum internal width (Wt) in the example shown in FIG. 8 may be approximately 2.98 cm, and the height (h) may be approximately 3.63 cm. The lower portion of the cavity 218 has a width (Wb). The width of the bottom of the cavity (Wb) may be approximately 2.43 cm.

The lower part 213 of the container 200 in FIG. 9 is generally truncated-conical. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the width Wb is generally measured at the position where the angle of the side wall 212 changes plane. In some embodiments, such as the example of FIG. 9, the side wall of the bottom portion 213 deviates from the flat bottom portion at an angle β. The angle β may be approximately 18º. The width (Wc) of the smaller portion of the lower portion may be approximately 0.84 cm. Wc may be measured at the longitudinal position in which the width of the cavity is at a minimum. In the example of FIG. 9, the maximum inner width (Wt) may be approximately 2.98 cm, the height (h) may be approximately 3.83 cm, the width of the bottom portion (Wb) may be approximately 2.43 cm, and the width of the smaller portion of the bottom portion (Wc) may be approximately 0.84 cm.

The cartridge housing 200 in FIG. 8-9 is generally truncated-conical. The side walls 212 deviate from the longitudinal axis at an angle α. The angle α may be approximately 4.5º.

Cartridge 200 in FIG. 8 has an internal surface area defined by side walls 212, top 215, and bottom 213 of approximately 41.5 cm ² . The internal surface area of the cavity 218, defined by the side walls 212, is only approximately 29.6 cm ² . The volume defined by cavity 218 is approximately 20.6 cm ³ . The ratio of the internal surface area of the cavity 218 defined by the side walls 212 to the volume defined by the cavity 218 is approximately 1.4 cm ^-1 . The ratio of the internal surface area of cavity 218, defined by side walls 212, top 215, and bottom 213, to the volume defined by cavity 218 is approximately 2 cm ^-1 .

Cartridge 200 in FIG. 9 has an internal surface area defined by side walls 212, top 215, and bottom 213 of approximately 42 cm ² . The internal surface area of the cavity 218, defined by the side walls 212, is only approximately 29.9 cm ² . The volume defined by cavity 218 is approximately 21.4 cm ³ . The ratio of the internal surface area of the cavity 218 defined by the side walls 212 to the volume defined by the cavity 218 is approximately 1.4 cm ^-1 . The ratio of the internal surface area of cavity 218, defined by side walls 212, top 215, and bottom 213, to the volume defined by cavity 218 is approximately 2 cm ^-1 .

In fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example hookah device 100. The device 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an internal volume configured to contain a liquid 19 and a free space outlet 15 defining a free space above a fill level for the liquid 19. The liquid 19 preferably contains water, to which Optionally, one or more colors, one or more flavors, or one or more colors and one or more flavors may 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 an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating element 130 also includes a heating element 160 that defines at least one surface of the reservoir 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 160 defines the top and side surfaces of the reservoir 140. The aerosol generating element 130 also includes a fresh air inlet 170. air, which draws fresh air into the device 100. 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 150 (or a substrate that is not a cartridge), which is also heated by the heating element 160 to transfer the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substrate. Air exits the outlet of aerosol generating element 130 and enters tube 190.

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

The air flow path of the device during use is depicted by thick arrows in FIG. 10.

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 puff 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 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, such as by the power supply unit 35 supplying electrical power to the heating element 140.

The control electronics 30 and power supply 35 may be located at any suitable location of the aerosol generating element 130 except at the bottom of the element 130, as shown in FIG. 10.

Fig. 11-18 are discussed below in the examples section. In fig. 11A is an illustration of an embodiment of a thermal bridge used in a cartridge. In fig. 11B is a top-down view of an embodiment of the cartridge with the top portion removed. Thermal bridge in Fig. 11A is located in the cartridge cavity of FIG. 11B. In fig. 11C is a side view of an embodiment of a cartridge having a side wall slot to accommodate a portion of a thermal bridge, such as the thermal bridge shown in FIG. 11A. In fig. 11D is a side view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 11C, into which the thermal bridge of FIG. 11A. In fig. 12 is a top-down view of an embodiment of the cartridge with its top portion removed, revealing a thermal bridge housed in the cavity. In fig. 13 is a graph showing the total aerosol mass per puff generated using a variety of cartridge designs. In fig. 14 shows a graph of the heated surface area ( _SH ) obtained by cartridges of different sizes, with and without thermal bridges. In fig. Figure 15 shows a plot of absolute values and relative values of evaporated molasses for various cartridge designs. In fig. 16 shows a graph of the total aerosol mass obtained for various cartridge designs. In fig. 17 shows a graph of absolute values and relative values of evaporated molasses for cartridges containing various amounts of molasses. In fig. 18 shows a graph of the total aerosol mass obtained for cartridges containing various amounts of molasses.

The specific embodiments described above are intended to describe the present invention. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, other embodiments may be provided, and it should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are not intended to be limiting.

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 including “and/or” unless the content clearly states otherwise. The term “and/or” means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

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.

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.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Cylindrical cartridges

The examples presented below are non-limiting examples illustrating the effect of various cartridge designs on aerosol production from an aerosol-forming substrate housed in hookah cartridges. Each cartridge contained 10 g of commercially available tobacco molasses (Al-Fakher) with a calculated volume of approximately 31.5 cc ^.

Three cartridge designs were tested. Each cartridge was cylindrical and made of aluminum. The cartridges had a length of 55 mm and an internal diameter of 27 mm. One cartridge did not contain a thermal bridge and had a heated cavity surface area ( _SH ) of approximately 52 cm ² . The other cartridge contained a 0.2 mm thick copper plate (see FIGS. 11A-D) in the shape of a T, which covered the cavity to provide a total _SH of approximately 69 cm ² . The other cartridge further contained a 0.2 mm thick copper plate with an S-shaped cross-section which covered the cavity (see FIG. 12) to provide an _SH of approximately 90 cm ² .

The cartridges were placed in communication with the tube. A frusto-conical nozzle made of high temperature epoxy resin with an outlet diameter of approximately 3 mm was placed in the tube. The nozzle outlet was located approximately 55 mm from the cartridge outlet. The tube passed below the liquid level in the vessel. The aerosol coming out of the outlet, located in communication with the free space above the liquid level of the vessel, was collected.

The cartridges were heated using a wire heating element set at a constant temperature of 200 degrees Celsius.

The generated aerosol was collected using a total of 10 Cambridge pads, the weight of which was recorded before and after the hookah smoking session. The total duration of the session corresponds to 105 puffs. To achieve the desired puffing process, four programmable dual syringe pumps (PDSP) manufactured by Pomac BV (Tolbert, Groningen, The Netherlands) were used simultaneously to provide the following puffing pattern:

puff volume: 530 ml;

puff duration: 2600 ms;

Duration between puffs: 17 sec.

The experimental setup was positioned such that only two of the ten Cambridge pads collected the generated aerosol at a given time. Every 21 puffs, a check valve ensured that the aerosol was directed to the appropriate pair of Cambridge gaskets. As a consequence, aerosol production can be monitored as a function of time.

The evaporated mass of molasses was determined by comparing the weight of molasses before and after a hookah smoking session.

In addition, the total aerosol mass and evaporated mass were determined for a charcoal-fired hookah using similar conditions.

Results for various cartridge designs are presented in FIG. 13 and in table 1. In FIG. 13 TAM (total aerosol mass) per puff is shown after the initial 20 puffs. In fig. 13, the curve labeled (1) shows the results of a charcoal-fired hookah device, the curve labeled (2) shows a cartridge having an _SH of approximately 52 cm ² , the curve labeled (3) shows a cartridge having an _SH approximately 69 cm ² and the curve labeled (4) shows a cartridge having _SH of approximately 90 cm ² .

Table 1. TAM and evaporated mass

Puff Charcoal Cartridge
(S _H =52 cm ² )
(mg/puff) Cartridge
(S _H =69 cm ² )
(mg/puff) Cartridge
(S _H =90 cm ² )
(mg/puff) 20 12.7 8.7 9.5 12.0 40 17.8 12.7 14.5 17.0 60 18.3 15.9 18.0 19.7 80 16.6 16.9 18.9 20.3 106 14.6 17.3 19.2 19.2 Total 1696 mg 1370 mg 1684 mg 1853 mg Evaporated 3.5 g 2.8 g 3.41 g 3.97 g

The tested cartridges had a ratio of _SH to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate (tobacco molasses) ranging from 1.5 cm ^-1 (for a cartridge with _SH = 52 cm ² ) to 3 cm ^-1 (for _SH = 90 cm ² ) .

The charcoal-fired hookah used for these experiments consumed 3.5 g and had an _SH of 25 cm ² . Since heat transfer due to convection is much less in an electric hookah, the consumption was only 2.8 g for _SH = 52 cm ² . As a result, the total TAM value obtained for an electrically heated hookah is only ~80% of the charcoal hookah value for such a cartridge (1700 mg compared to 1370 mg). It is noteworthy that the aerosol mass production was substantially less during the first 21 puffs, where the TAM of 8.7 mg/puff was taken for a cartridge with _SH = 52 cm ² , relative to the value of 12.7 mg/puff. obtained with a hookah running on charcoal. However, an increase in _SH to 90 cm ² brings the results obtained from an electric hookah to values similar to those of a hookah powered by charcoal. In this case, the molasses intake increases to 3.9 g, and the total TAM value obtained to 1850 mg and the TAM value obtained during the first puffs increase to 12.0 mg/puff.

An illustration of design considerations for achieving the desired ratio of _SH to volume of aerosol-forming substrate is shown in FIG. 14. In FIG. 14, the lower curve shows S _H calculated for a cylinder with a volume of 31.5 cm ³ of different diameters. The corresponding length is shown on the top x-axis. Calculated results show that cartridges with a length of almost 18 cm should reach S _H 90 cm ² if a thermal bridge is not used. However, these lengths are not practical for most hookah devices.

The curve labeled D/3 shows _SH calculated for a cylinder having the same dimensions as the lower curve, but with a cylindrical thermal bridge having a diameter equivalent to one third of the cartridge diameter. The curve labeled D/2 shows _SH calculated for a cylinder having the same dimensions as the lower curve, but with a cylindrical thermal bridge having a diameter equivalent to half the diameter of the cartridges. As shown, thermal bridges quickly increase S _H to provide a cartridge having more desirable dimensions. For example, the cartridges may be less than 10 cm in length and have an _SH of 90 cm ² .

Example 2: Truncated Conical Cartridges

The effect of cartridge shape on various aspects of performance was tested. The performance characteristics of cartridges having various truncated-conical designs were compared with a cylindrical cartridge.

The cartridges were cylindrical and made of aluminum. The cylindrical cartridge had a length of 41.25 mm and an internal diameter of 27 mm (C 27). Each frusto-conical cartridge had a length of 41.25 mm and a top internal diameter of 27 mm. The lower internal diameters of the truncated conical cartridges were 22 mm (LD 22), 18 mm (LD 18) and 14 mm (LD 14). The top and bottom of each cartridge contained 19 holes, each hole having a diameter of 2 mm.

The substrate temperature and total aerosol mass obtained from each cartridge were tested as shown in Example 1 above.

In one experiment, each cartridge contained 10 g of commercial tobacco molasses (Al-Fakher) and the temperature of the substrate was monitored as the cartridge was heated and the time required for the substrate to reach 80 ºC was determined. The results are presented below in Table 2.

Table 2. Amount of time required for substrate to reach 80 ºC.

Cartridge Time (min) C 27 4 LD 22 4.5 LD 18 5 LD 14 5.5

The time to reach 80°C can be directly related to the time to first puff. Accordingly, the cylindrical cartridge (C 27) can provide faster initial heating and provide faster first puff. However, the longer times associated with truncated conical cartridges (LD 22, LD 18 and LD 14) may more accurately simulate the time to first puff associated with traditional charcoal-fired hookah devices and thus may support certain aspects regarding the ritual of smoking in such traditional devices.

In another experiment, cartridges C 27, LD 22 and LD 18 containing 10 g of molasses were heated and the total aerosol mass and the mass of evaporated molasses were measured. Compared to cartridge C 27, cartridge LD 22 was heated for an additional 30 seconds prior to testing, and cartridge LD 18 was heated for an additional 60 seconds based on the results presented in Table 2 above.

The mass of evaporated molasses is shown in Fig. 15, and the total mass of aerosol produced is shown in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 16, the most complete total aerosol mass was observed for the LD 22 cartridge. As indicated in FIG. 15, the amount of evaporated molasses increases with decreasing lower diameters of the cartridges.

In another experiment, the total aerosol mass and evaporated molasses were measured for a C 27 cartridge containing 10 g of molasses, and for LD 22 cartridges containing 10 g, 8 g and 6 g of molasses. Compared to the C 27 cartridge, the LD 22 cartridges were heated for an additional 30 seconds prior to testing based on the results presented in Table 2 above.

The mass of evaporated molasses is shown in Fig. 17, and the total mass of aerosol produced is shown in FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 18, the total aerosol mass was similar to that of the LD 22 cartridges containing 10 g and 8 g of molasses, suggesting that less molasses could be used. Additionally, LD 22 cartridges containing 6 g molasses showed increased total aerosol mass for the first six puffs compared to the C 27 cartridge containing 10 g molasses, suggesting that cartridge shape may have a significant impact on overall aerosol production and on the amount of molasses that can be used.

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 (29)

1. Hookah cartridge containing: a body defining a cavity having a surface area and a volume; an aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity; at least one thermal bridge located in the cavity and having a surface area; And heated surface area; wherein the heated surface area includes the surface area of the cavity and the surface area of said at least one thermal bridge, wherein the ratio of the heated surface area to the volume of the cavity is in the range from 1 cm ^-1 to 4 cm ^-1 . 2. Hookah cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratio of the heated surface area to the volume of the cavity is from 1.2 cm ^-1 to 3 cm ^-1 . 3. The hookah cartridge according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the heated surface area is from 25 cm ² to 100 cm ² , preferably the heated surface area is from 25 cm ² to 55 cm ² . 4. The hookah cartridge according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the body has a length of 10 cm or less, preferably the length is from 3.5 cm to 7 cm. 5. The hookah cartridge according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the body has an inner diameter of 1 cm or more, preferably the inner diameter is from 1.5 cm to 4 cm. 6. Hookah cartridge according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the volume of the cavity is from 10 cm ³ to 50 cm ³ . 7. Hookah cartridge according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the volume of the substrate in the cavity is from 20 cm ³ to 25 cm ³ . 8. Hookah cartridge according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the aerosol-forming substrate contains molasses, preferably the mass of molasses is from 3 g to 25 g. 9. Hookah cartridge according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the cartridge has a cylindrical or truncated-conical shape. 10. Hookah cartridge according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the body has a maximum internal width of 4 cm. 11. Hookah cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that the cavity has a height of 3 cm or more, and preferably the height is greater than the width. 12. Hookah cartridge according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the heated surface area has a thermal conductivity of at least 100 W∙m ^-1 ∙K ^-1 . 13. The hookah cartridge according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the body includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall extending between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein a thermal bridge is in thermal contact with one or more of the top portion, the bottom portion parts and side wall. 14. The hookah cartridge of claim 13, wherein the body further comprises a beveled edge between the bottom and the side wall, preferably the beveled edge being at an angle to the bottom of 15° to 20°. 15. Hookah cartridge according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the body has a truncated-conical shape, and the side wall deviates from the longitudinal axis of the body at an angle of 4.5°. 16. Hookah cartridge according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that a thermal bridge divides the cavity of the cartridge into more than one compartment. 17. Hookah system containing: hookah cartridge according to any one of paragraphs. 1-16; 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 reservoir 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 a location below the liquid filling level of the container; And outlet element located in communication with free space.

Images