Interchangeable mouthpiece for aerosol generating devices

Abstract

The replaceable mouthpiece includes a body having a first body end and a second body end. The first body end defines an outlet. The second body end defines a first opening connectable to an aerosol generating device. The replaceable mouthpiece includes two or more struts disposed within the body and extending toward the second end.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to interchangeable mouthpieces for use with aerosol generating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Some electronic devices are configured to heat plant material to a temperature sufficient to release components of the plant material, while maintaining a temperature below the plant material's combustion point to avoid substantial thermal decomposition of the plant material. Such devices may be referred to as aerosol generators (e.g., heat-not-burn aerosol generators), and the heated plant material may be tobacco and / or cannabis. In some embodiments, the plant material may be directly introduced into the heating chamber of the aerosol generator. In other examples, the plant material is pre-packaged in individual containers to facilitate insertion into and removal from the aerosol generator. Summary of the Invention

[0003] At least some exemplary embodiments relate to interchangeable mouthpieces for use with aerosol generating devices, such as Heat Not Burn aerosol generating devices.

[0004] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the replaceable mouthpiece can include a body having a first body end and a second body end. The first body end can define an outlet. The second body end can define a first opening connectable to the aerosol generating device. The replaceable mouthpiece can also include two or more struts disposed within the body and extending toward the second end.

[0005] In at least one exemplary embodiment, two or more struts can extend forming an interior surface of the body toward the second body end.

[0006] In at least one exemplary embodiment, each of the two or more struts can have a first strut end and a second strut end, where the first strut end can be coupled to an inner surface of the body proximate the first body end and extend from the body, while the second strut end can be unattached to the body.

[0007] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the interchangeable mouthpiece can include four posts that together form a discrete shape that mirrors the shape of the outlet.

[0008] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the replaceable mouthpiece can further include a seal defining a second opening, and the seal can be configured to engage the second body end such that the first opening and the second opening are at least partially aligned.

[0009] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the seal can include a ridge that defines the second opening and a lip that extends perpendicularly from the ridge.

[0010] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the ridge is received by the second body end and the lip can be joined to a ledge of an interchangeable mouthpiece configured to position the interchangeable mouthpiece relative to the lid of the aerosol generating device.

[0011] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the lip may be parallel to the ledge of the interchangeable mouthpiece.

[0012] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the two or more posts are configured to contact at least a portion of the ridge when the seal is received by the second body end.

[0013] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the ridge may include a shelf extending along an inner periphery of the ridge.

[0014] In at least one exemplary embodiment, two or more posts may be configured to contact the shelf at one or more locations.

[0015] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the outlet can include one or more protrusions extending from the first body end toward the second body end.

[0016] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the one or more protrusions can include a recess extending around the periphery of the outlet and two or more protrusions extending from the recess toward the second body end.

[0017] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the one or more protrusions can include a first protrusion. The one or more protrusions can also include a second protrusion parallel to the first protrusion.

[0018] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a first bridge may connect the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0019] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first bridge may be recessed relative to the outlet.

[0020] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the one or more protrusions may further include a third protrusion. The one or more protrusions may also include a fourth protrusion parallel to the third protrusion.

[0021] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a second bridge may connect the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion, and a first center point of the first bridge may intersect with a second center point of the second bridge.

[0022] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second bridge may be concave relative to the outlet.

[0023] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first body end can include a rim disposed along a periphery of the first body end and a concave surface extending inwardly from the rim and defining the outlet.

[0024] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the body may further include one or more coupling structures disposed on an outer surface of the body and configured to couple the replaceable mouthpiece to the lid of the aerosol generating device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein will become more apparent from a consideration of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Various dimensions of the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top right front perspective view of an exemplary replaceable mouthpiece for use in an aerosol generating device according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0027] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective upper right side view of the exemplary replaceable mouthpiece shown in FIG.

[0028] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the exemplary replaceable mouthpiece shown in FIG.

[0029] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the exemplary replaceable mouthpiece illustrated in FIG.

[0030] [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary replaceable mouthpiece illustrated in FIG.

[0031] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary replaceable mouthpiece illustrated in FIG.

[0032] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary replaceable mouthpiece shown in FIG.

[0033] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary replaceable mouthpiece shown in FIG.

[0034] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional partial view of the exemplary replaceable mouthpiece shown in FIG.

[0035] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of another exemplary interchangeable mouthpiece for use in an aerosol generating device in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0036] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the exemplary replaceable mouthpiece shown in FIG.

[0037] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the exemplary replaceable mouthpiece illustrated in FIG.

[0038] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary replaceable mouthpiece shown in FIG.

[0039] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a top right front perspective view of an exemplary seal for use with the exemplary replaceable mouthpiece illustrated in FIG.

[0040] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the exemplary seal illustrated in FIG.

[0041] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a top right rear perspective view of the exemplary seal shown in FIG.

[0042] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the example seal shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Several detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing the exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to only the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

[0044] Thus, while exemplary embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, such exemplary embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the exemplary embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the exemplary embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0045] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected," "coupled," or "overlying" another element or layer, it is understood that there may be directly connected, coupled, or overlying, or intervening elements or layers present on the other element or layer. Conversely, when an element is "directly," "directly connected," or "directly coupled" on another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout this specification. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0046] It should be understood that terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used herein to describe various elements. Although terms may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0047] Spatially relative terms (e.g., "below," "below," "down," "above," "above," etc.) may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s), as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were turned over, elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or features would be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be in other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein would be interpreted accordingly.

[0048] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise," "include," "comprise," "comprising," and / or "consisting of" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] When the terms "about" or "substantially" are used in connection with numerical values ​​herein, it is intended that the associated numerical value include a manufacturing or operating tolerance (e.g., ±10%) around the stated numerical value. Furthermore, when the terms "generally" or "substantially" are used in connection with geometric shapes, precision of the geometric shape is not required, but a tolerance of the shape is intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, whether a numerical value or shape is modified as "about," "generally," or "substantially," it will be understood that these numerical values ​​and shapes should be interpreted as including a manufacturing or operating tolerance (e.g., ±10%) around the stated numerical value or shape.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. Furthermore, terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined as such in this specification.

[0051] As used herein, "bonded" includes both removably bonded and permanently bonded. For example, if an elastic layer and a support layer are removably bonded to one another, the elastic layer and the support layer can be separated when sufficient force is applied.

[0052] 1-12 are illustrations of a replaceable mouthpiece 100 for use with an aerosol generating device according to at least one exemplary embodiment. For example, FIG. 1 is a front, upper right perspective view of the replaceable mouthpiece 100, and FIG. 2 is a side, upper right perspective view of the replaceable mouthpiece 100. As shown, the replaceable mouthpiece 100 includes a body 102 having a first body end 192 and a second body end 194 distal to the first body end 192. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the body 102 may be generally tapered between the first body end 192 and the second body end 194. For example, the diameter or average length / width dimension of the first body end 192 may be smaller than the diameter or average length / width dimension of the second body end 194. Toward the first body end 192, the body 102 may further include a slight inward curvature 191 configured to receive the lips of an adult consumer, improving comfort and experience.

[0053] First body end 192 may have an oval or elliptical shape and may include outlet 196. For example, outlet 196 may be disposed on (e.g., formed within) horizontal surface 110 of first body end 192 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Like first body end 192, outlet 196 may also have an oval or elliptical shape. While only one shape is illustrated, it should be understood that in some exemplary embodiments, first body end 192 and / or outlet 196 may take on a variety of other shapes and configurations. In at least one exemplary embodiment, outlet 196 may be subdivided into one or more sections (or portions) 196A, 196B, 196C, and 196D, as best shown in FIG. 3, which is a top perspective view of replaceable mouthpiece 100. For example, as shown, in at least one exemplary embodiment, outlet 196 may be divided into four sections 196A, 196B, 196C, and 196D. One or more sections 196A, 196B, 196C, 196D may be of various sizes and shapes and may be selected to engage one or more different areas (or quadrants) of an adult consumer's mouth during use of the interchangeable mouthpiece 100.

[0054] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first body end 192 may include a rim 108 extending along the periphery of the first body end 192. For example, the rim 108 may be a substantially continuous ridge extending above the first body end 192. While a continuous ridge is illustrated, it should be appreciated that in some exemplary embodiments, the rim 108 may have a discontinuous configuration. In at least one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated, the horizontal surface 110 may be a concave surface extending inward from the rim 108 to define the outlet 196. The stepped (or concave) relationship between the rim 108 and the horizontal surface 110 of the first body end 192 helps to prevent an adult consumer from directly contacting the outlet 196 and also allows any residual condensation to condense within the concave, helping to further reduce the effects of residual condensation experienced by an adult consumer, further enhancing the sensory experience.

[0055] Like the first body end 192, the second body end 194 can take on a variety of shapes and configurations. For example, as shown, the second body end 194 can have an oval or elliptical shape, similar to the first body end 192. In each variation, the second body end 194 is capable of coupling to the lid of the aerosol generation device. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the second body end 194 can include a ledge 197. As shown, the ledge 197 can be a discontinuous structure that surrounds (e.g., extends from) the periphery of the second body end 194. For example, as shown, the ledge 197 can include one or more breaks (or spaces) 112 disposed along its length to activate and / or improve coupling with the lid of the aerosol generation device. Although not shown, it should be appreciated that in some exemplary embodiments, the ledge 197 can be a substantially continuous structure that surrounds (e.g., extends from) the periphery of the second body end 194.

[0056] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second body end 194 can include one or more coupling structures 198. For example, the interchangeable mouthpiece 100 can include one or more coupling structures 198 spaced apart on the first side (or first major length) 104 of the interchangeable mouthpiece and one or more coupling structures 198 spaced apart on the second side (or second major length) 106 of the interchangeable mouthpiece 100. The first side 104 and the second side 106 of the interchangeable mouthpiece 100 can be substantially parallel. In some exemplary embodiments, as shown, the first side 104 can include two coupling structures 198 and the second side 106 can include two coupling structures 198. In each example, the one or more coupling structures 198 can be configured to aid in coupling the interchangeable mouthpiece 100 to the lid of the aerosol generation device. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the one or more coupling structures 198 can be bubble (or protrusion) couplers.

[0057] The replaceable mouthpiece 100 may be received by a cavity (or opening) in the lid of the aerosol generation device. The lid may be configured to receive and secure the second body end 194 of the replaceable mouthpiece 100 (e.g., via a snap-fit ​​arrangement). For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the ledge 197 may abut an inner surface of the aerosol generation device lid, and the one or more connecting structures 198 may be received by one or more corresponding structures formed on the inner surface of the aerosol generation device lid. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the ledge 197 and the one or more connecting structures 198 may be covered by the aerosol generation device lid when assembled with the aerosol generation device. For example, when assembled, only a portion of the body 102 may be visible. In each embodiment, the aerosol-generating device may be a device described in U.S. Application No. 17 / 947,436 (titled "Heat-Not-Burn (HNB) Aerosol-Generating Devices and Capsules," attorney docket number 24000NV-000847-US, filed September 19, 2022).

[0058] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the replaceable mouthpiece 100, FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the replaceable mouthpiece 100, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the replaceable mouthpiece. As shown, the replaceable mouthpiece 100 can include two or more posts (or protrusions or bosses) 120 disposed within the body 102. The two or more posts 120 can extend from the inner surfaces 122, 124 of the body 102 toward a second body end 194. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, as shown, a first post end 126 of each of the two or more posts 120 can be coupled to the inner surfaces 122, 124 of the body 102, while a second post end 128 of each of the two or more posts 120 can be unattached (i.e., can be uncoupled from the inner surfaces 122, 124 of the body 102). Although not shown, it should be appreciated that in some exemplary embodiments, two or more struts 120 may be coupled to the interior surfaces 122, 124 along their entire length.

[0059] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as shown, the interchangeable mouthpiece 100 may include four struts 120. For example, the interchangeable mouthpiece 100 may include two struts 120 extending from a portion of the inner surface 122 of the first side 104 of the body 102 near the first body end 192 toward the second body end 194, and two struts 120 extending from a portion of the inner surface 124 of the second side 106 of the body 102 near the first body end 192 toward the second body end 194. In each example, the two or more struts 120 may be arranged to form a discontinuous shape that mirrors the shape of the outlet 196 and may be configured to apply pressure to a capsule received by the aerosol generating device. The discontinuous shape and arrangement of two or more struts 120 can reduce the overall surface area in (direct) contact with the central aerosol path within the replaceable mouthpiece 100 so that condensation is limited as the aerosol (or other substance) travels from the aerosol generating device (or other device) to the replaceable mouthpiece 100 (e.g., by giving the aerosol more time to cool before contacting the interior surfaces of the replaceable mouthpiece 100), and if condensation does form, it is directed (i.e., runs off) to cooler areas, preventing the condensation from re-entering the aerosol flow.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the replaceable mouthpiece 100, FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the replaceable mouthpiece 100, and FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional partial view of the first body end 192 of the replaceable mouthpiece 100. As shown, the outlet 196 can include one or more protrusions 132 extending from the horizontal surface 110 of the first body end 192 toward the second body end 194. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the one or more protrusions 132 can include, for example, a recess (or rim) 134 extending along the periphery of the outlet 196 toward the second body end 194. The recess 134 is recessed relative to the first body end 192, and more particularly, the horizontal surface 110. As shown, the recess 134 can be a substantially continuous structure extending along the entire periphery of the outlet 196. Although not shown, it should be appreciated that in some exemplary embodiments, the recess 134 can be a discontinuous structure extending along the periphery of the outlet 196.

[0061] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the one or more protrusions 132 may include one or more protrusions 136 in addition to or instead of the recesses 134. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the one or more protrusions 136 may extend from the recesses 134 toward the second body end 194, as shown. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the one or more protrusions 132 may further include one or more bridges 138 connecting the one or more protrusions 136. As shown, in at least one exemplary embodiment, at least one of the one or more bridges 138 may have a curved shape. For example, as shown, each of the one or more bridges 138 may have a concave shape relative to the outlet 196. In FIG. 9 , a representative ellipse 155 is depicted on the interchangeable mouthpiece 100 to represent the curvature of the bridges 138. The radius of the representative ellipse 155 may be approximately 10 millimeters. The curvature of the one or more bridges 138 may form a multi-sided shape that helps limit the formation of condensation. For example, a multi-sided shape moves the interior surfaces of the outlet 196 farther apart, resulting in fewer linear surfaces and making it less likely that droplets will form on or move between the interior surfaces.

[0062] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as shown, the one or more protrusions 136 may include a first protrusion 136A, a second protrusion 136B that is substantially parallel to the first protrusion 136A, and a first bridge 138A that connects a distal (or second) end of the first protrusion 136A to a distal (or second) end of the second protrusion 136B. A proximal (or first) end of the first protrusion 138A may be connected to the recess 134, and a distal end of the first protrusion 136A may extend toward the second body end 194. A proximal (or first) end of the second protrusion 136B may be connected to the recess 134, and a distal end of the second protrusion 136B may extend toward the second body end 194.

[0063] In at least one exemplary embodiment, in addition to or instead of the first protrusion 136A and the second protrusion 136B, the one or more protrusions 136 may include a third protrusion 136C, a fourth protrusion 136D that is substantially parallel to the third protrusion 136D, and a second bridge 136B that connects a distal end (or second end) of the third protrusion 136C to a distal end (or second end) of the fourth protrusion 136D. A proximal (or first) end of the third protrusion 136C may be connected to the recess 134, and a distal end of the third protrusion 136C may extend toward the second body end 194. A proximal (or first) end of the fourth protrusion 136D may be connected to the recess 134, and a distal end of the fourth protrusion 136D may extend toward the second body end 194.

[0064] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the configuration of outlet 196, including, for example, recess 134, one or more protrusions 136, and one or more bridges 138, may define a trough (or trap) 140 around the interior surface of outlet 196. For example, trough 140 may be defined by the space between the inward-facing surface of horizontal surface 110 and recess 134 and / or one or more protrusions 136. Trough 140 may be configured to capture or retain condensation so that it does not exit through outlet 196.

[0065] Figure 10 is a front view of replaceable mouthpiece 100 including mouthpiece seal 150, Figure 11 is a bottom view of replaceable mouthpiece 100 including mouthpiece seal 150, Figure 12 is a top perspective view of replaceable mouthpiece 100 including mouthpiece seal 150, and Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of replaceable mouthpiece 100 including mouthpiece seal 150. As shown, in at least one exemplary embodiment, replaceable mouthpiece 100 can include (e.g., be in communication with) mouthpiece seal 150. Mouthpiece seal 150 can be a gasket that helps form an air seal between replaceable mouthpiece 100 and the aerosol generating device. For example, as best shown in Figures 13 and 14 described below, a first side 152 of the mouthpiece seal 150 may be in communication with the replaceable mouthpiece 100 (e.g., sealed to the aerosol generation device), and a second side 154 of the mouthpiece seal 154 may be in communication with the aerosol generation device (e.g., sealed to the aerosol generation device) when the replaceable mouthpiece 100 is received by the lid of the aerosol generation device and the lid is in a closed position relative to the body of the aerosol generation device.

[0066] FIG. 14 is a top right, front perspective view of mouthpiece seal 150, FIG. 15 is a bottom view of mouthpiece seal 150, FIG. 16 is a top right, rear perspective view of mouthpiece seal 150, and FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of mouthpiece seal 150. As shown, mouthpiece seal 150 can include a ridge 156 that defines a seal (or second) opening (or channel) 160 and a lip 158 extending substantially perpendicularly from ridge 156. Seal opening 160 can have an average diameter that is smaller than the average diameter of opening 152 in second body end 194. However, the diameter of seal opening 160 can be increased or maximized to reduce the overall surface area in contact with the aerosol stream and reduce condensation.

[0067] In at least one exemplary embodiment, mouthpiece seal 150 fits within opening 152 in second body end 194 of replaceable mouthpiece 100. In at least one exemplary embodiment, opening 152 may include one or more angled surfaces 153 configured to guide placement of mouthpiece seal 150 and / or securely retain mouthpiece seal 150. In at least one exemplary embodiment, ridge 156 leads to lip 158 and may include one or more angled surfaces 162 having a shape corresponding to one or more angled surfaces 153 of second body end 194 of replaceable mouthpiece 100 to help guide placement of mouthpiece seal 150 relative to second body end 194 of replaceable mouthpiece 100.

[0068] In at least one exemplary embodiment, lip 158 can be aligned with a bottom-facing surface of ledge 197 of replaceable mouthpiece 100. For example, lip 158 may form a continuous structure aligned with the bottom-facing surface of ledge 197, e.g., bridging one or more breaks 112 disposed along the length of ledge 197. Although not shown, it should be appreciated that in some exemplary embodiments, lip 158 may form a discontinuous structure aligned with the bottom-facing surface of ledge 197.

[0069] In at least one exemplary embodiment, two or more posts 120 may be configured to contact at least a portion of ridge 156. For example, as shown, in at least one exemplary embodiment, ridge 156 may include an internal ledge (or step) 164 that terminates along at least a portion of the internal periphery of ridge 156. As shown, ledge 164 may be a substantially continuous structure extending along the entire length of the internal periphery of ridge 156. Although not shown, it should be appreciated that in some exemplary embodiments, ledge 164 may be a discontinuous structure, for example, aligned with two or more posts 120. In each instance, two or more posts 120 in combination with ledge 164 may cooperate to apply pressure to a capsule received by the aerosol generating device.

[0070] In at least one exemplary embodiment, replaceable mouthpiece 100 may be formed from, for example, metal (aluminum, stainless steel, etc.); aesthetic, food-contact rated plastic (such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), copolyester plastic, or any other suitable polymer and / or plastic); and / or plant-based material (wood, bamboo, pulp, etc.). In at least one exemplary embodiment, seal 150 may be formed from, for example, silicone, pulp, fluorosilicone, nitrile, neoprene, rubber, butyl, silicone sponge, or any combination thereof.

[0071] While several exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations are possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications that would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

[0072] Although described with reference to specific examples and figures, various modifications, additions, and substitutions of the exemplary embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the description. For example, the described techniques may be performed in an order different from that described, and / or the described system, architecture, device, circuit, etc. elements may be connected or combined differently from that described, or the results may be achieved by other elements or equivalents, as appropriate.

Claims

1. 1. A replaceable mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a body and two or more support posts; The body includes: a first body end defining an outlet; a second body end defining a first opening connectable to an aerosol generating device; Including, The two or more struts are two or more struts disposed within the body and extending toward the second body end.

2. 10. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 1, Each of the two or more struts forms an inner surface of the body and extends toward the second body end.

3. 10. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 1, each of the two or more struts having a first strut end and a second strut end; the first strut end is coupled to and extends from an inner surface of the body proximate the first body end; The second post end is not attached to the body, and the mouthpiece is replaceable.

4. 10. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 1, The interchangeable mouthpiece includes four posts that form a discontinuous shape that mirrors the shape of the outlet.

5. 10. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 1, the replaceable mouthpiece further includes a seal defining a second opening; The interchangeable mouthpiece, wherein the seal is configured to engage the second body end such that the first opening and the second opening are at least partially aligned.

6. 6. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 5, The seal includes a ridge defining the second opening and a lip extending perpendicularly from the ridge.

7. 7. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 6, the ridge is received by the second body end; The lip interfaces with a ledge on the replaceable mouthpiece configured to position the replaceable mouthpiece relative to a lid of an aerosol generating device.

8. 8. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 7, The interchangeable mouthpiece, wherein the lip is parallel to the ledge of the interchangeable mouthpiece.

9. 8. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 7, The two or more posts are configured to contact at least a portion of the ridge when the seal is received by the second body end.

10. 8. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 7, The ridge includes a shelf extending along an inner periphery of the ridge.

11. 11. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 10, The two or more posts are configured to contact the shelf at one or more locations.

12. 10. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 1, The outlet includes one or more protrusions terminating from the first body end toward the second body end.

13. 13. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 12, The one or more protrusions The interchangeable mouthpiece includes a recess extending around the periphery of the outlet, and two or more protrusions extending from the recess toward the second body end.

14. 14. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 13, The one or more protrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion parallel to the first protrusion.

15. 15. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 14, A first bridge connects the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

16. 16. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 15, The replaceable mouthpiece, wherein the first bridge is concave relative to the outlet.

17. 16. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 15, The one or more protrusions further include a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion parallel to the third protrusion.

18. 18. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 17, a second bridge connecting the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion; An interchangeable mouthpiece, wherein a first center point of the first bridge intersects with a second center point of the second bridge.

19. 19. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 18, The interchangeable mouthpiece, wherein the second bridge is concave relative to the outlet.

20. 10. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 1, the first body end includes a rim disposed along an outer periphery of the first body end, and a concave surface extending inwardly from the rim and defining the outlet.

21. 10. The replaceable mouthpiece of claim 1, The body includes: disposed on the outer surface of the body; The replaceable mouthpiece further includes one or more coupling structures configured to couple the replaceable mouthpiece to a lid of the aerosol generating device.

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