Hybrid device of HNB and E-CIG

Abstract

A hybrid aerosol-generating device includes both an HNB stick smoking device and an ECIG pod smoking device. The hybrid aerosol-generating device allows a user to consume emissions from both the HNB stick smoking device and the ECIG pod smoking device simultaneously. The hybrid device includes an HNB stick smoking device configured to heat a non-liquid aerosol-generating material without initiating combustion of the non-liquid aerosol-generating material to produce a consumable emission from the heated non-liquid aerosol-generating material, and also includes an ECIG pod smoking device configured to produce a consumable emission from the liquid aerosol-generating material. The hybrid aerosol-generating device may further include a mouthpiece connected to both the HNB stick smoking device and the ECIG pod smoking device, allowing a user to simultaneously receive emissions including an aerosol or vapor produced by the heated non-liquid aerosol-generating material from the HNB stick smoking device and aerosol or vapor produced by the heated liquid aerosol-generating material from the ECIG pod smoking device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to alternatives to traditional cigarettes. More particularly, the devices relate to heat-not-burn ("HNB") devices and electronic cigarette ("ECIG") devices. Even more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a more robust, more flavorful alternative tobacco system that is a hybrid or combination of HNB and ECIG devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Battery-powered smoking devices, or e-cigarettes, and electronic vaporizers ("ECIG systems") are designed as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarette smoking, potentially producing less odor and fewer harmful toxins and particulate matter by vaporizing liquid. ECIG systems are available in a variety of flavors, and the number of "hits" or draws from an ECIG system is limited only by the size of the liquid reservoir, making them efficient to use. However, they suffer from drawbacks such as inferior flavor, taste, mouthfeel, and throat irritation.

[0003] Heat-not-burn devices, or heated tobacco devices ("HNB systems"), are another alternative to traditional cigarettes. They heat real tobacco or other non-liquid materials without initiating combustion, potentially avoiding carbon monoxide and the production of harmful chemicals and combustion by-products. HNB systems emit vapor or aerosol rather than smoke, eliminating the odor associated with traditional cigarettes. Furthermore, because no combustion occurs, no ash is produced, and users simply wait for the heated material to cool. HNB vapor and aerosol contain fewer carcinogens than traditional cigarettes but may still contain tobacco flavor and nicotine. However, they have drawbacks, such as poor flavor, taste, vapor production, and heating time. HNB systems are available in a variety of flavors. HNB systems are not available in unlimited use; the components of HNB systems, including the non-liquid aerosol-generating materials, are single-use systems that must be replaced after a few minutes of use.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a system (a "hybrid aerosol generating device") that provides the advantages afforded by ECIG and HNB systems over traditional cigarettes without the disadvantages posed by using either the ECIG or HNB systems alone.

[0005] [overview] Combining an ECIG with an HNB system provides a hybrid smoking device that offers several advantages, including efficiency, clean operation, and favorable mouthfeel and taste.

[0006] Also provided is a cassette-type HNB device that quickly releases large amounts of vapor thanks to its high-speed supply system and advantageous heater placement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of several embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which is presented in conjunction with the following several figures of the drawings.

[0008] The apparatus and method of the present disclosure will now be described as follows, with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings.

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a side-by-side configuration of a hybrid aerosol generating device with a transparent case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a side-by-side configuration of a hybrid aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of a side-by-side configuration of a single-mouthpiece, transparent-cased hybrid aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of a hybrid aerosol generating device with a transparent case showing an ECIG pod with a mouthpiece that covers or surrounds an HNB stick according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of a hybrid aerosol generating device with a transparent case and an HNB stick with a mouthpiece that covers or surrounds an ECIG pod according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 6]6 is a side view of a hybrid aerosol generating device with a transparent case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes an ECIG pod configured in a donut shape surrounding an HNB stick, with the ECIG pod and HNB stick each having a mouthpiece.

[0015] [Figure 7] 7 is a side view of a hybrid aerosol generating device with a transparent case and a side-by-side configuration in which the airflow from the ECIG pod meets the side of the HNB stick, which includes a mouthpiece, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of a hybrid aerosol generating device with a transparent case in an in-line configuration in which an ECIG pod is located at the bottom end of an HNB stick, and the HNB stick has a mouthpiece, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 9] 9 is a side view of a hybrid aerosol generating device with a transparent case in an inverted in-line configuration in which the HNB stick is located at the bottom end of the ECIG pod, which has a mouthpiece, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of a hybrid aerosol generating device having a transparent case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising an offset configuration in which the HNB stick is positioned adjacent or close to the lower end of the ECIG pod, the ECIG pod comprising a mouthpiece, and an opening in the side of the ECIG pod to allow the ECIG pod to interface with the upper end of the HNB stick, thereby merging the airflow from both the HNB stick and the ECIG pod into a single airflow.

[0019] [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a side view of a hybrid aerosol generating device having a transparent case and a barrel magazine HNB stick configuration in which multiple HNB sticks can be loaded into the hybrid aerosol generating device, the barrel magazine being located at or proximal to the lower end of the ECIG pod, and the ECIG pod having a mouthpiece, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a hybrid aerosol generating device with a barrel magazine HNB stick configuration and a transparent case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 13] 13 is a side view of a hybrid aerosol generating device with a transparent case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a sectioned HNB stick exhibiting multiple heaters capable of heating discrete sections or regions of the HNB stick, the sectioned HNB stick located at or adjacent to the lower end of an ECIG pod, and a dual mouthpiece configuration in which both the sectioned HNB stick and the ECIG pod each have their own mouthpiece.

[0022] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of a hybrid aerosol generating device having a transparent case, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the barrel magazine HNB stick configuration is located at the bottom end of the ECIG pod, the barrel magazine HNB stick configuration is fluidly connected to the bottom surface of the ECIG pod, and the ECIG pod has a mouthpiece.

[0023] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an end view illustrating a barrel magazine HNB stick configuration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a cassette reel-to-reel HNB stick configuration holding a ribbon or tape made from a non-liquid aerosol-generating material, where the material is passed through dual heaters, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a side view of a hybrid aerosol generation device having a transparent case, comprising a hybrid aerosol generation pod including a mouthpiece, components of an ECIG pod, a reel-to-reel HNB stick configuration, and an air flow path originating from outside the hybrid aerosol generation device and exiting through the mouthpiece of the hybrid aerosol generation pod, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side view of an ECIG pod with a transparent case showing an ECIG pod with a configuration for receiving a mouthpiece and the upper end of an HNB stick according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments presently disclosed. Also, common but well-understood elements that may be useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted in order to avoid overly obstructing the view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of exemplary embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the claims. Throughout this specification, reference to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language indicating a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is intended to be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0029] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the detailed description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc., and still remain encompassed by the present disclosure. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] The electronic cigarette, e-cigarette device, or electronic cigarette or vaporizer ("ECIG system" or "EGIC") employed in the present invention can be comprised of the following components: a vaporization chamber; a heating element or atomizer for converting a liquid material into an aerosol or vapor; wires or other connections for electronically connecting the vaporization chamber, heating element, or atomizer to a power source; a liquid reservoir for containing liquid nicotine or other liquid material, such as propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorings; a wick or other similar structure for transporting the liquid material from the liquid reservoir to the vaporization chamber, heating element, or atomizer; and at least one air flow path for allowing air to be drawn through the vaporization chamber, heating element, or atomizer and through a mouthpiece into the mouth of an adult user. All of these are contained within a casing or pod. The pod can be connected to a power source, such as a rechargeable, usually lithium battery. The pod can be removable and disposable, and the ECIG battery can be rechargeable by any known means, often a USB port, all of which can be done while still part of the hybrid system of the present disclosure without disassembly.

[0031] Generally, existing ECIG systems may consist of two main components: a pod component ("ECIG pod") that includes a vaporization chamber or heating element or atomizer, a liquid reservoir, a liquid material or substance, a wick or similar structure, and an airflow path; and a power component ("ECIG battery") that includes a rechargeable lithium battery, a power control system, and a device or charging port for charging the power source or battery. The ECIG pod may be a multi-use component that can be used multiple times until the liquid contained in the liquid reservoir contained within the ECIG pod is depleted. Once the liquid is depleted, the ECIG pod can be discarded, or in some embodiments, the liquid reservoir within the ECIG pod can be refilled with liquid, after which the ECIG pod can continue to be used until the liquid is again depleted.

[0032] The HNB system employed may be of any standard type, including an internal heat source, an external heat source, or a heat-sealed chamber. The heater may introduce thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material via conductive, convective, or radiative heat transfer. The heater may be heated using electrical resistance heating, induction heating, thermochemical heating, combustion heating, frictional heating, or any other known method for generating thermal energy in a heater. The HNB system may be powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, typically housed within a housing containing the heater.

[0033] Existing HNB systems generally consist of two main components: a tobacco component ("HNB Stick") that consists of a wrapper or other housing containing non-liquid aerosol-forming material, an air flow path, and often a filter or series of filters, and a power component ("HNB Heating Device") that includes at least one heater, a lithium battery, some form of power control system, and some device or charging port for charging the battery. The HNB stick may be a single-use component that can be used for a limited period of time before being discarded and replaced with a new HNB stick before the next use of the HNB heating device.

[0034] The HNB systems of the present invention may be of any known type and may incorporate standard key components, including systems that heat processed tobacco or reconstituted tobacco sheets (typically containing water and a humectant such as glycerin) to produce an aerosol emission, systems that use processed tobacco that is heated to release an aerosol, systems that use an aerosol that passes over processed and / or reconstituted tobacco, systems that heat loose tobacco, or systems that heat conventional tobacco.

[0035] This embodiment of hybrid aerosol generation offers numerous advantages to users beyond those they may derive from using either the ECIG system or the HNB system separately. In operation, a user places their mouth over the mouthpiece, inhales, and simultaneously receives a draw or hit from both the HNB stick and the ECIG pod. This embodiment electrically connects both the HNB device and the ECIG device. This results in a draw of a mixture or combination of vapor and aerosol or inhalable emissions produced by heating any desired flavored liquid in the ECIG pod and vapor and aerosol or inhalable emissions produced by heating the non-liquid material in the HNB stick, which are delivered to the user simultaneously, providing a taste and feel similar to traditional smoking, creating an optimal smoking experience, and potentially reducing the adverse health effects of traditional smoking. The advantages of this system, compared to smoking, which avoids combustion, apply to any material that can generate an aerosol when heated sufficiently; the carcinogenic by-products of combustion are primarily carbon monoxide and particulate matter, which generally apply to any combustible material.

[0036] The benefits of hybrid aerosol generating devices include the mouth and throat hit, feel, and taste that result from the combination of two types of devices: HNB and ECIG. Known ECIG systems vaporize liquids to deliver aerosolized nicotine and, optionally, flavor, while potentially avoiding some of the harmful chemicals and by-products users experience when smoking traditional cigarettes, such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and tar. This is also known as vaping. The challenge with vaping or e-cigarette use is that while the resulting vapor or vapor delivers nicotine and flavor without high levels of particulate matter and several other undesirable chemicals, it does not provide a mouthfeel or throat feel that is sufficiently comparable to smoking for the user. Mouthfeel has been described as a fundamental sensory attribute that, combined with taste and odor, determines the overall taste and experience a user receives from a consumed substance, whether it is a solid, liquid, or gas. Throat tingle, the sensation imparted by burning or heated material passing through the user's throat, can be influenced by the nicotine level, vapor power or temperature, the presence of menthol, citrus, or other flavors, and the amount and speed of airflow. The hybrid aerosol generating device of the present invention not only enables an optimal blend of cleanly vaporized nicotine and flavor with mouthfeel and throat hit, but also allows user adjustments to achieve a customized blend of vapor and aerosol generated by both the ECIG pod and the HNB stick. This customization can be achieved by the user operating valves electronically or mechanically through adjustment means on either the device or the mouthpiece, or by electronic, manual, or automatic adjustments made to one or more heating parameters of the heater or other aerosol generating features. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention allow for multiple reuse without burdensome cleaning requirements.Current HNB systems have burdensome cleaning requirements, ideally after every use, and if not cleaned regularly and constantly, the quality of the smoke, drawing, or known device output will deteriorate rapidly.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention allow for the retrofitting of an ECIG system to a base or module that also accepts an HNB system. By allowing the user to simultaneously access the mouthpieces of two devices, by rerouting at least one of the HNB stick or ECIG pod emissions, or by providing a dual mouthpiece with a chamber that collects the output from both devices, the hybrid aerosol-generating device invention allows the user to optimally use both devices simultaneously. Liquid aerosol-generating materials include, but are not limited to, vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, water, polyethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, high molecular weight linear polyester diol, e-liquid, e-juice, hydrophilic solvents, or any combination of the liquid materials listed above. Or other combinations of liquid or non-liquid materials, or combinations of the liquid and non-liquid aerosol-generating materials listed above or other liquid materials, as well as flammable plants and other liquid or non-liquid materials whose excretions are inhalable by humans. Non-liquid aerosol-forming materials include, but are not limited to, tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, paper, plant material, substrate, wicking material, natural or man-made fibers, or combinations of the foregoing non-liquid materials, or other combinations of liquid or non-liquid materials such that the resulting material is non-liquid; or any of the foregoing or other non-liquid materials saturated with a liquid aerosol-forming material such that the resulting combination of materials is non-liquid; and combustible plant or other non-liquid materials whose emissions are inhalable by humans.

[0038] 1, the perspective view shows a front elevation perspective view of a hybrid aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hybrid aerosol generating device 100 incorporates the standard major components of both an ECIG battery and an HNB heating device, and further, the hybrid aerosol generating device 100 is designed to operate with an HNB stick 120 that includes the standard components of an HNB stick and an ECIG pod 110 that includes the standard components of an ECIG pod.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3 , this sketch shows, in a front elevation perspective view, a hybrid aerosol generating device with a single, removable mouthpiece, ideally constructed of plastic for ease of application and mouthfeel. The mouthpiece abuts, houses, contains, or surrounds the ECIG pod and the HNB stick mouthpiece within a single chamber. While the HNB stick and ECIG pod may be housed in a single chamber, in embodiments, they are simply two independently operable devices that a user inserts into a base, ideally made of plastic and sized to accommodate the specific model of HNB and ECIG system. The user then snaps or positions the plastic mouthpiece over the mouthpieces of the two devices. An elastic retainer may be added to the upper portion proximal to the mouthpiece to hold and stabilize the two devices together. In embodiments, the base may incorporate electronic connections that allow charging of the devices while installed in the base. In embodiments, the base may be a case that surrounds, substantially surrounds, or completely contains one or more of the independently operable HNB and ECIG devices. In embodiments, the case may include a removable mouthpiece. In embodiments, the case may include a separate battery capable of charging one or more of the HNB and / or ECIG devices.

[0040] In another embodiment, the base may include a rechargeable battery for charging the devices when placed in the base. In another embodiment, the base may provide charging for both devices via a single connection to an external power source. In another embodiment, the mouthpiece may include a baffle or other similar structure that allows the user to vary the amount of vapor flow from each device (i.e., 70% HNB and 30% ECIG). In another embodiment, the mouthpiece may include one or more vents (which may be optionally closable or adjustable by the user) to allow external air flow to mix with the vapor flow. FIG. 2 is a top view of a hybrid aerosol generating device 200 with the mouthpieces of an HNB stick 211 and an ECIG pod 221 positioned side by side so that a user can draw on both simultaneously.

[0041] 3 shows an embodiment of a hybrid aerosol generating device 300 having a single mouthpiece 301, optimally constructed of plastic, although other materials may be used, to allow for parallel heating of the liquid material contained in the ECIG pod and the non-liquid material contained in the HNB stick, resulting in the most efficient vapor mixing. The mouthpiece 301 optimally has rounded edges for user comfort and is optimally removable to allow for cleaning or replacement (even temporarily for health and safety reasons, allowing multiple users to attach their own mouthpieces, thereby safely sharing a single device among multiple users).

[0042] FIG. 4 depicts a side-by-side configuration of a hybrid aerosol generating device 400 of an HNB stick and an ECIG pod, where the ECIG pod is configured with a mouthpiece that delivers the vapor and aerosol produced by the ECIG pod, and further surrounds or encompasses the air outlet 402 of the HNB stick to combine the vapor and aerosol from both the HNB stick and the ECIG pod into a unified airflow.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows a side-by-side configuration of a hybrid aerosol generating device 500 of an HNB stick and an ECIG pod, where the HNB stick includes a mouthpiece that delivers vapor and aerosol from the HNB stick and is further constructed to surround or enclose the airflow 501 of the ECIG pod to combine the vapor and aerosol from both the HNB stick and the ECIG pod into a unified airflow.

[0044] 6 shows a hybrid aerosol generating device 600 configuration having a donut- or toroid-shaped ECIG pod 631 that radially surrounds an HNB stick 632, thereby allowing the HNB stick to pass through the center (or substantially the center) of the ECIG pod, thereby allowing the vapor and aerosol generated by both the HNB stick and the ECIG stick to combine in the mouth of an adult user. The generally donut-shaped ECIG pod 631 and the generally cylindrical HNB stick 632 are optimally separately removable and replaceable.

[0045] In one embodiment, the optimal operating temperatures for both HNB sticks and ECIG pods are in the range of 150-350°C, while the optimal temperature for HNB tobacco products is at the higher end of that range, typically 200-350°C, so a single heating element may be employed. These temperatures are optimal for aerosol and vapor production from non-liquid aerosol-forming materials because temperatures below 200°C are generally not hot enough to release sufficient amounts of vapor and aerosol from the non-liquid aerosol-forming materials, and temperatures above 350°C tend to induce thermal decomposition or combustion of the non-liquid aerosol-forming materials, which would eliminate many of the benefits of using an HNB system over conventional smoking.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the e-juice pod / cartridge is configured with a toroidal or doughnut-shaped pod / cartridge that surrounds the HNB stick, allowing the HNB stick to be inserted from the center of the e-cigarette pod / cartridge. In this way, the e-cigarette / pod cartridge functions as a dual mouthpiece. In a further embodiment, the e-cigarette pod is configured with a shape that allows the HNB cigarette to nest adjacent to the e-cigarette pod, thereby allowing the e-cigarette pod and the HNB cigarette to be placed in the user's mouth simultaneously and allowing the user to inhale from the e-cigarette pod and the HNB cigarette simultaneously. In another embodiment, the HNB cigarette is configured to nest adjacent to the e-cigarette pod. (That is, either the e-cigarette pod or the HNB cigarette can be designed to cooperate with each other, or the mouthpieces of either the HNB cigarette or the e-cigarette pod, or both, can be adapted so that they can nest within each other or be created to fit closely together, allowing the two to cooperate.)

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a hybrid aerosol generating device 700 having a side-by-side configuration of an HNB stick 720 and an ECIG pod 710, with a substantially lateral conduit 733 for the ECIG pod output, which merges into a substantially in-line conduit for the HNB stick output, thereby providing a single mouthpiece for the user. The outputs described herein may be inhalable. The mixing of these two streams may be controlled by a PLC and any known valve system to allow the user to select a preferred mixing ratio of two or more outputs, thereby customizing the nicotine level, throat hit, and mouth feel to a particular user's preferences. A computerized device, via programmable logic control, determines the flow between the two aerosol sources (the HNB stick and the ECIG pod) and the temperature applied to the HNB stick and the ECIG pod, as well as the duration of heating applied to each component, individually.

[0048] 8 illustrates an embodiment of a hybrid aerosol generating device 800 in which a hybrid aerosol generating device body 805 includes both a chamber 823 for an HNB stick inserted at one end and a chamber 813 adapted to accommodate an ECIG pod at the more distal end of the HNB stick, such that the HNB stick and ECIG pod are positioned essentially in-line. At least one heating element is positioned substantially about the HNB stick and another about or within the ECIG pod. These elements operate to controllably heat the two components simultaneously and generate an output that flows in-line through the hybrid aerosol generating device to the user's mouth.

[0049] 9 illustrates an embodiment of a hybrid aerosol generating device 900 showing the reverse arrangement of FIG. 8, in which the two heating means are side-by-side, but with the ECIG pod 910 and adjacent or contained heater (not shown here) at the upper end of the hybrid aerosol generating device 900 and the HNB stick 920 inserted at the distally located lower or opposite end. Airflow enters through the end of the HNB stick 920 and subsequently enters the ECIG pod 910, mixing the vapor and aerosol into a unified airflow before exiting through the mouthpiece end of the ECIG pod 910. As is known in the art, drawing air on the mouthpiece by a user can activate heating elements on or contained within the ECIG pod and / or HNB stick.

[0050] FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a hybrid aerosol generating device, showing a conduit 1033 connecting an HNB stick 1010 to an ECIG pod 1020 in a hybrid aerosol generating device 1000. In this embodiment, one or more heating elements located around the periphery of the HNB stick 1010 heat the aerosol-generating non-liquid material contained within the HNB stick to a temperature between 150 and 350° C., and the resulting effluent travels down the conduit to combine with the effluent generated by the ECIG pod 1020 before exiting through the mouthpiece of the ECIG pod 1020. Because slowly heating the HNB stick takes time, if a user does not want to turn on the device and wait for the HNB stick to generate vapor or aerosol, they can begin by primarily inhaling the vapor or aerosol generated by the ECIG pod until the HNB stick is sufficiently heated to generate vapor or aerosol.

[0051] In additional embodiments, the barrel cylinder 1150 configuration may be used to accommodate multiple HNB sticks. Like a six-shooter revolver pistol, the barrel chamber may be rotated for use with each HNB stick. Multiple HNB sticks may be inserted into the multiple barrel chambers through one or more openings on the top, bottom, or side of the barrel chamber, accessible by an access door, panel, or cover on the device housing or by the user manipulating a breaktop, swing-out, or insertable cylinder or barrel, which may have multiple tubes or openings, optimally six but other configurations and numbers may be employed, to accommodate the inserted HNB sticks. The cylinder may be housed adjacent to or adjacent to at least one air inlet capable of providing airflow to a selected HNB stick, and the cylinder may be housed adjacent to or adjacent to at least one mouthpiece that allows air to flow through the selected HNB stick and through the mouthpiece to the adult user's mouth. The mouthpiece component routes vapor from the heating chamber to the user's mouth. A user can pre-load multiple HNB sticks into the cylinder and select an HNB stick (by manually rotating the cylinder (or other similar means) or by electronic means) to select a fresh HNB stick or to select between different flavors or varieties of HNB sticks.

[0052] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a hybrid aerosol generating device 1100 having a barrel-cylinder 1150 configured to receive multiple HNB sticks and an ECIG pod located adjacent to the barrel-cylinder 1150.

[0053] In an additional variation, the ECIG pod is housed within a portion of the hybrid aerosol generating device housing, a single battery is used for both the heating element or atomizer contained within the ECIG pod, and one or more additional heating elements are positioned near, adjacent to, or around at least one of the barrel cylinder tubes for receiving the HNB stick.

[0054] Figure 12 shows a bottom view of the cylinder 1200, in this case an eight-chamber configuration. Variations in the number of chambers may be employed. In this way, the HNB stick profile of the device is more similar to a cigarette packet, making it easier to use than reloading the device for each session.

[0055] FIG. 13 depicts an in-line configuration of a hybrid aerosol generating device, with an ECIG pod located at the top end of the device 1300 near the mouthpiece, and a chamber 1355 adapted to receive multiple HNB sticks, which may be constructed in the form of a row of cubes or other pod shapes containing non-liquid aerosol-generating material, positioned generally below the ECIG pod 1310. The chamber may be surrounded by one or more heating elements or coils, and individual HNB sticks or individual sections of HNB sticks are heated sequentially or in any order controlled by a controller, such as a programmable logic controller, and thus may be controlled by the user. After use, the sectioned HNB sticks, which may be in magazine or strip form, can be removed and discarded, and may be compostable. In operation, when a user turns on the device, the controller selects the next available section to heat to a target temperature, optimally 200-350°C, so that a sufficient amount of vapor or aerosol is generated but the material is not burned, and vapor and / or aerosol emissions are released from the specific section. It is then drawn into the conduit by the user, which can then begin heating the ECIG pod loaded onto it which also produces vapor or aerosol, which is then mixed with the HNB stick vapor or aerosol and exits the mouthpiece into the user's mouth as a combined aerosol with the beneficial properties of both streams.

[0056] 14 shows an embodiment of a hybrid aerosol generating device 1400 comprising a rotating cylinder 1441 for housing multiple HNB sticks with one or more air intakes located at the bottom or bottom of the housing, an ECIG pod 1442 located on top, and a heating coil or element 1443 contained within the ECIG pod. In operation, a user's breath or inhalation draws in or draws in ambient air through the intake valve and through the currently selected HNB stick, where vapor and / or aerosol emissions resulting from heating of the HNB stick are then drawn through the aligned ECIG pod, which is heated by the lower coil or heating element. The aerosol emissions are then drawn into the adult user's mouth through a mouthpiece 1444.

[0057] In another embodiment, a stabbing sword heating element may be used with one or more of the HNB sticks. In an embodiment, Figure 15 shows a top view of a cylindrical chamber 1500 for receiving HNB sticks, containing multiple heating elements in the form of blades, stabbing swords, sharp elongated tangs, or protrusions 1552, each of which functions to accept an HNB stick for pressing against and mounting thereon while simultaneously heating the HNB stick from within to generate vapor or aerosol. In this manner, multiple HNB cigarettes can be loaded into the hybrid aerosol generating device and heated sequentially using the stabbing sword heating elements.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 16 shows a side view of a cassette HNB component 1600 ("HNB cassette") that can be used in place of an HNB stick in a hybrid aerosol-generating device. Reconstituted tobacco product can be pressed into a strip and wound onto a reel. In operation, the product rolls from a full reel to an initially empty reel while running through, over, or under heating elements at speeds and temperatures that can be varied by a controller, a user, or both, thereby generating optimal vapor. The depicted heating elements are double-sided for optimal performance. An advantage of the HNB cassette is that it can apply very high temperatures (up to the approximate range of 800°C to 900°C) to a thin, rapidly moving tape of reconstituted tobacco product, thereby creating a very fast (less than 1 second) delivery of vapor or aerosol that typically takes approximately 20 to 30 seconds to produce with existing HNB systems due to the large mass of aerosol-generating non-liquid material. This is sometimes referred to as flash evaporation. Known or existing HNB systems are static in nature and simply gradually heat the HNB stick. The present invention allows users to selectively control the ribbon transfer speed from one reel to another within the HNB cassette and the temperature of the heating element to vary the output of the HNB cassette components. In one embodiment, a ribbon of reconstituted tobacco paper can be passed over a heating element at 800-900°C at a relatively high speed, such as a speed equal to or greater than one centimeter per second, to generate a large amount of vapor. Other embodiments of HNB cassettes include ribbons, strings, or other similar forms of non-liquid aerosol-generating material passing through a donut heater or around a heating rod. The ribbon, tape, or string may have perforations at its ends to receive small pegs from a wheel, such as those found in dot-matrix printer feeders, with the heater centered between the perforations.The ribbon or tape or string may also have reinforcing fibers or other features that serve to increase the strength of the ribbon or tape or string to prevent inadvertent breakage of the ribbon or tape or string or to improve the efficiency of the transfer of the ribbon or tape or string from one reel to another.

[0059] In embodiments, the HNB cassette takes the form of a strip, ribbon, string, or other similar form having a length substantially greater than its diameter, width, or thickness, the ribbon being composed of a non-liquid aerosol-forming material. Optimally, the ribbon may be made from reconstituted tobacco or other suitable non-liquid aerosol-forming material, or a combination of reconstituted tobacco, paper, wicking material, reinforcing fibers, or other such materials generally consistent in their properties, including composition, size, porosity, plasticity, homogeneity, and malleability, may be used.

[0060] In one embodiment of an HNB cassette, a strip of reconstituted tobacco is wound onto a small reel or other similar structure and, during heating, dragged at a controlled (and user-selectable) speed over one or more heating elements within the housing of the HNB cassette, providing uniform heating and airflow while rapidly, smoothly, and consistently producing and delivering aerosol or vapor from the heating chamber through the mouthpiece to the user. The reel-to-reel system of the present invention, also known as a cassette system, is similar in structure to a cassette tape system, which has two reels and a housing that guides the magnetic tape from one reel to the other over a magnetic head. In an embodiment of the present invention, the head is instead one or more heating elements, and the small size requirement of the heating element(s) dramatically reduces heat requirements compared to conventional HNB systems, with the added advantage of allowing the HNB cassette to operate from a single, small battery weighing less than 200 g and measuring less than 5 cubic centimeters, operating at a nominal voltage of approximately 3.6 V. It also operates on a nominal current of approximately 2A to operate the components of the HNB cassette, further reducing the heat-up time typically required for all HNB systems.

[0061] In one embodiment of a hybrid aerosol generating device, an HNB cassette may be used in combination with an ECIG pod or component. FIG. 17 depicts the main body of a hybrid aerosol generating device 1700, and depicts a hybrid pod ("hybrid pod") that includes, in addition to standard ECIG pod components, an HNB cassette capable of generating vapor and aerosol from non-liquid aerosol-generating materials using a reel-to-reel cassette system, housed within the main body of the hybrid aerosol generating device 1700. In operation, the heating elements of both the HNB cassette and the ECIG pod can be triggered by a user drawing air through the hybrid pod. Such operation can be affected by any number of known means for detecting inhalation from a user, including the use of a microphone sensor capable of detecting the resulting pressure drop within the hybrid pod caused by a user drawing on the hybrid pod's mouthpiece, or can be triggered by other known means, such as a component for detecting a change in electrical resistance of one or more heating elements contained within the hybrid pod. 17 shows a hybrid pod with a baffled mouthpiece arrangement in which two aerosols, vapor and aerosol produced by heating a ribbon of non-liquid aerosol-generating material in an HNB cassette component 1771 and vapor and aerosol produced by heating a liquid aerosol-generating material in an ECIG pod component 1772, are mixed by a baffle or baffles that can be rotated or adjusted to affect the relative amounts of emissions produced by the two sources. The degree of baffle obstruction can be controlled by twisting the mouthpiece or by other known means or valves, which can be done manually, using a small electric motor, or by other electronically controlled mechanisms.The air inlet on the hybrid pod is located at or near the base or bottom, and intake air flows over the cassette HNB component as aerosol is released from the ribbon as it passes over one or more heating elements at a controlled rate, with the resulting emissions then entering a mixing chamber formed by the mouthpiece. Emissions resulting from heating of the liquid contained within the ECIG pod component of the hybrid pod also simultaneously enter the mixing chamber by a separate conduit, at which point emissions from both the HNB cassette component and the ECIG pod component are mixed and unified into a single airflow before entering the adult user's mouth.

[0062] In one embodiment, the HNB cassette can include an ECIG pod component within the HNB cassette. In operation, typically, a user's draw or inhalation triggers a heating element within the ECIG pod component to rapidly heat and vaporize the e-liquid, and a second heating element surrounding the tobacco strip also rapidly heats the tobacco to above 150°C, optimally in the range of 200-350°C. The ECIG pod component operates in the range of approximately 392°F to 480°F (200°C to 250°C). This embodiment employs an embedded heating element for the efficiency of the ECIG pod.

[0063] HNB cassettes containing rolled reconstituted tobacco on one or more reels or other similar structures can hold the equivalent of many single-use HNB sticks, which is advantageous for user convenience, avoids constant reloading of the device, and may be more environmentally friendly. Tobacco ribbons or strips may be provided separately to consumers. HNB cassettes are advantageous to users because they can generate aerosol or vapor almost instantly from non-liquid aerosol-generating materials such as reconstituted tobacco, compared to the 20-30 second heating times required by all existing HNB systems.

[0064] In embodiments, the HNB cassette may be constructed in a manner similar to existing audiotape cassettes, with the internal components of the HNB cassette housed within an outer case or shell that serves to hold the various components of the HNB cassette in their required positions. The shell of the HNB cassette may include structure to assist in loading and unloading the HNB cassette into a heating device. The HNB cassette may also have features to assist in aligning the HNB cassette when loading and unloading from a heating device. The shell of the HNB cassette may also have air conduits built into or within the shell of the HNB cassette. The shell of the HNB cassette may also include an integrated mouthpiece, which may or may not be removable.

[0065] In another embodiment, a dedicated heating device designed to receive the HNB cassette may be employed, comprising one or more heating elements capable of contacting the ribbon. The dedicated device may also include an openable door or other similar features (similar to a Walkman® or portable tape player for audiotapes). The dedicated device may also include features for spinning the reel of the HNB cassette and for controlling the speed at which the reel is spun. The dedicated device may also have a PLC or other control mechanism for controlling the operation of the HNB cassette, including both the speed at which the reel spins and the temperature of the heating element. This operation may be achieved electronically or using known mechanical features. The operation of the device may be triggered by the user inhaling on the mouthpiece of the HNB cassette, or may be controlled through a switch or other feature that allows the user to start, change, or stop the heating element and / or the reel spinning.

[0066] In another variation, the ribbon, tape, or string is pulled through a reservoir or tank containing a liquid material (such as e-liquid), and heating of the saturated ribbon provides an efficient heating method to simultaneously produce flavorful vapor from both the liquid and the heated tobacco. In this manner, the ribbon can be saturated with any type of consumable. The e-liquid tank may be housed inside or outside the HNB cassette assembly.

[0067] The ribbon wick mentioned above provides a new way to bring the heating element outside of the ECIG pod, making the ECIG pod more environmentally friendly or even compostable, something that is not possible with current ECIG pods that have one or more heating elements built into the interior of the ECIG pod.

[0068] 18 illustrates an embodiment of a hybrid aerosol generating device in a side-by-side configuration showing an ECIG pod 1800 with a mouthpiece configured to allow an HNB stick to be contained by the ECIG pod, which in turn can contain the HNB stick. The output of the HNB stick is conveyed through a conduit to a chamber within the mouthpiece of the ECIG pod, allowing the outputs from both the ECIG pod and the HNB stick to be mixed and unified into a single airstream before entering the mouth of an adult user.

[0069] In another embodiment, the hybrid aerosol generating device may be a case designed to hold or contain two or more existing HNB or ECIG systems, with a mouthpiece that blends vapor between the two.

[0070] In a variant, the hybrid aerosol generating device has a single air inlet, and air is drawn through both the HNB stick and the ECIG pod before being drawn to the user through the mouthpiece. The air inlet and outlet may be at the same end or in different parts of the housing.

[0071] Loose-leaf HNB systems also exist, and these can be adapted and modified into hybrid aerosol generators, but loose-leaf tobacco generally has too much variability to efficiently deliver uniform heating and vapor.

[0072] The present invention allows for a high degree of user customization: flavored or unflavored tobacco can be heated simultaneously with flavored or unflavored e-juice, and the potency, nicotine, and levels of other ingredients and chemicals can be easily adjusted or selected by the user selecting different e-juices and HNB tobacco or tobacco strips to provide different throat hits, flavors, nicotine levels, and other outputs.

[0073] A further advantage of hybrid aerosol generators is that the need for humectants can be reduced since humectants are primarily added to HNB tobacco to increase visible vapor production or to modify flavor, and in hybrid aerosol generators, the ECIG pods can provide visible vapor and flavor without the need to add humectants and flavors directly to the HNB sticks, allowing hybrid aerosol generators to provide users with increased throat feel and potency.

[0074] Advantageously, the hybrid aerosol generating device can accurately electronically track the number and levels of hits of consumed material, both e-liquid and reconstituted or leaf or ground tobacco, and can display information such as nicotine consumption, refill levels, etc. to the user.

[0075] The voltage requirements of a hybrid device may be lower than that of an ECIG and HNB system combined due to improved efficiency.

[0076] In one embodiment, the e-cigarette pod may be compostable.

[0077] In one embodiment, HNB cigarettes may be compostable.

[0078] In further embodiments, multiple ECIG pods are provided in one device. For example, flavors such as mint and nicotine, mango, and strawberry may be mixed. Other embodiments employ two ECIG pods, two HNB sticks, or one-on-one within the same device, as well as other permutations. Devices may be arranged within the housing in side-by-side or top-down combinations. Multiple or segmented HNB sticks are useful because currently known and available versions must be reloaded after each use.

[0079] The non-liquid aerosol-forming material may also be other plant materials such as cannabis, hemp, herbal mixtures, etc.

[0080] The foot or base of the hybrid aerosol generating device is constructed from known materials such as silicone or plastic and can also function as a charger.

[0081] The flow restriction, wicking rate, and heat of the coil may be advantageously controlled by either mechanical or electrical valves, or by other known means, which may serve to modify or restrict the air entering the hybrid aerosol generating device, modify or restrict the air exiting the hybrid aerosol generating device, or control the mixing of outputs provided by different sources within the hybrid aerosol generating device. Additionally, varying the wicking rate may be achieved by varying the temperature of the liquid being wicked, or by using an HNB cassette system in which the reel speed and heating element temperature can be adjusted as desired by the user.

[0082] In one embodiment, the ECIG pod can be adjacent to the HNB stick, allowing the user to simultaneously place their mouth over both the ECIG pod and the mouthpiece of the HNB stick and inhale from both simultaneously. Given that HNB sticks are typically cylindrical, the ECIG pod may be crescent-shaped to minimize the air gap between them. The ECIG pod may also be toroidal or doughnut-shaped, surrounding the periphery of the HNB stick. If the HNB stick is non-cylindrical (having one or more flat surfaces on the mouthpiece or the entire HNB stick), the mouthpiece of the ECIG pod can have a matching flat surface to minimize external airflow between the two.

[0083] In one embodiment, a mouthpiece may be attached over the outlets of both vapor sources so that vapor is inhaled equally or mixed from both sources based on the airflow at the outlets of both vapor sources.

[0084] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece can include a baffle adapted to switch between two vapor sources. The baffle can allow for full or partial switching between the two vapor sources, allowing for customized blending by the user between the two vapor sources.

[0085] In further embodiments, the case may be waterproof or made of a water-resistant material.

[0086] In another embodiment, the case may provide a battery to extend the usage time of the device inside or to allow charging of the internal battery of the housed device.

[0087] In another embodiment, the case may include a pass-through charging port to allow simultaneous charging of devices within the hybrid aerosol generating device.

[0088] In another embodiment, the product itself may be a vaporizer designed to include two or more vapor generating sources.

[0089] In one embodiment, this may include a heat-not-burn warming oven for tobacco sticks and electronic contacts to enable e-cigarette liquid pods.

[0090] Another embodiment may include a heating oven for heat-not-burn tobacco sticks and a built-in reservoir for e-liquid.

[0091] In another embodiment, there may be two or more warming ovens so that two or more Heat Not Burn tobacco sticks can be warmed simultaneously.

[0092] In another embodiment, two or more e-cigarette pod contacts (or e-liquid tanks containing wick and coil assemblies) may be employed.

[0093] In further embodiments, there is provided a hybrid device or article that combines at least one independently operable heat not burn device with at least one independently operable electronic cigarette device, wherein the heat not burn device produces inhalable effluent primarily from non-liquid aerosol-forming materials and the electronic cigarette device produces inhalable effluent primarily from liquid aerosol-forming materials, and wherein the effluents produced by each of the independently operable heat not burn device and the electronic cigarette device can be simultaneously inhaled by a user.

[0094] In another embodiment, the hybrid device includes one or more mouthpieces and is electrically connectable to one or more of at least one independently operable heat-not-burn device and at least one independently operable e-cigarette device.

[0095] A hybrid aerosol generating device is provided that includes a housing.

[0096] Here, a housing is provided that includes at least one outer surface and at least one inner surface, the inner surface defining at least one cavity within the housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the at least one cavity having a longitudinal extent between the proximal and distal ends, and containing a predetermined object within the at least one cavity.

[0097] A configuration designed to receive at least one HNB stick smoking device within at least one cavity, wherein the HNB stick smoking device includes at least: a housing including at least one exterior surface and at least one interior surface, the interior surface defining at least one cavity of the housing; and a non-liquid aerosol-generating material contained or substantially contained within the housing; and at least one air intake; and optionally, a mouthpiece for delivering emissions to the mouth of an adult user; and a heating element configured to heat the non-liquid aerosol-generating material contained within the HNB stick smoking device received in the cavity; and optionally, at least one air inlet to the cavity. Also included is a structure designed to receive (or also receive) an ECIG pod smoking device within the same cavity as the cavity or at least one additional cavity, at least one electrical connection within the cavity, and optionally at least one air inlet to the cavity, and a power source such as a lithium secondary battery. Here, the configuration designed to receive (or also receive) an ECIG pod smoking device includes at least the following: a housing including at least one outer surface and at least one inner surface, the inner surface defining at least one cavity in the housing, the cavity being contained or substantially contained within the housing; at least one liquid aerosol-generating material; and at least one heater or other aerosol-generating device; and at least one electrical connection capable of being electrically connected to a hybrid aerosol-generating device; and at least one air intake; and, optionally, a mouthpiece for delivering effluent to the mouth of an adult user; the at least one electrical connection in the cavity can be electrically connected to an ECIG pod smoking device received in the cavity, wherein the electrical connection can supply power to the ECIG pod smoking device so that the ECIG pod smoking device can generate effluent from the liquid aerosol-generating material through heating or other means.

[0098] The hybrid aerosol generating device may include one or more mouthpieces that serve to simultaneously deliver emissions generated by at least two smoking devices into the mouth of an adult user.

[0099] The mouthpiece of the hybrid aerosol generating device may include one or more structures that allow for modification of the ratio of emissions generated by at least two smoking devices simultaneously delivered into the mouth of an adult user.

[0100] The mouthpiece of the hybrid aerosol generating device may include one or more vents that allow an external air flow to mix with the emissions generated by the one or more smoking devices before the emissions enter the mouth of an adult user.

[0101] The mouthpiece of the ECIG pod smoking device in the hybrid aerosol generating device may be adapted to contact, encompass or surround the mouthpiece of the HNB stick smoking device.

[0102] The mouthpiece of the HNB stick smoking device in the hybrid aerosol generating device may be adapted to contact, encompass or surround the mouthpiece of the ECIG pod smoking device.

[0103] The mouthpiece portion of the HNB stick smoking device in the hybrid aerosol generating device may be generally cylindrical, and at least one side of the mouthpiece portion of the ECIG pod smoking device may be generally crescent-shaped.

[0104] At least one smoking device (either an HNB stick or an ECIG pod) in the hybrid aerosol generating device may be arranged substantially in a straight line with at least one other smoking device, and the exhaust produced by the first smoking device may be drawn into the air intake of the second smoking device, thereby mixing with the exhaust produced by the second smoking device before passing through the mouthpiece of the second smoking device and being exhausted into the mouth of an adult user.

[0105] At least one smoking device in the hybrid aerosol generating device may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with at least one other smoking device, and emissions produced by the first smoking device may be drawn into the housing or mouthpiece of the second smoking device, thereby mixing with emissions produced by the second smoking device before passing through the mouthpiece of the second smoking device and being expelled into the mouth of an adult user.

[0106] The hybrid aerosol generating device may further include a PLC or other control means configured to allow a user to vary the temperature of a heater within the hybrid aerosol generating device.

[0107] One embodiment of an HNB multi-segment smoking device may include a housing, at least one divider, at least one air intake, and at least one air outlet. The housing includes at least one exterior surface and at least one interior surface, the interior surface defining at least one cavity of the housing. The at least one divider is included within the housing and is designed to separate the non-liquid aerosol-forming material into at least two separate sections. The at least one air intake allows air to enter at least one of the separate sections. The at least one air outlet allows air and / or emissions to exit at least one of the separate sections.

[0108] The HNB stick smoking device in the hybrid aerosol generating device may be an HNB multi-segment smoking device.

[0109] One embodiment of an HNB reel-to-reel smoking device may include a housing and a second reel. The housing includes at least one exterior surface, at least one interior surface, and a length of non-liquid aerosol-generating material wound on the first reel, the interior surface defining at least one cavity in the housing. The second reel is configured to receive the length of non-liquid aerosol-generating material from the first reel.

[0110] In one embodiment of the HNB reel-to-reel smoking device, a heating element may be operably disposed between the first reel and the second reel, and the heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating material when operated between the first reel and the second reel.

[0111] In one embodiment of the HNB reel-to-reel smoking device, at least one opening in the exterior surface may be positioned to allow access to the interior of the cavity adjacent to the aerosol-generating material when the externally located heating element is operated between the first and second reels.

[0112] In one embodiment of the HNB reel-to-reel smoking device, at least one mouthpiece may be fluidly connected to the cavity to allow emissions resulting from heating of the aerosol-generating material to be drawn from within the cavity into the mouth of an adult user.

[0113] In one embodiment of the HNB reel-to-reel smoking device, between the first and second reels, the non-liquid aerosol-forming material may be drawn through a tank containing the liquid aerosol-forming material before heating.

[0114] In one embodiment of the HNB reel-to-reel smoking device, the device may further include an adjustment mechanism configured to allow a user to adjust the rate at which the second reel receives aerosol-forming material.

[0115] In one embodiment of the HNB reel-to-reel smoking device, the non-liquid aerosol-generating material may include holes drilled in its edges, and the first reel and the second reel may include pegs configured to hold the non-liquid aerosol-generating material using the drilled holes.

[0116] In one embodiment of the HNB reel-to-reel smoking device, an ECIG pod smoking device may also be housed within the housing.

[0117] In one embodiment of the hybrid aerosol generating device, the HNB stick smoking device may be an HNB reel-to-reel smoking device.

Claims

1. An article combining at least one independently operable heat not burn device and at least one independently operable electronic cigarette device, comprising: the heat, not burn device produces an inhalable effluent primarily from a non-liquid aerosol-forming material; the electronic cigarette device produces an inhalable output primarily from a liquid aerosol-forming material; allowing emissions produced by each of the independently operable heat not burn device and the electronic cigarette device to be simultaneously inhaled by a user; the article having at least two mouthpieces that simultaneously serve to convey emissions produced by the heat not burn device and the e-cigarette device into the user's mouth; An article wherein the mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette device is adapted to contact, contain, or surround the mouthpiece of the heat not burn device.

2. An article combining at least one independently operable heat-not-burn device and at least one independently operable e-cigarette device, the heat, not burn device produces an inhalable effluent primarily from a non-liquid aerosol-forming material; the electronic cigarette device produces an inhalable output primarily from a liquid aerosol-forming material; allowing emissions produced by each of the independently operable heat not burn device and the electronic cigarette device to be simultaneously inhaled by a user; the article having at least two mouthpieces that simultaneously serve to convey emissions produced by the heat not burn device and the e-cigarette device into the user's mouth; The article wherein the mouthpiece of the heat not burn device is adapted to contact, contain, or surround the mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette device.

3. The article according to claim 1 or claim 2, An article capable of being electrically connected to one or more of said at least one independently operable heat not burn device and said at least one independently operable e-cigarette device.

4. 1. A hybrid aerosol generating device including a housing, the housing includes at least one exterior surface and at least one interior surface; the inner surface defines at least one cavity within the housing having a proximal end and a distal end; At least one of the cavities has a longitudinal extent between its proximal and distal ends; a structure designed to receive at least one HNB stick smoking device within said at least one cavity; and a heating element: wherein the HNB stick smoking device comprises at least: a housing, the housing including at least one exterior surface and at least one interior surface, the interior surface defining at least one cavity of the housing; and a non-liquid aerosol-forming material contained or substantially contained within the housing; and at least one air intake; the heating element is configured to heat the non-liquid aerosol-forming material contained within the HNB stick smoking device received in the cavity; a structure designed to receive an ECIG pod smoking device in the same cavity or at least one additional cavity, and at least one electrical connection in the cavity: The structure designed to receive the ECIG pod smoking device includes at least: a housing including at least one exterior surface and at least one interior surface, said interior surface defining at least one cavity in said housing, said cavity being contained or substantially contained within the housing; at least one liquid aerosol-forming material; and at least one heater or other aerosol generating device; and At least one electrical connection capable of electrically connecting to the hybrid aerosol generating device; and at least one air intake; wherein at least one electrical connection within the cavity is capable of electrically connecting to the ECIG pod smoking device received within the cavity, and wherein the electrical connection is capable of providing power to the ECIG pod smoking device so that the ECIG pod smoking device can generate effluent from the liquid aerosol-forming material through heating or other means; the hybrid aerosol generating device comprises at least two mouthpieces that serve to simultaneously deliver emissions generated by at least two smoking devices into the mouth of an adult user; A hybrid aerosol generating device, wherein the mouthpiece of the ECIG pod smoking device is adapted to contact, encompass, or surround the mouthpiece of the HNB stick smoking device.

5. A hybrid aerosol generating device including a housing, the housing includes at least one exterior surface and at least one interior surface; the inner surface defines at least one cavity within the housing having a proximal end and a distal end; At least one of the cavities has a longitudinal extent between its proximal and distal ends; a structure designed to receive at least one HNB stick smoking device within said at least one cavity; and a heating element: wherein the HNB stick smoking device comprises at least: a housing, the housing including at least one exterior surface and at least one interior surface, the interior surface defining at least one cavity of the housing; and a non-liquid aerosol-forming material contained or substantially contained within the housing; and at least one air intake; the heating element is configured to heat the non-liquid aerosol-forming material contained within the HNB stick smoking device received in the cavity; a structure designed to receive an ECIG pod smoking device in the same cavity or at least one additional cavity, and at least one electrical connection in the cavity: The structure designed to receive the ECIG pod smoking device includes at least: a housing including at least one exterior surface and at least one interior surface, said interior surface defining at least one cavity in said housing, said cavity being contained or substantially contained within the housing; at least one liquid aerosol-forming material; and at least one heater or other aerosol generating device; and At least one electrical connection capable of electrically connecting to the hybrid aerosol generating device; and at least one air intake; wherein at least one electrical connection within the cavity is capable of electrically connecting to the ECIG pod smoking device received within the cavity, and wherein the electrical connection is capable of providing power to the ECIG pod smoking device so that the ECIG pod smoking device can generate effluent from the liquid aerosol-forming material through heating or other means; the hybrid aerosol generating device comprises at least two mouthpieces that serve to simultaneously deliver emissions generated by at least two smoking devices into the mouth of an adult user; A hybrid aerosol generating device, wherein the mouthpiece of the HNB stick smoking device is adapted to contact, encompass, or surround the mouthpiece of the ECIG pod smoking device.

6. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to claim 4 or claim 5, A hybrid aerosol generating device, wherein the mouthpiece of the HNB stick smoking device or the mouthpiece of the ECIG pod smoking device includes one or more structures that enable modification to the ratio of emissions generated by at least two smoking devices delivered simultaneously into the mouth of an adult user.

7. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to claim 4 or claim 5, A hybrid aerosol generating device, wherein the mouthpiece of the HNB stick smoking device or the mouthpiece of the ECIG pod smoking device includes one or more vents that allow an external air flow to mix with the emissions generated by one or more smoking devices before the emissions enter the mouth of an adult user.

8. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to claim 4 or claim 5, The mouthpiece of the HNB stick smoking device is generally cylindrical; A hybrid aerosol generating device, wherein at least one side of the mouthpiece of the ECIG pod smoking device is generally crescent-shaped.

9. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to claim 4 or claim 5, A hybrid aerosol generating device further comprising a PLC or other control means configured to allow a user to vary the temperature of a heater within said hybrid aerosol generating device.

10. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to claim 4 or claim 5, The hybrid aerosol generating device, wherein the HNB stick smoking device is an HNB multi-segment smoking device.

11. A hybrid aerosol generating device including a housing, the housing includes at least one exterior surface and at least one interior surface; the inner surface defines at least one cavity within the housing having a proximal end and a distal end; At least one of the cavities has a longitudinal extent between its proximal and distal ends; a structure designed to receive at least one HNB stick smoking device within said at least one cavity; and a heating element: wherein the HNB stick smoking device comprises at least: a housing, the housing including at least one exterior surface and at least one interior surface, the interior surface defining at least one cavity of the housing; and a non-liquid aerosol-forming material contained or substantially contained within the housing; and at least one air intake; the heating element is configured to heat the non-liquid aerosol-forming material contained within the HNB stick smoking device received in the cavity; a structure designed to receive an ECIG pod smoking device in the same cavity or at least one additional cavity, and at least one electrical connection in the cavity: The structure designed to receive the ECIG pod smoking device includes at least: a housing including at least one exterior surface and at least one interior surface, said interior surface defining at least one cavity in said housing, said cavity being contained or substantially contained within the housing; at least one liquid aerosol-forming material; and at least one heater or other aerosol generating device; and At least one electrical connection capable of electrically connecting to the hybrid aerosol generating device; and at least one air intake; wherein at least one electrical connection within the cavity is capable of electrically connecting to the ECIG pod smoking device received within the cavity, and wherein the electrical connection is capable of providing power to the ECIG pod smoking device so that the ECIG pod smoking device can generate effluent from the liquid aerosol-forming material through heating or other means; The hybrid aerosol generating device, wherein the HNB stick smoking device is an HNB reel-to-reel smoking device.

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