U.S. patent application number 12/439932 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-04 for container comprising vaporisable matter for use in a vaporising device for vaporising a vaporisable constituent thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to OGLESBY & BUTLER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT LIMITED. Invention is credited to Alfred Peter Oglesby, John Joseph Storey.
Application Number | 20100024834 12/439932 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38776102 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100024834 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oglesby; Alfred Peter ; et
al. |
February 4, 2010 |
CONTAINER COMPRISING VAPORISABLE MATTER FOR USE IN A VAPORISING
DEVICE FOR VAPORISING A VAPORISABLE CONSTITUENT THEREOF
Abstract
A disposable sachet (1) of tobacco (2) for use with a gas
powered vaporising device (5) for vaporising vaporisable
constituents of the tobacco (2) comprises a side wall (45) of an
impermeable paper based material and an upstream end cap (49) and a
downstream end cap (53) which together define a hollow interior
region (46) for the tobacco (2). The sachet (1) is shaped and sized
to releasably and snugly engage a vaporising chamber (15) of the
vaporising device (5) with a heat transfer member (25) therein
extending into the hollow interior region (46) of the sachet (1).
The upstream end cap (49) is of a paper based permeable material
which is permeable to air and the downstream end cap (53) is of a
similar permeable paper based material which is permeable to an
aerosol formed by vaporised constituents from the tobacco (2)
entrained in air drawn through the hollow interior region (46) of
the sachet (1) when the sachet (1) is in the vaporising chamber
(15). The vaporising chamber (15) is formed by a socket portion
(16) and a releasable plug portion (18), within which a hollow
interior region (22) is formed for accommodating the sachet
(1).
Inventors: |
Oglesby; Alfred Peter;
(County Louth, IE) ; Storey; John Joseph; (County
Laois, IE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W., SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
OGLESBY & BUTLER RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
Carlow
IE
|
Family ID: |
38776102 |
Appl. No.: |
12/439932 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
September 5, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IE2007/000081 |
371 Date: |
April 6, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/194 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 42/10 20200101;
A24D 3/17 20200101; A61M 15/06 20130101; A24F 47/006 20130101; A61M
11/048 20140204; A61M 11/041 20130101; A24F 42/60 20200101; A61M
11/042 20140204 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/194 |
International
Class: |
A24F 13/00 20060101
A24F013/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 5, 2006 |
IE |
S2006/0658 |
Claims
1-92. (canceled)
93. A container defining a hollow interior region and having
vaporisable matter in the hollow interior region, the container
being adapted for locating in a vaporising chamber of a vaporising
device, and being adapted for facilitating heat transfer from the
vaporising device to the vaporisable matter for producing an
aerosol of a vaporisable constituent of the vaporisable matter, the
container comprising a first accommodating means for accommodating
the carrier fluid into the hollow interior region, and a second
accommodating means for accommodating the aerosol of the carrier
fluid and vapour of the vaporisable constituent from the hollow
interior region.
94. A container as claimed in claim 93 in which the container
substantially defines the vaporising chamber, and preferably, the
container is adapted to be a relatively tight fit in the vaporising
chamber for facilitating heat transfer from the vaporising chamber
to the container, and preferably, the container is adapted to
releasably engage the vaporising chamber, and advantageously, the
first accommodating means comprises an upstream inlet, and
preferably, the upstream inlet is formed by an upstream opening,
and advantageously, the first accommodating means comprises a first
permeable means located in the upstream inlet, and preferably, the
second accommodating means comprises a downstream outlet, and
preferably, the downstream outlet is formed by a downstream
opening, and advantageously, the second accommodating means
comprises a second permeable means located in the downstream
outlet.
95. A container as claimed in claim 93 in which the container
extends between an upstream end and a downstream end, the first
accommodating means being located adjacent the upstream end and the
second accommodating means being located adjacent the downstream
end, and preferably, the outer transverse cross-sectional area of
the container intermediate the upstream and downstream ends thereof
is substantially similar to the inner transverse cross-sectional
area of the vaporising chamber, and advantageously, the outer
transverse cross-sectional area of the container intermediate the
upstream and downstream ends thereof is just less than the inner
transverse cross-sectional area of the vaporising chamber, and
preferably, the container comprises a side wall which defines the
hollow interior region, the side wall extending between the
upstream end and the downstream end, and preferably, the side wall
defines the upstream opening adjacent the upstream end, and the
downstream opening adjacent the downstream end, and advantageously,
the upstream opening is closed by an upstream end cap, and
preferably, the upstream end cap comprises the first accommodating
means, and advantageously, the upstream end cap is formed by the
first permeable means, and preferably, the downstream opening is
closed by a downstream end cap, and preferably, the downstream end
cap comprises the second accommodating means, and advantageously,
the downstream end cap is formed by the second permeable means.
96. A container as claimed in claim 95 in which the side wall is of
a heat conducting material, and preferably, the side wall is of a
paper based material, and advantageously, the side wall is of
cardboard material, and preferably, the side wall is of a foil
material, and advantageously, the side wall is of a metal foil, and
preferably, a portion of the container is impermeable to the
aerosol, and preferably, the portion of the container which is
impermeable to the aerosol is also impermeable to the carrier
fluid, and advantageously, the impermeable portion of the container
is located intermediate the first accommodating means and the
second accommodating means, and preferably, the side wall forms the
impermeable portion of the container, and advantageously, the side
wall is of a gauze material, and preferably, the side wall is of a
gauze of metal material, and advantageously, the side wall of the
container is adapted for engaging the vaporising chamber, and
preferably, the side wall of the container is adapted for engaging
a corresponding side wall of the vaporising chamber, and
advantageously, the side wall of the container is adapted for
engaging the corresponding side wall of the vaporising chamber with
a heat transfer fit, and preferably, the side wall of the container
is adapted for slideably engaging the corresponding side wall of
the vaporising chamber, and advantageously, the side wall is of
cylindrical construction.
97. A container as claimed in claim 95 in which the second
accommodating means comprises an outlet tube extending from the
container, and preferably, the second permeable means is located
adjacent the outlet tube, and preferably, the second permeable
means is located in the outlet tube, and advantageously, the second
permeable means is in the form of a plug.
98. A container as claimed in claim 97 in which the outlet tube
terminates in a mouthpiece.
99. A container as claimed in claim 97 in which a heat sink means
is located in the outlet tube.
100. A container as claimed in claim 99 in which the heat sink
means is located in the outlet tube intermediate the second
permeable means and the mouthpiece, and advantageously, the outlet
tube is of transverse cross-section which is substantially similar
to the transverse cross-section of the container, and preferably,
the outlet tube is of circular transverse cross-section, and
advantageously, the outlet tube is of diameter which is similar to
the diameter of the side wall of the container, and preferably, the
container is adapted for engaging the vaporising chamber with the
outlet tube extending therefrom to provide access to the
mouthpiece, and advantageously, the downstream end cap is of an
impermeable material, and defines an outlet opening, and
preferably, the outlet tube extends from the downstream end cap and
communicates with the hollow interior region of the container
through the outlet opening in the downstream end cap, and
advantageously, the second permeable means is located adjacent the
outlet opening in the downstream end cap.
101. A container as claimed in claim 93 in which the container is
adapted for accommodating a heat transfer member of the vaporising
chamber into the hollow interior region of the container for
transferring heat to the vaporisable matter contained therein.
102. A container as claimed in claim 101 in which the upstream end
of the container is adapted for accommodating the heat transfer
member into the hollow interior region thereof, and advantageously,
the upstream end cap is adapted for accommodating the heat transfer
member into the hollow interior region, and preferably, a heat
transfer member accommodating slit is formed in the container for
accommodating the heat transfer member therethrough to the hollow
interior region thereof, and advantageously, the heat transfer
accommodating slit is formed in the upstream end cap, and
preferably, the heat transfer member accommodating slit is formed
in the first permeable means.
103. A container as claimed in claim 93 in which the first
permeable means comprises a first permeable material which is
permeable to the carrier fluid, and preferably, the first permeable
material is a paper based material, and advantageously, the first
permeable material is a gauze, and preferably, the first permeable
material is a gauze of a metal material, and advantageously, the
first permeable material is perforated, and preferably, the second
permeable means comprises a second permeable material which is
permeable to the aerosol of the carrier fluid and the vapour of the
vaporisable constituent, and preferably, the second permeable
material is a paper based material, and advantageously, the second
permeable material is a gauze, and preferably, the second permeable
material is a gauze of a metal material, and advantageously, the
second permeable material is perforated.
104. A container as claimed in claim 93 in which the second
permeable means comprises a filter medium, and preferably, the
filter medium of the second permeable means is adapted for
substantially inhibiting the passage of undesirable vapours from
the aerosol passing therethrough, and preferably, the filter medium
of the second permeable means is adapted for substantially
inhibiting the passage of tar and other undesirable fluids passing
therethrough.
105. A container as claimed in claim 93 in which the vaporisable
matter contained in the hollow interior region of the container is
in particulate form, and preferably, the vaporisable matter
contained in the hollow interior region is of particle size of
maximum dimensions in the range of 50 microns to 5 mm, and
advantageously, the vaporisable matter is in strip form, and
preferably, the strips of the vaporisable matter are of maximum
transverse dimensions in the range of 50 microns to 5 mm, and
advantageously, the strips of the vaporisable matter are of length
in the range of 5 mm to 40 mm.
106. A container as claimed in claim 105 in which the vaporisable
matter contained in the hollow interior region comprises a blend of
vaporisable matter of different strip sizes, and the strip sizes of
the blend of the vaporisable matter are selected for maintaining
the level of vapour of the vaporisable constituent in the aerosol
substantially constant over the time period during which the
vaporisable matter is being heated from the time the vaporisable
matter is raised to a temperature suitable for vaporising the
constituent until substantially all of the vapour has been
evaporated from the vaporisable constituent.
107. A container as claimed in claim 105 in which the vaporisable
matter contained in the hollow interior region comprises a blend of
vaporisable matter of different particle sizes and different strip
sizes, and the particle sizes and the strip sizes of the blend of
the vaporisable matter are selected for maintaining the level of
vapour of the vaporisable constituent in the aerosol substantially
constant over the time period during which the vaporisable matter
is being heated from the time the vaporisable matter is raised to a
temperature suitable for vaporising the constituent until
substantially all of the vapour has been evaporated from the
vaporisable constituent.
108. A container as claimed in claim 105 in which the vaporisable
matter contained in the hollow interior region comprises a blend of
vaporisable matter of different particle sizes, and the particle
sizes of the blend of the vaporisable matter are selected for
maintaining the level of vapour of the vaporisable constituent in
the aerosol substantially constant over the time period during
which the vaporisable matter is being heated from the time the
vaporisable matter is raised to a temperature suitable for
vaporising the constituent until substantially all of the vapour
has been evaporated from the vaporisable constituent.
109. A container as claimed in claim 93 in which the vaporisable
matter contained in the hollow interior region of the container is
selected from one or more of the following: TABLE-US-00002 plant
matter herbs tobacco mullein passion flower cloves yohimbe mint tea
eucalyptus camomile.
110. A container as claimed in claim 93 in which the vaporisable
matter contained in the hollow interior region of the container is
tobacco, and preferably, the container is in the form of a sachet
adapted for engagement in a plug portion of the vaporising chamber
with the plug portion of the vaporising chamber in engagement with
the vaporising chamber.
111. A method for vaporising a vaporisable constituent of
vaporisable matter to form an aerosol, the method comprising
placing the vaporisable matter in a hollow interior region of a
container comprising a first accommodating means for accommodating
a carrier fluid into the hollow interior region and a second
accommodating means for accommodating the aerosol from the hollow
interior region, placing the container in a vaporising chamber of a
vaporising device, heating the container and the vaporisable matter
therein to a temperature at which the vaporisable constituent
vaporises, and drawing a carrier fluid into the hollow interior
region of the container through the first accommodating means and
through the hollow interior region for entraining vapour of the
vaporised constituent in the carrier fluid to form the aerosol and
drawing the aerosol through the second accommodating means.
112. A vaporising device comprising a vaporising chamber and a heat
source for heating the vaporising chamber, and a container as
claimed in claim 93 located in the vaporising chamber, the
vaporising chamber having a carrier fluid inlet for facilitating
drawing of a carrier fluid into the hollow interior region of the
container through the first permeable means for entraining vapour
of a vaporisable constituent of the vaporisable matter in the
carrier fluid to form an aerosol of the carrier fluid and the
vapour of the vaporisable constituent, so that the aerosol can be
drawn from the hollow interior region of the container through the
second permeable means.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a container comprising
vaporisable matter for placing in a vaporising chamber of a
vaporising device for producing an aerosol of a vaporisable
constituent of the vaporisable matter, and the invention also
relates to a method for vaporising a vaporisable constituent of
vaporisable matter. The invention also relates to a combination of
the container and a vaporising device.
[0002] Vaporising devices for producing an aerosol of a vaporisable
constituent of vaporisable matter, such as herbs, plant matter and
the like from which aerosols of flavour constituents, medicinal
constituents and psychoactive constituents can be produced are
known. For example, heating devices for vaporising vaporisable
constituents from tobacco, mullein, passion flower, cloves,
yohimbe, mint, tea, eucalyptus, chamomile and other such herbs and
plant matter are known. Typically, such devices comprise a
vaporising chamber in which the matter to be vaporised is placed,
and heat from a heat source, for example, a gas powered heat source
or an electrically powered heat source, is transferred to the
vaporising chamber for heating the vaporisable matter contained
therein to an appropriate temperature for vaporising the
vaporisable constituent or constituents thereof for in turn forming
the aerosol. In general, the vaporising chamber of such devices are
suitable for receiving the matter to be vaporised in loose form,
although some heating devices for heating tobacco for vaporising
the vaporisable constituents therein are adapted for receiving the
tobacco in the form of a cigarette. Such heating devices heat the
vaporisable matter to a temperature below its combustion
temperature in order to avoid combustion of the vaporisable matter,
but to a temperature which is sufficient to cause desirable
constituents in the matter to be vaporised. In devices for
vaporising desirable constituents in tobacco, the tobacco is heated
to a temperature generally in the range of 130.degree. C. to
230.degree. C., and while such temperatures are sufficient for
vaporising the desirable vaporisable constituents, they are
insufficient to raise the tobacco to its combustion
temperature.
[0003] One such device for producing an aerosol of a vaporisable
constituent of vaporisable matter is disclosed in PCT published
Application Specification No. WO 2006/082571 A1. The device of this
PCT Application is gas powered and comprises a vaporising chamber
which is formed by a socket portion and a hollow plug portion.
Vaporisable matter is placed in the plug portion, which in turn is
engaged in the socket portion, and heat is transferred to the
vaporising chamber from a gas powered heat source. An aerosol of
air entrained with vapour of the vaporised constituent is drawn
from the vaporising chamber through an aerosol accommodating tube.
In general, in such devices the vaporisable matter, the constituent
of which is to be vaporised is placed in the vaporising chamber in
loose form. This is inconvenient, and furthermore, can lead to
contamination of the combustion chamber by particles of the
vaporisable matter adhering to the combustion chamber as well as
tarry substances resulting from the vaporisation of the vaporisable
matter adhering to the combustion chamber.
[0004] Additionally, it has been found that when a charge of some
vaporisable matters, and in particular tobacco is being vaporised,
the level of vapour of the vaporised constituent or constituents in
the aerosol varies. In general, the level of such vapours rises
from an initial relatively low level to the desirable level over
time, and then falls off gradually as the vaporisable matter
becomes exhausted. This is undesirable, since in general, it is
preferable that the level of the vapour of the vaporised
constituent or constituents in the aerosol should be substantially
constant during vaporisation of a charge of the vaporisable
matter.
[0005] The present invention is directed towards providing a
container of vaporisable matter for use in such vaporising devices,
and in particular, for use in the heating device disclosed in PCT
Published Application Specification No. WO 2006/082571 A1, which
addresses at least some of the problems of known devices and
methods for vaporising vaporisable matter. The invention is also
directed towards a method for producing an aerosol from vaporisable
matter which addresses at least some of the problems of known
methods and devices, and the invention is also directed towards a
combination of the container and a vaporising device.
[0006] According to the invention there is provided a container
defining a hollow interior region and having vaporisable matter in
the hollow interior region, the container being adapted for
locating in a vaporising chamber of a vaporising device, and being
adapted for facilitating heat transfer from the vaporising device
to the vaporisable matter for producing an aerosol of a vaporisable
constituent of the vaporisable matter, the container comprising a
first accommodating means for accommodating the carrier fluid into
the hollow interior region, and a second accommodating means for
accommodating the aerosol of the carrier fluid and vapour of the
vaporisable constituent from the hollow interior region.
[0007] In one embodiment of the invention the container
substantially defines the vaporising chamber. Preferably, the
container is adapted to be a relatively tight fit in the vaporising
chamber for facilitating heat transfer from the vaporising chamber
to the container. Advantageously, the container is adapted to
releasably engage the vaporising chamber.
[0008] In one embodiment of the invention the first accommodating
means comprises an upstream inlet. Preferably, the upstream inlet
is formed by an upstream opening. Advantageously, the first
accommodating means comprises a first permeable means located in
the upstream inlet.
[0009] In another embodiment of the invention the second
accommodating means comprises a downstream outlet. Preferably, the
downstream outlet is formed by a downstream opening.
Advantageously, the second accommodating means comprises a second
permeable means located in the downstream outlet.
[0010] In another embodiment of the invention the container extends
between an upstream end and a downstream end, the first
accommodating means being located adjacent the upstream end and the
second accommodating means being located adjacent the downstream
end. Preferably, the outer transverse cross-sectional area of the
container intermediate the upstream and downstream ends thereof is
substantially similar to the inner transverse cross-sectional area
of the vaporising chamber. Advantageously, the outer transverse
cross-sectional area of the container intermediate the upstream and
downstream ends thereof is just less than the inner transverse
cross-sectional area of the vaporising chamber.
[0011] In one embodiment of the invention the container comprises a
side wall which defines the hollow interior region, the side wall
extending between the upstream end and the downstream end.
Preferably, the side wall defines the upstream opening adjacent the
upstream end, and the downstream opening adjacent the downstream
end. Advantageously, the upstream opening is closed by an upstream
end cap. Ideally, the upstream end cap comprises the first
accommodating means.
[0012] In another embodiment of the invention the upstream end cap
is formed by the first permeable means.
[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention the downstream
opening is closed by a downstream end cap. Preferably, the
downstream end cap comprises the second accommodating means.
Advantageously, the downstream end cap is formed by the second
permeable means.
[0014] In another embodiment of the invention the side wall is of a
heat conducting material.
[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention the side wall is of
a paper based material.
[0016] In a still further embodiment of the invention the side wall
is of cardboard material.
[0017] Alternatively, the side wall is of a foil material.
Preferably, the side wall is of a metal foil.
[0018] In one embodiment of the invention a portion of the
container is impermeable to the aerosol. Preferably, the portion of
the container which is impermeable to the aerosol is also
impermeable to the carrier fluid. Advantageously, the impermeable
portion of the container is located intermediate the first
accommodating means and the second accommodating means. Ideally,
the side wall forms the impermeable portion of the container.
[0019] In an alternative embodiment of the invention the side wall
is of a gauze material. Preferably, the side wall is of a gauze of
metal material.
[0020] In another embodiment of the invention the side wall of the
container is adapted for engaging the vaporising chamber.
Preferably, the side wall of the container is adapted for engaging
a corresponding side wall of the vaporising chamber.
[0021] Advantageously, the side wall of the container is adapted
for engaging the corresponding side wall of the vaporising chamber
with a heat transfer fit. Ideally, the side wall of the container
is adapted for slideably engaging the corresponding side wall of
the vaporising chamber.
[0022] In one embodiment of the invention the side wall is of
cylindrical construction.
[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention the second
accommodating means comprises an outlet tube extending from the
container.
[0024] In one embodiment of the invention the second permeable
means is located adjacent the outlet tube. Preferably, the second
permeable means is located in the outlet tube. Advantageously, the
second permeable means is in the form of a plug.
[0025] Advantageously, the outlet tube terminates in a mouthpiece.
Preferably, a heat sink means is located in the outlet tube.
Ideally, the heat sink means is located in the outlet tube
intermediate the second permeable means and the mouthpiece.
[0026] In one embodiment of the invention the outlet tube is of
transverse cross-section which is substantially similar to the
transverse cross-section of the container.
[0027] In another embodiment of the invention the outlet tube is of
circular transverse cross-section. In a further embodiment of the
invention the outlet tube is of diameter which is similar to the
diameter of the side wall of the container.
[0028] Ideally, the container is adapted for engaging the
vaporising chamber with the outlet tube extending therefrom to
provide access to the mouthpiece.
[0029] In one embodiment of the invention the downstream end cap is
of an impermeable material, and defines an outlet opening.
Preferably, the outlet tube extends from the downstream end cap and
communicates with the hollow interior region of the container
through the outlet opening in the downstream end cap.
[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention the second
permeable means is located adjacent the outlet opening in the
downstream end cap.
[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention the container is
adapted for accommodating a heat transfer member of the vaporising
chamber into the hollow interior region of the container for
transferring heat to the vaporisable matter contained therein.
Preferably, the upstream end of the container is adapted for
accommodating the heat transfer member into the hollow interior
region thereof. Advantageously, the upstream end cap is adapted for
accommodating the heat transfer member into the hollow interior
region.
[0032] In one embodiment of the invention a heat transfer member
accommodating slit is formed in the container for accommodating the
heat transfer member therethrough to the hollow interior region
thereof. Preferably, the heat transfer accommodating slit is formed
in the upstream end cap. Advantageously, the heat transfer member
accommodating slit is formed in the first permeable means.
[0033] In another embodiment of the invention the first permeable
means comprises a first permeable material which is permeable to
the carrier fluid.
[0034] In another embodiment of the invention the first permeable
material is a paper based material.
[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention the first permeable
material is a gauze. Preferably, the first permeable material is a
gauze of a metal material.
[0036] In a further embodiment of the invention the first permeable
material is perforated.
[0037] In another embodiment of the invention the second permeable
means comprises a second permeable material which is permeable to
the aerosol of the carrier fluid and the vapour of the vaporisable
constituent. Preferably, the second permeable material is a paper
based material.
[0038] Alternatively, the second permeable material is a gauze.
Preferably, the second permeable material is a gauze of a metal
material.
[0039] In another embodiment of the invention the second permeable
material is perforated.
[0040] In a still further embodiment of the invention the second
permeable means comprises a filter medium. Preferably, the filter
medium of the second permeable means is adapted for substantially
inhibiting the passage of undesirable vapours from the aerosol
passing therethrough. Advantageously, the filter medium of the
second permeable means is adapted for substantially inhibiting the
passage of tar and other undesirable fluids passing
therethrough.
[0041] Preferably, the vaporisable matter contained in the hollow
interior region of the container is in particulate form.
Advantageously, the vaporisable matter contained in the hollow
interior region is of particle size of maximum dimensions in the
range of 50 microns to 5 mm. Advantageously, the vaporisable matter
is in strip form. Ideally, the strips of the vaporisable matter are
of maximum transverse dimensions in the range of 50 microns to 5
mm. Preferably, the strips of the vaporisable matter are of length
in the range of 5 mm to 40 mm.
[0042] In one embodiment of the invention the vaporisable matter
contained in the hollow interior region comprises a blend of
vaporisable matter of different strip sizes, and the strip sizes of
the blend of the vaporisable matter are selected for maintaining
the level of vapour of the vaporisable constituent in the aerosol
substantially constant over the time period during which the
vaporisable matter is being heated from the time the vaporisable
matter is raised to a temperature suitable for vaporising the
constituent until substantially all of the vapour has been
evaporated from the vaporisable constituent.
[0043] In another embodiment of the invention the vaporisable
matter contained in the hollow interior region comprises a blend of
vaporisable matter of different particle sizes and different strip
sizes, and the particle sizes and the strip sizes of the blend of
the vaporisable matter are selected for maintaining the level of
vapour of the vaporisable constituent in the aerosol substantially
constant over the time period during which the vaporisable matter
is being heated from the time the vaporisable matter is raised to a
temperature suitable for vaporising the constituent until
substantially all of the vapour has been evaporated from the
vaporisable constituent.
[0044] In a still further embodiment of the invention the
vaporisable matter contained in the hollow interior region
comprises a blend of vaporisable matter of different particle
sizes, and the particle sizes of the blend of the vaporisable
matter are selected for maintaining the level of vapour of the
vaporisable constituent in the aerosol substantially constant over
the time period during which the vaporisable matter is being heated
from the time the vaporisable matter is raised to a temperature
suitable for vaporising the constituent until substantially all of
the vapour has been evaporated from the vaporisable
constituent.
[0045] In a still further embodiment of the invention the
vaporisable matter contained in the hollow interior region of the
container is selected from one or more of the following:
TABLE-US-00001 plant matter herbs tobacco mullein passion flower
cloves yohimbe mint tea eucalyptus camomile.
[0046] In one embodiment of the invention the vaporisable matter
contained in the hollow interior region of the container is
tobacco.
[0047] In a further embodiment of the invention the container is in
the form of a sachet adapted for engagement in a plug portion of
the vaporising chamber with the plug portion of the vaporising
chamber in engagement with the vaporising chamber.
[0048] Additionally the invention provides a method for vaporising
a vaporisable constituent of vaporisable matter to form an aerosol,
the method comprising placing the vaporisable matter in a hollow
interior region of a container comprising a first accommodating
means for accommodating a carrier fluid into the hollow interior
region and a second accommodating means for accommodating the
aerosol from the hollow interior region, placing the container in a
vaporising chamber of a vaporising device, heating the container
and the vaporisable matter therein to a temperature at which the
vaporisable constituent vaporises, and drawing a carrier fluid into
the hollow interior region of the container through the first
accommodating means and through the hollow interior region for
entraining vapour of the vaporised constituent in the carrier fluid
to form the aerosol and drawing the aerosol through the second
accommodating means.
[0049] In one embodiment of the invention the temperature to which
the vaporisable matter within the container is heated is varied for
maintaining the level of the vaporisable constituent substantially
constant in the aerosol over a time period from the time the
vaporisable matter is raised to a temperature sufficient for
vaporising the vaporisable constituent until substantially all the
vapour has been evaporated from the vaporisable constituent.
[0050] The invention also provides a vaporising device comprising a
vaporising chamber and a heat source for heating the vaporising
chamber, and a container according to the invention located in the
vaporising chamber, the vaporising chamber having a carrier fluid
inlet for facilitating drawing of a carrier fluid into the hollow
interior region of the container through the first permeable means
for entraining vapour of a vaporisable constituent of the
vaporisable matter in the carrier fluid to form an aerosol of the
carrier fluid and the vapour of the vaporisable constituent, so
that the aerosol can be drawn from the hollow interior region of
the container through the second permeable means.
[0051] The advantages of the invention are many. By virtue of the
fact that the vaporisable matter is provided in a container which
is suitable for locating in a vaporising chamber of a vaporising
device, the vaporisable matter contained in the container can be
factory selected and thus selected under controlled conditions and
factory packed into the container also under controlled conditions.
Thus the consistency and/or blending and other properties of the
vaporisable matter, such as moisture content, weight and the
proportions of other ingredients and additives to the vaporisable
matter in the container can be accurately controlled under factory
conditions. Accordingly, the consistency and blend as well as such
other properties of the vaporisable matter can be selected and
controlled so that the level of the vapour of the vaporisable
constituent or constituents in the aerosol remains substantially
constant during vaporisation of the vaporisable matter.
[0052] A further advantage of providing the vaporisable matter in a
container which is suitable for locating in a vaporising chamber of
a heating device is that the vaporisable matter does not come into
direct contact with the vaporising chamber, and thus, the risk of
contamination, soiling or otherwise damaging the vaporising chamber
is avoided.
[0053] By providing a first permeable means which is permeable to
the carrier fluid and a second permeable means which is permeable
to the aerosol, namely, the carrier fluid with the vapour of the
vaporisable constituent contained therein, more accurate control of
the amount and quality of the carrier fluid being drawn into the
hollow interior region of the container can be achieved.
Furthermore, by providing the second permeable means for
accommodating the aerosol from the hollow interior region of the
container permits the rate and quality of the aerosol being drawn
from the hollow interior region of the container to be also more
accurately controlled. Indeed, where the second permeable means is
provided by a filter, the passage of undesirable constituents in
the aerosol through the filter can be substantially inhibited, and
thus removed from the aerosol, thereby providing a relatively pure
aerosol uncontaminated by undesirable vapours from other
vaporisable constituents of the vaporisable matter. By controlling
the rate at which the carrier fluid is drawn into the hollow
interior region of the container and the rate at which the aerosol
is being drawn out of the hollow interior region, more accurate
control of the level of the vaporised constituent or constituents
in the aerosol can be achieved.
[0054] Furthermore, by appropriately selecting the first and second
permeable means, the pressure drop which is required to be applied
by a user during drawing on the mouthpiece in order to draw the
aerosol from the hollow interior region of the container can be
minimised.
[0055] Additionally, by factory controlling the content of the
vaporisable matter in the container, and factory packing of the
vaporisable matter into the container, the level of the vaporised
constituent or constituents can be readily controlled, and thus,
the level of vapour of the vaporisable constituent or constituents
in the aerosol during production of the aerosol can be readily
controlled.
[0056] By producing the vaporisable matter as a blend of matter of
particles of different sizes, and/or strips of different sizes, so
that the surface area of the vaporisable matter is maximised, more
accurate control of the level of the vaporised constituent or
constituents in the aerosol during production of the aerosol can be
achieved. In particular, by providing the vaporisable matter as a
blend of particles of different sizes of maximum dimensions within
a range of 50 microns and 5 mm, and furthermore, by providing some
or all of the particles in the form of strips of maximum transverse
cross-sectional dimensions in the range of 50 microns to 5 mm and
of length in the range of 5 mm to 40 mm, it has been found that
particularly accurate control of the level of the vapour of the
vaporisable constituent or constituents in the aerosol during
production of the aerosol can be controlled within relatively tight
limits, and in particular, the level of the vapour of the
vaporisable constituent or constituents in the aerosol can be
maintained substantially constant during vaporisation of a charge
of the vaporisable matter in the container during production of the
aerosol therefrom.
[0057] The invention will be more clearly understood from the
following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, which
are given by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0058] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sachet according to the
invention of tobacco for use in a gas powered vaporising device for
vaporising vaporisable constituents in the tobacco to form an
aerosol thereof,
[0059] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sachet of FIG.
1,
[0060] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gas powered vaporising
device,
[0061] FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view
of the vaporising device of FIG. 3,
[0062] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a portion of the
vaporising device of FIG. 3,
[0063] FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the portion
of FIG. 5 of the vaporising device of FIG. 3 on the line VI-VI of
FIG. 5,
[0064] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the vaporising
device of FIG. 3,
[0065] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another portion of the
vaporising device of FIG. 3,
[0066] FIG. 9 is a partly cutaway perspective view of the portion
of FIG. 8 of the vaporising device of FIG. 3,
[0067] FIG. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational
view of a portion of the device of FIG. 3 illustrating the sachet
of FIG. 1 located in a vaporising chamber thereof,
[0068] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a sachet according to
another embodiment of the invention of tobacco,
[0069] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the sachet of
FIG. 11,
[0070] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sachet according to a
further embodiment of the invention of tobacco,
[0071] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the sachet of
FIG. 13,
[0072] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a sachet according to a
still further embodiment of the invention of tobacco,
[0073] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the sachet of
FIG. 15,
[0074] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a container also according
to the invention of tobacco for use in the vaporising device of
FIG. 3,
[0075] FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the container of FIG.
17,
[0076] FIG. 19 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational
view of the container of FIG. 17,
[0077] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a container according to
another embodiment of the invention of tobacco for use in a
vaporising device substantially similar to that of FIG. 3,
[0078] FIG. 21 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational
view of the container of FIG. 20,
[0079] FIG. 22 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of
a vaporising device, which is substantially similar to the
vaporising device of FIG. 3 illustrating the container of FIG. 20
located therein,
[0080] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a container according to a
further embodiment of the invention of tobacco for use in the
vaporising device, the portion of which is illustrated in FIG. 22,
and
[0081] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of the vaporising
device according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0082] Referring to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1 to 10,
there is illustrated a container according to the invention, which
in this embodiment of the invention is provided by a sachet,
indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, containing
vaporisable matter, in this case, tobacco 2 for placing in a
vaporising chamber of a vaporising device for vaporising
vaporisable constituents in the tobacco 2, for example, nicotine
and other desirable constituents to produce an aerosol. The sachet
1 according to this embodiment of the invention is disposable, is
pre-packed with the tobacco 2, and is particularly suitable for use
with the vaporising device disclosed in PCT published Application
Specification No. WO 2006/082571 A1 (which is incorporated herein
by reference) for placing in a vaporising chamber thereof in which
the aerosol is produced. Before describing the sachet 1 in further
detail, the relevant components of the vaporising device disclosed
in PCT published Application Specification No. WO 2006/082571 will
be briefly described.
[0083] Referring in particular to FIGS. 3 to 10, the vaporising
device is indicated generally by the reference numeral 5 and is a
portable handheld device which comprises a two-part casing 6 of
plastics material. An elongated main housing 9 of suitable heat
conducting metal materials is located in the housing 5, and a
combustion chamber 10 is formed in the main housing 9 wherein a
fuel gas/air mixture is converted to heat by a gas catalytic
combustion element 12. Exhaust gases from the combustion chamber 10
are exhausted through an exhaust gas chamber 13 located downstream
of the combustion chamber 10, and in turn through exhaust gas ports
14. A vaporising chamber 15 within which vaporisable matter is
vaporised is located downstream of the exhaust gas chamber 13, and
heat from the combustion chamber 10 and the exhaust gas chamber 13
is transferred into a vaporising chamber 15 for vaporising the
vaporisable matter therein.
[0084] The vaporising chamber 15 comprises a socket portion 16
which is formed by a cylindrical socket side wall 17 extending
downstream from the exhaust gas chamber 13 and a hollow plug
portion 18 which is formed by a cylindrical plug side wall 20 which
extends from a downstream end cap 21. The plug portion 18 is of a
suitable heat conducting metal, and is releasably engageable in the
socket portion, and the plug side wall 20 engages the socket side
wall 17 with a snug sliding fit for facilitating heat transfer from
the socket side wall 17 to the plug side wall 20. The plug side
wall 20 and the downstream end cap 21 define a hollow interior
region 22, which when the plug portion 18 is located in the socket
portion 16 forms the vaporising chamber 15. An upstream end of the
plug side wall 20 defines an open mouth 24 to the hollow interior
region 22, and a transversely extending end wall 23 in the socket
portion 16 closes the open mouth 24 when the plug portion 18 is
fully engaged in the socket portion 16.
[0085] Heat is transferred by conduction through the main housing 9
from the combustion chamber 10, the exhaust gas chamber 13, the
socket side wall 17 and the plug side wall 20 into the vaporising
chamber 15 for vaporising vaporisable matter located in the hollow
interior region 22 of the plug portion 18. Additional heat is also
transferred from the exhaust gas chamber 13 through a heat transfer
member 25 of a suitable heat conducting metal material which
extends centrally into the socket portion 16 from the exhaust gas
chamber 13, and in turn into the hollow interior region 22 of the
plug portion 18 when the plug portion 18 is engaged in the socket
portion 16. The heat transfer member 25 terminates in a pointed tip
26 for engaging and piercing the sachet 1 as will be described in
more detail below.
[0086] An outlet opening 28 in the downstream end cap 21 of the
plug portion 18 accommodates the aerosol from the vaporising
chamber 15 into an outlet tube 29 which accommodates the aerosol to
a mouthpiece 30 through which the aerosol is drawn into the mouth
of a subject and inhaled. A heat sink element 31 is located in the
outlet tube 29 for cooling the aerosol and condensing tarry
constituents entrained therein prior to being drawn through the
mouthpiece 30. An air inlet port 32 into the main housing 9 and air
accommodating openings 33 in the end wall 23 accommodate air into
the vaporising chamber 15. In this embodiment of the invention air
is a carrier fluid in which vapours vaporised from the vaporisable
constituents of the vaporisable matter in the vaporising chamber 15
are entrained for producing the aerosol.
[0087] Fuel gas, in this embodiment of the invention a mixture of
butane and propane in liquid form, in which the butane predominates
is stored in a rechargeable reservoir 34 in the casing 6 and is
delivered through an isolating switch 35 and a pressure regulator
(not shown) from the reservoir 34 through a supply pipe 36 to a
temperature responsive safety isolating valve 37. The fuel gas from
the temperature responsive safety isolating valve 37 is supplied to
a temperature responsive control valve 38 for controlling the
supply of fuel gas to the combustion chamber 10, for in turn
controlling the temperature of the vaporising chamber 15. The fuel
gas from the temperature responsive control valve 38 is mixed with
air in a venturi mixer 39, and the fuel gas/air mixture from the
venturi mixer 39 is delivered into the combustion chamber 10 where
it is converted to heat by the gas catalytic combustion element 12.
A detailed description of the vaporising device 5 and its operation
is given in published PCT Application Specification No. WO
2006/082571 A1.
[0088] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sachet 1 comprises a
cylindrical side wall 45 of an impermeable material which is
impermeable to both the aerosol and the carrier fluid, namely, air
in which vapours of the vaporisable constituents are entrained to
produce the aerosol. In this embodiment of the invention the
cylindrical side wall 45 is of a paper based material, and
typically, is of paper of the type used for rolling a cigarette.
The side wall 45 defines a hollow interior region 46 within which
the tobacco 2 is contained. An upstream end 47 of the side wall 45
defines a first accommodating means, namely, an upstream opening 48
for accommodating the carrier fluid, namely, air into the hollow
interior region 46. A downstream end 50 of the side wall 45 defines
a second accommodating means, namely, a downstream opening 52 for
accommodating the aerosol from the hollow interior region 46. A
first permeable means, which is permeable to air, comprising a
first permeable membrane 51 extends across the upstream opening,
and forms an upstream end cap 49 through which air is accommodated
into the hollow interior region 46. A second permeable means, which
is permeable to the aerosol, comprising a second permeable membrane
54 extends across the downstream opening 52 and forms a downstream
end cap 53 through which the aerosol is drawn from the hollow
interior region 46. The upstream and downstream end caps 49 and 53
are sealably secured to the side wall 45 of the sachet 1 by a
suitable adhesive. Air, which is the carrier fluid, is accommodated
into the hollow interior region 46 through the upstream end cap 49
from the air inlet port 32 in the main housing 9 and the air
accommodating openings 33 in the end wall 23 of the vaporising
chamber 15. The aerosol, which comprises air with the vapour or
vapours of the vaporisable constituent or constituents of the
tobacco 2 entrained therein is accommodated from the hollow
interior region 46 through the downstream end cap 53 and in turn
through the outlet opening 28 in the downstream end cap 21 of the
plug portion 18.
[0089] In this embodiment of the invention the first and second
permeable membranes 51 and 54 of the upstream and downstream end
caps 49 and 53, respectively, are of similar permeable materials.
Both are of a porous paper material of thickness of the order of
100 microns formed of fibres of approximately 10 microns diameter.
The paper material of the upstream and downstream end caps 49 and
53 is of porosity to be sufficiently permeable to air and to the
aerosol, while at the same time retaining the tobacco 2 within the
hollow interior region 46 of the sachet 1 for preventing particles
of tobacco 2 and contaminants, such as tar and the like
contaminating the vaporising chamber 15.
[0090] The paper material of the upstream and downstream end caps
49 and 53 is relatively easily pierceable, so that when the sachet
1 is located in the hollow interior region 22 of the plug portion
18 and the plug portion 18 is being engaged in the socket portion
16 of the vaporising device 1, the upstream end cap 49 is readily
easily pierced by the heat transfer member 25, so that in use the
heat transfer member 25 extends into the hollow interior region 46
of the sachet 1 for directly transferring heat into the tobacco 2.
The paper material of the upstream and downstream end caps 49 and
53 is also of the type which effectively self-seals, so that once
pierced by the heat transfer member 25, the paper material of the
upstream end cap 49 self-seals around the heat transfer member 25,
thereby preventing loss of particles of tobacco 2 and other
contaminants from the hollow interior region 46 of the sachet 1.
The sealing action of the paper material of the upstream end cap 49
on the heat transfer member 25 also has a cleansing action on the
heat transfer member 25 as the sachet 1 is being disengaged from
the heat transfer member 25, thereby removing tobacco particles and
tarry contaminants from the heat transfer member 25.
[0091] The sachet 1 substantially defines the internal volume of
the vaporising chamber 15 of the vaporising device 5, and the side
wall 45 of the sachet 1 is of outer diameter just less than the
internal diameter of the plug side wall 20 of the plug portion 18,
and is of length substantially similar to the length of the plug
side wall 20 from the downstream end cap 21 to the open mouth 24.
Thus, the sachet 1 forms a releasable, relatively snug, tight fit
in the hollow interior region 22 of the plug portion 18, so that
when the plug portion 18 is fully engaged in the socket portion 16,
heat is efficiently transferred from the socket side wall 17
through the plug side wall 20 and the side wall 45 of the sachet 1
to the tobacco 2.
[0092] The tobacco 2 in this embodiment of the invention is in both
particulate form and strip form and comprises a blend of tobacco
particles and strips of different sizes.
[0093] The particles of the different particle size in the blend of
particle sizes are of size such that the maximum dimension of the
particles is in a range from 50 microns to 5 mm. The strips of the
different sizes are of length in the range of 5 mm to 40 mm and of
maximum transverse cross-sectional dimensions in the range of 50
microns to 5 mm. The different sizes of the particles and strips of
the blend of particles and strips of the tobacco 2 are selected to
optimise the surface area of the particles and strips consistent
with vaporising the vaporisable constituents of the tobacco 2, so
that the level of vapour of the vaporised constituents in the
aerosol is substantially constant from the time the tobacco 2 has
been brought up to the vaporisation temperature of the vaporisable
constituents to be vaporised until those vaporisable constituents
in the tobacco 2 have been exhausted. It has been found that by
providing the tobacco in particulate form and strip form, and of
particles of different sizes appropriately sized and with the
maximum dimensions of the particles within the range of 50 microns
to 2 mm and with the strips of different sizes and appropriately
sized of lengths in the range of 5 mm to 40 mm and of maximum
transverse cross-sectional dimensions in the range of 50 microns to
5 mm, enhances the rate of vaporisation of the vaporisable matter,
particularly at the initial stages after the tobacco has been
brought up to the vaporisation temperature of the vaporisable
constituents to be vaporised. Additionally, by so providing the
tobacco 2 of such particle and strip sizes, vapours are more
efficiently released from the vaporisable constituent, and thus a
relatively sharp cut-off of the evaporation of the vapours of the
vaporisable constituents of the tobacco 2 occurs as the vaporisable
constituents are being exhausted. This, thus, provides an aerosol
which is more consistent over the period during which the
vaporisable constituents of the tobacco 2 in the sachet 1 are being
vaporised, and in particular, assists in maintaining the level of
the vapours of the vaporisable constituents in the aerosol
substantially constant from the time the tobacco 2 is brought up to
the vaporisation temperature until substantially all of the
vaporisable constituents to be vaporised.
[0094] In use, the sachet 1 pre-packed with the tobacco 2 is placed
in the hollow interior region 22 of the plug portion 18 with the
downstream end cap 53 of the sachet 1 abutting the downstream end
cap 21 of the plug portion 18. The plug portion 18 is then engaged
in the socket portion 16 of the vaporising device 5, and is urged
fully home into the socket portion 16 with the upstream end cap 49
of the sachet 1 abutting the upstream end wall 23 of the socket
portion 16. As the plug portion 18 is being urged into the socket
portion 16, the upstream end cap 49 of the sachet 1 is pierced by
the pointed tip 26 of the heat transfer member 25, and further
urging of the plug portion 18 into the socket portion 16 urges the
heat transfer member 25 into the hollow interior region 46 of the
sachet 1 for transferring heat directly to the tobacco 2.
[0095] With the plug portion 18 of the vaporising chamber 15
engaged in the socket portion 16, the vaporising device 5 is
operated for delivering fuel gas/air mixture into the combustion
chamber 10 where the fuel gas/air mixture is initially ignited to
burn in a flame to raise the gas catalytic combustion element 12 to
its ignition temperature. Thereafter, the gas catalytic combustion
element 12 converts the fuel gas/air mixture to heat. In this
embodiment of the invention the temperature responsive control
valve 38 is preset to control the temperature of the main housing 9
of the vaporising device 5 at a temperature so that the temperature
within the vaporising chamber 15 and in turn the temperature of the
tobacco 2 is maintained at a temperature of approximately
160.degree. C., which is the optimum temperature for vaporising the
desirable vaporisable constituents in the tobacco.
[0096] Once the tobacco 2 in the sachet 1 in the combustion chamber
15 has been brought up to the vaporising temperature of 160.degree.
C., the vaporisable constituents of the tobacco 2 commence to
vaporise. By drawing on the mouthpiece 30 of the vaporising device
5, air is drawn into the vaporising chamber 15 and in turn into the
hollow interior region 46 of the sachet 1 through the upstream end
cap 49. Vapours of the vaporised constituents are entrained in the
air in the hollow interior region 46 to form the aerosol. The
aerosol is drawn through the outlet opening 28 in the downstream
end cap 21 of the plug portion 18 and in turn into the outlet tube
29 and through the mouthpiece 30. The aerosol is cooled as it
passes over the heat sink 31 in the outlet tube 29, and tarry
substances in the aerosol condense onto the heat sink 31.
[0097] In practice, it is envisaged that the vaporising chamber 15
and the sachet 1 will be of size suitable for containing a
sufficient quantity of tobacco 2 to produce between six and twelve
puffs.
[0098] When the tobacco 2 in the sachet 1 is spent, the sachet is
removed from the combustion chamber 15, and is replaced with a
fresh sachet 1 of tobacco 2.
[0099] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is illustrated a
disposable sachet 60 according to another embodiment of the
invention of tobacco 2 for use with the vaporising device 5. The
sachet 60 is substantially similar to the sachet 1, and similar
components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main
difference between the sachet 60 and the sachet 1 is that the
cylindrical side wall 45 of the sachet 60 is of metal gauze
material, and is thus not impermeable, and the upstream and
downstream end caps 49 and 53 are of a similar metal gauze material
to that of the side wall 45. Being of a gauze material, the
upstream end cap 49 and the downstream end cap 53 are permeable to
air and the aerosol. Since the upstream end cap 49 is of metal
gauze material, a heat transfer member accommodating slit 61 is
provided in the upstream end cap 49 for accommodating the heat
transfer member 25 into the hollow interior region 46 of the sachet
60. As the plug portion 18 with the sachet 60 located therein is
being engaged in the socket portion 16 of the vaporising device 5,
the pointed tip 26 of the heat transfer member 25 engages the slit
61, thereby opening the slit 61 to accommodate the heat transfer
member 25 into the hollow interior region 45 of the sachet 60.
[0100] Otherwise, the sachet 60 and its use in the vaporising
device 5 is similar to that already described with reference to the
sachet 1.
[0101] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, there is illustrated a
disposable sachet 65 also according to the invention of tobacco 2
for use with a vaporising device substantially similar to the
vaporising device 5. The sachet 65 is substantially similar to the
sachet 1 and similar components are identified by the same
reference numerals.
[0102] The main difference between the sachet 65 and the sachet 1
is in the side wall 45 thereof. The side wall 45 is of similar
material to the side wall 45 of the sachet 1, as are the upstream
and downstream end caps 49 and 53 thereof of a similar material to
that of the upstream and downstream end caps 45 and 53 of the
sachet 1. However, in this embodiment of the invention the side
wall 45 is shaped at 66 to form longitudinally extending recesses
67 for accommodating heat exchange projections extending from the
plug side wall 20 of the plug portion 18 into the hollow interior
region 22 thereof for enhancing heat transfer from the plug portion
18 to the sachet 65 and in turn to the tobacco 2 therein. The heat
exchange projections on the plug side wall 20 for engaging the
shaped portions 66 of the sachet 65 are not illustrated, however,
their construction and shape is complementary to the shape of the
recesses 67 of the sachet 65, and will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art.
[0103] Otherwise the sachet 65 and its use in conjunction with the
vaporising device 5 is similar to the sachet 1 already
described.
[0104] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is illustrated a
disposable sachet 70 according to a still further embodiment of the
invention of tobacco 2 for use in a vaporising device substantially
similar to the vaporising device 5. In this embodiment of the
invention, it is envisaged that the heat transfer member 25 of the
heating device 5 will be omitted. The sachet 70 is substantially
similar to the sachet 1, and similar components are identified by
the same reference numerals. The main difference between the sachet
70 and the sachet 1 is that a tubular heat transfer element 71 is
located within the hollow interior region 46 of the sachet 70
adjacent the upstream end cap 49, and extends into the hollow
interior region 46 from the upstream end cap 49. An opening 72 in
the upstream end cap 49 exposes the heat transfer element 71. The
heat transfer element 71 engages and co-operates with the upstream
end wall 23 of the socket portion 16 for enhancing heat transfer
into the tobacco 2 in the sachet 70. Ideally, though not essential,
the heat transfer element 71 may be of a magnetic material, so that
the heat transfer element 71 is drawn towards and tightly abuts the
upstream end wall 23 of the socket portion 16 by magnetic
attraction. In this embodiment of the invention the side wall 45 is
of aluminium foil, and the upstream and downstream end caps 49 and
53 are of perforated aluminium foil.
[0105] Otherwise, the sachet 70 and its use in the vaporising
device 5 is similar to the sachet 1.
[0106] However, it is envisaged that in certain cases the internal
diameter of the heat transfer element 71 may be just greater than
the outer diameter of the heat transfer member 25, and the
vaporising device would be provided with the heat transfer member
25, so that the heat transfer element 71 would be a snug sliding
fit on the heat transfer member 25 for transferring heat from the
heat transfer member 25 to the heat transfer element 71, and in
turn to the tobacco 2.
[0107] Referring now to FIGS. 17 to 19, there is illustrated a
disposable container according to another embodiment of the
invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 75, of
tobacco 2 for use in conjunction with the vaporising device 5
described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9 for vaporising the tobacco
2 contained in the container 75. In this embodiment of the
invention the container 75 instead of being formed by a sachet is
shaped in the form of the plug portion 18 of the vaporising device
5, and also comprises an outlet tube 76 extending from the
container 75 and terminating in a mouthpiece 77. In this embodiment
of the invention the container 75 replaces the plug portion 18 and
the outlet tube 29 of the vaporising device 5. The container 75
comprises a cylindrical side wall 78 which defines a hollow
interior region 79 for the tobacco 2, and which is of similar outer
diameter to that of the plug side wall 20 of the plug portion 18
for releasably engaging the socket side wall 17 of the socket
portion 16 with a snug sliding fit for facilitating heat transfer
by conduction between the socket side wall 17 and the side wall 78
of the container 75. The length of the side wall 78 of the
container 75 is similar to the length of the plug side wall 20 of
the plug portion 18. In this embodiment of the invention the
material of the side wall 78 is impermeable to air and to the
aerosol, and is of a suitable plastics material. An upstream end 80
of the side wall 78 is closed by an upstream end cap 81 of a first
material which is permeable to air, which in this case is porous
paper material. A downstream end 82 of the side wall 78 is closed
by a downstream end cap 83 of similar impermeable plastics material
to that of the side wall 78. The outlet tube 76, which is also of a
similar plastics material to that of the side wall 78, extends from
the downstream end cap 83. An outlet opening 84 in the downstream
end cap 83 communicates the outlet tube 76 with the hollow interior
region 79 of the container 75.
[0108] In this embodiment of the invention the second permeable
means is provided by a filter 85 of a filter medium which is formed
into a plug which is engaged in the outlet tube 76 adjacent the
outlet opening 84 in the downstream end cap 83. The material of the
filter 94 is of a material suitable for substantially inhibiting
the passage of tarry substances and undesirable vapours in the
aerosol therethrough.
[0109] A heat sink element 86 similar to the heat sink element 31
of the vaporising device 5 is located in the outlet tube 76
intermediate the filter 85 and the mouthpiece 77.
[0110] In use, since the container 75 replaces the plug portion 18
of the vaporising device 5, the plug portion and the outlet tube 29
are no longer required, and may be dispensed with. Thus, with the
container 75 engaged and fully home in the socket portion 16 of the
vaporising device 5, the vaporising device 5 is ready for use. With
the temperature of the tobacco 2 in the container 75 raised to
approximately 195.degree. C. by the vaporising device 5, a subject
draws on the mouthpiece 77 of the outlet tube 76, thereby drawing
an aerosol of the vapours of the vaporisable constituents of the
tobacco 2 from the hollow interior region 79 of the container 75
through the outlet tube 76, and in turn through the mouthpiece 77.
Air is drawn into the hollow interior region 79 of the container 75
through the air accommodating openings 33 in the upstream end wall
23 and in turn through the upstream end cap 81. The vaporised
constituents are entrained in the air as it is being drawn through
the hollow interior region 79 to form the aerosol, and tarry
substances and other undesirable vaporised constituents are
filtered from the aerosol as it is drawn through the filter 85.
[0111] Otherwise, the container 75 and its use in conjunction with
the vaporising device 5 is similar to that of the sachet 1.
[0112] Referring now to FIGS. 20 to 22, there is illustrated a
disposable container according to another embodiment of the
invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 90, of
tobacco 2 for use in conjunction with the vaporising device 5
described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9 for vaporising the tobacco
2 contained in the container 90. As in the case of the container
75, the plug portion 18 of the vaporising device 5 is not required
for vaporising the vaporisable constituents of the tobacco 2 in the
container 90. The container 90 comprises a cylindrical side wall 91
of paper, similar to that used in rolling a cigarette. The side
wall 91 defines a hollow interior region 92 for the tobacco 2, and
an upstream end cap 93 extends across an upstream opening 94, and
is sealably secured to the side wall 91. The upstream end cap 93 is
of a first permeable material, which in this case is a porous paper
material similar to that of the upstream end cap 49 of the sachet 1
which is described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, for
accommodating a carrier fluid, namely, air, which subsequently
forms the aerosol, into the hollow interior region 92. The outside
diameter of the socket side wall 91 is just less than the internal
diameter of the side wall 17 of the socket portion 16 of the
vaporising device 5 so that the side wall 91 is a relatively tight
sliding fit in the vaporising chamber 15 for maximising heat
transfer from the socket side wall 17 of the socket portion 16 to
the tobacco 2. The length of the side wall 91 is substantially
similar to the axial length of the socket side wall 17 of the
socket portion 16.
[0113] A downstream opening 95 defined by the side wall 91 at a
downstream end 96 accommodates the aerosol from the hollow interior
region 92. An outlet tube 97 extends from the side wall 91 at the
downstream end 96 thereof for accommodating the aerosol from the
hollow interior region 92, and in this embodiment of the invention
the outlet tube 95 is formed by a filter accommodating cylindrical
side wall 98 of a relatively stiff paper material which is suitable
for withstanding moisture from the mouth of a user. The diameter of
the filter accommodating side wall 98 is substantially similar to
the diameter of the side wall 91, and the filter accommodating side
wall 98 overlaps the side wall 91 at the downstream end 96 thereof,
where it is secured to the side wall 91 by a suitable adhesive.
[0114] In this embodiment of the invention the second permeable
means is provided by a filter 99 which is located within the filter
accommodating side wall 98 and extends through the filter
accommodating side wall 98 from the downstream opening 95 defined
by the side wall 91. The filter 99 is of similar material to the
filter 85 of the container 75. In effect, the container 90
according to this embodiment of the invention is in the form of a
stubby cigarette which is closed at its upstream end by the
upstream end cap 93.
[0115] In use, as discussed above, the plug portion 18 of the
vaporising device 5 is not required. The container 90 with the
tobacco 2 therein is engaged in the vaporising chamber 15 defined
by the socket portion 16 by sliding the side wall 91 into the
vaporising chamber 15 with the side wall 91 in relatively tight
sliding engagement with the side wall 17 of the socket portion 16.
The container 90 is urged into the vaporising chamber 15 until it
is fully home in the vaporising chamber 15, and typically, when the
container 90 is fully home in the vaporising chamber 15, the filter
accommodating side wall 98 adjacent the downstream end of the side
wall 91 abuts the socket side wall 17 of the socket portion 16 of
the vaporising device. As the container 90 is being inserted into
the vaporising chamber 15, the upstream end cap 93 is pierced by
the pointed tip 26 of the heat transfer member 25, and further
urging of the container 90 into the vaporising chamber 15 causes
the heat transfer member 25 to extend into the hollow interior
region 92 of the container 90 for engaging and transferring heat to
the tobacco 2 therein.
[0116] The vaporising device is operated to raise the temperature
within the vaporising chamber 15 and in turn the temperature of the
tobacco 2 to the desired vaporising temperature of 160.degree. C. A
user then places the lips of his or her mouth around the filter
accommodating side wall 98 and draws the aerosol from the hollow
interior region 92 through the filter 99. When the tobacco 2 in the
container 90 has been exhausted, the container 90 is replaced with
a fresh container 90 in the vaporising chamber 15.
[0117] Referring now to FIG. 23, there is illustrated a disposable
container, according to another embodiment of the invention,
indicated generally by the reference numeral 100 of tobacco 2. The
container 100 is substantially similar to the container 90 which
has been described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22, and similar
components are identified by the same reference numerals. The only
difference between the container 100 and the container 90 is that
in the container 100 the upstream end cap 93 has been omitted, and
the tobacco within the hollow interior region 92 of the container
100 is therefore exposed through the upstream opening 94. The
container 100 is dimensioned similarly as the container 90 so that
the side wall 91 of the container 100 is a relatively tight sliding
fit in the vaporising chamber 15 of the vaporising device 5.
Otherwise, the container 100 and its use is similar to that
described with reference to the container 90.
[0118] Referring now to FIG. 24, there is illustrated a socket
portion 16 of a vaporising device according to another embodiment
of the invention. Both the vaporising device and the socket portion
16 of this embodiment of the invention are substantially similar to
the vaporising device 5 and the socket portion 16 of the vaporising
device 5, and similar components are identified by the same
reference numerals. The main difference between the two vaporising
devices is in the socket portion 16. In this case, instead of a
single centrally located heat transfer member 25 extending from the
upstream end wall 23 into the socket portion 16, four heat transfer
members 25 are provided. The heat transfer members 25 are similar
to the heat transfer member 25 of the socket portion 16 of the
vaporising device 5, and extend from the exhaust gas chamber 13
through the upstream end wall 23, and are located at equi-spaced
apart intervals circumferentially around the centre of the upstream
end wall 23. Otherwise, the socket portion 16 and the vaporising
chamber 15 of the vaporising device according to this embodiment of
the invention are similar to the socket portion 16 and the
vaporising chamber 15 of the vaporising device 5.
[0119] Where sachets and containers similar to the sachets and
containers described herein are to be provided for use with the
socket portion 16 illustrated in FIG. 24, the sachets and
containers will be substantially similar to those described
hereinabove, with the exception that where heat transfer member
accommodating slits are required in the upstream end cap of the
sachets or containers, four heat transfer accommodating slits will
be provided appropriately positioned for engaging the pointed tips
26 of the respective heat transfer members 25.
[0120] While the downstream end caps of some of the sachets have
been described as being of a paper based material, which is
permeable to the aerosol, it is envisaged in certain cases that the
downstream end caps may be of a filter material for filtering out
undesirable constituents, vaporised or otherwise, which would be
entrained in the aerosol, for example, for filtering out tarry
substances and other undesirable constituents. Such filter material
may, but not necessarily, be of material similar to the filter 85
of the container 75. Where the downstream end cap is provided of a
filter material, it is envisaged that the downstream end cap will
be in the form of a cylindrical plug, which would be engaged in the
downstream opening defined by the side wall of the sachets, in
order to provide sufficient filtering of the aerosol. Such a filter
could be of the type provided on a filter tipped cigarette.
[0121] While not illustrated, it is envisaged that the sachets may
be provided with a tab adjacent the downstream end thereof for
facilitating removal of a spent sachet from the vaporising
chamber.
[0122] While the sachets and containers have been described as
containing tobacco, the sachets and containers may be provided with
any other vaporisable matter, which includes one or more
vaporisable constituents which are to be vaporised.
[0123] While the sachets and containers according to the invention
have been described for use with a gas powered heating device, it
is envisaged that the sachets may be provided for use in
conjunction with a heating device heated by any other suitable
heating source, for example, by an electrically powered heating
source or the like.
[0124] While the sachets and container have been described as being
of cylindrical shape, the sachets and container may be of any other
suitable or desirable shape. While it is desirable that the sachet
should define the interior of the vaporising chamber, this is not
essential. However, it is desirable that there should be a
relationship between the sachet and the interior of the vaporising
chamber to optimise the amount of air drawn through the sachet and
in turn through the tobacco in order to produce a desirable aerosol
of the vaporised constituents.
[0125] Additionally, it will be appreciated that the upstream and
downstream end caps which form the first and second permeable
means, respectively, may be permeable to other fluids, including
vapours, gases and the like besides the carrier fluid, which in
general will be air, and the aerosol.
[0126] While the sachets and container have been described as being
of specific types of materials, the sachets and container may be of
any other suitable materials, and the materials of the first and
second permeable means may be of any suitable material which would
permit air to be drawn into the hollow interior region of the
sachet, and the aerosol to be drawn therefrom. Indeed, in some
embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the side wall of
the sachet may be of a wire gauze material, while the upstream and
downstream end caps may be of a suitable paper or other such
permeable material. Needless to say, the first and second permeable
materials may be the same or different. It is also envisaged that
the materials of the first and second permeable means and the side
wall may be similar materials.
[0127] Additionally, in some embodiments of the invention it is
envisaged that the vaporising device may be adapted for
facilitating altering of the temperature of the device for varying
the temperature of the tobacco in the sachet for assisting in
maintaining the level of vaporised matter substantially constant in
the aerosol from the time the tobacco has been brought up to the
vaporising temperature until the tobacco or other vaporisable
matter has been exhausted.
[0128] It will be appreciated that while the vaporising device has
been described as maintaining the temperature of the tobacco at
160.degree. C. for vaporising the vaporisable constituents, this
temperature may vary, depending on the type of tobacco used. It
will also be appreciated that where the vaporisable matter is
vaporisable matter other than tobacco, the vaporising device will
be operated for maintaining the temperature of the vaporisable
matter at an appropriate temperature for vaporising the vaporisable
constituents therein. For example, it is envisaged that where the
vaporisable matter is chamomile, a suitable vaporising temperature
would be of the order of 195.degree. C.
* * * * *