Aerosol Delivery Device

Abstract

A cleaning implement (122) for an aerosol delivery device comprising a cleaning head (130) having a loop support (133) and a plurality of bristles (134) extending from the loop support (133).

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, a method for manufacturing the cleaning tool, 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 aforementioned devices or products. A typical system uses a heater to create an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by a user. In many cases, the medium used needs to be exchanged or changed in order to deliver and inhale a different aerosol. It is known to use an induction heating system as a heater to create an aerosol from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a fluctuating magnetic field and a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by the penetration of the fluctuating magnetic field to heat the suitable medium. It is also known to use a resistance heater to create an aerosol from a suitable medium. A heating element may refer to an element configured to heat the suitable medium, and can be either a resistance heating element or a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0004] A conventional aerosol delivery device includes a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod-shaped consumable is inserted.

[0005] During use, dirt may accumulate on the heating element and / or heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device.

[0006] According to one aspect, a cleaning implement for an aerosol delivery device is provided, the cleaning implement comprising a cleaning head comprising a loop support and a plurality of bristles extending from the loop support.

[0007] Cleaning implements according to various embodiments have been found to be particularly effective in removing dirt or contaminants that have built up on the surfaces of the heating element or heating chamber of an aerosol delivery device.

[0008] Optionally, the heating element may be a blade or a pin.

[0009] Optionally, the loop support is formed from at least two strands of wire twisted together to secure the hair in place.

[0010] Optionally, the bristles extend radially from the loop support.

[0011] Optionally, the cleaning implement further comprises a loop housing, the loop support extending from the loop housing.

[0012] Optionally, the loop housing is positioned and configured to engage or contact a proximal surface of the aerosol delivery device.

[0013] Optionally, the loop support comprises a first section proximal to the loop housing and a second section distal from the loop housing, wherein bristles of the plurality of bristles extending from the first section extend a first distance from the loop support and bristles of the plurality of bristles extending from the second section extend a second distance from the loop support, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0014] Optionally, the loop support comprises a first section proximal to the loop housing and a second section distal from the loop housing, the plurality of bristles extending from the first section of the loop support and the second section of the loop support being devoid of bristles.

[0015] Optionally, the loop support comprises a first portion disposed in a first plane.

[0016] Optionally, the loop support comprises a second portion angled away from the first plane.

[0017] Optionally, the angle of the second portion relative to the first portion is selected from the range of 0 to 30 degrees, 30 to 60 degrees, or 60 to 90 degrees.

[0018] Optionally, the first portion comprises two portions spaced apart from each other, and the second portion connects the two portions of the first portion.

[0019] Optionally, the two portions of the first portion are parallel and spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heating element of the aerosol delivery device a distance greater than the maximum width of the heating element in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second portion connecting the two parallel portions is angled or otherwise bent such that the second portion does not contact the heating element when the cleaning tool is in use or engaged with the aerosol delivery device.

[0020] Optionally, when the cleaning implement is in use or engaged with the aerosol delivery device, the loop support is positioned to surround but not contact a heating element of the aerosol delivery device.

[0021] Optionally, the cleaning implement comprises an outer housing which houses the loop support and defines a cavity dimensioned to receive, in use, an outer wall of the heating chamber or housing of the aerosol delivery device.

[0022] Optionally, the outer housing is substantially cylindrical, the outer housing defining a substantially cylindrical cavity that accommodates the cleaning head.

[0023] Optionally, the outer housing comprises a cleaning mode engagement mechanism for engaging with the aerosol delivery device, the cleaning mode engagement mechanism enabling the cleaning implement to be rotated relative to the aerosol delivery device.

[0024] Optionally, the outer housing includes an attachment mechanism for securing a cleaning tool to one or more slots or notches provided in the aerosol delivery device.

[0025] Optionally, the cleaning tool comprises a handle portion, the cleaning head being provided at one end of the handle portion and a scraper tool comprising a scraper being provided at the other end of the handle portion.

[0026] Optionally, the cleaning tool comprises a scraper tool detachable from the cleaning head, the scraper tool comprising a scraper, and the scraper tool arranged and configured to engage with the cleaning head to secure the scraper tool to the cleaning head when not in use or engaged with the aerosol delivery device. Optionally, the scraper tool comprises a scraper housing from which a scraper extends, the scraper comprising: a straight shaft having an end distal from the scraper housing; a flexible layer surrounding a portion of the straight shaft; a scraper tip portion located at a distal end of the straight shaft; Equipped with.

[0027] Optionally, the flexible layer comprises silicone.

[0028] Optionally, the flexible layer comprises raised features.

[0029] Optionally, the flexible layer comprises a spiral channel.

[0030] Optionally, the cleaning tool further comprises a silicone support plug, which is configured to support a heating element of the aerosol delivery device when in use or engaged with the aerosol delivery device, such that the heating element is protected from breaking or otherwise being damaged under the action of contact forces exerted on the heating element by a user through the loop structure of the cleaning tool while the cleaning tool is engaged with the aerosol delivery device and / or when the cleaning tool is being used with the aerosol delivery device.

[0031] Optionally, the cleaning head comprises a silicone plug, the silicone plug being positioned adjacent to the loop support.

[0032] Optionally, the cleaning implement comprises two or more loop supports.

[0033] Optionally, the bristles are formed from PEEK. According to another aspect, Attaching the cleaning tool to the aerosol delivery device such that the cleaning tool and the aerosol delivery device share a longitudinal axis; (i) rotating the cleaning tool about a longitudinal axis relative to the aerosol delivery device by at least partial rotation; and / or (ii) translating the cleaning tool axially in at least one direction along the longitudinal axis relative to the aerosol delivery device; A method for cleaning an aerosol delivery device is provided, comprising: According to another aspect, providing a support having a plurality of bristles, the plurality of bristles extending from the support; Trimming hair on either side of a central section of the support, the hair extending to its full extent in the central section after trimming; bending the support to form a loop; A method for manufacturing a cleaning implement comprising: 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] 1A, 1B, and 1C are diagrams illustrating an aerosol delivery device disposed within a charging unit and a cross-sectional view of the aerosol delivery device, respectively, according to one embodiment; [Diagram 2] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the top of the aerosol delivery device. Figure 2B is a perspective view of the top of the aerosol delivery device with an aerosol generation product inserted into the aerosol delivery device. Figure 2C is a perspective view of the internal components of the top of the aerosol delivery device. Figure 2D is a perspective view of the top of the aerosol delivery device with the removable cap removed to reveal the heating element. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a cleaning tool for an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a bristle-free cleaning tool for illustrative purposes. FIG. 3C is a front view of the components shown in FIG. 3B. FIG. 3D is a side view of the components shown in FIG. 3B. FIG. 3E is a perspective view of a cleaning tool for an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment with the outer housing shown as transparent for illustrative purposes. FIG. 3F is a view of the outer housing shown as opaque. [Figure 4]Figure 4A illustrates an aerosol delivery device with a removable cap according to one embodiment. Figure 4B illustrates an aerosol delivery device with the removable cap removed. Figure 4C illustrates an aerosol delivery device with a cleaning tool attached to it for cleaning the heating element, main housing, or heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device. Figure 4D illustrates an aerosol delivery device with the cleaning tool attached to it and in a twisted position such that the bristles of the cleaning tool are positioned to clean the heating element, main housing, or heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device but not contact the heating element of the aerosol delivery device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a cleaning tool for an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment; FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a cleaning tool for an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment; FIG. 5C is a diagram of a portion of a scraper of a cleaning tool according to one embodiment; FIG. 5D is a diagram of a portion of a scraper of a cleaning tool according to one embodiment; FIG. 5E is a diagram of a cleaning tool for an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment, with the cleaner head shown separated from the scraper tool; FIG. 5F is a diagram of a cleaning tool according to one embodiment, with the cleaner head and scraper tool secured together; FIG. 5G is a diagram of a cleaning tool with the outer housing of the cleaning tool shown transparent for illustrative purposes. [Figure 6] 6A, 6B, and 6C are perspective views of a cleaning tool for an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment, and a process for fabricating the cleaning tool according to one embodiment, respectively. 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 1A illustrates an aerosol delivery device 100 according to one embodiment, shown disposed within a charging unit 101. The aerosol delivery device 100 is shown disposed within an elongated cavity 110 of the charging unit 101. FIG 1B is an isolated view of the aerosol delivery device 100 of FIG 1A. FIG 1C is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol delivery device 100 and charging unit 101 above line 2-2 of FIG 1A, showing the aerosol delivery device 100 disposed or docked within the charging unit 101.

[0057] The charging unit 101 may include a power source (not shown), which 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 other sealed battery, a pouch cell battery, or some combination thereof.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The aerosol delivery device 100 may include an outer housing 108, which may have a tubular and / or cylindrical shape, or a substantially tubular and / or cylindrical shape.

[0062] 1B, outer housing 108 of aerosol delivery device 100 may be a cylindrical rod with (i) a flat area 113 cut out of the cylindrical shape and running longitudinally along the length of the outer housing, and (ii) a chamfered area 114 disposed at distal end 103 of aerosol delivery device 100. 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 comprise an electrical insulator, for example, formed of polyetheretherketone ("PEEK").

[0063] As discussed, aerosol delivery device 100 may be substantially rod-shaped, substantially tubular, or substantially cylindrical in shape. In other examples, aerosol delivery device 100 may be substantially rectangular, diamond, or triangular in cross section, or multi-sided, etc. It will be appreciated that cavity 110 of charging unit 101 may be manufactured according to the shape of aerosol delivery device 100, e.g., cavity 110 of charging unit 101 may be correspondingly substantially rod-shaped, substantially tubular, or substantially cylindrical in shape, substantially rectangular, diamond, or triangular in cross section, or multi-sided, etc.

[0064] 1A-1C, aerosol delivery device 100 may be inserted into cavity 110 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.

[0065] Charging unit 101 may include a lid or cover 102 that may be actuated by a user between an open position and a closed position, e.g., lid or cover 102 may slide from a closed position to an open position in a direction as indicated by the dashed arrow shown in FIG. 1C. Lid or cover 102 is provided within charging unit 101 and at an entrance to a cavity 110 configured to receive aerosol delivery device 100.

[0066] 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.

[0067] When the lid or cover 102 is in the open position, an opening to the cavity 110 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).

[0068] 1C, aerosol delivery device 100 includes a main housing 105 into which heating element 104 protrudes. Aerosol delivery device 100 further includes a removable cap 106 that can be magnetically held to main housing 105.

[0069] Consumable cartridge 120 is mountable to removable cap 106 and comprises a tubular housing having a base 121. The base 121 of consumable cartridge 120 has an opening through which heating element 104 is positioned to protrude.

[0070] 2A-2D are various perspective views of the top of aerosol delivery device 100 when separated from charging unit 101, with outer housing 108 shown as see-through for illustrative purposes.

[0071] FIG. 2A shows a removable cap 106 attached to the main housing 105 of the aerosol delivery device 100 with no aerosol generating product inserted into the aerosol delivery device 100, while FIG. 2B shows an aerosol generating product 200 inserted into the removable cap 106 when the removable cap 106 is attached.

[0072] FIG. 2C shows the removable cap 106 with the outer housing of the removable cap 106 made semi-transparent to show the main housing 105 of the aerosol delivery device 100 relative to the consumable cartridge 120 of the removable cap 106 .

[0073] 2D shows aerosol delivery device 100 with removable cap 106 removed, revealing heating element 104 protruding into main housing 105. In FIG. 2D, proximal surface 112 of aerosol delivery device 100 is shown as an end face of main housing 105.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 2B, the aerosol generating product 200 can be inserted into the aerosol delivery device 100 by inserting the aerosol generating product 200 through the opening 109 in the removable cap 106, then inserting the aerosol generating product 200 into the consumable cartridge 120 and onto the heating element 104. The heating element 104 may have a blade-like profile as shown in FIG. 2D, and in use the aerosol generating product 200 can be pressed against the heating element 104 such that the blade-like profile of the heating element 104 is inserted into the distal end of the aerosol generating product 200 along the blade direction B. The heating element 104 is positioned to heat the aerosol generating product 200 internally. It will be appreciated that the heating element 104 may have a different blade-like profile than that shown in FIG. 2D or may comprise a pin.

[0075] Thus, when the aerosol-generating product 200 is heated by the heating element 104 , an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol-generating material that comprises the aerosol-generating product 200 .

[0076] In some embodiments, the heating element 104 may comprise a resistive heating element, and the aerosol delivery device is configured to pass an electrical current through the resistive heating element 104 to resistively heat the heating element 104.

[0077] Alternatively, the heating element may comprise a susceptor or other heating material that is heatable by the penetration of a varying magnetic field. In such an embodiment, the aerosol delivery device 100 may comprise one or more magnetic field generators (such as one or more induction coils) configured to generate a varying magnetic field that heats the heating element by penetrating the susceptor or other heating material.

[0078] At the end of the usage session, once the aerosol generating product 200 has been consumed, the removable cap 106 and attached consumable cartridge 120 may then be removed from the main housing 105. It will be appreciated that the process of removing the removable cap 106 and attached consumable cartridge 120 has the effect of causing the base 121 of the consumable cartridge 120 to contact a bottom surface of the aerosol generating product 200. When the removable cap 106 and attached consumable cartridge 120 are withdrawn, the base 121 of the consumable cartridge 120 then contacts a distal end of the aerosol generating product 200, such that the aerosol generating product 200 is withdrawn or otherwise removed from the heating element 104.

[0079] In other embodiments, the aerosol may be generated within a heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device 100. For example, the consumable cartridge 120 may be attached to the aerosol delivery device 100 to form a heating chamber.

[0080] Over a period of time, the surfaces of the heating element 104 and / or the main housing 105 and / or the heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device 100 may become dirty or covered with contaminants. In particular, the surfaces of the heating element 104 and / or the main housing 105 and / or the heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device 100 may become covered with a buildup of used aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating product 200.

[0081] Additionally, unconsumed aerosol generating material may remain on the heating element 104 or may deposit on the interior surface of the main housing 105 .

[0082] It is therefore desirable to periodically clean the surfaces of heating element 104 and / or main housing 105. As will be appreciated, deposits of used and / or underconsumed aerosol generating material may reach main housing 105, for example, through an opening in base 121 of consumable cartridge 120 from which heating element 104 of aerosol delivery device 100 protrudes.

[0083] It is therefore desirable to clean the surfaces of the heating element 104 and / or main housing 105 of the aerosol delivery device 100. Cleaning the heating element 104 and main housing 105 and / or heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device can be problematic.

[0084] 3A-3F are perspective views of a cleaning tool 122 according to various embodiments. The cleaning tool 122 can be used to clean the heating element 104 and / or the main housing 105 and / or the heating chamber of an aerosol delivery device 100, such as the aerosol delivery device 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2D. The cleaning tool 122 can also be used to clean other aerosol delivery devices.

[0085] The cleaning tool 122 includes a cleaning head 130 having a loop support 133 and a plurality of bristles 134 extending from the loop support 133. The loop support 133 may be formed from at least two strands of wire twisted together to secure the bristles 134 positioned therebetween. As shown in Figures 3A and 3E, the bristles 134 may extend radially from the loop support 133.

[0086] The cleaning tool 122 can be used with the aerosol delivery device 100 by engaging or partially inserting it into an end of the aerosol delivery device 100 with the removable cap 106 removed to clean a portion of the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0087] Cleaning implement 122 may include a loop housing 126. Loop housing 126 may be positioned and configured to engage or contact a proximal surface of aerosol delivery device 100. For example, this proximal surface may include an inner surface of main housing 105, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2D.

[0088] At least one end of loop support 133 is embedded or otherwise secured to loop housing 126 such that loop support 133 extends away from loop housing 126, and in use (i.e., when engaged with an end of aerosol delivery device 100), loop housing 126 can prevent cleaning implement 122 from being positioned or inserted into aerosol delivery device 100 beyond a desired distance. For example, loop housing 126 can prevent cleaning implement 122 from contacting a surface of aerosol delivery device 100 beyond proximal surface 112 of aerosol delivery device 100 that is to be cleaned. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3F, two ends of loop support 133 are embedded or otherwise secured to loop housing 126.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 3B, the loop support 133 may include a first portion 160 disposed in a first plane P. In some embodiments where the heating element 104 is a blade or pin that pierces or otherwise inserts into the aerosol-generating article 200 along a blade direction B (as shown in FIG. 2D), the first portion 160 of the loop support 133 of the cleaning tool 122 may be disposed in the first plane P such that the blade direction B of the blade heating element 104 (or pin) is coplanar with the first plane P. In other words, in use, the first portion 160 may be aligned with the blade direction B of the heating element 104. In this way, a larger portion of the bristles 134 extending from the first portion 160 may come into contact with the heating element 104 than would otherwise be the case if the heating element 104 were oriented out of the plane of the first plane P. This may result in better cleaning quality.

[0090] The loop support 133 may include a second portion 162 that may be angled away from the first plane P (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3D). The second portion 162 may be substantially in the second plane, or may be substantially curvilinear such that the second portion is at a progressively increasing angle from the first plane P with distance from the first portion 160. The angle of the second plane relative to the first plane (or the angle of a tangent taken at a point along the second portion, where the tangent is perpendicular to the first plane P but lies in a plane parallel to the blade direction B) may be selected from the ranges of 0 to 30 degrees, 30 to 60 degrees, or 60 to 90 degrees (as measured clockwise in FIG. 3D from the portion of the first plane P that is below the intersection of the first plane with the second plane or tangent). As will be appreciated, when the second portion is substantially curved, the angle of the tangent can increase continuously from approximately zero (at the transition point between the second portion and the first portion) up to a maximum of 90 degrees (at the point of the second portion furthest from the first plane P).

[0091] The second portion 162 may be sufficiently angled or bent such that at least a section of the second portion 162 is substantially perpendicular to the first plane P. As will be appreciated, after use, deposits of used or unused aerosol generating material may remain in the main housing 105 and / or heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device 100. In particular, deposits left in corners of the main housing 105 and / or heating chamber may be difficult to reach and clean. Thus, the second portion 162 of the loop support 133 of the cleaning implement 122 may be angled such that the second portion 162 of the loop support 133 and / or a portion of the plurality of bristles 134 are positioned to contact at least a portion of a corner of the main housing 105 and / or heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device 100 when the cleaning implement 122 is engaged with the housing 108 of the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0092] Heating element 104 may have an outer width W1 as shown in Figure 2D. Loop support 133 may have an inner width W2 as shown in Figure 3C, which may be wider than outer width W1 of heating element 104 such that loop support 133 may be positioned to surround but not contact heating element 104 of aerosol delivery device 100 when cleaning implement 122 is in use or engaged with aerosol delivery device 100.

[0093] As will be appreciated, the heating element 104 of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be susceptible to mechanical damage from relatively light physical contact. That is, the heating element 104 may be easily damaged by the action of contact forces exerted by a user, typically when cleaning a surface (e.g., when using the cleaning tool 122 to contact and clean the heating element 104). Thus, the loop support 133 of the cleaning tool 122 (e.g., both the first portion 160 and the second portion 162 of the loop support 133) may be configured to surround but not contact the heating element 104, such that a user cannot exert high contact forces on the heating element 104 through the loop support 133 of the cleaning tool 122 while engaging and using the cleaning tool 122 with the aerosol delivery device 100. Furthermore, as described in more detail below, the loop support 133 may be configured to allow a user to rotate the cleaning tool 122 relative to the heating element (e.g., as a cleaning operation) without the loop support 133 contacting the heating element.

[0094] For example, cleaning tool 122 may have a longitudinal axis that, in use, coincides with the longitudinal axis of aerosol delivery device 100, e.g., the longitudinal axis of main housing 105 and / or heating chamber of aerosol delivery device 100. That is, heating blade direction B may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of aerosol delivery device 100, such that cleaning tool 122, in use, shares the same longitudinal axis B (as shown in Figures 3B, 3C, and 3D).

[0095] The first portion 160 of the loop support 133 may comprise two parallel portions of the loop support spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B by a distance greater than the maximum width of the heating element 104 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B. The second portion 162 connects the two parallel portions and may be angled or otherwise bent such that the second portion 162 also does not contact the heating element 104.

[0096] The cleaning implement 122 may include an outer housing 124 that houses the loop housing 126 and the cleaning head 130, as shown in Figures 3E and 3F. As shown in Figure 3E, the outer housing 124 may define a cavity 142 defined between the loop housing 126 and an inner surface of the outer housing 124, the cavity 142 substantially housing the cleaning head 130.

[0097] The cavity 142 in the outer housing 124 can be shaped and / or dimensioned to receive a particular portion of the aerosol delivery device 100, such as its main housing 105. In some embodiments, the outer housing 124 is substantially cylindrical, and the outer housing 124 defines a substantially cylindrical cavity 142 that accommodates the cleaning head 130.

[0098] In some embodiments, the loop support 133 may be removably secured to the loop housing 126 so that the loop support 133 can be replaced.

[0099] In some embodiments, the outer housing 124 includes a cleaning mode engagement mechanism for engaging with the aerosol delivery device 100. The cleaning mode engagement mechanism allows the cleaning implement 122 to be rotated relative to the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0100] 3E, the outer housing 124 may include a plurality of radially extending protrusions 152 extending around an inner circumference of the outer housing 124. Any number of radially extending protrusions 152 may be provided, e.g., one or more protrusions 152. The radially extending protrusions 152 may engage corresponding protrusions and / or recesses provided on a portion of the aerosol delivery device 100, such that the protrusions 152 may act to secure the cleaning tool 122 to the aerosol delivery device 100 relative to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device 100, but the cleaning tool 122 may at least partially rotate about the longitudinal axis relative 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 relative to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device 100, while allowing rotation during a cleaning operation.

[0101] One or more protrusions 152 of the cleaning device 122 may include compliant ribs that are configured to snap-hook into corresponding protrusions and / or recesses on the aerosol delivery device 100, thereby providing tactile feedback to the user when the cleaning tool 122 is attached to the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0102] 4A-4D illustrate an exemplary method of using cleaning tool 122. As shown in FIG 4A, 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.

[0103] Aerosol delivery device 100 is shown in FIG. 4B 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 one or more circumferential protrusions 107 that may extend around the periphery of main housing 105.

[0104] Once removable cap 106 has been removed and any aerosol generating product within main housing 105 has been removed, the user may then apply or attach cleaning implement 122 to aerosol delivery device 100 .

[0105] 4C illustrates a cleaning tool 122 according to one embodiment attached to an 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 a cavity 142 formed in the housing 124 of the cleaning tool 122.

[0106] As cleaning tool 122 is advanced into main housing 105 of aerosol delivery device 100, one or more protrusions 152 (see FIG. 3E ) on cleaning tool 122 may engage with circumferential protrusions 107 on main housing 105 of aerosol delivery device 100. As a result, cleaning tool 122 may be secured to aerosol delivery device 100. Cleaning tool 122 is thus attached to aerosol delivery device 100 during use.

[0107] 4C and 4D , the user can then repeatedly rotate the cleaning tool 122 such that the cleaning head 130 contained within the cleaning tool's outer housing 124 is repeatedly rotated in either direction within the outer housing 124. For example, this rotation can be performed while the cleaning tool 122 remains engaged with the aerosol delivery device 100, i.e., in the same longitudinal position relative to the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0108] The cleaning tool 122 is shown in a first position in FIG. 4C and in a second position in FIG. 4D. The described configuration advantageously provides a quick and convenient means for rotating and thus cleaning the aerosol delivery device 100. As will be appreciated, the shape of the first portion 160 of the loop support 133 can prevent touching and potentially damaging the heating element 104, while the angled second portion 162 can effectively clean corners of the main housing 105 or heating chamber by allowing the bristles 134 to reach those corners. The second portion 162 also prevents touching the heating element 104, for example, by requiring that the distance of the second portion 162 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B at any point along the second portion 162 be at least half the width of the heating element (i.e., [W1] / 2). In some embodiments, the second portion 162 may have a constant curvature with respect to the perpendicular distance from the longitudinal axis B, and the radius of curvature of the second portion 162 may be equal to half the width W2 of the first portion 160 (i.e., [W2] / 2).

[0109] As shown by the longitudinal arrow in FIG. 4D, the above-described cleaning mode engagement mechanism for engaging with aerosol delivery device 100 may also be configured to move cleaning tool 122 longitudinally relative to aerosol delivery device 100 to provide additional movement to enable additional cleaning of heating element 104 and / or main housing 105 and / or heating chamber of aerosol delivery device 100.

[0110] 3B-3D , first portion 160 of loop support 133 may be substantially planar and straight. However, it will be appreciated that loop support 133 may have any other suitable geometry that facilitates cleaning of heating element 104 within aerosol delivery device 100. Loop support 133 may have different geometries to suit cleaning of different areas within aerosol delivery device 100.

[0111] Similarly, although a particular configuration of bristles 134 is shown, namely, a configuration comprising a plurality of uniform bristles, it will be appreciated that the bristles may instead be replaced by any suitable element that contacts a portion of the aerosol delivery device 100 during use of the cleaning tool 122. For example, the bristles may instead be replaced by a series of blades that perform the cleaning action.

[0112] In some embodiments, the outer housing 124 of the cleaning tool 122 may include an attachment mechanism for securing the cleaning tool to one or more slots or cutouts in the aerosol delivery device 100. For example, the attachment mechanism may include a first protrusion for engaging with a first slot or cutout in the aerosol delivery device 100. Additionally, the attachment mechanism may include a second protrusion having a different shape and / or size than the first protrusion, the second protrusion being positioned to engage with a second slot or cutout in the aerosol delivery device, the second slot or cutout having a different shape and / or size than the first slot or cutout. It will be appreciated that the attachment mechanism may still allow rotational and axial movement (along the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool and the aerosol delivery device), but the range of allowed movement may be limited.

[0113] 5A and 5B are perspective views of a cleaning tool 122 according to one embodiment. As shown, the cleaning tool 122 comprises a handle portion 127. A cleaning head 130 is provided at one end of the handle portion 127 and a scraper tool 135 comprising a scraper 128 is provided at the other end of the handle portion 127. As will be appreciated, the end of the handle portion 127 providing the scraper tool 135 may comprise a scraper housing 156, the end of the scraper 128 being embedded within the scraper housing 156 or the scraper 128 being otherwise secured to the scraper housing 156.

[0114] Scraper 128 may be removable from scraper housing 156, for example, to replace scraper 128. Similar to loop housing 126 discussed above, scraper housing 156 may also be positioned and configured to engage or contact proximal surface 112 of aerosol delivery device 100. In an embodiment, during use, scraper housing 156 prevents cleaning tool 122 from being positioned or inserted beyond proximal surface 112 of aerosol delivery device 100, such that scraper 128 does not extend too far into aerosol delivery device 100 and damage other components.

[0115] The scraper 128 can be used to scrape off piles of used and / or not completely used aerosol generating material, particularly piles that are stuck and cannot be cleaned by the cleaning head 130.

[0116] The scraper 128 and cleaning head 130 may be protected from damage when not in use by a cleaning tool cap 131, as shown in FIG. 5B.

[0117] In some embodiments, the handle portion 127 comprises a loop housing 126 that is integral with the scraper housing 156 .

[0118] The scraper 128 may be formed from PEEK. The diameter of the scraper 128 may be smaller than the narrowest gap between the heating element 104 and the main housing 105 or inner wall of the heater chamber. For example, in an embodiment where this gap is 2 mm, then the diameter of the scraper 128 may be 1.8 mm so that it can fit longitudinally between the heating element 104 and the main housing 105 or inner wall of the heater chamber. Additionally, in an embodiment, the scraper 128 may be flexible and / or mechanically weakened to prevent a user from applying a force through the scraper 128 that could damage the heating element 104 or another potentially fragile component of the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0119] 5C and 5D are perspective views of various embodiments of a scraper 128. As shown, the scraper 128 may include a straight shaft 150 having an end 151 distal from a scraper housing 156 (not shown in FIG. 5C or 5D ) and a flexible layer 153 surrounding a portion of the straight shaft 150.

[0120] The scraper 128 may further include a scraper tip portion 155 positioned at the distal end 151 of the straight shaft 150.

[0121] The scraper tip portion 155 may be formed from PEEK. The scraper tip portion 155 may be configured to loosen tobacco deposits that may accumulate at the base of the heating element 104 or within the main housing 105 or heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device 100. For example, the scraper tip portion 155 may extend substantially radially outward and may optionally include a plurality of protrusions 158 each having a sharp tip that converges toward the distal end 151 such that the scraper tip portion 155 may efficiently loosen tobacco deposits, for example, by a user rotating the straight shaft 150. The scraper tip portion 155 may further include an additional sharp tip at the distal end 151 that converges beyond the straight shaft 150. This may be beneficial in embodiments in which the main housing 105 has a closed end 175 (as shown in FIG. 1C ).

[0122] The sharp tip of distal end 151 may be configured to contact and therefore clean corners and edges of the main housing 105 or bottom of the heating chamber of aerosol delivery device 100 where material is prone to accumulate.

[0123] The flexible layer 153 may be configured to prevent damage upon contact with the heating element 104. The flexible layer 153 may comprise silicone or other suitable flexible molding material.

[0124] Flexible layer 153 may include raised features 153 that may be configured to pick up debris of aerosol-generating material from the surface of heating element 104 and / or the interior walls of main housing 105 or heating chamber of aerosol delivery device 100. For example, the raised features may include domes each having a slot-like recess (as shown in FIG. 5C) and / or a circular recess (as shown in FIG. 5D).

[0125] The flexible layer 153 may include a spiral channel 159 , which may aid in lifting dirt from the aerosol delivery device 100 .

[0126] In some embodiments, the cleaning tool 122 may include only a scraper tool 135 that includes only a scraper 128, for example as shown in Figures 5C and 5D, to clean the aerosol delivery device 100, i.e., the cleaning head 130 may be omitted.

[0127] 5E-5G are perspective views of a cleaning tool 122 according to an alternative embodiment, the cleaning tool 122 comprising a scraper tool 135 that is detachable from the cleaning head 130. The scraper tool 135 comprises a scraper 128. As shown, the scraper tool 135 may be positioned and configured to engage the cleaning head 130 to secure the scraper tool 135 to the cleaning head 130 when not in use or engaged with the aerosol delivery device 100. For example, the scraper tool 135 may comprise a scraper outer housing 154 configured to be partially inserted into the cavity 142 of the outer housing 124 in which the cleaning head 130 is housed, as shown in FIGS. 5F and 5G.

[0128] For example, in an embodiment in which the cleaning tool 122 includes an outer housing 124 having a cleaning mode engagement mechanism for engaging with the aerosol delivery device 100, thereby allowing the cleaning tool 122 to rotate relative to the aerosol delivery device 100, the scraper tool 135 includes a scraper outer housing 154 having an attachment mechanism 157 configured to engage with the cleaning mode engagement mechanism of the outer housing 126 of the cleaning head 130, such that the scraper tool 135 can be secured to the cleaning head 130 without relative rotation of the scraping head 133 relative to the cleaning head 130.

[0129] In an embodiment, the scraper tool 135 may be configured such that the scraper 128 can be positioned within the loop support 133 when the scraper tool 135 is secured to the cleaning head 130.

[0130] As will be appreciated, scraper 128 may be configured to be used by a user to scrape off and remove any buildup of used or unused aerosol generating material remaining within main housing 105 or heating chamber of aerosol delivery device 100. Thus, handle portion 127 or scraper implement 135 may be freely manipulated by a user to use scraper 128 to reach inconveniently located and hard-to-reach buildup of used or unused aerosol generating material.

[0131] The scraper 128 may comprise a thin rod. For example, the scraper may comprise a thin cylinder or may comprise a thin strip. The end of the scraper 128 may comprise a sharp tip such that at least one angled surface tapers or converges toward an edge of the end of the scraper 128.

[0132] The length of scraper 128 may be (i) at least the length of the heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device, (ii) at least 1.2 times the length of the heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device, or (iii) at least 1.4 times the length of the heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device.

[0133] The length of the loop support 133 (as measured from the loop housing 126 to the distal portion of the loop support 133 that is furthest from the loop housing 126) may be (i) at least the length of the main housing 105 or heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device 100, (ii) at least 1.2 times the length of the main housing 105 or heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device 100, or (iii) at least 1.4 times the length of the main housing 105 or heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0134] In an embodiment, the cleaning tool 122 may further comprise a silicone support plug (not shown) configured to support the heating element 104 of the aerosol delivery device 100 when in use or engaged with the aerosol delivery device 100, such that the heating element 104 is protected from breaking or otherwise being damaged under the action of contact forces exerted on the heating element 104 by a user through the loop structure 130 and / or scraper 128 of the cleaning tool while the cleaning tool 122 is engaged or used with the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0135] In some embodiments, the cleaning head 130 may include a silicone plug, which is positioned adjacent to the loop support 133.

[0136] In embodiments, the cleaning implement 122 may include two or more loop supports 133.

[0137] The plurality of bristles 134 may be formed from a PEEK material.

[0138] 6A illustrates a cleaning implement 122 for cleaning the aerosol delivery device 100 according to one embodiment. The loop support 133 may be defined by a first section 137 proximal to the loop housing 126 and a second section 139 distal from the loop housing 126. The loop support 133 may be a metal wire (or may be formed from multiple strands of metal wire) such that it can be easily deformed into a desired shape, with multiple bristles 134 extending from the metal wire.

[0139] The bristles may comprise PEEK and have a thickness of 0.1-0.3 mm. According to one embodiment the bristles have a thickness of 0.1-0.2 mm or 0.2-0.3 mm.

[0140] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a cleaning tool 122 according to another embodiment, described in more detail below.

[0141] FIG. 6C illustrates a process for making the cleaning tool 122 according to various embodiments.

[0142] When forming the cleaning implement 122, one end of the loop support 133 before folding (ie, when the loop support 133 is straight, as shown in the left illustration of FIG. 6C) may be inserted into the loop housing 126.

[0143] Bristles 134 may be inserted into loop support 133 and then trimmed to a desired length (e.g., center view of FIG. 6C). Loop support 133 may then be bent so that the free end is inserted into loop housing 126.

[0144] Alternatively, the bristles 134 may be provided on the loop support 133, then the bristles 134 may be trimmed to length, and then the loop support 133 may be bent, after which the ends of the loop support 133 may be attached or inserted into the loop housing 126.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the loop support 133 may be divided into two sections. A first section 137 of the loop support 133 may be proximal to the loop housing 126 and a second section 139 of the loop support 133 may be distal from the housing 126.

[0146] The bristles 134a of the first section 137 may extend a first distance from the loop support 133, and the bristles 134b of the second section 139 may extend a second distance from the loop support 133, the second distance being longer than the first distance. In other words, the bristles 134a of the first section 137 may be trimmed to be shorter than the bristles 134b of the second section 139. Having the bristles 134b of the second section 139 longer than the bristles 134a of the first section 137 is particularly useful when cleaning an aerosol delivery device 100 having a borehole-shaped heating chamber, i.e., an aerosol delivery device 100 having only one inlet hole through which the cleaning tool 122 can enter (e.g., as described above with reference to Figures 1A-1C, 2A-2D, and 4A-4D, in which case the main housing 105 has a closed end 175, as shown in Figure 1C). In this setting, the longer bristles 134b of the second section 139 can contact and therefore clean the corners and edges of the main housing 105 or bottom of the heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device 100 where material tends to accumulate.

[0147] It will be appreciated that the method of construction shown in FIG. 6C may allow for longer bristles 134b to be provided in the second section 139 than may be provided in alternative methods of construction.

[0148] In embodiments in which the loop support 133 comprises a first portion 160 and a second portion 162, the first portion 160 and the second portion 162 may comprise a first section 137 and a second section 139, respectively, with the two sections 137, 139 having different hair lengths.

[0149] According to various embodiments, the second section 139 of the loop support 133 may be free of bristles (as shown in FIG. 6B). This may be particularly advantageous when cleaning an aerosol delivery device having a through-hole heating chamber (e.g., a cylindrical heating chamber that is open at both ends), where in use the cleaning tool 122 is urged to clean the entire through-hole. In making such a cleaning tool 122, a single bristle profile may be provided, in which case the bristles extending from the section of the loop support 133 that forms the second section 139 (e.g., marked 134b in FIG. 6C) are completely trimmed so that the second section 139 of the loop support 133 is free of bristles. Alternatively, two separate bristle profiles may be provided, such that no further trimming is required.

[0150] In an embodiment, the bristles 134 may be trimmed to form bristles 134a in the first section 137 and bristles 134b (or no bristles 134b) in the second section 139 after the loop support 133 is bent into a predetermined shape or after the bent loop support 133 is secured to the loop housing 126.

[0151] It will be appreciated that in embodiments in which at least a portion of the bristles 134 and / or scraper 128 are formed from PEEK, the bristles 134 and / or scraper 128 have substantial temperature resistance such that they are not damaged or softened (e.g., by at least partial melting) when used to clean a portion of the aerosol delivery device 100 that may be relatively hot (e.g., immediately after the aerosol delivery device 100 has been used by a user). Furthermore, the aerosol delivery device 100 can be operated to at least partially heat the main housing 105 or heating chamber during cleaning, thereby at least partially softening or melting or detaching any left-behind deposits of aerosol-generating material, which facilitates their removal by at least a portion of the heat-resistant bristles 134 and / or scraper 128 without damaging at least a portion of the bristles 134 and / or scraper 128.

[0152] The loop housing 126 and / or scraper housing 156 according to some embodiments may also be formed from PEEK, although the material of the housings 126, 156 may be any suitable material. In embodiments in which at least the scraper housing 156 is formed from PEEK, the corresponding scraper 128 may be overmolded with the scraper housing 156 during fabrication so as to be provided as a single piece. In embodiments in which at least the loop housing 126 is formed from PEEK, the loop support 133 (or the wire or wires forming the loop support 133) may be heat staked to the loop housing 126 during fabrication.

[0153] In an embodiment, the bristles 134 of the loop support 133 may be sufficiently long and at least partially curved to contact the inner wall of the main housing 105 or heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device 100 when moved relative to the aerosol delivery device 100 (by rotation about the longitudinal axis or by axial translation about the longitudinal axis).

[0154] In an embodiment, the wire forming the loop support 133 or the single shaft 173 may be formed from stainless steel.

[0155] 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. A cleaning tool for an aerosol delivery device, comprising a cleaning head comprising a loop support and a plurality of bristles extending from the loop support.

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

3. 3. A cleaning implement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bristles extend radially from the loop support.

4. 4. The cleaning implement of claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a loop housing, the loop support extending from the loop housing.

5. The cleaning tool of claim 4 , wherein the loop housing is positioned and configured to engage or contact a proximal surface of an aerosol delivery device.

6. 6. The cleaning tool of claim 4 or 5, wherein the loop support comprises a first section proximal to the loop housing and a second section distal from the loop housing, the bristles of the plurality of bristles extending from the first section extending a first distance from the loop support and the bristles of the plurality of bristles extending from the second section extending a second distance from the loop support, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

7. 6. The cleaning implement of claim 4 or 5, wherein the loop support comprises a first section proximal to the loop housing and a second section distal from the loop housing, the plurality of bristles extending from the first section of the loop support and the second section of the loop support being devoid of bristles.

8. A cleaning implement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loop support comprises a first portion provided in a first plane.

9. 9. The cleaning implement of claim 8, wherein the loop support includes a second portion angled away from the first plane.

10. 10. The cleaning tool of claim 9, wherein an angle of the second portion relative to the first portion is selected from the ranges of 0 to 30 degrees, 30 to 60 degrees, or 60 to 90 degrees.

11. 11. A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first part comprises two parts spaced apart from each other, and the second part connects the two parts of the first part.

12. 12. The cleaning tool of claim 11, wherein the two portions of the first portion are parallel and spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a heating element of an aerosol delivery device by a distance greater than a maximum width of the heating element in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second portion connecting the two parallel portions is angled or otherwise bent such that the second portion does not contact the heating element when the cleaning tool is in use or engaged with an aerosol delivery device.

13. 13. A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the loop support is positioned to surround but not contact a heating element of the aerosol delivery device when the cleaning tool is in use or engaged with the aerosol delivery device.

14. A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising an outer housing which houses the loop support and defines a cavity dimensioned, in use, to receive an outer wall of a heating chamber or housing of an aerosol delivery device.

15. 15. The cleaning tool of claim 14, wherein the outer housing is substantially cylindrical, the outer housing defining a substantially cylindrical cavity that accommodates the cleaning head.

16. 16. The cleaning tool of claim 14 or 15, wherein the outer housing comprises a cleaning mode engagement mechanism for engaging an aerosol delivery device, the cleaning mode engagement mechanism enabling the cleaning tool to be rotated relative to the aerosol delivery device.

17. 17. The cleaning tool of claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein the outer housing comprises an attachment mechanism for securing the cleaning tool to one or more slots or notches in an aerosol delivery device.

18. A cleaning tool according to any preceding claim, comprising a handle portion, the cleaning head being provided at one end of the handle portion and a scraper tool comprising a scraper being provided at the other end of the handle portion.

19. 18. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a scraper tool detachable from the cleaning head, the scraper tool comprising a scraper and arranged and configured to engage with the cleaning head to secure the scraper tool to the cleaning head when not in use or engaged with an aerosol delivery device.

20. The scraper tool includes a scraper housing from which the scraper extends, the scraper comprising: a straight shaft having an end distal from the scraper housing; a flexible layer surrounding a portion of the straight shaft; a scraper tip portion located at the distal end of the straight shaft; and 20. A cleaning tool as claimed in claim 18 or 19, comprising:

21. 21. The cleaning implement of claim 20, wherein the flexible layer comprises silicone.

22. 22. The cleaning implement of claim 20 or 21, wherein the flexible layer comprises raised features.

23. 23. The cleaning implement of any one of claims 20, 21 or 22, wherein the flexible layer comprises a spiral channel.

24. 24. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising a silicone support plug configured to support a heating element of the aerosol delivery device when in use or engaged with the aerosol delivery device, such that the heating element is protected from breaking or otherwise breaking under the action of contact forces exerted on the heating element by a user through a loop structure of the cleaning tool while the cleaning tool is engaged with the aerosol delivery device and / or when the cleaning tool is being used with the aerosol delivery device.

25. 25. The cleaning tool of claim 24, wherein the cleaning head comprises a silicone plug, the silicone plug being positioned adjacent the loop support.

26. A cleaning implement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning implement comprises two or more loop supports.

27. A cleaning tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the bristles are formed from PEEK.

28. Attaching a cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 27 to an aerosol delivery device such that the cleaning tool and the aerosol delivery device share a common longitudinal axis; (i) rotating the cleaning tool about the longitudinal axis relative to the aerosol delivery device by at least a partial rotation; and / or (ii) translating the cleaning tool axially in at least one direction along the longitudinal axis relative to the aerosol delivery device; 16. A method for cleaning an aerosol delivery device, comprising:

29. providing a support having a plurality of bristles, the plurality of bristles extending from the support; trimming the hairs on either side of a central section of the support, such that after trimming, the hairs extend to their fullest extent in the central section; bending the support to form a loop; A method for manufacturing a cleaning tool comprising:

30. 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 27. An aerosol delivery system comprising:

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

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