cylinder

Abstract

A tube comprises a body having a sidewall and at least one lid, the at least one lid being arranged to cover the top or bottom, or both. The tube comprises a cavity inside the body, the cavity being configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The lid comprises an inner layer facing the cavity and an outer layer facing the outside of the body. The inner layer comprises a weakened area. When the outer layer is removed, the weakened area of ​​the inner layer forms an orifice. The cavity is in fluid communication with the outside of the tube body via the formed orifice. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The tube may be a hookah, and the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a hookah substrate (such as hookah tobacco).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for containing an aerosol-forming substrate, particularly a cartridge for use in an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge has a lid comprising one or more weakened regions, wherein an orifice is formed when the outer layer of the lid is removed. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to cartridges, devices, hookah devices, and cartridges comprising an aerosol-forming substrate for use in hookah devices. Background Art

[0002] Traditional hookah devices are used for smoking and are configured so that vapor and smoke pass through a pool of water before being inhaled by the consumer. A hookah device may include one or more outlets, allowing the device to be used by more than one consumer at a time. Many people consider using a hookah device a leisure activity and a social experience.

[0003] Typically, traditional hookahs are used in combination with a base, sometimes referred to in the art as hookah tobacco, tobacco molasses, or simply molasses. Traditional hookah bases are relatively high in sugar (in some cases, up to 50%, compared to the typical 20% sugar content of traditional tobacco bases (e.g., combustible cigarettes). The tobacco used in hookah devices may be mixed with other ingredients to, for example, increase the volume of vapor and smoke produced, to alter the flavor, or both.

[0004] Traditional hookah devices use charcoal (such as charcoal pellets) to heat and sometimes burn the tobacco substrate to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale. Using charcoal to heat tobacco may result in complete or partial combustion of the tobacco or other ingredients. In addition, charcoal may generate harmful or potentially harmful products, such as carbon monoxide, which may mix with the hookah vapor and pass through the water pool to the outlet.

[0005] One way to reduce carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts is to use e-liquids instead of tobacco. Using e-liquids in hookah devices eliminates combustion byproducts but deprives hookah users of the traditional tobacco-based experience.

[0006] Other waterpipe devices have been proposed that use electric heaters to heat but not burn tobacco. Such electrically heated heat-not-burn waterpipe devices heat the tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the substrate without burning the substrate, thereby reducing or eliminating byproducts associated with tobacco combustion.

[0007] A hookah device may employ a cartridge for containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be filled with the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco, preferably a hookah substrate such as molasses—a mixture of tobacco, water, sugar, and other components (e.g., glycerin, flavorings, etc.). The heating system of an electrically heated hookah device heats the contents of the cartridge to generate an aerosol, which is delivered to the user via an airflow path.

[0008] To facilitate airflow through the tube and the flow of aerosol from the tube, the hookah can have one or more holes through one or more walls. The tube can include one or more holes at the top, one or more holes at the bottom, or both. Holes can also be provided along the sides of the tube.

[0009] Holes or openings in the cartridge, if not sealed, can lead to loss of freshness (e.g., moisture content) or contamination of the substrate, as well as leakage problems. For one or more reasons, such as to maintain freshness, prevent substrate leakage, or maintain the quality and integrity of the substrate during storage, if the entire contents of the cartridge are not disposable, it is necessary to close or seal the opening or hole in the cartridge before or between uses.

[0010] It would be desirable to provide a tube, such as a hookah, that remains sealed until the outer layer of the cover is removed. It would be desirable to provide a tube, such as a hookah, wherein when the outer layer of the cover is removed, one or more openings are automatically formed in the body of the tube. It would be desirable to provide a hookah wherein the outer layer of the cover is part of the outer packaging. Summary of the Invention

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a cartridge for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate is provided. The cartridge may include a body. The body may include sidewalls and at least one cover, the at least one cover being arranged to cover the top, the bottom, or both the top and the bottom. The cartridge may include a cavity within the body. The cavity may be configured to receive the aerosol-forming substrate. The at least one cover may include an inner layer facing the cavity and an outer layer facing the exterior of the body. The inner layer may include a weakened region. When the outer layer is removed, the weakened region of the inner layer may form an orifice. The cavity may be in fluid communication with the exterior of the cartridge body via the formed orifice. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco. In some embodiments, the cartridge is a hookah, and the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a hookah substrate (such as hookah tobacco). In some embodiments, as will be described later, one or more additional openings are provided in the cartridge body. Advantageously, this provides an airflow path through the cartridge.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a cartridge for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate is provided. The cartridge includes a body. The body includes sidewalls and at least one cover, the at least one cover being arranged to cover the top, the bottom, or both the top and the bottom. The cartridge includes a cavity within the body. The cavity is configured to receive the aerosol-forming substrate. The at least one cover includes an inner layer facing the cavity and an outer layer facing the exterior of the body. The inner layer includes a weakened region. When the outer layer is removed, the weakened region of the inner layer forms an orifice. The cavity is in fluid communication with the exterior of the cartridge body via the formed orifice. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate includes tobacco. In some embodiments, the cartridge is a hookah, and the aerosol-forming substrate includes a hookah substrate (such as hookah tobacco). In some embodiments, as will be described later, one or more additional openings are provided in the cartridge body. Advantageously, this provides an airflow path through the cartridge.

[0013] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a cartridge comprising a cap having an inner layer facing the cavity and an outer layer facing the exterior of the cartridge body. The inner layer has a weakened area. When the outer layer is removed, the weakened area of ​​the inner layer forms an orifice. In some embodiments, when the outer layer is removed, the weakened area of ​​the inner layer deforms to form an orifice. In some embodiments, when the outer layer is removed, the weakened area of ​​the inner layer undergoes mechanical failure to form an orifice. The weakened area can be of various shapes and sizes. The weakened area can include multiple weakened areas. The weakened area can be composed of a pattern of multiple weakened areas. Multiple weakened areas can be arranged evenly distributed across the inner layer. In some embodiments, the pattern is composed of dots, parallel lines, non-parallel lines, a spiral pattern, or a combination thereof. The cap can cover the top or bottom of the cartridge, or both the top and bottom of the cartridge. Advantageously, multiple weakened areas can reduce the force that a user applies to remove the outer layer in order to form an orifice in the inner layer. Advantageously, providing a pattern of multiple weakened areas can help ensure that an orifice is formed in the inner layer upon removal of the outer layer, regardless of one or more of the following: orientation, direction of force, and the amount of force applied by the user to remove the outer layer. Advantageously, a uniform distribution of the multiple weakened areas helps ensure that one or more orifices are formed in the inner layer upon removal of the outer layer.

[0014] The term "weakened area" is used herein to refer to an area or portion that is weaker (e.g., has lower mechanical strength) than the area surrounding the weakened area. The weakened area may include a rupture line. When sufficient force is applied to the cover (e.g., by pulling, peeling, or tearing), mechanical failure (e.g., tearing) occurs at the weakened area. Mechanical failure may occur along the rupture line. The weakened area can be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, the weakened area can be implemented by providing reduced mechanical strength in the area of ​​the weakened area. Examples of ways to achieve reduced material strength include reducing the material thickness, perforating or scoring, etching, laser cutting, providing a material that is weaker than the surrounding area, providing a brittle material or area, or providing an adhesive in the weakened area without providing an adhesive in the surrounding area. A brittle material should be understood to mean a material that breaks without elastic deformation when a force is applied thereto and maintains its cohesion as a single object.

[0015] In some embodiments, the weakened area can be formed by scoring the inner layer. In some embodiments, the weakened area can be formed by pressing an area on the inner side of the cover. In some embodiments, the weakened area can be formed by thinning or weakening the material by etching, laser, etc. In some embodiments, the weakened area can be formed by adhering a portion of the inner layer to the outer layer with an adhesive while leaving adjacent portions unadhered.

[0016] The outer layer may be part of an outer packaging that at least partially surrounds the cartridge body.When the cartridge is removed from the outer packaging, the outer layer is removed from the body and an aperture is formed on the inner layer.

[0017] In embodiments where the cover only covers one of the top and bottom portions, the other portion may include a hole and a removable sticker or film covering the hole. Alternatively, the other portion may lack a hole and be pierceable. This piercing may be performed using a hookah device or accessory. In embodiments where the cover only covers the bottom portion, the top portion may be an open top portion covered by a removable cover, wherein removal of the cover exposes the open top portion.

[0018] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a water pipe. In some embodiments, the pipe is a water pipe and includes a cover having an inner layer facing the chamber and an outer layer facing the exterior of the water pipe body. The inner layer has a weakened area. When the outer layer is removed, the weakened area of ​​the inner layer forms an orifice. The weakened area can take on various shapes and sizes. The weakened area can be formed by a pattern of weakened areas. The cover can cover the top or bottom of the water pipe, or both.

[0019] The tube can be closed before use. Before use, the user can remove the outer layer of the lid from the tube. By removing the outer layer of the lid, an orifice is formed in the top or bottom or both the top and the bottom. Advantageously, the tube can be easy to use. Advantageously, the use of the tube can be clean and intuitive. The tube can provide less content leakage opportunities. Therefore, the tube can be advantageously better used for storage and transportation. The tube can also keep the freshness of the content for a longer time, and the chance of degradation of spices, glycerin or other components that may be a part of the matrix is ​​even less, and the chance of the content drying out is even less.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating system is provided, comprising a cartridge as described above and an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge may include an aerosol-generating substrate disposed therein. The aerosol-generating device may include a receptacle for receiving the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device may include a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating substrate when the cartridge is received in the receptacle of the aerosol-generating device.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating system is provided, comprising a cartridge as described above and an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge includes an aerosol-generating substrate disposed therein. The aerosol-generating device includes a receptacle for receiving the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device includes a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating substrate when the cartridge is received in the receptacle of the aerosol-generating device.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a shisha system is provided, comprising a cartridge as described above and a shisha device. The cartridge may include an aerosol-generating substrate disposed therein. The shisha device may include a receptacle for receiving the cartridge. The shisha device may include a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating substrate when the cartridge is received in the receptacle of the shisha device. The shisha device may include a container having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace above the liquid fill level. The shisha device may include an aerosol conduit for conveying an aerosol from the receptacle to the container. The shisha device may include an outlet in fluid communication with the headspace.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a shisha system is provided, comprising a cartridge as described above and a shisha device. The cartridge includes an aerosol-generating substrate disposed therein. The shisha device includes a receptacle for receiving the cartridge. The shisha device includes a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating substrate when the cartridge is received in the receptacle of the shisha device. The shisha device includes a container having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace above the liquid fill level. The shisha device includes an aerosol conduit for conveying aerosol from the receptacle to the container, and an outlet in fluid communication with the headspace.

[0024] In some embodiments where the lid is a part of an outer packaging, the aperture in the tube can be easily formed by removing the tube from the outer packaging. In addition, the outer packaging that is also used as the lid saves material and manufacturing costs.

[0025] As used herein, the term "aerosol" refers to a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas (such as air), which may contain volatile aroma compounds.

[0026] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a material that is to be heated to volatilize one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the interior of the cartridge.

[0027] The terms "integral" and "integrally formed" are used herein to describe elements that are formed in one piece (a single unitary piece) and cannot be removed separately from one another without causing structural damage to the piece.

[0028] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] As used herein, "or" is generally employed in its sense including "one or the other or both" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] The term "about" is used herein in conjunction with numerical values ​​to include normal variations in measurements as would be expected by one skilled in the art and should be understood to have the same meaning as "approximately." The term "about" should be understood to encompass a typical range of error. A typical range of error might be, for example, ±5% of the stated value.

[0031] As used herein, "having," "including," "comprising," and the like are used in their open sense and generally mean "including, but not limited to." It should be understood that "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," and the like are encompassed by "comprising," and the like.

[0032] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may offer certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, 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 disclosure, including the claims.

[0033] As used herein, the term "substantially" has the same meaning as "significantly" and can be understood as modifying at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98% of the preceding term. As used herein, the term "non-substantially" has the same meaning as "not significantly" and can be understood as having the opposite meaning of "substantially", that is, modifying no more than 10%, no more than 5%, or no more than 2% of the preceding term.

[0034] The cartridge of the present disclosure may include any suitable body defining a cavity. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed in 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 the following: aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the body includes aluminum. In some embodiments, the body includes a laminate.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the tube comprises a lid, wherein the lid has an inner layer facing the cavity and an outer layer facing the body exterior of the tube. The inner layer has a weakened area. The lid can cover the top or bottom of the tube, or both the top and bottom of the tube. When the outer layer is removed, the weakened area of ​​the inner layer forms an orifice. The orifice can serve as the inlet, outlet, or both the inlet and outlet of the tube.

[0036] The weakened area can be provided in various shapes and sizes. The weakened area can be formed by a pattern of weakened areas. In some embodiments, the pattern is formed by dots, parallel lines, non-parallel lines, spiral patterns or a combination thereof.

[0037] The barrel can be of any suitable shape. For example, the barrel can have a shape configured to be received by a hookah device. The barrel can have a generally cubic, cylindrical, frustoconical, or any other suitable shape. Preferably, the barrel has a generally cylindrical or frustoconical shape.

[0038] The cartridge can be used in an aerosol-generating device. For example, the aerosol-generating device can include an aerosol-generating element, a power source, an airflow path having an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet, and a receptacle configured to receive the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device can include control electronics or other features configured to facilitate use and / or operation of the device. The aerosol-generating device can be a hookah device. The aerosol-generating element can be a heating element.

[0039] The aerosol generating device (e.g., hookah device) is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the tube. The device can be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the tube by conduction. The shape and size of the tube are preferably designed to allow contact with the heating element of the hookah device, or to minimize the distance between the heating element and the hookah device, so as to provide effective heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the tube. Heat can be generated by any suitable mechanism, such as by resistance heating or by induction or by infrared heating or by any combination of two or more of the following: resistance heating, induction heating and infrared heating. In order to help induction heating, the tube can be provided with a susceptor. For example, the tube body can be made of or include a material that can serve as a susceptor (e.g., aluminum), or a susceptor material can be arranged in the cavity of the tube. The susceptor material can be arranged in the cavity of the tube in any form, such as a powder, a solid block, a fragment, etc.

[0040] To facilitate infrared heating, in some embodiments, the cartridge may be arranged to be heated by infrared radiation, and the cartridge may be arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate by conduction. For example, in some embodiments, the cartridge comprises an outer surface comprising a high emissivity material, and at least the wall of the cartridge body is made of a thermally conductive material. The high emissivity material may be at least 0.8, preferably at least 0.9. The high emissivity material may be applied as a coating. The high emissivity material may comprise one or more transition metal oxides. The high emissivity material may be selected from one or more of the following: Cr2O3, CoO x , Fe2O3, and NiO. A high-emissivity material may be coated on the outer surface of the cartridge. The coating may include a refractory pigment and a binder. The refractory pigment may be selected from one or more of the following: zirconium oxide, zirconium oxide silicate, aluminum oxide, aluminum silicate, and silicon oxide. In this manner, a photovoltaic power source, for example, provided as part of an aerosol generating device, may generate electromagnetic radiation to heat the high-emissivity material, thereby indirectly heating the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge.

[0041] To facilitate infrared heating, in some embodiments, the apparatus may be arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate with infrared radiation. The apparatus may include a photoelectric device configured to generate an IR radiation beam for directing onto the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the wavelength of the IR radiation beam ranges from 800 nm (nanometers) to 2300 nm, preferably from 1300 nm to 2000 nm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the IR radiation beam may range from 1 mm (millimeter) to 110 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 100 mm, and more preferably from 5 mm to 80 mm. In some embodiments, the power of the IR radiation beam ranges from 0.1 watt to 30 watts, preferably from 0.5 watt to 25 watts, more preferably from 1 watt to 20 watts, and more preferably from 1 watt to 3 watts. In some embodiments, the energy density of the IR radiation beam may range from 0.010 W / cm 2(Watts / square centimeter) to 30 W / cm 2 , preferably from 0.050 W / cm 2 Up to 6 watts / cm 2 , and more preferably from 0.100 W / cm 2 Up to 3 watts / cm 2 within the range.

[0042] Any suitable aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the cavity of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing compounds capable of forming an aerosol. The volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid, or comprise both solid and liquid components. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is 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.

[0043] The aerosol-forming substrate may include nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may include a nicotine salt substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a plant-based material. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate includes tobacco. Preferably, the tobacco-containing material includes volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a homogenized tobacco material. The homogenized tobacco material may be formed by condensing particulate tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco-free material. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a homogenized plant-based material.

[0044] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of a powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghetti, ribbons or sheets. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco leaf segments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco.

[0045] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. Suitable aerosol-formers include compounds or mixtures of compounds that, in use, facilitate the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and are substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperatures of the waterpipe device. Suitable aerosol-formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate, or glycerol triacetate; and fatty acid esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Particularly preferred aerosol-formers are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and most preferably glycerol. The aerosol-forming substrate may include any suitable amount of the aerosol-former. For example, the substrate may contain an aerosol-former content of 5% or more by dry weight, and preferably greater than 30% by weight by dry weight. The aerosol-former content may be less than about 95% by dry weight. Preferably, the aerosol former is present in an amount up to about 55%.

[0046] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises nicotine and at least one aerosol-forming agent.In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent is glycerol or a mixture of glycerol and one or more other suitable aerosol-forming agents, such as those listed above.

[0047] The aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients, such as flavorings and sweeteners. In some instances, the aerosol-forming substrate includes any suitable amount of one or more sugars. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises invert sugar. Invert sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose obtained by splitting sucrose. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises from about 1% to about 40% by weight of a sugar, such as invert sugar. In some instances, the one or more sugars may be mixed with a suitable carrier, such as corn starch or maltodextrin.

[0048] In some instances, the aerosol-forming matrix includes one or more sensory enhancers. Suitable sensory enhancers include flavorings and sensates, such as cooling agents. Suitable flavorings include natural or synthetic menthol, mint, spearmint, coffee, tea, flavorings (such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger or a combination thereof), cocoa, vanilla, fruit flavorings, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, agave, juniper, anethole, linalool and any combination thereof.

[0049] In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a suspension. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise molasses. As used herein, "molasses" refers to an aerosol-forming substrate composition comprising about 20% or more sugar. For example, molasses may comprise at least about 25% by weight sugar, such as at least about 35% by weight sugar. Typically, molasses will comprise less than about 60% by weight sugar, such as less than about 50% by weight sugar.

[0050] 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 include 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 at most 15 g, at most 12 g; at most 11 g, or at most 10 g of aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, from about 7 g to about 13 g of aerosol-forming substrate is disposed in the cavity.

[0051] Aerosol formation substrate can be provided on a heat-stable carrier or embedded therein.Term used herein " heat-stable " represents the material that does not degrade substantially under the temperature (for example, about 150 ℃ to about 300 ℃) that substrate is usually heated to.Carrier can comprise thin layer, and substrate is deposited on the first major surface, the second main outer surface or the first major surface and the second major surface on it.Carrier can be formed by such as paper or paper-like material, non-woven carbon fiber mat, low-quality open mesh metal wire mesh (low mass open mesh metallic screen) or perforated metal foil or any other heat-stable polymer matrix.Alternatively, carrier can be in powder, granule, pellet, fragment, thin strip, strip or sheet form.Carrier can be non-woven fabric or the fiber bundle that has wherein been combined with tobacco component.Non-woven fabric or fiber bundle can comprise such as carbon fiber, natural cellulose fiber or cellulose-derived fiber.

[0052] The body of the cartridge may include one or more walls. In some embodiments, the body includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and side walls. In some embodiments, the cover forms the top wall, the bottom wall, or both. The side wall may be cylindrical or frusto-conical, 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 single, integral 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 via a threaded connection or an 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 an adhesive. The top and side walls may be a single, integral 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 via a threaded connection or an interference fit. The side wall and the top wall may be two parts bonded together. For example, the side wall and the top wall may be bonded together by welding or an adhesive. The top wall, side wall, and bottom wall may all be a single, integral part. The top wall, the side wall and the bottom wall can be three independent parts configured to be joined to each other in any suitable manner. For example, the top wall, the side wall and the bottom wall can be configured to be joined by threaded engagement, interference fit, welding or adhesive.

[0053] 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 can be applied directly or indirectly. A heatable wall or surface can serve as a heat transfer surface through which heat can be transferred from the exterior of the body to the cavity or the interior surface of the cavity.

[0054] Preferably, the body of the cartridge has a length (e.g., an axial length along a perpendicular central axis) of about 15 cm or less. In some embodiments, the length of the body is about 10 cm or less. The body may have an inner diameter of about 1 cm or greater. The inner diameter of the body may be about 1.75 cm or greater. The cartridge may have a length of about 25 cm in the cavity. 2 To approximately 100cm 2 , for example about 70cm 2 To approximately 100cm 2 The volume of the cavity can be about 10cm 3 To approximately 50cm 3 ; preferably about 25cm 3 To approximately 40cm 3 In some embodiments, the length of the body is in the range of about 3.5 cm to about 7 cm. The inner diameter of the body can be about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm. The body can have a space of about 30 cm in the cavity. 2 To approximately 100cm 2 , such as about 70cm 2 To approximately 100cm2 The volume of the cavity can be about 10cm 3 To approximately 50cm 3 ; preferably about 25cm 3 To approximately 40cm 3 Preferably, the body is cylindrical or frusto-conical.

[0055] According to an embodiment, tube comprises a lid, and the lid has an inner layer facing the cavity and an outer layer facing the body outside of the tube. The inner layer has a weakened area, and when removing the outer layer, the weakened area can form an orifice. The wall of the body can be made of one or more materials. The inner layer and the outer layer of the lid can be made of the same, similar or different materials with the wall of the body. The body can include one or more heat-resistant materials, such as heat-resistant metals or polymers. For example, the body can include any of the following: aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloy thereof and their combination. The body can also include one or more heat-deformable materials, such as heat-deformable polymers or other materials that can change its shape at the threshold temperature. In certain embodiments, the body comprises a laminate or comprises the multilayer of two or more materials.

[0056] Orifice (comprising formed orifice and other optional orifices of tube) can provide opening or the vent through one or more walls of body.Ventilation hole can be inlet, outlet or inlet and outlet.Ventilation hole can be arranged on the bottom wall, top wall, side or their combination of tube.In certain embodiments, ventilating hole (for example, one or more inlets and one or more outlets) is formed when the outer layer of lid is removed, to allow air to flow through aerosol formation substrate when tube is used together with hookah device.

[0057] The size of the orifice formed in the weakened area after removing the outer layer can be selected to produce a desired resistance to draw (RTD) through the cartridge. For example, the weakened area can cover 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more of the cap surface area; or 50% or less, 45% or less, 40% or less, 35% or less, 30% or less, 25% or less, or 20% or less of the cap surface area. In one embodiment, the weakened area (or the orifice formed in the weakened area) can cover approximately 30% of the cap surface area.

[0058] The cartridge may include additional openings, or in some embodiments, an absent top wall, to create one or more additional ventilation holes in the cartridge. The additional openings may be covered by a peelable sticker, foil, or the like. The cartridge may also include a pierceable wall. The pierceable wall may be pierced using a hookah device or accessory to create an opening.

[0059] Preferably, the size and shape of one or more inlets and outlets (once formed or opened) are arranged to provide suitable resistance to suction (RTD) by the tube. In some instances, the RTD by the tube from one or more inlets to one or more outlets can be about 10mm H2O to about 50mm H2O, preferably about 20mm H2O to about 40mm H2O. The RTD of a sample refers to the static pressure difference between the two ends of the sample when the airflow traverses the sample under stable conditions, under which the volumetric flow rate at the output end is 17.5 ml / sec. The RTD of a sample can be measured using the method specified in ISO standard 6565:2002.

[0060] The one or more openings in the body (once formed or opened) may cover 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, or 25% or more of the area of ​​the wall in which the opening is located. For example, if the opening is in the top wall, the opening may cover at least 5% of the area of ​​the top wall. The one or more openings in 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 opening is located.

[0061] The tube can include removable seals or films that cover one or more inlets or outlets before use. Removable seals or films are preferably enough to prevent airflow through the inlet and outlet to prevent the contents of the tube from leaking and extending the shelf life. Removable seals or films can include peelable sticker labels, foil etc. Labels, stickers or foil can be attached to the tube in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive, crimping, welding or otherwise being engaged on the container. Removable seals or films can include tongues, which can be caught to peel off or remove label, sticker or foil from the tube.

[0062] The inner layer of the lid can be made of any suitable material. For example, the inner layer can include a polymeric material, metal, paper, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the inner layer includes a metal foil. In one embodiment, the inner layer includes a polymeric foil. The inner layer can have any suitable thickness. For example, the inner layer can have a thickness of 20 microns or more, 50 microns or more, 100 microns or more, or 200 microns or more. The inner layer can have a thickness of 1 mm or less, 750 microns or less, or 500 microns or less. The thickness of the inner layer can vary across the lid. For example, the thickness of the inner layer at the weakened area can be less than the thickness in areas outside the weakened area.

[0063] The inner and outer layers of the cover can be bonded together. For example, the inner and outer layers of the cover can be bonded together by a bonding layer. For example, the bonding layer can include an adhesive, solder, or other bonding material that can bond the inner and outer layers together.

[0064] The weakened area can be provided or formed by any suitable technique. For example, the weakened area can be provided or formed by scoring, cutting or laser cutting the inner layer. Scoring, cutting or laser cutting can result in partial cutting. The weakened area can be provided or formed by pressing or embossing the area on the inner side of the cover. Pressing can form the inner layer into a thinner (fragile) area. The inner layer and outer layer can first be laminated together. Pressing can compress a portion of the inner layer into the outer layer. Removing the outer layer from the barrel can remove the portion compressed into the outer layer, thereby forming an orifice in the inner layer. In another example, the weakened area can be provided or formed by etching the inner layer. Etching can form the inner layer into a thinner (fragile) area. The weakened area can be provided or formed by providing a material that is weaker or more fragile than the surrounding area.

[0065] In some embodiments, the material of the inner layer is fragile. When force (such as pulling or tearing) is applied to the fragile material, mechanical failure occurs, so that one or more orifices are formed. Outside the weakened area, the fragile material can be supported, for example, by being bonded to the outer layer. In one example, the bonding layer is located in one area, and no bonding layer is located in the surrounding area, so that a weakened area is formed between the bonding area and the non-bonding area. For example, the bonding layer can bond the inner layer and the outer layer together. For example, the bonding layer may include an adhesive, a solder or other connection that can bond the inner layer and the outer layer together. The material of the inner layer can be fragile due to its thickness (for example, a thin plastic layer) or its material properties (for example, aluminum foil or paper) or both thickness and material properties.

[0066] The outer layer can comprise any suitable material. For example, the outer layer can comprise a polymeric material, metal, paper, cardboard, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the outer layer comprises cardboard. In one embodiment, the outer layer comprises metal. In one embodiment, the outer layer comprises a polymeric material. The outer layer can have any suitable thickness. For example, the outer layer can have a thickness of 20 microns or greater, 100 microns or greater, 500 microns or greater, or 1 mm or greater. The outer layer can have a thickness of 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2 mm or less, or 1 mm or less.

[0067] In one embodiment, the outer layer comprises paperboard and the inner layer comprises metal foil. In one embodiment, the outer layer comprises paperboard and the inner layer comprises a polymeric film. In one embodiment, the outer layer comprises paperboard and the inner layer comprises paper. In one embodiment, the outer layer comprises metal and the inner layer comprises metal foil. In one embodiment, the outer layer comprises metal and the inner layer comprises a polymeric film. In one embodiment, the outer layer comprises a polymeric material and the inner layer comprises metal foil or a polymeric film. The outer and inner layers may be bonded together by a tie layer.

[0068] The outer layer can be configured so that it can be removed from the barrel without tools (e.g., by pulling, peeling, or tearing). Preferably, the outer layer is configured so that removing the outer layer also removes a portion of the inner layer. The inner layer can rupture along one or more edges of the weakened portion (e.g., exhibit mechanical failure). The inner layer can rupture along a rupture line defined by the weakened portion. According to some embodiments, removing the outer layer and rupturing at least a portion of the inner layer creates one or more orifices in the barrel.

[0069] The lid or outer layer may include features to facilitate removal of the outer layer. For example, the lid or outer layer may include a pull tab.

[0070] In certain embodiments, outer layer can be a part for outer packaging. In certain embodiments, outer layer can be integrated with outer packaging. Outer layer can comprise text, image, logo, brand or other marks. Outer packaging can surround the body of tube at least in part. For example, outer packaging can surround or cover the top, bottom or the top and bottom of tube. Outer packaging can surround or cover the top and at least one side, the bottom and at least one side of described body, or the top and bottom and at least one side of described body. When tube removed from outer packaging, outer layer removed from body, and formed orifice on internal layer. In certain embodiments, when tube removed from outer packaging, tube body became and separated with packaging, and outer layer kept being attached to packaging, and formed orifice on internal layer.

[0071] The outer layer can be a part of an outer packaging that at least partially surrounds a plurality of tubes. The outer packaging can form the top of the connection of a plurality of tubes, the bottom of the connection, or both the top and bottom of the connection. The top or bottom of the connection can refer to the top or bottom of the inner layer that spans a plurality of tubes. For example, the outer layer can be a part of an outer packaging that accommodates two or more, three or more, or four or more tubes. The outer layer can be a part of an outer packaging that accommodates up to six, up to eight, or up to ten tubes. In certain embodiments, the outer layer can be a part of an outer packaging that accommodates four tubes. When removing the tube from the outer packaging, the tube body becomes separated from the packaging. The removed packaging portion that forms the outer layer on the tube can become separated from the tube body and the inner layer, and remain a part for packaging. Alternatively, the packaging portion that forms the outer layer on the removed tube can become separated from the rest of the packaging, and remain on the tube body. The remaining outer layers can then be removed from the tube body later to form an orifice in the weakened area of ​​the inner layer.

[0072] In some embodiments, the cartridge is a hookah cartridge that can be used with any suitable hookah device. Preferably, the hookah device is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge sufficiently to form an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, but without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the hookah device can 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.

[0073] The hookah device may include a receptacle for receiving the cartridge. The hookah device may include a heating element configured to contact or approach 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 the surface of the receptacle. The hookah can 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 resistance wires or other resistive elements. The resistance wires may be in contact with a thermally conductive material to distribute the generated heat over a wider area. Examples of suitable conductive materials include aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof. The heating element may form at least a portion of the surface of the receptacle.

[0074] The hookah 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, for example, comprise a controller or a memory and a controller. The controller may comprise 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 containing instructions for causing one or more components of the circuitry to implement functions or aspects of the control electronics. Functionality attributable to the control electronics in the present disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

[0075] The electronic circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The electronic circuit may be configured to regulate the power supply. The power may be supplied to the heater element in the form of current pulses.

[0076] In some examples, the control electronics can be configured to monitor the resistance of the heating element and control the power supply to the heating element depending on the resistance of the heating element. In this way, the control electronics can adjust the temperature of the resistive element.

[0077] The hookah device may include a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple. The temperature sensor may be operably coupled to 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 a cartridge received within a receptacle to monitor the temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heating element. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be positioned to detect the temperature at an aerosol outlet of the hookah device or a portion thereof. The sensor may transmit a signal regarding the sensed temperature to the control electronics. The control electronics may regulate heating of the heating element in response to the signal indicating that a suitable temperature has been achieved at the sensor.

[0078] The control electronics can be operably connected to a power source. The hookah device can include any suitable power source. For example, the power source can be a battery or battery pack. The batteries in the power source can be rechargeable, removable and replaceable, or rechargeable, removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery can be used. For example, heavy-duty or standard batteries are commercially available, such as those used in heavy-duty industrial power tools. Alternatively, the power source can be any type of power source, including super or hyper capacitors. Alternatively, the components can be connected to an external power source, with electrical and electronic designs designed for such purposes. Regardless of the type of power source employed, the power source preferably provides sufficient energy to operate the components properly for at least one hookah session, until aerosol is depleted from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge, before the device is recharged or requires connection to an external power source. Preferably, the power source provides sufficient energy to operate the components properly for at least approximately 70 minutes of continuous operation, before the device is recharged or requires connection to an external power source.

[0079] In one example, a hookah device includes an aerosol-generating element comprising a cartridge receptacle, a heating element, an aerosol outlet, and a fresh air inlet. The cartridge receptacle is configured to receive a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate according to the present disclosure. The heating element may define at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle.

[0080] The hookah device includes a fresh air inlet passageway fluidly connected to the receptacle. During use, when a substrate within the cartridge is heated, an aerosol-forming component within the substrate is vaporized. Air flowing through the cartridge from the fresh air inlet passageway entrains an aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming component within the cartridge.

[0081] Some electrically heated hookah devices use preheated air and typically employ an airflow path so that the air travels near the heat source during inhalation. Additionally, some electrically heated hookah devices employ elements that increase radiant heat transfer by increasing the surface area being heated.

[0082] The fresh air inlet passage may include one or more apertures through the cartridge housing, such that fresh air from outside the hookah device can flow through the passage and into the cartridge housing through the one or more apertures. If the passage includes more than one aperture, the passage may include a manifold to direct air flowing through the passage to each aperture. Preferably, the hookah device includes two or more fresh air inlet passages.

[0083] As described above, the barrel includes one or more openings (such as an inlet or outlet) formed in the body to allow air to flow through the barrel. If the housing includes one or more inlet orifices, at least some of the inlets in the barrel can be aligned with the orifices in the top of the housing. The barrel can include an alignment feature that is configured to mate with a complementary alignment feature of the housing to align the inlet of the barrel with the orifice of the housing when the barrel is inserted into the housing.

[0084] The air entering the cartridge may flow over or through the aerosol-forming substrate, entraining the aerosol, and exit the cartridge and the receptacle via the aerosol outlet. The aerosol-laden air enters the container of the hookah device from the aerosol outlet.

[0085] The hookah device may include any suitable container defining an interior volume configured to contain a liquid and defining an outlet in a headspace above the liquid fill level. The container may include an optically transparent or optically opaque housing to allow a consumer to observe the contents contained within the container. The container may include a liquid fill demarcation, such as a liquid fill line. The container housing may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the container housing may include glass or a suitable rigid plastic material. Preferably, the container is removable from the portion of the hookah assembly that includes the aerosol-generating element to allow a consumer to fill, empty, or clean the container.

[0086] The consumer can fill the container to the liquid fill level. The liquid preferably comprises water, which can optionally be injected with one or more colorants, flavorings, or colorants or flavorings. For example, water can be injected with one or both of a botanical infusion and an herbal infusion.

[0087] Aerosol entrained in the air exiting the aerosol outlet of the receptacle can travel through a conduit positioned in the container. The conduit can be coupled to the aerosol outlet of the aerosol-generating element and can have an opening below the liquid fill level of the container, such that aerosol flowing through the container flows through the opening of the conduit, then through the liquid into the headspace of the container and out the headspace outlet for delivery to a consumer.

[0088] The headspace outlet may be coupled to a hose comprising a mouthpiece for delivering the aerosol to a consumer. The mouthpiece may comprise an activation element, such as a switch activatable by the user, a puff sensor arranged to detect a user puffing on the mouthpiece, or both a switch activatable by the user and a puff sensor. The activation element may be operably coupled to the control electronics of the hookah 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 continuously supplying energy to the heating element. Thus, the use of an activation element may provide energy savings relative to devices that do not employ such an element to provide heating on demand rather than constant heating.

[0089] For example purposes, a method for using a hookah device as described herein is provided below in chronological order. The container can be separated from the other components of the hookah device and filled with water. One or more of natural fruit juice, botanicals, and herbal infusions can be added to the water for flavoring. The amount of liquid added should cover a portion of the conduit but should not exceed the fill level marking that may be present on the container. The container is then reassembled into the hookah device. The cartridge can be prepared by removing the outer layer of the cap and any removable membrane (if present). A portion of the aerosol-generating element can be removed or opened to allow the cartridge to be inserted into the receptacle. The aerosol-generating element is then reassembled or closed. The device can then be turned on. Turning on the device activates the heating element's heating curve to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature equal to or above the vaporization temperature but below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate vaporize, thereby generating an aerosol. The user can draw on the mouthpiece as desired. The user can continue to use the device as desired, or until no more aerosol is visible or delivered. In some embodiments, the device may be arranged to automatically shut down when the available aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge or a compartment of the cartridge is depleted. In some embodiments, after receiving a notification from the device that the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is depleted or nearly depleted, the consumer may refill the device with a fresh cartridge. The consumer may switch off the hookah device at any time, for example, by switching off the device.

[0090] The hookah device can have any suitable air management system. In one embodiment, the user's puffing action creates an inhalation effect, causing a low pressure inside the device. This causes outside air to flow through the device's air inlet, into the fresh air inlet channel, and into the receptacle. The air can then flow into the cylinder in the receptacle, entraining the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-entrained air then exits the aerosol outlet of the receptacle, flows through a conduit, and into the liquid within the container. The aerosol then flows out of the liquid and into the headspace above the liquid level in the container, exiting from the headspace outlet and being delivered to the consumer through the hose and mouthpiece. The flow of outside air and aerosol within the hookah device can be driven by the user's puffing action. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which depict one or more embodiments described herein. However, it should be understood that other embodiments not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like parts. The use of different numbers to refer to parts in different figures is not intended to indicate that the differently numbered parts cannot be the same or similar to the parts with other numbers. The figures are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The schematic diagrams shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0092] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a hookah device.

[0093] Figure 2A and Figure 2B According to the embodiment, Figure 1 Schematic top view and bottom view of the body of the hookah pipe in the hookah device.

[0094] Figure 3A and 3B Schematic bottom and top views of the cylinder.

[0095] Figure 4A and 4B are schematic perspective views of a cartridge in a closed state and an open state, respectively, according to an embodiment.

[0096] Figure 5A and 5B are schematic cross-sectional views of a cartridge in a closed state and an open state, respectively, according to an embodiment.

[0097] Figure 6A and 6B are partial cross-sectional views of a cover in a closed state and an open state, respectively, according to an embodiment.

[0098] Figure 7A and 7B are partial cross-sectional views of a cover in a closed state and an open state, respectively, according to an embodiment.

[0099] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a cartridge in an open state according to an embodiment.

[0100] Figure 9A and 9B are schematic perspective views of a cartridge in a closed state and an open state, respectively, according to an embodiment.

[0101] 10A and 10B are schematic perspective views of a cartridge in a closed state and an open state, respectively, according to an embodiment.

[0102] 11A and 11B are schematic perspective views of a cartridge in a closed state and an open state, respectively, according to an embodiment.

[0103] Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a cartridge in an outer package according to an embodiment.

[0104] Figure 13A is a schematic perspective view of a cartridge in an outer package according to an embodiment.

[0105] 13B and 13C are diagrams of a closed state and an open state, respectively, according to an embodiment. Figure 13A Schematic cross-sectional view of the barrel in.

[0106] 14A and 14B are schematic perspective views of a cartridge in an outer package according to an embodiment.

[0107] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a cartridge in an outer package according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0108] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a hookah device 100. The device 100 includes a container 17 defining an interior volume configured to hold a liquid 19 and defining a headspace outlet 15 above the fill level of the liquid 19. The liquid 19 preferably comprises water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colorants, one or more flavorants, or one or more colorants and one or more flavorants. For example, the water may be infused with one or both of a botanical infusion and an herbal infusion.

[0109] The device 100 also includes an aerosol-generating element 130. The aerosol-generating element 130 includes a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating element 130 also includes a heating element 160. The heating element 160 may form at least one surface of the receptacle 140. In the depicted embodiment, the heating element 160 defines a side surface of the receptacle 140. The aerosol-generating element 130 also includes a fresh air inlet channel 170 that draws fresh air into the device 100. In some embodiments, a portion of the fresh 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) to carry the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming agent and the aerosol-forming substrate. The air exits the outlet of the aerosol-generating element 130 and enters the conduit 190.

[0110] A conduit 190 carries air and aerosol into the container 17 below the level of the liquid 19. The air and aerosol can bubble through the liquid 19 and then exit the headspace outlet 15 of the container 17. A hose 20 can be attached to the headspace outlet 15 to carry the aerosol to the user's mouth. A mouthpiece 25 can be attached to the hose 20 or formed as part of the hose.

[0111] In use, the exemplary air flow path of the device is Figure 1 Indicated by thick arrows.

[0112] The mouthpiece 25 may include an activation element 27. The activation element 27 may be a switch, a button, or the like, or may be a puff sensor, or the like. The activation element 27 may be placed in any other suitable location on the device 100. The activation element 27 may wirelessly communicate with the control electronics 30 to place the device 100 in a state of use or to cause the control electronics to activate the heating element 160, for example, by causing the power supply 35 to power the heating element 160.

[0113] The control electronics 30 and power supply 35 may be located at any suitable location on the aerosol generating element 130, including locations other than Figure 1 The location of the bottom portion of the element 130 is shown.

[0114] Now refer to Figure 2A and 2B , shows a schematic depiction of a body 210. The body 210 may include a sidewall 212, a top wall 215, and a bottom wall 213 defining a cavity 218. As shown, the sidewall 212 may be cylindrical or frusto-conical. Figure 2A The body 210 is shown without the top, showing the cavity 218 inside the body. The body 210 can define a central axis A extending through the body 210. Figure 2BAs shown in FIG, the top may include a flange 219 extending from the side wall 212. The flange 219 may rest on a shoulder of the receptacle of the hookah device so that the cartridge 200 may be easily removed from the receptacle after use by grasping the flange.

[0115] Now refer to Figure 3A and 3B The top 215 and bottom 213 of the body can generally have a plurality of apertures 217, 216 to allow airflow through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. According to some embodiments, the apertures are present when the cartridge is in the open state. The apertures 216, 217 of the top 215 and bottom 213 can be aligned with each other. The cartridge 200 can also or alternatively include apertures along the sidewall 212. When the cartridge is stored before use, the apertures 217, 216 can be further sealed by the outer layer of the cap or by a peelable seal or liner.

[0116] Figure 4A and 4B A schematic perspective view of a cartridge 200 according to an embodiment is depicted. Figure 4A 118 and an outer layer 222 facing the exterior of the body 210 of the cartridge 200. As shown, the inner layer 221 has a weakened area 223 or multiple weakened areas 223. The cap 220 can cover the top (as shown) or the bottom, or both, of the cartridge 200. When the outer layer 222 is removed, as shown, the cartridge 200 is opened. Figure 4B As shown, the weakened area 223 of the inner layer 221 forms an orifice 217, and the cartridge 200 is in an open state. The orifice 217 provides fluid communication between the cavity 118 inside the body 210 and the exterior or cartridge 200. The orifice 217 can serve as an inlet, an outlet, or both an inlet and an outlet for the cartridge 200. The cartridge 200 can additionally include a peelable film 230 or sticker covering the preformed opening 216 at the bottom (or at any wall not including the cover).

[0117] Figures 5A-7B Various examples of weakened areas and apertures are shown. Figure 5A , the weakened area 223 can be provided or formed by pressing or embossing an area of ​​the inner side 228 of the cover 220. The inner layer 221 and the outer layer 222 can be laminated together first. Pressing can form a thinner (fragile) area of ​​the inner layer 221. As shown in the figure, pressing can compress a portion of the inner layer 221 into the outer layer 222. Figure 5BAs shown, removing the outer layer 222 from the cartridge can remove a portion compressed into the outer layer (removed portion 243), thereby forming an aperture 217 in the inner layer 221. The aperture 217 allows airflow 270 through the wall of the cartridge 220 (in this case, through the inner layer 221 of the cap 220). The aperture 217 provides fluid communication between the cavity 118 inside the body 210 and the exterior or cartridge 200.

[0118] Figure 6A and 6B A partial cross-sectional view of a cap is shown in which a weakened area 223 has been provided or formed by scoring, cutting or laser cutting the inner layer 221. The scoring, cutting or laser cutting may result in a partial cut. When the outer layer 222 is removed, as shown Figure 6B As shown, a portion 243 of the inner layer 221 at the weakened area 223 can be removed along with the outer layer 222, resulting in the formation of the aperture 217. The cover 220 can include an adhesive between the inner layer 221 and the outer layer 222. The cover 220 can include an adhesive in the area of ​​the weakened area 223.

[0119] In some embodiments, as Figure 7A and 7B As shown, the weakened area 223 has been provided or formed by applying adhesive 242 in some areas and not applying adhesive in other areas. The weakened area 223 can be formed in the area adjacent to the adhesive 242. The inner layer 221 can be made of a material that is weaker than the outer layer 222 (e.g., aluminum foil) to facilitate the rupture of the inner layer 221 at the weakened area 223. When the outer layer 222 is removed, as shown Figure 7B As shown, a portion 243 of the inner layer 221 at the weakened area 223 may be removed along with the outer layer 222 , resulting in the formation of the aperture 217 .

[0120] Now refer to Figure 8 , the outer layer 222 of the cover 220 can be attached to the barrel 200 so that when the cover is opened (when the outer layer 222 is removed), the outer layer 222 remains attached. The outer layer 222 can include a tab 244 to facilitate pulling, peeling, or tearing the outer layer 222. The barrel can include a groove-shaped weakened area 223 and an orifice 217.

[0121] The weakened area 223 may be provided in any suitable shape. The weakened area 223 and the resulting orifice 217 may include a plurality of points (e.g. Figure 4A and 4B ), or one or more lines or slots (as shown Figure 9A and 9B ). The lines or grooves of the weakened area 223 and the resulting orifice 217 may be substantially parallel.

[0122] In one exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the weakened area 223 and resulting aperture 217 may comprise an elongated slot in the shape of a cross or X.

[0123] The weakened area 223 can take on a variety of regular or irregular patterns or shapes. In one exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the weakened area 223 and resulting aperture 217 can include a spiral shape.

[0124] In some embodiments, as Figure 12-15 As shown, a plurality of cartridges 200 can be contained in an outer packaging 300. The outer packaging 300 can at least partially surround a plurality of cartridges 200. For example, as shown, the outer packaging 300 can surround or cover the top and bottom of the cartridge 200. The outer packaging 300 can form the connected top, the connected bottom, or both the top and bottom of the connection of the plurality of cartridges. Although a package consisting of four cartridges is shown, the package can include any desired number of cartridges. For example, an outer layer 222, 332 can be a part of an outer packaging 300 that accommodates two or more, three or more, or four or more cartridges 200, or a maximum of six, a maximum of eight, or a maximum of ten cartridges 200. The outer packaging 300 can form the outer layer 222, 332 of the lid 220. In an embodiment in which the outer packaging 300 surrounds or covers the top and bottom of the cartridge 200, the outer packaging 300 can form the outer layer 222, 332 of the lid 220 at both the top and the bottom. The outer packaging 300 can further surround or cover at least one side of the cartridge 200 (see Figure 13A-1 3C). Each cartridge 200 in the outer packaging 300 may include an inner layer 221 , 231 disposed between the outer layer 222 , 332 and the body 210 of the cartridge 200 .

[0125] 13C and 14B , when the cartridge 200 is removed from the outer packaging 300, the cartridge body 210 becomes detached from the packaging 300, while the outer layers 222, 332 remain attached to the packaging 300. Removal of the cartridge 200 causes the apertures 217 to be formed, thereby allowing airflow 270 through the inner layers 221, 331.

[0126] In some embodiments, as Figure 15 As shown, the cartridge 200 can be removed from the outer packaging 300 so that the cartridge 200, the inner layer 221, 331, and the portion 322 of the packaging forming the outer layer 222, 332 of the cap remain intact on the cartridge. The outer packaging 300 can include features that facilitate separation of a portion of the outer packaging 300 (including only one cartridge), such as a score or perforation 323. The remaining outer layer 222, 332 on the cartridge 200 can then be removed from the cartridge body 210 at a later time to form the orifice 217 in the weakened area 223 of the inner layer 221, 331.

[0127] Thus, a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device, such as a hookah device, has been described. Various modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention that are apparent to those skilled in the mechanical, chemical, and aerosol-generating article manufacturing or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A cartridge for containing an aerosol-forming substrate, the cartridge comprising: a body comprising side walls and at least one cover arranged to cover the top, the bottom, or both the top and the bottom; as well as a cavity located inside the body, wherein the at least one cover comprises an inner layer facing the cavity and an outer layer facing the exterior of the body, the inner layer comprising a weakened area, wherein removing the outer layer removes a portion of the material of the inner layer, and wherein the outer layer forms part of an overpack for the cartridge that at least partially surrounds the cartridge's body, such that the overpack surrounds or covers: the top and at least one side of the body; or the bottom and at least one side of the body; or the top, bottom and at least one side of the body.

2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the weakened area of ​​the inner layer forms an orifice when the outer layer is removed.

3. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer layer and the inner layer are joined by an adhesive. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the outer layer comprises a pull tab.

5. The cartridge of claim 1 or 2, wherein the weakened area is formed by scoring the inner layer.

6. A cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weakened area is formed by embossing the area on the inside of the cap. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the weakened area comprises a plurality of weakened areas.

8. The cartridge of claim 7, wherein the plurality of weakened areas are arranged in a pattern.

9. The cartridge of claim 8, wherein the pattern of weakened areas comprises a dot pattern.

10. A cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the pattern of weakened areas comprises a pattern of parallel or non-parallel lines.

11. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the overpack forms a single overpack for a plurality of cartridges.

12. The cartridge of claim 1 or 11, wherein removing the cartridge from the outer packaging removes the outer layer from the body and forms an aperture in the inner layer.

13. The cartridge of claim 1 or 2, comprising an aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the cavity.

14. A cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco.

15. The cartridge of claim 13, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a waterpipe aerosol-forming substrate.

16. A hookah system, comprising: A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein an aerosol-generating substrate is provided in the cartridge; as well as A hookah device, comprising: an accommodating portion, the accommodating portion being used to receive the cartridge; a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating substrate when the cartridge is received in the receptacle of the hookah device; a container having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace above the liquid fill level; an aerosol conduit for conveying aerosol from the receiving portion to the container; and An outlet is in fluid communication with the head space.

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