JP7658970B2 - Shisha device configured to pierce a cartridge - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices and cartridges containing aerosol-forming substrates for use with the aerosol generating devices, and more particularly to perforating the cartridges in association with use of the aerosol generating devices.

Traditional shisha devices are used to smoke tobacco and are configured so that the vapor and smoke pass through a water basin before inhalation by the consumer. Shisha devices may include one outlet or may include two or more outlets so that the device may be used by two or more consumers simultaneously. Using a shisha device is considered by some to be a recreational activity and a social experience.

Typically, traditional shisha is used in combination with a substrate, referred to in the art as water tobacco, tobacco molasses, or simply molasses. Traditional shisha substrates are relatively high in sugar (in some cases up to about 50% compared to the about 20% typically found in traditional tobacco substrates such as combustible cigarettes). The tobacco used in the shisha device may be mixed with other ingredients, for example to increase the amount of vapor and smoke produced, or to alter the flavor, or both.

Conventional shisha devices employ charcoal (such as charcoal pellets) to heat, and sometimes burn, a tobacco substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The use of charcoal to heat the tobacco may result in the total or partial combustion of the tobacco or other components. Additionally, the charcoal may generate harmful or potentially harmful products, such as carbon monoxide, which may mix with the shisha vapor and pass through the water basin to the outlet.

One way to reduce the production of carbon monoxide and combustion by-products is to use e-liquid rather than tobacco. Shisha devices that use e-liquid eliminate the combustion by-products but deprive shisha consumers of the traditional tobacco experience.

Other shisha devices have been proposed that employ electric heaters to heat but not burn the tobacco. Such electrically heated non-combustion shisha devices heat the tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the substrate without burning the substrate, thus reducing or eliminating the by-products associated with tobacco combustion.

The shisha device may employ a cartridge for housing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be filled with such an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco, preferably a shisha substrate, such as molasses (a mixture of tobacco, water, sugar, and other ingredients such as glycerin, flavorings, etc.). A heating system in the electrically heated shisha device heats the contents of the cartridge to generate an aerosol that is conveyed to the user through an airflow path.

To facilitate airflow through and aerosol flow from the cartridge, the shisha cartridge may have one or more holes through one or more walls. The cartridge may include one or more holes at the top, or one or more holes at the bottom, or both one or more holes at the top and one or more holes at the bottom. Alternatively, the top may be open, i.e., the top wall may be partially or completely absent. Any holes or openings in the top and bottom walls may be closed by a removable (e.g., peelable) sealing layer, such as a film, sticker, or liner, during storage. The removable layer may protect the contents (e.g., molasses) from exposure to air and oxygen. The removable layer may be removed (e.g., pulled or peeled off) by the user before the first use of the cartridge.

If left unsealed, the holes or openings in the cartridge may lead to leakage problems as well as loss of freshness (e.g., moisture content) or contamination of the substrate. For one or more reasons, such as to maintain freshness or prevent leakage of the substrate or to preserve the quality and integrity of the substrate during storage, it may be desirable to close or seal the openings or holes in the cartridge prior to use or between uses if the entire contents of the cartridge are not used at one time.

Some shisha devices are configured to puncture the cartridge when it is inserted into the shisha device, creating one or more holes. The shelf life of a shisha cartridge without holes tends to be longer than the shelf life of a shisha cartridge with holes, even if the holes are covered with a seal.

However, forming a hole when inserting a shisha cartridge into a shisha device can have drawbacks. For example, if a user does not use the shisha device and associated cartridge immediately or does not expel the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge within a typical time frame for expelling the substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate may lose freshness or the contents of the cartridge may leak. If the contents of the cartridge leak while the cartridge is in the shisha device, the leaked contents, which may contain a high sugar content, may be difficult to clean or may soil the device.

A user may insert a cartridge into a shisha device and not immediately use the device for a number of reasons. For example, the user may want to insert the cartridge for later use. The user may insert a cartridge and realize that they prefer different cartridge contents, such as a cartridge having an aerosol-forming substrate with a different flavor profile. The user may insert the cartridge with the intent of immediate use, but may become distracted prior to use.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a shisha device configured to puncture a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The shisha device is configured to prevent puncturing of the cartridge until the cartridge is inserted into a receptacle of the device. Puncturing of the cartridge preferably requires a separate step from inserting the cartridge into the receptacle of the shisha device. That is, the shisha device is preferably configured such that insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle of the device does not puncture the cartridge without more.

Thus, a user can insert a cartridge into the shisha device such that the cartridge and device are ready for future use without loss of freshness or leakage if the puncturing mechanism is not activated. The user can remove a previously inserted cartridge from the shisha device, for example if the user changes his or her mind about the cartridge he or she wants to use, without the cartridge being punctured. Furthermore, if the user is unable to start an intended shisha session after inserting the cartridge into the device, the user can be sure that the cartridge will maintain fresh contents and will not leak until the puncturing mechanism is later activated. Thus, the freshness of the cartridge contents may be maintained and soiling of the device may be avoided.

A shisha device according to the present disclosure may include a vessel having an internal volume configured to contain a liquid. The vessel may include an inlet and a headspace outlet. The shisha device may include a receptacle for receiving a cartridge including an aerosol-forming substrate. The shisha device may include a heating element configured to heat the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the receptacle and generates an aerosol. The shisha device may include a conduit through which the generated aerosol may flow from the receptacle to the vessel via the inlet of the vessel. The shisha device may include a piercing element configured to pierce the cartridge. The shisha device may include an actuator operably coupled to the piercing element. Actuation of the actuator may cause the piercing element to pierce the cartridge. The shisha device may be configured to prevent the actuator from causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge until the cartridge is received in the receptacle. The shisha device may be configured to prevent the actuator from causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge until the cartridge is already received in the receptacle.

The shisha device may include a release that prevents the actuator from causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge. The release may include one or more of a mechanical component, an electromechanical component, and an electrical component. The electrical release may include control electronics and instructions to prevent or allow actuation of the actuator depending on whether the cartridge is received in a receptacle or the like.

Insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle can move the release from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the release can prevent the actuator from causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge. In the second position, the release can allow the actuator to cause the piercing element to pierce the cartridge.

The shisha device may include a sensor for detecting whether a cartridge is received in the receptacle. If the cartridge is received in the receptacle, the actuator may be permitted to cause the piercing element to pierce the cartridge. For example, the sensor may be operably coupled to control electronics that may prevent the actuator from causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge unless the sensor detects the cartridge in the receptacle. For example, the actuator may include a motor, and the control electronics may be configured to prevent movement of the motor unless the sensor detects the cartridge in the receptacle. As another implementation, the control electronics may be operably coupled to a release that prevents the actuator from causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge unless the sensor detects the cartridge in the receptacle.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a shisha device comprises a vessel having an interior volume configured to contain a liquid. The vessel comprises an inlet and a headspace outlet. The shisha device further comprises a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, a heating element configured to heat the cartridge to generate an aerosol when the cartridge is received in the receptacle, a conduit through which the generated aerosol may flow to the vessel via the inlet, a piercing element configured to pierce the cartridge, and an actuator operably coupled to the piercing element. Actuation of the actuator causes the piercing element to pierce the cartridge. The shisha device is configured to prevent the actuator from causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge until the cartridge is received in the receptacle.

The shisha device may include a release that prevents the actuator from causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge. The release may include one or more of a mechanical component, an electromechanical component, and an electrical component. The electrical release may include control electronics and instructions to prevent or allow actuation of the actuator depending on whether the cartridge is received in a receptacle or the like.

The shisha device may include a sensor for detecting whether the cartridge is received in the receptacle.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a shisha device comprises a vessel having an interior volume configured to contain a liquid. The vessel comprises an inlet and a headspace outlet. The shisha device further comprises a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, a heating element configured to heat the cartridge to generate an aerosol when the cartridge is received in the receptacle, a conduit through which the generated aerosol may flow to the vessel via the inlet, a piercing element configured to pierce the cartridge, and an actuator operably coupled to the piercing element. Actuation of the actuator causes the piercing element to pierce the cartridge. The heating element may form at least a portion of the receptacle for receiving the cartridge.

The shisha device may include a release mechanism that prevents the actuator from causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge. The release may be one or both of a mechanical release and an electrical release. The electrical release may include control electronics and instructions to prevent or allow actuation of the actuator depending on whether the cartridge is received in a receptacle or the like.

The shisha device may include a sensor for detecting whether the cartridge is received in the receptacle.

Terms used herein will have their generally accepted definitions unless otherwise defined herein.

The term "aerosol" is used herein to refer to a suspension of solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets in a gas. The gas may be air. The solid particles or droplets may include one or more volatile flavor compounds. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. The aerosol may include a vapor of a substance that is normally a liquid or solid at room temperature. The aerosol may include a vapor of a substance that is normally a liquid or solid at room temperature, in combination with solid particles, or in combination with liquid droplets, or in combination with both solid particles and droplets. In some embodiments, the aerosol includes nicotine.

The term "aerosol-forming substrate" is used herein to refer to a material capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated to volatilize one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. As an alternative to heating or burning, in some cases the volatile compounds may be released by chemical reaction or by mechanical stimulation such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed inside a cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid, or may include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support. The aerosol-forming substrate may include nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may include a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may include homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients, such as flavorants.

The terms "unitary" and "integrally formed" are used herein to describe elements that are formed into a single, inseparable piece. Integral or integrally formed components may be constructed such that they cannot be separably removed from one another without causing structural damage to the piece.

Also, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include embodiments having plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, "or" is generally used to mean "one, the other, or both," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The term "about" is used herein in conjunction with numerical values to include normal variations in measurements as would be expected by one of ordinary skill in the art, and is understood to have the same meaning as "approximately." The term "about" is understood to encompass a typical range of error. A typical range of error may be, for example, ±5% of the indicated value.

As used herein, "have," "having," "include," "including," "comprise," "comprising," and the like are used in an open-ended sense and generally mean "including, but not limited to." It should be understood that "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," and the like are subsumed under "comprising" and the like.

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

The term "substantially" as used herein may be understood to mean at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98% of the meaning of the subsequent term it modifies. The term "not substantially" as used herein may be understood to have the opposite meaning to "substantially" (i.e., modifying the subsequent term by no more than 10%, no more than 5%, or no more than 2%).

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

Any suitable shisha cartridge may be used with the shisha devices described in this disclosure. The cartridge may include a body defining a cavity. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the cavity of the cartridge. The body may be formed of one or more heat-resistant materials. The body may be formed of a heat-resistant metal or polymer. The body may include a thermally conductive material. For example, the body may include any of aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the body includes aluminum.

The cartridge may be of any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge may have a shape configured to be received by a shisha device. The cartridge may have a substantially cubic shape, a cylindrical shape, a frusto-conical shape, or any other suitable shape. Preferably, the cartridge has a generally cylindrical or generally frusto-conical shape.

The shisha device is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. The device may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge by conduction. The cartridge is preferably shaped and sized to allow contact with or minimize distance from the heating element of the shisha device. Advantageously, this may provide efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. Heat may be generated by any suitable mechanism, such as by resistive heating, or by induction, or by a combination of resistive heating and induction. To facilitate inductive heating, the cartridge may be provided with a susceptor. For example, the cartridge body may be made of or may include a material that can act as a susceptor (e.g., aluminum). In some embodiments, a susceptor material may be provided in the cartridge cavity. The susceptor material may be provided in the cartridge cavity in any form (e.g., powder, solid block, pieces, etc.).

Any suitable aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the cavity defined by the body of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing a compound capable of forming an aerosol. The volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The volatile compound may be released by a chemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid, or may include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises tobacco. The tobacco-containing material preferably comprises volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised tobacco material. The homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively or additionally comprise a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol former. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a shisha substrate. Shisha substrate is understood to mean a consumable material suitable for use in a shisha device. The shisha substrate may comprise molasses.

The aerosol-forming substrate may, for example, comprise one or more of a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips, or sheets. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stem pieces, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. Suitable aerosol formers include compounds or mixtures of compounds that facilitate the formation of a dense, stable aerosol during use and that are substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperatures of the shisha device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). Particularly preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin). The aerosol-forming substrate may include any suitable amount of aerosol former. For example, the aerosol former content of the substrate may be 5% or more on a dry weight basis, and is preferably greater than 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol former content can be less than about 95% on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the aerosol former content is up to about 55%.

The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises nicotine and at least one aerosol former. In some embodiments, the aerosol former is glycerin or a mixture of glycerin and one or more other suitable aerosol formers (such as those described above).

The aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients (flavoring agents, sweeteners, etc.). In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate includes any suitable amount of one or more sugars. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate includes invert sugar. Invert sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose obtained by splitting sucrose. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate includes about 1% to about 40% by weight of sugar (e.g., invert sugar). In some embodiments, the one or more sugars may be mixed with a suitable carrier, such as corn starch or maltodextrin.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more sensory enhancers. Suitable sensory enhancers include flavorants and sensates (such as cooling agents). Suitable flavorants include natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, clove, ginger, or combinations thereof), cocoa, vanilla, fruit flavors, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, agave, juniper, anethole, linalool, and any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a suspension. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may include molasses. As used herein, "molasses" refers to an aerosol-forming substrate composition that includes about 20% or more sugar. For example, molasses may include at least about 25% sugar by weight, such as at least about 35% sugar by weight. Typically, molasses contains less than about 60% sugar by weight, such as less than about 50% sugar by weight.

Any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate (e.g., molasses or tobacco substrate) may be disposed in the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, from about 3 g to about 25 g of aerosol-forming substrate is disposed in the cavity. The cartridge may contain at least 6 g, at least 7 g, at least 8 g, or at least 9 g of aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may contain up to 15 g, up to 12 g, up to 11 g, or up to 10 g of aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, from about 7 g to about 13 g of aerosol-forming substrate is disposed in the cavity.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The term "thermally stable" is used herein to denote a material that does not substantially degrade at the temperatures to which the substrate is typically heated (e.g., from about 150°C to about 300°C). The carrier may comprise a thin layer of the substrate deposited on a first major surface, or on a second major outer surface, or on both the first and second major surfaces. The carrier may be formed, for example, of paper or paper-like material, nonwoven carbon fiber mat, low-mass open mesh metal screen, or perforated metal foil, or any other thermally stable polymeric matrix. Alternatively, the carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips, or sheets. The carrier may be a nonwoven fabric or fiber bundle incorporating tobacco components. The nonwoven fabric or fiber bundle may include, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulose fibers, or cellulose derivative fibers.

The body of the cartridge may include one or more walls. In some embodiments, the body includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall. The side wall may be cylindrical or frustoconical, extending from the bottom to the top. The body may include one or more parts. For example, the side wall and the bottom wall may be a one-piece single part. The side wall and the bottom wall may be two parts configured to engage with each other in any suitable manner. For example, the side wall and the bottom wall may be configured to engage with each other by a threaded or interference fit. The side wall and the bottom wall may be two parts bonded together. For example, the side wall and the bottom wall may be bonded together by welding or by an adhesive. The top wall and the side wall may be a single one-piece part. The side wall and the top wall may be two parts configured to engage with each other in any suitable manner. For example, the side wall and the top wall may be configured to engage with each other by a threaded or interference fit. The side wall and the top wall may be two parts bonded together. For example, the side walls and the top wall may be joined together by welding or by adhesive. The top wall, side walls, and bottom wall may all be a single, integral piece. The top wall, side walls, and bottom walls may be three separate pieces configured to engage with one another in any suitable manner. For example, the top wall, side walls, and bottom walls may be configured to engage with one another by threading, an interference fit, welding, or adhesive.

One or more walls of the body may form a heatable wall or surface. As used herein, "heatable wall" and "heatable surface" refer to an area of a wall or surface to which heat may be applied, either directly or indirectly. A heatable wall or surface may function as a heat transfer surface through which heat may be transferred from the exterior of the body to a cavity or to the interior surface of the cavity.

The body of the cartridge preferably has a length (e.g., axial length along the vertical central axis) of about 15 cm or less. In some embodiments, the body has a length of about 10 cm or less. The body may have an inner diameter of about 1 cm or more. The inner diameter of the body may be about 1.75 cm or more. The cartridge may have a heatable surface area in the cavity of about 25 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , such as about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ^2. The volume of the cavity may be about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ , preferably about 25 cm ³ to about 40 cm ^3. In some embodiments, the body has a length in the range of about 3.5 cm to about 7 cm. The inner diameter of the body may be about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm. The body may have a heatable surface area in the cavity of about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , such as about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² . The volume of the cavity may be from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ , preferably from about 25 cm ³ to about 40 cm ^3. The body is preferably cylindrical or frusto-conical.

The cartridge body may include one or more openings or vents through one or more walls of the body. The vents may be inlets, outlets, or both. The vents may be located in the bottom wall, top wall, sides, or combinations thereof of the cartridge. The cartridge body preferably does not include any openings or vents prior to being pierced by the piercing element of the shisha device. The piercing element may introduce one of multiple openings or vents into the cartridge.

The cartridge body may include one or more openings or vent holes before being pierced by the piercing element of the shisha device. After being pierced by the piercing element, the cartridge may include one or more additional openings.

After puncturing the cartridge, the cartridge may include one or more inlets and one or more outlets. The one or more inlets and one or more outlets allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used in a shisha device. In some embodiments, the top wall of the cartridge may be absent or may define one or more openings to form one or more inlets of the cartridge. The bottom wall of the cartridge may define one or more openings to form one or more outlets of the cartridge.

The one or more openings formed by the piercing element of the shisha device, together with the openings present in the cartridge prior to piercing by the piercing element, may form one or more inlets and outlets sized and shaped to provide suitable resistance to draw (RTD) through the cartridge. In some examples, the RTD through the cartridge from the inlet(s) to the outlet(s) may be about 10 mmH ₂ O to about 50 mmH ₂ O, preferably about 20 mmH ₂ O to about 40 mmH ₂ O. The RTD of a sample refers to the difference in static pressure between the two ends of the sample when traversed by an airflow under steady conditions with a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 milliliters/second at the output end. The RTD of a specimen may be measured using the method described in ISO standard 6565:2002.

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

If the cartridge includes any openings or vents prior to being pierced with the piercing element of the shisha device, the cartridge may further include a seal or layer that covers the openings or vents prior to use. The seal is preferably sufficient to prevent airflow through the openings or vents to prevent leakage of the cartridge contents and to extend shelf life. The seal may comprise a peelable label such as a sticker, foil, or the like. The label, sticker, or foil may be affixed to the cartridge in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive, crimping, welding, or otherwise bonding to the container. The seal may include a tab that may be grasped to peel or remove the label, sticker, or foil from the cartridge.

The cartridge may be a shisha cartridge that may be used with any suitable shisha device. The shisha device is preferably configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge sufficiently to form an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, but not combust the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol may be formed from the aerosol-forming substrate by volatilizing one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the shisha device may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature in the range of about 150°C to about 300°C, more preferably about 180°C to about 250°C, or about 200°C to about 230°C, to volatilize one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The shisha device may include a receptacle for receiving the cartridge. The shisha device may include a heating element configured to contact or be in close proximity to the body of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the receptacle. The heating element may form at least a portion of the receptacle. For example, the heating element may form at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle. The shisha cartridge may be configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity by conduction. In some embodiments, the heating element includes an electric heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element includes a resistive heating component. For example, the heating element may include one or more resistive wires or other resistive elements. The resistive wires may be in contact with a thermally conductive material to distribute the generated heat over a larger area. Examples of suitable conductive materials include aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof. The heating element may form at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle.

The shisha device may include control electronics operably coupled to the heating element. The control electronics may be configured to control the heating of the heating element. The control electronics may be configured to control the temperature to which the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is heated. The control electronics may be provided in any suitable form, and may include, for example, a controller, or a memory and a controller. The controller may include one or more of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) state machine, a digital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The control electronics may include a memory that includes instructions that cause one or more components of the circuitry to perform functions or aspects of the control electronics. The functionality attributed to the control electronics in this disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

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

In some embodiments, the control electronics may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and to control the supply of power to the heating element in response to the electrical resistance of the heating element. In this manner, the control electronics may regulate the temperature of the resistive element.

The shisha device may include a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple. The temperature sensor may be operably coupled to the control electronics to control the temperature of the heating element. The temperature sensor may be positioned in any suitable location. For example, the temperature sensor may be configured to be inserted into the cartridge when received in the receptacle to monitor the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate being heated. 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 the temperature at the aerosol outlet of the shisha device or a portion thereof. The sensor may transmit a signal related to the sensed temperature to the control electronics. The control electronics may adjust the heating of the heating element in response to the signal to achieve a suitable temperature at the sensor.

The control electronics may be operably coupled to a power source. The shisha device may include any suitable power source. For example, the power source of the shisha device may be a battery or a set of batteries. The battery of the power source may be one or more of rechargeable, removable, and replaceable. Any suitable battery may be used. For example, a commercially available heavy duty type battery or a standard battery (such as batteries used for industrial heavy duty power tools). Alternatively, the power source may be any type of power source, including a supercapacitor or hypercapacitor. Alternatively, the assembly may be connected to an external power source and may be electrically and electronically designed for such purpose. Regardless of the type of power source employed, the power source preferably provides sufficient energy for normal functioning of the assembly for at least one shisha session until aerosol is depleted from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge before being recharged or requiring connection to an external power source. The power source preferably provides sufficient energy for normal functioning of the assembly for at least about 70 minutes of continuous operation of the device before being recharged or requiring connection to an external power source.

In one embodiment, the shisha device includes an aerosol generating element including a cartridge receptacle, a heating element, an aerosol outlet, and an air inlet. The cartridge receptacle is configured to receive a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may define at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle.

The shisha device includes an air inlet channel in fluid communication with the receptacle. In use, when the aerosol-forming substrate within the cartridge is heated, the aerosol former components in the substrate are vaporized. Air flowing from the air inlet channel through the cartridge becomes entrained with aerosol generated from the aerosol former components in the cartridge.

Some electrically heated shisha devices employ preheated air and typically employ airflow paths that move the air close to the heat source as the puff progresses. Additionally, some electrically heated shisha devices employ elements that increase radiant heat transfer by increasing the heated surface area.

The air inlet channel may include one or more openings through the cartridge receptacle. Air from outside the shisha device may flow through the channel and into the cartridge receptacle through one or more openings. If the channel includes more than one opening, it may include a manifold. The manifold may direct air flowing through the channel to each opening. It is preferred that the shisha device includes more than one air inlet channel.

As described above, the shisha device includes a piercing element configured to pierce the cartridge to form one or more openings (such as an inlet, an outlet, or an inlet and an outlet) in the body of the cartridge to allow air to flow through the cartridge. The piercing element may be operably coupled to an actuator. Actuation of the actuator causes the piercing element to pierce the cartridge. The shisha device is preferably configured such that the actuator prevents the piercing element from piercing the cartridge until the shisha device is received within a receptacle. Preferably, actuation of the actuator is a separate step from inserting the cartridge into the receptacle or closing a lid or cover once the cartridge is received within the receptacle.

The shisha device may include any suitable piercing element. For example, the piercing element may mechanically pierce the body of the cartridge, may pierce the body of the cartridge by focusing energy on the body of the cartridge, etc. For example, the piercing element may include an elongated element with a tapered end for piercing the body of the cartridge, the piercing element may include a laser or other suitable element for generating energy and focusing the energy at one or more locations in the body of the cartridge to form an opening, the piercing element may heat the cartridge to enable the formation of an opening in the body of the cartridge at a predetermined thermally unstable location of the cartridge, etc.

The heating element of the shisha device may serve as the piercing element if the cartridge is manufactured such that it is predisposed to form an opening in the body when the cartridge is heated. It is preferred that the heating element forms at least a portion of the receptacle.

The piercing element configured to generate and focus energy at one or more locations on the body may comprise an energy source, such as a light source. Such a piercing element may comprise one or more suitable lenses for focusing the energy emitted from the source at one or more locations on the body of the cartridge. For example, the piercing element may comprise a laser. The energy source may be operably coupled to the control electronics of the shisha device. An actuator may also be operably coupled to the control electronics. Actuation of the actuator may cause the control electronics to activate the energy source.

The puncturing element configured to mechanically puncture may include an elongated element having a tapered end. The elongated element may be operably coupled to an actuator. Actuation of the actuator may cause the tapered end to puncture the cartridge to form one or more openings in the body of the cartridge.

For example, actuation of the actuator may move the elongated element from a retracted position to an extended position. Movement of the elongated element from the retracted position to the extended position may cause the elongated element to puncture the cartridge. The shisha device may further include a spring operably coupled to the actuator for biasing the actuator toward a position that causes the elongated element to be in the retracted position.

The shisha device may comprise any suitable actuator operably coupled to the piercing element. The actuator may comprise a toggle, a button, a slide, etc. Preferably, the actuator is a separate element of the shisha device specifically designed for actuating the piercing element.

In some embodiments, movement of the actuator causes movement of the puncturing element. For example, the actuator may include a depressible button. Depressing the button may cause movement of a puncturing element, such as an elongated element, such as by moving the elongated element from a retracted position to an extended position, such that the puncturing element punctures the cartridge. A spring may be operably coupled to the button to bias the button toward a position that results in the elongated element being in a retracted position when the button is not depressed.

In some embodiments, the actuator may be operably coupled to the control electronics and coupled to the puncturing element. For example, the control electronics may be operably coupled to a motor configured to move a puncturing element, such as an elongated element, such that the puncturing element punctures the cartridge, e.g., by moving the elongated element from a retracted position to an extended position. The motor may also move the elongated element from an extended position to a retracted position after the cartridge is punctured. As another example, the control electronics may be operably coupled to an energy source of the puncturing element, such as a laser, configured to direct emitted energy to a location in the body of the cartridge. As yet another example, the control electronics may be operably coupled to a heating element configured to form an opening in a thermally unstable portion of the body of the cartridge. Actuation of the actuator, e.g., switching a toggle, pressing a button, sliding a slide, etc., may result in the control electronics causing the motor to move the elongated element, actuating the energy source, heating the heating element, etc.

The shisha device may include a release configured to prevent the actuator from causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge until the cartridge is received within the receptacle. As used in this disclosure, a "release" is a mechanism that prevents actuation of the actuator from causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge. Any suitable mechanism may be employed. For example, the release may include one or more of an electrical component, a mechanical component, or an electromechanical component.

In some embodiments in which the puncturing element comprises an elongate element that moves from a retracted position to an extended position to puncture the cartridge, the release comprises a mechanical mechanism that prevents the actuator from moving the elongate element from the retracted position to the extended position until the cartridge is received in the receptacle. For example, insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle can cause the release element to move from a first position to a second position. The release element in the first position can prevent the actuator from moving the elongate element from the retracted position to the extended position. The release element in the second position can allow the actuator to move the elongate element from the retracted position to the extended position. The release can comprise a mechanical release element extending into the receptacle such that insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle causes movement of the release element from the first position to the second position.

The release may include a motor. For example, the motor may be operatively coupled to a mechanical element that prevents the puncturing element from puncturing the cartridge. The mechanical element may contact the actuator, the puncturing element, or other suitable element in a manner that prevents the actuator from causing the puncturing element to puncture the cartridge.

The control electronics of the shisha device may function as a release. For example, the control electronics may be operably coupled to a motor that is operably coupled to a piercing element, such as a piercing element that includes an elongated element. The control electronics may be configured to prevent actuation of the motor when a cartridge is received within a receptacle. As another example, the control electronics may be operably coupled to a piercing element that includes an energy source or heating element, and may be configured to prevent actuation of the energy source or heating element until a cartridge is received within a receptacle.

The shisha device may include one or more sensors for determining whether a cartridge is received within the receptacle. The sensors may be operably coupled to the control electronics, which may prevent the actuator from causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge until the sensors detect that the cartridge is received within the receptacle.

The shisha device may optionally include a sensor that detects whether the received cartridge has already been consumed, and may prevent the actuator from causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge if the sensor detects that the cartridge has been consumed. Thus, actuation of the piercing element may be prevented until a previously unpierced, unused cartridge is received within the receptacle.

Any suitable sensor may be employed to detect whether a cartridge has been received in the receptacle or whether an unused cartridge is in the receptacle. For example, the sensor may include an optical sensor, an airflow sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductive sensor, etc.

In use, and after being punctured by the piercing element, the cartridge includes one or more openings (such as an inlet, an outlet, or an inlet and an outlet) formed in the body to allow air to flow through the cartridge. Air entering the cartridge may flow across or through the aerosol-forming substrate, entraining the aerosol, and exiting the cartridge and receptacle via the aerosol outlet. From the aerosol outlet, the air carrying the aerosol enters the vessel of the shisha device.

The shisha device may include any suitable vessel defining an interior volume configured to contain a liquid and defining an outlet in a headspace above a liquid fill level. The vessel may include an optically transparent or opaque housing that allows a consumer to observe the contents contained in the vessel. The vessel may include a liquid fill boundary, such as a liquid fill line. The vessel housing may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the vessel housing may include glass or a suitable rigid plastic material. Preferably, the vessel is removable from the portion of the shisha assembly that includes the aerosol generating element to allow a consumer to fill, empty, or clean the vessel.

The vessel may be filled by the consumer to a liquid fill level. The liquid preferably comprises water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colouring agents, or flavouring agents, or colouring agents and flavouring agents. For example, the water may be infused with one or both of a botanical infusion and an herbal infusion.

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

The headspace outlet may be coupled to a hose with a mouthpiece for delivering the aerosol to a consumer. The mouthpiece may include an actuation element, such as a user-actuable switch, or a puff sensor arranged to detect a user's puff at the mouthpiece, or both a user-actuable switch and a puff sensor. The actuation element is operably coupled to control electronics of the shisha device. The actuation element may be wirelessly coupled to the control electronics. Actuation of the actuation element may cause the control electronics to activate the heating element, rather than constantly supplying energy to the heating element. As a result, use of the actuation element may function to conserve energy compared to devices not employing such elements, providing on-demand heating rather than constant heating.

For illustrative purposes, one method for using a shisha device as described herein is provided below in chronological order. The vessel may be removed from the other components of the shisha device and filled with water. One or more of natural fruit juices, botanical infusions, and herbal infusions may be added to the water for flavoring. The amount of liquid added should cover a portion of the conduit but not exceed a fill level mark that may be optionally present on the vessel. The vessel is then reassembled into the shisha device. The cartridge may be prepared by removing any removable layers, if present. A portion of the aerosol generating element may be removed or opened to allow the cartridge to be inserted into the receptacle. The aerosol generating element is then reassembled or closed.

The actuator may be activated by a user, for example, by toggling a switch, pressing a button, sliding a slide, etc. In some embodiments, the actuator may be activated by the device's control electronics upon detection that a cartridge is received in a receptacle. When a cartridge is received in a closed receptacle, activation of the actuator causes a piercing element to pierce the cartridge to form one or more openings in the body of the cartridge.

The device may then be powered on, as desired, before or after actuation of the actuator. Turning on the device may initiate a heating profile of the heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature equal to or greater than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but below the combustion temperature. The aerosol-forming compound of the aerosol-forming substrate vaporizes, generating an aerosol. The user may puff on the mouthpiece as desired. The user may continue to use the device for a desired length of time, or until no aerosol is visible or delivered. In some embodiments, the device may be arranged to automatically shut off when the cartridge, or a compartment of the cartridge, is depleted of available aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the consumer may refill the device with a new cartridge, for example after receiving a signal from the device that the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is depleted or nearly depleted. The shisha device may be turned off at any time by the consumer, for example by switching the device off.

The shisha device may have any suitable air management. In one embodiment, a puff from the user creates a sucking effect, causing low pressure inside the device, which causes outside air to flow through the air inlet of the device, into the air inlet channel and into the receptacle. The air may then flow through the cartridge in the receptacle and may be entrained with the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate. The air with the entrained aerosol then exits the aerosol outlet of the receptacle and flows through a conduit into the liquid inside the vessel. The aerosol then bubbles out of the liquid, into a headspace above the level of the liquid in the vessel, and out the headspace outlet through a hose and mouthpiece for delivery to the consumer. The flow of outside air and the flow of aerosol inside the shisha device may be driven by the puff from the user.

Reference is now made to the drawings, which illustrate one or more embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood that other embodiments not illustrated in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of the present 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 differently numbered components may not be identical or similar to other numbered components. The figures are presented by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Schematic diagrams presented in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a shisha device. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shisha device showing some components to illustrate an embodiment of a piercing element. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shisha device showing some components to illustrate an embodiment of a piercing element. 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of a shisha device having different piercing elements operably coupled to control electronics. 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of a shisha device having different piercing elements operably coupled to control electronics. 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of a shisha device having different piercing elements operably coupled to control electronics. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a receptacle of a shisha device with a release. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a receptacle of a shisha device with a release. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing some components of an embodiment of a release, actuator, and piercing element. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing some components of an embodiment of a release, actuator, and piercing element.

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a shisha device 100. The device 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an interior volume configured to contain a liquid 19 and defining a headspace outlet 15 above a fill level of the liquid 19. The liquid 19 preferably includes water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colorants, or 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 a botanical infusion and an herbal infusion.

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 with 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 illustrated embodiment, the heating element 160 defines a side 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, a portion of the air inlet channel 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 200, which is also heated by the heating element 160 and carries the aerosol generated by the aerosol former and the aerosol-forming substrate. The air exits the outlet of the aerosol generating element 130 and enters the conduit 190.

A 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 for carrying the aerosol to the user's mouth. A mouthpiece 25 may be attached to or form part of the hose 20.

An exemplary airflow path through the device in use is shown by the bold arrows in Figure 1.

The mouthpiece 25 may include an actuation element 27. The actuation element 27 may be a switch, button, or the like, or may be an inhalation sensor or the like. The actuation element 27 may be located in any other suitable location on the device 100. The actuation element 27 may wirelessly communicate with the control electronics 30 to activate the device 100 for use, for example by causing the power source 35 to power the heating element 160, or to cause the control electronics to activate the heating element 160.

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

The shisha device 100 includes an actuator 300, such as a push button, operably coupled to a puncturing element (not shown in FIG. 1) for puncturing the cartridge 200 prior to use.

2A and 2B show an embodiment of a piercing element 400. The piercing element 400 is operably coupled to an actuator 300. The actuator 300 is a button that includes an elongated rod coupled to a platform 330 of the piercing element 400. The actuator 300 extends through an opening in the housing 105 of the shisha device 100.

The piercing element 400 includes elongated members 310, 315 having tapered ends for piercing the cartridge into a receptacle 140 formed at least in part by the heating element 160. The piercing element 400 also includes upper 330 and lower 335 platforms from which the elongated members 310, 315 extend. An opening 165 is formed through a portion of the upper platform 330 to allow the elongated member 310 to extend into the receptacle 140 and pierce the cartridge when the actuator 300 is depressed (FIG. 2B). A spring 320 or other biasing element is used to bias the elongated member 310 and actuator 300 toward a non-actuated position (FIG. 2A).

The puncture element 400 also includes an extension 340 extending from the platform 330 and the lever element 350 and connecting the platform 335 to the extension 340. The puncture element 400 also includes a member 360 about which the lever element 350 pivots. A spring element 325 or other biasing element biases the platform 335 and the elongated member 315 to a retracted position (FIG. 2A). Depression of the actuator 300 causes the extension 340 to move downward, pivoting the lever element 350, moving the lower platform 335 upward, and allowing the elongated element 315 to enter the receptacle 140 and puncture a cartridge received therein (FIG. 2B).

3-5 are schematic diagrams of a shisha device 100 having a different puncturing element 400 operably coupled to the control electronics 30. The control electronics may be operably coupled to a power source 35 and an actuator 300. Actuation of the actuator 300 causes the control electronics 35 to actuate the puncturing mechanism 400. In FIG. 3, the puncturing element 400 comprises a motor 410 and an elongated element having a tapered end 315. Actuation of the motor 410 by the control electronics causes the elongated member 315 to extend into the receptacle 140 to puncture the cartridge in the receptacle 140. In FIG. 4, the puncturing element comprises an energy source 420 operably coupled to the control electronics 30 and a post 430 configured to focus energy from the energy source 420 to the location of the cartridge in the receptacle 140. In FIG. 5, the puncturing element 400 comprises a heating element 160 operably coupled to the control electronics 30. Actuation of the actuator 300 causes the control electronics 30 to activate the heating element 160, which can heat the cartridge in the receptacle 140 sufficiently to form an opening in the cartridge at a thermally unstable location of the cartridge.

The shisha device 100 shown in Figures 3-5 includes a sensor 500 configured to detect whether a cartridge is received in the receptacle 140. The sensor 500 is operably coupled to the control electronics 30. If a cartridge is received in the receptacle 140, the sensor may send a signal to the control electronics 30 such that the control electronics 30 permits actuation of the piercing element 400 when the actuator 300 is actuated. If a cartridge is not received in the receptacle 310, the control electronics 30 prevents actuation of the piercing element 400 when the actuator 300 is actuated. In this manner, the control electronics and the sensor function as a release.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a receptacle 140 of a shisha device, including a release 600 extending into the receptacle 140. Inserting a cartridge 200 into the receptacle 140 moves the release 600. Moving the release 600 by placing the cartridge 200 into the receptacle 140 may cause a latch or other suitable stop mechanism (not shown) to permit the elongated element (FIGS. 2A and 2B) to puncture the cartridge 200. When the cartridge 200 is not received in the receptacle 140 (FIG. 6A), the release 600 may be positioned to prevent the elongated element from puncturing the cartridge 200 by preventing actuation of the actuator.

7A and 7B show an embodiment of a release 600 configured to prevent the actuator 300 from puncturing the puncturing element 400 until a cartridge is received in a receptacle. The release 600 comprises a motor 410 and a rod 610 extendable and retractable by the motor 410. When extended (FIG. 6A), the rod 610 interacts with the platform 335 of the puncturing element 400 to prevent actuator actuation from advancing the elongated element 315 operably coupled to the platform 335. When in a retracted position (FIG. 6B), the rod 610 does not interact with the platform 335, allowing actuator actuation of the actuator 300 to advance the elongated element 315 to puncture a cartridge in the receptacle. The motor 410 may be coupled to control electronics and sensors as required.

Thus, a shisha device including a mechanism for puncturing a cartridge has been described. Various modifications and variations of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the present invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described methods for carrying out the invention that are apparent to those skilled in the mechanical, chemical, and aerosol generating article manufacturing or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (14)

A shisha device, comprising:
a vessel having an interior volume configured to contain a liquid, the vessel having an inlet and a headspace outlet;
a receptacle for receiving a cartridge, said cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate;
a heating element configured to heat the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the receptacle;
a conduit through which generated aerosol can flow to the vessel via the inlet; and
a piercing element configured to pierce the cartridge;
an actuator operably coupled to the piercing element, actuation of the actuator causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge;
a release operably coupled to the actuator and configured to prevent the actuator from causing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge until the cartridge is received within the receptacle;
A shisha device, wherein insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle moves the release from a first position to a second position, the release in the first position preventing the piercing element from piercing the cartridge and the release in the second position allowing the piercing element to pierce the cartridge . The shisha device of claim 1, wherein the piercing element comprises an elongated element, and actuation of the actuator moves the elongated element from a contracted position to an extended position, and movement of the elongated element from the contracted position to the extended position causes the elongated element to pierce the cartridge. The shisha device of claim 2, wherein the release prevents the actuator from moving the elongated element from the contracted position to the extended position until the cartridge is received in the receptacle. The shisha device of claim 3 , wherein at least a portion of the release extends into the receptacle such that insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle causes movement of the release from the first position to the second position. The shisha device of claim 3, further comprising a sensor configured to detect whether the cartridge is received in the receptacle, the sensor operably coupled to the release such that the release prevents the actuator from moving the elongated element from the contracted position to the extended position until the sensor detects that the cartridge is received in the receptacle. The shisha device of claim 5 , further comprising a controller operably coupled to said sensor and said release. 7. The shisha device of claim 6, wherein the release comprises a motor, and the controller is configured to cause the motor to move the piercing element from the first position to the second position when the sensor detects that the cartridge is received in the receptacle . A shisha device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 , further comprising a spring operatively coupled to the actuator for biasing the actuator towards a position that causes the elongated element to be in the retracted position. The shisha device of claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to detect whether a cartridge is received in the receptacle, the sensor operably coupled to the actuator such that the actuator prevents the piercing element from piercing the cartridge until the sensor detects that the cartridge is received in the receptacle. 10. The shisha device of claim 9, wherein the piercing element comprises an elongated element, the actuator comprises a motor, and the shisha device further comprises a controller operably coupled to the sensor and the motor, the controller being configured to operate the motor to move the elongated element from a contracted position to an extended position to puncture the cartridge when the sensor detects that the cartridge is received within the receptacle . A shisha device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the shisha device is provided with a sensor configured to detect whether a cartridge received by the receptacle has been punctured, and the shisha device is configured to prevent the actuator from causing the puncturing element to puncture the cartridge when the cartridge received in the receptacle has been punctured. The shisha device of claim 1 , 9 , or 11 , wherein the piercing element comprises a laser. A shisha device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the heating element forms at least a part of the receptacle for receiving the cartridge . 1. A method comprising:
Inserting the cartridge into a receptacle of a shisha device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 ;
activating the actuator to cause the piercing element to pierce the cartridge.

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