TRAY HAVING PENETRATING ELEMENTS FOR USE IN A SHISHA DEVICE - Patent application

Abstract

A tray for use in a shisha device includes a cavity for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The tray is configured to form an opening in the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity. The opening formed in the cartridge allows air to flow through the cartridge when the cartridge and tray are received by the shisha device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate for use in the aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device having a tray for holding a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional shisha devices are used to smoke tobacco and are configured to pass the vapor and smoke through a water basin prior to inhalation by the consumer. Shisha devices may include one outlet or may include two or more outlets so that the device may be used by two or more consumers simultaneously. Using a shisha device is considered by some to be a recreational activity and a social experience.

[0003] Typically, traditional shisha is used in combination with a substrate sometimes referred to in the art as hookah tobacco, tobacco molasses, or simply molasses. Traditional shisha substrates are relatively high in sugar (in some cases up to about 50% compared to the about 20% typically found in traditional tobacco substrates such as combustible cigarettes). The tobacco used in the shisha device may be mixed with other ingredients, for example to increase the amount of vapor and smoke produced, or to alter the flavor, or both.

[0004] Conventional shisha devices employ charcoal (such as charcoal pellets) to heat, and sometimes burn, a tobacco substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The use of charcoal to heat the tobacco may result in the total or partial combustion of the tobacco or other components. Additionally, the charcoal may generate harmful or potentially harmful products, such as carbon monoxide, which may mix with the shisha vapor and pass through the water basin to the outlet.

[0005] One way to reduce the production of carbon monoxide and combustion by-products is to use e-liquid rather than tobacco. Shisha devices that use e-liquid eliminate the combustion by-products but deprive shisha consumers of the experience that comes from traditional tobacco.

[0006] Other shisha devices have been proposed that employ electric heaters to heat but not burn the tobacco. These electrically heated, non-burning shisha devices heat the tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the substrate without burning the substrate, thus reducing or eliminating the by-products associated with burning tobacco.

[0007] The shisha device may employ a cartridge for housing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be filled with such an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco, preferably a shisha substrate, such as molasses (a mixture of tobacco, water, sugar, and other components such as glycerin, flavorants, etc.). A heating system in the electrically heated shisha device heats the contents of the cartridge to generate an aerosol that is conveyed to the user through an airflow path.

[0008] To facilitate airflow through the cartridge and aerosol flow from the cartridge, the shisha cartridge may have one or more holes through one or more walls. The cartridge may include one or more holes at the top, one or more holes at the bottom, or both one or more holes at the top and one or more holes at the bottom. Alternatively, the top may be open, i.e., the top wall may be partially or completely absent. Any holes or openings in the top and bottom walls may be closed by a removable (e.g., peelable) sealing layer, such as a film, sticker, or liner, during storage. The removable layer may protect the contents (e.g., molasses) from exposure to air and oxygen. The removable layer may be removed (e.g., pulled or peeled off) by the user before the first use of the cartridge.

[0009] If left unsealed, the holes or openings in the cartridge may lead to leakage problems as well as loss of freshness (e.g., moisture content) or contamination of the substrate. For one or more reasons, such as to maintain freshness or prevent leakage of the substrate or to preserve the quality and integrity of the substrate during storage, it may be desirable to close or seal the openings or holes in the cartridge prior to use or between uses if the entire contents of the cartridge are not used at one time.

[0010] However, a user's peeling or removal of the seal to expose the cartridge opening may result in some of the contents spilling or leaking onto the user's hand. A user may also spill or leak the contents of the cartridge onto their hand when removing a used cartridge from the shisha device. Additionally, the cartridge may be hot when removed from the shisha device, which may cause some discomfort to the user gripping the cartridge to remove it. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a tray for use with a shisha device, and a shisha device or cartridge including such a tray. A cartridge may be placed in the tray, and a user may handle the tray, rather than the cartridge, for one or more steps associated with the use of the cartridge with a shisha device. For example, the tray may be used to place the cartridge in the shisha device, to remove the cartridge from the shisha device, or to place the cartridge in the shisha device and to remove the cartridge from the shisha device. Preferably, the cartridge may be used with the shisha device while it is received in the tray. That is, the shisha device is preferably operated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge for delivery to a user when the tray with the received cartridge is inserted into the shisha device.

[0012] The tray may be configured to pierce the cartridge to introduce an opening for airflow through the cartridge when the cartridge is used in the shisha device. As a result, the user may avoid direct contact with the cartridge when the cartridge is pierced by the tray. The cartridge preferably does not include a preformed opening covered by a removable seal so that the user may avoid accidental contact with the cartridge contents when removing the seal. Instead, the tray may be used to pierce the cartridge to form one or more openings. In addition to preventing accidental contact of the cartridge contents with the user's hands, cartridges without preformed holes tend to have the advantage of a longer shelf life compared to cartridges with preformed holes, even when covered by a removable seal.

[0013] The tray may include one or more features or elements that aid in the proper insertion of the cartridge into the shisha device, which may provide a more reliable experience for the user.

[0014] The tray may prevent a user from directly contacting a hot surface of the shisha device or cartridge after heating by the shisha device, which may reduce discomfort changes caused by direct contact with a hot surface. The tray may facilitate disposal of the cartridge after use in the shisha device.

[0015] According to another embodiment, a tray for use in a shisha device may comprise a body defining a cavity for receiving a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity may have an open top end into which the cartridge can be inserted, and may have a bottom end. The tray may include a piercing element extending into the cavity from a bottom end thereof. The piercing element may be positioned to pierce the cartridge at a first surface when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity of the tray and a force is applied to the cartridge to move the first surface of the cartridge towards the bottom end of the cavity.

[0016] The body of the tray may include a sidewall forming an interior surface of the cavity. The sidewall may be formed from a thermally conductive material. The thermally conductive material may transfer heat from a heating element of the shisha device to the cartridge to heat an aerosol-forming substrate within the cartridge to volatilize one or more components of the substrate for delivery to a user in an aerosol.

[0017] At least a portion of the sidewall may taper inwardly in a direction from the open top end of the cavity to the bottom end of the cavity. Such a shape may aid in positioning a similarly shaped cartridge within the cavity. For example, a cartridge may be easily inserted until a bottom portion of the cartridge has a tapered sidewall section. For example, the cartridge may be frusto-conical and the sidewall may be configured to contact the cartridge along the length of the cartridge.

[0018] The tray may include a handle extending from the body away from the cavity, which may allow a user to manipulate the cartridge without touching the cartridge during operation.

[0019] The handle may include an insulating material, which may allow a user to grip the handle without experiencing the discomfort that may be associated with gripping a hot cartridge that has been removed from the shisha device shortly after the cartridge has been heated by the device.

[0020] The tray may comprise a side wall forming an inner surface of the cavity, and may comprise an outer wall. A second cavity may be formed between the outer wall and the side wall forming the inner surface of the cavity. The second cavity may be configured to receive a portion of the shisha device. That is, the tray is disposed around a portion of the shisha device, such that the portion of the shisha device is received in the second cavity between the outer wall and the side wall forming the inner surface of the cavity. The outer wall may be insulated from the side wall. Thus, heat from the heating element of the shisha may be preferentially transferred to the cartridge through the side wall of the tray, rather than through the outer wall of the tray.

[0021] The tray may include a cap for covering the open top end of the cavity. The cap may include a cap piercing element extending from a surface configured to face the cavity when the cap covers the open top end of the cavity. The cap piercing element may extend into the cavity and may be positioned to pierce the cartridge at a second surface when the cartridge is inserted into the tray cavity and a force is applied to the cap to move the cap piercing element toward a lower end of the cavity.

[0022] According to another embodiment, a tray for use in a shisha device comprises a body defining a cavity for receiving a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity has an open upper end into which the cartridge can be inserted, and has a lower end. The tray includes a piercing element extending from the lower end of the cavity into the cavity. The piercing element is positioned to pierce the cartridge at a first surface when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity of the tray and a force is applied to the cartridge to move the first surface of the cartridge towards the lower end of the cavity.

[0023] The body of the tray may include a sidewall forming an interior surface of the cavity. The sidewall may be formed from a thermally conductive material. At least a portion of the sidewall may taper inwardly in a direction from the open top end of the cavity to the bottom end of the cavity. The tray may include a handle extending from the body away from the cavity. The handle may include a thermally insulating material. The tray may include a sidewall forming an interior surface of the cavity and may also include an exterior wall. A second cavity may be formed between the exterior wall and the sidewall forming the interior surface of the cavity. The second cavity may be configured to receive a portion of the shisha device. The tray may include a cap for covering the open top end of the cavity. The cap may include a cap piercing element. The cap piercing element may extend from a surface configured to face the cavity when the cap covers the open top end of the cavity. The piercing element may extend into the cavity and may be positioned to pierce the cartridge at the second surface when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity of the tray and a force is applied to the cap to move the cap piercing element toward a lower end of the cavity.

[0024] Terms used in this disclosure will have their generally accepted definitions unless otherwise defined herein.

[0025] The term "aerosol" is used herein to refer to a suspension of solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets in a gas. The gas may be air. The solid particles or droplets may include one or more volatile flavor compounds. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. The aerosol may include a vapor of a substance that is normally a liquid or solid at room temperature. The aerosol may include a vapor of a substance that is normally a liquid or solid at room temperature, in combination with solid particles, or in combination with liquid droplets, or in combination with both solid particles and liquid droplets. In some embodiments, the aerosol includes nicotine.

[0026] The term "aerosol-forming substrate" is used herein to refer to a material capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated to volatilize one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. As an alternative to heating or burning, in some cases the volatile compounds may be released by chemical reaction or by mechanical stimulation such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed inside a cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid or may include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol former. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients (such as flavourants).

[0027] The terms "unitary" and "integrally formed" are used herein to describe elements that are formed of one piece (a single, inseparable part). Unitary or integrally formed components may be configured such that they cannot be separably removed from one another without causing structural damage to the parts.

[0028] Also, as used in this specification, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include embodiments having plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] As used herein, "or" is generally used in its meaning including "one, or the other, or both," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] The term "about" is used herein in conjunction with numerical values ​​to include normal variations in measurements as would be expected by one of ordinary skill in the art, and is understood to have the same meaning as "approximately." The term "about" is understood to encompass a typical range of error. A typical range of error may be, for example, ±5% of the stated value.

[0031] As used herein, the words "have," "having," "include," "including," "comprise," "comprising," and the like are used in their open-ended sense and generally mean "including, but not limited to." It should be understood that "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," and the like are encompassed by "comprising" and the like.

[0032] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may, under certain circumstances, offer certain advantages. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims.

[0033] The term "substantially" modifies the following term by at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98%. The term "not substantially" as used herein has the opposite meaning to "substantially" (i.e., modifies the following term by no more than 10%, no more than 5%, or no more than 2%).

[0034] Any directions referred to herein, such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," and other directions or orientations, are described herein for clarity and brevity, but are not intended to limit the actual device or system. The devices and systems described herein may be used in numerous directions and orientations.

[0035] Any suitable shisha cartridge may be used with the tray described in this disclosure. The cartridge may include a body defining a cavity. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the cavity of the cartridge. The body is preferably formed from one or more heat-resistant materials, such as a heat-resistant metal or polymer. The body may include a thermally conductive material. For example, the body may include any of aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloy thereof, and combinations thereof. The body preferably includes aluminum.

[0036] The cartridge may be of any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge may have a shape configured to be received by the tray. The cartridge may have a substantially cubic shape, a cylindrical shape, a frusto-conical shape, or any other suitable shape. Preferably, the cartridge has a generally cylindrical or frusto-conical shape.

[0037] The shisha device is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. The shisha device is preferably configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge while the cartridge is placed in the tray. The shisha device may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge by conduction. The cartridge and tray are preferably shaped and sized to allow contact with or minimize distance from the heating element of the shisha device. Advantageously, this provides efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. Heat may be generated by any suitable mechanism, such as by resistive heating or by induction. To facilitate induction heating, the cartridge may be provided with a susceptor. For example, the cartridge body may be made of or include a material capable of acting as a susceptor (e.g., aluminum), or the susceptor material may be provided in the cavity of the cartridge. The susceptor material may be provided in the cavity of the cartridge in any form (e.g., powder, solid block, pieces, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the tray may comprise the susceptor material.

[0038] Any suitable aerosol-forming substrate may be provided within the cavity defined by the body of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing a compound capable of forming an aerosol. The volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The volatile compound may be released by a chemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid, or may include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support.

[0039] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises tobacco. The tobacco-containing material preferably comprises volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised tobacco material. The homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively or additionally comprise a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol former. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a shisha substrate. Shisha substrate is understood to mean a consumable material suitable for use in a shisha device. The shisha substrate may comprise molasses.

[0040] The aerosol-forming substrate may, for example, comprise one or more of a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips, or sheets. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of herbal leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stem pieces, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco.

[0041] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. Suitable aerosol formers include compounds or mixtures of compounds that facilitate the formation of a dense, stable aerosol during use and that are substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the shisha device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate, etc.), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). Particularly preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin). The aerosol-forming substrate may include any suitable amount of aerosol former. For example, the aerosol former content of the substrate may be 5% or more on a dry weight basis, and is preferably greater than 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol former content may be less than about 95% on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the aerosol former content is up to about 55%.

[0042] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises nicotine and at least one aerosol former, in some embodiments, the aerosol former is glycerin or a mixture of glycerin and one or more other suitable aerosol formers (such as those listed above).

[0043] The aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients (flavoring agents, sweeteners, etc.). In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate includes one or more sugars in any suitable amount. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate includes invert sugar. Invert sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose obtained by splitting sucrose. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate includes about 1% to about 40% by weight of a sugar (such as invert sugar). In some embodiments, the one or more sugars may be mixed with a suitable carrier, such as corn starch or maltodextrin.

[0044] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more sensory enhancers.Suitable sensory enhancers include flavorants and sensates (such as cooling agents).Suitable flavorants include natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, clove, ginger, or combinations thereof), cocoa, vanilla, fruit flavors, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, agave, juniper, anethole, linalool, and any combination thereof.

[0045] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a suspension. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may include molasses. As used herein, "molasses" refers to an aerosol-forming substrate composition that includes about 20% or more sugar. For example, the molasses may include at least about 25% sugar by weight, such as at least about 35% sugar by weight. Typically, the molasses contains less than about 60% sugar by weight, such as less than about 50% sugar by weight.

[0046] Any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate (e.g., molasses or tobacco substrate) may be disposed within the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, from about 3 g to about 25 g of aerosol-forming substrate is disposed within the cavity. The cartridge may contain at least 6 g, at least 7 g, at least 8 g, or at least 9 g of aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may contain up to 15 g, up to 12 g, up to 11 g, or up to 10 g of aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, from about 7 g to about 13 g of aerosol-forming substrate is disposed within the cavity.

[0047] The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded within a thermally stable carrier. The term "thermally stable" is used herein to denote a material that does not substantially degrade at temperatures to which the substrate is typically heated (e.g., from about 150°C to about 300°C). The carrier may comprise a thin layer of the substrate deposited on a first major surface, or on a second major outer surface, or on both the first and second major surfaces. The carrier may be formed, for example, of paper or paper-like material, nonwoven carbon fiber mat, low-mass open mesh metal screen, or perforated metal foil, or any other thermally stable polymeric matrix. Alternatively, the carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips, or sheets. The carrier may be a nonwoven fabric or fiber bundle into which the tobacco components are incorporated. The nonwoven fabric or fiber bundle may comprise, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulose fibers, or cellulose derivative fibers.

[0048] The body of the cartridge may include one or more walls. In some embodiments, the body includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall. The side wall may be cylindrical or frusto-conical extending from the bottom to the top. The body may include one or more parts. For example, the side wall and the bottom wall may be a one-piece single part. The side wall and the bottom wall may be two parts configured to engage with each other in any suitable manner. For example, the side wall and the bottom wall may be configured to engage with each other by a threaded or interference fit. The side wall and the bottom wall may be two parts bonded together. For example, the side wall and the bottom wall may be bonded together by welding or by an adhesive. The top wall and the side wall may be a single one-piece part. The side wall and the top wall may be two parts configured to engage with each other in any suitable manner. For example, the side wall and the top wall may be configured to engage with each other by a threaded or interference fit. The side wall and the top wall may be two parts bonded together. For example, the side walls and the top wall may be joined together by welding or by an adhesive. The top wall, side walls, and bottom wall may all be a single, integral piece. The top wall, side walls, and bottom walls may be three separate pieces configured to engage with one another in any suitable manner. For example, the top wall, side walls, and bottom walls may be configured to engage with one another by threading, an interference fit, welding, or an adhesive.

[0049] One or more walls of the body may form a heatable wall or surface. As used herein, "heatable wall" and "heatable surface" refer to an area of ​​a wall or surface to which heat may be applied, either directly or indirectly. A heatable wall or surface may act as a heat transfer surface through which heat may be transferred from the exterior of the body to the cavity or to the interior surface of the cavity.

[0050] The body of the cartridge preferably has a length (e.g., axial length along the vertical central axis) of about 15 cm or less. In some embodiments, the body has a length of about 10 cm or less. The body may have an inner diameter of about 1 cm or more. The inner diameter of the body may be about 1.75 cm or more. The cartridge may have a length of about 70 cm or less within the cavity. 2 ~Approx. 100cm 2 etc., about 25cm 2 ~Approx. 100cm 2 The cavity may have a heatable surface area of ​​about 10 cm. 3 ~about 50cm 3 and preferably about 25 cm 3 ~about 40cm 3 In some embodiments, the body has a length in the range of about 3.5 cm to about 7 cm. The inner diameter of the body may be about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm. The body may be about 70 cm deep within the cavity. 2 ~Approx. 100cm 2 etc., about 30 cm 2 ~Approx. 100cm 2 The cavity may have a heatable surface area of ​​about 10 cm. 3 ~about 50cm 3 and preferably about 25 cm 3 ~about 40cm 3 The body is preferably cylindrical or frusto-conical.

[0051] The cartridge body may include one or more openings or vent holes through one or more walls of the body. The vent holes may be inlets, outlets, or both. The vent holes may be located in the bottom wall, top wall, sides, or combinations thereof of the cartridge. The cartridge body preferably does not include any openings or vent holes prior to being placed in the tray. The tray is preferably configured to pierce the cartridge to form one or more openings or vent holes in the cartridge.

[0052] The cartridge body may include one or more openings or vent holes before being pierced by the piercing element of the shisha device. After being pierced by the piercing element, the cartridge may include one or more additional openings.

[0053] After piercing the cartridge, the cartridge may include one or more inlets and one or more outlets to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used in a shisha device. In some embodiments, the top wall of the cartridge may be absent or may define one or more openings to form one or more inlets of the cartridge. The bottom wall of the cartridge may define one or more openings to form one or more outlets of the cartridge.

[0054] The one or more openings formed by the tray, together with the openings (if any) present in the cartridge prior to piercing by the tray's piercing element, may form one or more inlets and outlets sized and shaped to provide an appropriate resistance to withdrawal (RTD) through the cartridge. In some examples, the RTD through the cartridge from inlet(s) to outlet(s) may be about 10 mmH2O to about 50 mmH2O, preferably about 20 mmH2O to about 40 mmH2O. The RTD of a sample refers to the difference in static pressure between the two ends of the sample when traversed by an airflow under steady conditions with a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 milliliters / second at the output end. The RTD of a sample may be measured using the method set out in ISO standard 6565:2002.

[0055] The one or more openings on the body may cover 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, or 20% or more, or 25% or more of the area of ​​the wall on which the openings are located. For example, if the openings are on a top wall, the openings may cover at least 5% of the area of ​​the top wall. The one or more openings on the body may cover 75% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, or 30% or less of the area of ​​the wall on which the openings are located.

[0056] If the cartridge includes any openings or vents before being pierced by the piercing element of the shisha device, the cartridge may further include a seal or layer that covers the openings or vents before use. The seal is preferably sufficient to prevent airflow through the openings or vents to prevent leakage of the cartridge contents and to extend shelf life. The seal may include a peelable label such as a sticker, foil, or the like. The label, sticker, or foil may be affixed to the cartridge in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive, crimping, welding, or otherwise bonding to the container. The seal may include a tab that may be gripped to peel or remove the label, sticker, or foil from the cartridge.

[0057] The tray is configured to receive the cartridge and is configured to be received by the shisha device. The tray comprises a body defining a cavity for receiving the cartridge. The tray cavity has an open top end into which the cartridge can be inserted. The tray has a bottom end. The bottom end may include one or more openings that allow air flowing through the cartridge to exit the bottom end. The tray includes a piercing element extending from the bottom end into the cavity. The piercing element is configured to pierce the cartridge when the cartridge is placed into the tray and a force is applied to the cartridge to move a first surface of the cartridge toward the bottom end of the cavity. The piercing element may include one or more elongated elements. The one or more elongated elements are configured to pierce the cartridge. The one or more elongated elements may be hollow. The one or more elongated elements may communicate with an opening at the bottom end of the cavity such that air flowing through the cartridge may flow through the hollow elongated elements and out the bottom end of the tray.

[0058] The body of the cartridge preferably comprises a sidewall forming an internal surface of the cavity. At least a portion of the internal surface of the cavity may be configured to contact an external surface of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the cavity of the tray. The shape of the portion of the internal surface formed by the sidewall that contacts the cartridge is preferably substantially the same as the shape of the external surface of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the shape of the portion of the internal surface formed by the sidewall is shaped to contact a cylindrical or frusto-conical cartridge.

[0059] At least a portion of the sidewall preferably tapers inwardly in a direction from the open top end of the cavity to the bottom end of the cavity. Such a tapered configuration may facilitate reliable formation of an opening in the cartridge by a piercing element of the cartridge, as discussed in more detail below, and may prevent insertion of the cartridge into the cavity beyond an intended location. The tapered configuration may also ensure proper seating of the cartridge in the tray. In some embodiments, the cartridge has a frusto-conical shape, and the sidewall is configured to contact the cartridge along the length of the cartridge.

[0060] The sidewalls of the tray preferably comprise a thermally conductive material. Examples of thermally conductive materials from which the sidewalls of the tray may be formed include aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. The sidewalls of the tray preferably comprise aluminum.

[0061] The sidewalls of the tray may have any suitable thickness. If a material with lower thermal conductivity is used to form the sidewalls, the thickness of the sidewalls is reduced since a thinner structure may transfer heat more efficiently than a thicker structure.

[0062] At least a portion of the surface of the sidewall opposite the internal surface configured to receive the cartridge, which for convenience is referred to herein as the external surface of the sidewall, is preferably configured to contact the internal surface of the receptacle of the shisha device, at least a portion of which is preferably formed by the heating element, when the tray is received by the shisha device. The shape of the portion of the external surface formed by the sidewall that contacts the receptacle of the shisha device is preferably substantially the same as the shape of the internal surface of the receptacle. In some embodiments, the shape of the portion of the external surface formed by the sidewall is cylindrical or frusto-conical.

[0063] The tray may include a handle extending from the body away from the cavity. The handle may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably, the handle comprises an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials from which the tray handle may be formed include fiberglass, polyurethane, polystyrene, silica aerogel, or combinations thereof.

[0064] The tray may include an exterior wall such that a second cavity is formed between the exterior wall and a side wall forming an interior surface of the cavity. The second cavity is preferably configured to receive a portion of the shisha device such that the tray may be placed around the portion of the shisha device. Preferably, the exterior wall is insulated from the side wall such that heat from the side wall, for example resulting from contact with a heating element of the shisha device, is not substantially transferred to the exterior wall.

[0065] The exterior wall may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably, the exterior wall comprises an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials that may form the exterior wall of the tray include fiberglass, polyurethane, polystyrene, silica aerogel, or combinations thereof.

[0066] The tray may comprise any suitable piercing element extending from a bottom end into a cavity configured to receive the cartridge. The piercing element preferably comprises one or more elongated elements. The one or more elongated elements are configured to pierce the cartridge. The one or more elongated elements may comprise tapered ends. The one or more elongated elements may be configured to pierce the cartridge. The one or more elongated elements may be hollow. The one or more elongated elements may be hollow and may be configured to pierce the cartridge and allow air to flow through the hollow portion of the elongated element. The hollow elongated elements preferably provide suitable openings formed to provide a suitable RTD (such as the RTDs discussed above) through the cartridge. By tapering the sidewalls of the cartridge inwardly from the open top end of the cavity towards the bottom end of the cavity, the distance the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge may be controlled and therefore the openings formed in the cartridge formed by the piercing elements may be controlled. That is, the tapered sidewalls may prevent insertion of a cartridge into the tray beyond its intended location, ensuring that the distance that one or more elongated elements of the piercing element extend into the cartridge is substantially the same for each cartridge inserted into the tray over time, provided that each cartridge has substantially the same size and shape.

[0067] The tray may comprise a cap for covering an open top end of a cavity defined by the body of the tray. The cap may comprise a cap piercing element extending from a surface of the cap configured to face the cavity when the cap covers the open top end of the cavity. The cap piercing element extends into the cavity and is positioned to pierce the cartridge at the top surface when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity and a force is applied to the cap to move the cap piercing element towards a lower end of the cavity. The cap piercing element preferably comprises one or more elongated elements. The one or more elongated elements are configured to pierce the cartridge. The one or more elongated elements may comprise a tapered end. The one or more elongated elements may be configured to pierce the cartridge. The one or more elongated elements may be hollow. The one or more elongated elements may be hollow and configured to allow air to flow through a hollow portion of the elongated element. The hollow elongated elements preferably provide a suitable opening formed to provide a suitable RTD (such as the RTDs discussed above) through the cartridge.

[0068] The tray may be used with any suitable cartridge and any suitable shisha device. Preferably, the shisha device is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge sufficiently when placed in the tray to volatilize one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol, but not combust the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the shisha device may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature in the range of about 150°C to about 300°C, more preferably to a temperature in the range of about 180°C to about 250°C, or about 200°C to about 230°C.

[0069] The shisha device may include a receptacle for receiving the cartridge and tray. The shisha device may include a heating element configured to contact or be in close proximity to the body of the cartridge when the cartridge and tray are received in the receptacle. The heating element may form at least a portion of the receptacle. For example, the heating element may form at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle. The shisha cartridge may be configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity by conduction. In some embodiments, the heating element includes an electric heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element includes a resistive heating component. For example, the heating element may include one or more resistive wires or other resistive elements. The resistive wires may be in contact with a thermally conductive material to distribute the generated heat over a larger area. Examples of suitable electrically conductive materials include aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof. The heating element may form at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle.

[0070] At least a portion of the receptacle is preferably inwardly tapered in a direction in which the tray is configured to be inserted into the receptacle, in some embodiments, the exterior surface of the sidewall of the tray has a frustoconical shape, and the receptacle is configured to contact the sidewall along the length of the sidewall of the tray.

[0071] The shisha device may include control electronics operably coupled to the heating element. The control electronics may be configured to control the heating of the heating element. The control electronics may be configured to control the temperature to which the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is heated. The control electronics may be provided in any suitable form, for example, may include a controller, or may include a memory and a controller. The controller may include one or more of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) state machine, a digital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The control electronics may include a memory containing instructions that cause one or more components of the circuitry to perform functions or aspects of the control electronics. The functionality attributed to the control electronics in this disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

[0072] The electronic circuitry may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The electronic circuitry may be configured to regulate the supply of electrical power. The electrical power may be supplied to the heater element in the form of current pulses.

[0073] In some embodiments, the control electronics may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and to control the supply of power to the heating element in response to the electrical resistance of the heating element. In this manner, the control electronics may regulate the temperature of the resistive element.

[0074] The shisha device may include a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple. The temperature sensor may be operably coupled to the control electronics to control the temperature of the heating element. The temperature sensor may be located in any suitable location. For example, the temperature sensor may be configured to be inserted into the cartridge when received in the receptacle to monitor the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate being heated. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heating element. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be positioned to detect the temperature at the aerosol outlet of the shisha device or a portion thereof. The sensor may send a signal related to the sensed temperature to the control electronics. The control electronics may adjust the heating of the heating element in response to the signal to achieve the appropriate temperature at the sensor.

[0075] The control electronics may be operably coupled to a power source. The shisha device may include any suitable power source. For example, the power source of the shisha device may be a battery or a set of batteries. The battery of the power source may be rechargeable, or may be removable and replaceable, or may be rechargeable, removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery may be used. For example, a commercially available heavy duty type battery or a standard battery (such as a battery used for industrial heavy duty power tools). Alternatively, the power source may be any type of power source, including a supercapacitor or hypercapacitor. Alternatively, the assembly may be connected to an external power source and may be electrically and electronically designed for such purpose. Regardless of the type of power source employed, it is preferred that the power source provides sufficient energy for the normal functioning of the assembly for at least one shisha session until the aerosol is depleted from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge before being recharged or requiring connection to an external power source. The power source preferably provides sufficient energy for normal functioning of the assembly for at least about 70 minutes of continuous operation of the device before needing to be recharged or connected to an external power source.

[0076] In one embodiment, a shisha device includes an aerosol generating element including a receptacle, a heating element, an aerosol outlet, and an air inlet. The receptacle is configured to receive a tray in which a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate is disposed. The heating element may define at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle.

[0077] The shisha device includes an air inlet in fluid communication with the receptacle. In use, when the inner substrate of the cartridge is heated, the aerosol former components within the substrate are vaporized. Air flowing through the cartridge from the air inlet becomes entrained with aerosol generated from the aerosol former components within the cartridge.

[0078] Some electrically heated shisha devices employ preheated air and typically employ airflow paths that move the air close to the heat source as the smoke is drawn in. Additionally, some electrically heated shisha devices employ elements that increase radiative heat transfer by increasing the heated surface area.

[0079] The air inlet may be in communication with a channel that may include one or more openings through the cartridge receptacle, such that air from outside the shisha device may flow through the channel and into the cartridge receptacle through the one or more openings. If the channel includes two or more openings, the channel may include a manifold for directing air flowing through the channel to each opening. The shisha device preferably includes two or more air inlet channels.

[0080] As discussed above, the cartridge includes one or more openings (such as an inlet or outlet) formed in the body to allow air to flow through the cartridge. If the receptacle includes one or more inlet openings, at least some of the inlets in the cartridge may align with an opening in the top of the receptacle. The cartridge mates with a complementary alignment feature of the tray when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle, and the tray may include an alignment feature configured to mate with the complementary alignment feature of the receptacle to align the inlet of the cartridge with the opening of the receptacle.

[0081] Air entering the cartridge may flow across or through the aerosol-forming substrate, entraining the aerosol, and exiting the cartridge and receptacle via the aerosol outlet, from which the air carrying the aerosol enters the vessel of the shisha device.

[0082] The shisha device may include any suitable vessel that defines an interior volume configured to contain a liquid and defines an outlet in a headspace above a liquid fill level. The vessel may include an optically transparent or opaque housing that allows a consumer to observe the contents contained in the vessel. The vessel may include a liquid fill boundary, such as a liquid fill line. The vessel may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the vessel may include glass or a suitable rigid plastic material. Preferably, the vessel is removable from a portion of the shisha assembly that includes the aerosol generating element to allow a consumer to fill, empty, or clean the vessel.

[0083] The vessel may be filled by the consumer to a liquid-fill level. The liquid preferably comprises water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colors, flavors, or colorants and flavors. For example, the water may be infused with a botanical infusion and / or an herbal infusion.

[0084] Aerosol entrained in the air exiting the aerosol outlet of the receptacle may be transported through a conduit positioned within the vessel. The conduit may be connected to the aerosol outlet of the aerosol generating element and may have an opening below the liquid fill level of the vessel, such that aerosol flowing through the vessel passes through the opening of the conduit, through the liquid, into the headspace of the vessel, and out through the headspace outlet for delivery to a consumer.

[0085] The headspace outlet may be coupled to a hose with a mouthpiece for delivering the aerosol to a consumer. The mouthpiece may include an activation element, such as a user-activatable switch, or a puff sensor arranged to detect a user's puff at the mouthpiece, or both a user-activatable switch and a puff sensor. The activation element is operably coupled to the control electronics of the shisha device. The activation element may be wirelessly coupled to the control electronics. Activation of the activation element may cause the control electronics to activate the heating element, rather than constantly supplying energy to the heating element. As a result, the use of an activation element may function to conserve energy compared to devices not employing such elements, providing on-demand heating rather than constant heating.

[0086] For illustrative purposes, one method of using a shisha device as described herein is provided below in chronological order: The vessel may be removed from the other components of the shisha device and filled with water. One or more of natural fruit juices, botanical infusions, and herbal infusions may be added to the water for flavoring. The amount of liquid added should cover a portion of the conduit but not exceed a fill level mark that may be optionally present on the vessel. The vessel is then reassembled to the shisha device.

[0087] The cartridge may be placed in the tray and the cap may be placed on the tray, applying an appropriate force to form openings in the upper and lower piercing elements of the tray in the cartridge. The tray and cartridge may be placed in a receptacle of the shisha device. Alternatively, the tray may be placed in a receptacle of the shisha device, the cartridge may be placed in the tray, and the cap may be placed on the tray.

[0088] The device may then be turned on. Turning on the device may initiate a heating profile of the heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature equal to or greater than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but less than the combustion temperature. The aerosol-forming compound of the aerosol-forming substrate vaporizes, generating an aerosol. The user may puff on the mouthpiece as desired. The user may continue to use the device for as long as desired, or until no more aerosol is visible or delivered. In some embodiments, the device may be arranged to automatically shut off when the cartridge, or a compartment of the cartridge, is depleted of available aerosol-forming substrate. The shisha device may be turned off at any time by the consumer, for example, by switching off the device.

[0089] The shisha device may have any suitable air management. In one embodiment, a puff from the user creates a puff effect, causing a low pressure inside the device, which causes external air to flow through the air inlet of the device, into the air inlet channel, and into the receptacle. The air may then flow through the cartridge in the receptacle, and may become entrained with the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate. The air with the entrained aerosol then exits the aerosol outlet of the receptacle and flows through a conduit into the liquid inside the vessel. The aerosol then bubbles out of the liquid and into the headspace above the level of the liquid in the vessel, exiting through the headspace outlet and the hose and mouthpiece for delivery to the consumer. The flow of external air and the flow of aerosol inside the shisha device may be driven by the puff from the user.

[0090] When the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is depleted, or the shisha experience is completed, the user may remove the tray from the receptacle, remove the lid from the tray, and invert the tray to empty the cartridge into an appropriate waste container.

[0091] Reference is now made to the drawings, which illustrate one or more embodiments described in this disclosure. However, it will be understood that other embodiments not illustrated in the drawings are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. The use of different numbers to refer to components in different figures is not intended to indicate that the differently numbered components cannot be the same or similar to other numbered components. The figures are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Schematic diagrams presented in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0092] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a shisha device. For convenience, the tray has been omitted from Figure 1, as the interaction of the tray, cartridge, and shisha device is shown in more detail in Figures 2-5. [Figure 2A-2C] 2A, 2B, and 2C are schematic perspective views of a portion of an embodiment of a shisha device and associated tray and cartridge. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of a shisha device and associated tray and cartridge. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a series of schematic perspective views illustrating the use of an embodiment of a shisha device and associated tray and cartridge. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a series of schematic perspective views illustrating the use of an embodiment of a shisha device and associated tray and cartridge.

[0093] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a shisha device 100. The device 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an interior volume configured to contain a liquid 19 and defining a headspace outlet 15 above a fill level for the liquid 19. The liquid 19 preferably includes water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colorants, one or more flavorants, or one or more colorants and one or more flavorants. For example, the water may be infused with one or both of a botanical infusion and an herbal infusion.

[0094] The device 100 also includes an aerosol generating element 130. The aerosol generating element 130 includes a tray (not shown) and a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 including an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating element 130 may also include a heating element 160. The heating element 160 may form at least one surface of the receptacle 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 160 defines a side surface of the receptacle 140. The aerosol generating element 130 also includes an air inlet 170 that draws air into the device 100. The air enters the cartridge 200, which is also heated by the heating element 160, to carry the aerosol generated by the aerosol former and the aerosol-forming substrate. The air exits an outlet of the aerosol generating element 130 and enters a conduit 190.

[0095] A conduit 190 carries the air and aerosol below the level of the liquid 19 into the vessel 17. The air and aerosol may bubble through the liquid 19 and exit the headspace outlet 15 of the vessel 17. A hose 20 may be attached to the headspace outlet 15 for carrying the aerosol to the user's mouth. A mouthpiece 25 may be attached to or form part of the hose 20.

[0096] Exemplary airflow paths through the device in use are illustrated by arrows in FIG.

[0097] Mouthpiece 25 may include an activation element 27. Activation element 27 may be a switch, button, or the like, or may be a puff sensor, or the like. Activation element 27 may be located in any other suitable location on device 100. Activation element 27 may wirelessly communicate with control electronics 30 to, for example, activate device 100 by causing power source 35 to power heating element 160, or to cause the control electronics to activate heating element 160.

[0098] The control electronics 30 and power supply 35 may be located in any suitable location on the aerosol generation element 130, including locations other than on the side of the element 130 as illustrated in FIG.

[0099] 2A, 2B, and 2C, the tray body 310 is inserted into the receptacle of the shisha device 100. The tray body 310 defines a cavity 311 configured to receive a cartridge 200 including an aerosol-forming substrate. When the cartridge 200 is inserted into the cavity 311 and the body 310 is inserted into the receptacle of the shisha device 100, the cartridge 200 may be heated by the shisha device to volatilize one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate for inhalation by a user. The tray also includes a cap 395 for covering an open top end of the cavity formed by the tray body 310. The cap 395 includes a through hole 397 that allows air to enter the shisha device and flow through the cartridge 200. The tray illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a handle 390 extending from the body 310 away from the cavity. The handle 390 may be gripped by a user to facilitate manipulation of the tray and cartridge 200. The handle 390 may comprise an insulating material to prevent significant amounts of heat generated through use of the shisha device 100 from reaching the handle 390 .

[0100] 3 shows a tray 300 including a body 310 and a cap 395. The body 310 is a single piece having a sidewall 316 that defines a cavity 311 extending from an open top end to a bottom end 318. The body 310 also has an exterior wall 312 that extends from an upper shoulder 314 of the cavity 311. The exterior wall 312 defines a second cavity 321 between the exterior wall 312 and the sidewall 316. The second cavity is configured to receive an upper portion of the shisha device 100 such that at least a portion of the exterior wall 312 of the tray body 310 is disposed around the shisha device 100 when the sidewall 316 of the tray 300 is received within the receptacle 140 of the shisha device 100.

[0101] An exterior wall 312 of the body 310 of the tray 300 holds the body 310 in place relative to the shisha device 100. The exterior wall 312 may be formed from an insulating material or a material that allows a user to grip the exterior wall 312 following use of the shisha device 100 without causing the user discomfort due to heat generated during use of the device 100.

[0102] The cavity 311 provides a space for receiving the cartridge 200 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. Side walls 316 defining the cavity 311 are configured to contact the cartridge 200 along its length to transfer heat to the cartridge 200 from a heating element 160 forming at least a portion of the receptacle 140 of the shisha device 100. An upper shoulder 314 facilitates positioning of the cartridge 200 within the cavity 311 and also guides the cartridge 200 into its operative position during insertion.

[0103] The body 310 includes a lower piercing element 320. The piercing element includes a plurality of hollow elongated elements having tapered ends that pierce the cartridge 200 to form an outlet within the cartridge 200 for air to flow through the cartridge and into the conduit 190.

[0104] The cap 395 includes a through hole 397 that communicates with a hollow elongated element that forms the upper piercing element 391 of the tray 300. When the cap 395 is inserted into the open top end of the cavity 311, the hollow elongated element of the piercing element 391 pierces the cartridge 200 and forms an inlet for air to flow through the cartridge 200. The cap 395 may be pressed into place within the cavity 311. In some embodiments (not shown), the cap may be screwed into the cavity via a suitable threaded engagement.

[0105] 4, there is shown an overview of a process for using a tray 300 including a body having an exterior wall. The body 310 of the tray 300 may be placed on the shisha device 100 such that the exterior wall is disposed around a portion of the shisha device and the side wall 316 is received within a receptacle of the shisha device. The cartridge 200 may be placed within a cavity formed by the body 310 of the tray 300, and a cap 395 having a through hole 397 may be placed on the body 310. The placement of the cap 395 on the body 310 may penetrate the top and bottom of the cartridge 200 to form an inlet and an outlet for air to flow through the cartridge 200. Once the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge 200 has been depleted or the shisha session has concluded, the tray 300 may be removed from the shisha device 100, the cap 395 may be removed from the body 310 of the tray 300, and the body 310 may be inverted to allow the cartridge 200 to be discarded into a suitable waste container 400.

[0106] 5 provides an overview of the process for using a tray 300 having a body 310 that does not include an external wall. The body 310 includes side walls that form a cavity for receiving the cartridge 200 and for receiving in a receptacle of the shisha device 100. The body 310 includes a handle 390. When the aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge 200 is depleted or the shisha session is completed, the tray 300 may be removed from the shisha device 100 by grasping the handle 390, the cap 395 may be removed from the body 310 of the tray 300, and the body 310 may be inverted to allow the cartridge 200 to be discarded in a suitable waste container 400.

[0107] Thus, a tray having a piercing element for use in a shisha device is described. Various modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the present invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention that are obvious to those skilled in the mechanical, chemical, and aerosol-generating article manufacturing or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A tray for use in a shisha device, the shisha device having a receptacle for receiving the tray, the tray comprising: a body defining a cavity for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the cavity having an open upper end into which the cartridge can be inserted, and a lower end, the body comprising sidewalls forming an interior surface of the cavity; a piercing element extending into the cavity from the bottom end thereof, the piercing element positioned to pierce the cartridge at the first surface when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity of the tray and a force is applied to the cartridge to move the first surface of the cartridge toward the bottom end of the cavity; a tray comprising an exterior wall, a second cavity being formed between the exterior wall and the side wall forming the interior surface of the cavity, the second cavity being engageable with a portion of the shisha device.

2. The tray of claim 1 , wherein the sidewalls are formed from a thermally conductive material.

3. The tray of claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of said sidewalls taper inwardly in a direction from said open top end of said cavity to said bottom end of said cavity.

4. The tray of claim 3 , wherein the cavity is frustoconical.

5. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a handle extending from the body away from the cavity.

6. The tray of claim 5 , wherein the handle is formed from a thermally insulating material.

7. A tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the exterior wall is insulated from the side walls.

8. 8. A tray according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a cap for covering the open top end of the cavity defined by the body, the cap comprising a cap piercing element extending from a surface configured to face the cavity when covering the open top end of the cavity, the cap piercing element extending into the cavity and positioned to pierce the cartridge at a second surface when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity of the tray and a force is applied to the cap to move the cap piercing element towards the bottom end of the cavity.

9. An assembly comprising a tray according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a shisha device.

10. The shisha device comprises: a vessel including an interior volume configured to contain a liquid; a receptacle for receiving the tray; a heating element defining at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle, the heating element configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate in a cartridge received in the tray to generate an aerosol; 10. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising a conduit for conveying the aerosol from the cartridge to the vessel.

11. An assembly comprising a tray according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or an assembly according to claim 9 or 10, and said cartridge.

12. 12. An assembly according to claim 11, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate within the cartridge comprises nicotine.

13. 13. An assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate contained within the cartridge comprises tobacco.

Images