Protective cap for a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective cap for a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol- generating system. The protective cap comprises a lateral outer wall, a cavity, a closed proximal end portion, and an openable distal end portion. The lateral outer wall confines the cavity. The cavity is configured for receiving the reusable mouthpiece though the openable distal end portion. The invention further relates to a system comprising the protective cap and a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system. The invention further relates to a method of cleaning a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system. The method comprises the steps of (i) inserting at least a portion of the reusable mouthpiece through the openable distal end portion into the cavity of the protective cap described herein, (ii) maintaining the reusable mouthpiece in the cavity for a time sufficient to remove at least 99,9 percent of microorganism, preferably sufficient to remove at least 99,999 percent of bacteria, at least 99,99 percent of fungi and at least 99,9% of viruses, (iii) removing the reusable mouthpiece from the cavity of the protective cap.

Description

[0001] PROTECTIVE CAP FOR A MOUTHPIECE OF AN AEROSOL-GENERATING SYSTEM

[0002] The present invention relates to a protective cap configured for protecting a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system. The present invention relates to a system comprising the protective cap and a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system. The present invention relates to a method of cleaning a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosolgenerating system.

[0003] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating system for generating an inhalable vapor. Such systems may heat aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilised without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. Aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity, such as a heating chamber, of the aerosol-generating system. A heating element may be arranged in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating system may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be reusable. The mouthpiece may be a permanent part of the aerosolgenerating system or a mouthpiece being separable from the aerosol-generating system. During use of the aerosol-generating system, the mouthpiece may come in contact with the user's saliva. After several uses of the mouthpiece the mouthpiece may thereby be contaminated with microorganisms. In addition, a reusable mouthpiece may come in contact with contaminations when storing the aerosol-generating system between uses.

[0004] It would be desirable to have a portion that provides protection of a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system. It would be desirable to have a portion that provides cleaning of a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system. It would be desirable to have a portion that can remove microorganisms from a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a protective cap for a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system. The protective cap comprises a lateral outer wall, a cavity, a closed proximal end portion, and an openable distal end portion. The lateral outer wall confines the cavity. The cavity is configured for receiving the reusable mouthpiece though the openable distal end portion.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a protective cap for a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system. The protective cap may comprise a lateral outer wall, a cavity, a closed proximal end portion, and an openable distal end portion. The lateral outer wall may confine the cavity. The cavity may be configured for receiving the reusable mouthpiece though the openable distal end portion.

[0007] By providing a protective cap for a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system, protection of a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system may be provided. By providing a protective cap for a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system, cleaning of a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system may be provided. By providing a protective cap for a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system, microorganisms from a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system may be removed.

[0008] The protective cap may comprise a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may extend along the longitudinal extension of the protective cap. The longitudinal axis of the protective cap may extend between a proximal end of the protective cap and a distal end of the protective cap.

[0009] As used herein, the term ‘proximal’ refers to a user-end, or mouth-end of the aerosolgenerating system or a part or portion thereof, and the term ‘distal’ refers to the end opposite to the proximal end. As used herein the term ‘lateral’ refers to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating system.

[0010] The protective cap may be configured for cleaning the reusable mouthpiece. The protective cap may be configured for disinfecting the reusable mouthpiece. The protective cap may be configured to automatically disinfecting the reusable mouthpiece when receiving the reusable mouthpiece for at least 30 seconds. The protective cap may be configured to store the reusable mouthpiece between uses of the reusable mouthpiece with an aerosol-generating system. Storing a reusable mouthpiece in the protective cap between uses of the aerosolgenerating system may protect the reusable mouthpiece from contaminations. Storing a reusable mouthpiece in the protective cap between uses of the aerosol-generating system may prevent the reusable mouthpiece from getting contaminated with microorganisms.

[0011] The openable distal end portion may be reversibly openable or irreversible openable. The protective cap may be configured to receive the entire reusable mouthpiece. The protective cap may be configured for storing the reusable mouthpiece.

[0012] The protective cap may comprise a porous material. The porous material may be a sponge-like material. The porous material may be hollow comprising a cavity configured to receive the reusable mouthpiece. The porous material may be tubular.

[0013] The cavity may comprise a disinfecting agent. The porous material may comprise the disinfecting agent. The porous material may be impregnated with at least one disinfecting agent. The disinfecting agent may comprise at least one microbicide. The microbicide may comprise at least one of a fungicide, a bactericide, a virucide. The disinfecting agent may comprise, preferably is a liquid, a gel, a foam, a powder, a solid, or a combination thereof. The disinfecting agent may comprise at least one of ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, iodine, ozone, silver, copper, or other microbicides. The disinfecting agent may comprise additives. The additives may be at least one of fragrances colorants, stabilizers, preservatives, performance enhancers for enhancing the performance of the at least one microbicide.

[0014] The lateral outer wall may be tubular. The lateral outer wall may consist of a single outer wall. The lateral outer wall may comprise three walls and the cross section of the protective cap is triangular. Alternatively, the lateral outer wall may comprise four walls and the cross section of the protective cap is rectangular, preferably is square. Alternatively, the lateral outer wall may comprise five walls and the cross-section of the protective cap is a pentagon. Alternatively, the lateral outer wall comprises six walls and the cross-section of the protective cap is hexagonal.

[0015] The protective cap may be elongate. The protective cap may be cylindrical. The protective cap may be cuboid. The protective cap may have the shape of a prism having a triangle, square, pentagon or hexagon as a base.

[0016] The lateral outer wall may comprise an inner diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the protective cap. The reusable mouthpiece may comprise an outer diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the reusable mouthpiece. An inner diameter of the lateral outer wall may be larger than an outer diameter of the reusable mouthpiece. The inner diameter of the lateral outer wall may be from 5 to 20 percent larger than the outer diameter of the reusable mouthpiece. The inner diameter of the lateral outer wall may be from 5 to 10 percent larger than the outer diameter of the reusable mouthpiece.

[0017] The protective cap may comprise a sealing mechanism configured to seal the cavity when at least a portion of the reusable mouthpiece is received in the cavity. The sealing mechanism may comprise a snap-fit connection, a screw-thread connection, a magnet connection, a suction cup connection or a hook-and-loop fastener connection. The sealing mechanism may provide a liquid tight connection, preferably a hermetically sealed connection. The sealing mechanism may be configured connectable to one or both of the reusable mouthpiece, or another portion of the aerosol-generating system. The protective cap may comprise a distal end cap configured for reversibly closing the openable distal end portion. The distal end cap may comprise at least a portion of the sealing mechanism.

[0018] The protective cap may comprise at least one of plastic, metal, rubber, or silicone. The protective cap may consist of plastic, metal, rubber, or silicone.

[0019] The openable distal end portion may comprise at least one of a loose flange cover and a barrier providing a liquid tight sealing. The loose flange may be configured to open towards the cavity. The loose flange cover may provide sealing of components, such as disinfecting agents, contained in the cavity. The loose flange cover may comprise circular sections which when closing the openable distal end portion together form a circle. The circular sections may be configured foldable towards the cavity. The loose flange cover may comprise at least four circular sections.

[0020] The openable distal end portion may comprise a distal foil configured to be permanently removed from the protective cap. The distal foil may provide liquid tight sealing of the cavity.

[0021] The protective cap may comprise at least one vent. The at least one vent may be arranged on the lateral outer wall, preferably on a proximal end of the lateral outer wall. By providing at least one vent on the lateral outer wall, build-up of pressure or vacuum inside the protective cap may be prevented.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a system comprising the protective cap described herein and a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system. The protective cap of the system may comprise the sealing mechanism configured to seal the cavity when at least a portion of the reusable mouthpiece is received in the cavity. The sealing mechanism may be configured connectable to one or both of the reusable mouthpiece, or another portion of the aerosol-generating system. The reusable mouthpiece may be free of filter material.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of cleaning a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system. The method comprises the steps of (i) inserting at least a portion of the reusable mouthpiece through the openable distal end portion into the cavity of the protective cap described herein, (ii) maintaining the reusable mouthpiece in the cavity for a time sufficient to remove at least 99,9 percent of microorganism, preferably sufficient to remove at least 99,999 percent of bacteria, at least 99,99 percent of fungi and at least 99,9% of viruses, (iii) removing the reusable mouthpiece from the cavity of the protective cap.

[0024] Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0025] Example Ex1. A protective cap for a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system, comprising: a lateral outer wall; a cavity; a closed proximal end portion; and an openable distal end portion, wherein the lateral outer wall confines the cavity, wherein the cavity is configured for receiving the reusable mouthpiece though the openable distal end portion. Example Ex2. The protective cap according to example Ex 1 , configured for cleaning the reusable mouthpiece.

[0026] Example Ex3. The protective cap according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the openable distal end portion is reversibly openable or irreversible openable.

[0027] Example Ex4. The protective cap according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the protective cap is configured to receive the entire reusable mouthpiece, preferably, wherein the protective cap is configured for storing the reusable mouthpiece.

[0028] Example Ex5. The protective cap according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the protective cap comprises a porous material.

[0029] Example Ex6. The protective cap according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the cavity comprises a disinfecting agent, preferably wherein the porous material of example Ex 5 comprises the disinfecting agent.

[0030] Example Ex7. The protective cap according to example Ex 6, wherein the disinfecting agent comprises at least one microbicide, preferably wherein the microbicide comprises at least one of a fungicide, a bactericide, a virucide.

[0031] Example Ex8. The protective cap according to any of examples Ex 6 or Ex 7, wherein the disinfecting agent comprises, preferably is a liquid, a gel, a foam, a powder, a solid, or a combination thereof.

[0032] Example Ex9. The protective cap according to any examples Ex 6 to Ex 8, wherein the disinfecting agent comprises at least one of ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, iodine, ozone, silver, copper, or other microbicides.

[0033] Example Ex10. The protective cap according to any of examples Ex 6 to Ex 9, wherein the disinfecting agent comprises additives, preferably wherein the additives are at least one of fragrances colorants, stabilizers, preservatives, performance enhancers for enhancing the performance of the at least one microbicide.

[0034] Example Ex11. The protective cap according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the lateral outer wall is tubular.

[0035] Example Ex12. The protective cap according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the lateral outer wall comprises three walls and the cross section of the protective cap is triangular, or wherein the lateral outer wall comprises four walls and the cross section of the protective cap is rectangular, preferably is square, or wherein the lateral outer wall comprises five walls and the cross-section of the protective cap is a pentagon, or wherein the lateral outer wall comprises six walls and the cross-section of the protective cap is hexagonal.

[0036] Example Ex13. The protective cap according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the protective cap is elongate. Example Ex14. The protective cap according to any of the preceding examples, wherein an inner diameter of the lateral outer wall is larger than an outer diameter of the reusable mouthpiece, preferably, wherein the inner diameter of the lateral outer wall is from 5 to 20 percent larger than the outer diameter of the reusable mouthpiece.

[0037] Example Ex15. The protective cap according to any of the preceding examples, comprising a sealing mechanism configured to seal the cavity when at least a portion of the reusable mouthpiece is received in the cavity.

[0038] Example Ex16. The protective cap according to example Ex15, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises a snap-fit connection, a screw-thread connection, a magnet connection, a suction cup connection or a hook-and-loop fastener connection.

[0039] Example Ex17. The protective cap according to any of examples Ex15 or Ex 16, wherein the sealing mechanism provides a liquid tight connection, preferably a hermetically sealed connection.

[0040] Example Ex18. The protective cap according to any of examples Ex15 to Ex17, wherein the sealing mechanism is configured connectable to one or both of the reusable mouthpiece, or another portion of the aerosol-generating system.

[0041] Example Ex19. The protective cap according to any of examples Ex15 to Ex18, wherein the protective cap comprises a distal end cap configured for reversibly closing the openable distal end portion, wherein the distal end cap comprises at least a portion of the sealing mechanism.

[0042] Example Ex20. The protective cap according to any of the preceding examples, comprising at least one of plastic, metal, rubber, or silicone.

[0043] Example Ex21. The protective cap according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the openable distal end portion comprises at least one of a loose flange cover and a barrier providing a liquid tight sealing, preferably wherein the loose flange is configured to open towards the cavity.

[0044] Example Ex22. The protective cap according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the openable distal end portion comprises a distal foil configured to be permanently removed from the protective cap.

[0045] Example Ex23. The protective cap according to any of the preceding examples, comprising at least one vent.

[0046] Example Ex24. The protective cap according to example Ex23, wherein the at least one vent is arranged on the lateral outer wall, preferably on a proximal end of the lateral outer wall.

[0047] Example Ex25. A system comprising the protective cap according to any of the preceding examples, and a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system. Example Ex26. The system according to example Ex 25, wherein the protective cap comprises the sealing mechanism configured to seal the cavity when at least a portion of the reusable mouthpiece is received in the cavity, wherein the sealing mechanism is configured connectable to one or both of the reusable mouthpiece, or another portion of the aerosol-generating system.

[0048] Example Ex27. A method of cleaning a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system, comprising the steps of i. inserting at least a portion of the reusable mouthpiece through the openable distal end portion into the cavity of the protective cap according to any of examples Ex6 to Ex24; ii. maintaining the reusable mouthpiece in the cavity for a time sufficient to remove at least 99,9 percent of microorganism, preferably sufficient to remove at least 99,999 percent of bacteria, at least 99,99 percent of fungi and at least 99,9% of viruses; iii. removing the reusable mouthpiece from the cavity of the protective cap.

[0049] Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0050] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0051] Figs. 1A and 1 B show a protective cap with a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosolgenerating device;

[0052] Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show the protective cap.

[0053] Fig. 1A shows a protective cap 10 for a reusable mouthpiece 14 of an aerosolgenerating system 16. The protective cap 10 can receive the reusable mouthpiece 14 as shown in Fig. 1 B. Figs. 2A to 2D show the protective cap 10 in more detail. As can be seen in Fig. 2A the protective cap 10 comprises a lateral outer wall 18, a cavity 20, a closed proximal end portion 22, and an openable distal end portion 24. The lateral outer wall 18 confines the cavity 20. The cavity 20 is configured for receiving the reusable mouthpiece 14 though the openable distal end portion 24. The protective cap 10 further comprises vents 26. The protective cap comprises a porous material 28, for example a sponge like material. The sponge like material can comprise at least one disinfecting agent, for example, by being impregnated with at least one disinfecting agent.

[0054] Fig. 2B shows a bottom view of the protective cap showing the openable distal end portion 24. The openable distal end portion 24 comprises a loose flange cover 30 which is configured to open towards the cavity as can be seen in Fig 2C. The loose flange 30 cover provides sealing of components, such as disinfecting agents, contained in the cavity 20. The loose flange 30 comprise circular sections which when closing the openable distal end portion together form a circle (see Fig. 2B). The circular sections are configured foldable towards the cavity 20 (see Fig. 2C). In the example shown, in the Figures, the loose flange cover comprises four circular sections. Fig. 2D shows the protective cap 10 in which a reusable 24 mouthpiece is received within the cavity and mores specifically received within the hollow sponge like material.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A protective cap for a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system, comprising: a lateral outer wall; a cavity; a closed proximal end portion; and an openable distal end portion, wherein the lateral outer wall confines the cavity, wherein the cavity is configured for receiving the reusable mouthpiece though the openable distal end portion.

2. The protective cap according to claim 1 , configured for cleaning the reusable mouthpiece.

3. The protective cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the openable distal end portion is reversibly openable or irreversible openable.

4. The protective cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cap is configured to receive the entire reusable mouthpiece, preferably, wherein the protective cap is configured for storing the reusable mouthpiece.

5. The protective cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cap comprises a porous material.

6. The protective cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity comprises a disinfecting agent, preferably wherein the porous material of claim 5 comprises the disinfecting agent.

7. The protective cap according to claim 6, wherein the disinfecting agent comprises at least one microbicide, preferably wherein the microbicide comprises at least one of a fungicide, a bactericide, a virucide, more preferably wherein the disinfecting agent comprises at least one of ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, iodine, ozone, silver, copper, or other microbicides.

8. The protective cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral outer wall is tubular, or wherein the lateral outer wall comprises three walls and the cross section of the protective cap is triangular, or wherein the lateral outer wall comprises four walls and the cross section of the protective cap is rectangular, preferably is square, or wherein the lateral outer wall comprises five walls and the cross-section of the protective cap is a pentagon, or wherein the lateral outer wall comprises six walls and the cross-section of the protective cap is hexagonal, preferably wherein the protective cap is elongate.

9. The protective cap according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a sealing mechanism configured to seal the cavity when at least a portion of the reusable mouthpiece is received in the cavity, preferably wherein the sealing mechanism comprises a snap-fit connection, a screw-thread connection, a magnet connection, a suction cup connection or a hook-and-loop fastener connection, more preferably wherein the sealing mechanism provides a liquid tight connection, preferably a hermetically sealed connection.

10. The protective cap according to according to claim 9, wherein the protective cap comprises a distal end cap configured for reversibly closing the openable distal end portion, wherein the distal end cap comprises at least a portion of the sealing mechanism.

11. The protective cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the openable distal end portion comprises at least one of a loose flange cover and a barrier providing a liquid tight sealing, preferably wherein the loose flange is configured to open towards the cavity.

12. The protective cap according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one vent, preferably wherein the at least one vent is arranged on the lateral outer wall, preferably on a proximal end of the lateral outer wall.

13. A system comprising the protective cap according to any of the preceding claims, and a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the protective cap comprises the sealing mechanism configured to seal the cavity when at least a portion of the reusable mouthpiece isreceived in the cavity, wherein the sealing mechanism is configured connectable to one or both of the reusable mouthpiece, or another portion of the aerosol-generating system.

15. A method of cleaning a reusable mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating system, comprising the steps of i. inserting at least a portion of the reusable mouthpiece through the openable distal end portion into the cavity of the protective cap according to any of claims 1 to 12; ii. maintaining the reusable mouthpiece in the cavity for a time sufficient to remove at least 99,9 percent of microorganism, preferably sufficient to remove at least 99,999 percent of bacteria, at least 99,99 percent of fungi and at least 99,9% of viruses; iii. removing the reusable mouthpiece from the cavity of the protective cap.

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