Aerosol-generating device with piercing assembly

Abstract

A piercing system includes a cap mountable on an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device includes an aerosol-generating element having a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing aerosol-forming substrate. The cap is engageable with the body. The cap has a frame including a cavity arranged for receiving the cartridge. The cap includes a piercing element disposed within the cavity and configured to pierce a wall of the cartridge. The cap is movable relative to the body between a first position and a second position, wherein in the second position the piercing element is engaged with the cartridge to pierce the cartridge.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to piercing systems for piercing cartridges used in aerosol-generating devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to piercing assemblies for hookah devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional hookah devices are used for smoking and are configured such that vapour and smoke pass through a water pool before being inhaled by a consumer. Hookah devices can include one outlet or more than one outlet, such that the device can be used by more than one consumer at a time. Many people view the use of hookah devices as a leisure activity and a social experience.

[0003] Typically, conventional hookahs are used in combination with a substrate, sometimes referred to in the art as hookah tobacco, tobacco molasses, or simply molasses. Conventional hookah substrates have a relatively high sugar content (in some cases up to -50%, whereas conventional tobacco substrates (such as combustible cigarettes) typically have -20%). The tobacco used in hookah devices can be mixed with other ingredients to, for example, increase the volume of vapour and smoke produced, alter the taste, or both.

[0004] Conventional hookah devices employ charcoal (such as charcoal pellets) to heat and sometimes burn the tobacco substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The use of charcoal to heat the tobacco can result in complete or partial combustion of the tobacco or other ingredients. Additionally, the charcoal can generate harmful or potentially harmful products, such as carbon monoxide, which can mix with the hookah vapour and pass through the water pool to the outlet.

[0005] One method of reducing carbon monoxide and combustion by-product production is to employ e-liquid rather than tobacco. Hookah devices that employ e-liquid eliminate combustion by-products, but deprive hookah consumers of the conventional tobacco-based experience.

[0006] Other hookah devices have been proposed that employ an electric heater to heat, but not burn, the tobacco. Such electrically heated heat-not-burn hookah devices heat the tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the substrate without combusting the substrate, and thus reduce or eliminate by-products associated with tobacco combustion.

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

[0008] To facilitate airflow through the cartridge and flow of aerosol from the cartridge, the hookah cartridge can have one or more holes through one or more walls. The cartridge can include one or more holes at the top, one or more holes at the bottom, or both one or more holes at the top and one or more holes at the bottom. Alternatively, the top can be open, i.e., the top wall can be partially or completely absent.

[0009] Prior art cartridges typically have one or more openings in at least one wall of the cartridge, such as in one or both of the top and bottom walls. During storage, at least some of the holes or openings in the top and bottom walls can be closed by a removable (e.g., peelable) sealing layer such as a film, sticker, or liner. The removable layer can protect the contents (e.g., honey) from exposure to air and oxygen. The removable layer can be removed (e.g., pulled or peeled) by a user prior to first use of the cartridge.

[0010] Holes or openings in the cartridge, if not sealed, can result in loss of freshness (e.g., moisture content) or contamination of the substrate, as well as leakage problems. It is desirable to form the openings or holes of the cartridge immediately prior to use for one or more reasons, such as to preserve freshness, prevent leakage of the substrate, or to maintain the quality and integrity of the substrate during storage.

[0011] It is desirable to provide a piercing assembly for piercing a cartridge used in an aerosol-generating device. It is desirable to provide a piercing assembly that can be incorporated as part of an aerosol-generating device. It is desirable to provide a piercing assembly that does not require additional equipment beyond the aerosol-generating device. It is desirable to provide a piercing assembly that is convenient and easy to use. It is desirable to provide a piercing assembly that can be used with a cartridge that does not have a pre-formed air inlet or outlet. It is desirable to provide a piercing assembly that does not require the user to directly hold the piercing element while piercing the cartridge. SUMMARY

[0012] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a piercing assembly is provided that can be used with an aerosol-generating device. For example, the piercing assembly can be used in a hookah device. The piercing assembly can be used to form one or more openings in a cartridge. For example, the piercing assembly can be used to form one or more openings in a hookah cartridge.

[0013] The piercing assembly can be part of a cap used with an aerosol-generating device. The cap can be incorporated as part of a hookah device.

[0014] The piercing assembly includes a cap. The cap can be mounted on an aerosol-generating device. The cap includes a body having a cavity. The cavity can be used to receive a cartridge and a piercing element. The piercing element can be configured to pierce a wall of a cartridge received therein. The piercing element is configured for piercing a cartridge (e.g., creating one or more holes therein).

[0015] The piercing assembly can be operated by inserting the cartridge into the aerosol-generating device. The cap can be placed on the device (e.g., on the receptacle of the aerosol-generating element). The cap can be depressed so that the piercing element engages the cartridge. The piercing element of the piercing assembly can pierce the cartridge (e.g., create one or more holes therein). The aerosol-generating device can be a shisha device, and the cartridge can be a shisha cartridge.

[0016] The piercing system of the present disclosure can provide various advantages to manufacturers and users. Some advantages include that the piercing system is convenient, easy, and safe to use. Users of shisha devices do not need additional equipment to pierce cartridges. Additionally, users can pierce cartridges without having to directly handle the piercing element. The piercing assembly can also allow cartridges to be pierced without having to remove a sticker or film from the cartridge. The piercing assembly can also enable shisha devices to be used with cartridges that do not necessarily have pre-formed holes or openings. This means that cartridges can be provided completely sealed without holes, reducing the chance of leaks, and eliminating any need for such stickers. The cartridges can be placed into the shisha device or into the cap before the cartridge is opened. Thus, the piercing assembly reduces the chance of leaks and other messes. The piercing element enables cartridges to be used that do not have pre-formed perforations. This allows cartridges to be one or more of cheaper, faster, and easier to manufacture.

[0017] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a piercing system can include a cap. The cap can be engageable with an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device can include an aerosol-generating element comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device can include a container having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid fill level. The aerosol-generating device can include a conduit for conveying an airflow from the receptacle to the container. The cap can be engageable with the body. The cap can include a frame comprising a cavity. The cap can have a central axis. The cavity can be arranged to receive the cartridge. The cap can include a piercing element disposed within the cavity and configured to pierce a wall of the cartridge. The cap can include a spring element. The spring element can be configured to bias the receptacle axially away from the piercing element. The cap can be movable relative to the body between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the piercing element can not be engaged with the cartridge received in the receptacle. In the second position, the piercing element can be engaged with the cartridge received in the receptacle to pierce the cartridge.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a piercing system includes a cap mountable on an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device includes an aerosol-generating element including a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge including an aerosol-forming substrate, a reservoir having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid fill level, and a conduit for conveying an airflow from the receptacle to the reservoir. The cap can be engageable with the body. The cap can include a frame including a cavity and having a central axis. The cavity can be arranged for receiving the cartridge. The cap can further include a piercing element disposed within the cavity and configured to pierce a wall of the cartridge. The cap can include a spring element biasing the receptacle axially away from the piercing element. The cap can be movable relative to the body between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the piercing element can not be engaged with the cartridge received in the receptacle. In the second position, the piercing element can be engaged with the cartridge received in the receptacle to pierce the cartridge.

[0019] The cap frame can include a side wall, an open end, and a closed end including an end wall. The central axis extends from the open end to the closed end. The piercing element can be oriented to face the open end. The piercing element can be disposed adjacent the closed end. The piercing element can be coaxial with the central axis. The piercing element can be centered on the central axis.

[0020] The cap can be movable relative to the body between the second position and a third position and between the third position and the first position. The third position can be an intermediate position between the first position and the second position. In the third position, the air path can be open between the external environment, the cavity, and the cartridge.

[0021] The cap can include an outer shroud and an inner shroud disposed within the outer shroud. The outer shroud can include the piercing element. The inner shroud can define the cavity. The outer shroud can be axially movable relative to the inner shroud. The inner shroud can include a cylindrical side wall coaxial with the central axis, and an end wall at one end of the cylindrical side wall. The end wall can include an opening configured to receive the piercing element. A gap configured to allow airflow through the opening can be maintained between the piercing element and the end wall of the inner shroud when the piercing element is received in the end wall opening and the cap is in the third position.

[0022] The inner shroud can include one or more guide tracks. The outer shroud can include one or more track pins configured to cooperate with the one or more guide tracks. Each of the one or more guide tracks can include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can define a first distance, and the second portion can define a second distance shorter than the first distance. The first portion can guide the track pin in an axial direction and in a radial direction. The first portion can define a piercing position of the piercing element.

[0023] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a second piercing element. The second piercing element can extend from the base of the accommodation portion into the accommodation portion in a direction away from the base of the accommodation portion.

[0024] The aerosol-generating device can be a shisha device. The cartridge can be a shisha cartridge. The piercing system can be used with a shisha device to pierce a shisha cartridge. The piercing system can be part of a shisha device.

[0025] The term "aerosol" as used herein refers to a suspension of solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets in a gas. The gas can be air. The solid particles or liquid droplets can comprise one or more volatile flavour compounds. The aerosol can be visible or invisible. The aerosol can comprise a vapour of a substance that is normally a liquid or a solid at room temperature. The aerosol can comprise a vapour of a substance that is normally a liquid or a solid at room temperature, and solid particles or liquid droplets or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets. In some embodiments, the aerosol comprises nicotine.

[0026] The term "aerosol-forming substrate" as used herein refers to a material capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate can be heated to volatilise one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. As an alternative to heating or combustion, in some cases, the volatile compounds can be released by a chemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus, such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate can be disposed in the interior of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate can be a solid or a liquid, or can comprise solid and liquid components.

[0027] The aerosol-forming substrate can be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a material that does not contain tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a homogenised plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a homogenised tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise at least one aerosol former. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourings.

[0028] The terms "unitary" and "unitarily formed" as used herein describe elements formed in one piece (a single unitary piece). Unitary or unitarily formed components can be configured such that they cannot be removed from one another without causing structural damage to the piece.

[0029] The term "piercing edge" is used herein to describe an edge that is capable of piercing a cartridge. The piercing edge has a length. The piercing edge can terminate at a piercing end. An example of a piercing edge is a knife blade.

[0030] The term "piercing point" is used herein to describe a tip of an object that is capable of piercing a cartridge. An example of a piercing point is a needle tip.

[0031] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" encompass embodiments having plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0032] As used herein, "or" is generally employed in its sense of "one or the other or both" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] The term "about" is used herein in connection with a value to include normal variations in a measurement as expected by a person 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 margin of error. A typical margin of error can be, for example, ±5% of the stated value.

[0034] As used herein, "have," "having," "include," "including," "contain," "containing," and the like are used in their open-ended sense, and generally mean "including, but not limited to." It will be understood that "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," and the like are open terms, and that "comprising," "comprises," and the like are not intended to preclude the addition of more components.

[0035] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that can provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments can 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 those other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.

[0036] The term "substantially" as used herein can be understood to modify the term that which it follows such that the term does not mean "exactly" or "perfectly" but rather "approximately" or "around." The term "non-substantially" as used herein can be understood to have the opposite meaning of "substantially," i.e., to modify the term that which it follows such that the term means "exactly" or "perfectly" rather than "approximately" or "around."

[0037] Any directions referred to herein such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," and other such directions or orientations described herein are described for clarity and brevity and are not intended to limit the actual device or system to the orientation described. The devices and systems described herein can be used in multiple orientations and orientations.

[0038] An aerosol-generating device can include an aerosol-generating element. The aerosol-generating element can include a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge including aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device can include a container having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid fill level. The aerosol-generating device can include a conduit for conveying an airflow from the receptacle to the container. A cap having a piercing system can be used with the aerosol-generating device to engage the aerosol-generating element and a cartridge inserted therein. The cap can engage the body of the aerosol-generating element. According to some embodiments, the cap, along with a piercing assembly within the cap, forms a piercing system for piercing the cartridge.

[0039] An aerosol-generating device can be a hookah device. The hookah device can include an aerosol-generating element including a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge including aerosol-forming substrate. The hookah device can include a container having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid fill level, and a conduit for conveying an airflow from the receptacle to the container. A cap having a piercing system can be used with the hookah device to engage the aerosol-generating element and a cartridge inserted therein. The cap can engage the body of the aerosol-generating element. According to some embodiments, the cap, along with a piercing assembly within the cap, forms a piercing system for piercing the cartridge.

[0040] The cap can include a frame including a cavity and having a central axis. The cavity can be arranged for receiving a cartridge. The cap can further include a piercing assembly disposed within the cavity and configured to pierce a wall of the cartridge. The cap can advantageously be used to operate the piercing device. This allows a user to pierce the cartridge without having to come into direct contact with the piercing element. The cap can also reinforce and protect the piercing assembly. The user also does not need to hold the cartridge after piercing and before use in the hookah device. This can help prevent leaks and messes from an open cartridge.

[0041] The cap can include an outer frame. The outer frame can have any suitable 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 can be a top wall. The outer frame can be open at a bottom. The outer frame can define a cavity for housing the piercing assembly. The cap and the piercing assembly can define a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis can be a central axis. The longitudinal axis can be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem tube. The shape and size of the outer frame can be configured to properly limit the maximum path of movement of the piercing assembly.

[0042] The first end wall of the cap can have a protrusion extending into the cavity. The protrusion can be configured for pressing on the piercing assembly (e.g., outer shroud) while leaving a gap between the cap outer frame and the piercing assembly. The protrusion can be disposed along the central axis. This provides for even force distribution. The outer frame can be configured to form part of an airflow path through the device. The air gap can also be used to provide thermal insulation between the heating element and the cap.

[0043] The piercing assembly can include a body and a piercing element disposed on the body. The body can include an outer shroud defining a cavity. The piercing element can be disposed at least partially within the cavity. The outer shroud can include a cylindrical outer wall extending between a first end wall and an open second end. The outer shroud can define a cavity for housing the piercing element and the inner shroud.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the outer shroud includes the piercing element. The piercing element extends axially downward within the cavity of the outer shroud. The piercing element can be integral with the outer shroud or can be attached to an interior of the first end wall of the outer shroud.

[0045] The piercing element can have any suitable shape for piercing the wall of the cartridge. For example, the piercing element can include one or more piercing edges or piercing points. The piercing edges or piercing points are configured to pierce the wall (e.g., the top wall) of the cartridge. The number of piercing points or edges is not particularly limited. The piercing element can have only a single piercing point or edge. The piercing element can have a plurality of piercing points or edges. For example, the piercing element can have 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, or 8 or more piercing points or edges. The piercing element can have 20 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 10 or fewer, or 8 or fewer piercing points or edges. In one embodiment, the piercing element has a shape similar to an inverted crown with a plurality of piercing points extending downward. The inverted crown can have 4 to 10 or 6 to 8 piercing points or edges.

[0046] The piercing assembly can include an inner shroud. The inner shroud can be configured to fit at least partially within the cavity of the outer shroud. The inner shroud can have an outer wall including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion can be cylindrical elements having different diameters. The first portion can be a cylindrical wall having a first diameter and the second portion can be a cylindrical wall having a second diameter. The second diameter can be greater than the first diameter. The second portion can be coaxial with the first portion and below the first portion such that a shoulder is formed at the transition between the first portion and the second portion. The shoulder can support a compression spring. The compression spring can fit around the first portion. The compression spring can extend from the shoulder to the first end wall of the outer shroud.

[0047] The outer wall of the inner shroud can extend between the first end wall and the open second end. The inner shroud can define a cavity for receiving the cartridge. The inner shroud can have an opening at the first end wall. The opening can be configured to receive the piercing element. The opening can further include one or more recesses or channels to facilitate airflow through the inner shroud when the piercing element is received in the opening.

[0048] The outer shroud and inner shroud can include a track and pin system to guide movement of the outer shroud and inner shroud relative to each other. The outer shroud can be vertically movable, horizontally movable, or both vertically and horizontally movable. The inner shroud can be vertically movable, horizontally movable, or both vertically and horizontally movable. In one embodiment, the inner shroud defines the track and the outer shroud includes one or more pins. Alternatively, the track can be defined in the outer shroud and the one or more pins can be on the inner shroud. In one embodiment, the outer shroud includes one or more pins extending radially inward from a cylindrical outer wall thereof. The inner shroud can include one or more tracks corresponding to the one or more pins. The one or more tracks can be disposed on a second (lower) portion of the inner shroud. The one or more tracks can define a plurality of positions of the outer shroud. For example, the one or more tracks can define a first position as a rest position, a second position as a piercing position, and a third position as a use position. When the outer shroud is in the second position, a compression spring biases the outer shroud upward. The one or more tracks can also define a fourth position as a release position. 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, it also biases the cap outer frame upward.

[0049] The outer shroud can be depressed (e.g., by a user pressing on the cap outer frame) from the first position to the second position. Upon entering the second position, the piercing element engages and pierces the cartridge. When pressure is released from the outer shroud, the compression spring returns the outer shroud upward to the third position. In the third position, the airflow path is opened through the opening formed in the cartridge. The airflow path can be opened between the exterior of the hookah device and the container. A user can use the hookah device by drawing on the mouthpiece. To release and remove the cap, the user can press again on the outer shroud (e.g., by pressing on the cap outer frame), causing the outer shroud to move to the fourth position. The compression spring returns the outer shroud from the fourth position to the initial first position (rest position).

[0050] The bottom of the cap outer frame can be attached to a support plate. The support plate can be configured to hold the piercing assembly inside the cavity of the outer frame. The support plate can be a substantially circular plate having a central hole extending through the plate. The hole can be sized to accommodate the cartridge. The hole can also be sized to accept a receptacle that can accommodate the cartridge. The hole can have an angled inner edge tapered inward on its upper side. The angled inner edge can help engage the cap with the aerosol generating element and receive the cartridge in the inner shroud. The support plate can be attached in any suitable manner, such as by an adhesive or by a coupling element, such as a screw, a clip, a threaded coupling, a snap fit, or a friction fit.

[0051] The cap and piercing assembly can include a gripping element configured to grip the cartridge. The gripping element can include a ring member and one or more gripping fingers extending from the ring member. The gripping fingers can be spring fingers that are biased radially toward the central axis. The gripping element can be positioned within the inner shroud. The gripping element can be oriented with the one or more gripping fingers pointing upward. The ring member can define the cartridge body when the cartridge is received in the inner shroud. The one or more gripping fingers can be configured such that the ends of the gripping fingers abut the upper flange of the cartridge. The one or more gripping fingers can have a length that is less than the height of the cartridge. When the cap is removed, the cartridge is removed with the cap due to the gripping fingers abutting the flange, and thus the cartridge is prevented from falling out of the cavity of the inner shroud.

[0052] The cap and piercing assembly can be made of any suitable material. Suitable materials include plastic, metal, ceramic, glass, and combinations thereof. Different portions of the piercing assembly can be made of different materials. For example, some portions such as the outer shroud and the inner shroud can be made of plastic, while other portions such as the spring and the gripping element can be made of metal. Other combinations are possible.

[0053] When a user uses a hookah device with a cap and piercing assembly according to embodiments, the user can begin by placing a cartridge in the receptacle of the hookah device and placing the cap over or in the aerosol generating element such that the cartridge is received in the inner shroud. If the cap includes a gripping element, the gripping fingers of the gripping element can slide through the top of the cartridge such that the gripping fingers grip the cartridge. The user can then push on the cap to pierce the cartridge. As the user pushes on the cap, the pins of the outer shroud slide along the path formed by the tracks in the inner shroud, guiding the outer shroud to the piercing position where the piercing element pierces the top of the cartridge. After the user releases the cap, the compression spring pushes the cap frame and the outer shroud upward to the operating position. In the operating position, the air path through the cartridge is open. After using the hookah device, the user can push on the cap again to release the cap. The track and pin system will guide the motion of the cap and outer shroud, allowing the spring to return the cap to its initial (rest) position. The user can then remove the cap from the device.

[0054] In some embodiments, the hookah device includes a second piercing assembly. The second piercing assembly can be disposed at the upper end of the stem tube below the cartridge. The second piercing assembly can extend from the base of the receptacle into the receptacle in a direction away from the base of the receptacle. When the cap and piercing assembly is depressed, the cartridge can also be pressed against the second piercing assembly. The cap can be pierced by both piercing assemblies. The piercing assemblies can pierce the top wall and the bottom wall of the cartridge.

[0055] The cartridge can comprise any suitable body defining a cavity. An aerosol-forming substrate can be provided in the cavity of the cartridge. The body is preferably formed from one or more heat resistant materials, such as heat resistant metals or polymers. The body can comprise a thermally conductive material. For example, the body can comprise any of: aluminium, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the body comprises aluminium.

[0056] The cartridge can be any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge can have a shape configured to be received by a shisha device. The cartridge can have a generally cuboidal, cylindrical, frustoconical, or any other suitable shape. Preferably, the cartridge has a generally cylindrical or frustoconical shape.

[0057] The shisha device is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. The device can be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge by conduction. The shape and size of the cartridge is preferably designed to allow contact with, or to minimise the distance to, the heating element of the shisha device to provide efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-generating substrate in the cartridge. Heat can be generated by any suitable mechanism, such as by resistive heating or by induction. To facilitate induction heating, the cartridge can be provided with a susceptor. For example, the cartridge body can be made from or include a material capable of acting as a susceptor, such as aluminium, or a susceptor material can be provided within the cavity of the cartridge. The susceptor material can be provided within the cavity of the cartridge in any form, such as a powder, a solid block, a fragment, or the like.

[0058] Any suitable aerosol-forming substrate can be provided in the cavity defined by the body 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 that can form an aerosol. The volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The volatile compounds can be released by a chemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus, such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate can be a solid or a liquid, or can include solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate can be adsorbed, coated, impregnated, or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support.

[0059] The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a nicotine salt substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise plant-based material. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco. Preferably, the tobacco-containing material comprises volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate on heating. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise homogenised tobacco material. The homogenised tobacco material can be formed by coagulation of particulate tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate can comprise non-tobacco containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise homogenised plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise at least one aerosol-former. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a shisha substrate. A shisha substrate is understood to mean a consumable material suitable for use in a shisha device. The shisha substrate can comprise molasses.

[0060] The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise one or more of, for example, a powder, a fine granulate, a pellet, a fragment, a fine strip, a strip or a sheet. The aerosol-forming substrate can contain one or more of: herbal plant leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco leaf vein segments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco.

[0061] The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise at least one aerosol former. Suitable aerosol formers include a compound or mixture of compounds which, in use, favour the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and are substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of a shisha device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate or glycerol triacetate; and fatty acid esters of mono-, di- or poly-carboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. A particularly preferred aerosol former is a polyol or mixture thereof, for example triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and most preferably glycerol. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise any suitable amount of aerosol former. For example, the aerosol former content of the substrate can be equal to or greater than 5% by dry weight, and preferably greater than 30% by weight by dry weight. The aerosol former content can be less than about 95% by dry weight. Preferably, the content of aerosol former is up to about 55%.

[0062] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises nicotine and at least one aerosol former. In some embodiments, the aerosol former is glycerol or a mixture of glycerol and one or more other suitable aerosol formers, such as those listed above.

[0063] The aerosol-forming substrate can include other additives and ingredients, such as flavorings and sweeteners, among others. In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate includes one or more sugars in any suitable amount. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains 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, such as invert sugar. In some examples, the one or more sugars can be mixed with a suitable carrier, such as corn starch or maltodextrin.

[0064] In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate includes one or more sensory enhancers. Suitable sensory enhancers include flavorings and sensates, such as cooling agents. Suitable flavorings include natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, flavorings such as cinnamon, clove, ginger, or combinations thereof, cocoa, vanilla, fruit flavors, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, agave, juniper, anethole, linalool, and any combination thereof.

[0065] In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a suspension. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate can include molasses. As used herein, "molasses" refers to an aerosol-forming substrate composition that includes about 20% or more sugar. For example, the molasses can include at least about 25% sugar by weight, such as at least about 35% sugar by weight. Typically, the molasses will include less than about 60% sugar by weight, such as less than about 50% sugar by weight.

[0066] Any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate (e.g., molasses or tobacco substrate) can be disposed in the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, about 3g to about 25g of aerosol-forming substrate is disposed in the cavity. The cartridge can include at least 6g, at least 7g, at least 8g, or at least 9g of aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge can include up to 15g, up to 12g; up to 11g, or up to 10g of aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, about 7g to about 13g of aerosol-forming substrate is disposed in the cavity.

[0067] The aerosol-forming substrate can be provided on or embedded in a heat stable carrier. As used herein, the term "heat stable" means a material that does not substantially degrade at temperatures to which the substrate is typically heated (e.g., from about 150°C to about 300°C). The carrier can comprise a thin layer on which the substrate is deposited on a first major surface, a second major outer surface, or both the first major surface and the second major surface. The carrier can be formed from, for example, a paper or paper-like material, a non-woven carbon fibre mat, a low mass open mesh metallic screen, or a perforated metallic foil, or any other heat stable polymeric substrate. Alternatively, the carrier can be in the form of a powder, granules, pellets, chips, fine strips, strips or a sheet. The carrier can be a non-woven fabric or a bundle of fibres in which a tobacco component has been incorporated. The non-woven fabric or bundle of fibres can comprise, for example, carbon fibres, natural cellulose fibres or cellulose derived fibres.

[0068] The body of the cartridge can include one or more walls. In some embodiments, the body includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall. The side wall can be cylindrical or frustoconical, extending from the bottom to the top. The body can include one or more portions. For example, the side wall and the bottom wall can be a single portion that is unitary. The side wall and the bottom wall can be two portions that are configured to engage one another in any suitable manner. For example, the side wall and the bottom wall can be configured to engage one another by a threaded engagement or an interference fit. The side wall and the bottom wall can be two portions that are bonded together. For example, the side wall and the bottom wall can be bonded together by a weld or by an adhesive. The top and the side wall can be a single unitary portion. The side wall and the top wall can be two portions that are configured to engage one another in any suitable manner. For example, the side wall and the top wall can be configured to engage one another by a threaded engagement or an interference fit. The side wall and the top wall can be two portions that are bonded together. For example, the side wall and the top wall can be bonded together by a weld or by an adhesive. The top wall, the side wall, and the bottom wall can each be a single unitary portion. The top wall, the side wall, and the bottom wall can be three independent portions that are configured to engage one another in any suitable manner. For example, the top wall, the side wall, and the bottom wall can be configured to engage one another by a threaded engagement, an interference fit, a weld, or an adhesive.

[0069] One or more walls of the body can form a heatable wall or surface. As used herein, "heatable wall" and "heatable surface" mean an area of a wall or surface to which heat can be applied directly or indirectly. The 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 an interior surface of the cavity.

[0070] Preferably, the body of the cartridge has a length (e.g. axial length along the vertical central axis) of about 15 cm or less. In some embodiments, the length of the body is about 10 cm or less. The body can have an internal diameter of about 1 cm or more. The internal diameter of the body can be about 1.75 cm or more. The cartridge can have a heatable surface area in the cavity of about 25 cm 2 to about 100 cm 2 , for example about 70 cm 2 to about 100 cm 2 . The volume of the cavity can be about 10 cm 3 to about 50 cm 3 ; preferably about 25 cm 3 to about 40 cm 3 . In some embodiments, the length of the body is in the range of about 3.5 cm to about 7 cm. The internal diameter of the body can be about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm. The cartridge can 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 can be about 10 cm 3 to about 50 cm 3 ; preferably about 25 cm 3 to about 40 cm 3 . Preferably, the body is cylindrical or frustoconical.

[0071] The cartridge body can include one or more openings or vents through one or more walls of the body. The vents can be inlets, outlets, or both inlets and outlets. The vents can be provided at the bottom wall, the top wall, the sides, or a combination thereof of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge does not include any pre-formed openings or vents. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a pre-formed opening or vent in only one wall. For example, the cartridge can include an opening or vent 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 flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used with a waterpipe device. In some embodiments, one or more inlets and outlets are formed in the cartridge wall by the piercing assembly to allow air flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used with a waterpipe device. In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the cartridge can define one or more openings to form one or more outlets of the cartridge. Preferably, the one or more inlets and outlets are sized and shaped to provide an appropriate resistance to draw (RTD) through the cartridge. In some examples, the RTD through the cartridge from the one or more inlets to the one or more outlets can be about 10 mm H2O to about 50 mm H2O, preferably about 20 mm H2O to about 40 mm H2O. The RTD of a sample refers to the static pressure difference between the two ends of the sample when air flow is traversing the sample under steady conditions in which the volumetric flow rate at the output end is 17.5 milliliters per second. The RTD of a sample can be measured using the method specified in ISO Standard 6565:2002.

[0072] The one or more openings on the body (once formed) can 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 openings are located. For example, if the openings are on the top wall, the openings can cover at least 5% of the area of the top wall. The one or more openings on the body can 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.

[0073] The cartridge can further include a seal or layer covering the one or more pre-formed openings prior to use. The cartridge can include a first removable seal covering the one or more inlets and a second removable seal covering the one or more outlets. The first and second seals are preferably sufficient to prevent air flow through the inlets and outlets to prevent leakage of the contents of the cartridge and to extend shelf life. The seals can include a peelable label of a sticker, foil, or the like. The seals can include a pierceable label of a sticker, foil, or the like. The label, sticker, or foil can be adhered to the cartridge in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive, crimping, welding, or otherwise bonding to the container. The seals can include a tab that can be grasped to peel or remove the label, sticker, or foil from the cartridge.

[0074] In some embodiments, the cartridge is a shisha cartridge that can be used with any suitable shisha device. Preferably, the shisha device is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge sufficiently to form an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, but not to combust the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the shisha 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.

[0075] The shisha device can comprise a receptacle for receiving the cartridge. The shisha device can comprise a heating element configured to contact or be proximate to the body of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the receptacle. The heating element can form at least a portion of the receptacle. For example, the heating element can form at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle. The shisha cartridge can be configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the chamber by conduction. In some embodiments, the heating element comprises an electrical heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element comprises an electrical resistance heating component. For example, the heating element can comprise one or more electrical resistance wires or other electrical resistance elements. The electrical resistance wires can be in contact with a thermally conductive material to distribute the generated heat over a wider area. Examples of suitable electrically conductive materials include aluminium, copper, zinc, nickel, silver and combinations thereof. The heating element can form at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle.

[0076] The shisha device can comprise control electronics operably coupled to the heating element. The control electronics can be configured to control heating of the heating element. The control electronics can be configured to control the temperature to which the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is heated. The control electronics can be provided in any suitable form and may, for example, comprise a controller or a memory and a controller. The controller can comprise one or more of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The control electronics can comprise a memory containing instructions that cause one or more components of the circuit to perform the functions or aspects of the control electronics. The functions attributable to the control electronics in the present disclosure can be embodied as one or more of software, firmware and hardware.

[0077] The electronic circuitry can comprise a microprocessor, which can be a programmable microprocessor. The electronic circuitry can be configured to regulate the supply of power. The supply of power can be provided to the heater element in the form of pulses of current.

[0078] In some examples, the control electronics can be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and to control the supply of power to the heating element in dependence on the electrical resistance of the heating element. In this way, the control electronics can regulate the temperature of the electrical resistance element.

[0079] The hookah device can include a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple. The temperature sensor can be operably coupled to the control electronics to control the temperature of the heating element. The temperature sensor can be positioned in any suitable location. For example, the temperature sensor can be configured to be inserted into a cartridge received within the receptacle to monitor the temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor can be in contact with the heating element. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor can be positioned to detect the temperature at the aerosol outlet of the hookah device or portion thereof. The sensor can transmit a signal regarding the sensed temperature to the control electronics. The control electronics can adjust the heating of the heating element in response to the signal that a suitable temperature is achieved at the sensor.

[0080] The control electronics can be operably coupled to a power source. The hookah device can include any suitable power source. For example, the power source of the hookah device can be a battery or a battery pack. The battery of the power source can be rechargeable, removable and replaceable, or rechargeable and removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery can be used. For example, a heavy duty or standard battery that is available on the market, such as a battery used for industrial heavy duty power tools. Alternatively, the power source can be any type of power source, including a super / hyper capacitor. Alternatively, the assembly can be connected to an external power source, and electrically and electronically designed for such purposes. Regardless of the type of power source employed, the power source preferably provides sufficient energy to enable the assembly to function properly for at least one hookah session, until the aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is depleted, before the device is recharged or needs to be connected to an external power source. Preferably, the power source provides sufficient energy to enable the assembly to function properly for at least about 70 minutes of continuous operation of the device, before the device is recharged or needs to be connected to an external power source.

[0081] In one example, the hookah device includes an aerosol generating element including a cartridge receptacle, a heating element, an aerosol outlet, and an air inlet. The cartridge receptacle is configured to receive a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate according to the present disclosure. The heating element can define at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle.

[0082] The hookah device includes an air inlet channel in fluid connection with the receptacle. In use, as the substrate inside the heating cartridge is heated, aerosol-forming agent components in the substrate are vaporized. Air flowing from the air inlet channel through the cartridge entrains aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming agent components in the cartridge.

[0083] Some electrically heated hookah devices employ preheated air and generally employ an air flow path such that air travels near the heat source upon inhalation. In addition, some electrically heated hookah devices employ elements that increase radiative heat transfer by increasing the surface area that is heated.

[0084] The air inlet passage can comprise one or more orifices through the cartridge receptacle, such that air can flow from outside the hookah device through the passage and into the cartridge receptacle through the one or more orifices. If the passage comprises more than one orifice, the passage can comprise a manifold to direct air flowing through the passage to each orifice. Preferably, the hookah device comprises two or more air inlet passages.

[0085] As described above, the cartridge comprises one or more openings (such as inlets or outlets) formed in the body that allow air to flow through the cartridge. If the receptacle comprises one or more inlet orifices, at least some of the inlets in the cartridge can be aligned with the orifices in the top of the receptacle. The cartridge can comprise alignment features configured to mate with complementary alignment features of the receptacle to align the inlets of the cartridge with the orifices of the receptacle when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle.

[0086] Air entering the cartridge can flow through or past, or through and past, the aerosol-forming substrate, entraining aerosol, out of the cartridge and receptacle via the aerosol outlet. The aerosol-entrained air enters the reservoir of the hookah device from the aerosol outlet via the stem tube.

[0087] The hookah device can comprise any suitable reservoir defining an internal volume configured to contain liquid and defining an outlet in a headspace above a liquid fill level. The reservoir can comprise an optically transparent or optically opaque housing to allow a consumer to view the contents contained in the reservoir. The reservoir can comprise a liquid fill limit, such as a liquid fill line. The reservoir housing can be formed from any suitable material. For example, the reservoir housing can comprise glass or a suitable rigid plastics material. Preferably, the reservoir is removable from the portion of the hookah assembly comprising the aerosol generating element to allow a consumer to fill, purge or clean the reservoir.

[0088] A consumer can fill the reservoir to a liquid fill level. The liquid preferably comprises water, which can optionally be infused with one or more colourants, flavourants or colourants and flavourants. For example, the water can be infused with one or both of a botanical infusion and a herbal infusion.

[0089] The aerosol entrained in the air exiting the aerosol outlet of the receptacle can travel through a conduit positioned in the reservoir. 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 reservoir, such that the aerosol flowing through the reservoir flows through the opening of the conduit, then through the liquid into the headspace of the reservoir, and out through the headspace outlet for delivery to a consumer.

[0090] The headspace outlet can be coupled to a hose that includes a mouthpiece for delivering aerosol to a consumer. The mouthpiece can include an activation element, such as a switch that is user-activatable, a puff sensor arranged to detect a user puff on the mouthpiece, or both a switch that is user-activatable and a puff sensor. The activation element is operably coupled to the control electronics of the hookah device. The activation element can be wirelessly coupled to the control electronics. Activation of the activation element can cause the control electronics to activate the heating element, rather than constantly supplying energy to the heating element. Thus, use of the activation element can serve to conserve energy relative to devices that do not employ such an element to provide on-demand heating rather than constant heating.

[0091] For purposes of example, a method of using a hookah device as described herein is provided below in chronological order. The container can be separated from other components of the hookah device and filled with water. One or more of a natural fruit juice, a botanical, and a herbal infusion can be added to the water for flavoring. The amount of liquid added should cover a portion of the conduit but should not exceed a fill level marker that can optionally be present on the container. The container is then reassembled to the hookah device. The cartridge can be placed in the receptacle. The cover can be placed over the receptacle and cartridge such that the cartridge is received in the cavity inside the cover. The user can press the cover down against the cartridge such that the piercing element engages the cartridge to pierce one or more walls of the cartridge. The device can then be turned on. Turning on the device can initiate a heating profile of the heating element to heat the aerosol- forming substrate to a temperature at or above an evaporation temperature but below a combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. Aerosol-forming compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate evaporate, generating an aerosol. The user can puff 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 can be arranged to automatically shut off when the cartridge or compartment of the cartridge is depleted of available aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the consumer can refill the device with a fresh cartridge after receiving a prompt, for example from the device, that the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is depleted or nearly depleted. The consumer can turn off the hookah device at any time by, for example, turning off the device.

[0092] Hookah devices can have any suitable air management. In one example, the user's inhalation creates a suction effect, resulting in a low pressure inside the device. This causes outside air to flow through the device's air inlet, into the air inlet channel, and into the containment. The air then flows into the cylinder within the containment, carrying aerosols generated by the aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol-laden air then exits the containment's aerosol outlet, flows through a conduit into the liquid inside the container. The aerosol then overflows the liquid and enters the top space above the liquid level in the container, exiting from the top space outlet and being delivered to the consumer via a hose and mouthpiece. The flow of outside air and aerosols inside the hookah device can be driven by the user's inhalation. Attached Figure Description

[0093] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, which depict one or more embodiments described in this disclosure. However, it should be understood that other embodiments not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Similar designations used in the drawings refer to similar parts. The use of different designations to refer to parts in different drawings is not intended to indicate that parts with different designations cannot be the same as or similar to parts with other designations. The drawings are presented for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. The schematic diagrams presented in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0094] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a hookah device.

[0095] Figure 2A and 2B These are, respectively, according to the embodiments for Figure 1 Schematic top and bottom perspective views of the main body of the hookah pipe in a hookah device.

[0096] Figure 3A This is a schematic bottom view of a hookah after it has been pierced by the piercing component, according to an embodiment.

[0097] Figure 3B According to the embodiments, it is used for Figure 1 A schematic top view of the hookah pipe in a hookah device.

[0098] Figure 4A and 4B This is a schematic diagram of a hookah device and a cover having a piercing component in use, according to an embodiment.

[0099] Figure 5A According to the embodiments Figure 4A A cross-sectional side view of the cover and piercing system.

[0100] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Exploded view of the cover and puncture system.

[0101] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment Figure 4A is a perspective view of a cap frame of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment.

[0102] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment Figure 4A is a perspective view of an outer shroud of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment.

[0103] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a spring of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment Figure 4A is a perspective view of a spring of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment.

[0104] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an inner shroud of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment Figure 4A is a perspective view of an inner shroud of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment.

[0105] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a support ring of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment Figure 4A is a perspective view of a support ring of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment.

[0106] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a gripping element of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment Figure 4A is a perspective view of a gripping element of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment.

[0107] Figure 12A and 12B are respectively a perspective cross-sectional side view and a perspective bottom view of an outer shroud of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment. Figure 4A

[0108] Figures 13A-13D are side views of a track and a pin in different positions during use of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment.

[0109] Figure 14 is a perspective cross-sectional partial view of use of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment Figure 4A is a perspective cross-sectional partial view of use of a cap and piercing system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0110] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a waterpipe device 100. The device 100 comprises a container 17 defining an internal 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 comprises water, which can 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 can be infused with one or both of a botanical infusion and a herbal infusion.

[0111] ​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 aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating element 130 also includes a heating element 160. The heating element 160 can 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 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 pre-heated 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 aerosol-forming substrate. The air exits the outlet of the aerosol-generating element 130 and enters the conduit 190.

[0112] The conduit 190 carries the air and aerosol below the level of the liquid 19 in the container 17. The air and aerosol can bubble through the liquid 19 and 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.

[0113] In use, an example air flow path of the device is indicated in Figure 1 by a thick arrow.

[0114] The mouthpiece 25 can include an activation element 27. The activation element 27 can be a switch, button, or the like, or can be a puff sensor or the like. The activation element 27 can be placed in any other suitable location of the device 100. The activation element 27 can be in wireless communication 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.

[0115] The control electronics 30 and the power supply 35 can be located at any suitable location of the aerosol-generating element 130, including locations other than the bottom portion of the element 130 as shown in Figure 1 .

[0116] Reference is now made to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , which show various embodiments of a body 210. The body 210 can include a sidewall 212, a top wall 215, and a bottom wall 213 that define a cavity 218. As shown, the sidewall 212 can be cylindrical or frustoconical. Figure 2A The body 210 is shown with a portion of the top 215 removed, showing the cavity 218 inside the body. The body 210 can define a central axis A that extends through the body 210. As shown, the central axis A can be coaxial with the sidewall 212. Figure 2BAs shown, the top may include a flange 219 extending from the sidewall 212.

[0117] Now for reference Figure 3A and 3B One or both of the top 215 and bottom 213 of the body may have multiple orifices 217, 216 to allow airflow through the cylinder during use. The orifice 217 of the top 215 may be formed by a piercing assembly. The cylinder 200 may also, or alternatively, include orifices along the sidewall 212. The orifice 216 of the bottom 213 may be blocked by a peelable seal or liner when the cylinder is stored prior to use, or may be formed by a second piercing assembly on the side of the bottom wall.

[0118] exist Figure 4A A partial schematic diagram of a hookah device having a cover 400 and a piercing assembly 401 is shown. The cover 400 may include an outer frame 410 that houses the piercing assembly 401. The piercing assembly 401 may include an outer shield 420 and a piercing element 440 on the inner wall of the outer shield 420. In some embodiments, such as those shown, the piercing element 440 may be disposed on the inner end wall 421. The piercing assembly 401 may further include an inner shield 430 at least partially disposed within the outer shield. The piercing element 440 may be oriented toward a cylinder 200 disposed within a receiving portion of the hookah device 100. Figure 4B As shown, once the cylinder 200 has been punctured by the puncture assembly 401, an airflow path is established through the cylinder 200.

[0119] Examples of cover 400 and piercing component 401 are in Figure 5A and 5B As shown in the image. Figures 6-11 Detailed views of each element of the cap 400 and the piercing assembly 401 are shown. The cap 400 and the piercing assembly 401 may define a longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis A may be a central axis. The longitudinal axis A may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the rod tube 190.

[0120] Figure 6 The outer frame 410 shown 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 piercing assembly 401. The first end wall 411 may have a protrusion 414 extending from an inner wall. The protrusion 414 may be configured to press against the outer shield 420 while leaving a gap between the outer frame 410 and the outer shield 420.

[0121] Cover 400 may include Figure 11 The gripping element 450 shown is configured as a gripping cylinder 200. The gripping element 450 may include a ring member 451 and one or more gripping fingers 452. The one or more gripping fingers 452 extend from the ring member 451 to an upper end 453.Figure 5A As shown, the gripping element 450 can be positioned within the inner cover 430. One or more gripping fingers 452 can be configured such that when the cylinder 200 is received in the inner cover 430, the ends of the gripping fingers 452 abut against the upper flange of the cylinder 200.

[0122] The outer frame 410 may optionally include components configured to support the support plate 460 ( Figure 10 The screw hole 462 is fastened to the bottom of the outer frame 410. Alternatively, the support plate 460 can be fastened by other means (such as by adhesive). The support plate 460 can be a basically circular plate having a central hole 461 extending through the plate. Figure 5A As shown, the support plate 460 can be sized to hold the piercing assembly 401 inside the cavity 419 of the outer frame 410.

[0123] Figure 7 , 12A The outer cover 420 shown in 12B is configured to at least partially fit within the cavity 419 of the outer cover frame 410. The outer cover 420 may include a cylindrical outer wall 423 extending between a first end wall 421 and an open second end 422. The outer cover 420 may define a cavity 429 for receiving a piercing element 440 and an inner cover 430. The outer cover 420 includes a piercing element 440. The piercing element 440 extends axially downward within the cavity of the outer cover 420. The piercing element 440 is centered relative to the longitudinal axis A of the outer cover 420. The piercing element 440 may be integral with the outer cover 420 or may be attached to the interior of the first end wall 421 of the outer cover 420. The piercing element 440 may include one or more piercing edges or piercing points 441. The piercing edges or piercing points 441 are configured to pierce the wall (e.g., top wall) of the tube 200. The piercing element 440 may have a width W440. The width W440 may be configured such that the piercing element 440 can engage through the opening 437 on the inner cover 430. The outer cover 420 may include a bottom flange 427. The bottom flange 427 may extend outward from the bottom of the outer wall 423.

[0124] Figure 9The inner shield 430 is configured to fit at least partially within the cavity 429 of the outer shield 420. The inner shield 430 can have an outer wall comprising a first portion 433 and a second portion 434. The first portion 433 can be a cylindrical wall having a first diameter and the second portion 434 can be a cylindrical wall having a second diameter. The second diameter can be greater than the first diameter. The first portion 433 and the second portion 434 can be separated by a shoulder 435. The shoulder 435 can be configured to support a compression spring 470. The compression spring 470 can fit around the first portion 433. An end of the compression spring 470 can be supported on the shoulder 435 such that the spring can be compressed against the shoulder 435. The outer wall of the inner shield 430 can extend between a first end wall 431 and an open second end 432. The inner shield 440 can define a cavity 439 for receiving the cartridge 200. The inner shield 430 can have an opening 437 at the first end wall 431. The opening 437 can be configured to receive the piercing element 440. The opening 437 can further include one or more channels 438 to facilitate airflow through the inner shield 430 when the piercing element 440 is received in the opening 437.

[0125] The outer shield 420 and the inner shield 430 can include a track and pin system to guide movement of the outer shield 420. The outer shield 420 can include one or more pins 425 extending radially inward from the cylindrical outer wall 423 thereof. The inner shield 430 can include one or more tracks 436 corresponding to the one or more pins 425. In Figures 13A-13D An example track 436 and path guided by the track 436 is shown in FIG. 4. Initially, the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shield 420 are in a first position PI. The first position PI can be considered a rest position. The guide track can include a first portion and a second portion. The guide track can include a second position P2, which can be a piercing position of the piercing element. The first portion can define a first distance between the first position PI and the second position P2. The first portion can define a third position P3. The third position P3 can be a use position. The second portion can define a second distance between the third position P3 and a fourth position P4. The second distance can be shorter than the first distance. The first portion can guide the track pin in an axial direction and in a radial direction. A force can be applied to the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shield 420, for example, the cap 410 can be depressed (e.g., by a user) to move the pin from the first position PI to the second position P2 (see FIG. 4B). The cap 410 can be released and the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shield 420 can be guided by the guide track to the third position P3 (see FIG. 4C). The cap 410 can be depressed again to move the pin from the third position P3 to the fourth position P4 (see FIG. 4D). The cap 410 can be released and the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shield 420 can be guided by the guide track to the second position P2 (see FIG. 4E). Figure 13AThe second position, the piercing element 440 engages and pierces the cartridge 200. When the force is removed, for example, when the pressure is released from the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 (e.g., the user releases), the compression spring 470 returns the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 upward to the third position P3. The movement of the cap is defined by the first portion of the track during the initial pushing of the cap downward to pierce the cartridge and release the cap to allow the cap to return to the third (in use) position. In the third position P3, the airflow path is open through the opening formed in the cartridge 200 and is open between the exterior of the hookah device and the container. To release and remove the cap 400, the user can again press on the cap outer frame 410, causing the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 to move to the fourth position P4, the compression spring 470 returns the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 from the fourth position to the initial first position PI. The movement of the cap is defined by the second portion of the track during the second instance of pressing on the cap to release the cap.

[0126] The operation of the hookah device 100 and the cap 400 and the piercing assembly 401 is also schematically shown in Figure 14 The hookah device 100 includes an aerosol generating element 130 having a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating element 130 further includes a heating element 160. The heating element 160 can form a portion of the receptacle 140. A user can begin to place the cartridge 200 in the receptacle 140 (step 1) and place the cap 400 on the cartridge 200 (step 2) such that the cartridge 200 is received in the inner shroud 430. If the cap includes the gripping element 450, the top of the cartridge 200 can slide through the gripping element 450 such that the gripping fingers 452 grip the cartridge 200. The user can then push on 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 upward to an operational position (step 4). In the operational position, the air path through the cartridge 200 is open and the user can use the hookah device as normal. After using the hookah device, the user can again push on the cap 400 to release the cap (step 5). The track and pin system will guide the motion of the cap 400, allowing the spring 470 to return the cap 400 to its starting position (step 6). The user can then remove the cap 400 from the device (step 7).

[0127] Thus, a piercing system for a waterpipe device is described. Various modifications and changes to the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Although the invention has been described in connection with a particular preferred embodiment, 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 of carrying out the invention that are obvious to those skilled in mechanical, chemical and aerosol-generating article manufacturing or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: An aerosol generating element, the aerosol generating element comprising a body and a receiving portion for receiving a cylinder comprising an aerosol forming matrix; A container having a liquid fill level and defining a top space outlet above the liquid fill level; A conduit for conveying airflow from the receiving portion to the container; as well as A cover, which is capable of engaging with the body, the cover comprising: A frame, the frame including a cavity and having a central axis, wherein the cavity is arranged to receive the cylinder; and A piercing element, disposed within the cavity and configured to pierce the wall of the cylinder. The cover is movable relative to the body between a first position and a second position, between the second position and a third position, and between the third position and the first position. The third position is an intermediate position between the first position and the second position, wherein the air path between the external environment, the cavity and the accommodating part is open; The cover further includes an outer protective cover and an inner protective cover disposed within the outer protective cover. Wherein, the outer shield includes the piercing element, and wherein the inner shield defines the cavity, and the outer shield is axially movable relative to the inner shield; The inner protective cover includes one or more guide rails, each of the one or more guide rails including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion defining a first distance, and the second portion defining a second distance shorter than the first distance; The outer protective cover includes one or more track pins configured to cooperate with the one or more guide rails; The first portion is configured to guide the track pin in the axial direction and in the radial direction; The end position of the first part defines the puncture position of the puncturing element.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover frame includes a sidewall, an open end, and a closed end including an endwall, wherein the central axis extends from the open end to the closed end, and wherein the piercing element is oriented to face the open end.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the piercing element is disposed adjacent to the closed end.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the piercing element is coaxial with the central axis.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises a spring element that biases the piercing element away from the receiving portion.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, In the first position, the piercing element does not engage with the cylinder received in the receiving portion, and In the second position, the piercing element engages with the cylinder received in the receiving portion to pierce the cylinder.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner shroud includes a cylindrical sidewall coaxial with the central axis and an endwall at one end of the cylindrical sidewall, the endwall including an endwall opening configured to receive the piercing element.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 7, wherein when the piercing element is received in the end wall opening and the cover is in the third position, a gap in the end wall opening of the inner shroud is configured to allow airflow to remain between the piercing element and the end wall of the inner shroud.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a second piercing element in the base of the receiving portion of the body, wherein the second piercing element extends from the base of the receiving portion into the receiving portion in a direction away from the base of the receiving portion.

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