阅读说明：本技术 具有空气预热功能而无燃烧的水烟装置 (Water smoke device with air preheating function and no combustion ) 是由 F·费尔南多 M·帕顿 D·克罗斯 E·萨迪·拉托雷 T·J·威尔比 于 2018-06-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种水烟装置制品包括器皿和气溶胶生成元件。所述器皿限定被配置为容纳一定体积的液体的内部。所述器皿还包括顶部空间出口。所述气溶胶生成元件与所述器皿流体连接。所述气溶胶生成元件包括：(i)用于接纳包含气溶胶生成基材的筒的筒容纳器；(ii)限定所述筒容纳器的至少两个表面的加热元件；以及(iii)与所述筒容纳器流体连接的气溶胶出口和与所述筒容纳器流体连接的新鲜空气入口通道。所述新鲜空气入口通道被布置成在空气进入所述筒容纳器之前对所述空气进行预热。(A hookah apparatus article includes a vessel and an aerosol generating element. The vessel defines an interior configured to contain a volume of liquid. The vessel further comprises a headspace outlet. The aerosol-generating element is in fluid connection with the vessel. The aerosol-generating element comprises: (i) a cartridge receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substrate; (ii) a heating element defining at least two surfaces of the cartridge holder; and (iii) an aerosol outlet fluidly connected to the cartridge holder and a fresh air inlet passage fluidly connected to the cartridge holder. The fresh air inlet passage is arranged to preheat air prior to the air entering the cartridge holder.)

1. A hookah apparatus, comprising:

a vessel defining an interior configured to contain a volume of liquid, the vessel comprising a headspace outlet; and

an aerosol-generating element in fluid connection with the vessel, the aerosol-generating element comprising:

a cartridge receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substrate;

a heating element defining at least two surfaces of the cartridge holder; and

an aerosol outlet in fluid connection with the cartridge holder; and

a fresh air inlet passage in fluid connection with the cartridge holder, wherein the fresh air inlet passage is arranged to preheat air prior to the air entering the cartridge holder.

2. The hookah apparatus of claim 1, wherein said heating element defines a top wall portion and a cylindrical side wall portion of said cartridge receiver.

3. The hookah apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said cartridge holder defines a cylinder having a height value and a diameter value, and said diameter value is about 1.5 to about 5 times, or about 1.5 to about 4 times, or about 1.5 to about 3 times said height value, or said height value is 1.5 to 5 times, 1.5 to 4 times, or 1.5 to 3 times said diameter value.

4. The hookah apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said cartridge holder defines a frustoconical shape having a height value and a base diameter value, and said base diameter value is about 1.5 to about 5, or about 1.5 to about 4, or about 1.5 to about 3 times said height value, or said height value is 1.5 to 5, or 1.5 to 4, or 1.5 to 3 times said base diameter value.

5. A hookah apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said heating element defines at least one surface of said fresh air inlet passage.

6. A hookah apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said heating element defines a top wall and a cylindrical side wall portion of said cartridge holder, and said fresh air inlet passage is at least partially defined by a heating element forming said top wall and a heating element forming said cylindrical side wall portion of said cartridge holder.

7. A hookah apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said fresh air inlet passage is at least partially defined by a receptacle surface of said heating element and a cartridge received in said cartridge receptacle.

8. A hookah apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said fresh air inlet passage is defined at least in part by an inner surface of said heating element and an inner surface of said aerosol generating element containing said heating element.

9. A hookah apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more apertures through said heating element define a portion of said fresh air inlet passage.

10. A hookah apparatus according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein two or more apertures through the heating element top wall define part of the fresh air inlet passage.

11. A hookah apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said heating element comprises a resistive heating element.

12. A hookah apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said heating element comprises an induction heating element.

13. A hookah assembly, comprising:

a hookah apparatus according to any preceding claim; and

a cartridge comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, the cartridge comprising an aerosol-generating substrate received within the cartridge receptacle of the aerosol-generating element.

14. A hookah assembly according to claim 13, wherein said heating element is configured to heat, but not burn, said aerosol generating substrate contained in said cartridge during operation.

15. An aerosol-generating element for a hookah apparatus, comprising:

a cartridge receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substrate;

a heating element defining at least two surfaces of the cartridge holder; and

an aerosol outlet fluidly connected to the cartridge holder and a fresh air inlet passage fluidly connected to the cartridge holder.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to hookah devices, and in particular to hookah devices configured to preheat inlet air, and more particularly to hookah devices that preheat air and heat an aerosol generating substrate without burning it.

Background

The hookah apparatus is for smoking and is configured such that the vapor and smoke pass through the water basin before being inhaled by a user. The hookah apparatus may contain one outlet or more than one outlet, such that the apparatus may be used by more than one consumer at a time. The use of hookah devices is considered by many as a leisure activity and social experience.

Tobacco used in hookah devices may be mixed with other ingredients to, for example, increase the volume of steam and smoke generated, change flavor, or both. Charcoal particles are commonly used to heat tobacco in hookah devices, which can cause complete or partial combustion of the tobacco or other ingredients.

Some hookah devices have been proposed that use an electric heat source to burn tobacco, for example to avoid burning charcoal to produce by-products or to improve the consistency of burning tobacco. Other hookah devices have been proposed that use e-liquid rather than tobacco. Hookah devices that use electronic liquid smoke would eliminate combustion byproducts, but would deprive the hookah user of the tobacco-based experience.

It would be desirable to provide a hookah apparatus that uses a substrate that does not produce combustion byproducts.

There is also a need to provide a hookah apparatus configured for use with an aerosol generating substrate (e.g. a tobacco substrate) in the form of a convenient consumable.

It is also desirable to provide a hookah apparatus that provides a desired hookah experience.

Disclosure of Invention

In various aspects of the invention, a hookah apparatus is provided that includes a vessel and an aerosol-generating element in fluid communication with the vessel. The vessel includes a headspace outlet. The aerosol-generating element comprises a cartridge holder, a heating element, an aerosol outlet and a fresh air inlet passage. The receptacle is configured to receive a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substrate. The heating element defines at least two surfaces of the cartridge receiver. Preferably, the heating element defines a top wall portion and a side wall portion of the cartridge holder. Preferably, the side wall portion of the receptacle is cylindrical. Preferably, the receptacle defines a cylindrical or frustoconical shape with a base diameter value of about 1.5 to about 5 times the height value, or a height of about 1.5 to about 5 times the base diameter value. The aerosol outlet is in fluid communication with the cartridge holder. The fresh air inlet passage is in fluid communication with the cartridge receiver. The fresh air inlet passage is arranged to preheat air prior to its entry into the cartridge holder. Preferably, the heating element defines at least one surface of the fresh air channel. Preferably, at least one surface of the fresh air channel is defined by a receptacle forming surface or an inner surface of the heating element.

In various aspects of the invention there is provided a hookah assembly comprising a hookah apparatus as described above and a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substrate received in a cartridge holder of the hookah apparatus. Preferably, the cartridge comprises two or more apertures in the bottom and top surfaces. Preferably, the heating element is configured to heat but not burn the aerosol-generating substrate to provide a non-burning mainstream aerosol for consumption by a consumer.

In various aspects of the invention, an aerosol-generating element for a hookah apparatus is provided. The aerosol-generating element comprises a cartridge holder, a heating element, an aerosol outlet and a fresh air inlet passage. The receptacle is configured to receive a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substrate. The heating element defines at least two surfaces of the cartridge receiver. The aerosol outlet is in fluid communication with the cartridge holder. The fresh air inlet passage is in fluid communication with the cartridge receiver. The fresh air inlet passage is arranged to preheat air prior to its entry into the cartridge holder. Preferably, the heating element defines at least one surface of the fresh air channel.

Various aspects or embodiments of the hookah apparatus described herein may provide one or more advantages over existing hookah apparatuses. For example, one or more of the hookah devices described herein can provide efficient heating to an aerosol-generating substrate. In some examples, fresh inlet air flowing through the fresh air inlet passage is heated prior to entering the cartridge to entrain aerosol generated by the substrate, which may result in a substantial reduction in energy used to atomize the substrate. Because the air is preheated, less energy may be required to heat the aerosol-generating substrate sufficiently to produce an aerosol. An example of another advantage is the highly uniform thermal distribution of the aerosol-generating substrate that may be provided by one or more of the hookah apparatuses described herein. Yet another example of an advantage is that some examples of cartridges employed in the hookah apparatus described herein are provided in a form that is convenient to consume, enabling simple and clean disposal once consumed. Using the outer surface of the heater to preheat the air advantageously cools the outer surface of the heater, which allows less insulation to be used around the outer surface of the heater. This is particularly useful in warm climates where more insulation is often required to prevent the heater, substrate, or both from overheating.

The hookah device of the present invention may comprise any suitable aerosol generating element. The aerosol-generating element comprises a cartridge holder, a heating element, an aerosol outlet and a fresh air inlet. The cartridge holder is configured to receive a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substrate. The heating element defines at least two surfaces of the receptacle. For example, the heating element may form at least a portion of two or more of the top surface, the side surface, and the bottom surface. Preferably, the heating element defines at least a portion of the top surface and at least a portion of the side surface. More preferably, the heating element forms the entire top surface and the entire side wall surface of the receptacle. The heating element may be disposed on an inner surface or an outer surface of the receptacle.

Any suitable heating element may be employed. For example, the heating element may include one or both of a resistive heating component and an inductive heating component. Preferably, the heating element comprises a resistive component. For example, the heating element may include one or more resistive wires or other resistive elements. The resistive wire may be in contact with a thermally conductive material to distribute the heat generated over a wider area. Examples of suitable conductive materials include aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof. For the purposes of this disclosure, if the resistance wire is in contact with the thermally conductive material, both the resistance wire and the thermally conductive material are part of a heating element that forms at least a portion of the surface of the cartridge holder.

In some examples, the heating element comprises an induction heating element. For example, the heating element may comprise susceptor material forming a surface of the cartridge holder. As used herein, the term "susceptor" refers to a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When placed in an alternating electromagnetic field, eddy currents are typically induced and hysteresis losses may occur in the susceptor, causing heating of the susceptor. When the susceptor is positioned in thermal contact or close thermal proximity with the aerosol-forming substrate, the substrate is heated by the susceptor so that an aerosol is formed. Preferably, the susceptor is at least partially arranged in direct physical contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

The susceptor may be formed from any material that is capable of being inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptors include metals or carbon. Preferred susceptors may comprise or consist of ferromagnetic materials, such as ferromagnetic iron, ferromagnetic alloys (e.g. ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel) and ferrites. Suitable susceptors may be or include aluminum.

A preferred susceptor is a metal susceptor, such as stainless steel. However, the susceptor material may also include or be made from: graphite; molybdenum; silicon carbide; aluminum; niobium; inconel (an austenitic nickel-chromium based superalloy); a metallized film; ceramics such as zirconia; transition metals such as Fe, Co, Ni, etc., or metalloid components such as B, C, Si, P, Al, etc.

The susceptor preferably comprises more than 5%, preferably more than 20%, preferably more than 50% or 90% of ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material. Preferred susceptors may be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees celsius. Suitable susceptors may include non-metallic cores having a metal layer disposed on the non-metallic core, such as metal traces formed on the surface of a ceramic core.

In the system according to the invention, the bottom and at least one side wall of the cartridge holder may comprise susceptor material. Preferably, the base and at least one sidewall comprise susceptor material. Advantageously, at least a portion of the outer surface of the cartridge holder is made of susceptor material. However, at least a portion of the inside of the cartridge holder may also be coated or lined with susceptor material. Preferably, the liner is attached or secured to the shell so as to form an integral part of the shell.

Additionally or alternatively, the cartridge may comprise susceptor material.

The hookah apparatus may further comprise one or more induction coils configured to induce eddy currents and/or hysteresis losses in the susceptor material that cause heating of the susceptor material. The susceptor material may also be positioned in a cartridge containing the aerosol-generating substrate. Susceptor elements comprising susceptor material may comprise any suitable material such as those described in, for example, PCT published patent applications WO 2014/102092 and WO 2015/177255.

The hookah apparatus may include control electronics operably coupled to the resistive heating element or the induction coil. The control electronics are configured to control heating of the heating element.

The control electronics may be provided in any suitable form and may, for example, comprise a controller or a memory and controller. The controller may include one or more of the following: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) state machine, a digital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or a comparable discrete or integrated logic Circuit. The control electronics may include a memory containing instructions that cause one or more components of the circuit to implement functions or aspects of the control electronics. The functions attributable to the control electronics in the present disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

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

If the heating element is a resistive heating element, the control electronics may be configured to monitor the resistance of the heating element and control the supply of power to the heating element in dependence on the resistance of the heating element. In this way, the control electronics can regulate the temperature of the resistive element.

If the heating component comprises an induction coil and the heating element comprises susceptor material, the control electronics may be configured to monitor an aspect of the induction coil and control the supply of power to the induction coil in accordance with the aspect of the coil, such as described in, for example, WO 2015/177255. In this way, the control electronics can regulate the temperature of the susceptor material.

The hookah apparatus may include a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple, operatively coupled to the control electronics to control the temperature of the heating element. The temperature sensor may be positioned at any suitable location. For example, a temperature sensor may be configured to be inserted into a cartridge received within the receptacle to monitor the temperature of the heated aerosol-generating substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heating element. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be positioned to detect a temperature at an aerosol outlet of the hookah apparatus (such as an aerosol outlet of an aerosol-generating element). The sensor may transmit a signal related to the sensed temperature to control electronics that may regulate heating of the heating element to achieve a suitable temperature at the sensor.

Regardless of whether the hookah device includes a temperature sensor, the device is preferably configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate received in the cartridge within the holder to a degree sufficient to generate an aerosol without burning the aerosol-generating substrate.

The control electronics may be operably coupled to the power source. The hookah apparatus may include any suitable power source. For example, the power source of the hookah apparatus may be a battery or battery pack. In some examples, the cathode and anode elements may be rolled and assembled to match the geometry of the portion of the hookah apparatus in which they are placed. The battery of the power supply unit may be rechargeable and it may be removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery may be used. For example, heavy duty or standard batteries, such as those used in industrial heavy duty power tools, are available on the market. Alternatively, the power supply unit may be any type of power supply, including super/super capacitors. Alternatively, the device may be powered by connection to an external power source, and designed electrically and electronically for such purposes. Regardless of the type of power source used, the power source preferably provides sufficient energy to allow the device to function properly for approximately 70 minutes of continuous operation of the device before the device is recharged or needs to be connected to an external power source.

The hookah apparatus includes a fresh air inlet passage fluidly connected to the cartridge receiver. When the hookah apparatus is in use, fresh air flows through the passage to the cartridge holder and a cartridge placed in the holder to transport aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substrate in the cartridge to the aerosol outlet. At least a portion of the passageway is formed by a heating element to preheat the air prior to entering the cartridge holder or cartridge. Preferably, a portion of the heating element forming the cartridge holder surface forms a portion of the fresh air inlet passage. Preferably, the fresh air inlet passage is formed by one or both of a top surface of the cartridge holder and a side wall of the cartridge holder formed by the heating element. Preferably, the air inlet passage is formed by both the top surface of the cartridge holder and the side wall of the cartridge holder formed by the heating element. Preferably, the outer surface of the heating element forms at least part of the air inlet passage. The outer surface of the heating element is the surface of the heating element opposite the surface of the heating element forming the receptacle.

Any suitable portion of the air inlet passage may be formed by the heating element. Preferably, about 50% or more of the length of the air inlet passage is formed by the heating element. In many examples, the heating element will form 95% or less of the length of the fresh air inlet passage.

The air flowing through the fresh air inlet passage may be heated by the heating element in any suitable amount. In some examples, as heated air flows through a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substrate, the air will be heated sufficiently to cause formation of an aerosol. In some examples, the air itself is not heated sufficiently to cause aerosol formation, but rather facilitates heating of the substrate by the heating element. Preferably, when air is preheated according to the invention, the energy supplied to the heating element to heat the substrate and cause aerosol formation is reduced by 5% or more, such as 10% or more, or 15% or more, relative to a design in which air is not preheated. Typically, the energy savings will be less than 75%.

The substrate is preferably heated to a temperature in the range of from about 150 ℃ to about 300 ℃, more preferably from about 180 ℃ to about 250 ℃, or from about 200 ℃ to about 230 ℃ by a combination of preheated air and heating from the heating element.

To achieve such substrate temperatures, the heating element may be heated to an operating temperature of about 150 ℃ to about 250 ℃, preferably about 180 ℃ to about 230 ℃, or about 200 ℃ to about 230 ℃.

Preferably, the temperature of the air in the air inlet is responsive to the temperature of the heating element. For example, the air temperature at the location in the air inlet formed by the heating element achieves a temperature within 35 ℃ of the heating element temperature within three seconds of the beginning of heating by the heating element. In some embodiments, the air temperature at the location in the air inlet formed by the heating element achieves a temperature within 35 ℃ of the heating element temperature within three seconds of the heating element reaching the operating temperature. In some embodiments, the air temperature at the location in the air inlet formed by the heating element achieves a temperature within 35 ℃ of the heating element temperature within three seconds of the time period during which the device is used (such as between user puffs on the device).

More preferably, the air temperature at the location of the heating element in the air inlet channel achieves a temperature of 25 ℃ of the heating element temperature within two seconds of the start of heating by the heating element. In some embodiments, the air temperature at the location in the air inlet formed by the heating element achieves a temperature within 25 ℃ of the heating element temperature within two seconds of the heating element reaching the operating temperature. In some embodiments, the air temperature at the location in the air inlet formed by the heating element achieves a temperature within 25 ℃ of the heating element temperature within two seconds of the time period during which the device is in use (e.g., between user puffs on the device). Even more preferably, the air temperature at the location of the heating element in the air inlet channel achieves a temperature of 15 ℃ of the heating element temperature within 1 second after the heating element starts to heat. In some embodiments, the air temperature at the location in the air inlet formed by the heating element achieves a temperature within 15 ℃ of the heating element temperature within one second of the heating element reaching the operating temperature. In some embodiments, the air temperature at the location in the air inlet formed by the heating element achieves a temperature within 15 ℃ of the heating element temperature within one second of the heating element during a period of use of the device (such as between user puffs on the device).

In some embodiments, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 110 ℃ within the first 5 seconds after the heating element begins to heat. Preferably, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 110 ℃ within the first 3 seconds after the heating element starts to heat. Preferably, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 110 ℃ within the first 1.5 seconds after the heating element starts to heat.

In some embodiments, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 190 ℃ within the first 5 seconds after the heating element begins to heat. Preferably, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 190 ℃ within the first 3 seconds after the heating element starts to heat. Preferably, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 190 ℃ within the first 1.5 seconds after the heating element begins to heat.

In some embodiments, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 200 ℃ within the first 5 seconds after the heating element begins to heat. Preferably, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 200 ℃ within the first 3 seconds after the heating element starts to heat. Preferably, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 200 ℃ within the first 1.5 seconds after the heating element starts to heat.

In some embodiments, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 110 ℃ within 5 seconds of the heating element reaching the operating temperature. Preferably, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 110 ℃ within 3 seconds of the heating element reaching the operating temperature. Preferably, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 110 ℃ within 1.5 seconds of the heating element reaching the operating temperature.

In some embodiments, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 190 ℃ within 5 seconds of the heating element reaching the operating temperature. Preferably, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 190 ℃ within 3 seconds of the heating element reaching the operating temperature. Preferably, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 190 ℃ within 1.5 seconds of the heating element reaching the operating temperature.

In some embodiments, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 200 ℃ within 5 seconds of the heating element reaching the operating temperature. Preferably, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 200 ℃ within 3 seconds of the heating element reaching the operating temperature. Preferably, the air temperature in the air inlet channel at the location of the heater air temperature may reach at least 200 ℃ within 1.5 seconds of the heating element reaching the operating temperature.

In use, one or more users may use the hookah apparatus to draw.

Preferably, the temperature of the air at the heater location in the air inlet channel after suction returns to the pre-suction temperature within about three seconds after suction. Preferably, the temperature of the air at the heater location in the air inlet channel returns to the pre-suction temperature within about two seconds or within about 1 second after suction.

It will be appreciated that the pumping behavior (such as duration of each pumping, pumping frequency) may vary between users. A typical puff may last 2 to 3 seconds, but some users may puff for a longer or shorter duration.

Preferably, at least a portion of the air flow passage is formed between the heating element and the heat shield. Preferably, substantially the entire part of the fresh air inlet channel formed by the fresh air inlet channel is also formed by the heat shield. The heat shield and the heating element may form opposing surfaces of the fresh air inlet passage such that air flows between the heat shield and the heating element. Preferably, the heat shield is positioned outside of the interior formed by the cartridge holder.

Any suitable heat shield material may be used. Preferably, the heat shield material comprises a heat reflective surface. The heat reflective surface may be backed with an insulating material. In some examples, the heat reflective material includes an aluminum metallized film or other suitable heat reflective material. In some examples, the insulating material comprises a ceramic material. In some examples, the heat shield includes an aluminum metallized film and a backing of a ceramic material.

The fresh air inlet passage may include one or more apertures through the cartridge receiver such that fresh air from outside the hookah apparatus may flow through the passage and into the cartridge receiver through the apertures. If the channel includes more than one aperture, the channel may include a manifold to direct air flowing through the channel to each aperture. Preferably, the hookah apparatus comprises two or more fresh air inlet passages.

The cartridge receiver may include any suitable number of apertures in communication with one or more fresh air inlet passages. For example, the receptacle may include 1 to 1000 apertures, such as 10 to 500 apertures. The holes may be of uniform size or of non-uniform size. The holes may be evenly distributed or unevenly distributed. The aperture may be formed at any suitable location in the cartridge receiver. For example, the aperture may be formed in one or both of the top or side walls of the receptacle. Preferably, the hole is formed in the top of the receptacle.

The receptacle is preferably shaped and dimensioned to allow contact between one or more walls or ceiling of the receptacle and the receptacle when the cartridge is received by the receptacle to facilitate conductive heating of the cartridge and the aerosol-generating substrate by the heating element forming the surface of the receptacle. In some examples, an air gap may be formed between at least a portion of the cartridge and a surface of the receptacle, where the air gap serves as part of the fresh air inlet passage.

Preferably, the interior of the cartridge receiver and the exterior of the cartridge are of similar size and dimensions. Preferably, the ratio of the height to the bottom width (or diameter) of the interior of the receptacle and the exterior of the cartridge is greater than about 1.5 to 1 or the ratio of the height to the bottom width (or diameter) is greater than about 1.5 to 1. Such a ratio may allow for more efficient consumption of the aerosol-generating substrate within the cartridge during use by allowing heat from the heating element to penetrate to the middle of the cartridge. For example, the diameter (or width) of the bottom of the receptacle and cartridge may be about 1.5 to about 5 times the height, or about 1.5 to about 4 times the height, or about 1.5 to about 3 times the height. Similarly, the height of the receptacle and cartridge may be from about 1.5 to about 5 times the diameter (or width) of the base, or from about 1.5 to about 4 times the diameter (or width) of the base, or from about 1.5 to about 3 times the diameter (or width) of the base. Preferably, the height to bottom diameter ratio or bottom diameter to height ratio of the receptacle and cartridge is from about 1.5 to 1 to about 2.5 to 1.

In some examples, the interior of the receptacle and the exterior of the cartridge have a height in the range of about 15mm to about 25mm and a bottom diameter in the range of about 40mm to about 60 mm.

The cartridge receiver may be formed of one or more parts. Preferably, the receptacle is formed of two or more parts. Preferably, at least one portion of the receptacle is movable relative to another portion to allow access to the interior of the receptacle for insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle. For example, one part may be removably attached to another part to allow insertion of the cartridge when the parts are separated. These portions may be attached in any suitable manner, such as by threaded engagement, interference fit, snap fit, and the like. In some examples, the portions are attached to each other via a hinge. When the portions are attached via a hinge, the portions may also include a locking mechanism to secure the portions relative to each other when the receptacle is in the closed position. In some examples, the cartridge holder includes a drawer that is slidable open to allow placement of the cartridge into the drawer and slidable closed to allow use of the hookah apparatus.

Any suitable aerosol generating cartridge may be used with the hookah apparatus as described herein. Preferably, the cartridge comprises a thermally conductive housing. For example, the housing may be formed of aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the housing is formed of aluminum. In some examples, the cartridge is formed from one or more materials that are less thermally conductive than aluminum. For example, the housing may be formed of any suitable thermally stable polymeric material. If the material is sufficiently thin, sufficient heat can be transferred through the housing despite the fact that the housing is formed of a material that is not particularly thermally conductive.

The cartridge includes one or more apertures formed in the top and bottom of the housing to allow air to flow through the cartridge in use. If the top of the receptacle includes one or more apertures, at least some of the apertures in the top of the cartridge may be aligned with the apertures in the top of the receptacle. The cartridge may include an alignment feature configured to mate with a complementary alignment feature of the receptacle to align the bore of the cartridge with the bore of the receptacle upon insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle. During storage, the aperture in the cartridge housing may be covered to prevent aerosol-generating substrate stored in the cartridge from spilling out of the cartridge. Additionally or alternatively, the size of the aperture in the housing may be small enough to prevent or inhibit the aerosol-generating substrate from exiting the cartridge. If the aperture is covered, the consumer may remove the cap prior to inserting the cartridge into the receptacle. In some examples, the receptacle is configured to pierce the cartridge to form an aperture in the cartridge. Preferably, the receptacle is configured to pierce the top of the cartridge.

The cartridge may be of any suitable shape. Preferably, the cartridge has a frustoconical shape.

Any suitable aerosol-generating substrate may be placed in the cartridge for use with the hookah apparatus of the present invention. The aerosol-generating substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may be solid or liquid, or comprise solid and liquid components. Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate is a solid.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plant based material. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise tobacco, and preferably the tobacco-containing material contains volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-generating substrate when heated.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a homogenized tobacco material. The homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. When present, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content equal to or greater than 5% by dry weight, and preferably greater than 30% by weight by dry weight. The aerosol former content may be less than about 95% by dry weight.

Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a tobacco-free material. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-based material.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of: a powder, granule, pellet, chip, strand, strip, or sheet comprising one or more of the following: herbal leaf, tobacco vein segment, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least one aerosol former. The aerosol-former may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, in use, facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating 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 glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di-or triacetate; and fatty acid esters of mono-, di-or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyldodecanedioate and dimethyltetradecanedioate. Particularly preferred aerosol formers are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol and most preferably glycerol. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants. The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises nicotine and at least one aerosol former. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol former is glycerol.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The support may comprise a thin layer on which the solid substrate is deposited on the first major surface, the second major outer surface, or both the first major surface and the second major surface. The carrier may be formed from, for example, paper or paper-like material, a non-woven carbon fibre mat, a low mass open mesh metal screen or a perforated metal foil or any other thermally stable polymer matrix. Alternatively, the carrier may be in the form of a powder, granules, pellets, chips, strands, ribbons, or sheets. The carrier may be a nonwoven fabric or a tow of fibers having incorporated therein the tobacco component. The nonwoven fabric or fiber bundle may comprise, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulose fibers, or cellulose-derived fibers.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating substrate is in the form of a suspension. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of a thick molasses-like suspension.

Air entering the cartridge flows through the aerosol-generating substrate, entrains the aerosol and exits the cartridge and receptacle via the aerosol outlet. The aerosol-laden air enters the vessel from the aerosol outlet.

The hookah apparatus may comprise any suitable vessel defining an internal volume configured to hold liquid and defining an outlet in a headspace above a liquid level. The vessel may include an optically clear or opaque shell to allow a consumer to view the contents contained in the vessel. The vessel may include a liquid fill boundary, such as a liquid fill line. The vessel shell may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the vessel housing may comprise glass or a suitable rigid plastic material. Preferably, the vessel is removable from the portion of the hookah apparatus comprising the aerosol generating element to allow a consumer to fill or clean the vessel.

The consumer can fill the vessel to the liquid level. The liquid preferably comprises water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colorants, fragrances or colorants or fragrances. For example, water may be injected with one or both of the botanical or herbal granules.

Aerosol entrained in air exiting the aerosol outlet of the receptacle may travel through a conduit positioned in the receptacle. The conduit may be coupled to the aerosol outlet and may have an opening below a liquid level of the vessel such that aerosol flowing through the vessel flows through the opening of the conduit and then through the liquid into a headspace of the vessel and out of the headspace outlet for delivery to a consumer.

The headspace outlet may be coupled to a hose that includes a mouthpiece for delivering the aerosol to a consumer. The mouthpiece may include a switch that can be activated by the user or a puff sensor that is operably coupled to the control electronics of the hookah apparatus. Preferably, the switch or puff sensor is wirelessly coupled to the control electronics. Activation of the switch or puff sensor may cause the control electronics to activate the heating element, rather than constantly energizing the heating element. Thus, the use of a switch or suction sensor may serve to save energy relative to devices that do not employ such elements to provide on-demand heating rather than constant heating.

For purposes of example, a method of using a hookah apparatus as described herein is provided below chronologically. The vessel may be separated from the other components of the hookah apparatus and filled with water. One or more of natural fruit juice, botanicals, and herbal infusions can be added to water for flavoring. The amount of liquid added should cover a portion of the conduit but should not exceed the level marker that may optionally be present on the vessel. The capsule is then reassembled to the hookah apparatus. A portion of the aerosol-generating element may be removed or opened to allow insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle. The aerosol-generating element is then assembled or closed. The device may then be turned on. The user can draw from the mouthpiece until a desired aerosol volume is produced to fill the aerosol chamber (defined by the internal volume of the cap). The user may aspirate the mouthpiece as desired. The user can continue to use the device until no more aerosol is visible in the aerosol chamber. Preferably, the device will automatically shut down when the cartridge is depleted of available aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the consumer may refill the device with a fresh cartridge after receiving an indication, for example from the device, that the consumable is depleted or nearly depleted. If refilled with a fresh cartridge, the device may continue to be used. Preferably, the user can turn off the hookah apparatus at any time, for example by switching off the apparatus.

In some examples, a user may activate one or more heating elements by using an activation element on, for example, a mouthpiece. The activation element may, for example, be in wireless communication with the control electronics and may signal the control electronics to activate the heating element from the standby mode to the full heating mode. Preferably, such manual activation is only enabled when a user draws on the mouthpiece, to prevent overheating or unnecessary heating of the aerosol-generating substrate in the cartridge.

In some examples, the mouthpiece includes a suction sensor in wireless communication with the control electronics, and suction of the mouthpiece by the user causes the heating element to be activated from a standby mode to full heating.

The hookah apparatus of the present invention may have any suitable air management. In one example, the suction action of the user will create a suction effect, causing a depression inside the device, which will cause outside air to flow through the air inlet of the device, into the fresh air inlet passage and into the cartridge holder. Air may then flow into the cartridge in the receptacle to carry the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating substrate in the cartridge. The aerosol entrained air then exits the aerosol outlet of the receptacle and flows through the conduit into the liquid inside the receptacle. The aerosol will then gush out of the liquid and into the headspace above the liquid level in the vessel, flowing out of the headspace outlet and delivered to the consumer through the hose and mouthpiece. The flow of outside air and the flow of aerosol inside the hookah apparatus may be driven by the user's suction action.

Preferably, the assembly of all the main parts of the hookah apparatus of the present invention ensures that the apparatus functions as a hermetic type. The closed function should ensure proper airflow management. The closed action may be achieved in any suitable manner. For example, seals such as seal rings and gaskets (washbers) may be used to ensure a hermetic seal.

The sealing ring and sealing gasket or other sealing element may be made of any suitable material or materials. For example, the seal may include one or more of a graphene compound and a silicon compound. Preferably, the material is approved by the U.S. food and drug administration for use in humans.

The main parts, such as the conduit of the receptacle, the lid housing of the receptacle and the vessel, may be made of any suitable material or materials. For example, each of these portions may be made of glass, a glass-based compound, Polysulfone (PSU), Polyethersulfone (PES), or polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). Preferably, the portion is formed from a material suitable for use in a standard dishwasher.

In some examples, the mouthpiece of the present invention incorporates a quick connect male (male)/female (female) feature to connect to a hose unit.

Drawings

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which depict one or more aspects described in the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like parts, steps, etc. It should be understood, however, 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. Additionally, the use of different numbers in different figures to refer to components is not intended to indicate that the different numbered components cannot be the same or similar to other numbered components. The drawings are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The schematic diagrams presented in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Detailed Description

Referring now to fig. 1, a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a hookah apparatus 100 is shown. The apparatus 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an interior volume configured to contain a liquid 19 and defining a headspace outlet 15 above a level of the liquid 19. Liquid 19 preferably comprises water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colorants, one or more fragrances, or one or more colorants and one or more fragrances. For example, water may be injected with one or both of the botanical or herbal granules.

The device 100 further comprises an aerosol-generating element 130. The aerosol-generating element 130 comprises a cartridge holder 140 configured to receive a cartridge 150 comprising an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating element 130 further comprises a heating element 160 forming at least two surfaces of the receptacle 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 160 defines a top surface and side surfaces of the receptacle 140. The aerosol-generating element 130 further comprises a fresh air inlet channel 170 which draws fresh air into the device 100. A portion of the fresh air inlet passage 170 is formed by the heating element 160 to heat the air before it enters the receptacle 140. The preheated air then enters the cartridge 150 (which is also heated by the heating element 160) to carry the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating substrate in the container 150. The air exits the aerosol outlet 180 of the aerosol-generating element 130.

A conduit 190 carries air and aerosol from the aerosol outlet 180 from below the level of the liquid 19 into the vessel 17. Air and aerosol can bubble through the liquid 19 and exit the headspace outlet 15 of the aerosol-generating element 130 of the vessel aerosol-generating element 13017. A hose 20 may be attached to the headspace outlet 15 to carry the aerosol into the user's mouth. The mouthpiece 25 may be attached to the hose 20 or formed as part of the hose.

The air flow path of the device in use is indicated by the bold arrows in figure 1.

The mouthpiece 25 may comprise an actuating element 27. The activation element 27 may be a switch, button, etc., or may be a suction sensor, etc. The actuating member 27 may be placed in 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 use or to cause the control electronics to activate the heating element 160; for example, by having the power source 35 power 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, rather than at the bottom of the element 130 as shown in figure 1.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an aerosol-generating element 130. Not all components may be shown for brevity and clarity. In the illustrated embodiment, air (arrows) enters the air inlet 171 of the upper portion 131 of the aerosol-generating element 130, then passes through the heat shield 165, then along the outer surface of the heating element 160 and to the top of the heating element 160. The heated air then passes over the top surface of the housing of the cartridge 150, through the aerosol-generating substrate 155, and through the interstices of the base 133, down to the aerosol outlet 180. In the embodiment shown, the air travels along the outer surface of the heating element 160 and then passes through the heating element 160.

In the example shown in fig. 2, upper portion 131 may be removed from lower portion 133 to allow cartridge 150 to be inserted into or removed from the receptacle formed by heating element 160 and the top surface of bottom portion 131.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an aerosol-generating element 130. Not all components may be shown for brevity and clarity. In the illustrated embodiment, air (arrows) enters the air inlet 171 of the upper portion 131 of the aerosol-generating element 130 and then passes through the heat shield 165 and the heating element 160. The air then follows the inner surface of the heating element 160 and the outer surface of the outer shell of the cartridge 150 and reaches the top of the outer shell of the cartridge 150. The heated air then passes over the top surface of the housing of the cartridge 150, through the aerosol-generating substrate 155, and through the interstices of the base 133, down to the aerosol outlet 180. In the illustrated embodiment, the air passes through the heating element 160 and travels along the inner surface of the heating element 160.

In the example shown in fig. 3, upper portion 131 may be removed from lower portion 133 to allow cartridge 150 to be inserted into or removed from the receptacle formed by heating element 160 and the top surface of bottom portion 131.

In the example shown in fig. 2-3, the body of the upper portion 131 can be made of a thermally insulating material.

In this embodiment, shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of fig. 4, the aerosol-generating element 130 comprises a thermocouple 199 operably coupled to control electronics (not shown in fig. 4). In the example shown, thermocouple 199 penetrates into cartridge 150 and aerosol-generating substrate 155. Thermocouple 199 may penetrate cartridge 150 when cartridge 150 is positioned on bottom 133 and upper portion 131 is placed over bottom 131. Thermocouple 199 may be in contact with heating element 160 near outlet 180 or at any other suitable location to provide temperature-related feedback when the hookah apparatus is in use.

Referring now to fig. 5, there is shown a schematic perspective view of an example cartridge 150 that may be used with the hookah apparatus described herein. The cartridge 150 comprises a housing 151 and a plurality of apertures 153 formed in a top surface of the housing to allow air to flow through the cartridge 150 and the aerosol-generating substrate contained in the housing. The bottom of the cartridge 150 may further comprise one or more holes to allow air to flow through the cartridge 150.

In some examples, such as in fig. 2, where air flows through the top of the receptacle, the top of the receptacle may have a similar distribution of holes as the cartridge shown in fig. 5.

Features described above in relation to one aspect of the invention may also be applicable to another aspect of the invention.

All scientific and technical terms used herein have the meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise indicated. The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, "having," "comprising," "including," and the like are used in their open sense and generally mean "including (but not limited to)". It is understood that "consisting essentially of … …", "consisting of … …", and the like are included in the "comprising" and the like.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, recitation 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 disclosure, including the claims.

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

The embodiments illustrated above are not limiting. Other embodiments consistent with the above embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.