Cleaning tools for cleaning aerosol supply devices

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Smoking products such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are so-called "non-combustion heating type" products or tobacco heating devices or products that release compounds by heating a material without burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] An aerosol supply system incorporating the above-described devices or products is known. A typical system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by the user. In many cases, it is necessary to replace or change the medium used to supply and inhale different aerosols.

[0004] A problem with known aerosol supply devices is that they can become dirty and may need to be cleaned.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] With cleaning tools of various embodiments, the user can open, remove, or displace a cover, for example, that may be provided at the distal end of an aerosol supply device, thereby exposing an opening that can lead to the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device. Then, different parts of the cleaning tool, including a support with multiple spikes or pads hanging or extending from the support, can be used to clean the inside of the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device. The cleaning tool avoids attempts by the user to clean the aerosol supply device with their fingers, and therefore avoids the user accidentally burning their fingers.

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

[0010] Optionally, multiple spines or pads extend radially from the support.

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

[0012] Optionally, to secure the first and second components together in a storage configuration, the handle portion of the first component is provided with external threads, and the housing of the second component is provided with complementary internal threads.

[0013] It should be understood that while the first and second parts can be fitted together for storage, the first part can also be used separately from the second part for cleaning purposes.

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

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

[0016] Optionally, the engagement mechanism includes a first projection for engaging with a first slot or notch provided in the cover of the aerosol supply device.

[0017] Optionally, the engagement mechanism further comprises a second projection having a different shape and / or dimensions from the first projection, the second projection being arranged to engage with a second slot or notch provided in the aerosol supply device, the second slot or notch having a different shape and / or dimensions from the first slot or notch.

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

[0019] Optionally, multiple spines contain PEEK (polyether ether ketone).

[0020] Optionally, the support material may include stainless steel.

[0021] Optionally, the cleaning tool further comprises a third component, the third component comprising a handle, the handle having a screw member hanging down or extending from the handle for removing aerosol products from an aerosol supply device.

[0022] Optionally, the screw component may include stainless steel.

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

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

[0025] It will be appreciated that the third component and the second component can be mated with each other for storage, but the third component can be used separately from the second component for cleaning purposes.

[0026] According to another aspect, a method of cleaning an aerosol supply device,

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

[0028] inserting a plurality of spines or pads of the first component of the cleaning tool into a receptacle of the aerosol supply device;

[0029] translating the handle portion of the first component between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device; A method of cleaning an aerosol supply device is provided that includes.

[0030] Optionally, the method further includes moving the handle portion of the first component between the first position and the second position a plurality of times.

[0031] Optionally, the method further includes rotating the handle portion of the first component at least partially around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device.

[0032] According to another aspect,

[0033] an aerosol supply device,

[0034] a cleaning tool as described above, An aerosol supply system is provided that includes.

[0035] Optionally, the aerosol supply device is equipped with a cover, and the engagement mechanism of a second component of the cleaning tool is arranged to engage with the cover to remove or dislodge the cover during use.

[0036] Next, various embodiments will be described, merely as examples, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is a front view of an aerosol supply device of a type that can be cleaned with cleaning tools according to various embodiments. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective side view of the aerosol supply device, showing the outer cover at the distal end of the aerosol supply device, where an engagement mechanism provided on the cleaning tool is positioned to engage with the outer cover to remove or dislodge the cover. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view of the aerosol generator portion of the aerosol supply device shown in Figure 1, indicating an opening at the distal end that provides access for cleaning tools. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a partial plan view of the base of the aerosol supply device, showing tool slots for receiving a cleaning tool engagement mechanism to remove or displace a cover provided on the base of the aerosol supply device. [Figure 5] This is a schematic side view of a cleaning tool for cleaning an aerosol supply device according to various embodiments, the cleaning tool comprising: (i) a first component having a handle, a support, and a plurality of thorns hanging down or extending from the distal end of the support; (ii) a second component having a housing for receiving the first component, wherein the housing is provided with an engagement mechanism for engaging with the cover of the aerosol supply device to remove or dislodge the cover; and optionally, (iii) a third component having a handle, wherein the handle is provided with a third component having a screw member hanging down or extending from the handle to remove aerosol products from the aerosol supply device. [Figure 6] This diagram shows in more detail the distal end of a cleaning tool according to various embodiments, which is provided at the end of a housing that is positioned to engage with a cover for removing or displacing the cover of an aerosol supply device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” means a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, it is heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. Aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, solids, liquids, or gels, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-generating materials may contain any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing material, and may include one or more of the following: tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, re-tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials may also contain other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, solids, liquids, gels, or waxes. Aerosol-generating materials may also be, for example, combinations or blends of several materials. Aerosol-generating materials may also be known as “smoking materials.”

[0039] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an activator and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0040] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include a sheet, or may be a sheet, and may optionally be shredded to form shredded sheets. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheets may not substantially contain tobacco.

[0041] According to this disclosure, a “non-flammable” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating material, which is a component of the aerosol supply system (or its components), is not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

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

[0043] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vapor inhalation device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0044] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0046] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables used with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0047] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-flammable aerosol supply devices. These consumables may also be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0048] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, for example, the non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon substrate that can be powered to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat transfer material adjacent to the heat source.

[0049] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0050] In some embodiments, consumables used with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material transfer component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, wrapper, filter, mouthpiece, and / or aerosol modifier.

[0051] An aerosol generating device can accept articles containing aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, “article” refers to a component that, at the time of use, contains or is contained with aerosol-generating material, which is heated at the time of use to volatilize the aerosol-generating material and, optionally, other components. A user can insert an article into the aerosol supply device, heat the article to generate an aerosol, and then inhale it. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of a device of a size that accepts the article.

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

[0053] As will be described in more detail below, particularly with reference to Figures 5 and 6, various embodiments disclose a cleaning tool for cleaning the aerosol supply device 100. The cleaning tool comprises a first component including spikes for cleaning the inside of the aerosol supply device 100, and a second component comprising a housing for receiving the first component. Furthermore, the housing includes an engagement mechanism for engaging with the cover of the aerosol supply device 100 in order to remove or dislodge the cover. As will be described in more detail below, the cover is provided at the distal end of the aerosol supply device 100, and removal or displacement of the cover allows the first component of the cleaning tool to be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 to clean the heating chamber located inside the aerosol supply device.

[0054] The aerosol supply device 100 comprises a main body 102. The housing structure surrounds and accommodates various components of the main body 102. One end of the main body 102 has an article aperture 104 into which an article 110 can be inserted for heating by an aerosol generator (not shown) located inside the aerosol supply device 100. The article 110 can be inserted completely or partially into the aerosol generator, where it can be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator. Together, the article 110 and the aerosol supply device 100 form an aerosol supply system 101.

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

[0056] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 may comprise a first main body assembly 130 and a second main body assembly 140. The first main body assembly 130 may comprise an aerosol generator.

[0057] The first body assembly 130 includes a first housing 131. The second body assembly 140 includes a second housing 141. The first body assembly 130 and the second body assembly 140 may be fixedly mounted together. Together, the first body assembly 130 and the second body assembly 140 can form a body 102.

[0058] The main body 102 has the end face of the aerosol supply device 100. The end of the aerosol supply device 100 closest to the article aperture may be known as the proximal end (or mouthpiece end) 106 of the aerosol supply device 100, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, the user inserts an article into the aperture, operates the aerosol generator to begin heating the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated by the aerosol supply device 100. As a result, the aerosol flows through the aerosol supply device 100 along a channel toward the proximal end 106 of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0059] The other end of the device furthest from the aperture may be known as the distal end 108 of the aerosol supply device 100, as it is the end furthest from the user's mouth during use. When a user inhales the aerosol generated by the aerosol supply device 100, the aerosol flows toward the proximal end 106 of the aerosol supply device 100. The terms proximal and distal, as applied to the features of the aerosol supply device 100, are explained by referring to the relative arrangement of such features toward each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0060] As used herein, a one-piece component refers to a component of a device that cannot be separated into two or more components by the user after the device has been assembled. "Formed as one" refers to two or more feature parts that are formed on the one-piece component during the manufacturing stage of the component.

[0061] The air passage extends through the main body 102 to the opening 190, which functions as an air inlet. The outer cover 300 covers the opening 190. The outer cover 300 may be positioned to allow airflow into the air passage. The outer cover 300 may be equipped with a cleaning door to assist in cleaning. The cleaning door may be removable from the aerosol supply device 100, thereby providing access to the cleaning chamber of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0062] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator 200 that forms part of an aerosol supply device. In one example, the aerosol generator 200 may include an inductive heating system, which includes a magnetic field generator 210. The magnetic field generator 210 includes an inductor coil assembly 211. The aerosol generator 200 further includes a heating element or susceptor 220.

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

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

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

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

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

[0068] Other devices may be provided that include a heating element that can be heated by electrical resistance. Therefore, the aerosol generator 200 may be electrically connected to the device and include electrical contacts that electrically operate the heating element by passing an electrical energy flow through it.

[0069] The receptacle 222 and related articles may be sized to receive the articles adjacent to the heating element or susceptor 220. This helps ensure the most efficient heating. The articles may include aerosol-generating material, which can be placed in the receptacle 222. The articles may also include other components such as filters, wrapping material, and / or cooling structures.

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

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

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

[0073] The flow path member 182 and the heating element or susceptor 220 may intersect at the connection 183. The flow path member 182 may comprise a first section 184 having a first diameter and a second section 185 having a second diameter. The diameter of the first section 184 may be greater than the diameter of the second section 185. An intermediate section 186 may extend between the first section 184 and the second section 185. The intermediate section 186 may form a shoulder that can function as a stopper to limit the insertion of an article.

[0074] The fluid seal of the connection 183 may be formed by a mechanically manufactured joint, such as by welding. Alternatively, the fluid seal of the connection 183 may be formed by a laser welding process. It should be understood that other methods such as brazing and bonding may also be used. The flow channel member 182 may be formed from a thermally conductive material. It is assumed that the flow channel member 182 may be formed from carbon steel. The flow channel member 182 may be formed from the same material as the heating element or susceptor 220. The heating element or susceptor 220 and the flow channel member 182 may be manufactured as a single integrated component by such a process.

[0075] The heating element or susceptor 220 may come into contact with the flow channel member 182, thereby enabling heat transfer by conduction. This can promote passive heating of the flow channel member 182.

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

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

[0078] Figure 4 is a partial plan view of the base of a single-component aerosol supply device. The first main body assembly 130 may be substantially tubular. The first housing 131 may be tubular. The first housing 131 may have a circular cross-section. The outer cover 300 is positioned on the distal end 108 of the first housing 131. The outer cover 300 covers the opening 190 of the distal end 108 of the first housing 131. When positioned on the first housing 131, the outer cover 300 may be coplanar with the distal end 108 of the first housing 131. The outer cover 300 comprises a cover member 302. The cover member 302 has a first surface 304 and a second surface.

[0079] Depending on the configuration, it will be understood that the housing to which the outer cover is attached may be non-tubular.

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

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

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

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

[0084] The tool slot 312 may be positioned at the center of the first surface 304 of the cover member 302. However, other configurations are conceivable in which the geometry and position of the tool slot 312 may differ from the configuration shown in Figure 4. For example, the tool slot 312 may have a different shape and may be displaced from the center of the cover member 302.

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

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

[0087] The brush holder 410 may include a brush holder chassis 412 that can be inserted into the housing 401. The brush holder chassis 412 may be held in place within the housing 401 by a press fit. In other configurations, the brush holder chassis 412 may have external threads, and the housing 401 may have complementary internal threads into which the brush holder chassis 412 can be screwed. Each thread may have a single turn that can extend along the entire annular wall of the housing 401 and the entire annular outer surface of the brush holder chassis 412. Other configurations are also conceivable in which the thread(s) do not encircle the housing 401 or the brush holder chassis 412. It should be understood that the number of turns of each thread may vary. Each thread may contain less than one turn, for example, a quarter turn or a half turn. Each thread may contain two or more turns. The two or more turns may be axially offset from one another. Two or more windings may each extend over the entire annular area of ​​the annular inner surface of the housing 401 or the annular outer surface of the brush holder chassis 412.

[0088] The housing 401 of the cleaning tool 400 may be formed from a polycarbonate such as Makrolon 2805 (registered trademark). The support or shaft 414 can be connected to the brush holder chassis 412. The support or shaft 414 may protrude from the brush holder housing 413 which is attached to the brush holder chassis 412. The brush holder housing 413 may be formed from a copolymer such as POM M90-44 (registered trademark). The brush holder chassis 412 may be formed from a polycarbonate such as Makrolon 2805 (registered trademark).

[0089] The support or shaft 414 may include alternative materials such as stainless steel (e.g., type 304 stainless steel) or plastic material. The support or shaft 414 can be attached to the brush holder chassis 412 by glue or hot melt connections. The material constituting the support or shaft 414 can be selected so that the support or shaft 414 can be bent in several different directions as desired.

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

[0091] Depending on the configuration, the spines 415 may have a thickness of 0.1 to 0.3 mm. Depending on the configuration, the spines may have a thickness of 0.1 to 0.2 mm, or 0.2 to 0.3 mm.

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

[0093] The cleaning tool 400 can be used to clean an aerosol supply device, such as the aerosol supply device described above, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. To use the cleaning tool 400, the user can remove the brush holder chassis 412 from the housing 401 and then insert the distal end 416 into the opening 190 of the aerosol supply device 100, from which the end cover 300 (see Figure 2) has been removed. The user can then freely insert the cleaning tool into the receptacle 222 (see Figure 3) of the aerosol supply device 100 when there are no items in the receptacle 222. The user can then move the cleaning tool 400 in various orientations so that the multiple spikes 415 remove any lost pieces that have accumulated at the bottom of the receptacle 222.

[0094] The brush holder housing 413 connected to the brush holder chassis 412 may have shoulders around its edges for engaging with the outer surface of the opening 190, thereby preventing pressure on internal components when cleaning the aerosol supply device 100 with a cleaning tool 400. Other configurations in which the brush holder housing 413 does not have defined shoulders are also conceivable.

[0095] The spikes 415 of the cleaning tool 400 can be used to scrape the inner wall of the receptacle 222 (see Figure 3) to remove any material adhering to the inner surface of the receptacle 222. It is also advantageous that the spikes 415 can be used to clean the heating element or susceptor 220 without damaging the heating element or susceptor 220. Without the cleaning tool 400, a user might attempt to clean the inside of the receptacle 222 with their fingers or a rounded object, which could damage the internal components of the aerosol supply device 100. It should also be understood that the inside of the aerosol supply device 100 may be at a relatively high temperature if the consumed item is removed immediately after use. Therefore, the use of the cleaning tool 400 prevents burns to the user if they attempt to clean the aerosol supply device 100 without the cleaning tool 400.

[0096] Depending on the configuration, the support or shaft 414 may include two strands that can be positioned to fix a plurality of spikes 415 in place relative to the support or shaft 414. The support or shaft 414 may have any other suitable form. In the configuration shown in Figure 5, the support or shaft 414 is linear. However, it will be understood that the support or shaft 414 may have any other suitable profile to facilitate cleaning of the heating element or the inner wall of the susceptor 220 and / or receptacle 222 within the aerosol supply device 100.

[0097] In the configuration shown in Figure 5, a plurality of spikes 415 are illustrated extending radially away from the support or shaft 414. While a specific form of the brush, namely one with spikes 415, is shown, it will be understood that brushes may be provided that have any suitable elements that come into contact with part of the aerosol supply device during use of the cleaning tool 400. For example, the brush may have a series of blades or pads that perform a cleaning action.

[0098] Figure 5 further shows an optional article removal tool 420. This optional article removal tool 420 comprises a handle or base portion 422 and a screw 424 protruding from the handle or base portion 422. The handle or base portion 422 may be shaped to be held in or docked with the brush holder chassis 412 of the brush holder 410. When in use, the end of the screw 424 can be screwed into an article that may be stuck inside the aerosol supply device in order to remove the article. The screw 424 may be formed from stainless steel (304), but other materials are also conceivable. According to one configuration, the screw 424 may have an outer diameter of 3.5 mm and a pitch of 7.2 mm. The wire forming the screw 424 may have a diameter of 1 mm. The handle or base portion 422 may include polycarbonate such as Makrolon 2805®.

[0099] Figure 6 shows in more detail the distal end 440 of the housing 401 of the cleaning tool 400. The housing 401 further includes an engagement function 430 for engaging with a cover of an aerosol supply device, such as the outer cover 300 of the aerosol supply device 100, as illustrated and described above with reference to Figure 2, for example. The engagement function 430 can be positioned to open, remove, or displace the outer cover 300.

[0100] The engagement function 430 may protrude from the housing 401 and may have multiple hooks 432 for securing the cleaning tool 400 to the outer cover 300 of the aerosol supply device by engaging with corresponding recesses 312 in the outer cover 300 (see Figure 4). The tool slot 312 and the engagement function 430 may be arranged to have complementary geometric shapes. The engagement function 430 may be located at the center of the distal end 440 of the cleaning tool 400 and may be elongated. In other configurations, the geometric shape and position of the tool slot 312 may differ.

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

[0102] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents thereof, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may appropriately comprise, consist of, or be essentially comprised of, any appropriate combination of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. an aerosol supply system, an aerosol supply device including a cover, A cleaning tool for cleaning the aerosol supply device, Equipped with, The aforementioned cleaning equipment is A first component comprising a handle portion having a support that hangs down or extends from the handle portion, and a plurality of thorns or pads that hang down or extend from the distal end of the support portion, A second component comprising a housing for receiving the first component, wherein the first component is insertable into the second component comprising the housing, and the housing further comprises an engagement mechanism for engaging with the cover to remove or displace the cover of an aerosol supply device, Includes, The engagement mechanism in the second component of the cleaning tool is arranged to engage with the cover in order to remove or displace the cover during use. Aerosol supply system.

2. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the support is formed from at least two wire strands twisted together to fix the plurality of spikes or pads in place.

3. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of spines or pads extend radially from the support.

4. The support is either straight, bent, or curved. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the handle portion of the first component is provided with external threads, and the housing of the second component is provided with complementary internal threads, for securing the first component and the second component together in a storage configuration.

6. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing of the second component accommodates at least a portion of the first component in a storage configuration.

7. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement mechanism can rotate or displace the cover of the aerosol supply device.

8. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a first projection for engaging with a first slot or notch provided in the cover of the aerosol supply device.

9. The engagement mechanism further comprises a second projection having a different shape and / or dimensions from the first projection, The aerosol supply system according to claim 8, wherein the second protrusion is arranged to engage with a second slot or notch provided in the aerosol supply device, and the second slot or notch has a different shape and / or dimensions from the first slot or notch.

10. The handle portion of the first component has a shoulder portion for restraining within the aperture of the aerosol supply device when the cover is removed or displaced by the engagement mechanism. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

11. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of spines contain polyether ether ketone.

12. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support comprises stainless steel.

13. The cleaning tool further comprises a third component, The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third component comprises a handle, the handle having a screw member hanging down or extending from the handle for removing aerosol products from an aerosol supply device.

14. The aerosol supply system according to claim 13, wherein the screw member includes stainless steel.

15. The aerosol supply system according to claim 13, wherein the housing of the second component is further configured to receive the third component in a storage configuration.

16. The aerosol supply system according to claim 13, wherein the housing of the second component accommodates at least a portion of the third component in a storage configuration.

17. The steps of engaging the aerosol supply system engagement mechanism described in claim 1 or 2 with the cover of the aerosol supply device in order to remove or displace the cover of the aerosol supply device, The steps include inserting the plurality of spikes or pads of the first component of the cleaning tool into the receptacle of the aerosol supply device, The steps include: translating the handle portion of the first component between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device; A method for cleaning an aerosol supply device, including [details omitted].

18. A step of moving the handle portion of the first component between a first position and a second position multiple times, A method for cleaning an aerosol supply device according to claim 17, further comprising:

19. The step of rotating the handle portion of the first component by at least a partial rotation around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device, A method for cleaning an aerosol supply device according to claim 17, further comprising:

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