Adapter

Abstract

An adapter is disclosed for combining aerosolized streams from at least two separate aerosol delivery devices into a single aerosolized stream for delivery to a user. The adapter includes a housing having a recess. Each recess is configured to receive an aerosol outlet of an aerosol delivery device. The adapter also includes a flow path extending from each recess to the common outlet such that when the aerosol delivery devices are simultaneously actuated, aerosolized streams emanating from the aerosol outlet of each aerosol delivery device combine in the flow path and are delivered through the common outlet to the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an adapter for combining aerosolized streams from the nozzles of at least two separate aerosol delivery devices into a single aerosolized stream for delivery to a user. An aerosol delivery system is also disclosed. Background Technology

[0002] Some tobacco industry products generate aerosols that are inhaled by the user during use. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol-generating matrix such as tobacco to form an aerosol by heating but not burning the matrix. Such tobacco industry products typically include a mouthpiece through which the aerosol passes to reach the user's mouth. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to an aspect of this disclosure, an adapter is provided for combining aerosolized streams from at least two separate aerosol delivery devices into a single aerosolized stream for delivery to a user. The adapter includes a housing and a flow path having recesses, each recess configured to receive an aerosol outlet of the aerosol delivery device. The flow path extends from each recess to a common outlet such that when the aerosol delivery devices are simultaneously actuated, the aerosolized streams from the aerosol outlets of each aerosol delivery device are combined in the flow path and delivered to the user through the common outlet.

[0004] Each recess may be configured to receive a nozzle of an aerosol delivery device, the nozzle including an aerosol outlet of the aerosol delivery device.

[0005] The flow path can be configured to facilitate mixing of the aerosolized streams from each aerosol delivery device before delivery to the user through the common outlet.

[0006] The flow path may have a patterned profile to facilitate vortexing of the aerosolized flow from each aerosol delivery device before delivery to the user through the common outlet.

[0007] The housing may include an insert and an outer portion, with the insert removably received within the outer portion.

[0008] The flow path can be formed in the insert, and the common outlet can be formed in the outer part.

[0009] The flow path may be formed at least partially by the combination of the insert and the outer portion, and the common outlet is formed in the outer portion.

[0010] Public exits may include conduits within the housing.

[0011] The adapter may include a mouthpiece element that can be removably attached to a conduit in the housing, through which the combined aerosolized flow is delivered to the user.

[0012] The insert and the outer portion can be configured such that the insert is a friction fit in the outer portion.

[0013] The recesses in the housing can be adjacent, such that when the nozzle of the aerosol delivery device is received in each recess, the aerosol delivery device can extend from the housing in a parallel side-by-side relationship.

[0014] The adapter may include a housing to receive an aerosol delivery device, which is received in a recess of the housing.

[0015] The outer shell can be releasably attached to the housing.

[0016] The outer casing may be releasably attached to the outer portion of the housing.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol delivery system is provided, comprising an adapter according to this disclosure, and a first aerosol delivery device and a second aerosol delivery device, each aerosol delivery device including a nozzle.

[0018] The recesses in the housing and the nozzle of the aerosol delivery device can be shaped such that a nozzle will be located in each recess.

[0019] Each nozzle can be frictionally fitted in its corresponding recess.

[0020] Each nozzle may taper toward its opening, and each recess in the housing may include a taper of a corresponding shape to receive the nozzle.

[0021] The adapter may include sensors for detecting when the first aerosol delivery device and the second aerosol delivery device are received in the adapter, and for providing signals to the controller of each aerosol delivery device to control each aerosol delivery device.

[0022] The controller can be configured to control the power supplied to the heaters of each aerosol delivery device.

[0023] The sensor may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader on the adapter, and the housing of each aerosol delivery device may include an RFID tag. The RFID reader and the RFID tag may be configured to provide indication received by the aerosol delivery device in the adapter.

[0024] Each aerosol delivery device may include a heater, and the controller may be configured to reduce the power supplied to each heater when the aerosol delivery device is received in the adapter. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A and Figure 1B These are respectively an isometric view and an exploded isometric view of an aerosol delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] As used herein, the term "delivery device" is intended to cover a device for delivering at least one substance to a user, and includes: Systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials and provide non-combustible aerosols without burning the aerosol-generating materials, such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and hybrid systems that use a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols.

[0027] According to this disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is a system in which the aerosol generating material components of the aerosol delivery system (or its components) do not burn or incinerate in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0028] In some embodiments, the delivery device is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as an electrically powered non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0029] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as an electronic cigarette device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not a necessary condition.

[0030] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, and is also known as a heated non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0031] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is a mixing system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0032] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include a non-flammable aerosol delivery device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device.

[0033] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol delivery device. These consumables are sometimes referred to herein as articles of manufacture.

[0034] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system (such as its non-combustible aerosol delivery device) may include a power source and a controller. For example, the power source may be an electrical power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon substrate that can be excited to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol generating material or a heat transfer material adjacent to the exothermic power source.

[0035] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation region, a housing, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0036] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol delivery device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material delivery component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging, filter, nozzle and / or aerosol modifier.

[0037] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes spices.

[0038] As used herein, the terms “spice” and “flavoring agent” refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, may be used in products intended for adult consumers to produce a desired taste, aroma, or other sensory experience. These may include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plant materials, plant material extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice (licorice root), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise seed (fennel), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, vanilla, wintergreen, cherry, berries, raspberries, cranberries, peaches, apples, oranges, mangoes, Clementine, lemons, limes, and tropical fruits). Papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Tolingo, bourbon, Scotch whisky, whisky, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarella, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, katak, naswar, areca nut, hookah, pine, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang Sage, fennel, mustard, allspice, ginger, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil of any variety of peppermint, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos tea, flaxseed, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, mate tea, orange peel, rose, tea leaves (such as green or black tea), thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, allspice, nutmeg, damiencin. Marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, parsley, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor blockers, sensory receptor activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, sodium cyclohexylsulfamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as activated charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanical materials, or breath fresheners. They may be imitation ingredients, synthetic or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as liquids (e.g., oils), solids (e.g., powders), or gases.

[0039] In some embodiments, the flavoring includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavoring components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavoring components extracted from tobacco.

[0040] In some embodiments, the flavoring may include sensory substances designed to achieve a somatosensory sensation that is often chemically induced and perceived by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) (in addition to, or alternative to, the olfactory or gustatory nerves), and these sensory substances may include formulations that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heat-acting agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ether, and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol and WS-3.

[0041] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An aerosol delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The aerosol delivery system includes an adapter 1 and a first aerosol delivery device 4 and a second aerosol delivery device 5. The adapter 1 is designed to combine aerosolized streams from aerosol outlets 2,3 of at least two separate aerosol delivery devices 4,5 into a single aerosolized stream for delivery to a user. In the depicted embodiment, the aerosol outlets 2,3 are the nozzles of each aerosol delivery device 4,5. The adapter 1 includes a recess 7 ( Figure 2 As shown in the image, the housing 6 and recesses 7 are both configured to receive the nozzles 2 and 3 of the aerosol delivery devices 4 and 5. Additionally, the housing 6 includes a flow path 8 extending from each recess 7 to a common outlet 9. Figure 2 (As shown in the image). Therefore, when the aerosol delivery devices 4 and 5 are simultaneously actuated, the aerosolized streams emitted from the nozzles 2 and 3 of each aerosol delivery device 4 and 5 combine in the flow path 8 within the housing 6. The combined aerosolized streams are then delivered to the user through the common outlet 9. In this way, the adapter 1 allows for the mixing of aerosolized streams from the individual aerosol delivery devices 4 and 5. For example, the adapter 1 is configured to allow for the mixing of aerosolized streams from each aerosol delivery device 4 and 5 containing different substances or fragrances.

[0042] The housing 6 includes an outer portion 10 and an insert 11 removably received within the outer portion 10. More specifically, the insert 11 is a friction-fitting element in the outer portion 10. Figure 1B As seen in the diagram, the insert 11 includes a plurality of protrusions 12, and the outer portion 10 includes a plurality of apertures 13 configured to receive the protrusions 12 when the insert 11 is received in the outer portion 10. In this arrangement, the apertures 13 and protrusions 12 are configured to cooperate to ensure the correct orientation of the insert 11 relative to the outer portion 10. Additionally, the apertures 13 and protrusions 12 may be configured to releasably lock the insert 11 within the outer portion 10. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the outer portion 10 and the insert 11 are formed integratedly with each other.

[0043] Figure 2A cross-sectional view of an adapter 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, a flow path 8 is formed in the insert 11, and a common outlet 9 is formed in the outer portion 10. However, it will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the flow path 8 is at least partially formed by the combination of the insert 11 and the outer portion 10, and the common outlet 9 is still formed in the outer portion 10.

[0044] As shown, the common outlet 9 includes a conduit 14 within the housing 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter 1 includes a mouthpiece element 15 that can be removably attached to the conduit 14. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece element 15 may be integrally formed with the housing 6. In particular, the mouthpiece element may be integrally formed with the outer portion 10 of the housing 6. The combined aerosolized flow can be delivered to the user through the mouthpiece element 15 to improve comfort and familiarity with using the adapter 1.

[0045] In some embodiments, the flow path 8 is configured to facilitate mixing of the aerosolized streams from each aerosol generation device 4,5 before delivery to the user via the common outlet 9. Greater turbulence generated within the airflow path 8 results in better mixing of the two aerosolized streams to be combined. To achieve this, the flow path 8 may have a patterned profile to facilitate vortices in the aerosolized streams from each aerosol delivery device 4,5 before delivery to the user via the common outlet 9. For example, the inner surface of the flow path 8 may include a pattern, such as a spiral pattern. It will be appreciated that alternative patterns, besides spiral patterns, may be implemented to facilitate mixing of the aerosolized streams. The patterned profile of the flow path may be formed by any suitable method such as injection molding, embossing, stamping, or surface treatment.

[0046] like Figure 2 As depicted, the recesses 7 in the housing 6 are adjacent to each other. Therefore, when the nozzles 2,3 of the aerosol delivery devices 4,5 are received in each recess 7, the aerosol delivery devices 4,5 extend from the housing 6 in a parallel side-by-side relationship. Furthermore, the recesses 7 in the housing 6 and the nozzles 2,3 of the aerosol delivery devices 4,5 are shaped such that one nozzle 2,3 will be located in each recess 7. Each nozzle 2,3 may be secured within each corresponding recess 7 via a friction fit. In the shown embodiment, each nozzle 2,3 tapers in shape towards its opening, and each recess 7 in the housing 6 includes a correspondingly shaped taper to receive the nozzle 2,3. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the nozzles and recesses may not taper and may have substantially the same shape as each other.

[0047] Although the depicted aerosol delivery system includes two aerosol generating devices, and the depicted adapter is configured to receive the nozzles of the two aerosol delivery devices, it will be appreciated that the adapter may be configured to receive more than two aerosol generating devices. For example, the adapter may include any number of recesses to receive any number of nozzles of the aerosol delivery devices, such as three, four, five, or six individual aerosol delivery devices.

[0048] Refer back Figure 1A and Figure 1B The adapter 1 may include a housing 16 configured to receive aerosol delivery devices 4, 5, which are received in a recess 7 of the housing 6. In some embodiments, the housing 16 may be releasably attached to the housing 6. In particular, the housing 16 may be releasably attached to an outer portion 10 of the housing 6. It will be appreciated that the housing 16 may be releasably attached to the housing 6 in any suitable manner by means of fasteners such as clips or magnets. Additionally, the housing 16 may frictionally engage with the housing 6. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the housing 6 may be used alone to combine aerosolized streams from at least two aerosol generating devices. In other words, it will be appreciated that the adapter 1 may be used even without the housing 16.

[0049] In some embodiments, the adapter 1 includes sensors for detecting when the first aerosol delivery device 4 and the second aerosol delivery device 5 are received in the adapter 1, and for providing signals to the controllers of each aerosol delivery device 4, 5 to control each aerosol delivery device 4, 5. Specifically, each aerosol delivery device 4, 5 includes a heater, and the controller of each aerosol delivery device is configured to control the power supplied to the heater of each aerosol delivery device 4, 5. For example, the controller may be configured to reduce the power supplied to the heater of each aerosol delivery device 4, 5 when both aerosol delivery devices 4, 5 are simultaneously received in the adapter 1. This ensures that certain parameters (such as vapor delivery, nicotine levels, etc.) are maintained within desired ranges even when a user uses both aerosol delivery devices simultaneously.

[0050] The housing of each aerosol delivery device 4,5 may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, and the sensor may include an RFID reader on the adapter 1. The RFID reader and RFID tag are configured to provide indication received by the aerosol delivery device 4,5 in the adapter 1.

[0051] The various embodiments described herein are provided merely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It will be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, constitute, or substantially constitute suitable combinations of, are constituted by, or are substantially constituted by the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Additionally, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An adapter for combining aerosolized streams from at least two separate aerosol delivery devices into a single aerosolized stream for delivery to a user, the adapter including a housing and a flow path, the housing having recesses, each recess configured to receive an aerosol outlet of the aerosol delivery device, the flow path extending from each recess to a common outlet such that, when the aerosol delivery devices are simultaneously actuated, the aerosolized streams from the aerosol outlets of each aerosol delivery device are combined in the flow path and delivered to the user through the common outlet.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, Each recess is configured to receive a nozzle of an aerosol delivery device, the nozzle including the aerosol outlet of the aerosol delivery device.

3. The adapter according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The flow path is configured to facilitate mixing of the aerosolized streams from each aerosol delivery device before delivery to the user through the common outlet.

4. The adapter according to claim 3, wherein, The flow path has a patterned profile to facilitate vortexing of the aerosolized flow from each aerosol delivery device before delivery to the user through the common outlet.

5. The adapter according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing includes an insert and an outer portion, the insert being removably received within the outer portion.

6. The adapter according to claim 5, wherein, The flow path is formed in the insert, and the common outlet is formed in the outer portion.

7. The adapter according to claim 6, wherein, The flow path is formed at least in part by the combination of the insert and the outer portion, and the common outlet is formed in the outer portion.

8. The adapter according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein, The public outlet includes a conduit within the housing.

9. The adapter of claim 8, wherein the adapter includes a mouthpiece element removably attachable to the conduit in the housing, through which the combined aerosolized flow is delivered to the user.

10. The adapter according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein, The insert and the outer portion are configured such that the insert is a friction-fitting element in the outer portion.

11. The adapter according to the preceding claim, wherein, The recesses in the housing are adjacent to each other such that when the nozzle of the aerosol delivery device is received in each recess, the aerosol delivery device extends from the housing in a parallel side-by-side relationship.

12. The adapter according to any of the preceding claims, the adapter comprising a housing for receiving an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device being received in the recess of the housing.

13. The adapter according to claim 12, wherein, The outer shell can be releasably attached to the housing.

14. The adapter according to claim 13, wherein, when subordinate to any one of claims 4 to 9, The outer shell can be releasably attached to the outer portion of the housing.

15. An aerosol delivery system comprising an adapter according to any of the preceding claims, and a first aerosol delivery device and a second aerosol delivery device, each aerosol delivery device comprising a nozzle.

16. The aerosol delivery system according to claim 15, wherein, The recesses in the housing and the nozzles of the aerosol delivery device are shaped such that a nozzle will be located in each recess.

17. The aerosol delivery system according to claim 16, wherein, Each nozzle friction fits in its corresponding recess.

18. The aerosol delivery system according to claim 17, wherein, Each nozzle tapers toward its opening, and each recess in the housing includes a correspondingly shaped taper to receive the nozzle.

19. The aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 15 to 18, the aerosol delivery system comprising a sensor for detecting when the first aerosol delivery device and the second aerosol delivery device are received in the adapter, and for providing a signal to the controller of each aerosol delivery device to control each aerosol delivery device.

20. The aerosol delivery system according to claim 19, wherein, The controller is configured to control the power supplied to the heater of each aerosol delivery device.

21. The aerosol delivery system according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein, The sensor includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader on the adapter, and the housing of each aerosol delivery device includes an RFID tag, the RFID reader and the RFID tag being configured to provide the aerosol delivery device with an indication received in the adapter.

22. The aerosol delivery system according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein, Each aerosol delivery device includes a heater, and the controller is configured to reduce the power supplied to each heater when the aerosol delivery device is received in the adapter.

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