US20240065339A1 - Electronic smoking article - Google Patents
Electronic smoking article Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20240065339A1 US20240065339A1 US18/494,218 US202318494218A US2024065339A1 US 20240065339 A1 US20240065339 A1 US 20240065339A1 US 202318494218 A US202318494218 A US 202318494218A US 2024065339 A1 US2024065339 A1 US 2024065339A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- electrical contact
- electronic vaping
- power supply
- vaping article
- smoking article
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 230000000391 smoking effect Effects 0.000 title abstract description 44
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012669 liquid formulation Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 abstract description 12
- 239000008263 liquid aerosol Substances 0.000 abstract description 12
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 abstract description 12
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 5
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N (-)-Nicotine Chemical compound CN1CCC[C@H]1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229960002715 nicotine Drugs 0.000 description 4
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N nicotine Natural products CN1CCCC1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical compound [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000019506 cigar Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003571 electronic cigarette Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000623 nickel–chromium alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/60—Devices with integrated user interfaces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/90—Arrangements or methods specially adapted for charging batteries thereof
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
Definitions
- Many of the embodiments disclosed herein include electronic smoking articles operable to deliver liquid from a liquid supply source (reservoir) to a heater.
- the heater volatilizes a liquid to form an aerosol.
- An electronic smoking article includes an outer housing extending in the longitudinal direction, a liquid aerosol formulation, a heater operable to at least partially volatilize the liquid aerosol formulation and form an aerosol, a power supply operable to apply voltage across the heater, at least one LED, a charging button assembly including a conductive post operable to form a first external, electrical contact at the upstream end of the electronic smoking article, the conductive post being partially surrounded by a charging button housing that is retained in the upstream end of the electronic smoking article, the charging button assembly operable to be pushed so as to illuminate the at least one LED, and a second external, electrical contact including a portion of an outer surface of the outer housing at the upstream end of the electronic smoking article.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of an electronic smoking article constructed according to the teachings herein.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic smoking article according to a first embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an upstream end of the electronic smoking article of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a puff sensor and feedback assembly as described herein.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a charging button assembly as described herein.
- FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the puff sensor and feedback assembly of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary charger for use with the electronic smoking article described herein.
- FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of an exemplary electrical connection.
- FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of an exemplary electrical connection.
- An electronic smoking article includes two external, electrical contacts at an upstream end of the electronic smoking article.
- the two external, electrical contacts allow for recharging of a power supply without the need for disassembling the electronic smoking article.
- the first electrical contact includes a charging button assembly at the upstream end of the electronic smoking article.
- the second electrical contact is formed by an upstream end surface of an outer housing of the electronic smoking article. The electronic smoking article can be at least partially inserted into a charger to recharge the power supply.
- the term “electronic smoking article” is inclusive of all types of electronic smoking articles, regardless of form, size or shape, including electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars, electronic pipes, electronic hookahs and the like.
- the liquid aerosol formulation can include nicotine or be nicotine free.
- the liquid aerosol formulation can include tobacco flavors or instead, or in combination include other suitable flavors.
- the electronic smoking article 60 comprises a first section 70 and a second section 72 , which are coupled together at a threaded joint 74 or by other convenience such as a snug-fit, snap-fit, detent, clamp and/or clasp.
- the first section 70 can house a mouth-end insert 27 , a heater 19 , a liquid supply (reservoir) 14 and a filamentary wick 28 .
- the second section 72 can house a power supply 12 , a puff sensor and feedback assembly 100 , and a charging button assembly 200 .
- the charging button assembly 200 is located at an upstream end 202 of the electronic smoking article 60 and forms a first electrical contact 250 .
- a second electrical contact 252 may be formed by an outer surface portion of an outer housing 22 adjacent an upstream end 202 of the housing 22 .
- the first section 70 and the second section 72 include the outer housing 22 extending in a longitudinal direction along a length of the electronic smoking article 60 .
- the outer housing 22 may comprise a single, unitary tube.
- the first section 70 includes the outer housing (or tube or casing) 22 extending in a longitudinal direction and an inner tube (or chimney) 62 coaxially positioned within the outer tube 22 .
- a nose portion 61 of an upstream gasket (or seal) 20 is fitted into an upstream end portion 65 of the inner tube 62 , while at the same time, an outer perimeter 67 of the gasket 20 provides a liquid-tight seal with an interior surface 97 of the outer housing 22 .
- the upstream gasket 20 also includes a central, longitudinal air passage 15 , which opens into an interior of the inner tube 62 that defines a central channel 21 .
- a nose portion 93 of a downstream gasket 10 is fitted into a downstream end portion 81 of the inner tube 62 .
- An outer perimeter of the gasket 10 provides a substantially liquid-tight seal with an interior surface 97 of the outer housing 22 .
- the downstream gasket 10 includes a central channel 84 disposed between the central passage 21 of the inner tube 62 and the mouth-end insert 27 .
- the reservoir 14 is contained in an annulus between an inner tube 62 and an outer housing 22 and between the upstream gasket 20 and the downstream gasket 10 .
- the reservoir 14 at least partially surrounds the central air passage 21 .
- the reservoir 14 comprises a liquid aerosol formulation and optionally a liquid storage medium (not shown) operable to store the liquid aerosol formulation therein.
- the inner tube 62 has a central air passage 21 extending therethrough, which houses the heater 19 .
- the heater 19 is in contact with the filamentary wick 28 , which preferably extends between opposing sections of the reservoir 14 so as to deliver the liquid aerosol formulation from the reservoir to the heater 19 .
- the heater 19 is a heater coil formed of an electrically resistive material, such as a nickel-chromium alloy.
- the electronic smoking article 60 also includes at least one air inlet 40 .
- the at least one air inlet 40 can be located upstream of the heater 19 .
- the electronic smoking article 60 can further include the mouth-end insert 27 having at least two off-axis, preferably diverging outlets 21 .
- the mouth-end insert 27 includes at least two diverging outlets 21 . (e.g. 3, 4, 5, or preferably 6 to 8 outlets or more).
- the outlets 21 of the mouth-end insert 27 are located at ends of off-axis passages 23 and are angled outwardly in relation to the longitudinal direction of the electronic smoking article 60 (i.e., divergently).
- the term “off-axis” denotes at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the electronic smoking article.
- the second section 72 includes the power supply 12 , which can be a battery that is operable to apply voltage across the heater 19 .
- the battery can be a Lithium-ion battery or one of its variants, for example a Lithium-ion polymer battery.
- the power supply 12 is rechargeable and includes circuitry allowing the battery to be chargeable by an external charging device.
- the second section 72 includes the puff sensor and feedback assembly 100 and the charging button assembly 200 .
- a conductive post (button) 210 of the charging button assembly 200 forms the first, external electrical contact 250 .
- a first electrical lead 270 extends from a first electrode (e.g., anode) of the power supply 12 and connects with an integrated circuit (or chip) 280 (shown in FIG. 6 ) in the puff sensor and feedback assembly 100 via one of three pins 109 , 109 ′, 109 ′′, which are described in detail below.
- a second electrical lead 272 extends from a second electrode (e.g., cathode) of the power supply 12 and connects with the integrated circuit 280 via a second one of the three pins 109 ′.
- the puff sensor and feedback assembly 100 includes a gasket 102 and an external can 104 , which house the remaining components of the puff sensor and feedback assembly 100 .
- the gasket 102 is preferably formed of silicone and the external can 104 is formed of aluminium. It is contemplated that the gasket 102 can coextend with the external can 104 such that only the gasket 102 is in contact with an inner surface of the outer housing 22 .
- a silicone or polymeric sleeve (not shown) can be positioned about the puff sensor and feedback assembly 100 .
- the puff sensor and feedback assembly 100 further includes a connection board 106 having three holes 107 in a periphery thereof operable to receive the pins 109 , 109 ′, 109 ′′.
- the three pins 109 , 109 ′, 109 ′′ extend through a C-shaped header and sensor locator 108 that is operable to maintain the pins 109 , 109 ′, 109 ′′ away from a puff sensor 114 , which senses a puff during smoking (vaping).
- use of the pins 109 , 109 ′, 109 ′′ facilitates electrical connections underneath the puff sensor and avoids any need to draw wires to the top surface of the puff sensor.
- the puff sensor and feedback assembly 100 also includes a sensor insulating disk 110 , a sensor insulating ring 112 , and a feedback board 116 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the feedback board 116 is positioned adjacent the charging button assembly 200 .
- the feedback board 116 includes a connection spring 118 , which is in electrical communication with one of the pins 109 , 109 ′ via a pad 119 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 ) and integrated circuit 280 .
- the feedback board 116 also includes at least one LED 278 , a capacitor 276 , and three holes extending through the feedback board, which receive the pins 109 , 109 ′, 109 ′′.
- the pins 109 , 109 ′, 109 ′′ provide electrical connections between the power supply 12 and the integrated circuit 280 .
- the first pin 109 connects with the anode of the power supply and the second pin 109 ′ connects with the cathode of the power supply.
- a third pin 109 ′′ provides a puff sensor out path.
- the pins 109 , 109 ′, 109 ′′ simplify the wiring of the electronic smoking article 60 such that wires (electrical leads) extend only to the base of or beneath the puff sensor and feedback assembly 100 .
- the charging button assembly 200 includes a charging button housing 212 , a movable conductive post 210 held within the charging button housing 212 , and a retaining ring 214 .
- the conductive post 210 can be formed of steel or other suitable conductive material.
- the retaining ring 214 is a spring that is operable to maintain the charging button assembly 200 within the upstream end 202 of the outer housing 22 when inserted therein.
- the electronic smoking article 60 can be inserted, upstream end 202 first, into a charger 300 as shown in FIG. 7 .
- a first electrical contact of the charger contacts the conductive post 210 (the first electrical contact 250 ) and a second electrical contact of the charger contacts the second electrical contact 252 , which comprises an upstream surface portion of the outer housing 22 as described above.
- the first electrical contact 250 forms an electrical connection with the cathode of the power supply 12
- the second electrical contact 252 forms an electrical connection with the anode of the power supply 12
- the first electrical contact 250 can form an electrical connection the anode of the power supply 12
- the second electrical contact 252 forms an electrical connection with the cathode of the power supply 12 .
- the conductive post 210 is maintained in contact with and biased against the conductive connection spring 118 , which is affixed and electrically connected at a circuit pad 119 on the board 116 .
- the pad 119 is operatively connected with one of the pins 109 , 109 ′ under the control of a microprocessor or chip 280 .
- the conductive spring 118 urges the conductive post 210 outwardly against the housing 212 .
- the post 210 of charging button assembly 200 can be pressed against a button switch 221 , which activates a control circuit that reads battery voltage and illuminates an LED array 278 , including one or more LED's, in a manner indicative of the detected voltage so as to provide feedback regarding battery life and/or voltage use.
- the post 210 of the charging button assembly 200 need not be pressed to begin charging, and charging will occur without pressing the post 210 . However, it is contemplated that charging can occur while the charging button assembly 200 is pressed if desired.
- the electronic smoking article 60 can optionally include a conductive band 400 which acts as the second, external contact 252 .
- This band 400 can be an exposed or unpainted portion of a metal outer housing 22 . If the integrated circuit 280 (or chip) reads current from the pad 119 , a circuit connection is established through the chip 280 between the charger via contacts 250 and 252 ( 400 ) and the terminals of the battery 12 wherein the chip 280 will charge the power supply 12 by adjusting current to achieve a target voltage.
- the charger 300 can include a well 304 operable to receive at least the upstream end portion of the electronic smoking article 60 . Once inserted, a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact engage with the button charging contact 210 and the second electrical contact 252 on the outer housing 22 .
- the charger 300 can include a USB connection 302 or other suitable connection. The USB connection 302 can be retracted into the body of the charger 300 , if desired.
- the electronic smoking article 60 is about the same size as a conventional smoking article.
- the electronic smoking article 60 can be about 80 mm to about 110 mm long, preferably about 80 mm to about 100 mm long and about 7 mm to about 8 mm in diameter or greater.
- the electronic smoking article is about 84 mm long and has a diameter of about 7.8 mm.
- the outer cylindrical housing 22 of the electronic smoking article 60 may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials.
- the outer cylindrical housing 22 is formed of metal and is part of the electrical circuit.
- the liquid aerosol formulation for use in each of the electronic smoking articles 60 described herein includes at least one aerosol former, optionally water, and flavors.
- the liquid aerosol formulation can include nicotine or be nicotine free.
- the liquid aerosol formulation can include tobacco flavors or other suitable flavors.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Manufacture Of Tobacco Products (AREA)
- Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
Abstract
An electronic smoking article includes an outer housing extending in a longitudinal direction, a liquid aerosol formulation, a heater operable to at least partially volatilize at least a portion of the liquid aerosol formulation and form an aerosol, a power supply operable to apply voltage across the heater, at least one light emitting diode, a charging button assembly including a conductive post operable to form a first external, electrical contact at an upstream end of the electronic smoking article, and a second external, electrical contact including a portion of an outer surface of the outer housing at the upstream end of the electronic smoking article. The first and second external, electrical contacts charge the power supply.
Description
- This is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/134,702, filed Dec. 28, 2020, which is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/040,906, filed Jul. 20, 2018, which is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/498,175, filed Sep. 26, 2014, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/883,742, filed on Sep. 27, 2013, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- Many of the embodiments disclosed herein include electronic smoking articles operable to deliver liquid from a liquid supply source (reservoir) to a heater. The heater volatilizes a liquid to form an aerosol.
- An electronic smoking article includes an outer housing extending in the longitudinal direction, a liquid aerosol formulation, a heater operable to at least partially volatilize the liquid aerosol formulation and form an aerosol, a power supply operable to apply voltage across the heater, at least one LED, a charging button assembly including a conductive post operable to form a first external, electrical contact at the upstream end of the electronic smoking article, the conductive post being partially surrounded by a charging button housing that is retained in the upstream end of the electronic smoking article, the charging button assembly operable to be pushed so as to illuminate the at least one LED, and a second external, electrical contact including a portion of an outer surface of the outer housing at the upstream end of the electronic smoking article.
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of an electronic smoking article constructed according to the teachings herein. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic smoking article according to a first embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an upstream end of the electronic smoking article ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a puff sensor and feedback assembly as described herein. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a charging button assembly as described herein. -
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the puff sensor and feedback assembly ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary charger for use with the electronic smoking article described herein. -
FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of an exemplary electrical connection. -
FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of an exemplary electrical connection. - An electronic smoking article includes two external, electrical contacts at an upstream end of the electronic smoking article. The two external, electrical contacts allow for recharging of a power supply without the need for disassembling the electronic smoking article. The first electrical contact includes a charging button assembly at the upstream end of the electronic smoking article. The second electrical contact is formed by an upstream end surface of an outer housing of the electronic smoking article. The electronic smoking article can be at least partially inserted into a charger to recharge the power supply.
- As used herein, the term “electronic smoking article” is inclusive of all types of electronic smoking articles, regardless of form, size or shape, including electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars, electronic pipes, electronic hookahs and the like. The liquid aerosol formulation can include nicotine or be nicotine free. Moreover, the liquid aerosol formulation can include tobacco flavors or instead, or in combination include other suitable flavors.
- Preferably, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theelectronic smoking article 60 comprises afirst section 70 and asecond section 72, which are coupled together at a threadedjoint 74 or by other convenience such as a snug-fit, snap-fit, detent, clamp and/or clasp. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thefirst section 70 can house a mouth-end insert 27, aheater 19, a liquid supply (reservoir) 14 and afilamentary wick 28. Thesecond section 72 can house apower supply 12, a puff sensor andfeedback assembly 100, and acharging button assembly 200. Preferably, thecharging button assembly 200 is located at anupstream end 202 of theelectronic smoking article 60 and forms a firstelectrical contact 250. A secondelectrical contact 252 may be formed by an outer surface portion of anouter housing 22 adjacent anupstream end 202 of thehousing 22. - Preferably, the
first section 70 and thesecond section 72 include theouter housing 22 extending in a longitudinal direction along a length of theelectronic smoking article 60. In another embodiment, theouter housing 22 may comprise a single, unitary tube. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thefirst section 70 includes the outer housing (or tube or casing) 22 extending in a longitudinal direction and an inner tube (or chimney) 62 coaxially positioned within theouter tube 22. Preferably, anose portion 61 of an upstream gasket (or seal) 20 is fitted into anupstream end portion 65 of theinner tube 62, while at the same time, anouter perimeter 67 of thegasket 20 provides a liquid-tight seal with aninterior surface 97 of theouter housing 22. Theupstream gasket 20 also includes a central,longitudinal air passage 15, which opens into an interior of theinner tube 62 that defines acentral channel 21. - Preferably, a
nose portion 93 of adownstream gasket 10 is fitted into adownstream end portion 81 of theinner tube 62. An outer perimeter of thegasket 10 provides a substantially liquid-tight seal with aninterior surface 97 of theouter housing 22. Thedownstream gasket 10 includes acentral channel 84 disposed between thecentral passage 21 of theinner tube 62 and the mouth-end insert 27. - In this embodiment, the
reservoir 14 is contained in an annulus between aninner tube 62 and anouter housing 22 and between theupstream gasket 20 and thedownstream gasket 10. Thus, thereservoir 14 at least partially surrounds thecentral air passage 21. Thereservoir 14 comprises a liquid aerosol formulation and optionally a liquid storage medium (not shown) operable to store the liquid aerosol formulation therein. - The
inner tube 62 has acentral air passage 21 extending therethrough, which houses theheater 19. Theheater 19 is in contact with thefilamentary wick 28, which preferably extends between opposing sections of thereservoir 14 so as to deliver the liquid aerosol formulation from the reservoir to theheater 19. Preferably, theheater 19 is a heater coil formed of an electrically resistive material, such as a nickel-chromium alloy. - Preferably, the
electronic smoking article 60 also includes at least oneair inlet 40. The at least oneair inlet 40 can be located upstream of theheater 19. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , theelectronic smoking article 60 can further include the mouth-end insert 27 having at least two off-axis, preferably divergingoutlets 21. Preferably, the mouth-end insert 27 includes at least two divergingoutlets 21. (e.g. 3, 4, 5, or preferably 6 to 8 outlets or more). Preferably, theoutlets 21 of the mouth-end insert 27 are located at ends of off-axis passages 23 and are angled outwardly in relation to the longitudinal direction of the electronic smoking article 60 (i.e., divergently). As used herein, the term “off-axis” denotes at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the electronic smoking article. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thesecond section 72 includes thepower supply 12, which can be a battery that is operable to apply voltage across theheater 19. The battery can be a Lithium-ion battery or one of its variants, for example a Lithium-ion polymer battery. Preferably, thepower supply 12 is rechargeable and includes circuitry allowing the battery to be chargeable by an external charging device. - As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thesecond section 72 includes the puff sensor andfeedback assembly 100 and thecharging button assembly 200. A conductive post (button) 210 of thecharging button assembly 200 forms the first, externalelectrical contact 250. A firstelectrical lead 270 extends from a first electrode (e.g., anode) of thepower supply 12 and connects with an integrated circuit (or chip) 280 (shown inFIG. 6 ) in the puff sensor andfeedback assembly 100 via one of threepins electrical lead 272 extends from a second electrode (e.g., cathode) of thepower supply 12 and connects with theintegrated circuit 280 via a second one of the threepins 109′. - As shown in
FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 6 , the puff sensor andfeedback assembly 100 includes agasket 102 and anexternal can 104, which house the remaining components of the puff sensor andfeedback assembly 100. In a preferred embodiment, thegasket 102 is preferably formed of silicone and theexternal can 104 is formed of aluminium. It is contemplated that thegasket 102 can coextend with theexternal can 104 such that only thegasket 102 is in contact with an inner surface of theouter housing 22. Alternatively, a silicone or polymeric sleeve (not shown) can be positioned about the puff sensor andfeedback assembly 100. - The puff sensor and
feedback assembly 100 further includes aconnection board 106 having threeholes 107 in a periphery thereof operable to receive thepins pins sensor locator 108 that is operable to maintain thepins puff sensor 114, which senses a puff during smoking (vaping). Moreover, use of thepins - The puff sensor and
feedback assembly 100 also includes asensor insulating disk 110, asensor insulating ring 112, and afeedback board 116. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 , thefeedback board 116 is positioned adjacent thecharging button assembly 200. Thefeedback board 116 includes aconnection spring 118, which is in electrical communication with one of thepins FIGS. 8 and 9 ) andintegrated circuit 280. Thefeedback board 116 also includes at least oneLED 278, acapacitor 276, and three holes extending through the feedback board, which receive thepins - The
pins power supply 12 and theintegrated circuit 280. As discussed above, thefirst pin 109 connects with the anode of the power supply and thesecond pin 109′ connects with the cathode of the power supply. Athird pin 109″ provides a puff sensor out path. Moreover, thepins electronic smoking article 60 such that wires (electrical leads) extend only to the base of or beneath the puff sensor andfeedback assembly 100. - As shown in
FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 , thecharging button assembly 200 includes acharging button housing 212, a movableconductive post 210 held within thecharging button housing 212, and a retainingring 214. Theconductive post 210 can be formed of steel or other suitable conductive material. Preferably, the retainingring 214 is a spring that is operable to maintain thecharging button assembly 200 within theupstream end 202 of theouter housing 22 when inserted therein. - To charge the
electronic smoking article 60, theelectronic smoking article 60 can be inserted,upstream end 202 first, into acharger 300 as shown inFIG. 7 . A first electrical contact of the charger contacts the conductive post 210 (the first electrical contact 250) and a second electrical contact of the charger contacts the secondelectrical contact 252, which comprises an upstream surface portion of theouter housing 22 as described above. Once theelectronic smoking article 60 is inserted into a charger, an electrical connection is formed and thepower supply 12 of theelectronic smoking article 12 is charged. Preferably, the firstelectrical contact 250 forms an electrical connection with the cathode of thepower supply 12, while the secondelectrical contact 252 forms an electrical connection with the anode of thepower supply 12. In another embodiment, the firstelectrical contact 250 can form an electrical connection the anode of thepower supply 12, while the secondelectrical contact 252 forms an electrical connection with the cathode of thepower supply 12. - The
conductive post 210 is maintained in contact with and biased against theconductive connection spring 118, which is affixed and electrically connected at acircuit pad 119 on theboard 116. Thepad 119 is operatively connected with one of thepins chip 280. Theconductive spring 118 urges theconductive post 210 outwardly against thehousing 212. In addition, thepost 210 of chargingbutton assembly 200 can be pressed against abutton switch 221, which activates a control circuit that reads battery voltage and illuminates anLED array 278, including one or more LED's, in a manner indicative of the detected voltage so as to provide feedback regarding battery life and/or voltage use. Thepost 210 of thecharging button assembly 200 need not be pressed to begin charging, and charging will occur without pressing thepost 210. However, it is contemplated that charging can occur while thecharging button assembly 200 is pressed if desired. - As shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10 , theelectronic smoking article 60 can optionally include aconductive band 400 which acts as the second,external contact 252. Thisband 400 can be an exposed or unpainted portion of a metalouter housing 22. If the integrated circuit 280 (or chip) reads current from thepad 119, a circuit connection is established through thechip 280 between the charger viacontacts 250 and 252 (400) and the terminals of thebattery 12 wherein thechip 280 will charge thepower supply 12 by adjusting current to achieve a target voltage. - The
charger 300 can include a well 304 operable to receive at least the upstream end portion of theelectronic smoking article 60. Once inserted, a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact engage with thebutton charging contact 210 and the secondelectrical contact 252 on theouter housing 22. Thecharger 300 can include aUSB connection 302 or other suitable connection. TheUSB connection 302 can be retracted into the body of thecharger 300, if desired. - In a preferred embodiment, the
electronic smoking article 60 is about the same size as a conventional smoking article. In some embodiments, theelectronic smoking article 60 can be about 80 mm to about 110 mm long, preferably about 80 mm to about 100 mm long and about 7 mm to about 8 mm in diameter or greater. For example, in an embodiment, the electronic smoking article is about 84 mm long and has a diameter of about 7.8 mm. - The outer
cylindrical housing 22 of theelectronic smoking article 60 may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably, the outercylindrical housing 22 is formed of metal and is part of the electrical circuit. - Preferably, the liquid aerosol formulation for use in each of the
electronic smoking articles 60 described herein includes at least one aerosol former, optionally water, and flavors. The liquid aerosol formulation can include nicotine or be nicotine free. Moreover, the liquid aerosol formulation can include tobacco flavors or other suitable flavors. - When the word “about” is used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value. Moreover, when reference is made to percentages in this specification, it is intended that those percentages are based on weight, i.e., weight percentages.
- Moreover, when the words “generally” and “substantially” are used in connection with geometric shapes, it is intended that precision of the geometric shape is not required but that latitude for the shape is within the scope of the disclosure. When used with geometric terms, the words “generally” and “substantially” are intended to encompass not only features which meet the strict definitions but also features which fairly approximate the strict definitions.
- It will now be apparent that a new, improved, and nonobvious electronic smoking article has been described in this specification with sufficient particularity as to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications, variations, substitutions, and equivalents exist for features of the electronic smoking article which do not materially depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such modifications, variations, substitutions, and equivalents which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims shall be embraced by the appended claims.
Claims (15)
1. An electronic vaping article comprising:
an outer housing configured to hold a liquid formulation;
a heater in fluidic communication with the liquid formulation;
a power supply configured to apply a voltage across the heater;
a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact electrically connected to the power supply, the power supply configured to be charged via the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact; and
a sensor and feedback assembly including a connection board, a plurality of pins extending through the connection board, and a connection spring configured to bias the first electrical contact away from the power supply.
2. The electronic vaping article of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pins include a first pin and a second pin, the first pin and the second pin electrically connected to the power supply.
3. The electronic vaping article of claim 1 , wherein the connection spring is electrically connected to the plurality of pins.
4. The electronic vaping article of claim 1 , further comprising:
a puff sensor on the connection board electrically connected to the plurality of pins.
5. The electronic vaping article of claim 4 , wherein the connection board is between the power supply and the puff sensor.
6. The electronic vaping article of claim 1 , wherein the first electrical contact is in a form of a conductive post.
7. The electronic vaping article of claim 1 , wherein the second electrical contact is in a form of a conductive band.
8. The electronic vaping article of claim 1 , wherein the first electrical contact is at a center of an end face of the outer housing, and the second electrical contact is on a side wall of the outer housing.
9. The electronic vaping article of claim 1 , further comprising:
a light emitting diode configured to illuminate when the first electrical contact is pushed inward relative to the power supply.
10. The electronic vaping article of claim 1 , wherein the connection spring is configured to bias the first electrical contact away from the power supply.
11. The electronic vaping article of claim 1 , further comprising:
a button switch, a capacitor, and an integrated circuit on the connection board.
12. The electronic vaping article of claim 1 , further comprising:
a mouth-end insert at a downstream end of the outer housing, the mouth-end insert defining diverging outlets.
13. The electronic vaping article of claim 1 , wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are at an upstream end of the outer housing.
14. The electronic vaping article of claim 13 , wherein the first electrical contact is farther from a downstream end than the second electrical contact.
15. The electronic vaping article of claim 1 , wherein the power supply comprises a rechargeable battery.
Priority Applications (1)
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US18/494,218 US20240065339A1 (en) | 2013-09-27 | 2023-10-25 | Electronic smoking article |
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US201361883742P | 2013-09-27 | 2013-09-27 | |
US14/498,175 US10039322B2 (en) | 2013-09-27 | 2014-09-26 | Electronic smoking article |
US16/040,906 US10874145B2 (en) | 2013-09-27 | 2018-07-20 | Electronic smoking article |
US17/134,702 US11825882B2 (en) | 2013-09-27 | 2020-12-28 | Electronic smoking article |
US18/494,218 US20240065339A1 (en) | 2013-09-27 | 2023-10-25 | Electronic smoking article |
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US17/134,702 Continuation US11825882B2 (en) | 2013-09-27 | 2020-12-28 | Electronic smoking article |
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US18/494,218 Pending US20240065339A1 (en) | 2013-09-27 | 2023-10-25 | Electronic smoking article |
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US17/134,702 Active 2035-08-01 US11825882B2 (en) | 2013-09-27 | 2020-12-28 | Electronic smoking article |
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- 2014-09-26 CN CN201480053388.XA patent/CN105578914B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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EP3048912A1 (en) | 2016-08-03 |
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US10874145B2 (en) | 2020-12-29 |
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CN105578914B (en) | 2018-10-16 |
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