Method and apparatus relating to electronic smoking-substitute devices

Abstract

An electronic smoking-substitute device 110 includes a tube containing a reservoir 310 containing a liquid. The liquid includes a substance to be inhaled by the user, for example a nicotine dilution. The device also has a heating element 320, the heating element is a coil and is in direct contact with the reservoir 310. A power source 340 is arranged to power the heating element.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to electronic smoking-substitute devices. More particularly, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to electronic cigarettes and cigars, which provide a user with an inhalable vapour comprising nicotine or another substance, but which do not produce a flame or smoke.PRIOR ART[0002]Conventional smoking devices, including cigarettes, cigars and pipes, are now known to be associated with a variety of problems. They function by burning tobacco, which creates a flame, and which consequently presents a significant fire risk in many environments, including domestic dwellings. Also, substances found in tobacco, for example tar, are believed to be associated with an increased risk of health problems, including life-threatening diseases such as cancer. It is believed that inhalation by third-parties of smoke generated by smokers in closed environments also increases the risk of the third-parties developing such conditions. Th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021]Advantageously, this means that a smaller battery can be used in the device, and / or the battery is capable of powering more inhalations than a battery used in conjunction with a prior-art cylindrical heating element. Preferably, the liquid is heated to a higher temperature than in prior-art devices; that results in a more powerful atomising effect, and a greater rate of vapour generation for inhalation. We believe that the more effective heating results because the coil has a larger effective area than a cylinder of the same size. The coil may be helical. We believe that the more effective heating also results because the coil is in direct contact with the reservoir, whereas, in prior-art devices, provision of a replaceable liquid cartridge results in the cylindrical heating element being separated from the liquid to be atomised by a greater thermal path length.

[0033]In an alternative embodiment, the reservoir and heating element form a first part and the battery forms a second part. The reservoir and heating element in the first part may be directly integrated such that the heating element is located within the reservoir. It is believed that such a design improves the smoking experience of the user by providing a more intense and / or fresh supply of vapour. Additionally, the integration of the reservoir and the heating element in the first part may be such that the user cannot access the nicotine dilution, other than by activating the heating element. Such a feature may make the device more hygienic to use. The first and second parts may be arranged to be screwed together for easy construction of the device. Alternatively, the first and second parts may be arranged to be connected by a push fit design. Once the first and second parts have been joined together, they may be arranged such that it is not possible to dismantle the device without damaging or destroying the device. Advantageously, the reservoir and heating element are inaccessible to a user. This may reduce the potential for the device to leak.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional smoking devices, including cigarettes, cigars and pipes, are now known to be associated with a variety of problems.

They function by burning tobacco, which creates a flame, and which consequently presents a significant fire risk in many environments, including domestic dwellings.

Also, substances found in tobacco, for example tar, are believed to be associated with an increased risk of health problems, including life-threatening diseases such as cancer.

It is believed that inhalation by third-parties of smoke generated by smokers in closed environments also increases the risk of the third-parties developing such conditions.

The experience of others' smoke can also be unpleasant for third-parties, especially in restaurants and the like.

However, many smokers enjoy regular smoking, and may experience unpleasant psychological or even physiological symptoms if they are unable to smoke frequently.

That results in the devices being relatively heavy.

The batteries used in prior-devices are relatively low-power, and the device design results in inefficient transfer of heat, which means that vapour is produced slowly, and hence in smaller quantities than may be desirable.

Furthermore, frequent charging is required.

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