Cleaning tool for cleaning the aerosol delivery device

Abstract

Disclosed is a cleaning tool (400) for cleaning an aerosol delivery device, the cleaning tool (400) comprising a first part comprising a handle portion having a support depending or extending from the handle portion and a plurality of barbs (415) or pads depending or extending from a distal end of the support, the cleaning tool (400) further comprising a second part comprising a housing (401) for receiving the first part, the housing further comprising an engagement mechanism (430) for engaging a cover of the aerosol delivery device to remove or displace the cover.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. 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 that release compounds by heating a material without burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and 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 generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by the user. In many cases, it is necessary to replace or change the medium used in order to deliver and inhale a different aerosol.

[0004] A problem with known aerosol delivery devices is that they can become soiled and require cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, there is provided a cleaning tool for cleaning an aerosol delivery device, comprising:

[0006] a first part comprising a handle portion having a support depending or extending therefrom and a plurality of barbs or pads depending or extending from a distal end of the support;

[0007] a second part comprising a housing for receiving the first part, the housing further comprising an engagement mechanism for engaging a cover of the aerosol delivery device to remove or displace the cover; A cleaning tool is provided comprising:

[0008] The cleaning tool according to various embodiments allows a user to open and remove or displace a cover, which may be provided, for example, at a distal end of the aerosol delivery device, thereby exposing an opening, which may lead to a heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device. A different portion of the cleaning tool, including a support with a number of spines or pads depending or extending from the support, may then be used to clean within the heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device. The cleaning tool avoids a user attempting to clean the aerosol delivery device with their fingers, and therefore avoids the user inadvertently burning their fingers.

[0009] Optionally, the support is formed from at least two wire strands twisted together to secure the barbs or pads in place.

[0010] Optionally, a plurality of barbs or pads extend radially from the support.

[0011] Optionally, the support is straight, bent or curved.

[0012] Optionally, the handle portion of the first part includes an external thread and the housing of the second part includes a complimentary internal thread for securing the first part and the second part together in the storage configuration.

[0013] It will be appreciated that the first and second parts may be mated together for storage, but the first part may be used separately from the second part for cleaning purposes.

[0014] Optionally, a housing of the second component encloses at least a portion of the first component in the storage configuration.

[0015] Optionally, the engagement mechanism can rotate or displace a cover of the aerosol delivery device.

[0016] Optionally, the engagement feature comprises a first protrusion for engaging with a first slot or notch in the cover of the aerosol delivery device.

[0017] Optionally, the engagement mechanism further comprises 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.

[0018] Optionally, the handle portion of the first part further comprises a shoulder for resting within the aperture of the aerosol delivery device when the cover is removed or displaced by the engagement mechanism.

[0019] Optionally, the plurality of barbs comprise PEEK (polyetheretherketone).

[0020] Optionally, the support comprises stainless steel.

[0021] Optionally, the cleaning tool further comprises a third part, the third part comprising a handle having a screw member depending or extending therefrom for removing the aerosol product article from the aerosol delivery device.

[0022] Optionally, the screw member comprises stainless steel.

[0023] Optionally, the housing of the second component is further configured to receive a third component in the storage configuration.

[0024] Optionally, a housing of the second component encloses at least a portion of the third component in the storage configuration.

[0025] It will be appreciated that the third part and the second part may be mated together for storage, but the third part may be used separately from the second part for cleaning purposes.

[0026] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of cleaning an aerosol delivery device, comprising the steps of:

[0027] engaging an engagement feature of a cleaning tool, as described above, with a cover of the aerosol delivery device to remove or displace the cover;

[0028] inserting a plurality of barbs or pads of a first piece of a cleaning tool into a receptacle of an aerosol delivery device;

[0029] translating a handle portion of the first component between a first position and a second position along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device; A method for cleaning an aerosol delivery device is provided, comprising:

[0030] Optionally, the method further comprises moving the handle portion of the first part between the first position and the second position multiple times.

[0031] Optionally, the method further comprises rotating a handle portion of the first part at least a partial rotation about a longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device.

[0032] According to another aspect,

[0033] an aerosol delivery device;

[0034] The cleaning tools as described above An aerosol delivery system is provided, comprising:

[0035] Optionally, the aerosol delivery device comprises a cover, the engagement feature of the second part of the cleaning tool being arranged to engage the cover for removing or displacing the cover in use.

[0036] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of an aerosol delivery device of a type that can be cleaned by a cleaning tool according to various embodiments. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1 showing an outer cover at a distal end of the aerosol delivery device, where an engagement mechanism on the cleaning tool is positioned to engage the outer cover to remove or displace the cover. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic side view of the aerosol generator portion of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1, showing an opening at the distal end that provides access for a cleaning tool. [Figure 4] 2 is a partial plan view of the base of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1, showing a tool slot for receiving an engagement feature of a cleaning tool to remove or displace a cover provided on the base of the aerosol delivery device. [Diagram 5] 1A-1C are schematic side views of a cleaning tool for cleaning an aerosol delivery device according to various embodiments, the cleaning tool comprising: (i) a first part having a handle portion, a support, and a plurality of barbs depending or extending from a distal end of the support; (ii) a second part having a housing for receiving the first part, the housing comprising an engagement mechanism for engaging a cover of the aerosol delivery device to remove or displace the cover; and, optionally, (iii) a third part comprising a handle, the handle comprising a screw member depending or extending from the handle to remove an aerosol product article from the aerosol delivery device. [Figure 6] 1A-1D are views of the distal end of a cleaning tool according to various embodiments, showing in greater detail an engagement mechanism at the end of the housing that is positioned to engage with a cover of an aerosol delivery device to remove or displace the cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and they may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-generating materials may include any plant material, such as tobacco-containing materials, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials may include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. Aerosol-generating materials may also be, for example, a combination or blend of several materials. Aerosol-generating materials are sometimes known as "smoking materials."

[0039] 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, is also 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 some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0040] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include or be a sheet, optionally chopped to form a chopped sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or chopped sheet may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0041] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosol-generating materials that are components of the aerosol delivery system (or its components) are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0042] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as an electrically powered non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

[0043] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vape 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.

[0044] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates 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 includes 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.

[0046] Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system can include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0047] 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.

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system, e.g., the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be powered 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.

[0049] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0050] In some embodiments, consumables for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage region, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0051] The aerosol generating device can accept an article comprising an aerosol-generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that comprises or contains an aerosol-generating material, which is heated during use to volatilize the aerosol-generating material and, optionally, other components. A user can insert an article into the aerosol delivery device and then heat the article to generate an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article can be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of the device sized to accept the article.

[0052] 1, for illustrative purposes, shows an aerosol delivery device 100 for generating an aerosol from an article 110 including an aerosol-generating material inserted into the aerosol delivery device 100. The aerosol delivery device 100 can be used to heat the article 110 including an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of the aerosol delivery device 100. At the end of a usage session, the consumed article 110 can be removed from the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0053] As described in more detail below, with particular reference to Figures 5 and 6, according to various embodiments, a cleaning tool for cleaning an aerosol delivery device 100 is disclosed. The cleaning tool comprises a first part including barbs for cleaning the interior of the aerosol delivery device 100 and a second part including a housing for receiving the first part. Further, the housing includes an engagement mechanism for engaging a cover of the aerosol delivery device 100 to remove or displace the cover. As described in more detail below, the cover is provided at a distal end of the aerosol delivery device 100, and removal or displacement of the cover allows the first part of the cleaning tool to be inserted into the aerosol delivery device 100 to clean a heating chamber disposed within the aerosol delivery device.

[0054] Aerosol delivery device 100 comprises a body 102. A housing structure surrounds and contains various components of body 102. One end of body 102 is formed with an article aperture 104 into which an article 110 can be inserted for heating by an aerosol generator (not shown) disposed within aerosol delivery device 100. Article 110 can be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator, where article 110 can be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator. Article 110 and aerosol delivery device 100 together form an aerosol delivery system 101.

[0055] Aerosol delivery device 100 may include a user-operable control element 150, such as a button or switch that, when pressed or otherwise activated, controls or operates a component of aerosol delivery device 100. For example, a user can turn on aerosol delivery device 100 by manipulating control element 150. The aerosol generator defines a longitudinal axis A.

[0056] 2 is a perspective view of aerosol delivery device 100. Aerosol delivery device 100 can include a first body assembly 130 and a second body assembly 140. First body assembly 130 can include an aerosol generator.

[0057] The first body assembly 130 comprises a first housing 131. The second body assembly 140 comprises a second housing 141. The first body assembly 130 and the second body assembly 140 may be fixedly attached. The first body assembly 130 and the second body assembly 140 together may form the body 102.

[0058] The body 102 comprises an end face of the aerosol delivery device 100. The end of the aerosol delivery device 100 closest to the article aperture may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) 106 of the aerosol delivery device 100, as this is closest to a user's mouth during use. In use, a user inserts an article into the aperture, operates the aerosol generator to begin heating the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated by the aerosol delivery device 100. This causes the aerosol to flow through the aerosol delivery device 100 along a flow path toward the proximal end 106 of the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0059] The other end of the device, furthest from the aperture, may be known as the distal end 108 of aerosol delivery device 100, as it is the end furthest from a user's mouth in use. When a user inhales the aerosol generated by aerosol delivery device 100, the aerosol flows in a direction toward proximal end 106 of aerosol delivery device 100. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of aerosol delivery device 100 are described with reference to the relative orientation of such features with respect to one another in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0060] As used herein, a unitary component refers to a component of a device that cannot be separated into two or more components by a user after the device is assembled. Integrally formed refers to two or more features that are formed in the unitary component during the manufacturing stage of the component.

[0061] An air flow path extends through body 102 and extends to opening 190. Opening 190 serves as an air inlet. Outer cover 300 covers opening 190. Outer cover 300 may be positioned to allow air flow into the air flow path. Outer cover 300 may include a cleaning door to aid in cleaning. The cleaning door may be removable from aerosol delivery device 100 to provide access to a cleaning chamber of aerosol delivery device 100.

[0062] 3 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator 200 forming part of an aerosol delivery device. In one example, the aerosol generator 200 can comprise an inductive heating system including a magnetic field generator 210. The magnetic field generator 210 comprises an inductor coil assembly 211. The aerosol generator 200 further comprises a heating element or susceptor 220.

[0063] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, whereby penetration of the susceptor by a changing magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, whereby penetration of the heating material by a changing magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, whereby the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0064] The aerosol generator 200 may include an induction heating assembly and may include various components for heating the aerosol-generating material provided on the article by an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process in which a conductive object (such as a susceptor) is heated by electromagnetic induction.

[0065] The inductor coil assembly 211 may comprise a first inductor coil 212 and a second inductor coil 213. Alternatively, a single inductor coil may be provided. The inductor coil assembly 211 may comprise a coil support 214, which may be tubular. The coil support 214 may comprise guides 215 for the first inductor coil 212 and the second inductor coil 213. The guide 215 may comprise grooves in an outer surface of the coil support 214.

[0066] The heating element or susceptor 220 may form part of a heating assembly 221. The heating element or susceptor 220 may be hollow and may define at least a portion of a receptacle 222 that may receive an aerosol-generating material during use. For example, an article may be inserted into the aerosol generator 200 such that it is in close proximity to the heating element or susceptor 220. The heating element or susceptor 220 may be tubular and may have a circular cross-section. The heating element or susceptor 220 may have a generally constant diameter along its axial length.

[0067] The heating element or susceptor 220 may be formed from a conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. For example, the heating element or susceptor 220 may include carbon steel. It will be appreciated that other suitable materials may be used, such as ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, nickel, or cobalt.

[0068] Other devices are envisioned in which a heating element that can be heated by electrical resistance may be provided. Thus, the aerosol generator 200 may include electrical contacts in electrical communication with the device to electrically activate the heating element by passing a flow of electrical energy through the heating element.

[0069] The receptacle 222 and associated articles may be sized to receive the articles side-by-side with the heating element or susceptor 220. This helps ensure the most efficient heating. The articles may include aerosol-generating materials. The aerosol-generating materials may be disposed in the receptacle 222. The articles may include other components such as filters, wrapping materials, and / or cooling structures.

[0070] A first end support 230 may be provided that supports the heating element or susceptor 220. The first end support 230 may support the heating element or susceptor 220 at a first distal end. A second end support 231 may be provided that supports the heating element or susceptor 220 at a second proximal end. The first end support 230 and the second end support 231 may function as receptacle supports.

[0071] An air flow passage 180 is provided that extends into the heating element or susceptor 220. The air flow passage 180 can extend to a first distal end. The air flow passage 180 can protrude beyond the heating element or susceptor 220. The air flow passage 180 can extend from the heating element or susceptor 220 and can be defined by a flow passage member 182.

[0072] The flow path member 182 extends between the heating element or susceptor 220 and an opening 190 in the distal end 108. The flow path member 182 may be tubular. The flow path member 182 may define a bore. The flow path member 182 may extend axially along its length.

[0073] The flow path member 182 and the heating element or susceptor 220 may meet at a junction 183. The flow path member 182 may include a first section 184 having a first diameter and a second section 185 having a second diameter. The diameter of the first section 184 may be greater than the diameter of the second section 185. A middle section 186 may extend between the first section 184 and the second section 185. The middle section 186 may form a shoulder that may function as a stop to limit the insertion of an article.

[0074] The fluid seal at the connection 183 may be formed by a mechanically created joint, such as a weld. Alternatively, the fluid seal at the connection 183 may be formed by a laser welding process. It will be appreciated that other methods, such as brazing and gluing, may be used. The flow path member 182 may be formed from a thermally conductive material. It is envisioned that the flow path member 182 may be formed from carbon steel. The flow path member 182 may be formed from the same material as the heating element or susceptor 220. Such a process may allow the heating element or susceptor 220 and the flow path member 182 to be manufactured as an integral component.

[0075] The heating element or susceptor 220 may abut the flow path member 182 to provide for transfer of heat by conduction. This may therefore facilitate passive heating of the flow path member 182.

[0076] The second end support 231 can define an insertion chamber 234 at the proximal end 106. The insertion chamber 234 can be configured to receive an article.

[0077] The heating element or susceptor 220 can extend between the first end support 230 and the second end support 231. A barrier member may extend between the first end support 230 and the second end support 231.

[0078] 4 is a partial plan view of the base of the aerosol delivery device according to one configuration. The first body assembly 130 may be generally tubular. The first housing 131 may be tubular. The first housing 131 may have a circular cross-section. The outer cover 300 is disposed on the distal end 108 of the first housing 131. The outer cover 300 covers the opening 190 on the distal end 108 of the first housing 131. When disposed on the first housing 131, the outer cover 300 may be flush with the distal end 108 of the first housing 131. The outer cover 300 comprises a cover member 302. The cover member 302 has a first surface 304 and a second surface.

[0079] It will be appreciated that according to other configurations, the housing to which the outer cover is attached may be non-tubular.

[0080] A cavity is provided at the distal end of the body. The cavity has an opening 190. The cavity is configured to receive a cover member 302. The cavity can have a depth that corresponds approximately to a thickness of the cover member 302.

[0081] The cover member 302 may be configured to be inserted into the opening 190. The cover member 302 and the cavity may have corresponding cross-sections. The cover member 302 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. An annular wall may be provided connecting the first side 304 of the cover member 302 to the second side. The annular wall may be configured to engage the first housing 131 by either an interference fit or a threaded connection.

[0082] The first surface 304 of the cover member 302 may include a tool receiving recess 310. The tool receiving recess 310 may be configured to receive a portion of a cleaning tool (not shown). In particular, the tool receiving recess 310 may be configured to receive an engagement feature of the cleaning tool. The cleaning tool is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0083] The cleaning tool may be configured such that, in use, an engagement feature on the cleaning tool is inserted into the tool-receiving recess 310. The engagement feature may be positioned to remove or displace the outer cover 300 from the opening 190, thereby allowing access for insertion of the cleaning tool into the opening 190. The tool-receiving recess 310 may have a tool slot 312. The tool slot 312 may include an aperture configured to receive an engagement feature on the cleaning tool. The tool slot 312 may be elongated. The tool slot 312 and the engagement feature on the cleaning tool may have complementary geometries.

[0084] Instrument slot 312 may be centrally located on first side 304 of cover member 302. Instrument slot 312 may be centrally located on first side 304. However, other configurations are envisioned in which the geometry and location of instrument slot 312 may differ from the configuration shown in FIG. 4. For example, instrument slot 312 may have a different shape and may be displaced from the center of cover member 302.

[0085] 5 is a schematic side view of a cleaning tool 400 for use with an aerosol delivery device, according to various embodiments. In particular, the cleaning tool 400 can be used to clean an aerosol delivery device 100 of the type described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

[0086] The cleaning tool 400 comprises a first part including a brush holder 410, which is insertable into a second part comprising a housing 401. The cleaning tool 400 may further comprise a third part 420 comprising a screw 424 having a screw handle 422. The third part 420 can be used to remove an item or a portion of an item that is stuck to the aerosol delivery device.

[0087] The brush holder 410 may comprise a brush holder chassis 412 that may be inserted into the housing 401. The brush holder chassis 412 may be held within the housing 401 by an interference fit. According to other configurations, the brush holder chassis 412 may be externally threaded and the housing 401 may comprise a complementary internal thread into which the brush holder chassis 412 may be threaded. Each thread may have a single turn that may extend along the entire annular wall of the housing 401 and the entire annular outer surface of the brush holder chassis 412. Other configurations are envisioned in which the thread(s) may not complete a full revolution around the housing 401 or the brush holder chassis 412. It will be appreciated that the number of turns of each thread may vary. Each thread may comprise less than one turn, for example, a quarter turn or a half turn. Each thread may comprise two or more turns. The two or more turns may be axially offset from one another. The two or more turns may each extend over the entire annular extent of the annular inner surface of the housing 401 or the annular outer surface of the brush holder chassis 412 .

[0088] The housing 401 of the cleaning tool 400 may be formed from a polycarbonate such as MAKROLON 2805®. A support or shaft 414 may be coupled to a brush holder chassis 412. The support or shaft 414 may protrude from a brush holder housing 413 that is attached to the brush holder chassis 412. The brush holder housing 413 may be formed from a copolymer such as POM M90-44®. The brush holder chassis 412 may be formed from a polycarbonate such as MAKROLON 2805®.

[0089] The support or shaft 414 may comprise alternative materials such as stainless steel (such as type 304 stainless steel) or plastic materials. The support or shaft 414 may be attached to the brush holder chassis 412 by glue or hot melt connections. The material that makes up the support or shaft 414 may be selected to allow the support or shaft 414 to bend in a number of different orientations as desired.

[0090] A plurality of barbs 415 may be disposed at a distal end 416 of the support or shaft 414. The barbs 415 may be formed from a polyetheretherketone (PEEK), such as ZYPEEK 770G®. PEEK has been found to be particularly suitable for cleaning operations due to its beneficial material properties. For example, PEEK has a high melting point in the range of 250° C. to 345° C., which may exceed the temperature of the aerosol delivery device after the heating operation is completed. The barbs 415 may be conveniently cut to size. According to one configuration, the barbs 415 may be tapered in a direction from a first end closest to the brush holder housing 413 coupled to the brush holder chassis 412 toward the distal end 416. For example, the barbs 415 closest to the brush holder housing 413 of the brush holder chassis 412 may extend a first radial distance and the barbs 415 at the distal end 416 of the support or shaft 414 may extend a second radial distance, where the first radial distance may be greater than the second radial distance, or vice versa.

[0091] According to various configurations, the barbs 415 may have a thickness between 0.1-0.3 mm. According to some configurations, the barbs may have a thickness between 0.1-0.2 mm, or between 0.2-0.3 mm.

[0092] The barbs 415 may be inserted into the support or shaft 414 and then adjusted to a desired length. The support or shaft 414 may then be inserted into the brush holder chassis 412 and then optionally bent into any suitable orientation.

[0093] The cleaning tool 400 can be used to clean an aerosol delivery device, such as the aerosol delivery device illustrated in and described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4. To use the cleaning tool 400, a user can remove the brush holder chassis 412 from the housing 401 and then insert the distal end 416 into the opening 190 of the aerosol delivery device 100 from which the end cover 300 (see FIG. 2) has been removed. The user can then freely insert the cleaning tool into the receptacle 222 (see FIG. 3) of the aerosol delivery device 100 when the receptacle 222 is clear of any items. The user can then move the cleaning tool 400 in various orientations such that the multiple barbs 415 remove any lost pieces that have collected at the bottom of the receptacle 222.

[0094] Brush holder housing 413, which is connected to brush holder chassis 412, may include a shoulder around its edge for engaging the exterior surface of opening 190 to prevent compression of internal components when cleaning tool 400 is used to clean aerosol delivery device 100. Other configurations are envisioned in which brush holder housing 413 does not have a defined shoulder.

[0095] Barbs 415 of cleaning tool 400 can be used to scrape the inner walls of receptacle 222 (see FIG. 3 ) to remove any material adhering to the inner surface of receptacle 222. Barbs 415 can also be advantageously used to clean heating element or susceptor 220 without damaging heating element or susceptor 220. If cleaning tool 400 is not provided, a user may attempt to clean the interior of receptacle 222 with a finger or a blunt object, which may damage the internal components of aerosol delivery device 100. It should also be appreciated that the interior of aerosol delivery device 100 may be at a relatively high temperature if the consumed item is removed soon after use. Thus, use of cleaning tool 400 prevents a user from being burned if the user attempts to clean aerosol delivery device 100 without cleaning tool 400.

[0096] According to various configurations, the support or shaft 414 may include two strands that may be arranged to secure the barbs 415 in a fixed position relative to the support or shaft 414. The support or shaft 414 may have any other suitable configuration. In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the support or shaft 414 is straight. However, it will be appreciated that the support or shaft 414 may have any other suitable profile that facilitates cleaning the heating element or susceptor 220 and / or the inner walls of the receptacle 222 in the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0097] 5, a plurality of barbs 415 are shown extending radially away from a support or shaft 414. Although a particular form of brush is shown, namely, one with barbs 415, it will be appreciated that a brush may be provided that comprises any suitable element that contacts a portion of the aerosol delivery device during use of the cleaning tool 400. For example, the brush may comprise a series of blades or pads that perform the cleaning action.

[0098] Also shown in FIG. 5 is an optional article removal tool 420. The optional article removal tool 420 comprises a handle or base portion 422 and a screw 424 protruding from the handle or base portion 422. The handle or base portion 422 may be shaped to be held or docked within the brush holder chassis 412 of the brush holder 410. In use, to remove an article, an end of the screw 424 may be threaded into an article that may be stuck within the aerosol delivery device. The screw 424 may be formed from stainless steel (304), although other materials are envisioned. According to one configuration, the screw 424 may have an outer diameter of 3.5 mm and a pitch of 7.2 mm. The wire forming the screw 424 may be 1 mm in diameter. The handle or base portion 422 may comprise a polycarbonate, such as Makrolon 2805®.

[0099] 6 shows distal end 440 of housing 401 of cleaning tool 400 in greater detail. Housing 401 further comprises engagement feature 430 for engaging a cover of an aerosol delivery device, such as outer cover 300 of aerosol delivery device 100 shown and described above, for example with reference to FIG. 2. Engagement feature 430 may be positioned to open, remove, or displace outer cover 300.

[0100] The engagement feature 430 may protrude from the housing 401 and may comprise a number of hooks 432 for engaging with corresponding recess(es) in a tool slot 312 in the outer cover 300 (see FIG. 4 ) to secure the cleaning tool 400 to the outer cover 300 of the aerosol delivery device. The tool slot 312 and the engagement feature 430 may be arranged to have complementary geometries. The engagement feature 430 may be centrally located at a distal end 440 of the cleaning tool 400 and may be elongated. According to other configurations, the geometry and location of the tool slot 312 may be different.

[0101] In use, a user can insert the engagement feature 430 into the tool slot 312 of the outer cover 300 to form a secure connection. The user can then rotate or pull the engagement feature 430 to remove or displace the outer cover 300, thereby exposing the opening 190 for subsequent cleaning with the cleaning tool 400. The engagement feature 430 can be configured to aid in the insertion and removal (or displacement) of the outer cover 300 to provide access through the opening 190 to facilitate cleaning the interior of the aerosol delivery device.

[0102] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present 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. 1. A cleaning tool for cleaning an aerosol delivery device, comprising: a first part including a handle portion having a support depending or extending therefrom and a plurality of barbs or pads depending or extending from a distal end of the support; a second part comprising a housing for receiving the first part, the housing further comprising an engagement mechanism for engaging a cover of an aerosol delivery device to remove or displace the cover; Equipped with cleaning equipment.

2. 2. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the support is formed from at least two strands of wire twisted together to secure the plurality of barbs or pads in place.

3. 3. A cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of spines or pads extend radially from the support.

4. The support is either straight, bent, or curved. The cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. 5. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the handle portion of the first part is provided with an external thread and the housing of the second part is provided with a complementary internal thread for securing the first part and the second part together in a storage configuration.

6. A cleaning tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing of the second part contains at least a portion of the first part in a storage configuration.

7. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the engagement mechanism is capable of rotating or displacing a cover of an aerosol delivery device.

8. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a first protrusion for engaging with a first slot or notch in a cover of the aerosol delivery device.

9. the engagement mechanism further comprises a second protrusion having a different shape and / or size than the first protrusion; 9. The cleaning tool of claim 8, wherein the second protrusion is arranged to engage a second slot or notch in the aerosol delivery device, the second slot or notch having a different shape and / or size than the first slot or notch.

10. the handle portion of the first part having a shoulder for resting within an aperture of an aerosol delivery device when a cover is removed or displaced by the engagement mechanism; The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:

11. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of barbs comprise polyetheretherketone.

12. A cleaning tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the substrate comprises stainless steel.

13. The cleaning tool further comprises a third part, 13. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the third part comprises a handle having a screw member depending or extending therefrom for removing an aerosol product article from an aerosol delivery device.

14. 14. The cleaning tool of claim 13, wherein the screw member comprises stainless steel.

15. 15. The cleaning tool of claim 13 or 14, wherein the housing of the second component is further configured to receive the third component in a storage configuration.

16. A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the housing of the second part contains at least a part of the third part in a storage configuration.

17. engaging an engagement feature of a cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 16 with a cover of an aerosol delivery device to remove or displace the cover; inserting the plurality of barbs or pads of the first piece of the cleaning tool into a receptacle of the aerosol delivery device; translating the handle portion of the first part between a first position and a second position along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device; 16. A method for cleaning an aerosol delivery device, comprising:

18. moving the handle portion of the first component between the first position and the second position a plurality of times; 20. The method of cleaning the aerosol delivery device of claim 17, further comprising:

19. rotating the handle portion of the first part at least a partial rotation about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device; 19. A method for cleaning an aerosol delivery device according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising:

20. an aerosol delivery device; A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 16, An aerosol delivery system comprising:

21. 21. The aerosol delivery system of claim 20, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a cover, and the engagement feature of the second part of the cleaning tool is arranged to engage the cover to remove or displace the cover during use.

Images