JP7708753B2 - Aerosol generating device having a cartridge release system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and a system for gripping and releasing a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate for use in the aerosol generating device. The present disclosure also relates to a system for removing and disposing of a cartridge used in an aerosol generating device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a gripping and releasing system that may be used to remove and dispose of a cartridge used in a shisha device.

Traditional shisha devices are used to smoke tobacco and are configured to pass the vapor and smoke 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. In addition, 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. Prior art cartridges typically have one or more openings on at least one of the cartridge's walls, such as one or both of the top and bottom walls. At least some of the 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) by the user prior to first use of the cartridge.

After use of the shisha device, the cartridge may be removed and disposed of. However, the cartridge may still contain materials such as used aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may also still be hot even if it has not had time to cool. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system is provided for removing and disposing of the cartridge.

It is desirable to provide a system for removing a used cartridge from an aerosol generating device. It is desirable to provide a system for disposing of a cartridge used in an aerosol generating device. It is desirable to provide a system for removing a used cartridge from an aerosol generating device that may be incorporated as part of the aerosol generating device. It is desirable to provide a system for removing a used cartridge from an aerosol generating device that is convenient and easy to use. It is desirable to provide a system for disposing of a used cartridge that is convenient and easy to use. It is desirable to provide a system for removing a used cartridge from an aerosol generating device that does not require a user to directly handle the cartridge. It is desirable to provide a system for disposing of a used cartridge that does not require a user to directly handle the cartridge.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system is provided that may be used to grip a cartridge with an aerosol generating device and release the cartridge. According to embodiments, the system may be used to remove a cartridge from an aerosol generating device. According to embodiments, the system may be used to dispose of a cartridge. For example, the system may be used with a shisha device. The system may be used to grip a shisha cartridge. The system may be used to remove a shisha cartridge from a shisha device. The system may be used to release a shisha cartridge. The system may be used to dispose of a shisha cartridge. The system may be used to dispose of a shisha cartridge in a waste vessel.

The system for gripping and releasing the cartridge may be called an extractor. The extractor may be part of the cap used in the aerosol generating device. The cap may be incorporated as part of the shisha device.

The system for gripping and releasing the cartridge may include a cap mountable onto the aerosol generating device. The cap includes a body having a cavity for receiving the cartridge and a gripping member. The gripping member is configured to grip and release the cartridge.

The system for gripping and releasing the cartridge may be operated by inserting the cartridge into the aerosol generating device. A cap may be placed on the device (e.g., on a receptacle of an aerosol generating element) and the cap may be pressed down such that a gripping member engages the cartridge. The gripping member may grip the cartridge. The aerosol generating device may be a shisha device and the cartridge may be a shisha cartridge.

The systems of the present disclosure may provide a variety of advantages. Some of the advantages include that the system for gripping and releasing the cartridge is convenient, simple, and safe to use. A user can remove a used cartridge without directly handling the cartridge, avoiding direct contact with hot objects. The cartridges can be disposed of without directly handling the cartridge, reducing the possibility of leaks and other failures.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an extractor is provided for removing a cartridge from an aerosol generating device. The extractor may include a cavity arranged to receive the cartridge. The extractor may include a gripping member configured to removably grip a cartridge received within the cavity. The extractor may be engageable with the aerosol generating device. The extractor may be provided as part of a cap. The extractor may include one or more piercing elements for piercing the cartridge. The extractor may be provided as part of the aerosol generating device.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a cap is provided that includes an extractor. The cap may include a cavity arranged to receive a cartridge. The extractor may include a gripping member configured to removably grip a cartridge received in the cavity. The extractor may be housed within the cavity of the cap. The extractor may be configured to remove the cartridge from the aerosol generation device. The cap may be engageable with the aerosol generation device. The cap may include one or more piercing elements for piercing the cartridge. The cap and the extractor may be provided as part of the aerosol generation device.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge including the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may comprise a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level, and a conduit for conveying an airflow from the receptacle to the vessel. The aerosol generating device may comprise an extractor. The extractor may form part of a cap. The cap may be engageable with the body of the aerosol generating element. The cap may comprise a frame having a cavity and a central axis, where the cavity is disposed to receive the cartridge. The cap may comprise a gripping member. The gripping member may be configured to releasably grip a cartridge received in the receptacle.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device comprises an aerosol-forming substrate comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge including the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device comprises a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level, and a conduit for conveying an airflow from the receptacle to the vessel. The aerosol generating device comprises an extractor. The extractor forms a part of a cap. The cap is engageable with the body of the aerosol generating element. The cap comprises a frame having a cavity and a central axis, where the cavity is arranged to receive the cartridge. The cap comprises a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received in the receptacle. The gripping member may comprise one or more spring fingers. The gripping member may comprise a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generation system may include an aerosol generation device, a waste vessel having an opening, and a cartridge disposal device including a cartridge release member. The cartridge release member may be configured to mate with a gripping member of the cap to actuate the release of the cartridge.

The one or more spring fingers may extend axially toward the closed end of the cavity. The one or more spring fingers extend radially inward from the ring member toward the central axis.

The cap may include an outer shroud. The cap may include an inner shroud disposed within the outer shroud, with the inner shroud forming a cavity. The gripping member may be at least partially disposed within the cavity of the inner shroud. The inner shroud may be axially movable within the outer shroud. The cap may further include a spring element. The spring element may bias the inner shroud axially away from the outer shroud. One of the inner shroud and the outer shroud may include one or more guide tracks, and the other of the inner shroud and the outer shroud may include one or more track pins configured to cooperate with the one or more guide tracks.

The cap has an operating position. The operating position can be a position in which the cap is configured such that the gripping member grips a cartridge received in the receptacle. The cap has a cap release position. The release position can be a position in which the cartridge can be released from the gripping member. The cap can have an intermediate position. In some embodiments, the cap is configured such that in the intermediate position, the cartridge continues to be gripped by the gripping member even when the cap is disengaged from the body.

The aerosol generation system may include an aerosol generation device and a cartridge disposal device including a waste vessel having an opening. The system may include a cartridge release member constructed to engage with a gripping member of the cap to actuate release of the cartridge. The cartridge release member may include a pressure ring at the opening of the waste vessel, the pressure ring constructed to bend one or more spring fingers. The pressure ring may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ring member of the gripping member but larger than the diameter of the cartridge. The cartridge release member may include a rim of the waste vessel.

A method of using the aerosol generating device may include inserting a cartridge into a receptacle of the aerosol generating element and placing a cap on the aerosol generating element such that the cartridge is gripped by a gripping member. The cap may be pushed toward the receptacle to release the cap from the aerosol generating element. The cap and cartridge may be removed from the aerosol generating device. The gripping member may be contacted with a cartridge release member, thereby releasing the cartridge from the gripping member.

The cartridge release member may include a rim of the waste vessel. The rim may have a diameter less than the diameter of the ring member of the gripping member but greater than the diameter of the cartridge. Bringing the gripping member into contact with the cartridge release member may include engaging a rim of the cartridge disposal device between the cartridge and the ring member of the gripping member to bend one or more spring fingers and releasing the cartridge from the gripping member.

The one or more spring fingers may exhibit a bias, and the cap may include a release mechanism configured to counter the bias and thereby release the cartridge. A method of using the aerosol generating device may include gripping a cartridge with a gripping member, where the one or more spring fingers exhibit a bias toward the cartridge, and actuating a release mechanism to counter the bias and thereby release the cartridge.

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, or 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.

The aerosol generating device may include an aerosol-forming substrate comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge including the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may include a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level, and a conduit for conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel. The aerosol generating device may include a cap engageable with the body. The cap may include a frame having a cavity and a central axis. The cavity may be disposed for receiving the cartridge. The cap may include a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received in the receptacle. The gripping member may include one or more spring fingers. The gripping member may include a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member. The gripping member may engage a release mechanism to release the cartridge.

The aerosol generating device may be a shisha device. The shisha device may include a body and a receptacle for receiving a shisha cartridge including an aerosol-forming substrate. The shisha device may include a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level, and a conduit for conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel. The shisha device may include a cap engageable with the body. The cap may include a frame having a cavity and a central axis. The cavity may be disposed for receiving the shisha cartridge. The cap may include a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received in the receptacle. The gripping member may include one or more spring fingers. The gripping member may include a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member. The gripping member may engage a release mechanism to release the shisha cartridge.

The cap may include a frame with a cavity and having a central axis. The cavity may be arranged to receive the cartridge. The cap may optionally include a puncture assembly disposed within the cavity and configured to puncture a wall of the cartridge. The cap may include an extractor. The extractor may include a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received within a receptacle. The cap may advantageously be used to grip and remove the cartridge from a receptacle, allowing a user to remove a spent cartridge without directly contacting the cartridge. A cap having a gripping member may be used with a waste vessel, allowing a user to dispose of a spent cartridge without directly contacting the cartridge. The disclosed apparatus and system may help avoid direct contact with a hot cartridge. The disclosed apparatus and system may also help prevent leakage and failure from an open cartridge.

The cap may include an outer frame. The cartridge may have any suitable outer shape. In some embodiments, the outer frame is formed by a cylindrical outer wall extending between a first end wall and an open second end. The first end wall may be a top wall. The outer frame may be open at a bottom. The outer frame may define a cavity for receiving the gripping member. The cap and gripping member may define a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be a central axis. The longitudinal axis may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe.

According to an embodiment, the cap includes a gripping member configured to grip the cartridge. The gripping member may include a ring member and one or more gripping fingers extending from the ring member. The one or more gripping fingers may be configured to abut against a flange of the cartridge. For example, the one or more gripping fingers may be configured to abut against a flange of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the receptacle and the cap is placed over the cartridge.

The one or more gripping fingers may comprise spring fingers. The one or more gripping fingers extend from the ring member to an upper end of the gripping fingers. The number of gripping fingers may be 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more. The number of gripping fingers may be 12 or less, 10 or less, 8 or less, 6 or less, or 4 or less. In one embodiment, the gripping member has 2-5 gripping fingers. In one embodiment, the gripping member has 3 gripping fingers. In some embodiments where the gripping member includes multiple gripping fingers, the gripping fingers may be equidistantly spaced from one another around the ring member.

According to an embodiment, the cap includes an outer shroud defining a cavity. The outer shroud may include a cylindrical outer wall extending between a first end wall and an open second end. The outer shroud may define a cavity for receiving the inner shroud.

According to an embodiment, the cap includes an inner shroud. The inner shroud may be constructed to fit at least partially within the cavity of the outer shroud. The inner shroud may have an outer wall comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions may be cylindrical elements having different diameters. The first portion may be a cylindrical wall having a first diameter and the second portion may be a cylindrical wall having a second diameter. The second diameter may be greater than the first diameter. The second portion may be coaxial with and below the first portion such that a shoulder is formed at the transition between the first and second portions. The shoulder may support a compression spring. The compression spring may fit around the first portion. The compression spring may extend from the shoulder to a first end wall of the outer shroud.

An outer wall of the inner shroud may extend between the first end wall and the open second end. The inner shroud may define a cavity for receiving the cartridge and for housing the gripping member.

The gripping member may be disposed within the cavity of the cap. In some embodiments, the gripping member is positioned within the inner shroud. The gripping member may be oriented such that one or more gripping fingers point upward from the ring member. The one or more gripping fingers may be angled radially inward toward the longitudinal (central) axis. When the cartridge is received within the inner shroud, the ring member may surround the cartridge body. The one or more gripping fingers may be configured such that an end of the gripping finger abuts against a top flange of the cartridge. The one or more gripping fingers may have a length that is less than the height of the cartridge. The inner diameter of the ring member may be greater than the maximum diameter of the cartridge. When the cap is removed from the aerosol generating device, the cartridge is removed (e.g., lifted) along with the cap by the gripping fingers abutting the flange, thereby preventing the cartridge from falling out of the cavity.

The cap may optionally include a piercing assembly (e.g., an upper piercing assembly). The cap may include an outer shroud and a piercing element on an inner wall of the outer shroud. The piercing element may extend axially downward inside the cavity of the outer shroud. The piercing element may be oriented toward a cartridge placed within a receptacle of the shisha device. The piercing element may be integral with the outer shroud or may be attached to the inside of a first end wall of the outer shroud.

The inner shroud may have an opening in its first end wall. The opening may be configured to receive the piercing element. The opening may further include one or more recesses or channels to facilitate airflow through the first end wall of the inner shroud while the piercing element is received within the opening.

The cap may include an outer frame. The outer frame may include a protrusion extending from an inside of the first end wall into a cavity of the outer frame. The protrusion may be configured to press against the outer shroud. The protrusion may serve to leave a gap between the cap outer frame and the outer shroud.

The upper piercing element may have any suitable shape for piercing the wall of the cartridge. For example, the upper piercing element may include one or more piercing edges or points. The piercing edges or points are configured to pierce the wall of the cartridge (e.g., the upper wall). The number of piercing points or edges is not particularly limited. The piercing element may have only a single piercing point or edge. The piercing element may have multiple piercing points or edges. For example, the piercing element may have two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, or eight or more piercing points or edges. The piercing element may have 20 or less, 15 or less, 12 or less, 10 or less, or eight or less piercing points or edges. In one embodiment, the piercing element is shaped as an inverted crown with multiple piercing points extending downward. The inverted crown may have 4-10 or 6-8 piercing points or edges.

The outer shroud and the inner shroud may include a track and pin system for guiding the movement of the outer shroud and the inner shroud relative to one another. The outer shroud may be movable vertically, horizontally, or both vertically and horizontally. The inner shroud may be movable vertically, horizontally, or both vertically and horizontally. In one embodiment, the inner shroud defines a track and the outer shroud includes one or more pins. Alternatively, the track may be defined in the outer shroud and the one or more pins may be on the inner shroud. In one embodiment, the outer shroud includes one or more pins extending radially inward from its cylindrical outer wall. The inner shroud may include one or more tracks corresponding to the one or more pins. The one or more tracks may be disposed on a second (lower) portion of the inner shroud. The one or more tracks may define a plurality of positions of the outer shroud. For example, the one or more tracks may define a first position that is a rest position, a second position that is a puncture position, and a third position that is a use position. When the outer shroud is in the second position, the compression spring biases the outer shroud upward. The one or more tracks may also define a fourth position that is a cap release position. The release position may be used to release the cap from the aerosol generating device. When the outer shroud is in the fourth position, the compression spring biases the outer shroud upward. As the compression spring biases the outer shroud upward, the compression spring also biases the cap outer frame upward.

The outer shroud can be pushed down from a first position to a second position (e.g., by a user pushing the cap outer frame). Once in the second position, the piercing element engages and punctures the cartridge. When pressure is released from the outer shroud, the compression spring returns the outer shroud upward to a third position. In the third position, an airflow passage is open through an opening formed in the cartridge. The airflow path may be open between the exterior of the aerosol generating device (e.g., a shisha device) and the vessel. A user may use the aerosol generating device by sucking on the mouthpiece. To release and remove the cap, the user may push the outer shroud again (e.g., by pushing the cap outer frame) to move the outer shroud to a fourth position. From the fourth position, the compression spring returns the outer shroud to the initial first position (rest position). In this position, the top of the cap may extend over the top edge of the aerosol generating element and may be gripped by the user. The cartridge may remain gripped by the gripping member at least in some positions while the cap outer frame and the outer shroud move between various positions. The cartridge remains gripped by the gripping member at least in a cap release position where the cap may be released from the aerosol generating device.

The bottom of the cap outer frame may be attached to a support plate. The support plate may be configured to hold the various portions (e.g., the gripping member, the outer shroud, and the inner shroud) within the cavity of the outer frame. The support plate may be a substantially round plate with a central hole extending through the plate. The hole may be sized to fit the cartridge. The hole may also be sized to receive a receptacle that may house the cartridge. The hole may have a beveled inner edge that tapers inwardly on its top side. The angled inner edge may engage the cap with the aerosol generating element and aid in receiving the cartridge within the cap. The support plate may be attached in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive or coupling elements such as screws, clips, threaded couplings, snap fits, or friction fits.

The various parts of the cap and gripping member may be made from any suitable material. Suitable materials include plastic, metal, ceramic, glass, and combinations thereof. Different parts of the system may be made from different materials. For example, some parts, such as the outer shroud and inner shroud, may be made from plastic, while other parts, such as the spring, may be made from metal. Other combinations are possible. The gripping member is preferably made from a material that can bend. For example, the gripping member may be made from metal, plastic, or a combination thereof.

The shisha device may also optionally include a piercing assembly (e.g., a bottom piercing assembly). The bottom piercing assembly may be located below the cartridge, at the upper end of the stem pipe. The bottom piercing assembly may extend from the base of the receptacle into the receptacle in a direction away from the base of the receptacle (e.g., upward). When the cap is depressed, the cartridge may be pressed against the bottom piercing assembly. The cap may be pierced by both piercing assemblies. The piercing assemblies may pierce the top and bottom walls of the cartridge.

The cartridge may be released from the gripping member using a release mechanism. The release mechanism may be part of a disposal system. The disposal system may include a cartridge release member. The cartridge release member may be configured to bend the gripping fingers radially outward. The cartridge release member may be configured to push the gripping fingers outward to release the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge disposal device includes a waste vessel having an opening. The cartridge release member may be disposed in the opening. The cartridge release member may be a pressure ring. In some embodiments, the cartridge release member comprises a rim or a mouth of the waste vessel.

The cartridge release member (e.g., pressure ring or rim) may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ring member of the gripping member. The cartridge release member (e.g., pressure ring or rim) may have a diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the cartridge. Contacting the gripping member with the cartridge release member may include inserting a rim of the cartridge disposal device between the cartridge and the ring member of the gripping member to bend one or more gripping fingers and releasing the cartridge from the gripping member.

In some embodiments, the release mechanism is part of the cap. The release mechanism can be actuated to release the cartridge from the gripping member.

The cartridge may include any suitable body defining a cavity. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the cavity of the cartridge. The body is preferably formed from one or more heat-resistant materials, such as 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. It is preferred that the cartridge has a generally cylindrical or frusto-conical shape.

The aerosol generating device (e.g., a 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 the heating element of the shisha device or to minimize the distance between the heating element of the shisha device to provide efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. Heat may be generated by any suitable mechanism (e.g., by resistive heating or by induction). To facilitate induction heating, the cartridge may be provided with a susceptor. For example, the cartridge body may be made of or include a material that can act as a susceptor (e.g., aluminum), or the susceptor material may be provided within the cartridge cavity. The susceptor material may be provided within 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 on 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 within 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 comprise, 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 part. The top wall, side walls, and bottom walls may be three separate parts configured to engage with each other in any suitable manner. For example, the top wall, side walls, and bottom walls may be configured to engage with each other by threading, 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 an 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, the top wall, the sides, or a combination thereof of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge does not include any preformed openings or vents. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes preformed openings or vents in only one wall. For example, the cartridge may include openings or vents in only the bottom wall. In some embodiments, one or more inlets or one or more outlets are formed in the cartridge wall by the piercing assembly to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used in a shisha device. In some embodiments, one or more inlets or outlets are formed in the cartridge wall by the piercing assembly to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used in a shisha device. In some embodiments, 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 inlets and outlets are preferably sized and shaped to provide a suitable resistance to withdrawal (RTD) through the cartridge. In some examples, the RTD through the cartridge from inlet(s) to outlet(s) can be from about 10 mm H ₂ O to about 50 mm H ₂ O, preferably from about 20 mm H ₂ O to about 40 mm H ₂ O. The RTD of a sample refers to the difference in static pressure between the two ends of the sample when traversed by an air stream 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.

After the one or more openings on the body are formed, the openings may cover 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, or 25% or more of the area of a wall. 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 in which the openings are located.

The cartridge may further include a seal or layer that covers one or more preformed openings prior to use. The cartridge may include a first removable seal covering one or more inlets and a second removable seal covering one or more outlets. The first and second seals are preferably sufficient to prevent air from flowing through the inlets and outlets 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 seal may comprise a pierceable 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 gripped to peel or remove the label, sticker, or foil from the cartridge.

In some embodiments, the cartridge is 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. 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.

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 electrically 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 rechargeable, or may be removable and replaceable, or may be 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, it is preferred that the power source 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. It is preferred that the power source 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, a 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 according to the present disclosure that contains 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 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 such that air from outside the shisha device may flow through the channel and through the one or more openings into the cartridge receptacle. If the channel includes more than one opening, it may include a manifold for directing air flowing through the channel to each opening. It is preferred that the shisha device includes two or more air inlet channels.

As described above, the cartridge includes one or more openings (e.g., inlets or outlets) formed in the body to allow air to flow through the cartridge. If the receptacle includes one or more inlet openings, at least some of the inlets in the cartridge may align with openings in the top of the receptacle. The cartridge may include alignment features configured to mate with complementary alignment features in the receptacle to align the inlets of the cartridge with the openings in the receptacle when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle.

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 via the stem pipe.

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 a 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 connected 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 the 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 activation element, such as a user-activatable switch, or a puff sensor arranged to detect a user's puff at the mouthpiece, or both a user-activatable switch and a puff sensor. The activation element is operably coupled to the control electronics of the shisha device. The activation element may be wirelessly coupled to the control electronics. Activation of the activation 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 activation 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 of using a shisha device as described herein is provided below in chronological order. The vessel may be removed from 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 optionally be present on the vessel. The vessel is then reassembled to the shisha device. The cartridge may be placed into the receptacle. A cap may be placed over the receptacle and the cartridge such that the cartridge is received within a cavity inside the cap. The gripping members grip the cartridge as the gripping fingers slide under the top of the cartridge. The user may press the cap down against the cartridge such that a piercing element (e.g., the top piercing assembly, the bottom piercing assembly, or both the top and bottom piercing assemblies) engages the cartridge to pierce one or more walls of the cartridge. The device may then be turned on. Turning on the device may initiate a heating profile of the heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature equal to or greater than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate but less than 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. The user may press the cap to release it. The top of the cap may rise above the top level of the body of the aerosol generating element, allowing the user to grasp the top of the cap. The user may also remove the cartridge, which is gripped by the gripping member, and remove the cap. In some embodiments, the consumer may refill the device with an unused 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 by the consumer at any time, for example by switching off the device. The user may dispose of the cartridge by contacting the gripping member with a release member of the disposal device or by activating a release mechanism on the cap.

The shisha device may have any suitable air management. In one embodiment, the act of puffing from the user creates a puff 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 action of puffing 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. 2A and 2B are schematic top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a body of a shisha cartridge for use in the shisha device of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment. 1 is a schematic top view of a shisha cartridge after being pierced by a piercing assembly, according to one embodiment. 2 is a schematic bottom view of a shisha cartridge for use with the shisha device of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of a shisha device and cap in use, according to one embodiment. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the cap of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment. FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the cap of FIG. 5A. 4B is a schematic perspective view of a cap frame of the cap of FIG. 4A according to one embodiment. FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view of an outer shroud of the cap of FIG. 4A according to one embodiment. FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view of a spring of the cap of FIG. 4A according to one embodiment. FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view of an inner shroud of the cap of FIG. 4A according to one embodiment. 4B is a schematic perspective view of a support plate of the cap of FIG. 4A according to one embodiment. 4B is a schematic perspective view of a gripping member of the cap of FIG. 4A according to one embodiment. 12A and 12B are schematic side and top views, respectively, of the gripping member of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment. 13A-13D are side views of the track and pin in different positions during use of the cap of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment. 14A and 14B are schematic side and top views, respectively, of a cartridge disposal device, according to one embodiment. 14A and 14B, according to one embodiment. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional schematic partial view of the use of the cap of FIG. 4A and the cartridge disposal device of FIG.

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 containing 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 activation element 27. The activation element 27 may be a switch, button, or the like, or may be a puff sensor or the like. The activation element 27 may be located in any other suitable location on the device 100. The activation 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.

2A and 2B, various embodiments of a cartridge body 210 are shown. The body 210 may include a side wall 212, a top wall 215, and a bottom wall 213 that define a cavity 218. The side wall 212 may be cylindrical or frusto-conical as shown. FIG. 2A shows the body 210 with a portion of the top 215 removed, the cavity 218 within the body. The body 210 may define a central axis A extending through the body 210. As shown in FIG. 2B, the top may include a flange 219 extending from the side wall 212.

3A and 3B, one or both of the top 215 and bottom 213 of the body may have multiple openings 217, 216 to allow air to flow through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. Some or all of the openings 217, 216 may be formed by a piercing assembly. For example, the opening 217 in the top 215 may be formed by a top piercing assembly 401. The opening 216 in the bottom 213 may be formed by a bottom piercing assembly 301. The cartridge 200 may also or alternatively include openings along the sidewall 212. In embodiments where the top or bottom include preformed openings, the openings may be blocked by a peelable seal or liner when the cartridge is stored prior to use.

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

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

Examples of the cap 400 and gripping member 450 are shown in Figures 5A and 5B. Detailed views of each of the elements of the cap 400 and gripping member 450 are shown in Figures 6-11. The cap 400 and gripping member 450 may define a longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis A may be a central axis. When the cap 400 is disposed on the shisha device 100, the longitudinal axis A may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe 190.

The cap outer frame 410 shown in FIG. 6 may include a cylindrical outer wall 413 extending between a first end wall 411 and an open second end 412. The outer frame 410 may define a cavity 419 for receiving the puncture assembly 401. The first end wall 411 may have a protrusion 414 extending from the inner wall. The protrusion 414 may be configured to press against the outer shroud 420 while leaving a gap between the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420.

According to an embodiment, the cap 400 includes a gripping member 450 configured to grip the cartridge 200. The gripping member 450 shown in FIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B may include a ring member 451 and one or more gripping fingers 452. The one or more gripping fingers 452 may comprise spring fingers. The one or more gripping fingers 452 extend from the ring member 451 to an upper end 453. In some embodiments in which the gripping member 450 includes multiple gripping fingers 452, the gripping fingers 452 may be positioned equidistant from one another around the ring member 451.

The gripping member 450 may be disposed within a cavity of the cap 400. The gripping member 450 may be positioned within the inner shroud 430 as shown in FIG. 5A. The gripping member 450 may be oriented such that one or more gripping fingers 452 point upward from the ring member 451. The one or more gripping fingers 452 may be angled radially inward toward the longitudinal (central) axis A. The one or more gripping fingers 452 may be configured such that an end of the gripping finger 452 abuts against the top flange 219 of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is received within the inner shroud 430. The inner diameter of the ring member 451 may be greater than the maximum diameter of the cartridge 200.

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

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

The outer frame 410 may optionally include threaded holes 462 configured to secure a support plate 460 (FIG. 10) to the bottom of the outer frame 410. Alternatively, the support plate 460 may be secured by other means, such as by adhesive. The support plate 460 may be a substantially round plate having a central hole 461 extending through the plate. The support plate 410 may be sized to hold the outer and inner shrouds 420, 430 inside the cavity 419 of the outer frame 410, as shown in FIG. 5A. The support plate 410 may also hold the gripping member 450 within the cavity 419 of the outer frame 410.

The outer shroud 420 and the inner shroud 430 may include a track and pin system for guiding the movement of the outer shroud 420 and the inner shroud 430 relative to each other. The outer shroud 420 may include one or more pins 425 extending radially inward from its cylindrical outer wall 423. The inner shroud 430 may include one or more tracks 436 corresponding to the one or more pins 425. Exemplary tracks 436 and paths guided by the tracks 436 are shown in FIGS. 13A-13D. The positions of the tracks 436 and the pins 425 may define the relative positions of the outer shroud 420 and the inner shroud 430. Initially, the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 are in a first position P1. That is, the pins 425 are in a first position P1 in the tracks 436. The first position P1 may be considered a stationary position. The heater may include a first portion and a second portion. The guide track may include a second position P2, which may be a puncture position of the puncture element. The first portion may define a first distance between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The first portion may define a third position P3. The third position P3 may be a use position. The second portion may define a second distance between the third position P3 and a fourth position P4. The second distance may be less than the first distance. The first portion may guide the track pin axially and radially.

In the first position P1, the gripping member 450 is engaged with the cartridge 200. For example, the upper end 453 of the gripping finger 452 may slide (downward) past the flange 219 of the cartridge when the cap is placed in the first position P1. Alternatively, the gripping member 450 may engage with the cartridge 200 later when the cap 400 is pressed down. A force may be applied to the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420, for example, to press down the cap 400 (e.g., by a user) to move the pin from the first position to the second position P2 (see arrow in FIG. 13A). In the second position P2, the piercing element 440 may also engage and pierce the cartridge 200. For example, when pressure is released from the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 (e.g., released by the user), the compression spring 470 returns the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 to the third position P3 when the force is removed. The movement of the cap during the initial depression of the cap to puncture the cartridge, and the release of the cap to allow the cap to return to the third (use) position are defined by the first portion of the track. In the third position P3, the gripping member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200. In the third position P3, the airflow path is open through the opening formed in the cartridge 200 and between the outside of the shisha device and the vessel. To release and remove the cap 400, the user presses the cap outer frame 410 again, moving the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 to the fourth position P4, from which the compression spring 470 returns the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 to the first position P1. The movement of the cap during the second instance of depressing the cap and releasing the cap is defined by a second portion of the track. When the cap returns to the first position P1, the gripping member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200 and lifts the cartridge 200 upwardly with the cap. The top of the cap 400 may rise above the top edge of the aerosol generating element. The user may then remove (e.g., lift) the cap from the aerosol generating element, thereby removing the cartridge 200 with the cap.

In some embodiments, a disposal system 600, shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, may be used with the shisha device 100 and the cap 400. The disposal system 600 may be used to remove and optionally discard the cartridge 200. The disposal system 600 may include a cartridge disposal device 601. The cartridge disposal device 601 may include a cartridge release member 610. The cartridge release member 610 may be a pressure ring. The cartridge release member 610 may be constructed to mate with the gripping member 450. The cartridge release member 610 (e.g., a pressure ring or rim) may have a diameter D610 that is smaller than the inner diameter D451 of the ring member 451 of the gripping member 450, but larger than the maximum diameter of the cartridge 200.

The gripping fingers 452 of the gripping member 450 may be biased toward a default position. Contacting the gripping member 450 with the cartridge release member 610 may push the gripping fingers 452 outward from the default position. Contacting the gripping member 450 with the cartridge release member 610 may include engaging the cartridge release member 610 between the cartridge 200 and a ring member 451 of the gripping member 450 to bend one or more of the gripping fingers 452 and release the cartridge 200 from the gripping member 450.

The disposal system 600 may include a disposal vessel 620 having an opening 621. The shape of the disposal vessel 620 is not particularly limited and is shown in dashed lines. The cartridge release member 610 may be disposed in the opening 621. In some embodiments, the cartridge release member 610 includes a rim or mouth of the opening 621. Bringing the gripping member 450 into contact with the cartridge release member 610 may include engaging a rim of the cartridge disposal device 601 between the cartridge 200 and a ring member 451 of the gripping member 450.

The operation of the shisha device 100 and the cap 400, as well as the removal of the cartridge 200 using the disposal system 600, is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 15. The shisha device 100 includes an aerosol generating element 130 having a receptacle 140 configured to receive the cartridge 200 containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating element 130 may also include a heating element 160. The heating element 160 may form part of the receptacle 140. The user may begin by placing the cartridge 200 in the receptacle 140 (step 1), placing the cap 400 on the cartridge 200 (step 2) so that the cartridge 200 is received in the inner shroud 430, and sliding the gripping member 450 across the top of the cartridge 200 so that the gripping fingers 452 grip the cartridge 200. If the cap includes a piercing assembly, the user may press the cap to pierce the cartridge 200 (step 3). After releasing the cap 400, the spring 470 pushes the cap frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 up into the operating position (step 4). In the operating position, the air path through the cartridge 200 is open and the user can use the shisha device as normal. The gripping member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200. After using the shisha device, the user can push the cap 400 again and release it (step 5). The track and pin system guides the movement of the cap 400, allowing the spring 470 to return the cap 400 to its starting position (step 6). The gripping member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200 and lifts the cartridge 200 upwards with the cap 400. The user can then remove the cap 400 from the device (step 7). The cartridge 200 is held in the inner shroud 430 by the gripping member 450. The cartridge 200 may be removed by contacting the gripping member 450 with a cartridge release member 610 of the cartridge disposal device 601 (step 8). The cartridge release member 610 may be configured to bend the gripping fingers 452. The cartridge release member 610 may be configured to push the gripping fingers 452 radially outward to release the cartridge 200.

Alternatively, the cartridge 200 can be removed by actuating a release mechanism on the cap 400, which causes the gripping fingers 452 to release the cartridge 200.

Thus, a system for gripping and releasing a cartridge for a shisha device is 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 obvious 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 (15)

An aerosol generating device, comprising:
an aerosol generating element comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate;
a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level;
a conduit for conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel;
A cap engageable with the body, the cap comprising:
a frame including a cavity and having a central axis, the cavity being disposed to receive the cartridge;
An aerosol generating device comprising: a cap comprising a gripping member configured to releasably grip the cartridge received in the receptacle. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the gripping member comprises one or more spring fingers. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the gripping member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the cap further comprises an outer shroud and an inner shroud disposed within the outer shroud, the inner shroud defining the cavity , and the gripping member being at least partially disposed within the cavity of the inner shroud. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the inner shroud is axially movable within the outer shroud. The aerosol generating device of claim 4 or 5, wherein the cap further comprises a spring element that biases the inner shroud axially away from the outer shroud. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the inner shroud comprises one or more guide tracks and the outer shroud comprises one or more track pins configured to cooperate with the one or more guide tracks. 8. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the cap comprises a piercing element configured to pierce the cartridge. 9. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gripping member comprises one or more spring fingers having a bias toward a default position, and the cap comprises a release mechanism configured to counter the bias, thereby moving the fingers away from the default position to release a cartridge received within the cavity. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
a waste vessel having an opening; and a cartridge disposal device comprising a cartridge release member constructed to engage the gripping member of the cap to actuate the release of the cartridge. The aerosol generating system of claim 10, wherein the gripping member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member, and the cartridge release member comprises a pressure ring at the opening of the waste vessel, the pressure ring being constructed to bend the one or more spring fingers. The aerosol generating system of claim 10, wherein the gripping member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member, and the cartridge release member comprises a rim of the waste vessel, the rim having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ring member of the gripping member but larger than the diameter of the cartridge. A method of using the aerosol generating device or system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, said method comprising:
inserting a cartridge into the receptacle of the aerosol generating element;
placing the cap on the aerosol generating element such that the cartridge is gripped by the gripping member;
pushing the cap towards the receptacle to release the cap from the aerosol generating element;
removing the cap from the aerosol generating element;
contacting the gripping member with a cartridge release member to release the cartridge from the gripping member. A method of using the aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, said method comprising:
inserting a cartridge into the receptacle of the aerosol generating element;
placing the cap on the aerosol generating element such that the cartridge is gripped by the gripping member;
pushing the cap towards the receptacle to release the cap from the aerosol generating element;
removing the cap from the aerosol generating element;
contacting the gripping member with a cartridge release member to release the cartridge from the gripping member;
the gripping member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member, the cartridge release member comprises a rim of the waste vessel, the rim having a diameter less than a diameter of the ring member of the gripping member but greater than a diameter of the cartridge;
The method, wherein contacting the gripping member with the cartridge release member includes engaging the rim of the cartridge disposal device between the cartridge and the ring member of the gripping member to bend the one or more spring fingers, and releasing the cartridge from the gripping member. 10. A method of using the aerosol generating device of claim 9, said method comprising:
gripping a cartridge with the gripping member, the one or more spring fingers exhibiting a bias toward the cartridge;
and actuating the release mechanism to counter the bias, thereby releasing the cartridge.