Aerosol generator having a cartridge release system

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes an aerosol generating element having a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate, a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level, a conduit for conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel, and a cap engageable with the body. The cap includes a frame having a cavity and a central axis, the cavity being arranged to receive the cartridge, and a gripping member configured to releasably grip the cartridge received in the receptacle. The cartridge can be released from the gripping member using a release mechanism. The release mechanism can be part of a cartridge disposal system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a system for gripping and releasing a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate for use in the aerosol generating device. The present disclosure also relates to a system for removing and disposing of a cartridge used in an aerosol generating device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a gripping and releasing system that can be used for the removal and disposal of a cartridge used in a shisha device.

[0002] Conventional shisha devices are used for smoking tobacco and are configured such that vapor and smoke pass through a water tray before inhalation by the consumer. The shisha device may include one outlet or may include more than one outlet so that the device can be used simultaneously by two or more consumers. The use of shisha devices is considered by some to be an entertainment activity and a social experience.

[0003] Typically, conventional shisha is used in combination with a substrate, which in the art is referred to as water tobacco, tobacco molasses, or simply molasses. Conventional shisha substrates are relatively high in sugar content (up to about 50% compared to about 20% typically found in conventional tobacco substrates such as combustible paper-wrapped tobacco in some cases). The tobacco used in shisha devices can be mixed with other ingredients, for example, to increase the amount of vapor and smoke produced, or to change the flavor, or both.

[0004] Conventional shisha devices employ charcoal (such as charcoal pellets) to heat the tobacco substrate and sometimes to cause combustion to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale. Using charcoal to heat the tobacco may cause the tobacco or other ingredients to burn entirely or partially. In addition, charcoal may generate harmful or potentially harmful products such as carbon monoxide, which may mix with the shisha vapor and may pass through the water tray and reach the outlet.

[0005] One way to reduce the production of carbon monoxide and combustion by-products is to use e-liquid instead of tobacco. A shisha device that uses e-liquid removes combustion by-products, but takes away the traditional tobacco-derived experience from shisha consumers.

[0006] Other shisha devices have been proposed that employ an electric heater to heat the tobacco without burning it. Such an electrically heated non-combustion shisha device heats the tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the substrate without burning the substrate, and thus reduces or eliminates the by-products associated with the combustion of tobacco.

[0007] The shisha device may employ a cartridge for containing 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 ingredients (such as glycerin, flavorants, etc.)). The heating system of the electrically heated shisha device heats the contents of the cartridge to generate an aerosol, which is carried to the user through an air flow path.

[0008] To facilitate the air flow through the cartridge and the flow of the aerosol from the cartridge, the shisha cartridge may have one or more holes through one or more walls. Prior art cartridges typically have one or more openings on at least one of the walls of the cartridge, such as one or both of the upper and bottom walls. At least some of the holes or openings in the upper and bottom walls may be closed by a removable (e.g., peelable) seal 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) by the user prior to the first use of the cartridge.

[0009] After using the hookah device, the cartridge can be removed and disposed of. However, the cartridge may still contain materials such as used aerosol-forming substrates. The cartridge may also still be hot even when there is no time to cool it. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for removing and disposing of the cartridge is provided.

[0010] It is desirable to provide a system for removing a used cartridge from an aerosol-generating device. It is desirable to provide a system for disposing of a cartridge used in an aerosol-generating device. It is desirable to provide a system for removing a used cartridge from an aerosol-generating device that can be incorporated as part of the aerosol-generating device. It is desirable to provide a convenient and easy-to-use system for removing a used cartridge from an aerosol-generating device. It is desirable to provide a convenient and easy-to-use system for disposing of a used cartridge. It is desirable to provide a system for removing a used cartridge from an aerosol-generating device where the user does not need to directly handle the cartridge. It is desirable to provide a system for disposing of a used cartridge where the user does not need to directly handle the cartridge.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system is provided that can be used to grip and release a cartridge in an aerosol-generating device. According to an embodiment, the system can be used to remove the cartridge from the aerosol-generating device. According to an embodiment, the system can be used to dispose of the cartridge. For example, the system can be used with a hookah device. The system can be used to grip a hookah cartridge. The system can be used to remove the hookah cartridge from the hookah device. The system can be used to release the hookah cartridge. The system can be used to dispose of the hookah cartridge. The system can be used to dispose of the hookah cartridge in a waste receptacle.

[0012] A system for gripping and releasing a cartridge may be referred to as an extractor. The extractor may be part of a cap used in an aerosol generating device. The cap may be incorporated as part of a shisha device.

[0013] A system for gripping and releasing a cartridge may comprise a cap attachable to an aerosol generating device. The cap comprises a body having a cavity for receiving the cartridge and a gripping member. The gripping member is configured to grip and release the cartridge.

[0014] A system for gripping and releasing a cartridge may be operated by inserting the cartridge into an aerosol generating device. The cap may be placed on the device (e.g., on a receptacle for an aerosol generating element), and the cap may be pushed down so that the gripping member engages the cartridge. The gripping member may grip the cartridge. The aerosol generating device may be a shisha device, and the cartridge may be a shisha cartridge.

[0015] The system of the present disclosure may provide various advantages. Some of the advantages include that the system for gripping and releasing a cartridge is convenient, simple, and safe to use. The user can remove a used cartridge without directly handling the cartridge and can avoid direct contact with hot objects. The cartridge can be disposed of without directly handling the cartridge, reducing the possibility of leakage and other malfunctions.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an extractor for removing a cartridge from an aerosol generating device is provided. The extractor may comprise a cavity arranged to receive the cartridge. The extractor may comprise a gripping member configured to removably grip the cartridge received within the cavity. The extractor may be engagable with the aerosol generating device. The extractor may be provided as part of a cap. The extractor may comprise one or more piercing elements for piercing the cartridge. The extractor may be provided as part of the aerosol generating device.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a cap comprising an extractor is provided. The cap may comprise a cavity arranged to receive the cartridge. The extractor may comprise a gripping member configured to removably grip the cartridge received within the cavity. The extractor may be housed within the cavity of the cap. The extractor may be configured to remove the cartridge from the aerosol generating device. The cap may be engagable with the aerosol generating device. The cap may comprise one or more piercing elements for piercing the cartridge. The cap and the extractor may be provided as part of the aerosol generating device.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device comprises a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol forming substrate, the aerosol generating device may comprise an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may comprise a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid fill level, and a conduit for carrying an air flow from the receptacle to the vessel. The aerosol generating device may comprise an extractor. The extractor may form part of a cap. The cap may be engagable with the body of the aerosol generating element. The cap may comprise a frame having a cavity and a central axis, wherein the cavity is arranged to receive the cartridge. The cap may comprise a gripping member. The gripping member may be configured to releasably grip the cartridge received within the receptacle.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device comprises a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating device comprises a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid fill level, and a conduit for carrying an airflow from the receptacle to the vessel. The aerosol generating device comprises an extractor. The extractor forms part of a cap. The cap is engageable with the body of the aerosol generating element. The cap comprises a frame having a cavity and a central axis, wherein the cavity is arranged to receive the cartridge. The cap comprises a gripping member configured to releasably grip the cartridge received within the receptacle. The gripping member may comprise one or more spring fingers. The gripping member may comprise a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating system may comprise the aerosol generating device and a cartridge disposal device comprising a waste vessel having an opening and a cartridge release member. The cartridge release member may be constructed to engage with the gripping member of the cap to effect release of the cartridge.

[0020] The one or more spring fingers may extend axially towards the closed end of the cavity. The one or more spring fingers extend radially inwards from the ring member towards the central axis.

[0021] The cap may comprise an outer shroud. The cap may comprise an inner shroud disposed within the outer shroud, where the inner shroud forms a cavity. The gripping member may be at least partially disposed within the cavity of the inner shroud. The inner shroud may be axially movable within the outer shroud. The cap may further comprise a spring element. The spring element may bias the inner shroud axially away from the outer shroud. One of the inner shroud and the outer shroud may comprise one or more guide tracks, and the other of the inner shroud and the outer shroud may comprise one or more track pins configured to cooperate with the one or more guide tracks.

[0022] The cap has an operating position. The operating position may be a position in which the cap is configured such that the gripping member grips a cartridge received within the receptacle. The cap has a cap release position. The release position may be a position in which the cartridge can be released from the gripping member. The cap may have an intermediate position. In some embodiments, the cap is configured such that, in the intermediate position, the cartridge continues to be gripped by the gripping member even when the cap is disengaged from the body.

[0023] The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device and a cartridge disposal device comprising a waste vessel having an opening. The system may comprise a cartridge release member configured to engage with the gripping member of the cap to effect release of the cartridge. The cartridge release member may comprise a pressure ring at the opening of the waste vessel, the pressure ring being configured to bend one or more spring fingers. The pressure ring may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ring member of the gripping member but larger than the diameter of the cartridge. The cartridge release member may comprise a rim of the waste vessel.

[0024] A method of using an aerosol generating device may include inserting a cartridge into a receptacle of an aerosol generating element and placing a cap on the aerosol generating element such that the cartridge is gripped by a gripping member. The cap may be pushed towards the receptacle to release the cap from the aerosol generating element. The cap and the cartridge may be removable from the aerosol generating device. The gripping member may be contacted with a cartridge release member, whereby the cartridge may be released from the gripping member.

[0025] The cartridge release member may comprise a rim of a waste vessel. The rim may have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of a ring member of the gripping member but larger than the diameter of the cartridge. Contacting the gripping member with the cartridge release member may include engaging the rim of the cartridge waste device between the cartridge and the ring member of the gripping member to bend one or more spring fingers and releasing the cartridge from the gripping member.

[0026] One or more spring fingers may exhibit a bias, and the cap may comprise a release mechanism configured to oppose the bias and thereby release the cartridge. A method of using an aerosol generating device may include gripping the cartridge by the gripping member such that one or more spring fingers exhibit a bias towards the cartridge and actuating the release mechanism to oppose the bias and thereby release the cartridge.

[0027] The term "aerosol" is used herein to refer to a suspension of solid particles or droplets in a gas, or a combination of solid particles and droplets in a gas. The gas can be air. The solid particles or droplets can contain one or more volatile flavor compounds. The aerosol can be visible or invisible. The aerosol can contain the vapor of a substance that is normally liquid or solid at room temperature. The aerosol can contain the vapor of a substance that is normally liquid or solid at room temperature in combination with solid particles, or in combination with droplets, or in combination with both solid particles and droplets. In some embodiments, the aerosol contains nicotine.

[0028] The term "aerosol-forming substrate" is used herein to refer to a material having the ability to release one or more volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate can be heated to volatilize one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. Instead of heating or combustion, in some cases, volatile compounds can be released by a chemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus such as ultrasonic waves. The aerosol-forming substrate can be disposed inside a cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate can be solid or liquid, or can contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate can be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded on a carrier or support. The aerosol-forming substrate can contain nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate can contain plant-derived materials. The aerosol-forming substrate can contain tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate can contain a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate can contain a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate can contain a homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate can contain a homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate can contain at least one aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol-forming substrate can contain other additives and components (such as flavoring agents).

[0029] The terms "integral" and "integrally formed" are used herein to describe elements that are formed in an integral piece (a single non - disassemblable item). An integral or integrally formed component can be configured such that it cannot be removably separated from each other without causing structural damage to the integral piece.

[0030] Also, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include embodiments having plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0031] As used herein, "or" is generally used in the sense of "either, or the other, or both", unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0032] The term "about" is used herein in connection with a numerical value to include normal variations in the measured value 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 error range. A typical error range can be, for example, ±5% of the value shown.

[0033] As used herein, "have", "having", "include", "including", "comprise", "comprising", or the like are used in an unrestricted sense and generally mean "including, but not limited to". Of course, "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", and the like are subsumed within "comprising" and the like.

[0034] The terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain advantages in certain circumstances. However, in the same or other circumstances, other embodiments may also be preferred. Moreover, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, nor is it intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.

[0035] As used herein, the term "substantially" can be understood to mean that the degree of meaning of the subsequent term being modified is at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98%. The term "not substantially" as used herein can be understood to have the opposite meaning of "substantially" (i.e., modifying the subsequent term by 10% or less, 5% or less, or 2% or less).

[0036] Any directions referred to herein, such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "above", "below" 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 can be used in numerous directions and orientations.

[0037] The aerosol generating device may comprise an aerosol forming substrate, and includes a main body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing the aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may comprise a vessel having a liquid filling level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid filling level, and a conduit for carrying an air flow from the receptacle to the vessel. The aerosol generating device may comprise a cap engageable with the main body. The cap may comprise a frame having a cavity and a central axis. The cavity may be arranged for receiving the cartridge. The cap may comprise a gripping member configured to releasably grip the cartridge received within the receptacle. The gripping member may comprise one or more spring fingers. The gripping member may comprise a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member. The gripping member may engage a release mechanism to release the cartridge.

[0038] The aerosol generating device may be a shisha device. The shisha device may include a main body and a receptacle for receiving a shisha cartridge containing the aerosol forming substrate. The shisha device may comprise a vessel having a liquid filling level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid filling level, and a conduit for carrying an air flow from the receptacle to the vessel. The shisha device may comprise a cap engageable with the main body. The cap may comprise a frame having a cavity and a central axis. The cavity may be arranged for receiving the shisha cartridge. The cap may comprise a gripping member configured to releasably grip the cartridge received within the receptacle. The gripping member may comprise one or more spring fingers. The gripping member may comprise a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member. The gripping member may engage a release mechanism to release the shisha cartridge.

[0039] The cap may comprise a frame having a cavity and a central axis. The cavity may be arranged to receive a cartridge. The cap may optionally comprise a piercing assembly arranged within the cavity and configured to pierce the wall of the cartridge. The cap may comprise an extractor. The extractor may comprise a gripping member configured to releasably grip a cartridge received within a receptacle. The cap may advantageously be used to grip a cartridge and remove the cartridge from the receptacle. Thereby, a user can remove the cartridge without directly contacting the used cartridge. The cap having the gripping member may be used with a waste bin. Thereby, a user can dispose of the cartridge without directly contacting the used cartridge. The devices and systems of the present disclosure may help avoid direct contact with a hot cartridge. The devices and systems of the present disclosure may also help prevent leakage and malfunction from an open cartridge.

[0040] The cap may comprise an outer frame. The cartridge may have any suitable outer shape. In some embodiments, the outer frame is formed by a cylindrical outer wall extending between a first end wall and an open second end. The first end wall may be an upper wall. The outer frame may be open at the bottom. The outer frame may define a cavity for accommodating the gripping member. The cap and the gripping member may define a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be the central axis. The longitudinal axis may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the cap comprises a gripping member configured to grip a cartridge. The gripping member may include a ring member and one or more gripping fingers extending from the ring member. The one or more gripping fingers may be configured to abut against a flange of the cartridge. For example, the one or more gripping fingers may be configured to abut against a flange of the cartridge when the cartridge is received within a receptacle and the cap is placed over the cartridge.

[0042] One or more gripping fingers may comprise spring fingers. One or more gripping fingers extend from the ring member to the upper end of the gripping fingers. The number of gripping fingers can be 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more. The number of gripping fingers can be 12 or less, 10 or less, 8 or less, 6 or less, or 4 or less. In one embodiment, the gripping member has 2 to 5 gripping fingers. In one embodiment, the gripping member has 3 gripping fingers. In some embodiments where the gripping member includes a plurality of gripping fingers, the gripping fingers may be equally spaced from each other around the ring member.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the cap includes an outer shroud that defines a cavity. The outer shroud may comprise a cylindrical outer wall extending between a first end wall and an open second end. The outer shroud may define a cavity for receiving the inner shroud.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the cap includes an inner shroud. The inner shroud may be constructed to at least partially fit within the cavity of the outer shroud. The inner shroud may have an outer wall comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions may be cylindrical elements having different diameters. The first portion may be a cylindrical wall having a first diameter, and the second portion may be a cylindrical wall having a second diameter. The second diameter may be larger than the first diameter. The second portion may be coaxial with the first portion and beneath the first portion such that a shoulder is formed at the transition between the first portion and the second portion. The shoulder may support a compression spring. The compression spring may fit around the first portion. The compression spring may extend from the shoulder to the first end wall of the outer shroud.

[0045] The outer wall of the inner shroud may extend between a first end wall and an open second end. The inner shroud may define a cavity for receiving a cartridge and for receiving a gripping member.

[0046] The gripping member can be disposed within the cavity of the cap. In some embodiments, the gripping member is positioned within the inner shroud. The gripping member can be oriented such that one or more gripping fingers face upward from the ring member. The one or more gripping fingers can be inclined radially inwardly toward the longitudinal (central) axis. When the cartridge is received within the inner shroud, the ring member can surround the cartridge body. The one or more gripping fingers can be configured such that the ends of the gripping fingers abut against the upper flange of the cartridge. The one or more gripping fingers can have a length that is less than the height of the cartridge. The inner diameter of the ring member can be greater than the maximum diameter of the cartridge. When the cap is removed from the aerosol generating device, the cartridge is removed (e.g., lifted) together with the cap by the gripping fingers abutting against the flange, thereby preventing the cartridge from falling out of the cavity.

[0047] The cap can optionally include a piercing assembly (e.g., an upper piercing assembly). The cap can include an outer shroud and a piercing element on the inner wall of the outer shroud. The piercing element can extend axially downwardly inside the cavity of the outer shroud. The piercing element can be oriented toward the cartridge placed within the receptacle of the shisha device. The piercing element can be integral with the outer shroud or can be attached inside the first end wall of the outer shroud.

[0048] The inner shroud can have an opening in its first end wall. The opening can be configured to receive the piercing element. The opening can further include one or more recesses or channels for facilitating the airflow through the first end wall of the inner shroud while the piercing element is received within the opening.

[0049] The cap may comprise an outer frame. The outer frame may comprise a protrusion extending from inside the first end wall into the cavity of the outer frame. The protrusion may be configured to push the outer shroud. The protrusion may serve to leave a gap between the outer cap frame and the outer shroud.

[0050] The upper piercing element may have any suitable shape for piercing the wall of the cartridge. For example, the upper piercing element may comprise one or more piercing edges or piercing points. The piercing edge or piercing point is configured to pierce the wall of the cartridge (e.g., the upper wall). The number of piercing points or edges is not particularly limited. The piercing element may have only a single piercing point or edge. The piercing element may have a plurality of piercing points or edges. For example, the piercing element may have two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, or eight or more piercing points or edges. The piercing element may have twenty or fewer, fifteen or fewer, twelve or fewer, ten or fewer, or eight or fewer piercing points or edges. In one embodiment, the piercing element is shaped like an inverted crown having a plurality of piercing points extending downwardly. The inverted crown may have four to ten or six to eight piercing points or edges.

[0051] The outer shroud and the inner shroud may include a track and pin system for guiding the movement of the outer shroud and the inner shroud relative to each other. The outer shroud may be movable vertically, horizontally, or both vertically and horizontally. The inner shroud may be movable vertically, horizontally, or both vertically and horizontally. In one embodiment, the inner shroud defines a track and the outer shroud comprises one or more pins. Alternatively, the track may be defined within the outer shroud and one or more pins may be on the inner shroud. In one embodiment, the outer shroud comprises one or more pins extending radially inwardly from its cylindrical outer wall. The inner shroud may include one or more tracks corresponding to the one or more pins. The one or more tracks may be disposed on a second (lower) portion of the inner shroud. The one or more tracks may define a plurality of positions of the outer shroud. For example, the one or more tracks may define a first position which is a rest position, a second position which is a puncture position, and a third position which is a use position. When the outer shroud is in the second position, a compression spring biases the outer shroud upward. The one or more tracks may also define a fourth position which is a release position of the cap. The release position may be used to release the cap from the aerosol generating device. When the outer shroud is in the fourth position, a compression spring biases the outer shroud upward. As the compression spring biases the outer shroud upward, the compression spring also biases the outer cap frame upward.

[0052] The outer shroud can be pushed down from a first position to a second position (e.g., by the user pressing on the outer cap frame). When in the second position, the piercing element engages and pierces the cartridge. When pressure is released from the outer shroud, the compression spring returns the outer shroud upward to a third position. In the third position, an air flow path is open through an opening formed in the cartridge. The air flow path may be open between the outside of an aerosol generating device (e.g., a shisha device) and the vessel. The user may use the aerosol generating device by sucking on the mouthpiece. To release and remove the cap, the user may push the outer shroud again (e.g., by pressing on the outer cap frame) and move the outer shroud to a fourth position. From the fourth position, the compression spring returns the outer shroud to the original first position (rest position). In this position, the upper part of the cap may extend over the upper edge of the aerosol generating element and may be gripped by the user. While the outer cap frame and the outer shroud move between various positions, the cartridge may remain gripped by the gripping member at least in some positions. The cartridge remains gripped by the gripping member at least at a cap release position where the cap can be released from the aerosol generating device.

[0053] The bottom of the outer frame of the cap can be attached to the support plate. The support plate can be configured to hold various parts (e.g., the gripping member, the outer shroud, and the inner shroud) within the cavity of the outer frame. The support plate can be a substantially round plate having a central hole extending therethrough. The hole can be sized to fit the cartridge. The hole can also be sized to receive a receptacle that can accommodate the cartridge. The hole can have an inwardly tapered and inclined inner edge on its upper side. The angled inner edge can assist in engaging the cap with the aerosol generating element and receiving the cartridge within the cap. The support plate can be attached in any suitable manner, such as by an adhesive or by coupling elements such as screws, clips, screw couplings, snap fits, or friction fits.

[0054] The various parts of the cap and the gripping member can be made from any suitable material. Suitable materials include plastics, metals, ceramics, glasses, and combinations thereof. Different parts of the system can be made from different materials. For example, some parts such as the outer shroud and the inner shroud can be made of plastic, while other parts such as a spring can be made of metal. Other combinations are possible. The gripping member is preferably made from a material that can be bent. For example, the gripping member can be made from metal, plastic, or a combination thereof.

[0055] The hookah device can also optionally include a piercing assembly (e.g., a bottom piercing assembly). The bottom piercing assembly can be disposed under the cartridge at the upper end of the stem pipe. The bottom piercing assembly can extend from the base of the receptacle into the receptacle, away from the base of the receptacle (e.g., upward). When the cap is pushed down, the cartridge can be pressed against the bottom piercing assembly. The cap can be pierced by both piercing assemblies. The piercing assembly can pierce the upper and lower walls of the cartridge.

[0056] The cartridge can be released from the gripping member using a release mechanism. The release mechanism can be part of a waste system. The waste system can include a cartridge release member. The cartridge release member can be configured to bend the gripping fingers radially outward. The cartridge release member can be configured to push the gripping fingers outward and release the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge disposal device includes a waste vessel having an opening. The cartridge release member can be disposed in the opening. The cartridge release member can be a pressure ring. In some embodiments, the cartridge release member comprises a rim or mouth of the waste vessel.

[0057] The cartridge release member (e.g., pressure ring or rim) can have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ring member of the gripping member. The cartridge release member (e.g., pressure ring or rim) can have a diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the cartridge. Contacting the gripping member with the cartridge release member can include inserting the rim of the cartridge disposal device between the cartridge and the ring member of the gripping member to bend one or more gripping fingers and release the cartridge from the gripping member.

[0058] In some embodiments, the release mechanism is part of a cap. The release mechanism can be actuated to release the cartridge from the gripping member.

[0059] The cartridge can include any suitable body that defines a cavity. The aerosol-forming substrate can 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 can include a thermally conductive material. For example, the body can include any of aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloy thereof, and combinations thereof. The body preferably includes aluminum.

[0060] The cartridge can be of any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge can have a shape configured to be received by a shisha device. The cartridge can have a substantially cubic shape, a cylindrical shape, a frustoconical shape, or any other suitable shape. The cartridge preferably has generally a cylindrical shape or a frustoconical shape.

[0061] An aerosol generating device (e.g., a shisha device) is configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. The device can be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge by conduction. The cartridge is preferably shaped and sized to enable contact with the heating element of the shisha device or to minimize the distance between the cartridge and the heating element of the shisha device in order to provide efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. Heat can be generated by any suitable mechanism (e.g., by resistive heating or by induction). A susceptor can be provided in the cartridge to facilitate induction heating. For example, the cartridge body can be made of or include a material (e.g., aluminum) that can function as a susceptor, or the susceptor material can be provided within a cavity of the cartridge. The susceptor material can be provided within the cavity of the cartridge in any form (e.g., powder, solid block, fragments, etc.).

[0062] Any suitable aerosol-forming substrate can be provided within a 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 can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The volatile compound can be released by a chemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus such as ultrasonic waves. The aerosol-forming substrate can be solid or liquid, or can include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate can be loaded onto a carrier or support by adsorption, coating, impregnation, or other means.

[0063] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may contain a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain plant-derived materials. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains tobacco. The tobacco-containing material preferably contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a homogenized tobacco material. The homogenized tobacco material may be formed by aggregating particulate tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively or additionally contain a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least one aerosol former. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and components (such as flavorants). The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a shisha substrate. The shisha substrate is understood to mean a consumable material suitable for use in a shisha device. The shisha substrate may contain molasses.

[0064] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain, for example, one or more of powder, granules, pellets, fragments, spaghetti, shreds, or sheets. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, fragments of tobacco stems, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco.

[0065] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-forming agent. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include compounds, or mixtures of compounds, which facilitate the formation of a stable aerosol of high density in use and which are substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the shisha device. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerol), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate), but are not limited thereto. Particularly preferred aerosol-forming agents are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, most preferably glycerol). The aerosol-forming substrate may contain any suitable amount of aerosol-forming agent. For example, the aerosol-forming agent content of the substrate may be 5% or more on a dry weight basis, preferably higher than 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming agent content may be less than about 95% on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming agent content is preferably at most about 55%.

[0066] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises nicotine and at least one aerosol-forming agent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent is glycerol or a mixture of glycerol and one or more other suitable aerosol-forming agents (such as those described above).

[0067] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and components (such as flavorings, sweeteners). In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate contains one or more sugars in any suitable amount. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains invert sugar. Invert sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose obtained by splitting sucrose. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains from about 1% to about 40% by weight of sugar (such as invert sugar). In some examples, the one or more sugars may be mixed with a suitable carrier such as corn starch or maltodextrin.

[0068] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more sensation enhancers. Suitable sensation 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, yuzu, byakushin, anethole, linalool, and any combination thereof.

[0069] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a suspension. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise molasses. As used herein, "molasses" means an aerosol-forming substrate composition containing at least about 20% sugar. For example, molasses may contain at least about 25% sugar, such as at least about 35% by weight of sugar. Typically, molasses contains less than about 60% sugar, such as less than about 50% by weight of sugar.

[0070] Any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate (e.g., molasses or tobacco substrate) can be placed in the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, about 3 g to about 25 g of aerosol-forming substrate is placed in 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, about 7 g to about 13 g of aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity.

[0071] 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 the temperatures at which the substrate is typically heated (e.g., from about 150 °C to about 300 °C). The carrier may comprise a thin layer on which the substrate is deposited on a first major surface, or on a second major outer surface, or on both the first major surface and the second major surface. The carrier may be formed of, for example, paper or paper-like materials, non-woven carbon fiber mats, low-mass coarse-mesh metallic screens, or perforated metal foils, or any other thermally stable polymeric matrix. Alternatively, the carrier may take the form of powders, granules, pellets, fragments, spaghetti, flakes, or sheets. The carrier may be a bundle of non-woven or fibers incorporating tobacco components. The bundle of non-woven or fibers may include, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulose fibers, or cellulose derivative fibers.

[0072] The body of the cartridge may include one or more walls. In some embodiments, the body includes an upper wall, a bottom wall, and side walls. The side walls may be cylindrical or frustoconical, extending from the bottom to the top. The body may include one or more parts. For example, the side walls and the bottom wall may be an integral single part. The side walls and the bottom wall may be two parts configured to engage with each other in any suitable manner. For example, the side walls and the bottom wall may be configured to engage with each other by screwing or interference fitting. The side walls and the bottom wall may be two parts joined together. For example, the side walls and the bottom wall may be joined together by welding or by an adhesive. The upper wall and the side walls may be a single integral part. The side walls and the upper wall may be two parts configured to engage with each other in any suitable manner. For example, the side walls and the upper wall may be configured to engage with each other by screwing or interference fitting. The side walls and the upper wall may be two parts joined together. For example, the side walls and the upper wall may be joined together by welding or by an adhesive. The upper wall, the side walls, and the bottom wall may all be a single integral part. The upper wall, the side walls, and the bottom wall may be three separate parts configured to engage with each other in any suitable manner. For example, the upper wall, the side walls, and the bottom wall may be configured to engage with each other by screwing, interference fitting, welding, or an adhesive.

[0073] One or more walls of the body may form a heatable wall or surface. As used herein, "heatable wall" and "heatable surface" mean an area of a wall or surface to which heat can be applied either directly or indirectly. The heatable wall or surface may function as a heat transfer surface through which heat can be transferred from the outside of the body to a cavity or the inner surface of the cavity.

[0074] The body of the cartridge preferably has a length of about 15 cm or less (e.g., the axial length along the vertical central axis). 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 is in a cavity, about 70 cm2 ~ about 100 cm 2 such as about 25 cm 2 ~ about 100 cm 2 may have a heatable surface area of. The volume of the cavity is about 10 cm 3 ~ about 50 cm 3 and may preferably be about 25 cm 3 ~ about 40 cm 3 and may be. 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 can be about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm. The body has in the cavity, about 70 cm 2 ~ about 100 cm 2 such as about 30 cm 2 ~ about 100 cm 2 may have a heatable surface area of. The volume of the cavity is about 10 cm 3 ~ about 50 cm 3 and may preferably be about 25 cm 3 ~ about 40 cm 3 and may be. The body is preferably cylindrical or frustoconical.

[0075] The cartridge body may include one or more openings or vents through one or more walls of the body. The vents may be inlets, outlets, or both. The vents may be disposed on the bottom wall, the top wall, the side, or combinations thereof, of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge does not include any pre-formed openings or vents. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes pre-formed openings or vents only in one wall. For example, the cartridge may include openings or vents only in the bottom wall. In some embodiments, one or more inlets or one or more outlets are formed in the cartridge wall by a piercing assembly to enable air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used in a shisha device. In some embodiments, one or more inlets or outlets are formed in the cartridge wall by a piercing assembly to enable air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used in a shisha device. In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the cartridge may define one or more openings to form one or more outlets of the cartridge. The one or more inlets and outlets are preferably sized and shaped to provide a suitable draw-through resistance (RTD) through the cartridge. In some examples, the RTD through the cartridge from the inlet(s) to the outlet(s) may be from about 10 mm of H2O to about 50 mm of H2O, preferably from about 20 mm of H2O to about 40 mm of H2O. The RTD of a sample refers to the difference in static pressure between two ends of the sample when traversed by an air flow under stable conditions where the volumetric flow rate is 17.5 milliliters per second at the output end. The RTD of a specimen can be measured using the method described in ISO standard 6565:2002.

[0076] After one or more openings are formed on the body, the openings may cover 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, or 25% or more of the area of a wall. For example, if the opening is on the top wall, the opening may cover at least 5% of the area of the top wall. 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 where the opening is located.

[0077] The cartridge may further include a seal or layer that covers one or more pre-formed openings before use. The cartridge may include a first removable seal that covers one or more inlets and a second removable seal that covers one or more outlets. The first seal and the second seal are preferably sufficient to prevent air from flowing through the inlets and outlets to prevent leakage of the contents of the cartridge and to extend the shelf life. The seal may comprise a sticker, foil, or a peelable label such as this. The seal may comprise a pierceable label of a sticker, foil, or the like. The label, sticker, or foil may be attached to the cartridge in any suitable manner, such as by an adhesive, crimping, welding, or otherwise joined to the container. The seal may include a tab that can be gripped to peel or remove the label, sticker, or foil from the cartridge.

[0078] In some embodiments, the cartridge is a shisha cartridge that can be used with any suitable shisha device. The shisha device is preferably configured to sufficiently heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge to form an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, but not to burn 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 in the range of about 180°C to about 250°C, or about 200°C to about 230°C.

[0079] The shisha device may include a receptacle for receiving a cartridge. The shisha device may include a heating element configured to contact or be proximate to the body of the cartridge when the cartridge is received within 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 the surface of the receptacle. The shisha cartridge may be configured to transfer heat from the heating element to an aerosol-forming substrate within the cavity by conduction. In some embodiments, the heating element includes an electrical 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 wire may contact a thermally conductive material to distribute the generated heat over a wider area. Examples of suitable conductive materials include aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof. The heating element may form at least a portion of the surface of the receptacle.

[0080] 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 at which the aerosol-forming substrate within the cartridge is heated. The control electronics may be provided in any suitable form, for example, 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 circuit to perform the functions or aspects of the control electronics. The functions attributable to the control electronics in the present disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, or hardware.

[0081] The electronic circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The electronic circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power. The power may be supplied to the heater element in the form of current pulses.

[0082] 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 way, the control electronics may regulate the temperature of the resistive element.

[0083] The hookah 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 positioned at any suitable location. For example, the temperature sensor may be configured to be inserted into the cartridge when received within a receptacle to monitor the temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate. 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 or in a portion of the aerosol outlet of the hookah device. The sensor may transmit 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 a suitable temperature with the sensor.

[0084] The control electronics can be operably connected to a power source. The shisha device can include any suitable power source. For example, the power source of the shisha device can be a battery or a battery pack. The battery of the power source can be rechargeable, or removable and replaceable, or rechargeable, removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery can 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 can be any type of power including a supercapacitor or a hypercapacitor. Alternatively, the assembly may be connected to an external power supply source and can be designed electrically and electronically for such purposes. Regardless of the type of power source employed, the power source preferably provides sufficient energy for the normal functioning of the assembly during at least one shisha session until the aerosol is depleted from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge before being recharged or before a connection to an external power supply source is required. The power source preferably provides sufficient energy for the normal functioning of the assembly during at least about 70 minutes of continuous operation of the device before being recharged or before a connection to an external power supply source is required.

[0085] In one embodiment, the shisha device includes an aerosol generating element including a cartridge receptacle, a heating element, an aerosol outlet, and an air inlet. The cartridge receptacle is configured to receive a cartridge according to the present disclosure containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element can define at least a portion of the surface of the receptacle.

[0086] The shisha device includes an air inlet channel in fluid connection with the receptacle. In use, when the substrate inside the cartridge is heated, the aerosol-forming constituent in the substrate vaporizes. The air flowing from the air inlet channel through the cartridge becomes entrained with the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming constituent in the cartridge.

[0087] Some electric heating shisha devices employ preheated air and typically an airflow path, such that air moves near the heat source during smoking. Further, some electric heating shisha devices employ elements that increase radiative heat transfer by increasing the surface area to be heated.

[0088] The air inlet channel may include one or more openings through the cartridge receptacle such that air from outside the shisha device can flow through the channel and through the one or more openings into the cartridge receptacle. When the channel includes two or more openings, it may include a manifold for directing the air flowing through the channel to each opening. The shisha device preferably includes two or more air suction channels.

[0089] As described above, the cartridge includes one or more openings (such as an inlet or outlet) formed within the body, allowing air to flow through the cartridge. When the receptacle includes one or more inlet openings, at least some of the inlets in the cartridge may be aligned with the openings at the top of the receptacle. The cartridge may include alignment features configured to engage with complementary alignment mechanisms of the receptacle to align the inlet of the cartridge with the opening of the receptacle when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle.

[0090] The air entering the cartridge may flow across, through, or across and through the aerosol-forming substrate, entraining the aerosol, and exiting the cartridge and receptacle via the aerosol outlet. From the aerosol outlet, the air carrying the aerosol enters the vessel of the shisha device via the stem pipe.

[0091] The hookah device can include any suitable vessel that defines an internal volume configured to contain a liquid and defines an outlet in an upper space above the liquid fill level. The vessel can include an optically transparent or opaque housing that allows a consumer to observe the contents contained within the vessel. The vessel can include a liquid fill boundary such as a liquid fill line. The vessel housing may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the vessel housing can include glass or a suitable rigid plastic material. Preferably, the vessel is removable from a portion of the hookah assembly that includes an aerosol generating element so that a consumer can fill, empty, or clean the vessel.

[0092] The vessel may be filled by a consumer up to the liquid fill level. The liquid preferably includes water, to which one or more colorants, or flavorants, or both colorants and flavorants may optionally be infused. For example, the water may be infused with one or both of a plant extract and a herb extract.

[0093] The aerosol entrained in the air exiting the aerosol outlet of the receptacle can move through a conduit positioned within the vessel. The conduit may be connected to the aerosol outlet of the aerosol generating element such that the aerosol flowing through the vessel enters the upper space of the vessel through the opening of the conduit, through the liquid, and exits through the upper space outlet for delivery to the consumer, and may have an opening below the liquid fill level of the vessel.

[0094] The upper space outlet may be connected to a hose having a mouthpiece for delivering the aerosol to the consumer. The mouthpiece may include activation elements such as a switch activatable by the user, or a smoking sensor arranged to detect the user's smoking at the mouthpiece, or both a switch activatable by the user and a smoking sensor. The activation elements are operably connected to the control electronics of the shisha device. The activation elements may be wirelessly connected to the control electronics. Activation of the activation elements 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 activation elements may function to conserve energy compared to devices that do not employ such elements and may provide heating on demand rather than constant heating.

[0095] For illustrative purposes, one method of using a hookah device as described herein is provided below in chronological order. The vessel may be removed from the other components of the hookah device and filled with water. One or more of natural fruit juices, plant extracts, and herbal extracts may be added to the water for flavoring. The amount of liquid added should cover a portion of the conduit but should not exceed an optional fill level mark that may be present on the vessel. The vessel is then reassembled onto the hookah device. The cartridge may be placed within the receptacle. The cap may be placed over the receptacle and the cartridge such that the cartridge is received within a cavity inside the cap. The gripping member grips the cartridge as the gripping fingers slide beneath the top of the cartridge. The user may push down on the cap relative to the cartridge such that a piercing element (e.g., an upper piercing assembly, a bottom piercing assembly, or both an upper and bottom piercing assembly) engages the cartridge to pierce one or more walls of the cartridge. The device may then be turned on. Turning on the device may initiate a heating profile of a heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate but below the combustion temperature. The aerosol-forming compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate vaporize to generate an aerosol. The user may smoke the mouthpiece as desired. The user may continue to use the device for a desired length of time or until the aerosol is no longer visible or is no longer delivered. In some embodiments, the device may be arranged to automatically stop when the available aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge, or a section of the cartridge, is depleted. The user may press the cap to release the cap. The top of the cap may rise above the upper level of the body of the aerosol-generating element, whereby the user can grip the top of the cap. The user can also remove the cap by removing the cartridge gripped by the gripping member. In some embodiments, the consumer may refill the device with a new cartridge after receiving an indication from the device, e.g., that the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is depleted or nearly depleted.The hookah device can be turned off by the consumer at any time, for example, by turning off the device's switch. The user can dispose of the cartridge by bringing the gripping member into contact with the release member of the disposal device or by actuating the release mechanism on the cap.

[0096] The hookah device can have any suitable air management. In one embodiment, the smoking act by the user creates a suction effect that causes a low pressure inside the device, which draws external air through the air inlet of the device, into the air inlet channel, and into the receptacle. The air can then flow through the cartridge within the receptacle and can be entrained with the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate. The air containing 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 enters the upper space above the level of the liquid in the vessel, exits the upper space outlet, and passes through a hose and a mouthpiece for delivery to the consumer. The flow of external air and the flow of aerosol inside the hookah device may be driven by the smoking action of the user.

[0097] Reference is now made to the drawings that illustrate one or more embodiments described in the present disclosure. However, it goes without saying that other embodiments not illustrated in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Similar numbers used in the figures refer to similar components. The use of different numbers to refer to components in different figures is not intended to indicate that components with different numbers cannot be the same or similar to components with other numbers. The figures are presented for illustrative purposes and not for limiting purposes. The schematic diagrams presented in the figures are not necessarily to scale.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0098]

Figure 1

Figures 2A-2B

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figures 4A-4B

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figures 12A-12B

Figures 13A-13D

Figures 14A-14B

Figure 15

[0099] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a shisha device 100. The device 100 includes a vessel 17 that defines an internal volume configured to contain a liquid 19 and an upper space outlet 15 above the filling level of the liquid 19. The liquid 19 preferably includes water, and one or more colorants, or one or more flavorants, or one or more colorants and one or more flavorants may be optionally injected into this water. For example, one or both of a plant extract and a herb extract may be injected into the water.

[0100] The device 100 also includes an aerosol generating element 130. The aerosol generating element 130 includes a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 that includes 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 the side surface of the receptacle 140. The aerosol generating element 130 also includes an air inlet channel 170 that draws air into the device 100. In some embodiments, a portion of the air inlet channel 170 is formed by a heating element 160 for heating the air before it enters the receptacle 140. The preheated air then enters the cartridge 200, which is also heated by the heating element 160 and conveys the aerosol generated by the aerosol forming body and the aerosol forming substrate. The air exits the outlet of the aerosol generating element 130 and enters the conduit 190.

[0101] The conduit 190 conveys air and aerosol into the vessel 17 below the level of the liquid 19. The air and aerosol may bubble through the liquid 19 and exit through the upper space outlet 15 of the vessel 17. A hose 20 may be attached to the upper space outlet 15 to convey the aerosol to the user's mouth. The mouthpiece 25 may be attached to the hose 20 or may form part thereof.

[0102] An exemplary airflow path of the device in use is illustrated by the thick arrows in FIG. 1.

[0103] The mouthpiece 25 may include an activation element 27. The activation element 27 may be a switch, button or the like, or may be a smoking sensor or the like. The activation element 27 may be placed at any other suitable location of the device 100. The activation element 27 wirelessly communicates with the control electronics 30 to place the device 100 in an operating state, for example, by feeding power 35 to the heating element 160, or to activate the heating element 160 in the control electronics.

[0104] The control electronics 30 and the power supply 35 may be located at any suitable position of the aerosol generating element 130, including locations other than the bottom portion of the element 130 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0105] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, various embodiments of the cartridge body 210 are shown. The body 210 may include side walls 212, an upper wall 215, and a bottom wall 213 that define a cavity 218. The side walls 212 may be cylindrical or frustoconical as shown. FIG. 2A shows the body 210 with a portion of the upper part 215 removed and the cavity 218 inside the body. The body 210 may define a central axis A extending therethrough. As shown in FIG. 2B, the upper part may include a flange 219 extending from the side walls 212.

[0106] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, one or both of the upper portion 215 and the bottom portion 213 of the body may have a plurality of openings 217, 216 to allow air to flow through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. Some or all of the openings 217, 216 may be formed by the piercing assembly. For example, the opening 217 in the upper portion 215 may be formed by the upper piercing assembly 401. The opening 216 in the bottom portion 213 may be formed by the bottom piercing assembly 301. The cartridge 200 may also, or alternatively, include an opening along the side wall 212. In embodiments where the upper or bottom includes pre-formed openings, the openings may be blocked by a peelable seal or liner when the cartridge is stored prior to use.

[0107] A partial schematic view of the hookah device 100 having the cap 400 and the gripping member 450 is shown in FIG. 4A. The gripping member 450 is configured to grip the cartridge 200. The cap 400 may include an outer frame 410 that houses the gripping member 450. The gripping member 450 may include a ring member 451 and one or more gripping fingers 452. The one or more gripping fingers may be configured to abut against the flange 219 of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is received within the receptacle and the cap 400 is placed over the cartridge 200.

[0108] The cap 400 may optionally include a piercing assembly 401 (e.g., an upper piercing assembly). The cap 400 may include an outer shroud 420 and a piercing element 440 on the inner wall of the outer shroud 420. For example, in some embodiments such as those illustrated, the piercing element 440 may be disposed on the inner end wall 421. The piercing assembly 401 may further include an inner shroud 430 that is at least partially disposed within the outer shroud. The piercing element 440 may be oriented toward a cartridge 200 placed within a receptacle of the hookah device 100. The hookah device 100 may also optionally include a piercing assembly 301 (e.g., a bottom piercing assembly) at an upstream end of the stem pipe 190. When the cartridge 200 is pierced by one or both of the piercing assemblies 301, 401, an airflow passage is established through the cartridge 200 as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0109] Examples of the cap 400 and the gripping member 450 are shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Detailed views of each of the elements of the cap 400 and the gripping member 450 are shown in FIGS. 6-11. The cap 400 and the gripping member 450 may define a longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis A may be a central axis. When the cap 400 is disposed on the hookah device 100, the longitudinal axis A may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe 190.

[0110] The cap outer frame 410 shown in FIG. 6 may include a cylindrical outer wall 413 that extends between a first end wall 411 and an open second end 412. The outer frame 410 may define a cavity 419 for receiving the piercing assembly 401. The first end wall 411 may have a protrusion 414 that extends from the inner wall. The protrusion 414 may be configured to press against the outer shroud 420 while leaving a gap between the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the cap 400 includes a gripping member 450 configured to grip the cartridge 200. The gripping member 450 shown in FIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B may include a ring member 451 and one or more gripping fingers 452. The one or more gripping fingers 452 may comprise spring fingers. The one or more gripping fingers 452 extend from the ring member 451 to the upper end portion 453. In some embodiments where the gripping member 450 includes a plurality of gripping fingers 452, the gripping fingers 452 may be positioned equidistantly from each other around the ring member 451.

[0112] The gripping member 450 may be disposed within the cavity of the cap 400. The gripping member 450 may be positioned within the inner shroud 430 as shown in FIG. 5A. The gripping member 450 may be oriented such that one or more gripping fingers 452 face upward from the ring member 451. The one or more gripping fingers 452 may be inclined radially inwardly toward the longitudinal (central) axis A. The one or more gripping fingers 452 may be configured such that when the cartridge 200 is received within the inner shroud 430, the ends of the gripping fingers 452 abut against the upper flange 219 of the cartridge 200. The inner diameter of the ring member 451 may be larger than the maximum diameter of the cartridge 200.

[0113] The outer shroud 420 shown in FIG. 7 is constructed to at least partially fit within the cavity 419 of the cap outer frame 410. The outer shroud 420 may comprise a cylindrical outer wall 423 that extends between a first end wall 421 and an open second end 422. The outer shroud 420 may define a cavity 429 for housing the piercing element 440 and the inner shroud 430. The outer shroud 420 may include the piercing element 440. The piercing element 440 extends axially downwardly inside the cavity of the outer shroud 420. The piercing element 440 is centered relative to the longitudinal axis A of the outer shroud 420. The piercing element 440 may be integral with the outer shroud 420 or may be attached inside the first end wall 421 of the outer shroud 420. The piercing element 440 may comprise one or more piercing edges or piercing points 441. The joining edge or piercing point 441 is configured to pierce the wall (e.g., the upper wall) of the cartridge 200. The piercing element 440 may be configured such that the piercing element 440 can fit through an opening 437 on the inner shroud 430. The outer shroud 420 may include a bottom flange 427. The bottom flange 427 may extend outwardly from the bottom of the outer wall 423.

[0114] The inner shroud 430 shown in FIG. 9 is constructed to at least partially fit within the cavity 429 of the outer shroud 420. The inner shroud 430 may have an outer wall that includes a first portion 433 and a second portion 434. The first portion 433 may be a cylindrical wall having a first diameter, and the second portion 434 may be a cylindrical wall having a second diameter. The second diameter may be larger than the first diameter. The first and second portions 433, 434 may be separated by a shoulder 435. The shoulder 435 may be constructed to support a compression spring 470 (shown in FIG. 8). The compression spring 470 may fit around the first portion 433. The ends of the compression spring 470 may be supported on the shoulder 435 such that the spring can be compressed against the shoulder 435. The outer wall of the inner shroud 430 may extend between a first end wall 431 and an open second end 432. The inner shroud 430 may define a cavity 439 for receiving a gripping member 450 and for receiving a cartridge 200. The inner shroud 430 may have an opening 437 in the first end wall 431. The opening 437 may be configured to receive a piercing element 440. The opening 437 may further include one or more channels 438 for facilitating an airflow through the inner shroud 430 while the piercing element 440 is received within the opening 437.

[0115] The outer frame 410 may optionally include threaded holes 462 configured to secure a support plate 460 (FIG. 10) to the bottom of the outer frame 410. Alternatively, the support plate 460 may be secured by other means, such as by an adhesive. The support plate 460 may be a substantially round plate having a central hole 461 extending therethrough. The support plate 410 may be sized to hold the outer and inner shrouds 420, 430 inside the cavity 419 of the outer frame 410, as shown in FIG. 5A. The support plate 410 may also hold a gripping member 450 within the cavity 419 of the outer frame 410.

[0116] The outer shroud 420 and the inner shroud 430 may include a track and pin system for guiding the movement of the outer shroud 420 and the inner shroud 430 relative to each other. The outer shroud 420 may include one or more pins 425 extending radially inwardly from its cylindrical outer wall 423. The inner shroud 430 may include one or more tracks 436 corresponding to the one or more pins 425. Exemplary tracks 436 and the paths guided by the tracks 436 are shown in FIGS. 13A-13D. The positions of the tracks 436 and the pins 425 may define the relative positions of the outer shroud 420 and the inner shroud 430. Initially, the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 are in a first position P1. That is, the pins 425 are in a first position P1 within the track 436. The first position P1 may be regarded as a stationary position. The heater may include a first portion and a second portion. The guide track may include a second position P2 which may be the piercing position of the piercing element. The first portion may define a first distance between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The first portion may define a third position P3. The third position P3 may be a use position. The second portion may define a second distance between the third position P3 and the fourth position P4. The second distance may be shorter than the first distance. The first portion may guide the track pins axially and radially.

[0117] At the first position P1, the gripping member 450 is engaged with the cartridge 200. For example, the upper end portion 453 of the gripping finger 452 can slide (downward) through the flange 219 of the cartridge when the cap is placed at the first position P1. Alternatively, the gripping member 450 can engage with the cartridge 200 later when the cap 400 is pushed down. A force can be applied to the outer frame 410 of the cap and the outer shroud 420, for example, by pushing down the cap 400 (e.g., by the user), and the pin can be moved from the first position to the second position P2 (see the arrow in FIG. 13A). At the second position P2, the piercing element 440 can also engage with the cartridge 200 and pierce it. For example, when the pressure is released from the outer frame 410 of the cap and the outer shroud 420 (e.g., released by the user) and the force is removed, the compression spring 470 returns the outer frame 410 of the cap and the outer shroud 420 to the third position P3. The movement of the cap during the initial push-down of the cap to pierce the cartridge and the release of the cap that allows the cap to return to the third (use) position are defined by the first part of the track. At the third position P3, the gripping member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200. At the third position P3, the airflow path opens through an opening formed in the cartridge 200 and is open between the outside of the shisha device and the vessel. To release and remove the cap 400, the user presses the outer frame 410 of the cap again, moving the outer frame 410 of the cap and the outer shroud 420 to the fourth position P4, from where the compression spring 470 returns the outer frame 410 of the cap and the outer shroud 420 to the first position P1. The movement of the cap during the second instance of pushing down the cap and releasing the cap is defined by the second part of the track. When the cap returns to the first position P1, the gripping member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200 and lifts the cartridge 200 upward together with the cap. The upper part of the cap 400 can rise above the upper edge of the aerosol generating element.Next, the user can remove (e.g., lift) the cap from the aerosol generating element, thereby removing the cartridge 200 having the cap.

[0118] In some embodiments, the waste system 600, shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, can be used with the hookah device 100 and the cap 400. The waste system 600 can be used to remove the cartridge 200 and optionally discard it. The waste system 600 can include a cartridge disposal device 601. The cartridge disposal device 601 can include a cartridge release member 610. The cartridge release member 610 can be a pressure ring. The cartridge release member 610 can be configured to engage with the gripping member 450. The cartridge release member 610 (e.g., pressure ring or rim) can have a diameter D610 that is smaller than the inner diameter D451 of the ring member 451 of the gripping member 450 but larger than the maximum diameter of the cartridge 200.

[0119] The gripping fingers 452 of the gripping member 450 can be biased towards the default position. By bringing the gripping member 450 into contact with the cartridge release member 610, the gripping fingers 452 can be pushed out from the default position. Bringing the gripping member 450 into contact with the cartridge release member 610 can include engaging the cartridge release member 610 between the cartridge 200 and the ring member 451 of the gripping member 450 to bend one or more gripping fingers 452 and release the cartridge 200 from the gripping member 450.

[0120] The waste system 600 can include a waste vessel 620 having an opening 621. The shape of the waste vessel 620 is not particularly limited and is shown by the dashed line. The cartridge release member 610 can be disposed in the opening 621. In some embodiments, the cartridge release member 610 includes the rim or mouth of the opening 621. Bringing the gripping member 450 into contact with the cartridge release member 610 can include engaging the rim of the cartridge disposal device 601 between the cartridge 200 and the ring member 451 of the gripping member 450.

[0121] The operation of the hookah device 100 and the cap 400, as well as the removal of the cartridge 200 using the disposal system 600, are schematically shown in FIG. 15. The hookah device 100 includes an aerosol generating element 130 having a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating element 130 may also include a heating element 160. The heating element 160 may form part of the receptacle 140. The user places the cartridge 200 in the receptacle 140 (step 1), places the cap 400 on the cartridge 200 (step 2), as a result of which the cartridge 200 is received in the inner shroud 430 and the gripping member 450 can start by sliding across the top of the cartridge 200 such that the gripping fingers 452 grip the cartridge 200. If the cap includes a piercing assembly, the user may press the cap to pierce the cartridge 200 (step 3). After releasing the cap 400, the spring 470 pushes up the cap frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 into the operating position (step 4). In the operating position, the air path through the cartridge 200 is open and the user can use the hookah device as normal. The gripping member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200. After using the hookah device, the user may press the cap 400 again and release the cap (step 5). The track and pin system guides the movement of the cap 400 and allows the spring 470 to return the cap 400 to its starting position (step 6). The gripping member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200 and lifts the cartridge 200 upwards together with the cap 400. Next, the user may remove the cap 400 from the device (step 7). The cartridge 200 is held within the inner shroud 430 by the gripping member 450. The cartridge 200 may be removed by bringing the gripping member 450 into contact with the cartridge release member 610 of the cartridge disposal device 601 (step 8). The cartridge release member 610 may be configured to bend the gripping fingers 452.The cartridge release member 610 can be configured to push the gripping fingers 452 radially outward to release the cartridge 200.

[0122] Alternatively, the cartridge 200 can be removed by activating a release mechanism on the cap 400 that causes the gripping fingers 452 to release the cartridge 200.

[0123] Accordingly, a system for gripping and releasing a cartridge for a hookah device is described. Various modifications and variations of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. While the present invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described methods for practicing the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the mechanical arts, chemical arts, and aerosol generating article manufacturing or related fields are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an aerosol generating element including a main body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing an aerosol forming substrate; a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace outlet above the liquid fill level; a conduit for carrying an air flow from the receptacle to the vessel; a cap engageable with the main body, the cap comprising: a frame having a cavity and a central axis, the cavity being arranged to receive the cartridge; and a gripping member configured to releasably grip the cartridge received within the receptacle.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the gripping member comprises one or more spring fingers.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gripping member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member.

4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cap further comprises an outer shroud and an inner shroud disposed within the outer shroud, the inner shroud forming the cavity and the gripping member being at least partially disposed within the cavity of the inner shroud.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the inner shroud is axially movable within the outer shroud.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the cap further comprises a spring element for biasing the inner shroud axially away from the outer shroud.

7. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the inner shroud comprises one or more guide tracks and the outer shroud comprises one or more track pins configured to cooperate with the one or more guide tracks.

8. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cap comprises a piercing element configured to pierce the cartridge.

9. The gripping member includes one or more spring fingers having a bias toward a default position, and the cap includes a release mechanism configured to oppose the bias, whereby the fingers are moved away from the default position to release the cartridge received within the cavity. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and A waste vessel having an opening, and A cartridge disposal device comprising a cartridge release member constructed to engage the gripping member of the cap to actuate the release of the cartridge. An aerosol generating system.

11. The gripping member includes a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member, and the cartridge release member includes a pressure ring at the opening of the waste vessel, the pressure ring being constructed to bend the one or more spring fingers. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10.

12. The gripping member includes a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member, and the cartridge release member includes a rim of the waste vessel, the rim having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ring member of the gripping member but larger than the diameter of the cartridge. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10.

13. A method of using the aerosol generating device or system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising Inserting a cartridge into the receptacle of the aerosol generating element; Placing the cap on the aerosol generating element such that the cartridge is gripped by the gripping member; Pushing the cap toward the receptacle to release the cap from the aerosol generating element; Removing the cap from the aerosol generating element; Contacting the gripping member with a cartridge release member to release the cartridge from the gripping member. A method.

14. A method of using the aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, the method comprising inserting a cartridge into the receptacle of the aerosol generating element; placing the cap on the aerosol generating element such that the cartridge is gripped by the gripping member; pushing the cap towards the receptacle to release the cap from the aerosol generating element; removing the cap from the aerosol generating element; contacting the gripping member with a cartridge release member to release the cartridge from the gripping member, comprising: the gripping member comprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member, the cartridge release member comprises a rim of the waste vessel, the rim having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ring member of the gripping member but larger than the diameter of the cartridge; contacting the gripping member with the cartridge release member comprises engaging the rim of the cartridge disposal device between the cartridge and the ring member of the gripping member to bend the one or more spring fingers and release the cartridge from the gripping member, a method.

15. A method of using the aerosol generating device according to claim 9, the method comprising: gripping the cartridge by the gripping member, the one or more spring fingers exhibiting a bias towards the cartridge; activating the release mechanism to oppose the bias, thereby releasing the cartridge.

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