Shisha Cartridge with Cap

Abstract

A cartridge for housing an aerosol-forming substrate includes a body with one or more walls and a body opening. A cavity in the body is in fluid communication with the body opening. A cap may be removably and replaceably engaged with the body and may extend across the body opening. The cap may have a cap opening. A removable layer may be removably attached to the body and disposed between the body and the cap. A cartridge for housing an aerosol-forming substrate may include a body with one or more walls having a wall opening. A cavity in the body is in fluid communication with the at least one wall opening. A cap may be removably and replaceably engaged with the body and cover the wall opening.

Claims

1-18. (canceled)

19. A cartridge for housing an aerosol-forming substrate, the cartridge comprising: a body comprising one or more walls and a top wall, and a body opening in the top wall; a cavity in the body in fluid communication with the body opening; a cap removably and replaceably engaged with the body and extending across the body opening, the cap comprising a cap opening, wherein by rotating the cap to a first position the cap opening is aligned with the body opening and by rotating the cap to a second position the cap opening is not aligned with the body opening; and a removable layer removably attached to the body and disposed between the body and the cap.

20. The cartridge according to claim 19, wherein the body opening comprises a hole or a plurality of holes.

21. The cartridge according to claim 19, wherein the cap opening comprises a plurality of holes.

22. The cartridge according to claim 19, wherein the removable layer removably seals the body opening.

23. The cartridge according to claim 19, wherein the body comprises a cylindrical body portion.

24. The cartridge according to claim 19, wherein the body comprises a frustoconical portion.

25. The cartridge according to claim 24, wherein the cap comprises a lid portion comprising the cap opening, and a cylindrical cap portion extending from the lid portion, the cylindrical cap portion being constructed to mate with the cylindrical body portion.

26. The cartridge according to claim 19 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the cavity.

27. The cartridge according to claim 26, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco.

28. The cartridge according to claim 26, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aerosol-forming shisha substrate.

29. A shisha system comprising: a cartridge comprising: a body comprising one or more walls, the one or more walls comprising a wall opening; a cavity in the body in fluid communication with the wall opening; an aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the cavity; and a cap removably and replaceably engaged with the body and covering the wall opening, the cap comprising a cap opening and a hatch covering the cap opening; and a shisha device comprising: a receptacle for receiving the cartridge; a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is received in the receptacle of the shisha device; a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space above the liquid fill level; an aerosol conduit for conveying aerosol from the receptacle to the vessel; and an outlet in communication with the head space.

30. The shisha system according to claim 29, wherein the cap and the body are constructed to engage via mechanical engagement.

31. The shisha system according to claim 29, wherein the cap and the body are constructed to engage via a snap fit, a bayonet connection, or a threaded fit.

32. The shisha system according to claim 29 further comprising a removable layer between the body and the cap, wherein the removable layer is removably attached to the body and removably seals the wall opening.

33. The shisha system according to claim 29 further comprising an aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the cavity.

34. The shisha system according to claim 33, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco.

35. The shisha system according to claim 33, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a shisha aerosol-forming substrate.

36. The shisha system according to claim 29, wherein the body comprises one or more interior walls that divide the cavity into compartments.

37. The shisha system according to claim 36, wherein the cap comprises a second cap opening and a second hatch covering the second cap opening.

Description

[0073] Reference will now be made to the drawings, which depict one or more aspects described in this disclosure. However, it will be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number. In addition, the use of different numbers to refer to components in different figures is not intended to indicate that the different numbered components cannot be the same or similar to other numbered components. The figures are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Schematic drawings presented in the figures are not necessarily to scale.

[0074] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a shisha device.

[0075] FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross sectional views of a shisha cartridge with a cap and a removable layer for use in the shisha device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0076] FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of the shisha cartridge of FIGS. 2A and 2B without the removable layer.

[0077] FIGS. 3A-3D are cross sectional views of a shisha cartridge with a cap and a removable layer for use in the shisha device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0078] FIGS. 4A-4D are views of the cap for a shisha cartridge for use in the shisha device of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

[0079] FIGS. 5A and 5B are views of the body of a shisha cartridge for use in the shisha device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0080] FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of attachment mechanisms of the cap to the body of the cartridge according to embodiments.

[0081] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a shisha cartridge for use in the shisha device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0082] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the shisha cartridge of FIG. 7A with a lid according to an embodiment.

[0083] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an example of a shisha device 100. The device 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an interior volume configured to contain liquid 19 and defining a headspace outlet 15 above a fill level for the liquid 19. The liquid 19 preferably includes water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colorants, one or more flavorants, or one or more colorants and one or more flavorants. For example, the water may be infused with one or both of botanical infusions or herbal infusions.

[0084] The device 100 also includes an aerosol-generating element 130. The aerosol-generating element 130 includes a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating element 130 may also include a heating element 160 that forms at least one surface of the receptacle 140. In the depicted embodiment, the heating element 160 defines the side surfaces and the top surface of the receptacle 140. The aerosol-generating element 130 also includes a fresh air inlet channel 170 that draws fresh air into the device 100. In some embodiments, portion of the fresh air inlet channel 170 is formed by the heating element 160 to heat the air before the air enters the receptacle 140. The pre-heated air then enters the cartridge 200, which is also heated by heating element 160, to carry aerosol generated by the aerosol former and the aerosol-forming substrate. The air exits an outlet of the aerosol-generating element 130 and enters a conduit 190.

[0085] The conduit 190 carries the air and aerosol into the vessel 17 below the level of the liquid 19. The air and aerosol may bubble 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 carry the aerosol to the mouth of a user. A mouthpiece 25 may be attached to, or form a part of, the hose 20.

[0086] An exemplary air flow path of the device, in use, is depicted by thick arrows in FIG. 1.

[0087] 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 placed at any other suitable location of the device 100. The activation element 27 may be in wireless communication with the control electronics 30 to place the device 100 in condition for use or to cause control electronics to activate the heating element 160; for example, by causing power supply 35 to energize the heating element 160.

[0088] The control electronics 30 and power supply 35 may be located in any suitable position of the aerosol-generating element 130, including locations other than the bottom portion of the element 130 as depicted in FIG. 1.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, a cartridge 200 has body 210 forming a cavity 218 in which an aerosol-forming substrate 201 may be disposed. The body 210 includes a top wall 215, bottom wall 213, and a sidewall 212. The sidewall 212 may be cylindrical or frustoconical, or a combination of shapes. The body 210 may be formed from one or more parts. For example, the top wall 215 or bottom wall 213 may be removably attached to the sidewall 212 to allow the aerosol-forming substrate 201 to be disposed in the cavity 218. The cartridge 200 also includes a cap 300. In the example shown, the cap 300 at least partially covers the top wall 215 and a part of the side wall 212.

[0090] In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the cap 300 includes a lid portion 315 and a cylindrical portion 312 extending axially from the lid portion 315. The size (depth) of the cylindrical portion 312 may vary. The cap 300 may alternatively be provided with the lid portion 315 only, without a cylindrical portion 312. The lid portion 315 may at least partially cover the open top of the body 210. The lid portion 315 may be a planar portion. The cap 300 has a cap opening 317 extending through the lid portion 315. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the cap opening 317 includes a plurality of through holes. The cap 300 may be rotatable about the center axis A. If the body 210 includes a top wall 215 with an opening, rotating the cap 300 may be used to open the cartridge 200 by aligning the cap opening 317 with an opening on the body 210.

[0091] Prior to first use, the cartridge 200 may include a removable layer 414. The removable layer 414 may be disposed on top of the cap 300, as shown in FIG. 2A, or underneath the cap 300, as shown in FIG. 2B. A user may remove the removable layer 414 prior to use and replace the cap 300 (if necessary) on the cartridge body 210. In some embodiments, the cartridge 200 may be provided with a second cap that has a top surface without openings or holes, and a user may replace the cap 300 with the second cap (or place the second cap on top of cap 300) to close or preferably seal the cartridge 200.

[0092] FIG. 2C shows the cartridge 200 after the removable layer 414 has been removed. For example, in the example where the removable layer 414 is underneath the cap 300, after the removable layer 414 is removed, the cap 300 may be re-positioned on the cartridge body 210 as shown in FIG. 2C. The cartridge 200 is ready for use, allowing air to flow from openings at the bottom 213 (not shown) through the cavity 218 and through the openings 317 of the cap 300.

[0093] In the examples shown in FIGS. 3A and 3D, the cap 300 does not have any openings or holes. The cap 300 may otherwise be similar to the cap shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, including a lid portion 315 and a cylindrical portion 312 extending axially from the lid portion 315. The body 210 may include a top wall 215 with an opening 217. In the example shown, the cap opening 217 includes a plurality of through holes extending through the top wall 215. FIG. 3D shows an alternative cap having a snap fit attachment with a lip 222 on the body 210 and a corresponding lip 322 on the cap 300 that holds the cap 300 in place.

[0094] Prior to first use, the cartridge 200 may include a removable layer 414 attached to the top wall 215 of the body 210. A user may remove the cap 300 and the removable layer 414 prior to use to allow airflow through the openings 317 of the cap. FIG. 3B illustrates the cartridge body 210 with the lid and the removable layer 414 removed, allowing airflow from openings at the bottom 213 (not shown) through the cavity 218 and through the openings 217 at the top wall 215 of the body 210. After complete or partial use of the cartridge 200 (for example, in some instances, the user might only have used a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 201 and not completed a usage session or completely depleted the aerosol-forming substrate 201), the user may replace the cap 300 on the cartridge body 210 to close or preferably seal the cartridge 200, as shown in FIG. 3C. The cartridge body 210, the cap 300, or both may include a sealing member, such as an O-ring or a liner, made from a resilient material to facilitate a seal between the cartridge body 210 and the cap 300 after the removable layer 414 has been removed.

[0095] FIGS. 4A-4C demonstrate various embodiments of the cap 300. The cap may include a lid portion 315, which may be planar. The cap 300 may also include a cylindrical portion 312 extending axially (that is, in the direction of the center axis A) from the lid portion 315. The cylindrical portion 312 may form a side wall of the cap. In some embodiments, the cap 300 includes a cap opening 317. The cap opening 317 may include a single opening 317 or a plurality of openings 317 as shown in FIG. 4A. In some embodiments, the cap opening 317 may be covered by a mesh, as shown in FIG. 4C. In some embodiments, the cap 300 includes a hatch 325. The hatch 325 may cover the cap opening 317, as shown in FIG. 4D. The hatch 325 may be hinged for opening and closing.

[0096] Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, various aspects of the body 210 are shown. The body 210 may include a side wall 212 and a bottom wall 213 defining a cavity 218. The side wall 212 may be cylindrical or frustoconical, as shown. The body 210 may have an open top. The body 210 may also include a plurality of apertures 216 on an opposite wall (for example, the bottom wall) to allow air flow through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. An exemplary arrangement of apertures 216 at bottom wall 213 is shown in FIG. 5B. The body 210 may define a center axis A extending through the body 210.

[0097] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict exemplary mechanism suitable for attaching the cap 300 to the body 210. The cap 300 may be removably and replaceably engaged with or attached to the body 210. The cap 300 may be attached by friction fit as shown in FIG. 6A. The cap 300 may also be attached by snap fit as shown in FIG. 6B. The body 210 may include a structure, such as a lip 222, and the cap 300 may include a corresponding structure, such as lip 322, that fits over the structure on the body 210 and holds the cap 300 rotatably in place. Other attachment mechanisms are also possible, such as bayonet connection and a threaded connection. Any of the attachment mechanisms described or mentioned here can be combined with any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-4D.

[0098] FIG. 7A shows a cartridge body 210 divided into compartments 219 by an interior wall 228. The interior walls 228 may extend from the side wall 212 on one side to the side wall 212 on the opposite side. The cartridge body 210 may be combined, for example, with a cap 300 including a hatch 325. FIG. 7B shows the cartridge body 210 of FIG. 7A combined with a cap 300 that includes a first hatch 325A and a second hatch 325B. The hatches 325A, 325B may be aligned with the compartments 219 of the body such that a user may selectively open and close a compartment 219. Opening the hatch 325A or 325 B allows airflow from openings at the bottom 213 (not shown) through the open compartment 219 and through the openings 217 at the top wall 215 of the body 210.

[0099] Thus, cartridges for shisha devices are described. Various modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are apparent to those skilled in the mechanical arts, chemical arts, and aerosol-generating article manufacturing or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.