AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE WITH CARTRIDGE RELEASE SYSTEM

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device includes an aerosol-generating element comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level; a conduit for conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel; and a cap engageable with the body. The cap includes a frame comprising a cavity and having a center axis, wherein the cavity is arranged for receiving the cartridge; and a grip member configured to releasably grip the cartridge received in the receptacle. The cartridge may be released from the grip member using a release mechanism. The release mechanism may be part of a cartridge disposal system.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising: an aerosol-generating element comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level; a conduit for conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel; and a cap engageable with the body, the cap comprising: a frame comprising a cavity and having a center axis, wherein the cavity is arranged for receiving the cartridge; and a grip member configured to releasably grip the cartridge received in the receptacle.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the grip member comprises one or more spring fingers.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the grip member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member, and optionally wherein the one or more spring fingers extend axially toward a closed end of the cavity, and optionally wherein the one or more spring fingers extend radially inward from the ring member.

4. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, the cap further comprising an outer shroud and an inner shroud disposed within the outer shroud, with the inner shroud forming the cavity and the grip member at least partially disposed within the cavity of the inner shroud.

5. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein the inner shroud is axially movable within the outer shroud.

6. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, the cap further comprising a spring element biasing the inner shroud axially away from the outer shroud.

7. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein the inner shroud comprises one or more guide tracks and the outer shroud comprises one or more track pins configured to cooperate with the one or more guide tracks.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a piercing element configured to pierce the cartridge.

9. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the grip member comprises one or more spring fingers having a bias toward a default position, and wherein the cap comprises a release mechanism configured to counteract the bias, thereby moving the fingers away from the default position to release a cartridge received in the cavity.

10. An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device of claim 1 and a cartridge disposal device comprising: a disposal vessel with an opening; and a cartridge release member constructed to mate with the grip member of the cap to actuate release of the cartridge.

11. The aerosol-generating system of claim 10, wherein the grip member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member, and wherein the cartridge release member comprises a pressure ring at the opening of the disposal vessel, the pressure ring being constructed to flex the one or more spring fingers.

12. The aerosol-generating system of claim 10, wherein the grip member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member, and wherein the cartridge release member comprises a rim of the disposal vessel, wherein the rim has a diameter which is smaller than a diameter of the ring member of the grip member, but larger than a diameter of the cartridge.

13. A method of using the aerosol-generating device of claim 1, the method comprising: inserting a cartridge in the receptacle of the aerosol-generating element; placing the cap on the aerosol-generating element such that the cartridge is gripped by the grip member; pushing the cap toward the receptacle to release the cap from the aerosol-generating element; removing the cap from the aerosol-generating element; and contacting the grip member with a cartridge release member, causing the cartridge to be released from the grip member.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the grip member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member; and the cartridge release member comprises a rim of the disposal vessel, wherein the rim has a diameter which is smaller than a diameter of the ring member of the grip member, but larger than a diameter of the cartridge; and wherein contacting the grip member with the cartridge release member comprises engaging the rim of the cartridge disposal device between the cartridge and the ring member of the grip member to flex the one or more spring fingers, releasing the cartridge from the grip member.

15. A method of using the aerosol-generating device of claim 9, the method comprising: causing a cartridge to be gripped by the grip member, wherein the one or more spring fingers exhibit a bias toward the cartridge; and actuating the release mechanism to counteract the bias, thereby releasing the cartridge.

Description

[0098] Reference will now be made to the drawings, which depict one or more embodiments described in this disclosure. However, it will be understood that other embodiments not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. 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.

[0099] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a shisha device.

[0100] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the body of a shisha cartridge for use in the shisha device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0101] FIG. 3A is a schematic top view of a shisha cartridge after having been pierced by the piercing assembly according to an embodiment.

[0102] FIG. 3B is a schematic bottom view of a shisha cartridge use in the shisha device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0103] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic view of a shisha device and cap in use according to an embodiment.

[0104] FIG. 5A is cross-sectional side view of the cap of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

[0105] FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the cap of FIG. 5A.

[0106] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the cap frame of the cap of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

[0107] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the outer shroud of the cap of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

[0108] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the spring of the cap of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

[0109] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the inner shroud of the cap of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

[0110] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the support plate of the cap of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

[0111] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the grip member of the cap of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

[0112] FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic side and top views, respectively, of the grip member of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

[0113] FIGS. 13A-13D are side views of the track and pin in different positions during use of the cap of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

[0114] FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic side and top views, respectively, of a cartridge disposal device according to an embodiment.

[0115] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional schematic partial view of the use of the cap of FIG. 4A and the cartridge disposal device of FIGS. 14A and 14B according to an embodiment.

[0116] 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 and herbal infusions.

[0117] 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 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating element 130 may also include a heating element 160. The heating element 160 may form at least one surface of the receptacle 140. In the depicted embodiment, the heating element 160 defines the side surfaces of the receptacle 140. The aerosol-generating element 130 also includes an air inlet channel 170 that draws air into the device 100. In some embodiments, portion of the 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] An exemplary air flow path of the device, in use, is depicted by thick arrows in FIG. 1.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, various embodiments of the cartridge body 210 are shown. The body 210 may include a side wall 212, a top wall 215, and a bottom wall 213 defining a cavity 218. The side wall 212 may be cylindrical or frustoconical, as shown. FIG. 2A shows the body 210 with a portion of the top 215 removed, showing the cavity 218 inside the body. The body 210 may define a center axis A extending through the body 210. The top may comprise a flange 219 that extends from the sidewall 212 as shown in FIG. 2B.

[0123] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, one or both of the top 215 and bottom 213 of the body may have a plurality of apertures 217, 216 to allow air flow through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. Some or all of the apertures 217, 216 may be formed by a piercing assembly. For example, the apertures 217 of the top 215 may be formed by a top piercing assembly 401. The apertures 216 of the bottom 213 may be formed by a bottom piercing assembly 301. The cartridge 200 may also or alternatively include apertures along the sidewall 212. In embodiments where the top or bottom includes pre-formed apertures, the apertures may be blocked by a peelable seal or liner when the cartridge is stored prior to use.

[0124] A partial schematic view of a shisha device 100 with the cap 400 and grip member 450 is shown in FIG. 4A. The grip member 450 is configured to grip the cartridge 200. The cap 400 may include an outer frame 410 housing the grip member 450. The grip member 450 may include a ring member 451 and one or more grip fingers 452. The one or more grip fingers may be configured to abut against the flange 219 of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is received in the receptacle and the cap 400 is placed over the cartridge 200.

[0125] The cap 400 may optionally include a piercing assembly 401 (for example, a top piercing assembly). The cap 400 may include an outer shroud 420 and a piercing element 440 on the inside wall of the outer shroud 420. In some embodiments, such as those illustrated for example, the piercing element 440 may be disposed on the inside end wall 421. The piercing assembly 401 may further include an inner shroud 430 at least partially disposed within the outer shroud. The piercing element 440 may be oriented toward a cartridge 200 placed within a receptacle of the shisha device 100. The shisha device 100 may also optionally include a piercing assembly 301 (for example, a bottom piercing assembly) at the upstream end of the stem pipe 190. Once the cartridge 200 has been pierced by one or both piercing assemblies 301, 401, an airflow path is established through the cartridge 200, as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0126] An example of a cap 400 and grip member 450 is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Detailed views of each of the elements of the cap 400 and grip member 450 are shown in FIGS. 6-11. The cap 400 and grip member 450 may define a longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis A may be a center axis. When the cap 400 is arranged on the shisha device 100, the longitudinal axis A may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe 190.

[0127] The cap outer frame 410, shown in FIG. 6, may comprise a cylindrical outer wall 413 extending between a first end wall 411 and an open second end 412. The outer frame 410 may define a cavity 419 for housing the piercing assembly 401. The first end wall 411 may have a protrusion 414 extending from the inside wall. The protrusion 414 may be configured for pressing on the outer shroud 420 while leaving a gap between the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the cap 400 includes a grip member 450 configured to grip the cartridge 200. The grip member 450, shown in FIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B, may include a ring member 451 and one or more grip fingers 452. The one or more grip fingers 452 may comprise spring fingers. The one or more grip fingers 452 extend from the ring member 451 to upper ends 453. In some embodiments where the grip member 450 includes a plurality of grip fingers 452, the grip fingers 452 may be positioned equidistant from each other around the ring member 451.

[0129] The grip member 450 may be disposed inside a cavity of the cap 400. The grip member 450 may be positioned within the inner shroud 430, as shown in FIG. 5A. The grip member 450 may be oriented such that the one or more grip fingers 452 point upward from the ring member 451. The one or more grip fingers 452 may be slanted radially inward toward the longitudinal (center) axis A. The one or more grip fingers 452 may be configured such that the ends of the grip fingers 452 abut against an upper flange 219 of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is received in the inner shroud 430. The inside diameter of the ring member 451 may be greater than the greatest diameter of the cartridge 200.

[0130] The outer shroud 420, shown in FIG. 7, is constructed to at least partially fit within the cavity 419 of the cap outer frame 410. The outer shroud 420 may comprise a cylindrical outer wall 423 extending between a first end wall 421 and an open second end 422. The outer shroud 420 may define a cavity 429 for housing the piercing element 440 and the inner shroud 430. The outer shroud 420 may comprise a piercing element 440. The piercing element 440 extends axially downward inside the cavity of the outer shroud 420. The piercing element 440 is centered with respect to a longitudinal axis A of the outer shroud 420. The piercing element 440 may be integral with the outer shroud 420 or may be attached to the inside of the first end wall 421 of the outer shroud 420. The piercing element 440 may comprise one or more piecing edges or piercing points 441. The piecing edges or piercing points 441 are configured to pierce a wall (for example, top wall) of the cartridge 200. The piercing element 440 may be configured such that the piercing element 440 is able to fit through an opening 437 on the inner shroud 430. The outer shroud 420 may comprise a bottom flange 427. The bottom flange 427 may extend outwardly from the bottom of the outer wall 423.

[0131] The inner shroud 430, shown in FIG. 9, is constructed to at least partially fit within the cavity 429 of the outer shroud 420. The inner shroud 430 may have an outer wall comprising first part 433 and a second part 434. The first part 433 may be a cylindrical wall with a first diameter, and the second part 434 may be a cylindrical wall with a second diameter. The second diameter may be greater than the first diameter. The first and second parts 433, 434 may be separated by a shoulder 435. The shoulder 435 may be constructed to support the compression spring 470 (shown in FIG. 8). The compression spring 470 may fit around the first part 433. The end of the compression spring 470 may be supported on the shoulder 435, so that the spring may be compressed against the shoulder 435. The outer wall of the inner shroud 430 may extend between a first end wall 431 and an open second end 432. The inner shroud 430 may define a cavity 439 for housing the grip member 450 and for receiving a cartridge 200. The inner shroud 430 may have an opening 437 at the first end wall 431. The opening 437 may be configured to receive the piercing element 440. The opening 437 may further include one or more channels 438 for facilitating airflow through the inner shroud 430 while the piercing element 440 is received in the opening 437.

[0132] The outer frame 410 may optionally include screw holes 462 configured for fastening a support plate 460 (FIG. 10) to the bottom of the outer frame 410. Alternatively, the support plate 460 may be fastened by other means, such as by an adhesive. The support plate 460 may be a substantially round plate with a center hole 461 extending through the plate. The support plate 410 may be sized to hold the outer and inner shrouds 420, 430 inside the cavity 419 of the outer frame 410, as shown in FIG. 5A. The support plate 410 may also hold the grip member 450 inside the cavity 419 of the outer frame 410.

[0133] The outer and inner shrouds 420, 430 may include a track and pin system to guide the movement of the outer and inner shrouds 420, 430 relative to one another. The outer shroud 420 may comprise one or more pins 425 extending radially inwardly from its cylindrical outer wall 423. The inner shroud 430 may include one or more tracks 436 corresponding to the one or more pins 425. An exemplary track 436 and the path guided by the track 436 are shown in FIGS. 13A-13D. The positions of the track 436 and pin 425 may define the relative positions of the outer and inner shrouds 420, 430. At first, the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 are in a first position P1. That is, the pin 425 is in the first position P1 within the track 436. The first position P1 may be considered a rest position. The guide track may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The guide track may comprise a second position P2, which may be a piercing position of the piercing element. The first portion may define a first distance between the first position P1 and a second position P2. The first portion may define a third position P3. The third position P3 may be a use position. The second portion may define a second distance between the third position P3 and a fourth position P4. The second distance may be shorter than the first distance. The first portion may guide the track pin in an axial direction and in a radial direction.

[0134] In the first position P1, the grip member 450 engages the cartridge 200. For example, the upper ends 453 of the grip fingers 452 may slide past (below) the flange 219 of the cartridge when the cap is placed into the first position P1. Alternatively, the grip member 450 may engage the cartridge 200 later as the cap 400 is pushed down. A force may be applied to the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420, for example, the cap 400 may be pressed down (for example, by a user) to move the pin from the first position to the second position P2 (see arrow in FIG. 13A). In the second position P2, the piercing element 440 may also engage and pierce the cartridge 200. When force is removed, for example when pressure is released from (for example, the user lets go of) the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420, the compression spring 470 returns the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 up to a third position P3. The movement of the cap during the initial pushing down of the cap to pierce the cartridge and the release of the cap to allow the cap to return to the third (use) position is defined by the first portion of the track. In the third position P3, the grip member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200. In the third position P3, an airflow path is open through the openings formed in the cartridge 200, and is open between an exterior of the shisha device and the vessel. To release and remove the cap 400, the user may again press on the cap outer frame 410, causing the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 to move to a fourth position P4, from where the compression spring 470 returns the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 to the initial first position P1. The movement of the cap during the second instance of pushing down of the cap to release the cap is defined by the second portion of the track. When the cap returns to the first position P1, the grip member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200, lifting the cartridge 200 upward with the cap. The top of the cap 400 may be raised above the top edge of the aerosol-generating element. The user may then remove (for example, lift) the cap from the aerosol-generating element, thus removing the cartridge 200 with the cap.

[0135] In some embodiments, a disposal system 600, shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, may be used with the shisha device 100 and the cap 400. The disposal system 600 may be used to remove and optionally dispose of the cartridge 200. The disposal system 600 may comprise a cartridge disposal device 601. The cartridge disposal device 601 may comprise a cartridge release member 610. The cartridge release member 610 may be a pressure ring. The cartridge release member 610 may be constructed to mate with the grip member 450. The cartridge release member 610 (for example, a pressure ring or rim) may have a diameter D610 that is smaller than an inside diameter D451 of the ring member 451 of the grip member 450, but larger than the greatest diameter of the cartridge 200.

[0136] The grip fingers 452 of the grip member 450 may be biased toward a default position. Contacting the grip member 450 with the cartridge release member 610 may push the grip fingers 452 outward, away from the default position. Contacting the grip member 450 with the cartridge release member 610 may comprise engaging the cartridge release member 610 between the cartridge 200 and the ring member 451 of the grip member 450 to flex the one or more grip fingers 452, releasing the cartridge 200 from the grip member 450.

[0137] The disposal system 600 may comprise a disposal vessel 620 with an opening 621. The shape of the disposal vessel 620 is not particularly limited, and is shown in dashed lines. The cartridge release member 610 may be disposed at the opening 621. In some embodiments, the cartridge release member 610 comprises a rim or mouth of the opening 621. Contacting the grip member 450 with the cartridge release member 610 may comprise engaging the rim of the cartridge disposal device 601 between the cartridge 200 and the ring member 451 of the grip member 450.

[0138] The operation of the shisha device 100 and the cap 400 and the removal of the cartridge 200 using a disposal system 600 are schematically shown in FIG. 15. The shisha device 100 includes an aerosol-generating element 130 with a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating element 130 may also include a heating element 160. The heating element 160 may form a part of the receptacle 140. A user may begin by placing the cartridge 200 in the receptacle 140 (step 1) and placing the cap 400 onto the cartridge 200 (step 2) such that the cartridge 200 is received in the inner shroud 430 and the grip member 450 slides past the top of the cartridge 200 such that the grip fingers 452 grip the cartridge 200. If the cap includes a piercing assembly, the user may push on the cap to pierce the cartridge 200 (step 3). After letting go of the cap 400, the spring 470 pushes the cap frame 410 and outer shroud 420 up into the operating position (step 4). In the operating position, the air path through the cartridge 200 is open, and the user may use the shisha device as usual. The grip member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200. After using the shisha device, the user may push on the cap 400 again to release the cap (step 5). The track-and-pin system will guide the motion of the cap 400, allowing the spring 470 to return the cap 400 to its beginning position (step 6). The grip member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200, lifting the cartridge 200 upward with the cap 400. The user may then remove the cap 400 from the device (step 7). The cartridge 200 is held in the inner shroud 430 by the grip member 450. The cartridge 200 may be removed by contacting the grip member 450 with a cartridge release member 610 of a cartridge disposal device 601 (step 8). The cartridge release member 610 may be configured to flex the grip fingers 452. The cartridge release member 610 may be configured to push the grip fingers 452 radially outward to release the cartridge 200.

[0139] Alternatively, the cartridge 200 may be removed by actuating a release mechanism on the cap 400 that causes the grip fingers 452 to release the cartridge 200.

[0140] Thus, systems for gripping and releasing 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.