An applicator device

Abstract

A device 10 for applying a flavouring solution to a cigarette comprising: a housing body 14; a movable housing portion 16 for receiving a cigarette slideably mounted to the housing body 14 so as to be

Description

FIELD The present teachings relate to an applicator device and an applicator device assembly. BACKGROUND A range of methods are known for adding flavouring to cigarettes, for example by applying a flavouring solution to the filter or to the cigarette rod, or by positioning a scented card next to the cigarettes. Some of these traditional methods do not satisfactorily provide the desired taste effect to the smoker. This may be due to the lack of uniformity of the applied flavouring solution to the cigarette or may be due to a loss of flavour occurring over time after the flavouring solution has been applied. Others require a large amount of time to be able to impart a sufficient level of flavour to the cigarettes. The present teachings seek to overcome or at least mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art. SUMMARY A first aspect of the teachings provides an applicator device for applying a flavouring solution to a cigarette, the applicator device which may comprise: a housing comprising a main housing body and a moveable housing portion configured for receiving a cigarette thereon, in use, said housing portion slideably mounted to the housing body so as to be moveable along an axis between open and closed positions; and / or a nozzle fixedly mounted within the housing body, the nozzle comprising an outlet configured and arranged to dispense a flavouring solution onto a cigarette positioned on the housing portion, in use; and / or a solution flow path fluidly connectable to a flavouring solution reservoir and fluidly connected with the nozzle for conveying a flavouring solution to the nozzle outlet; and / or a dispensing arrangement actuatable to convey a flavouring solution along the solution flow path to the nozzle outlet to dispense a flavouring solution, in use, wherein the applicator device may be configured such that the dispensing arrangement is actuated to dispense a flavouring solution from the nozzle during movement of the housing portion along the axis. In this arrangement, a flavouring solution may be dispensed from the nozzle and so is applied to a cigarette as the tray is moved between the open and closed positions. Movement of the tray relative to the housing / nozzle results in relative movement between the cigarette and the nozzle outlet. In this way, the flavouring solution is able to be dispensed along an elongate length of the cigarette during this movement. This results in a more even distribution of the flavouring solution along the length of the cigarette. Optionally, the moveable housing portion may be provided in the form of a tray comprising an elongate recess configured to receive a cigarette, in use. This arrangement helps to align the cigarette with the nozzle and / or nozzle outlet for even distribution of the flavouring solution. Optionally, the elongate recess may be configured to conform to an external surface of a cigarette, in use, to align the cigarette with the nozzle. This arrangement correctly aligns the cigarette with the nozzle and / or nozzle outlet. Optionally, the tray may comprise one or more alignment members for aligning a cigarette with the nozzle, in use. Optionally, the one or more alignment members may be configured to conform to an external surface of a cigarette, in use. This arrangement aligns the cigarette with the nozzle and / or nozzle outlet. Optionally, each alignment member may define a seat for receiving a cigarette thereon, and wherein the seat is at least partially circular. This arrangement aligns the cigarette with the nozzle and / or nozzle outlet. Optionally, the applicator device can be configured such that a flavouring solution may be dispensed from the nozzle outlet only during movement of the moveable housing portion from the closed to the open position. This arrangement provides a device in which the flavouring solution is applied to the cigarette immediately prior to the cigarette being removed from the device. Optionally, the applicator device may comprise an activator, wherein the applicator device is configured to only dispense a flavouring solution when the activator is activated. This arrangement helps to prevent accidental dispensing of the flavouring solution. Optionally, the activator may comprise a button or switch on the housing. Optionally, the applicator device may comprise a gear or other transmission arrangement configured to transmit motion from the moveable housing portion to the dispensing arrangement to dispense a flavouring solution. The activator may be configured to selectively engage the gear arrangement or other drive arrangement. This arrangement helps to prevent accidental dispensing of the flavouring solution. Optionally, the gear arrangement may comprise a rack and pinion gear arrangement. This facilitates translating linear movement of tray into a circular movement. Optionally, the rack may be provided on the moveable housing portion. Optionally, the dispensing arrangement may comprise a pump configured to convey a flavouring solution along the flow path to the nozzle outlet, in use. Optionally, the pump may be a peristaltic pump. Optionally, the nozzle may be provided in the form of an elongate body, e.g. a needle, configured and arranged such that said needle is inserted into a cigarette body, in use, during movement of the moveable housing portion from the open to the closed position. This arrangement works to dispense the flavouring solution within the cigarette along the length of the cigarette, which has been found to improve flavouring of the cigarette. Optionally, the elongate body may comprise a side wall and a distal, or head, end defining an end face, and wherein the nozzle outlet may be positioned on the side wall such that the end face is closed. Providing a closed end face helps to reduce ingress of tobacco into the nozzle during insertion of the nozzle into the cigarette. Optionally, the nozzle outlet may be provided as a plurality of outlet apertures arranged around the elongate body. This has been found to result in a more even distribution of the flavouring solution along the length of the cigarette. Optionally, the end face may be tapered or angled relative to an elongate axis of the elongate body. This has been found to facilitate insertion of the nozzle into the cigarette. Optionally, the applicator device may comprise an inlet connector defining an inlet port fluidly connected to an upstream end of the flow path and connectable to a flavouring solution reservoir. Optionally, the applicator device may comprise a flavouring solution container defining a flavouring solution reservoir fluidly connected to an upstream end of the flow path. The flavouring solution container may comprise a container connector that is configured to conform to the shape of the inlet connector. Optionally, the flavouring solution container may comprise at least one rigid portion, e.g. a rigid frame portion, and a flexible pouch defining the flavouring solution reservoir. An example provides a flavouring solution container configured to be connectable to an applicator device, in which the container may comprise: at least one rigid portion; and / or a flexible pouch defining a flavouring solution reservoir; and / or a container connector configured to conform to the shape of the inlet housing of an applicator device. Optionally, the container connector may be a push fit, e.g. tapered so as to conform to the shape of the inlet housing of an applicator device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of an applicator device according to an embodiment in a closed position; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the applicator device of Figure 1 in an open position; Figure 3 is an isometric view of the applicator device of Figure 2 with a part of the housing removed; Figures 4 and 5 are different isometric views of a flavouring solution container; Figure 6 is a front view of a solution flow path of the applicator device of Figure 1; Figure 7 is an isometric view of a nozzle of the applicator device of Figure 1; Figures 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of the nozzle of Figure 7 being inserted into a body of a cigarette; Figures 9A and 9B are a partial front and side views of the applicator device of Figure 1 with a part of the housing removed; Figures 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views through a pinion gear of the applicator device in disengaged and engaged conditions; and Figure 11 is an isometric view of the pinion gear of Figures 10A and 10B in a disengaged condition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an applicator device is illustrated and is indicated generally at 10. The applicator device 10 is configured for applying a flavouring solution to a cigarette (not shown). The applicator device 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 is formed from a main housing body 14, and a moveable housing portion 16. In the illustrated arrangement, the moveable housing portion is provided in the form of a tray 16, but it will be appreciated that any suitable housing part for receiving a cigarette may be used. The tray 16 is slideably mounted to the main body 14 so as to be moveable along an axis X between a closed position (illustrated in Figure 1) and an open position (illustrated in Figure 2). The main body 14 defines a cavity in which a part of the tray 16 is received, when the tray 16 is in the closed position. The housing defines a gripping formation 18 to facilitate moving the tray 16 between the open and closed positions. The gripping formation 18 is provided in the form of a pair of opposing recessed or grooves on the main body 14 and the tray 16. The grooves 18 are arranged to be adjacent, when the tray 16 is in the closed position. It will be appreciated that any suitable gripping formation may alternatively be used, such as one or more protrusions, or a surface coating or treatment. Alternatively, the gripping formation may be omitted. Additionally, it will be appreciated that in some arrangements, a gripping formation may only be provided on the tray 16, or the gripping formation may be omitted entirely. The tray 16 is configured for receiving a cigarette thereon, in use. The tray comprises an elongate recess or channel 20 configured to receive a cigarette therein. A head portion 22 I provided at a distal end of the tray 16. The head portion 22 is abuts against the main body 14, when the tray 16 is in the closed position. One of the grooves 18 is provided on the head portion 22 of the tray 16. At least a part of the recess may be configured to conform to an external shape, i.e. an external face, of a cigarette. In some arrangements, the tray 16 may include an alignment arrangement. The alignment arrangement includes one or more alignment members 24. The or each alignment member 24 may be configured to conform to an external surface of a cigarette, in use. Put another way, the or each alignment member may comprise a surface or a seat defining a least a part or a circle, e.g. a defining a semi-circle, to conform to an external surface of a substantially cylindrical cigarette. In the arrangement shown, an array of alignment members 24 are provided on the tray 16. The alignment members 24 are spaced apart along an elongate length of the tray 16 for supporting a cigarette along its length. The housing 16 defines a chamber. The housing is provided with a removable housing portion 25. The housing portion 25 is releasably attachable to the main body 14 to open and close the chamber. The chamber is separate from the cavity of the main body 14. Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the applicator device includes a flavouring solution container 26. The chamber receives the flavouring solution container 26, as is illustrated in Figure 3. The flavouring solution container 26 defines a flavouring solution reservoir and is connected to an upstream end of a solution flow path, as will be discussed in more detail below. The flavouring solution container 26 includes at least one rigid portion 28, e.g. a rigid frame portion. This provides structural rigidity of the container, and facilitates connection and disconnection of the container 26 to / from the housing 12. The flavouring solution container 26 includes a flexible pouch 30 defining the flavouring solution reservoir for storing flavouring solution therein. Providing a pouch 30 that is flexible enables it to collapse inwardly as the flavouring solution is drawn out of the pouch 30. The applicator device is provided with an inlet housing 32. The inlet housing 32 is connected to the main body 14. The inlet housing is connected to the main body 14 so as to be positioned within the chamber. The inlet housing 32 includes an inlet connector 34. The inlet housing 32 defines an inlet port 36 fluidly connected to an upstream end of the solution flow path. The inlet connector 34 is configured so as to be connectable to the flavouring solution container 26. The flavouring solution container 26 includes a connector 38 that is configured to connect to the inlet connector 34. The inlet connector 34 and the container connector 38 are configured so as to conform to each other. The inlet connector 34 and the container connector 38 may be push fit connectors. The inlet connector 34 and the container connector 38 include corresponding tapered surfaces, which has been found to facilitate rapid and simple attachment / assembly thereof, whilst ensuring a good seal. The inlet connector 34 and container connector 38 are provided as corresponding male and female connectors. In the arrangement shown, the inlet housing 28 is provided as a male connector, and the container connector 38 is provided as a female connector. The inlet connector 34 is substantially frusto-conical in shape, and the container connector 38 defines an internal surface that conforms to the inlet connector 38 shape. In other embodiments other forms of inlet connector and container connector may be utilised (e.g. screw or bayonet type fittings) and / or the male and female portions may be reversed. Referring to Figure 6, the applicator device 10 includes a nozzle 40. The nozzle 40 is arranged in the housing 12. The position of the nozzle 40 is substantially fixed within the housing 12. Put another way, the nozzle is fixedly mounted within the housing 12. The nozzle 40 defines a nozzle outlet that is configured and arranged to dispense a flavouring solution onto a cigarette positioned in the tray 16, in use. The applicator device 10 includes a solution flow path 44. The solution flow path is fluidly connectable to a flavouring solution reservoir (e.g. of the container 25). The solution flow path is fluidly connected with the nozzle 40 for conveying a flavouring solution to the nozzle outlet. In the illustrated arrangements, the flow path 44 includes a flexible tube 46. An upstream end 48 of the flexible tube 46 is connected to the inlet housing 32 such that the flexible tube 46 is connectable to the flavouring solution container 26. A downstream end of the flexible tube 46 is connect to the nozzle 40. The applicator device 10 includes a dispensing arrangement 48 actuatable to dispense a flavouring solution. Put another way, the applicator device 10 includes a dispensing arrangement 48 actuatable to draw a flavouring solution from the container 26, convey said flavouring solution along the flexible tube 46 to the nozzle 40, and to dispense the flavouring solution from the nozzle outlet. The applicator device 10 is configured such that the dispensing arrangement 48 is actuated during movement of the tray 16 along the axis X such that a flavouring solution is dispensed from the nozzle outlet so as to apply a flavouring solution to a cigarette as described in more detail below. In this way, flavouring solution is dispensed only as the tray 16 is moved between the closed and open positions. Movement of the tray 16 relative to fixed nozzle 40 works to apply the flavouring solution along an elongate length of the cigarette as the tray 16 is moved along the axis X to provide a more even distribution of the flavouring solution along the length of the cigarette. The applicator device 10 may be configured such that a flavouring solution is only dispensed from the nozzle outlet during movement of the tray 16 from the closed to the open position. This arrangement provides a device 10 in which the flavouring solution is applied to the cigarette immediately prior to the cigarette being removed from the device. The dispensing arrangement 48 includes a pump 50. The pump 50 is configured to convey a flavouring solution along the flow path 44 to the nozzle outlet. Put another way, the pump 50 is configured to draw a flavouring solution from the container 26, convey said flavouring solution along the flexible tube 46 to the nozzle 40, and to dispense the flavouring solution from the nozzle outlet. In the arrangement shown, the pump 50 is a peristaltic pump. The pump 50 includes one or more lobes or rollers 52. Each roller is configured to compress the flexible tube 46 as the pump 50 rotates so as to force the flavouring solution to move along the flexible tube 46. The pump 50 may be a 4-lobe 52 peristaltic pump. The use of peristaltic pump works to effectively clamp the flexible tube 46 when the tray 16 is not being moved, so as to prevent or minimise leakage of the flavouring solution. Referring to Figure 7, the nozzle 40 is provided in the form of an elongate body. For example, in some embodiments the nozzle 40 may be considered to be a needle. The elongate body is formed from a rigid material, for example a rigid plastics material or a metal material. In the arrangement shown, the elongate body is substantially cylindrical, although it will be appreciated that the body may be shaped differently in different arrangements. The elongate body includes a side wall and a distal, or head, end 41. The elongate body defines an end face at the distal end 41. In some embodiments, the end face is tapered or angled relative to an elongate axis of the elongate body. This has been found to facilitate insertion of the nozzle into the cigarette. In the embodiment shown, the end face 41 is substantially conical, but it will be appreciated that any suitable shape may be used in alternative embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the nozzle outlet 42 is positioned on a side wall of the elongate body. In such embodiments, the end face may be considered to be closed. This arrangement has been found to reduce ingress of tobacco into the nozzle during insertion of the nozzle into the cigarette as well as improving the uniformity of the dispensed flavouring solution. Whilst only a single nozzle outlet 42 is shown, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, nozzle outlet 42 may be provided as a plurality of outlet apertures arranged around the elongate body (e.g. around the cylindrical side wall). It will be understood that the nozzle outlet 42 may include one, two, three, four, five, six or any suitable number of apertures. Referring to Figures 8A and 8B, the elongate body of the nozzle 40 is arranged in the housing 12 such that the elongate body is pushed or inserted into the body of a cigarette C positioned on the tray 16, during movement of the tray 16 from the open to the closed position. Inserting the nozzle 40 into a cigarette prior to dispensing a flavouring solution has been found to improve the application of the flavouring solution, which improves flavouring of the cigarette. Referring now to Figures 9A and 9B, the applicator device 10 is configured to transmit movement of the tray 16 along the axis X to the dispensing arrangement so as to dispense flavouring solution. The applicator device 10 may be provided with an activator 54 such that the applicator device 10 is configured to only dispense a flavouring solution when the activator 54 has been activated. Put another way, the applicator device 10 may be configured to only transmit movement from the tray 16 to the pump 50 when the activator has been activated, e.g. pushed or selected. The incorporation of an activator has been found to reduce or prevent accidental dispensing of the flavouring solution. In the arrangement shown, the activator 54 comprises a button or switch that is provided on the housing 12. In the arrangement shown, the applicator device 10 is provide with a gear arrangement 56 configured to transmit motion from the tray 16 to the dispensing arrangement to dispense a flavouring solution. In this arrangement, the activator 54 is configured to selectively engage and disengage the gear arrangement 56 to enable and disable motive power to be transmitted therebetween. The gear arrangement 56 includes a rack and pinion gear arrangement, which has been found to facilitate translating linear movement of tray into a circular movement. In the arrangement shown, the rack 58 is provided along a part of the elongate length of the tray 16. The gear arrangement 56 also includes one or more pinion gears. A first pinion gear 60 is fixedly mounted to the pump 50 to transmit movement from the gear arrangement 56 to the pump 50. In the arrangement shown, second, third, fourth and fifth pinion gears 62, 64, 66, 68 are arranged between the rack 58 and the first pinion gear 60. The fifth pinion gear 68 includes a gear ring 68a which engages the rack 58 and a second smaller diameter ring gear 68b axially spaced therefrom to engage the fourth gear 66. With reference to Figures 10A, 10B and 11, in this embodiment, depressing the activator 54 engages a clutch between the first 68a and second 68b gear rings to enable the motion to be transmitted, as discussed above. In this embodiment the clutch is a dog clutch 70 formed axially extending protrusions of the gear teeth of the second gear ring 68b which mesh with corresponding apertures formed radially inward of the teeth of he first gear ring 68a. A resilient element, in this embodiment a spring 72, biases the dog clutch into a disengaged position (Figure 10A). In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that any number of pinion gears may be provided, for example in some arrangements the first pinion gear 60 may be arranged to engage the rack 58.. Further, alternative transmission arrangements may be used, such as belts, shafts or chains. A one-way clutch may be provided in the transmission arrangement to prevent air being drawn into the nozzle 40 and tube 46 if the activator 54 is depressed during closing of the tray 16. Operation of the applicator device is as follows: Fitting of the container 26 is achieved by pulling the tray 16 out slightly to allow the removable housing portion 25 to be detached. The container 26 is then mounted to the connector 34, and the housing portion 25 re-attached. If the applicator device 10 is being used for the first time, the pump 50 will not be primed with flavouring solution and so the tray 16 may need to be opened one or more times with the activator 54 depressed to do this. When primed, without depressing the activator 54, the tray 16 is withdrawn fully until it stops. A cigarette C in inserted and the tray 16 closed (without depressing the activator 54 so as not to draw air into the pump 50). The cigarette C may now be carried in the device 10 until the point of flavouring. When ready to flavour the cigarette C, the user depresses the activator 54 and pulls up the tray 16. At this point, the flavouring solution is delivered to the cigarette C. If the button is not depressed, no flavouring solution will be dispensed. Once fully open, the flavoured cigarette C can be removed. If the button is not depressed for the entire length the tray 16 is in motion, the flavouring solution will not be dispensed along the length of the cigarette and a reduced amount of liquid will be supplied (which may be desirable in some circumstances). The tray 16 may now be closed with or without a new cigarette C. The activator 54 should be released when closing to ensure air is not pulled into the tubing 46 within the device 10. Although the teachings have been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope as defined in the appended claims. For example, the mechanical mechanism described above may be replaced by one that utilises electrical energy to dispense the flavouring solution, e.g. via an electric motor powered pump. This may allow the user to customise the dose they require in conjunction with an HMI incorporated in the device or associated mobile device application and suitable communication (e.g. via Bluetooth) between the applicator device 10 and the mobile device.

Claims

1. An applicator device for applying a flavouring solution to a cigarette, the applicator device comprising:a housing comprising a main housing body and a moveable housing portion configured for receiving a cigarette thereon, in use, said housing portion slideably mounted to the housing body so as to be moveable along an axis between open and closed positions;a nozzle fixedly mounted within the housing body, the nozzle comprising an outlet configured and arranged to dispense a flavouring solution onto a cigarette positioned on the housing portion, in use;a solution flow path fluidly connectable to a flavouring solution reservoir and fluidly connected with the nozzle for conveying a flavouring solution to the nozzle outlet; anda dispensing arrangement actuatable to convey a flavouring solution along the solution flow path to the nozzle outlet to dispense a flavouring solution, in use,wherein the applicator device is configured such that the dispensing arrangement is actuated to dispense a flavouring solution from the nozzle during movement of the housing portion along the axis.

2. The applicator device according to claim 1, wherein the moveable housing portion is provided in the form of a tray comprising an elongate recess configured to receive a cigarette, in use.

3. The applicator device according to claim 2, wherein the elongate recess is configured to conform to an external surface of a cigarette, in use, to align the cigarette with the nozzle.

4. The applicator device according to claim 3, wherein the tray comprises one or more alignment members for aligning a cigarette with the nozzle, in use.

5. The applicator device according to claim 4, wherein the one or more alignment members are configured to conform to an external surface of a cigarette, in use.

6. The applicator device according to claim 5, wherein each alignment member defines a seat for receiving a cigarette thereon, and wherein the seat is at least partially circular.

7. The applicator device according to any preceding claim, configured such that a flavouring solution may be dispensed from the nozzle outlet only during movement of the moveable housing portion from the closed to the open position.

8. The applicator device according to any preceding claim, comprising an activator, wherein the applicator device is configured to only dispense a flavouring solution when the activator is activated.

9. The applicator device according to claim 8, wherein the activator comprises a button or switch on the housing.10.The applicator device according to any preceding claim, comprising a gear or other transmission arrangement configured to transmit motion from the moveable housing portion to the dispensing arrangement to dispense a flavouring solution.11.The applicator device according to claim 9, when dependent upon claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the activator is configured to selectively engage the gear or other transmission arrangement.12.The applicator device according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the gear arrangement comprises a rack and pinion gear arrangement.

13. The applicator device according to claim 12, wherein the rack is provided on the moveable housing portion.14.The applicator device according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispensing arrangement comprises a pump configured to convey a flavouring solution along the flow path to the nozzle outlet, in use.15.The applicator device according to claim 14, wherein the pump is a peristaltic pump.16.The applicator device according to any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle is provided in the form of an elongate body, e.g. a needle, configured and arranged such that said needle is inserted into a cigarette body, in use, during movement of the moveable housing portion from the open to the closed position.17.The applicator device according to claim 16, wherein the elongate body comprises a side wall and a distal, or head, end defining an end face, and wherein the nozzle outlet is positioned on the side wall such that the end face is closed.18.The applicator device according to claim 17, wherein the nozzle outlet is provided as a plurality of outlet apertures arranged around the elongate body.19.The applicator device according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the end face is tapered or angled relative to an elongate axis of the elongate body.20.The applicator device according to any preceding claim, comprising an inlet connector defining an inlet port fluidly connected to an upstream end of the flow path and connectable to a flavouring solution reservoir.21.The applicator device according to any preceding claim, comprising a flavouring solution container defining a flavouring solution reservoir fluidly connected to an upstream end of the flow path.22.The applicator device according to claim 21, when dependent upon claim 20, wherein the flavouring solution container comprises a container connector that is configured to conform to the shape of the inlet connector.23.The applicator device according to claim 22, wherein the flavouring solution container comprises at least one rigid portion, e.g. a rigid frame portion, and a flexible pouch defining the flavouring solution reservoir.

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