U.S. patent application number 14/783701 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-25 for electronic smoking substitutive device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alessandro RIGHETTI, SINO BUSINESS LIMITED. Invention is credited to Alessandro RIGHETTI.
Application Number | 20160050976 14/783701 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51689014 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160050976 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RIGHETTI; Alessandro |
February 25, 2016 |
ELECTRONIC SMOKING SUBSTITUTIVE DEVICE
Abstract
The electronic smoking substitutive device comprises a tubular
body (2) of rigid material, inside which a rechargeable electric
battery and an atomizer suitable to be powered by said electric
battery are arranged. Activation means (5) allow to operate the
heating of said atomizer by the electric battery. A tank (10)
containing an inhalable substance in aqueous solution is suitable
to be placed in disposable manner in contact with said
atomizer.
Inventors: |
RIGHETTI; Alessandro;
(Martinsicuro (TE), IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RIGHETTI; Alessandro
SINO BUSINESS LIMITED |
Martinsicuro (TE)
Belize City |
|
IT
BZ |
|
|
Family ID: |
51689014 |
Appl. No.: |
14/783701 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
April 9, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2014/060567 |
371 Date: |
October 9, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/328 ;
131/329; 206/242; 206/265 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 47/008 20130101;
A24B 15/167 20161101; A24B 15/16 20130101; A61K 47/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 10, 2013 |
IT |
BO2013A000157 |
Dec 20, 2013 |
IT |
BO2013A000706 |
Claims
1. An electronic smoking substitutive device, comprising: a tubular
body of rigid material; a rechargeable electric battery arranged
inside said tubular body; an atomizer associated with said tubular
body and suitable to be powered by said electric battery; a tank
for an inhalable substance in aqueous solution, suitable to be
placed in removable manner in contact with said atomizer; an
activation means for said atomizer, associated with said tubular
body for activating heating of said atomizer by means of said
electric battery; a disposable mouthpiece of plastic material for
inhaling an atomized inhalable substance, suitable to be axially
associated with one end of said tubular body and said disposable
mouthpiece comprising a chamber in an interior thereof to define
said tank of the inhalable substance in aqueous solution, said
chamber being pre-filled with a predetermined quantity of said
inhalable substance, suitable to allow a predetermined number of
inhalations, and closed in a hermetic manner, at one end suitable
to be placed close to said atomizer, through a means which can be
opened on use.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said activation means
comprises a push button arranged in an intermediate position on
said tubular body and suitable to be operated by pressure for
activating the heating of said atomizer.
3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said means which can be
opened on use comprises a tear-off removable peel suitable to close
a front opening of said chamber of the tank.
4. A device according to claim 1, wherein said means which can be
opened on use comprises a lid for frontally closing said chamber of
said tank, suitable to be pierced by an insertion means associated
with said atomizer.
5. A disposable tank of inhalable solution for an electronic
smoking substitutive device, the disposable tank comprising: a
disposable container of plastic material suitable to be axially
associated with one end of a tubular body of said device and
defining a mouthpiece for inhaling an inhalable substance vaporized
by said device, said container comprising a chamber in an interior
thereof, said chamber being pre-filled with a predetermined
quantity of said inhalable substance in aqueous solution, suitable
to allow a predetermined number of inhalations, and closed in a
hermetic manner, at one end turned in use towards an inside of said
device, through means which can be open on use.
6. A disposable tank according to claim 5, wherein said chamber
pre-filled with the predetermined quantity of said inhalable
substance in aqueous solution is shaped in a central portion of
said container and has a front opening closed in a hermetic manner,
before the use, by said means which can be open on use.
7. A disposable tank according to claim 5, wherein externally to
said chamber prefilled with the predetermined quantity of said
inhalable substance in aqueous solution, inside a casing, is
provided at least one longitudinal channel for aspiration of said
inhalable vaporized substance.
8. A disposable tank according to claim 6, wherein said means which
can be open on use comprises a tear-off removable peel suitable to
close said front opening of said chamber.
9. A disposable tank according to claim 6, wherein said means which
can be open on use comprises a lid for the front closure of said
chamber, suitable to be pierced by an insertion means associated
with an atomizer of the device.
10. A disposable tank according to claim 7, wherein said casing
defines at one end, close to a bottom of said chamber prefilled
with said inhalable substance in aqueous solution, a vane for
housing a seal element, suitable to prevent leakages of the
vaporized substance.
11. A disposable tank according to claim 7, further comprising: a
closure element which is suitable to be inserted in an entrance of
said casing defining said mouthpiece and centrally has a hole for
the aspiration of the vaporized inhalable substance.
12. A disposable tank, according to claim 5, wherein said inhalable
substance in aqueous solution comprises natural glycol constituted
by 1,3-propandiole.
13. A disposable tank according to claim 12, wherein said
1,3-propandiole is obtained through a biologic process starting
from corn sugars.
14. A disposable tank according to claim 12, wherein said
1,3-propandiole is present in a quantity comprised between 32% and
98% in weight.
15. A disposable tank according to claim 5, wherein the disposable
container is provided inside a sealed small bag.
16. A process comprising: using a disposable tank pre-filled with a
predetermined quantity of inhalable substance in aqueous solution
combined with an electronic smoking substitutive device, said
electronic smoking substitutive device comprising a tubular body of
rigid material, a rechargeable electric battery arranged inside
said tubular body, an atomizer associated with said tubular body
and suitable to be powered by said electric battery, an activation
means for said atomizer and a disposable mouthpiece of plastic
material for inhaling an atomized inhalable substance, suitable to
be axially associated with one end of said tubular body, said
activation means being associated with said tubular body for
activating heating of said atomizer by means of said electric
battery, said disposable tank being placed in a removable manner in
contact with said atomizer, said disposable mouthpiece comprising a
chamber in an interior thereof to define said disposable tank of
the inhalable substance in aqueous solution, said chamber being
pre-filled with said predetermined quantity of said inhalable
substance, suitable to allow a predetermined number of inhalations,
and closed in a hermetic manner, at one end suitable to be placed
close to said atomizer, through a means which can be opened on use.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention concerns an electronic smoking
substitutive device, commonly known as electronic cigarette.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] It has been known for a long time that electronic smoking
substitutive devices are used, commonly known as electronic
cigarettes, enabling the user to inhale a substance which emulates
the flavour of the traditional secondary products of the tobacco,
but which do not produce any flame or smoke. The inhalable
substance, in the form of vapour, may contain nicotine or not, in
addition to suitable flavorings. In practice, electronic cigarettes
make the user feel a sensation similar to the one provided by
traditional smoking products, such as cigars and cigarettes, but
they are potentially less harmful to health as there is no
combustion.
[0003] The electronic cigarettes generally contain a rechargeable
electric battery, an atomizer powered by a battery and a container
for the liquid to be vaporized placed in contact with the smoke
atomizer. In a known type of electronic cigarette, the battery, the
atomizer and the liquid container are housed inside a casing of
elongated shape which reproduces also visually the shape of a
normal cigarette. For example, certain electronic cigarettes types
are known, in which the liquid container is placed inside a portion
of the tubular casing that simulates the filter of the cigarette
and is inserted in the atomizer associated with the battery, which
is placed inside a distal portion of the tubular casing simulating
the cylindrical body of the cigarette.
[0004] When the atomizer is activated, by means of the electric
battery, the liquid solution in the container vaporizes and can be
inhaled by the user. The dose of liquid solution contained in the
container is such as to allow, once vaporized, a predetermined
number of inhalations.
[0005] An electronic smoking substitutive device of such type is
described for example in patent application GB 2465247. Such device
is made up of a tube containing a tank which contains a liquid
comprising an inhalable substance, for example an aqueous solution
of nicotine and other flavorings. The device also comprises a
heating element which is in direct contact with the tank. The
heating element is suitable to be powered by a rechargeable
electric battery. In such device, the tank is not removable from
the tube without breaking or destroying other parts of the same
device. Therefore, the device is of disposable type, like a normal
cigarette, that is, when the contents of the tank are exhausted,
the whole device is trashed.
[0006] A different type of electronic smoking substitutive device,
illustrated for example in patent application US2013/0081642,
comprises a first tubular unit, inside which the electric battery
is housed, and a second tubular unit, also known as cartomizer,
which, in use, is axially coupled with the first unit and carries,
inside, the tank for the liquid solution and the atomizer,
positioned in contact with the tank. In this case, only the
cartomizer is disposable, while the battery unit is reusable.
[0007] Patent application WO2013/040193 discloses an electronic
cigarette having a first portion, which is a tubular reusable
element housing electric components, including a rechargeable
battery and a heating element. A second portion is hermetically
coupled with the tubular element and can be periodically replaced.
Such replaceable portion contains a cartridge with the material to
be vaporized, for example synthetic cotton fibre saturated with a
mixture of polyethylene glycol, nicotine and other flavorings. The
first portion allows the passage of hot air when the user draws air
through a mouthpiece placed at the end of the cigarette. The hot
air flows through the volatile material, providing the user with
the vaporized nicotine or other substances to be inhaled. The
cartridge allows to perform 150 to 200 inhalations. Since the
atomizer is separated from the cartridge containing the volatile
substance, the cost of the replaceable piece is reduced.
[0008] The evolution of the industry has led to the production of
electronic cigarettes with advanced features, which also in design
do not remind normal cigarettes. Such electronic cigarettes provide
for example an electronic circuit which controls their
functions.
[0009] The currently most widespread electronic cigarettes provide,
as container of the inhalable liquid, a refillable tank associated
with the tubular body, in which the electric battery and the
atomizer are housed. This tank is suitable to contain a suitable
amount of liquid. In particular, the tank has sufficient capacity
to allow a continued use of the electronic cigarette, for example,
for one or more days, depending of course on the individual habits,
that is, on the frequency with which the user normally uses the
device. Before its use, the tank is filled with the suitable amount
of liquid; when the amount of liquid is exhausted, the user shall
remove the tank from the body of the device and refill it by
drawing from a suitable bottle.
[0010] The frequent operation of tank refilling of the electronic
cigarette is generally inconvenient, especially if the user needs
to bring with himself the bottle with the filling liquid. For this
reason, the manufacturers of electronic cigarettes often prefer to
use tanks of larger size, to increase significantly the number of
inhalations obtainable with each recharge. This implies, however,
an undesirable increase in size and weight of the devices. The
problem of the need for frequent refills substantially does not
change also for those who smoke in a not moderate way.
[0011] Another drawback complained about the use of traditional
electronic cigarettes is the lack of hygiene that can result from
the use of the aforementioned liquid tanks, because of the cited
manipulations.
DISCLOSURE
[0012] The task of the present invention is that of solving the
aforementioned problems, by devising an electronic smoking
substitutive device which does not require a frequent refilling of
the tank for the liquid.
[0013] Within such task, it is a further scope of the present
invention that of providing an electronic smoking substitutive
device of reduced weight and size.
[0014] A further scope of the present invention is that of
providing an electronic smoking substitutive device which ensures,
in use, the best hygienic conditions.
[0015] Another scope of the present invention is that of providing
an electronic smoking substitutive device provided with an easy
constructive and functional conception, a versatile use as well as
relatively economic costs.
[0016] The cited scopes are attained, according to the present
invention, by the electronic smoking substitutive device according
to claim 1.
[0017] According to the present invention, the electronic smoking
substitutive device provides the use of a disposable mouthpiece of
plastic material for the inhalation of an inhalable vaporized
substance, which is suitable to be axially associated, in removable
manner, with one end of a tubular body of the electronic device and
has in its inside a chamber suitable to shape a tank for the
inhalable substance in aqueous solution.
[0018] Advantageously, said chamber is prefilled with a
predetermined quantity of said inhalable substance in aqueous
solution, suitable to allow a predetermined number of
inhalations.
[0019] The electronic smoking substitutive device according to the
present invention, consequently, does not require the tank of the
liquid to be refilled.
[0020] Advantageously, said chamber is closed in hermetic manner,
at one end suitable to be placed close to an atomizer, placed
inside said tubular body of the electronic device, through means
which can be opened for use.
[0021] This ensures, in use, the best hygienic conditions, as the
user is never in contact with the liquid contained in the
disposable mouthpiece.
[0022] According to an embodiment of the device, said means which
can be opened for use comprise a tear-off removable peel, suitable
to close a front opening of said tank.
[0023] According to a different embodiment of the device, said
means which can be opened for use comprise a lid for the front
closure of said tank, suitable to be pierced by insertion means
associated with an atomizer of the electronic smoking substitutive
device.
[0024] Preferably, the disposable mouthpiece is of hypoallergenic
plastic material.
[0025] The present invention concerns as well a disposable tank of
an inhalable substance to be used in an electronic smoking
substitutive device, such tank being prefilled with a predetermined
quantity of an inhalable substance in aqueous solution.
[0026] The disposable tank is sold sealed inside a small bag.
[0027] According to the present invention, the tank of the
inhalable substance comprises a disposable casing of plastic
material suitable to be axially associated with one end of a
tubular body of the electronic smoking substitutive device and
shaping a mouthpiece for the inhalation of a inhalable substance
vaporized by said device, said casing having in its inside a
chamber prefilled with a predetermined quantity of said inhalable
substance in aqueous solution, suitable to allow a predetermined
number of inhalations, and closed in hermetic manner, at one end
turned in use towards the inside of said device, through means
which can be opened for use.
[0028] Advantageously, the chamber prefilled with a predetermined
quantity of an inhalable substance in aqueous solution is shaped in
a central portion of said casing and has a front opening closed in
hermetic manner, before its use, by said opening means.
[0029] Preferably, said means which can be opened for use comprise
a lid for frontally closing said chamber, suitable to be pierced by
insertion means associated with an atomizer of said smoking
substitutive device.
[0030] Preferably, said lid is made of a material of the type of
silicon, and centrally has a lightened zone for easing the piercing
by means of said insertion means of the atomizer.
[0031] Advantageously, said disposable casing shapes at one end,
close to the bottom of said chamber prefilled with said inhalable
substance in aqueous solution, a housing vane for a sealing element
suitable to prevent losses of the vaporized substance.
[0032] Preferably, said sealing element is fastened against the
bottom of the chamber prefilled with said inhalable substance in
aqueous solution by a closure element inserted on the end of said
disposable casing.
[0033] The sealing element and the closure element centrally have
an aspiration hole for the vaporized inhalable substance.
[0034] Advantageously, externally to said chamber prefilled with a
predetermined quantity of inhalable substance in aqueous solution,
inside said casing, at least one longitudinal channel is provided
for the aspiration of said vaporized inhalable substance.
[0035] Preferably, for the aspiration of said vaporized inhalable
substance, a couple of longitudinal channels shaped in
diametrically opposed positions externally to said chamber
prefilled with said inhalable substance in aqueous solution is
provided.
[0036] Preferably, said longitudinal channels for the aspiration of
the vaporized inhalable substance are made up of a couple of
grooves shaped on the external surface of a container inserted
inside said casing and shaping said chamber prefilled with said
inhalable substance in aqueous solution.
[0037] Preferably, said longitudinal channels for the aspiration of
the vaporized inhalable substance end in said vane housing a
sealing element suitable to prevent losses of the vaporized
substance.
[0038] Suitably, said casing has a portion having rounded section
suitable to be inserted at least partially in the tubular body of
said smoking substitutive device and joined to a portion of
substantially flattened shape, suitable to shape said
mouthpiece.
[0039] Preferably, said inhalable substance in aqueous solution
comprises a natural glycol made by 1,3-propandiole.
[0040] Preferably, said 1,3-propandiole is obtained through a
biologic process starting from corn sugars.
[0041] Preferably, said 1,3-propandiole is present in a quantity
comprised between 32% and 98% in weight.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0042] Details of the invention shall be more apparent from the
detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the electronic
smoking substitutive device according to the invention, illustrated
for indicative purposes in the attached drawings, wherein:
[0043] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the electronic smoking
substitutive device according to the invention;
[0044] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a tank of inhalable liquid
which can be used in the device according to the invention;
[0045] FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c and 4a, 4b, 4c show a front view,
respectively in closed and open configuration, of sales packages of
said tank having different size;
[0046] FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show perspective views, with enlarged
details, of the successive steps of use of the tank of inhalable
liquid;
[0047] FIG. 8 shows a front view of a different embodiment of the
electronic smoking substitutive device according to the
invention;
[0048] FIGS. 9 and 10 show perspective views, with enlarged
details, of the successive steps of use of the tank for inhalable
liquid intended for use in the electronic smoking substitutive
device of FIG. 8;
[0049] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a sales package of said
tank of inhalable liquid intended for use in the electronic smoking
substitutive device of FIG. 8;
[0050] FIG. 12 shows a front view, in assembly configuration and in
exploded, of a further embodiment of the electronic smoking
substitutive device according to the invention;
[0051] FIGS. 13 and 14 show perspective views, with enlarged
details, of successive steps of use of the tank of inhalable liquid
intended for use in the electronic smoking substitutive device of
FIG. 12;
[0052] FIG. 15 shows a front and perspective view of a further
embodiment of the tank of inhalable liquid;
[0053] FIGS. 16 and 17 respectively show a perspective view, from
different angles, of a further embodiment of the tank of inhalable
liquid;
[0054] FIG. 18 shows an exploded perspective view of the tank of
FIG. 16;
[0055] FIGS. 19 and 20 show in detail individual components of the
same tank;
[0056] FIG. 21 shows an axial cross-section view of one part of the
tank in a further embodiment.
BEST MODE
[0057] With particular reference firstly to FIGS. 1 - 7, the
electronic smoking substitutive device according to the present
invention, for more clarity called electronic cigarette in the
following, has been indicated in its entirety with 1.
[0058] The electronic cigarette 1 comprises a tubular body 2 of
rigid material, for example metal or plastic material. The tubular
body 2 has, for example, circular or oval profile. In the
illustrated case, the tubular body 2 has a distal portion 2a and a
proximal portion 2b axially coupled. The distal portion 2a of the
tubular body 2 is closed at the free end, while the proximal
portion 2b has an open entrance, preferably circular. Obviously, it
is possible to provide that the tubular body 2 has a different
shape, according to the exigencies.
[0059] Inside the tubular body 2 a rechargeable electric battery,
known per se, is placed. The electric battery is for example of the
type of lithium ions battery. For power recharging, the electric
battery can be connected, in known way, to a socket through a
conventional battery charger. As an alternative, the electric
battery can be connected through a USB connection to a USB port,
for example in a personal computer.
[0060] Inside the tubular body 2 also an atomizer, known per se, is
arranged, suitable to be powered by the electric battery. The
atomizer is connected to the electric battery through a suitable
connector.
[0061] The electronic cigarette 1 provides the use of a
non-refillable tank 10, prefilled with a predetermined quantity of
an inhalable substance in aqueous solution. The tank 10 is
therefore of disposable type.
[0062] The inhalable substance in aqueous solution comprises a
natural glycol in substitution of the propylene glycol of synthetic
origin, and possibly glycerol, nicotine and other flavourings. In
particular, the natural glycol being used is 1,3-propandiole.
According to a preferred embodiment, the 1,3-propandiole is
obtained starting from corn sugars. In particular, the
1,3-propandiole is obtained through the fermentation of the corn
sugars. The quantity of 1,3-propandiole in the inhalable substance
is comprised between 32% and 98% in weight. For example, the used
1,3-propandiole is of the type sold with name "Zemea" (DuPont Tate
& Lyle Bioproducts brand).
[0063] The tank 10 is suitable to be placed in removable manner on
the tubular body 2, close to the atomizer. More in particular, the
tank 10 for the inhalable solution is shaped by a disposable
mouthpiece of plastic material for the aspiration of the vaporized
inhalable substance, suitable to be axially associated with one end
of the tubular body 2, at the said open entrance. Such disposable
mouthpiece shapes a casing containing in its inside a chamber 12
suitable to shape the tank 10 for the inhalable substance in
aqueous solution. The chamber 12 is prefilled with a predetermined
quantity of said inhalable substance, for allowing a predetermined
number of inhalations or drags. Suitably, the mouthpiece is made of
plastic hypoallergenic material.
[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the casing of the tank 10 has a
central portion 11 of substantially cylindrical shape which is
suitable to be inserted at least partially onto the tubular body 2
through the open inlet of the proximal portion 2b. Inside such
central portion 11 a vane or chamber 12 is shaped, which is the
container for the liquid. To the central portion 11 of the tank an
external portion 13 is connected, for example having substantially
flattened shape, suitable to be the mouthpiece of the electronic
cigarette and provided in known way with a suitable aspiration
hole.
[0065] At the opposite end, turned inwardly to the electronic
cigarette in the use configuration, the tank 10 is suitably closed
in hermetic manner through means which can be opened for use.
Preferably, such means which can be opened for use comprise a
tear-off removable peel 14, suitable to close a front opening
connected with the chamber 12 of the tank. Preferably, such peel 14
is made of a material of the type of aluminium.
[0066] A lid 15, suitable to ensure the hermetic closure of the
same tank, is as well suitably associated with the tank at said
front opening, thus preventing incidental breaking or tearing-off
of the peel 14 and the consequent leakage of the liquid.
[0067] Obviously, it is possible to provide that the tank for the
liquid has a shape different with respect to the one described
above. For example, it is possible to provide that the peel 14 for
the hermetic closure is applied on the closure lid 15 of the tank,
to make a seal on the peripheral rim of the front opening of the
tank when the lid 15 is applied on the same tank. Alternatively, it
is possible to provide then the peel 14 of hermetic closure can be
opened through piercing when inserting in a suitable pin of the
atomizer.
[0068] The predetermined quantity or dosage of liquid contained in
the tank 10 is preferably not less than 0.5 ml and for example
comprised in a range between 0.5 and 2.0 ml. It is anyway evident
that such predetermined quantity can be different, according to
different exigencies.
[0069] Moreover, the electronic cigarette 1 is provided with
activation means for the atomizer for heating it by means of the
electric battery. Such activation means comprises for example a
button 5 arranged in an intermediate position on the tubular body 2
of the electronic cigarette. By pressing the button 5, the user
activates the heating of the atomizer which determines the
vaporization of the liquid solution contained in the chamber 12 of
the tank.
[0070] The functioning of the electronic cigarette is easy to
understand from the preceding description.
[0071] For use, the user proceeds with inserting on the tubular
body 2 of the electric cigarette the mouthpiece shaping the
disposable tank of the liquid, prefilled with the provided liquid
quantity. Suitably, the tank is sold sealed inside a bag 16, for
example of transparent material, which ensures its integrity and
preserves the flavourings contained in the inhalable liquid (see
FIG. 2). The user then proceeds with opening the bag 16, with
extracting the disposable tank from such bag 16 and, after removing
the lid 15, with removing, from the front opening of the case, the
peel 14 which ensures the hermetic closure thereof (see FIGS. 5, 6
and 7). The opened tank 10 is inserted, as it was mentioned before,
inside the proximal portion 2b of the tubular body 2 of the
electronic cigarette.
[0072] The so prepared electronic cigarette is ready for allowing a
predetermined number of inhalations. After consuming the whole
liquid contained in the tank 10, this is extracted by the tubular
body 2 of the cigarette and trashed. At its place, the user will
proceed with inserting, in the same way, a new tank prefilled with
the above mentioned dosage of liquid.
[0073] In FIG. 8, a second embodiment of the electronic cigarette
is shown, in which the tubular body 2 is made in a single piece
having a substantially oval cross-section. The disposable tank
which can be used for such electronic cigarette, for more clarity
indicated again with 10, has a cross-section suitably oval, in
order to be able to be inserted for one portion in an inlet 2c of
the tubular body 2 of the cigarette.
[0074] More precisely, the tank 10 has also in this case a portion
11 in which the chamber 12, which represents the container for the
liquid, is shaped; the external portion 13 which acts as mouthpiece
is connected to such portion 11 of the tank. The chamber 12 is
connected with the outside through a front opening 17 which is
closed, before the use, through the tear-off disposable peel 14.
Moreover, the tank 10 is suitably closed frontally by the lid 15
suitable to ensure the hermetic closure and is sold sealed inside a
bag 16.
[0075] Also in this case, in use the user opens the bag 16,
extracts the tank 10 and removes from the front opening 17 the peel
14 which ensures the hermetic closure thereof, after the removal of
the lid 15 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). The tank 10 opened is inserted in
the inlet 2c of the tubular body 2 of the electronic cigarette.
[0076] In FIG. 12, a further embodiment of the electronic cigarette
is shown, in which the tubular body 2 is associated with a lid 6
for closing the inlet 2c; the lid 6 is inserted in the tubular body
2 to cover the tank 10 when the electronic cigarette is not
used.
[0077] In such case, the tank 10 suitably has a reduced axial
extension. In practice, the tank 10 is made up only of the casing
which shapes the chamber 12 containing the liquid.
[0078] In use, the user, as previously described, proceeds with
opening the bag 16 in which the tank 10 is sealed, with extracting
such tank 10 and removing from the front opening of it the peel 14
which ensures the hermetic closure thereof, after removing the
relative lid 15 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). The opened tank 10 is
inserted in the inlet 2c of the tubular body 2 of the electronic
cigarette, after removing the lid 6.
[0079] In FIG. 15, a different embodiment of the tank 10 is shown
in which the lid 15 for front closure of the chamber 12 is fixed to
the portion 11 in which the above mentioned chamber 12 is shaped.
The lid 15 is made for example of a material of the type of
silicon.
[0080] The lid 15 is suitable to be pierced by insertion means
associated with the atomizer. In particular, the lid 15 is suitable
to be pierced by a pin of the atomizer which is axially inserted in
the same lid. To such end, the lid 15 suitably has a central
lightening 18 suitable to ease the piercing by the pin of the
atomizer.
[0081] In FIGS. 16-20, a further embodiment of the tank is shown,
obtained through the assembly of a plurality of components. Such
tank 10 comprises in substance a shell 23 of tubular shape, for
example having oval cross-section slightly tapered, making up the
external casing of the tank; in particular such external shell 23
is progressively more tapered starting from the distal part, for
insertion in the tubular body of the device, towards the proximal
part which shapes the mouthpiece. Inside the shell 23, a container
24 is inserted having a shape complementary to the internal shape
of the same shell 23 and an axial extension suitably smaller. The
internal container 24 is closed at the bottom and shapes the
chamber 12 for containing the inhalable substance in aqueous
solution. At the closed bottom, the internal container 24 is
brought against a diaphragm 25 transversally shaped inside the
external shell 23, in a position close to the above mentioned
proximal part. The container 24 externally shapes, at the ends of
the major axis of the oval cross-section, a couple of longitudinal
grooves 26 extended along the whole length of the internal
container. The grooves 26 ends in respective slots 27 made in the
diaphragm 25.
[0082] The diaphragm 25 shapes, on the side opposite to the side
for the insertion of the internal container 24, a vane 28 in which
a seal element 33 is inserted, suitable to prevent losses of the
atomized substance, as it is better described in the following. The
seal element 33 is made up in substance of a plate having a profile
complementary to the internal shape of the shell 23 and provided
with a perimetral rim which is brought in contact with the
diaphragm 25. The seal element 33 is fixed against the diaphragm
25, in assembly position, by a closure element 34 which is inserted
in the opening of the external shell 23 of the tank 10 and is
peripherally supported on the peripheral border of the same shell
23. The seal element 33 and the closure element 34 centrally have a
hole 35, 36 for the aspiration of the vaporized inhalable
substance.
[0083] At the open end of the container 24, a correspondent closure
element 37 is inserted, substantially made of a plate shaping on
one side a crown 38 having a profile complementary with the
internal shape of the same container and on the other side an axial
sleeve 39 turned outwards; the sleeve 39 is closed by a lid 15, for
example of a material of the type of silicon. The plate 37 as an
external profile which copies the internal surface of the shell
23.
[0084] In use, when the tank 10 shaping the mouthpiece is inserted
in the tubular body of the electronic cigarette, the lid 15 which
frontally closes the chamber 12 for containment of the inhalable
substance in aqueous solution is pierced by the suitable insertion
means associated with the atomizer. Suitably, for such purpose, the
lid 15 centrally has a lightened zone. The activation of the
atomizer produces the vaporization of the liquid substance
contained inside the chamber 12. The vaporized inhalable substance
is inhaled by the user through the lateral channels shaped, inside
the casing, by the longitudinal grooves 26 of the internal
container 24.
[0085] It is to be noted that the seal element 33 arranged inside
the vane 28 of the external shell 23, substantially at the portion
of the tank shaping the mouthpiece, is suitable to prevent losses
of the atomized substance, possibly reverted to the condensation
state. Such condensed substance is in fact not able to outflow
through the aspiration hole 35 of the seal element 33 but it
remains bounded inside it.
[0086] In FIG. 21, an embodiment of the casing is shown
conceptually similar to the one previously described, in which the
external shell and the internal container, for more clarity
indicated again with 23 and 24, are made up of a single piece. The
casing has at one end, close to the diaphragm 25 which shapes the
bottom of the container 24, the housing vane 28 for housing the
suitable seal element fastened by the closure element, both not
represented; at the opposite end the relative the closure element
is inserted, carrying the lid of the atomizer which can be
pierced.
[0087] The electronic cigarette according to the present invention
attains the scope of not requiring a frequent refill of the tank of
the liquid. In fact the tank for the liquid is not refillable but
is provided prefilled with a dosage of liquid and must be trashed
at the end of its use, that is when the smoker has inhaled the
whole liquid of the tank.
[0088] It is to be noted that the invention overcomes the technical
prejudice according to which the current electronic cigarettes use
a refillable tank which must periodically be refilled with a liquid
separately provided. This makes easier the use of the electronic
cigarette, since it prevents the user to bring with himself the
tank for the inhalable liquid and to be forced to perform the
refilling operation.
[0089] Another advantage of the electronic cigarette according to
the present invention is the fact that it has reduced size and
weight, since the tank is inserted only in use and can have itself
reduced weight and size, since it must not be used for a long
period.
[0090] A further advantage of the electronic cigarette according to
the present invention is that of ensuring its use in the best
hygienic conditions.
[0091] In particular, as it was previously said, it is possible to
provide the single tank 10, prefilled with the predetermined dosage
of liquid, inside a sealed bag 16, for example of transparent
material. The user will open the bag only at the moment of its use,
ensuring the maximal hygiene, as well as the perfect preservation
of the flavouring of the inhalable substance. Obviously, the use of
a new container contributes in considerable manner to the perfect
hygiene of the electronic cigarette.
[0092] The tank 10 sealed inside the bag 16 can be sold in single
or multiple packages 20, as it is possible to see in FIGS. 3a, 3b,
3c and 4a, 4b, 4c.
[0093] For example, such packages 20 can realize a pocket 21 for
housing one or more tanks placed side by side. A foldable tab 22
suitably closes the packaging, preventing the dispersion of the
tanks. Obviously, the number of tanks contained in one single
packaging 20 can be different from the one illustrated as an
example.
[0094] Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the tanks are
sold in a box package 30 of rigid or semi-rigid material, for
example cardboard, as it is possible to see in FIGS. 9, 11 and 13.
Such box package 30 is suitably provided with a closure element 31
articulated at its top part. Obviously, the size of the packaging
30 will be different according to the number of tanks 10 contained
inside it.
[0095] In practice, the embodiment of the invention, the materials
used, as well as the shape and dimensions, may vary depending on
the requirements.
[0096] Should the technical characteristics mentioned in each claim
be followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included
strictly with the aim of enhancing the understanding the claims and
hence they shall not be deemed restrictive in any manner whatsoever
on the scope of each element identified for exemplifying purposes
by such reference signs.
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