Cleaning tools for aerosol delivery devices

Abstract

A cleaning tool (122) for an aerosol delivery device. The cleaning tool (122) comprises a housing (124) and a resiliently biased cap (126) disposed within the housing (124). The resiliently biased cap (126) is translatable between a first position and a second position. At least one brush (130, 136) is coupled to the resiliently biased cap (126).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning tool for an aerosol delivery device, a method for cleaning an aerosol delivery device, and an aerosol delivery system.

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke when used. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these items by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-not-burn" products, or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating, rather than burning, a material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol delivery systems are known, including the devices or products mentioned above. A typical system uses a heater to create an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by the user. Often, it is necessary to replace or change the medium used in order to deliver and inhale a different aerosol.

[0004] It is known to use a resistive heater to produce an aerosol from a suitable medium.

[0005] A conventional aerosol delivery device includes a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod-shaped consumable is inserted.

[0006] It is known to provide an aerosol delivery device that is charged by a charging unit, where power is supplied to the aerosol delivery device by the charging unit for charging the aerosol delivery device.

[0007] During use, dirt may accumulate on the heating element and / or heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device.

[0008] According to one aspect, Housing and a resiliently biased cap disposed within the housing, the resiliently biased cap translatable between a first position and a second position; at least one brush coupled to the resiliently biased cap; A cleaning tool for an aerosol delivery device is provided, comprising:

[0009] Aerosol delivery devices that include a heater, e.g., a resistive heater or an inductive heating element, suffer from the problem that the heater may become dirty during use. Dirt may also accumulate on the inner wall of the heating chamber. The cleaning tool according to various embodiments is particularly beneficial in that a tool is provided that can be placed on the aerosol delivery device, and can translate the resiliently biased cap between its first and second positions. Corresponding movements of the at least one brush can appropriately clean the heating element and / or any other suitable part of the aerosol delivery device, e.g., the inner wall of the heating chamber. The cleaning tool according to various embodiments can also regulate, e.g., constrain, the cleaning performed by the user, thereby minimizing the risk of the user breaking or damaging the aerosol delivery device, e.g., the heater of the aerosol delivery device.

[0010] Optionally, the or each brush comprises a support and a plurality of bristles extending from each support.

[0011] Optionally, each support is formed from at least two strands of wire twisted together to secure the bristles in place.

[0012] Optionally, the bristles extend radially from each support.

[0013] Optionally, each support is straight.

[0014] Optionally, the at least one brush comprises a plurality of brushes.

[0015] Optionally, the housing comprises an engagement mechanism for engaging with the aerosol delivery device, the engagement mechanism being capable of rotating the cleaning tool relative to the aerosol delivery device.

[0016] Optionally, the housing comprises an attachment mechanism for securing the cleaning implement to one or more slots or notches provided in the aerosol delivery device.

[0017] Optionally, the attachment mechanism comprises a first protrusion for engaging with a first slot or notch in the aerosol delivery device.

[0018] Optionally, the attachment mechanism includes a second protrusion having a different shape and / or dimensions than the first protrusion, the second protrusion being arranged to engage with a second slot or notch provided in the aerosol delivery device, the second slot or notch having a different shape and / or dimensions than the first slot or notch.

[0019] Optionally, the resilient bias is provided by a spring element.

[0020] Optionally, the spring element comprises a helical spring.

[0021] Optionally, the resiliently biased cap protrudes from the housing when in at least the first position.

[0022] Optionally, the resiliently biased cap is at least partially depressed into the housing when in the second position.

[0023] Optionally, the housing defines a cavity dimensioned to accommodate at least a portion of the at least one brush when the resiliently biased cap is in the first position and to receive an outer wall of a heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device, in use.

[0024] Optionally, the housing is substantially cylindrical, the housing defining a substantially cylindrical cavity that accommodates at least a portion of the at least one brush.

[0025] Optionally, the housing has a longitudinal axis, and the at least one brush is configured to translate along the longitudinal axis as the resiliently biased cap translates between the first position and the second position.

[0026] Optionally, the housing has a longitudinal axis, and the at least one brush is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis as the resiliently biased cap translates between the first position and the second position.

[0027] Optionally, the cleaning tool comprises a rotational drive configured to rotate the at least one brush about the longitudinal axis as the resiliently biased cap translates between the first and second positions.

[0028] Optionally, the rotary drive comprises a guide disposed in one of the housing or the resiliently biased cap, and a follower disposed in the other of the housing or the resiliently biased cap for engaging the guide, the guide at least partially following a helical profile. Optionally, the cleaning tool is intended for use with an aerosol delivery device comprising a heater element; The at least one brush includes two brushes, each of the brushes having a support having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom; The housing has a longitudinal axis; Each of the supports is spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by a distance greater than the maximum width of the heater element in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0029] Optionally, the cleaning implement is configured to be attached to the aerosol delivery device during use. According to another aspect, Attaching a cleaning tool as described above to an aerosol delivery device; moving the resiliently biased cap between a first position and a second position at least once; A method for cleaning an aerosol delivery device is provided, comprising:

[0030] Optionally, the method further comprises moving the resiliently biased cap between the first position and the second position a plurality of times.

[0031] Optionally, the method further comprises rotating a housing of the cleaning tool relative to the aerosol delivery device to rotate the at least one brush relative to the aerosol delivery device.

[0032] Optionally, the method further comprises rotating the housing while it is in place on the aerosol delivery device to rotate the at least one brush relative to the aerosol delivery device.

[0033] Optionally, the method further includes removing the cleaning tool from the aerosol delivery device, rotating the cleaning tool relative to the aerosol delivery device, reattaching the cleaning tool to the aerosol delivery device in a different position, and moving the resiliently biased cap between the first position and the second position at least once with the cleaning tool in the different position. According to another aspect, an aerosol delivery device configured to produce an aerosol from the aerosol generation product; The above cleaning tools and An aerosol delivery system is provided comprising:

[0034] Optionally, the aerosol delivery system further comprises an aerosol generator for insertion into the aerosol delivery device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol delivery device disposed within a charging unit according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery device disposed within a charging unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool for an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view through the cleaning tool shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] Figure 5A illustrates an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment. Figure 5B illustrates the aerosol delivery device with the cap removed. Figure 5C illustrates the aerosol delivery device with a cleaning tool attached thereto and with the resiliently biased cap of the cleaning tool depressed into the housing of the cleaning tool to clean the heating element of the aerosol delivery device. Figure 5D illustrates the aerosol delivery device with the cleaning tool attached thereto and with the resiliently biased cap of the cleaning tool in an extended position. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows two perspective views of a cleaning tool according to one embodiment placed on an aerosol delivery device with the resiliently biased cap removed to show how the cleaning tool fits into a cutout in the main housing of the aerosol delivery device. Detailed Description

[0036] Aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments may be conventionally embodied and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed or described in detail. Thus, it will be recognized that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be embodied in accordance with conventional techniques for embodying such aspects and features.

[0037] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosol-generating constituent material (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system is not combusted or is not burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0038] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as an energy-powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0039] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system, an example of such a system being a tobacco heating system.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may 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 hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0042] Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0043] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include aerosol generating materials and are configured for use with non-combustible aerosol delivery devices. These consumables may also be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0044] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, e.g., a non-combustion aerosol delivery device of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material in proximity to the heat generating power source.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or a region for receiving an aerosol modifier.

[0046] In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol delivery device may comprise an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material containment region, an aerosol generating material transport component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0047] An aerosol-forming material is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or in any other way energized. The aerosol-forming material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain active agents and / or flavorings.

[0048] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, in which one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0049] The aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active agents and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and, optionally, one or more other functional materials.

[0050] The aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy, thereby releasing one or more volatile components from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0051] A consumable is an article that comprises or consists of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transport component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol upon use. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0052] The non-combustible aerosol delivery system may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol delivery device and a replaceable aerosol generating product. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may comprise a power source, such as, for example, a battery or a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol generating product may comprise, in part or in full, an aerosol generating component.

[0053] For completeness, aerosol delivery devices comprising an inductive element are known. The aerosol delivery device may comprise one or more inductors and a susceptor arranged to be heated by the one or more inductors.

[0054] The susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that the penetration of the varying magnetic field therein results in induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that the penetration of the varying magnetic field therein results in magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol delivery device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0055] Various embodiments will now be described in more detail.

[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol delivery device 100 according to one embodiment, shown disposed within an elongated cavity of a charging unit 101. The charging unit 101 may include a power source (not shown). The power source may include, for example, a battery (single use or rechargeable), a rechargeable supercapacitor, a rechargeable solid-state battery (SSB), a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LiB), or a sealed battery, a pouch cell battery, or some combination thereof. Although the aerosol delivery device 100 is shown in combination with the charging unit 101, it will be appreciated that the aerosol delivery device 100 may be powered by any other means. For example, the power source provided to the aerosol delivery device 100 may be charged by plugging a power source into the aerosol delivery device 100, or the power source may be replaceable, for example, in the form of a replaceable battery.

[0057] Aerosol delivery device 100 may be placed in charging unit 101 for a predetermined period of time to allow aerosol delivery device 100 to be fully charged. For example, charging unit 101 may be configured to charge aerosol delivery device 100 to full charge for less than 10 minutes, 10-20 minutes, 20-30 minutes, 30-40 minutes, 40-50 minutes, 50-60 minutes, or more than 60 minutes.

[0058] Charging unit 101 and / or aerosol delivery device 100 may optionally have an indicator to visually or otherwise indicate to a user the charge level of aerosol delivery device 100. Additionally, there may be a separate indicator to provide a visual indication of the charge level of charging unit 101. The current charge level of aerosol delivery device 100 and / or charging unit 101 may be determined by control means located in aerosol delivery device 100 and / or charging unit 101.

[0059] The visual indicator may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the visual indicator may be replaced by an audio indicator (e.g., a speaker) or a tactile indicator.

[0060] Aerosol delivery device 100 may include an outer housing that may have a tubular and / or cylindrical shape. However, other embodiments are contemplated and aerosol delivery device 100 may take other desired forms, for example, aerosol delivery device 100 may be box-shaped. According to one embodiment, outer housing 108 of aerosol delivery device 100 may include an electrical insulator and may be formed, for example, of polyetheretherketone ("PEEK").

[0061] According to one embodiment, the distal end of the aerosol delivery device 100 may include one or more orientation features and / or one or more magnets for securing the distal end of the aerosol delivery device 100 to the base of the charging unit 101.

[0062] Aerosol delivery device 100 may be inserted into a cavity of charging unit 101 to recharge aerosol delivery device 100 by receiving power from charging unit 101. Charging unit 101 may include an internal battery for powering aerosol delivery device 100. Charging unit 101 may also be connected to an external power source.

[0063] Charging unit 101 may include a lid or cover 102 that can be slid by a user between an open position and a closed position. Lid or cover 102 is provided within charging unit 101 and at an entrance to a cavity configured to receive aerosol delivery device 100.

[0064] The aerosol delivery device 100 includes an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. According to one embodiment, the aerosol delivery device 100 includes a resistive heater for heating the aerosol product.

[0065] When the lid or cover 102 is in the open position, an opening to the cavity is exposed allowing a user to remove the aerosol delivery device 100 from the charging unit 101 (to use the aerosol delivery device 100) or insert the aerosol delivery device 100 into the charging unit 101 (to charge the aerosol delivery device 100).

[0066] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing aerosol delivery device 100 disposed or docked within charging unit 101. Aerosol delivery device 100 comprises a main housing 105 into which a resistive heating element 104 protrudes. The heating element is in the form of a resistive heating element 104, although it will be appreciated that any other form of heating element may be used, for example an inductive heating element. Aerosol delivery device 100 further comprises a removable cap 106 that may be magnetically attached to main housing 105.

[0067] The removable cap 106 includes a receiving portion 120 for receiving a consumable product. In use, the aerosol generating product is inserted into the receiving portion. The receiving portion 120 comprises a tubular housing having a base 121. The base 121 of the receiving portion 120 has an opening through which the resistive heating element 104 is arranged to protrude. The aerosol generating product can be inserted into the aerosol delivery device 100 by inserting the aerosol generating product through the opening of the removable cap 106, then inserting the aerosol generating product into the receiving portion 120 and onto the heating element 104. The heating element 104 has a blade-like profile such that in use, the aerosol generating product can be pressed against the heating element 104, such that the blade-like profile of the heating element 120 is inserted into the distal end of the aerosol generating product. The heating element 104 is arranged to heat the aerosol generating product therein.

[0068] At the end of the usage session, once the aerosol generation product has been consumed, the removable cap 106 may then be removed from the main housing 105. It will be appreciated that the process of removing the removable cap 106 has the effect of causing the base 121 of the receiver 120 to contact a bottom surface of the aerosol generation product. When the removable cap 106 is withdrawn, the base 121 of the receiver 120 then contacts a distal end of the aerosol generation product, such that the aerosol generation product is withdrawn or otherwise removed from the heating element 104.

[0069] However, over a period of time, the heating element 104, and potentially the inside of the main housing 105, may become dirty and covered with buildup of used aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating product. Therefore, it may be desirable to periodically clean the heating element 104 and / or the main housing 105.

[0070] Cleaning the heating elements and heating chambers of conventional aerosol delivery devices can be problematic.

[0071] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool 122 according to one embodiment that can be used to clean the heating element and / or heating chamber of an aerosol delivery device 100, such as the aerosol delivery device 100 described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The cleaning tool 122 can also be used to clean other aerosol delivery devices.

[0072] The cleaning tool 122 comprises a housing 124 that houses at least a portion of at least one brush (not shown) and a resiliently biased cap 126. As can be seen in this view, a distal end 123 of the at least one brush extends outside of the housing 124.

[0073] 4 is a cross-sectional view through the cleaning tool 122. According to various embodiments, the resiliently biased cap 126 may be resiliently biased by a spring element 128. The spring element 128 may be in the form of a helical spring. However, it will be appreciated that any other element capable of providing a resilient bias may be used.

[0074] The spring element 128 may extend within a cylindrical cavity 130 within the resiliently biased cap 126 to abut an upper end 131 of the resiliently biased cap 126. The other end of the spring element 128 may abut a stopper 127 disposed within the housing 124. The stopper 127 is held in a fixed position within the housing 124 such that when the resiliently biased cap 126 is depressed into the housing 124, the spring element 128 is compressed, providing a resilient bias tending to urge the resiliently biased cap 126 back into the position shown in FIG.

[0075] 3 and 4 may be considered a first position. The resiliently biased cap 126 may have any suitable shape, and any spring element or other biasing means provided on the cleaning tool 122 may have any suitable configuration for biasing the resiliently biased cap 126.

[0076] The cleaning tool 122 may include a first brush 130 comprising a first support 132 having a first plurality of bristles 134 attached thereto. In some embodiments, the cleaning tool 122 may further include a second brush 136 which may also comprise a second support 138 having a second plurality of bristles 140 attached thereto. The first brush 130 and the second brush 136, when provided, may be coupled to the resiliently biased cap 126 such that movement of the resiliently biased cap 126 causes the first and second brushes 130, 136 to move. The first brush 130 and the second brush 136 may be coupled to the resiliently biased cap 126 directly (as shown) or indirectly via an intermediate member.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first support 132 and the second support 138 may each comprise two twisted wires that fix the first and second plurality of bristles 134, 140 in position relative to the first and second supports 132, 138. Each support 132, 138 may have any other suitable configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second supports 132, 138 are both straight. However, it will be appreciated that the first and second supports 132, 138 may have any other suitable configuration that facilitates cleaning of the heating element within the aerosol delivery device 100. The first and second supports 132, 138 may have different configurations to suit cleaning different areas within the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0078] 4, the first and second pluralities of bristles 134, 140 extend radially away from the respective supports 132, 138. Although two brushes 130, 136 are illustrated, it will be appreciated that the cleaning tool 122 may comprise any number of brushes. Similarly, although a particular form of brush 130, 136 is illustrated, i.e., comprising bristles, it will be appreciated that the brushes may comprise any suitable element that contacts a portion of the aerosol delivery device during use of the cleaning tool 122. For example, the brushes may comprise a series of blades that perform the cleaning action.

[0079] The housing 124 defines a cavity 142 that accommodates the first and second brushes 130, 136, a portion of the resiliently biased cap 126, and the spring element 128. As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, when the resiliently biased cap 126 is in the first position shown in FIG. 4, the cavity accommodates a portion of the first and second brushes 130, 136, with the distal portion 123 extending outside of the cavity 142. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the housing 124 may accommodate a lesser portion of the first and second brushes 130, 136 such that a greater portion of the first and second brushes extend out of the housing 124 when the resiliently biased cap 126 is in the first position. In other embodiments, the housing 124 may entirely house the first and second brushes 130, 136 such that no portion extends out of the housing 124 when the resiliently biased cap 126 is in the first position. The cavity 142 may be shaped and / or sized to receive a particular portion of the aerosol delivery device 100, such as the main housing 105 of the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0080] An upper end 144 of the first support 132 is secured within a slot 146 of the resiliently biased cap 126, and an upper end 148 of the second support 138 is secured within a slot 150 of the resiliently biased cap 126. The brushes 130, 136 may be secured to the resiliently biased cap 126 in any other suitable manner. In some embodiments, the brushes 130, 136 may be removably secured to the resiliently biased cap 126 so as to allow replacement.

[0081] In some embodiments, the housing 124 may include a plurality of radially extending protrusions 152 extending around an inner circumference of the housing 124. Any number of radially extending protrusions 152 may be provided. The radially extending protrusions 152 may engage corresponding protrusions and / or recesses on the aerosol delivery device and thus act to secure the cleaning tool 122 to the aerosol delivery device 100. This may improve operation of the cleaning tool 122 as the housing 124 may remain in a fixed position during operation.

[0082] When a user presses on the resiliently biased cap 126, for example with a thumb, the resiliently biased cap 126 is depressed into the housing 124 causing the brushes 130, 136 to move linearly within the housing 124. This position of the resiliently biased cap 126 may be a first position, and the depressed position in which the resiliently biased cap 126 is advanced into the cavity 142 may be a second position. The resiliently biased cap 126 may be resiliently biased to a first position such that it maximally protrudes from the housing 124, as shown. In some embodiments, the housing 124 has a longitudinal axis AA, and the first and second brushes 130, 136 are configured to translate along the longitudinal axis as the resiliently biased cap 126 translates between the first and second positions.

[0083] 5A-5D illustrate an exemplary method of using cleaning tool 122. As shown in FIG 5A, a user may first attempt to clean an aerosol delivery device 100 having a removable cap 106, where removable cap 106 is attached to aerosol delivery device 100. To begin the cleaning process, a user may first remove removable cap 106 from aerosol delivery device 100.

[0084] Aerosol delivery device 100 is shown in FIG. 5B with removable cap 106 removed, showing main housing 105 of aerosol delivery device 100 with heating element 104 disposed therein. Main housing 105 may include first slot 109 and second slot 111, which will be described in more detail later below with reference to FIG. 6. Main housing 105 may include circumferential protrusion 107, which may extend around the periphery of main housing 105.

[0085] Once removable cap 106 has been removed and any aerosol generating product within main housing 105 has been removed, the user may then apply cleaning implement 122 to aerosol delivery device 100 .

[0086] 5C shows a cleaning tool 122 according to one embodiment attached to the aerosol delivery device 100. A user can attach the cleaning tool 122 by inserting the main housing 105 of the aerosol delivery device 100 into the cavity 142 of the housing 124 of the cleaning tool 122. When the cleaning tool 122 is pushed into the housing 105, the protrusions 152 on the cleaning tool 122 can engage with the circumferential protrusions 107 on the main housing 105 of the aerosol delivery device 100. As a result, the cleaning tool 122 can be secured to the aerosol delivery device 100. The cleaning tool 122 is thus attached to the aerosol delivery device 100 during use.

[0087] 5C and 5D, the user can then repeatedly push and release the resiliently biased cap 126 to cause the brushes 130, 136 contained within the cleaning tool housing 124 to repeatedly translate back and forth within the housing 124.

[0088] The resiliently biased cap 126 is shown in a second position in Figure 5C and in a first position in Figure 5D. When the user releases the force applied to the resiliently biased cap 126, the resiliently biased cap 126 returns to the first position as shown in Figure 5D. The user can then press down on the resiliently biased cap 126 or release the cap 126 as many times as desired. This described configuration beneficially provides a quick and convenient means for cleaning the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0089] 6 shows two perspective views of a cleaning tool 122 according to one embodiment. The cleaning tool 122 is shown attached to an aerosol delivery device 100 with the resiliently biased cap 126 and associated components removed for clarity. In some embodiments, the housing 124 of the resiliently biased cap 126 may include a first positioning protrusion 152 and a second positioning protrusion 154. As shown, the first positioning protrusion 152 may be positioned to engage with a first slot 109 provided in the main housing 105 of the aerosol delivery device 100, and the second positioning protrusion 154 may be positioned to engage with a second slot 111 provided in the main housing 105 of the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0090] First and second positioning protrusions 152 , 154 may be configured to prevent cleaning tool 122 , and in particular its housing 124 , from rotating relative to aerosol delivery device 100 .

[0091] In some embodiments, as shown, the first and second positioning protrusions 152, 154 may have different shapes and / or dimensions, so that the cleaning tool 122 can only be connected to the aerosol delivery device 100 in one particular orientation. This is beneficial to ensure that the brushes 130, 136 are properly positioned relative to the heating element 104. The positioning protrusions may instead be located on the aerosol delivery device 100, and corresponding slots or notches may be provided on the cleaning tool 122. Although the positioning protrusions 152, 154 are described as being on the cleaning tool 122, and the slots 109, 111 are provided on the main housing 105, this is not required, and the positioning protrusions 152, 154 may instead be provided on the main housing 105, and the slots 109, 111 may be provided on the cleaning tool 122. Similarly, the cleaning tool 122 and the main housing 105 may each have a mixture of slots and protrusions. Additionally, although the slots and protrusions are described with respect to main housing 105, the slots and / or protrusions may be located in any portion of aerosol delivery device 100 that engages with cleaning tool 122 when attached.

[0092] In embodiments in which the cleaning tool 122 engages the aerosol delivery device 100 such that the cleaning tool 122 is secured to the aerosol delivery device 100, movement of the resiliently biased cap 126, and thus the brushes 130, 136, is restricted. This can be beneficial to ensure that a user does not inadvertently damage the aerosol delivery device 100 by applying excessive force through the brushes 130, 136 or by applying the brushes 130, 136 to areas of the aerosol delivery device 100 that are not intended to be cleaned.

[0093] Although not shown, in some embodiments, the cleaning tool 122 may be rotated relative to the aerosol delivery device 100 so that the brushes 130, 136 reach different areas of the aerosol delivery device 100, e.g., different portions of the heating element 104 of the aerosol delivery device 100. The cleaning tool 122 may be rotated so that the brushes 130, 136 rotate about the longitudinal axis AA of the cleaning tool 122. In some embodiments, the cleaning tool 122, e.g., its housing 124, may be removed from the aerosol delivery device 100, rotated, and reattached to the aerosol delivery device 100 to rotate the brushes 130, 136 relative to the aerosol delivery device. In other embodiments, the cleaning tool 122, e.g., its housing 124, may be rotated while in place on the aerosol delivery device 100 to rotate the brushes 130, 136 relative to the aerosol delivery device. After rotation, the resiliently biased cap 126 may then be translated between the first and second positions to achieve cleaning of different areas of the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0094] In other embodiments, the brushes 130, 136 may be configured to rotate along the longitudinal axis AA of the housing 124 as the resiliently biased cap 126 translates between the first and second positions. For example, the cleaning tool 122 may include a rotational drive configured to rotate the brushes 130, 136 about the longitudinal axis AA as the resiliently biased cap 126 translates between the first and second positions. The rotational drive may include any suitable configuration capable of rotating the brushes 130, 136 relative to one another. For example, in some embodiments, the rotational drive may include a guide disposed on one of the housing 124 or the resiliently biased cap 126 and a follower disposed on the other of the housing 124 or the resiliently biased cap 126 for engaging the guide. The guide may follow at least a partially helical profile. This configuration may drive both linear and rotational motion of the brushes 130, 136. Advantageously, rotation of the brushes 130 , 136 allows the brushes 130 , 136 to reach different areas of the aerosol delivery device 100 .

[0095] In embodiments in which the brushes 130, 136 can rotate about the longitudinal axis A of the housing 124, the spacing W (see FIG. 4) between the supports 132, 138 of the brushes 130, 136 may be greater than the width of the heating element 104 so that the supports 132, 138 can freely rotate around the heating element 104 without contacting the heating element 104.

[0096] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as merely representative examples of embodiments, and are not exhaustive or exclusive of all embodiments. The advantages, embodiments, examples, features, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, or the equivalents of the claims, and it will be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. Housing and a resiliently biased cap disposed within the housing, the resiliently biased cap translatable between a first position and a second position; at least one brush coupled to the resiliently biased cap; A cleaning tool for an aerosol delivery device comprising:

2. 2. A cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the or each brush comprises a support and a plurality of bristles extending from each support.

3. 3. The cleaning tool of claim 2, wherein each support is formed from at least two strands of wire twisted together to secure the bristles in place.

4. 4. A cleaning implement according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the bristles extend radially from each support.

5. 5. A cleaning tool according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein each support is straight.

6. A cleaning implement according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one brush comprises a plurality of brushes.

7. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing comprises an engagement mechanism for engaging with an aerosol delivery device, the engagement mechanism enabling the cleaning tool to be rotated relative to the aerosol delivery device.

8. A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing comprises an attachment mechanism for securing the cleaning tool to one or more slots or notches in an aerosol delivery device.

9. The cleaning tool of claim 8 , wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a first protrusion for engaging with a first slot or notch in the aerosol delivery device.

10. 10. The cleaning tool of claim 9, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a second protrusion having a different shape and / or size than the first protrusion, the second protrusion being arranged to engage with a second slot or notch provided in the aerosol delivery device, the second slot or notch having a different shape and / or size than the first slot or notch.

11. A cleaning tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient bias is provided by a spring element.

12. The cleaning tool of claim 11 , wherein the spring element comprises a helical spring.

13. A cleaning tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the resiliently biased cap protrudes from the housing at least when in the first position.

14. A cleaning tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the resiliently biased cap is at least partially depressed into the housing when in the second position.

15. 15. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the housing defines a cavity that accommodates at least a portion of the at least one brush when the resiliently biased cap is in the first position and that is dimensioned to receive, in use, an outer wall of a heating chamber of an aerosol delivery device.

16. A cleaning tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing is substantially cylindrical, the housing defining a substantially cylindrical cavity for accommodating at least a portion of the at least one brush.

17. 17. The cleaning tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the at least one brush is configured to translate along the longitudinal axis as the resiliently biased cap translates between the first position and the second position.

18. 18. A cleaning tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing has a longitudinal axis, and the at least one brush is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis as the resiliently biased cap translates between the first and second positions.

19. 20. The cleaning tool of claim 18, wherein the cleaning tool comprises a rotational drive configured to rotate the at least one brush about the longitudinal axis as the resiliently biased cap translates between the first position and the second position.

20. 20. The cleaning tool of claim 19, wherein the rotational drive comprises a guide disposed on one of the housing or the resiliently biased cap, and a follower disposed on the other of the housing or the resiliently biased cap for engaging the guide, the guide at least partially following a helical profile.

21. the cleaning tool is intended for use with an aerosol delivery device comprising a heater element; the at least one brush includes two brushes, each of the brushes having a support having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom; the housing having a longitudinal axis; 21. A cleaning tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the supports are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by a distance greater than a maximum width of the heater element in said direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

22. A cleaning tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the cleaning tool is configured, in use, to be attached to an aerosol delivery device.

23. Attaching a cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 22 to an aerosol delivery device; moving the resiliently biased cap between the first position and the second position at least one time; 16. A method for cleaning an aerosol delivery device, comprising:

24. 24. The method of cleaning the aerosol delivery device of claim 23, further comprising moving the resiliently biased cap between the first position and the second position a plurality of times.

25. 25. A method for cleaning an aerosol delivery device according to claim 23 or 24, further comprising rotating the housing of the cleaning tool relative to the aerosol delivery device to rotate the brush relative to the aerosol delivery device.

26. 26. The method of cleaning the aerosol delivery device of claim 25, further comprising rotating the housing while the housing is in place on the aerosol delivery device to rotate the brush relative to the aerosol delivery device.

27. 246. The method of cleaning an aerosol delivery device of claim 245, further comprising the steps of removing the cleaning tool from the aerosol delivery device, rotating the cleaning tool relative to the aerosol delivery device, reattaching the cleaning tool to the aerosol delivery device in a different position, and moving the resiliently biased cap between the first position and the second position at least once with the cleaning tool in the different position.

28. an aerosol delivery device configured to produce an aerosol from the aerosol generation product; A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 22. An aerosol delivery system comprising:

29. 30. The aerosol delivery system of claim 28, further comprising an aerosol generator for insertion into the aerosol delivery device.

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