Patent Grant
10575558
The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices such as smoking articles, and more particularly, to aerosol delivery devices that include multiple outer bodies. The aerosol delivery devices incorporate an aerosol formation device or an atomizer A typical atomizer is configured to heat an aerosol precursor including components that may be made or derived from tobacco or otherwise incorporate tobacco using an electrically powered resistance heater. As a result, the aerosol delivery device provides an inhalable substance for human consumption.
Many smoking devices have been proposed through the years as improvements upon, or alternatives to, smoking products that require combusting tobacco for use. Many of those devices purportedly have been designed to provide the sensations associated with cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking, but without delivering considerable quantities of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products that result from the burning of tobacco. To this end, there have been proposed numerous smoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers that utilize electrical energy to vaporize or heat a volatile material, or attempt to provide the sensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking without burning tobacco to a significant degree. See, for example, the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heat generating sources set forth in the background art described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2013/0255702 to Griffith Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2014/0060554 to Collett et al., U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2014/0096781 to Sears et al., U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2014/0096782 to Ampolini et al., and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/011,992 to Davis et al., filed Aug. 28, 2013, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Certain existing embodiments of aerosol delivery devices include a single, unitary, elongated outer housing that is substantially tubular in shape. In these embodiments, all of the components of the aerosol delivery device are at least partially contained within the single outer housing. However, it would be desirable to provide an alternate form or configuration of an aerosol delivery device that enhances user experience or allows for alternative manufacturing techniques. Thus, advances with respect to configurations of aerosol delivery devices and methods of assembly thereof may be desirable.
The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices configured to produce aerosol. Certain types of these devices can be characterized as electronic cigarettes. In one aspect an aerosol delivery device is provided. The aerosol delivery device may include a first outer body defining an inlet aperture, a second outer body, a power source positioned in the first outer body, an atomizer positioned in the second outer body, and a coupler positioned between, and engaged with, the first outer body and the second outer body. The coupler may define a coupler inlet and a longitudinal channel. The coupler may be configured to receive air from the inlet aperture defined in the first outer body through the coupler inlet and to direct the air through the longitudinal channel to the second outer body.
In some embodiments the aerosol delivery device may further include at least one securing mechanism configured to substantially irreversibly secure the first outer body to the second outer body. The at least one securing mechanism may be a wrapper extending at least partially around the first outer body, the second outer body, and the coupler. The aerosol delivery device may additionally include a reservoir substrate and a flow director positioned in the second outer body, the flow director may extend at least partially through the reservoir substrate. The flow director may define a transverse aperture extending therethrough, and the atomizer may extend through the transverse aperture.
In some embodiments a plurality of electrical connectors may extend from the atomizer through the coupler to the power source. The atomizer may include a heating element and a liquid transport element defining a center portion and first and second opposing arms extending therefrom, the heating element may be coupled to the center portion of the liquid transport element. The coupler may define a nipple and the flow director may engage the nipple of the coupler. Accordingly, the positioning of the components is such that an airflow passageway is created.
In some embodiments the aerosol delivery device may additional include a mouthpiece defining a nipple, and the flow director may engage the nipple of the mouthpiece. The coupler may define a rib, and the rib may separate the first outer body from the second outer body. One of the first outer body and the second outer body may define an inlet aperture aligned with a recessed portion of the coupler.
In an additional aspect, a method for assembling an aerosol delivery device is provided. The method may include positioning a power source in a first outer body defining an inlet aperture, positioning an atomizer in a second outer body, and engaging a coupler defining a coupler inlet and a longitudinal channel with the first outer body and the second outer body such that the coupler is positioned to receive air from the inlet aperture defined in the first outer body through the coupler inlet and to direct the air through the longitudinal channel to the second outer body.
In some embodiments, the method may further include substantially irreversibly securing the first outer body to the second outer body with a securing mechanism. Substantially irreversibly securing the first outer body to the second outer body with the securing mechanism may include wrapping a wrapper at least partially around the first outer body, the second outer body, and the coupler. The method may additionally include positioning a reservoir substrate and a flow director in the second outer body such that the flow director extends at least partially through the reservoir substrate. Positioning the atomizer in the second outer body may include inserting the atomizer through a transverse aperture extending through the flow director.
In some embodiments the method may additionally include inserting a plurality of electrical connectors through the coupler and connecting the electrical connectors to the power source and the atomizer. Additionally, the method may include coupling a heating element to a center portion of a liquid transport element to form the atomizer and folding first and second opposing arms of the liquid transport element extending from the center section away from the coupler. Further, the method may include coupling the flow director to a nipple of the coupler. The method may also include coupling the flow director to a nipple of a mouthpiece. Engaging the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body may include engaging a rib of the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body. Engaging the coupler with the first outer body may include aligning an inlet aperture defined through the first outer body with a recessed portion of the coupler.
In an additional embodiment a coupler for an aerosol delivery device is provided. The coupler may include a first engagement portion configured to engage a first outer body, a second engagement portion configured to engage a second outer body, a coupler inlet defined through a peripheral surface of the first engagement portion, and a longitudinal channel in fluid communication with the coupler inlet and extending through the second engagement portion to a coupler outlet opening.
In some embodiments the coupler may additionally include a pressure port opening in fluid communication with at least one of the coupler inlet and the longitudinal channel and extending through the first engagement portion. The coupler inlet may be defined between first and second grooves configured to respectively receive a gasket). Further, the coupler may include a recessed portion at the peripheral surface of the first engagement portion, and the coupler inlet may be defined through the recessed portion. Additionally, the coupler may include a nipple configured to engage a flow director, and the longitudinal channel may extend through the nipple.
In an additional embodiment an aerosol delivery device is provided. The aerosol delivery device may include a first outer body, a second outer body, a power source positioned in the first outer body, an atomizer positioned in the second outer body, and a coupler positioned between, and welded to, the first outer body and the second outer body. The coupler may define a coupler inlet and the coupler may be configured to receive air through the coupler inlet and to direct the air to the atomizer in the second outer body.
In some embodiments the aerosol delivery device may additionally include a reservoir substrate and a flow director positioned in the second outer body. The flow director may extend at least partially through the reservoir substrate. The coupler may define a nipple and the flow director may engage the nipple of the coupler. Further, the aerosol delivery device may include a flow director fastener extending at least partially around the flow director proximate a slit defined through the flow director. The aerosol delivery device may include a mouthpiece assembly defining a nipple. The flow director may engage the nipple of the mouthpiece assembly. Additionally, the aerosol delivery device may include a substrate fastener extending at least partially around the flow director and the nipple of the mouthpiece assembly. The substrate fastener may be configured to retain the reservoir substrate in a selected position.
In some embodiments the atomizer may extend substantially linearly between first and second ends. The coupler may be laser welded to the first outer body and the second outer body. The coupler may define a rib. The rib may separate the first outer body from the second outer body. The coupler may further define a first engagement portion welded to the first outer body and a second engagement portion welded to the second outer body. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion may be separated by the rib. The coupler may further define a recessed portion at a peripheral surface of the first engagement portion. The coupler inlet may be defined through the recessed portion.
The coupler may define one or more separator extensions and a pressure port proximate the first outer body and in fluid communication with the coupler inlet. The one or more separator extensions may be configured to prevent the power source from blocking the pressure port. The coupler may further define a longitudinal channel in fluid communication with the coupler inlet and the second outer body. The pressure port may extend into the longitudinal channel to resist leakage into the first outer body. The aerosol delivery device may additionally include a sealing member sealed against the coupler and one or more electrical connectors extending therethrough.
In an additional aspect a method for assembling an aerosol delivery device is provided. The method may include positioning a power source in a first outer body, positioning an atomizer in a second outer body, engaging a coupler defining a coupler inlet with the first outer body and the second outer body such that the coupler is positioned between the first outer body and the second outer body and configured to receive air through the coupler inlet and to direct the air to the second outer body, and welding the coupler to the first outer body and the second outer body.
In some embodiments the method may further include positioning a reservoir substrate and a flow director in the second outer body such that the flow director extends at least partially through the reservoir substrate. Additionally, the method may include coupling the flow director to a nipple of the coupler. Further, the method may include engaging a flow director fastener with the flow director such that the flow director fastener extends at least partially thereabout.
In some embodiments the method may further include coupling the flow director to a nipple of a mouthpiece assembly. Additionally, the method may include engaging a substrate fastener with the flow director such that the substrate fastener extends at least partially around the nipple of the mouthpiece assembly. Engaging the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body may include engaging a rib of the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body. Engaging the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body may further include engaging the first outer body with a first engagement portion of the coupler and engaging the second outer body with a second engagement portion of the coupler, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion being separated by the rib. Welding the coupler to the first outer body and the second outer body may include laser welding the coupler to the first outer body and the second outer body. The method may additionally include engaging a sealing member with the coupler and piercing the sealing member with one or more electrical connectors such that the one or more electrical connectors extend through and seal against the sealing member.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The invention includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the above-noted embodiments as well as combinations of any two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined in a specific embodiment description herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, should be viewed as intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Having thus described the disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof. These exemplary embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, include plural variations unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
As described hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery devices. Aerosol delivery devices according to the present disclosure may use electrical energy to heat a material (preferably without combusting the material to any significant degree) to form an inhalable substance; such articles most preferably being sufficiently compact to be considered “hand-held” devices. An aerosol delivery device may provide some or all of the sensations (e.g., inhalation and exhalation rituals, types of tastes or flavors, organoleptic effects, physical feel, use rituals, visual cues such as those provided by visible aerosol, and the like) of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, without any substantial degree of combustion of any component of that article or device. The aerosol delivery device may not produce smoke in the sense of the aerosol resulting from by-products of combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, but rather, that the article or device most preferably yields vapors (including vapors within aerosols that can be considered to be visible aerosols that might be considered to be described as smoke-like) resulting from volatilization or vaporization of certain components of the article or device. In highly preferred embodiments, aerosol delivery devices may incorporate tobacco and/or components derived from tobacco. As such, the aerosol delivery device can be characterized as an electronic cigarette.
Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure also can be characterized as being vapor-producing articles or medicament delivery articles. Thus, such articles or devices can be adapted so as to provide one or more substances (e.g., flavors and/or pharmaceutical active ingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, inhalable substances can be substantially in the form of a vapor (i.e., a substance that is in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical point). Alternatively, inhalable substances can be in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas). For purposes of simplicity, the term “aerosol” as used herein is meant to include vapors, gases and aerosols of a form or type suitable for human inhalation, whether or not visible, and whether or not of a form that might be considered to be smoke-like.
In use, aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure may be subjected to many of the physical actions employed by an individual in using a traditional type of smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, cigar or pipe that is employed by lighting and inhaling tobacco). For example, the user of an aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can hold that article much like a traditional type of smoking article, draw on one end of that article for inhalation of aerosol produced by that article, take puffs at selected intervals of time, etc.
The aerosol delivery device most preferably comprises two or more outer bodies or shells. Existing embodiments of aerosol delivery devices including multiple outer bodies or shells are typically configured such that the two or more shells are separable. For example, an aerosol delivery device can possess at one end a control body comprising an outer body or shell containing one or more reusable components (e.g., a rechargeable battery and various electronics for controlling the operation of that article), and at the other end and removably attached thereto an outer body or shell containing a disposable portion (e.g., a disposable flavor-containing cartridge).
However, as described hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery devices comprising multiple shells or outer bodies that may not configured to be separable. In this regard, the aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure may be disposable in some embodiments. However, in other embodiments the aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure may be reusable. For example, a power source (e.g., a battery) provided therein may be replaceable or the aerosol delivery device may include a rechargeable battery that may be recharged with any type of recharging technology, including connection to a typical alternating current electrical outlet, connection to a car charger (e.g., cigarette lighter receptacle), and connection to a computer, such as through a universal serial bus (USB) connection or cable. Further, a refilling port or other mechanism may allow for refilling an aerosol precursor composition in some embodiments.
Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure most preferably comprise some combination of a power source (i.e., an electrical power source), at least one control component (e.g., means for actuating, controlling, regulating and/or ceasing power for heat generation, such as by controlling electrical current flow from the power source to other components of the aerosol delivery device), a heater or heat generation component (e.g., an electrical resistance heating element or component commonly referred to as an “atomizer”), and an aerosol precursor composition (e.g., commonly a liquid capable of yielding an aerosol upon application of sufficient heat, such as ingredients commonly referred to as “smoke juice,” “e-liquid” and “e-juice”), and a mouthend region or tip for allowing draw upon the aerosol delivery device for aerosol inhalation (e.g., a defined air flow path through the article such that aerosol generated can be withdrawn therefrom upon draw). Exemplary formulations for aerosol precursor materials that may be used according to the present disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2013/0008457 to Zheng et al. and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2013/0213417 to Chong et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Alignment of the components within the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can vary. In specific embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition can be located near an end of the aerosol delivery device which may be configured to be positioned proximal to the mouth of a user so as to maximize aerosol delivery to the user. Other configurations, however, are not excluded. Generally, the heating element can be positioned sufficiently near the aerosol precursor composition so that heat from the heating element can volatilize the aerosol precursor (as well as one or more flavorants, medicaments, or the like that may likewise be provided for delivery to a user) and form an aerosol for delivery to the user. When the heating element heats the aerosol precursor composition, an aerosol is formed, released, or generated in a physical form suitable for inhalation by a consumer. It should be noted that the foregoing terms are meant to be interchangeable such that reference to release, releasing, releases, or released includes form or generate, forming or generating, forms or generates, and formed or generated. Specifically, an inhalable substance is released in the form of a vapor or aerosol or mixture thereof.
As noted above, the aerosol delivery device may incorporate a battery or other electrical power source to provide current flow sufficient to provide various functionalities to the aerosol delivery device, such as powering of a heater, powering of control systems, powering of indicators, and the like. The power source can take on various embodiments. Preferably, the power source is able to deliver sufficient power to rapidly heat the heating element to provide for aerosol formation and power the aerosol delivery device through use for a desired duration of time. The power source preferably is sized to fit conveniently within the aerosol delivery device so that the aerosol delivery device can be easily handled. Additionally, a preferred power source is of a sufficiently light weight to not detract from a desirable smoking experience.
More specific formats, configurations and arrangements of components within the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure will be evident in light of the further disclosure provided hereinafter. Additionally, the selection of various aerosol delivery device components can be appreciated upon consideration of the commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as those representative products listed in the background art section of the present disclosure. Further, the arrangement of the components within the aerosol delivery device can also be appreciated upon consideration of the commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as those representative products listed in the background art section of the present disclosure.
One example embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 100 according to the present disclosure is illustrated in
The coupler 106 may couple the first outer body 102 to the second outer body 104 in an assembled configuration, as illustrated in
Accordingly, in some embodiments a press-fit arrangement may be employed to connect the outer bodies 102, 104 to the coupler 106. However, various other connection mechanisms may be employed to couple the outer bodies to the coupler. For example, threaded engagement, an interference fit, magnetic engagement or other connection mechanisms and arrangements may be employed in other embodiments.
The rib 112 of the coupler 106 may be configured to abut the inner end 102A of the first outer body 102 and the inner end 104A of the second outer body 104. Accordingly, as illustrated in
The outer bodies 102, 104 may be configured to house and protect a plurality of components received therein, as discussed hereinafter. The outer bodies 102, 104 may thus define any of a plurality of shapes and configurations. However, as described above, in some embodiments it may be preferable to provide the aerosol delivery device with a size, shape, and/or configuration resembling a smoking article such as a cigarette or cigar. Thus, in some embodiments the outer bodies 102, 104 may be generally cylindrical and the aerosol delivery device 100 may define an elongated cylindrical configuration as a result of the coupler 106 engaging the inner ends 102A, 104A of the outer bodies 102, 104. The aerosol delivery device 100 may thus be described as substantially rod-like, substantially tubular shaped, or substantially cylindrically shaped in some embodiments when in the assembled configuration. Accordingly, the typical size, shape and general appearance of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be comparable to commercially available electronic cigarettes.
In some embodiments the outer bodies 102, 104 may define a majority of an outer surface extending along a longitudinal length of the aerosol delivery device 100, which may receive a wrapper thereon, as discussed below. In this regard, in one embodiment the outer bodies may define at least 75%, preferably at least 90%, and most preferably 95% of the outer surface extending along a longitudinal length of the aerosol delivery device, depending on the length of the dimensions of an end cap and a mouthpiece coupled thereto, as discussed below. Further, in some embodiments the first outer body 102 and the second outer body 104 may define substantially the same longitudinal length. However, in other embodiments the outer bodies 102, 104 may define differing longitudinal lengths. For example, a ratio of a longitudinal length of the first outer body 102 to a longitudinal length of the second outer body 104 may be from about 2:1 to about 1:2, from about 3:5 to about 5:3, or from about 4:5 to about 5:4. In this regard, in some embodiments the dimensions of the first outer body 102 may be similar to that of a filter element and the dimensions of the second outer body 104 may be similar to that of a tobacco rod of a traditional cigarette in some embodiments. This configuration may provide adequate room in the second outer body 104 for a power source, which may be included therein as discussed hereinafter.
As illustrated in
Briefly, the end cap 118 may be configured to cover and substantially prevent access to the outer end 102B of the first outer body 102 and, in some embodiments, provide for output of illumination therethrough. The mouthpiece 120 may be configured to receive a user draw thereon during use to direct aerosol to the user. In some embodiments a sealant or adhesive such as a room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) sealant, a silicone resin, or a polysiloxane, may seal the end cap 118 to the first outer body 102 and/or seal the mouthpiece 120 to the second outer body 104. The mouthpiece 120 may be textured and/or shaped as desired. Example embodiments of mouthpieces that may be employed in the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure are provided in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2013/0276802 to Scatterday.
As illustrated in
The wrapper 122 may include an adhesive at an inner surface thereof or adhesive may otherwise be positioned between the wrapper and the outer bodies 102, 104. Thus, the wrapper 122 may be secured to an outer surface of the outer bodies 102, 104. In this regard, embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one securing mechanism configured to substantially irreversibly secure the first outer body 102 to the second outer body 104. In some embodiments the securing mechanism may comprise the above-described wrapper 122. Thus, when adhered to the first outer body 102 and the second outer body 104, the wrapper 122 may act as a structural member that assists in retaining the coupling between the outer bodies via the coupler 106. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the wrapper 122 extends from the outer end 102B of the first outer body 102 to the outer end 104B of the second outer body 104, such that coupling between the wrapper and the first and second outer bodies retains the aerosol delivery device 100 in the assembled configuration. Additionally, in embodiments in which the coupler 106 includes the rib 112, contact between the wrapper 122 and the rib may further assist in maintaining the aerosol delivery device in the assembled configuration. Further, in some embodiments the wrapper 122 may extend at least partially over the end cap 118 to secure the end cap to the first outer body 102 and/or extend at least partially over the mouthpiece 120 to secure the mouthpiece to the second outer body 104.
Although the securing mechanism is described above as comprising the wrapper 122, various other embodiments of securing mechanisms configured to substantially irreversibly secure the first outer body 102 to the second outer body 104 may be employed. Thus, for example, the securing mechanism may comprise sealant applied between the coupler 106 and one or both of the outer bodies 102, 104. By way of further example, the securing mechanism may comprise single-use connectors at the coupler 106 configured to engage the outer bodies 102, 104. In another embodiment the securing mechanism may comprise other connection mechanisms (e.g., welds, crimps, or solder), that cause portions of the outer bodies 102, 104 to engage the coupler 106. Note that substantially irreversibly secured, as used herein, refers to a configuration in which the outer bodies 102, 104 may not be separated from one another without damaging the securing mechanism and/or without preventing recoupling of the referenced components. Thus, for example, the wrapper 122 may be torn or otherwise damaged if the outer bodies 102, 104 of the aerosol delivery device 100 were to be separated.
Further, a plurality of components may be positioned in one or both of the first outer body 102 and the second outer body 104. In this regard, a reservoir substrate 126, an atomizer 128, and a flow director 130 (e.g., a flow tube or other structure defining an airflow passage) may be positioned in the second outer body 104. The atomizer 128 may include a liquid transport element 132 with a heating element 134 coupled thereto.
Further, a power source 136 (e.g., a battery such as a lithium polymer battery) and an electrical circuit 138 may be positioned in the first outer body 102. Examples of power sources are described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0028766 by Peckerar et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The electrical circuit 138 may include a control module 140, a spacer 142, and/or a safety switch 144 in some embodiments. One or more electrical connectors 146 (e.g., electrical wires) may be configured to electrically connect the atomizer 128 to the power source 136. In this regard, the electrical connectors 146 may extend between the first outer body 102 and the second outer body 104 through the coupler 106 in the assembled configuration. In one embodiment one or more electrical couplers 148 (e.g., brass couplers, solder, crimped couplers, or wound wires) may be employed to couple the electrical connectors 146 to the heating element 134. Thus, in some embodiments the electrical couplers 148 may be received in the second outer body 104.
In terms of operation of the aerosol delivery device 100, a user may draw on the mouthpiece 120. Accordingly, air may enter the aerosol delivery device 100 through an inlet aperture. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, an inlet aperture 150 (see, e.g.,
Air entering through the inlet aperture 150 in the first outer body 102 may be directed through the coupler 106 to the second outer body 104. In this regard, as illustrated in
Accordingly, the control module 140 (see,
Thus, as a result of the control module 140 being positioned in the first outer body 102, a drop in pressure may be detected when a user draws on the aerosol delivery device 100. In this regard, the first outer body 102 may be substantially sealed as a result of the end cap 118 being positioned at the outer end 102B and the gaskets 114 being positioned at the inner end 102A of the outer body (see, e.g.,
Airflow in the above described manner is designed to avoid airflow past the power source 136. Further, note that a size of the pressure port opening 162 (e.g., a diameter thereof) may be smaller than a diameter of a coupler outlet opening 164 (see,
Thus, as noted above, the control module 140 may sense a puff on the aerosol delivery device 100. When the puff is sensed, control module 140 may direct current from the power source 136 through the electrical connectors 146 to the heating element 134. Thus, as described in greater detail below, the heating element 134 may vaporize an aerosol precursor composition directed from the reservoir substrate 126 to the heating element via the liquid transport element 132. Accordingly, the heating element 134 may vaporize the aerosol precursor composition directed to an aerosolization zone from the reservoir substrate 126 by the liquid transport element 132 and air and the entrained vapor (e.g., the components of the aerosol precursor composition in an inhalable form) may be directed to a user drawing thereon.
The safety switch 144 may be configured to control or stop the flow of current to the heating element 134 under certain circumstances. For example, the safety switch may be configured to stop the flow of current to the heating element 134 after a predetermined length of time, regardless of whether a detected puff continues, in order to prevent the heating element 134 from overheating. Accordingly, issues with respect to the aerosol delivery device 100 overheating may be avoided.
In some embodiments the control module 140 may perform additional functions. For example, the control module 140 may also include an optional indicator (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)). The indicator may illuminate, for example, during a user drawing on the aerosol delivery device, as detected by the control module 140. The end cap 118 may be adapted to make visible the illumination provided thereunder by the indicator. In this regard, the end cap 118 may be transparent or translucent. Accordingly, the indicator may illuminate during use of the aerosol delivery device 100 to simulate the lit end of a smoking article. However, in other embodiments the indicator can be provided in varying numbers and can take on different shapes and can even be an opening in the outer body (such as for release of sound when such indicators are present).
As noted above, air received through the inlet aperture 150 in the first outer body 102 may be directed through the recessed portion 154, the coupler inlet 156, and the longitudinal channel 158 extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the coupler 106. Thereby, the air may be directed to the flow director 130. The flow director 130 may define a tubular configuration or other structure in which an air passageway is defined therethrough. In this regard, as illustrated in
Further, as illustrated in
Thus, drawn air through the device is directed past the heating element 134. More particularly, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, in order to facilitate insertion of the atomizer 128 in the transverse aperture 170, a slit 172 may be defined in the flow director 130. The slit 172 may extend from an outer surface of the flow director 130 to the transverse aperture 170. For example, as illustrated in
Following insertion of the atomizer 128 into the transverse aperture 170, the flow director 130 may be folded back into the original longitudinal (e.g., tubular) configuration. Accordingly, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
The opposing arms 178A, 178B of the liquid transport element 132 may be configured to direct an aerosol precursor composition to the heating element 134. In this regard, the reservoir substrate 126 may be configured to hold (e.g., support, carry, and/or store) an aerosol precursor composition therein. The aerosol precursor composition, also referred to as a vapor precursor composition, may comprise a variety of components including, by way of example, a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and/or flavorants. Various components that may be included in the aerosol precursor composition are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additional representative types of aerosol precursor compositions are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,365 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,839 to Jakob et al.; PCT WO 98/57556 to Biggs et al.; and Chemical and Biological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Monograph (1988); the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Other aerosol precursors which may be employed in the aerosol delivery device 100 include the aerosol precursors included in the VUSE® product by R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company, the BLU™ product by Lorillard Technologies, the Mistic Menthol product by Mistic Ecigs, and the Vype product by CN Creative Ltd. Also desirable are the so-called “Smoke Juices” for electronic cigarettes that have been available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC.
The reservoir substrate 126 may comprise one layer or a plurality of layers of woven or nonwoven fibers (e.g., C-glass, E-glass, polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) formed into the shape of a tube encircling the interior of the second outer body 104. Thus, liquid components, for example, can be sorptively retained by the reservoir substrate 126. The reservoir substrate 126 is in fluid connection with the liquid transport element 132. In this regard, the opposing arms 178A, 178B may be positioned between the flow director 130 and the reservoir substrate 126. Accordingly, contact between the liquid transport element 132 and the reservoir substrate 126 may allow for fluid transfer therebetween. Thus, the liquid transport element 132 may be configured to transport liquid from the reservoir substrate 126 to the heating element 134 (e.g., via wicking or capillary action). In
As illustrated in
However, various other embodiments of methods may be employed to form the heating element 134, and various other embodiments of heating elements may be employed in the atomizer 128. For example, a stamped heating element may be employed in the atomizer, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/842,125 to DePiano et al., filed Mar. 15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further to the above, additional representative heating elements and materials for use therein are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,671 to Counts et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,894 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,498 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,460 to Sprinkel Jr., et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,075 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,813 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,936 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,850 to Das; U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,656 to Das; U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,855 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,225 to Hajaligol; U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,262 to Hajaligol; U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,692 to Das et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,368 to Fleischhauer et al., and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2013/0192618 to Li et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Further, chemical heating may be employed in other embodiments. Various additional examples of heaters and materials employed to form heaters are described in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2014/0060554 to Collett et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, as noted above. Additionally, in various embodiments, one or more microheaters or like solid state heaters may be used.
Note that, as illustrated in
In this regard,
As noted above, various embodiments of connection mechanisms may be employed to couple first and second outer bodies to a coupler. For example, in an embodiment described above, gaskets are received in grooves in the coupler. These gaskets engage inner surfaces of the first outer body and the second outer body so as to provide for secure engagement therebetween, which may be enhanced through usage of an external wrapper or various other securing mechanism(s) described above to substantially irreversibly secure the first outer body and the second outer body to the coupler.
However, embodiments of an aerosol delivery device may employ various additional and alternative securing mechanisms for substantially irreversibly securing a first outer body and a second outer body to a coupler, as described hereinafter. The aerosol delivery device may be substantially similar to the aerosol delivery device described above in a number of respects. Accordingly, where similarities exist, the description with respect to certain features and aspects thereof may not be repeated for brevity purposes. Thus, it should be understood that the description provided elsewhere herein may be equally applicable to the aerosol delivery device described hereinafter, except where otherwise noted. Further, it should be understood that the embodiments of aerosol delivery devices described herein may be combined in any manner, such that the particularly-described configurations are provided for example purposes only.
In this regard, as illustrated in
In order to substantially irreversibly secure the first outer body 202 and/or the second outer body 204 to the coupler 206, in some embodiments the coupler may be welded to one or both of the first outer body and the second outer body. Note that while the discussion provided below generally references welding the coupler to both the first outer body and the second outer body, in other embodiments only the first outer body or the second outer body may be welded to the coupler, and an alternative securing mechanism may be employed to secure the other outer body to the coupler. For example, in one embodiment the coupler may be welded on one of the first outer body and the second outer body and glued to the other of the first outer body and the second outer body.
In one embodiment the coupler 206 may be laser welded to the first outer body 202 and the second outer body 204. In this regard, in some embodiments the first outer body 202 and the second outer body 204 may be formed from a substantially transparent material (e.g., a substantially clear plastic material such as polycarbonate). Accordingly, laser beams directed at the first outer body 202 (e.g., proximate the inner end 202A) and the second outer body 204 (e.g., proximate the inner end 204A) may travel therethrough to the coupler 206. In particular, a laser beam may be directed through the first outer body 202 so as to be incident upon the first engagement portion 208 of the coupler 206 when welding the first outer body to the coupler. Similarly, a laser beam may be directed through the second outer body 204 so as to be incident upon the second engagement portion 210 of the coupler 206 when welding the second outer body to the coupler.
Thus, for example, the coupler 206 may absorb energy from the laser beams. In this regard, the coupler 206 may be configured to melt when a laser beam is incident thereon and bond with adjacent portions of the first outer body 202 and the second outer body 204. In order to improve energy absorption, in some embodiments the coupler 206 may define a relatively dark color such as black, and may be formed from a material (e.g., a plastic such as polycarbonate) configured to bond to the first outer body 202 and the second outer body 204 when melted. The peripheral surface of at least a portion of the first engagement portion 208 and the second engagement portion 210 of the coupler 206 may be configured to substantially match a size and shape of the inner surface of the first outer body 202 at the inner end 202A and the second outer body 204 at the inner end 204A, respectively. Thereby, the outer surface of the coupler 206 may melt in contact with the inner surface of the first outer body 202 and the second outer body 204 in order to cause bonding therebetween.
Although laser welding is discussed above, various other methods and types of welding may be employed in other embodiments. For example, arc welding, gas welding, resistance welding, energy beam welding, and solid-state welding may be employed in various embodiments. An example of a solid-state welding process is ultrasonic welding which uses ultrasonic vibrations to create a weld between two workpieces held together under pressure. Another example of a solid-state welding process is induction welding, which uses electromagnetic induction to heat workpieces. However, the type of welding employed to couple the coupler 206 to the first outer body 202 and/or the second outer body 204 may depend on the particular materials from which the coupler and the first outer body and the second outer body are formed. Thus, for example, in embodiments in which the coupler 206 and the first outer body 202 and the second outer body 204 are formed from plastic or other non-ferromagnetic materials, the materials may be implanted with metallic or ferromagnetic compounds, called susceptors in order to allow for induction welding thereof. As may be understood, these welding methods may provide a hermetic seal, which may be beneficial in terms of preventing leakage of fluids between the first outer body 202 and the second outer body 204, as discussed below.
As illustrated in
In some embodiments a sealant, a glue, or an adhesive such as a room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) sealant, a silicone resin, or polysiloxane, may seal the end cap 218 to the first outer body 202. In this regard,
Further, as illustrated in
Further, the end cap 218 and/or the mouthpiece 220 may be respectively coupled to the first outer body 202 and the second outer body 204 in differing manners in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments the end cap 218 may be laser welded to the first outer body 202 and/or the mouthpiece 220 may be laser welded to the second outer body 204. In this regard, the end cap 218 may be configured to melt when a laser beam is incident thereon and bond with adjacent portions of the first outer body 202 and the mouthpiece 220 may be configured to melt when a laser beam is incident thereon and bond with adjacent portions of the second outer body 204. In order to improve energy absorption, in some embodiments the end cap 218 and/or the mouthpiece 220 may define a relatively dark color such as black, and may be formed from a material (e.g., a plastic such as polycarbonate) configured to respectively bond to the first outer body 202 and the second outer body 204 when melted. Further, as noted above, the first outer body 202 and/or the second outer body 204 may be substantially transparent so as to allow a laser beam to be directed therethrough. The peripheral surface of end cap 218 may be configured to substantially match a size and shape of the inner surface of the first outer body 202 at the outer end 202B and the peripheral surface of the mouthpiece 220 may be configured to substantially match a size and shape of the inner surface of the second outer body 204 at the outer end 204B. Thereby, the outer surface of the end cap 218 may melt in contact with the inner surface of the first outer body 202 and outer surface of the mouthpiece 220 may melt in contact with the inner surface of the second outer body 204 in order to cause bonding therebetween.
As illustrated in
Further, in one example embodiment, a power source 236 and an electrical circuit 238 may be positioned in the first outer body 202. As illustrated, the electrical circuit 238 may include a control module 240 and a protection circuit module (PCM) 244. The protection circuit module 244 may be configured to prevent short-circuiting and/or control power output from the power source 236 such that the heating element 234 receives a substantially consistent amount of power in response to each draw on the aerosol delivery device 200, despite the changes in the remaining capacity of the power source.
Further, the control module 240 may include a puff sensor, a controller, and/or an indicator. The puff sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor or a flow sensor) may be configured to detect a puff on the aerosol delivery device 200, as discussed below. The controller may be configured to direct current from the power source 236 to the atomizer 228, for example in response to a signal from the puff sensor. Further the indicator (e.g., a light emitting diode) may be configured to emit light (e.g., through the end cap 218), under certain circumstances such as during heating of the atomizer 228. In this regard, as illustrated, in some embodiments the control module 240 may be at least partially received within the end cap 218. Thus, for example, glue 296 may be received in the cutout 288 in the end cap 218 so as to retain the control module 240 in the end cap. Accordingly, the control module 240 may detect when a user draws on the mouthpiece 220 and control certain operations in response thereto such as emission of light through the end cap 218 and heating of the heating element 234.
As noted above, the control module 240 may be configured to direct power to the atomizer 228. In particular, power may be directed from the power source 236 to the atomizer 228 by the control module 240 via one or more electrical connectors 246 (see, e.g.,
In this regard, one or more connector apertures 280 may extend through a longitudinal length of the coupler 206. Accordingly, the electrical connectors 246 may extend from the first outer body 202 through the connector apertures 280 to the second outer body 204 in order to connect the atomizer 228 to the power source 236. However, the connector apertures 280 may potentially allow for leakage of a fluid therethrough. In this regard, the electrical connectors 246 may extend near, or in contact with, the reservoir substrate 226, which may be saturated with an aerosol precursor composition. Thereby, the potential for the electrical connectors 246 to direct fluid such as the aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir substrate 226 through the connector apertures 280 and to the first outer body 202 may exist.
In order to resist such leakage, in some embodiments the aerosol delivery device 200 may further comprise a sealing member 298 sealed against the coupler 206 and the one or more electrical connectors 246 extending therethrough. In this regard, the coupler 206 may define a recess 300 configured to receive the sealing member 298 therein. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The aerosol delivery device 200 may additionally include one or more features configured to facilitate alignment of the connector receivers 306 in the sealing member 298 with the connector apertures 280 extending through the connector 206. For example, as illustrated in
Air flow through the aerosol delivery device 200 associated with operation thereof is discussed below, with reference generally to
Air entering through the inlet apertures 250 in the first outer body 202 may be directed through the coupler 206 to the second outer body 204. In this regard, as illustrated in
Air received in the recessed portion 254 of the coupler 206 may be directed through one or more coupler inlets 256 defined in the coupler 206 at the recessed portion 254, as illustrated in
The coupler 206 may include certain features configured to prevent blockage of the pressure port 260. As illustrated in
Thus, the control module 240 may detect a drop in pressure when a user draws on the aerosol delivery device 200. In some embodiments, as illustrated in
However, in another embodiment the end cap 218 may substantially seal the outer end 202B of the first outer body 202. Regardless, as illustrated in
Thus, as noted above, the control module 240 may sense a puff on the aerosol delivery device 200. When the puff is sensed, the control module 240 may direct current from the power source 236 through the electrical connectors 246 to the heating element 234. The heating element 234 may vaporize an aerosol precursor composition transported from the reservoir substrate 226 to the heating element via the liquid transport element 232. Accordingly, air and the entrained vapor (e.g., the components of the aerosol precursor composition in an inhalable form) may be directed to a user drawing on the aerosol delivery device.
In particular, air received through the inlet aperture 250 in the first outer body 202 may be directed through the recessed portion 254, the coupler inlet 256, and the longitudinal channel 258 extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the coupler 206. Thereby, the air may be directed to the flow director 230. The flow director 230 may define a tubular configuration or other structure in which an air passageway is defined therethrough. In this regard, the coupler 206 may define a nipple 266.
The sealing member 298 may be received around the nipple 266 such that the inner ribs 302 (see, e.g.,
As illustrated in
Although the connector section 320 of the flow director 230 may contribute to retention of the flow director 230 in a desired (e.g., tubular) configuration following the insertion of the atomizer 238 therein, in some embodiments the aerosol delivery device may additionally or alternatively include additional features configured to assist in retaining such a configuration. In this regard, as illustrated in
As illustrated, the flow director fastener 322 may define a tubular configuration and may extend around the flow director 230 proximate the slit 272. For example, a position of the flow director fastener 322 along the longitudinal length of the flow director 230 may overlap with the slit 272. Accordingly, the flow director fastener 322 may support the flow director 230 such that the flow director does not collapse or otherwise deform proximate the slit 272. Further, supporting the flow director 230 proximate the slit 272 may resist movement of the atomizer 228. In this regard, in some embodiments the atomizer 228 may define a substantially straight configuration, without inclusion of angularly extending arms at ends thereof, which may cause the atomizer to otherwise be prone to movement (e.g., into the slit 272) without inclusion of the flow director fastener 322. Further, in some embodiments the flow director fastener 322 may resist leakage of the aerosol precursor composition through the slit 272 into a longitudinal aperture 268 extending through the flow director 230. In this regard, the flow director fastener 322 may comprise fiberglass and may be coated with a fluid-resistant material such as a resin, silicone oil, or other inert oil. Further, the flow director fastener 322 may cover the slit 272 to resist suction in the longitudinal aperture 268, as caused by a user draw on the aerosol delivery device 200, from drawing the aerosol precursor composition directly therethrough from the reservoir substrate 226.
As noted above, in some embodiments the atomizer 238 may extend substantially linearly between first and second ends 238A, 238B. Thus, the liquid transport element 232 may not include arms extending substantially perpendicularly to the transverse aperture 270. In this regard, contact between the liquid transport element 232 and the reservoir substrate 226 on opposing sides of the transverse aperture 270 may be sufficient to draw the aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir substrate to the liquid transport element. Thus, a relatively shorter segment of material may be employed to form the liquid transport element 232, which may reduce the cost of the aerosol delivery device 200 and/or facilitate assembly thereof by not requiring bending of the liquid transport element.
Accordingly, air received from the coupler 206 may be directed through a longitudinal aperture 268 defined through the flow director 230. Thus, air drawn through the aerosol delivery device 200 is directed past the heating element 234 before being directed to a mouthpiece assembly 324. The mouthpiece assembly 324 may include the mouthpiece 220 and a mouthpiece connector 326. An enlarged perspective view of the mouthpiece connector 326 is illustrated in
As illustrated in
The aerosol delivery device 200 may additionally include a substrate fastener 334. As illustrated in
The substrate fastener 334 may extend at least partially around the flow director 230 and the nipple 328 of the mouthpiece assembly 324. The substrate fastener 334 may be configured to retain the reservoir substrate 226 in a selected position. For example, the substrate fastener 334 may comprise silicone or other resilient material that stretches around the nipple 328 of the mouthpiece connector 326 and the flow director 230 such that the inner engagement surface 336 pinches the flow director against the nipple, thereby further assisting in retaining the flow director in place. Further, the side engagement surface 338 may be positioned in contact with a longitudinal end of the reservoir substrate 226. Thereby, the coupler 206 and the substrate fastener 334 may engage opposing ends of the reservoir substrate 226 such that the reservoir substrate is securely retained in place within the second outer body 204.
Accordingly, as described above, air entering through the first outer body 202 may be directed through the coupler 206 to the flow director 230. In the flow director 230, the aerosol precursor composition transported from the reservoir substrate 226 to the heating element 234 via the liquid transport element 232 may be vaporized and introduced into the airstream. Thereby, aerosol may be transported through the flow director 230 and the mouthpiece assembly 324 to a user's mouth.
Still further components can be utilized in the aerosol delivery devices 100, 200 of the present disclosure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959 to Scatterday disclose indicators and LEDs for smoking articles; U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr. discloses piezoelectric sensors that can be associated with the mouthend of a device to detect user lip activity associated with taking a draw and then trigger heating; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al. discloses a puff sensor for controlling energy flow into a heating load array in response to pressure drop through a mouthpiece; U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al. discloses receptacles in a smoking device that include an identifier that detects a non-uniformity in infrared transmissivity of an inserted component and a controller that executes a detection routine as the component is inserted into the receptacle; U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al. describes a defined executable power cycle with multiple differential phases; U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,289 to Watkins et al. discloses photonic-optronic components; U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al. discloses means for altering draw resistance through a smoking device; U.S. Pat. No. 6,803,545 to Blake et al. discloses specific battery configurations for use in smoking devices; U.S. Pat. No. 7,293,565 to Griffen et al. discloses various charging systems for use with smoking devices; U.S. Pat. No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al. discloses computer interfacing means for smoking devices to facilitate charging and allow computer control of the device; U.S. Pat. No. 8,689,804 to Fernando et al. discloses identification systems for smoking devices; and WO 2010/003480 by Flick discloses a fluid flow sensing system indicative of a puff in an aerosol generating system; all of the foregoing disclosures being incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Further examples of components related to electronic aerosol delivery articles and disclosing materials or components that may be used in the present articles include U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,586 to Morgan et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,977 to Higgins et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,176 to Adams et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,287 to White; U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,218 to Voges; U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,883 to Felter et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,461 to Nichols; U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,410 to Hon; U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,253 to Kobayashi; U.S. Pat. No. 7,896,006 to Hamano; U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,756 to Shayan; U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,156,944; 8,375,957 to Hon; U.S. Pat. No. 8,794,231 to Thorens et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,851,083 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2006/0196518 and 2009/0188490 to Hon; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2009/0260641 and 2009/0260642 to Monsees et al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0024834 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0307518 to Wang; WO 2010/091593 to Hon; WO 2013/089551 to Foo; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/841,233 to DePiano et al., filed Mar. 15, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A variety of the materials disclosed by the foregoing documents may be incorporated into the present devices in various embodiments, and all of the foregoing disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Various other details with respect to the components that may be included in the aerosol delivery devices, are provided, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/840,264 to Novak et al., filed Mar. 15, 2013, U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,742 to Hon; U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al., 2013/0298905 to Leven et al., and 2013/0180553 to Kim et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Reference is also made, for example, to the reservoir and heater system for controllable delivery of multiple aerosolizable materials in an electronic smoking article disclosed in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Additionally, various components of the aerosol delivery devices according to the present disclosure can be chosen from components described in the art and that have been commercially available. In this regard, representative products that resemble many of the attributes of traditional types of cigarettes, cigars or pipes have been marketed as ACCORD® by Philip Morris Incorporated; ALPHA™, JOYE 510™ and M4™ by InnoVapor LLC; CIRRUS™ and FLING™ by White Cloud Cigarettes; BLU™ by Lorillard Technologies, Inc.; COHITA™, COLIBRI™, ELITE CLASSIC™, MAGNUM™, PHANTOM™ and SENSE™ by Epuffer® International Inc.; DUOPRO™, STORM™ and VAPORKING® by Electronic Cigarettes, Inc.; EGAR™ by Egar Australia; eGo-C™ and eGo-T™ by Joyetech; ELUSION™ by Elusion UK Ltd; EONSMOKE® by Eonsmoke LLC; FIN™ by FIN Branding Group, LLC; SMOKE® by Green Smoke Inc. USA; GREENARETTE™ by Greenarette LLC; HALLIGAN™, HENDU™, JET™, MAXXQ™, PINK™ and PITBULL™ by Smoke Stik®; HEATBAR™ by Philip Morris International, Inc.; HYDRO IMPERIAL™ and LXE™ from Crown7; LOGIC™ and THE CUBAN™ by LOGIC Technology; LUCI® by Luciano Smokes Inc.; METRO® by Nicotek, LLC; NJOY® and ONEJOY™ by Sottera, Inc.; NO. 7™ by SS Choice LLC; PREMIUM ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE™ by PremiumEstore LLC; RAPP E-MYSTICK™ by Ruyan America, Inc.; RED DRAGON™ by Red Dragon Products, LLC; RUYAN® by Ruyan Group (Holdings) Ltd.; SF® by Smoker Friendly International, LLC; GREEN SMART SMOKER® by The Smart Smoking Electronic Cigarette Company Ltd.; SMOKE ASSIST® by Coastline Products LLC; SMOKING EVERYWHERE® by Smoking Everywhere, Inc.; V2CIGS™ by VMR Products LLC; VAPOR NINE™ by VaporNine LLC; VAPOR4LIFE® by Vapor 4 Life, Inc.; VEPPO™ by E-CigaretteDirect, LLC; VUSE® by R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company; Mistic Menthol product by Mistic Ecigs; and the Vype product by CN Creative Ltd. Yet other electrically powered aerosol delivery devices, and in particular those devices that have been characterized as so-called electronic cigarettes, have been marketed under the tradenames COOLER VISIONS™; DIRECT E-CIG™; DRAGONFLY™; EMIST™; EVERSMOKE™; GAMUCCI®; HYBRID FLAME™; KNIGHT STICKS™; ROYAL BLUES™; SMOKETIP®; SOUTH BEACH SMOKE™.
Additional manufacturers, designers, and/or assignees of components and related technologies that may be employed in the aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure include Shenzhen Jieshibo Technology of Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen First Union Technology of Shenzhen City, China; Safe Cig of Los Angeles, Calif.; Janty Asia Company of the Philippines; Joyetech Changzhou Electronics of Shenzhen, China; SIS Resources; B2B International Holdings of Dover, Del.; Evolv LLC of OH; Montrade of Bologna, Italy; Shenzhen Bauway Technology of Shenzhen, China; Global Vapor Trademarks Inc. of Pompano Beach, Fla.; Vapor Corp. of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Nemtra GMBH of Raschau-Markersbach, Germany, Perrigo L. Co. of Allegan, Mich.; Needs Co., Ltd.; Smokefree Innotec of Las Vegas, Nev.; McNeil A B of Helsingborg, Sweden; Chong Corp; Alexza Pharmaceuticals of Mountain View, Calif.; BLEC, LLC of Charlotte, N.C.; Gaitrend Sarl of Rohrbach-les-Bitche, France; FeelLife Bioscience International of Shenzhen, China; Vishay Electronic BMGH of Selb, Germany; Shenzhen Smaco Technology Ltd. of Shenzhen, China; Vapor Systems International of Boca Raton, Fla.; Exonoid Medical Devices of Israel; Shenzhen Nowotech Electronic of Shenzhen, China; Minilogic Device Corporation of Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Kontle Electronics of Shenzhen, China, and Fuma International, LLC of Medina, Ohio, and 21st Century Smoke of Beloit, Wis.
In another embodiment, part or substantially all of the aerosol delivery devices may be formed from one or more carbon materials, which may provide advantages in terms of biodegradability and absence of wires. In this regard, the heating element may comprise carbon foam, the reservoir may comprise carbonized fabric, and graphite may be employed to form an electrical connection with the battery and controller. An example embodiment of a carbon-based cartridge is provided in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0255702 to Griffith et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Note that in the embodiment of the aerosol delivery devices described above, first and second outer bodies are employed. Use of two or more outer bodies may be advantageous in a number of respects. For example, usage of first and second outer bodies connected by a coupler may facilitate assembly in that it may be relatively easier to insert components into two, relatively short outer bodies defining a total of four component entry points at the ends thereof, than to insert components into a single elongated body defining a total of only two component entry points at the ends thereof.
Additionally, the components may be assembled in each of the outer bodies separately. Thus, for example, components may be assembled in the first outer body at a separate time and/or location as compared to assembly of the components in the second outer body. By way of further example, the outer bodies may be assembled with their respective components under different conditions in some embodiments. In this regard, it may be desirable to assemble components in the second outer body under controlled conditions to avoid contamination of the airflow path extending therethrough or undesirable absorption of moisture in the reservoir substrate, which may cause leaks or affect the resulting aerosol.
Separate assembly of the components in the first and second outer bodies may also allow for separate quality control tests to be performed on the first and second portions of the aerosol delivery device defined by the first and second outer bodies, which may be conducted at differing times and/or differing locations. In this regard, one section of the aerosol delivery device may be subjected to greater scrutiny and/or testing within a more-carefully controlled environment. For example, in the embodiments described above, the second outer body includes the reservoir substrate and defines an airflow path therethough, and hence this section may be subjected to additional testing to ensure that the airflow path is clear and that there are no leaks.
Further, separate assembly of the components in the outer bodies may additionally allow for final assembly of the aerosol delivery device at an alternate location and/or time, if desirable. For example, a consumer may be provided with the outer bodies respectively having the components assembled therein, and final assembly may be completed by the consumer. Further, enhanced customization of the aerosol delivery device and/or supply chain management may be provided by use of separate outer bodies. In this regard, for example, multiple embodiments of components may be received in one or both of the outer bodies. Thus for example, the first outer body may be provided with either regular or extended capacity power sources, which may be employed irrespective of the components received in the second outer body. Conversely, the second outer body may include reservoir substrates having any of varying capacities and/or types of aerosol precursor compositions received therein. Thus, various embodiments of aerosol delivery devices may be formed simply by selecting the appropriate desired embodiment of outer bodies, which may be respectively assembled in advance, rather than specifically assembled to suit demand.
As may be understood, the coupler may additionally provide and/or facilitate the above-noted benefits by allowing for coupling of the outer bodies. Further, the coupler may be coupled to one of the outer bodies in advance of completion of the aerosol delivery device in order to complete a section of the aerosol delivery device. For example, the coupler may be coupled to the second outer body to seal the reservoir substrate and other components therein and prevent leakage of the aerosol precursor composition therefrom.
In addition to resisting leakage of the aerosol precursor composition from the second outer body, the coupler may additionally resist leakage from the power source into the second outer body and the airflow path extending therethrough. In this regard, certain embodiments of power sources may comprise batteries including liquids therein which provide for power storage. In the event of failure of the power source, such fluids may leak therefrom. However, as a result of the coupler being positioned between the first outer body and the second outer body, such fluid may not enter the second outer body. In this regard, the first outer body and the coupler may define a first compartment, and the second outer body and the coupler may define a second compartment. The first compartment and the second compartment may be generally sealed from one another and out of fluid communication with one another as a result of the coupler extending therebetween, thereby preventing cross-contamination between the two compartments which may otherwise occur in embodiments of aerosol delivery devices including a single outer body.
Accordingly, the embodiments of aerosol delivery devices including multiple outer bodies as provided herein may provide benefits over existing embodiments of aerosol delivery devices that include a single, unitary housing, such as those embodiments of aerosol delivery devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,364,742 and 8,393,331 to Hon, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Additional examples of aerosol delivery devices including a single, unitary housing are commercially available Vype™ by CN Creative, LTD and NJOY® by Sottera, Inc.
A method for assembling an aerosol delivery device is also provided. As illustrated in
In some embodiments the method may further comprise substantially irreversibly securing the first outer body to the second outer body with a securing mechanism. Substantially irreversibly securing the first outer body to the second outer body with the securing mechanism may comprise wrapping a wrapper at least partially around the first outer body, the second outer body, and the coupler. The method may additionally include positioning a reservoir substrate and a flow director in the second outer body such that the flow director extends at least partially through the reservoir substrate. Positioning the atomizer in the second outer body may comprise inserting the atomizer through a transverse aperture extending through the flow director.
The method may further comprise inserting a plurality of electrical connectors through the coupler and connecting the electrical connectors to the power source and the atomizer. The method may additionally include coupling a heating element to a center portion of a liquid transport element to form the atomizer and folding first and second opposing arms of the liquid transport element extending from the center section away from the coupler.
In some embodiments the method may further comprise coupling the flow director to a nipple of the coupler. The method may also include coupling the flow director to a nipple of a mouthpiece. Further, engaging the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body at operation 406 may comprise engaging a rib of the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body.
In another embodiment a method for assembling an aerosol delivery device is provided, as illustrated in
In some embodiments the method may further comprise positioning a reservoir substrate and a flow director in the second outer body such that the flow director extends at least partially through the reservoir substrate. Additionally, the method may include coupling the flow director to a nipple of the coupler. Further, the method may include engaging a flow director fastener with the flow director such that the flow director fastener extends at least partially thereabout.
The method may also include coupling the flow director to a nipple of a mouthpiece assembly. Further, the method may include engaging a substrate fastener with the flow director such that the substrate fastener extends at least partially around the nipple of the mouthpiece assembly. Engaging the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body at operation 506 may comprise engaging a rib of the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body. Engaging the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body at operation 506 may further comprise engaging the first outer body with a first engagement portion of the coupler and engaging the second outer body with a second engagement portion of the coupler, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion being separated by the rib. Welding the coupler to the first outer body and the second outer body at operation 508 may comprise laser welding the coupler to the first outer body and the second outer body. The method may additionally include engaging a sealing member with the coupler and piercing the sealing member with one or more electrical connectors such that the one or more electrical connectors extend through and seal against the sealing member.
In an additional embodiment a controller configured to assemble aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure is provided. The controller may be configured to execute computer code for performing the operations described herein. In this regard, as illustrated in
The controller 600 may also include a user interface 606 that allows a user to interact therewith. For example, the user interface 606 can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the form of sensor data, etc. Still further, the user interface 606 may be configured to output information to the user through a display, speaker, or other output device. A communication interface 608 may provide for transmitting and receiving data through, for example, a wired or wireless network 610 such as a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), and/or a wide area network (WAN), for example, the Internet.
The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling the above-described operations. In particular, computer readable code may be configured to perform each of the operations of the methods described herein and embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling the above-described operations. In this regard, a computer readable storage medium, as used herein, refers to a non-transitory, physical storage medium (e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory device, which can be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.
As noted above, the controller 600 may be configured to execute computer code for performing the above-described assembly operations. In this regard, the controller 600 may comprise an assembly module 612. The assembly module 612 may be configured to perform the various assembly operations described herein including, for example, coupling a first outer body and a second outer body to a coupler. Additional or alternative assembly operations performed by the assembly module 612 may include welding of the first outer body and the second outer body to the coupler.
Further, an embodiment of a non-transitory computer readable medium for storing computer instructions executed by a processor in a controller (e.g. the controller 600) configured to assemble an aerosol delivery device is provided. The non-transitory computer readable medium may comprise program code instructions for positioning a power source in a first outer body defining an inlet aperture, program code instructions for positioning an atomizer in a second outer body, and program code instructions for engaging a coupler defining a coupler inlet and a longitudinal channel with the first outer body and the second outer body such that the coupler is positioned to receive air from the inlet aperture defined in the first outer body through the coupler inlet and to direct the air through the longitudinal channel to the second outer body.
In some embodiments the computer readable medium may further comprise program code instructions for substantially irreversibly securing the first outer body to the second outer body with a securing mechanism. The program code instructions for substantially irreversibly securing the first outer body to the second outer body with the securing mechanism may comprise program code instructions for wrapping a wrapper at least partially around the first outer body, the second outer body, and the coupler. The computer readable medium may further comprise program code instructions for positioning a reservoir substrate and a flow director in the second outer body such that the flow director extends at least partially through the reservoir substrate. The program code instructions for positioning the atomizer in the second outer body may comprise program code instructions for inserting the atomizer through a transverse aperture extending through the flow director.
The computer readable medium may further comprise program code instructions for inserting a plurality of electrical connectors through the coupler program code instructions for connecting the electrical connectors to the power source and the atomizer. The computer readable medium may further comprise program code instructions for coupling a heating element to a center portion of a liquid transport element to form the atomizer and program code instructions for folding first and second opposing arms of the liquid transport element extending from the center section away from the coupler. The computer readable medium may further comprise program code instructions for coupling the flow director to a nipple of the coupler. The computer readable medium may further comprise program code instructions for coupling the flow director to a nipple of a mouthpiece. The program code instructions for engaging the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body may comprise program code instructions for engaging a rib of the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body.
An additional embodiment of a non-transitory computer readable medium for storing computer instructions executed by a processor in a controller (e.g. the controller 500) configured to assemble an aerosol delivery device is provided. The non-transitory computer readable medium may comprise program code instructions for positioning a power source in a first outer body, program code instructions for positioning an atomizer in a second outer body, program code instructions for engaging a coupler defining a coupler inlet with the first outer body and the second outer body such that the coupler is positioned between the first outer body and the second outer body and configured to receive air through the coupler inlet and to direct the air to the second outer body, and program code instructions for welding the coupler to the first outer body and the second outer body.
In some embodiments the computer readable medium may further comprise program code instructions for positioning a reservoir substrate and a flow director in the second outer body such that the flow director extends at least partially through the reservoir substrate. Additionally, the computer readable medium may comprise program code instructions for coupling the flow director to a nipple of the coupler. Further, the computer readable medium may comprise program code instructions for engaging a flow director fastener with the flow director such that the flow director fastener extends at least partially thereabout.
In some embodiments the computer readable medium may additionally include program code instructions for coupling the flow director to a nipple of a mouthpiece assembly. Further, the computer readable medium may comprise program code instructions for engaging a substrate fastener with the flow director such that the substrate fastener extends at least partially around the nipple of the mouthpiece assembly. The program code instructions for engaging the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body may comprise program code instructions for engaging a rib of the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body. The program code instructions for engaging the coupler with the first outer body and the second outer body may further comprise program code instructions for engaging the first outer body with a first engagement portion of the coupler and program code instructions for engaging the second outer body with a second engagement portion of the coupler, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion being separated by the rib. The program code instructions for welding the coupler to the first outer body and the second outer body may comprise program code instructions for laser welding the coupler to the first outer body and the second outer body. Additionally, the computer readable medium may comprise program code instructions for engaging a sealing member with the coupler and piercing the sealing member with one or more electrical connectors such that the one or more electrical connectors extend through and seal against the sealing member.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/170,838, filed Feb. 3, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
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| WO 2009105919 | Sep 2009 | WO |
| WO 2009155734 | Dec 2009 | WO |
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| 20150216236 A1 | Aug 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14170838 | Feb 2014 | US |
| Child | 14530275 | US |
