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`US 20100031968Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`SHEIKH et al.
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2010/0031968 Al
`Feb. 11, 2010
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS RELATING TO
`ELECTRONIC SMOKING-SUBSTITUTE
`DEVICES
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Tariq SHEIKH, Woking (GB);
`Umer SHEIKH, Woking (GB)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`MERCHANT & GOULD PC
`P.O. BOX 2903
`MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402-0903 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`Gamucci Limited, London (GB)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/508,910
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jul. 24, 2009
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Jul. 25, 2008
`
`(GB) ................................... 0813686.3
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A24F 47100
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................................ 131/347
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An electronic smoking-substitute device 110 includes a tube
`containing a reservoir 310 containing a liquid. The liquid
`includes a substance to be inhaled by the user, for example a
`nicotine dilution. The device also has a heating element 320,
`the heating element is a coil and is in direct contact with the
`reservoir 310. A power source 340 is arranged to power the
`heating element.
`
`100
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1022.001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 11, 2010 Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 2010/0031968 Al
`
`Fig.1
`
`100
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1022.002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 11, 2010 Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 2010/0031968 Al
`
`150
`
`Fig.2(a)
`
`Fig.2(b)
`
`200
`
`300
`
`250
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1022.003
`
`

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`
`NJOY Exhibit 1022.004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 11, 2010 Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 2010/0031968 Al
`
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`NJOY Exhibit 1022.005
`
`

`

`US 2010/0031968 Al
`
`Feb. 11, 2010
`
`METHOD AND APPARATUS RELATING TO
`ELECTRONIC SMOKING-SUBSTITUTE
`DEVICES
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] This invention relates to electronic smoking-substi(cid:173)
`tute devices. More particularly, although not exclusively, the
`present invention relates to electronic cigarettes and cigars,
`which provide a user with an inhalable vapour comprising
`nicotine or another substance, but which do not produce a
`flame or smoke.
`
`PRIORART
`
`[0002] Conventional smoking devices, including ciga(cid:173)
`rettes, cigars and pipes, are now known to be associated with
`a variety of problems. They function by burning tobacco,
`which creates a flame, and which consequently presents a
`significant fire risk in many environments, including domes(cid:173)
`tic dwellings. Also, substances found in tobacco, for example
`tar, are believed to be associated with an increased risk of
`health problems, including life-threatening diseases such as
`cancer. It is believed that inhalation by third-parties of smoke
`generated by smokers in closed environments also increases
`the risk of the third-parties developing such conditions. The
`experience of others' smoke can also be unpleasant for third(cid:173)
`parties, especially in restaurants and the like.
`[0003] For those and other reasons, many organisations
`around the world have banned smoking on their properties. In
`recent years, some governments have introduced legislation
`banning smoking in certain environments, for example in
`enclosed public spaces.
`[0004] However, many smokers enjoy regular smoking,
`and may experience unpleasant psychological or even physi(cid:173)
`ological symptoms if they are unable to smoke frequently.
`[0005] To address that issue, smoking-substitute devices
`have been developed, which enable the user to experience
`some of the physical and chemical sensations associated with
`smoking, without actually generating smoke or fire, and
`which therefore are not affected by the restrictions imposed
`by statutory and other smoking bans.
`[0006]
`In particular, electronic smoking devices have been
`developed. These devices typically at least approximately
`resemble a cigarette or cigar, but are in fact battery-powered
`electronic devices. They typically comprise three operative
`components, contained within a cigarette- or cigar-shaped
`tube, and may include a mouthpiece.
`[0007] First, there is a replaceable liquid cartridge. This
`contains the substance that is to be "smoked". An example
`cartridge contains a mixture of water, propylene glycol, nico(cid:173)
`tine, and a scent, all contained within a membrane within the
`cartridge, which is in tum removably installed within the
`cigarette-shaped tube. The cartridge is replaceable after it is
`emptied. It may be filled with one or more substances provid(cid:173)
`ing any of a number of flavours, including for example
`tobacco, chocolate, coffee, apple, cherry, or mint.
`[0008] Second, there is a cylindrical heating element,
`arranged in thermal contact with the cartridge. In use, the
`heating element heats the cartridge, and thereby atomises the
`contents of the cartridge. The user of the device sucks on the
`tube or mouthpiece, activating a switch which switches on the
`cylindrical heating element, generating the atomised sub(cid:173)
`stances, which are then inhaled by the user. The user thus
`experiences the physical sensation of smoking-and the
`
`chemical consequences as well, where the atomised sub(cid:173)
`stances comprise nicotine or other narcotics-but without
`generating smoke or tar, or even using tobacco (which is
`subject to high taxation in some countries).
`[0009] Some prior-art devices include a safety cut-off,
`which switches the device off after a set number ofinhalations
`to prevent the potentially toxic effect of excessive inhalation
`of nicotine or the like.
`[0010] Third, the electronic smoking device includes a
`rechargeable battery, to power the cylindrical heating ele(cid:173)
`ment. The rechargeable battery is in electrical contact with the
`cylindrical heating element. Before using the device for the
`first time, the user charges the battery, which then typically
`provides sufficient power for about 1 ½ hours of use or about
`300 inhalations before recharging is required.
`[0011] To enable repeated use for multiple charges, prior(cid:173)
`art electronic smoking devices are designed to be durable,
`typically being made out of metal. That results in the devices
`being relatively heavy. The batteries used in prior-devices are
`relatively low-power, and the device design results in ineffi(cid:173)
`cient transfer of heat, which means that vapour is produced
`slowly, and hence in smaller quantities than may be desirable.
`Furthermore, frequent charging is required.
`[0012] The present invention seeks to ameliorate at least
`one of the abovementioned problems.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0013]
`In a first aspect, the invention provides an electronic
`smoking-substitute device comprising a tube containing:
`[0014]
`a reservoir containing a liquid, the liquid comprising
`a substance to be inhaled by the user;
`[0015]
`a heating element, the heating element being a coil
`and being in direct contact with the reservoir; and
`[0016]
`a power source, arranged to power the heating ele(cid:173)
`ment.
`[0017] The device is preferably arranged so that the reser(cid:173)
`voir is not removable; for example, it may be that it is not
`possible to remove the reservoir from the tube without dis(cid:173)
`mantling other parts of the device or damaging or destroying
`the device. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the
`device may be made of two main parts. The two main parts
`may screw together. The two main parts may be joined
`together such that it is not possible to separate them without
`damaging or destroying the device.
`[0018] The liquid may be a mixture of a flavouring sub(cid:173)
`stance and water, nicotine, propylene glycol, and a scent. The
`mixture may be contained within a membrane.
`[0019] The flavouring substance may be any of tobacco,
`chocolate, coffee, apple, cherry, or mint.
`[0020] The inventor has found that the heating coil heats
`more effectively than prior-art cylindrical heating elements.
`Preferably, the heating coil requires less power to get to the
`required temperature to vaporise the liquid than a cylindrical
`heating element.
`[0021] Advantageously, this means that a smaller battery
`can be used in the device, and/or the battery is capable of
`powering more inhalations than a battery used in conjunction
`with a prior-art cylindrical heating element. Preferably, the
`liquid is heated to a higher temperature than in prior-art
`devices; that results in a more powerful atomising effect, and
`a greater rate of vapour generation for inhalation. We believe
`that the more effective heating results because the coil has a
`larger effective area than a cylinder of the same size. The coil
`may be helical. We believe that the more effective heating also
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1022.006
`
`

`

`US 2010/0031968 Al
`
`Feb. 11, 2010
`
`2
`
`results because the coil is in direct contact with the reservoir,
`whereas, in prior-art devices, provision of a replaceable liquid
`cartridge results in the cylindrical heating element being
`separated from the liquid to be atomised by a greater thermal
`path length.
`[0022] The device may include a mouthpiece through
`which the atomised liquid can be inhaled.
`[0023] The device may include a switch arranged to acti(cid:173)
`vate the heating element when the user sucks on the tube, or
`mouthpiece if present. In an alternative embodiment, the
`device may include an external switch arranged to activate the
`heating element. The external switch may be a push or slide
`switch. An external switch according to an embodiment of the
`invention may be more robust and/or reliable than a switch
`arranged to activate the heating element when the user sucks
`on the tube.
`[0024] The device may include a safety cut-off, which
`switches the device off after a set number of inhalations.
`[0025] The device is arranged so that the power source is
`not rechargeable; for example, it may be that there is no
`electrical connection from the power source to the outside of
`the device; it may be that it is not possible to remove the power
`source from the tube without dismantling other parts of the
`device or damaging or destroying the device. The power
`source may be a cell. The power source may be a battery.
`Preferably, the power source is not a rechargeable battery.
`[0026]
`In contrast with prior-art devices, there is no need to
`charge a rechargeable battery before using the device; rather,
`the device is preferably immediately useable, as it preferably
`contains an initially fully charged power source. Similarly,
`there is no need, or indeed opportunity, to recharge the device.
`[0027] The power source may be connected directly to the
`heating element.
`[0028] Preferably, the power source stores sufficient energy
`to enable at least 600 inhalations of atomised liquid. In an
`alternative embodiment the power source stores sufficient
`energy to enable approximately 375 inhalations, which is
`equivalent to 25 normal (tobacco) cigarettes.
`[0029] Preferably, the tube is a plastics material. Using a
`plastics material has advantages over the prior-art use of
`metal, because plastics materials typically act as thermal
`insulators, which improves the thermal efficiency of the
`device, and hence improves the atomisation provided by unit
`power from the power source. Plastic is also generally
`cheaper than metal, and it is also lighter. Preferably, the tube
`is made from a plastics material with a thickness in the range
`from 1 mm to 2 mm. Preferably, the plastics material is 1.5
`mm thick. The plastics material is strong enough to be
`handled every day and also thick enough to act as an insulator
`of the heat generated by the heating coil.
`[0030] Advantageously, the tube, reservoir, heating ele(cid:173)
`ment and power source form a single unit. That is in contrast
`to the prior art, which is modular in design, with a removable
`cartridge and rechargeable battery. Preferably, the tube, res(cid:173)
`ervoir, heating element and power source cannot be dis(cid:173)
`mantled from each other without destroying the device.
`[0031] Providing a one-piece, non-modular design offers
`advantages over the prior art. Because the device is not
`designed for long-term use, it can be made of materials that
`are less-durable, and hence cheaper, than those of prior-art
`devices. The device is disposable; that is, it is intended to be
`disposed of without recharging the power source or refilling
`the reservoir, which indeed is preferably not possible. The
`
`device is made from materials that are sufficiently cheap for
`disposal, without recharging or refilling, to be economically
`viable.
`[0032] A further advantage of the one-piece, disposable
`design is that the device is lighter than prior art devices, which
`are designed to be more durable. An embodiment of the
`invention may be sized such that it may be packaged in a
`normal cigarette box.
`[0033]
`In an alternative embodiment, the reservoir and
`heating element form a first part and the battery forms a
`second part. The reservoir and heating element in the first part
`may be directly integrated such that the heating element is
`located within the reservoir. It is believed that such a design
`improves the smoking experience of the user by providing a
`more intense and/or fresh supply of vapour. Additionally, the
`integration of the reservoir and the heating element in the first
`part may be such that the user cannot access the nicotine
`dilution, other than by activating the heating element. Such a
`feature may make the device more hygienic to use. The first
`and second parts may be arranged to be screwed together for
`easy construction of the device. Alternatively, the first and
`second parts may be arranged to be connected by a push fit
`design. Once the first and second parts have been joined
`together, they may be arranged such that it is not possible to
`dismantle the device without damaging or destroying the
`device. Advantageously, the reservoir and heating element
`are inaccessible to a user. This may reduce the potential for
`the device to leak.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0034] Certain illustrative embodiments of the invention
`will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with
`reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:
`[0035] FIG. 1 is a prior-art electronic cigarette;
`[0036] FIG. 2 is (a) an electronic cigarette according to a
`first example embodiment of the invention, and (b) an elec(cid:173)
`tronic cigar according to a second example embodiment of
`the invention;
`[0037] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-section through the
`electronic cigarette of FIG. 2(a);
`[0038] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-section through the
`electronic cigar of FIG. 2(b); and
`[0039] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-section through an
`electronic cigarette according to a third example embodiment
`of the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0040] A prior-art electronic cigarette 10 comprises three
`tubular components: a mouthpiece portion 20, a cartridge
`portion 30, and a rechargeable power portion 40.
`[0041] The mouthpiece portion 20 is tubular and comprises
`a mouthpiece 50, which is a flattened tube for easy gripping
`between the user's lips, and an attachment portion 60, which
`is shaped to fit inside a first end 70 (proximal to the user's lips)
`of the cartridge portion 30.
`[0042] The cartridge portion 30 is tubular and of circular
`cross-section, and includes said first, proximal, end 70, and a
`second, distal, end 80. The distal end 80 includes an internal
`screw thread. The cartridge portion 30 contains a reservoir
`(not shown) of the liquid that is to be inhaled, and a heating
`cylinder (not shown) for atomising the liquid.
`[0043] The rechargeable power portion 40 is tubular and of
`circular cross-section, and includes a first, proximal end 90,
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1022.007
`
`

`

`US 2010/0031968 Al
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`Feb. 11, 2010
`
`3
`
`and, at its second, distal, end, an LED within a protective
`plastic shell 100. The proximal end 90 of the rechargeable
`power portion 40 includes an external screw-thread, which
`engages with the internal screw thread of the distal end 80 of
`the cartridge portion 30. The power portion 40 contains a
`rechargeable battery (not shown), which has terminal con(cid:173)
`tacts (not shown) near the proximal end 90, by which the
`battery can be re-charged. The power portion 40 also contains
`a switch (not shown), which is connected between the
`rechargeable battery and (when device 10 is assembled) to the
`heating cylinder. The LED within the shell 100 is connected
`to the switch and to the rechargeable battery such that when
`current is drawn from the battery to power the heating ele(cid:173)
`ment, the LED lights up.
`[0044] Thus the cigarette 10 is assembled by sliding the
`attachment portion 60 of the mouthpiece portion 20 into the
`first, proximal, end 70 of the cartridge portion 30, and screw(cid:173)
`ing the second, distal, end 80 of the cartridge portion 30 into
`the first, proximal end 90 of the rechargeable power portion
`40.
`In use, the user sucks on the mouthpiece 50, which
`[0045]
`activates the switch, turning on the heating cylinder, which
`atomises the liquid, which the user then inhales. The device
`10 is dis-assembled for charging of the rechargeable power
`portion 40, and for refill of the reservoir or replacement of the
`cartridge portion 30.
`[0046] A first example embodiment of the invention-an
`electronic cigarette 110-is shown in FIG. 2(a), and a second
`example embodiment of the invention-an electronic cigar
`210-is shown in FIG. 2(b). In both cases, it will be apparent
`that the devices are substantially one-piece devices, compris(cid:173)
`ing a tubular body 130, 230, a mouthpiece 150, 250, and an
`LED end 200, 300. It will be apparent that the one-piece
`nature of the devices 110, 210 eliminates the joins present
`along the length of prior-art cigarette 10, resulting in devices
`110, 210 having a superior aesthetic appearance, and more
`closely resembling a conventional cigarette and cigar, respec(cid:173)
`tively.
`[0047] The internal construction of devices 110, 210 is
`shown in the cross-sections of FIGS. 3 and 4. It will be seen
`that the cigarette 110 and cigar 120 are very similar in internal
`construction, differing only slightly in their dimensions, save
`at their mouthpieces 150, 250.
`[0048] The mouthpiece 150 of the cigarette 110 is a flat(cid:173)
`tened tube for easy gripping between the user's lips. It is
`moulded together with a distal tubular portion 155 of substan(cid:173)
`tially circular cross-section, which fits, and is permanently
`attached, inside the end of the tube 130 that is proximal to the
`user's lips in use.
`[0049] The mouthpiece 250 of the cigar 210 is a tube of
`frustoconical shape----of substantially circular cross-section,
`tapering slightly to a blunt end. Again, its distal end 255 fits,
`and is permanently attached, inside the end of the tube 230
`that is proximal to the user's lips in use.
`[0050] The remaining parts of the devices 110, 120 found
`within the tubes 130, 230 will now be described together, for
`convenience.
`[0051]
`Immediately adjacent to the mouthpiece 150, 250
`within the tube 130, 230 is a reservoir 310, 410 containing a
`nicotine dilution. A membrane 315, 415 separates the interior
`of the reservoir 310, 410 from the interior of the tubular
`mouthpiece 150, 250. The membrane prevents passage of the
`nicotine from the reservoir 310, 410 to the mouthpiece 150,
`250 prior to atomisation of the dilution.
`
`[0052] Next along the length of the tube 130, 230, imme(cid:173)
`diately adjacent to the reservoir 310,410, is an atomiser in the
`form of a heating element 320, 420. The atomiser is in the
`form of a coil.
`[0053] Next along the length of the tube 130, 230, imme(cid:173)
`diately adjacent to the heating element 320, 420, is a switch
`330, 430. The switch 330, 430 is in electrical connection with
`the heating element 320,420. The switch 330,430 is activated
`(switching on the heating element 320, 420) by airflow
`caused by the user sucking on the mouthpiece 150, 250.
`[0054] Next along the length of the tube 130, 230, imme(cid:173)
`diately adjacent to the switch 330,430 is a power source in the
`form of a 3.7 V Li-ion battery 340, 440. The power source
`340, 440 is in electrical connection with the switch 330, 430
`and the heating element 320, 420, and powers the heating
`element 320, 420, when the switch 330, 430 is activated.
`[0055] Finally, at the distal end of the tube 130, 230, is a red
`LED 200, 300, which is also in electrical connection with the
`power source 340, 440, switch 330, 430, and heating element
`320, 420. The LED 200, 300 is switched on simultaneously
`with the heating element 320, 420 when the switch 330, 430
`is activated.
`[0056]
`In use, the user of the cigarette 110 or cigar 210
`sucks on the mouthpiece 150, 250, which activates the switch
`330, 430, drawing current from the power source 340, 440 to
`power the heating element 320, 420. The heating element
`320,420 heats the nicotine dilution in the reservoir 310, 320,
`causing the nicotine dilution to atomise and be drawn by the
`user's sucking action through the membrane 315, 415 and the
`mouthpiece 150, 250 into the user's mouth.
`[0057] Note that none of the reservoir 310,410, the heating
`element 320, 420, the switch 330, 430 or the battery 340, 440
`can be removed from the tube 130, 230 without damaging or
`destroying the tube 130, 230. Rather, the components of the
`cigarette 110 and cigar 210 form a one-piece entity, which the
`user uses until the reservoir 310, 410 is empty or the power
`source 340, 440 is drained, and then throws away, without
`attempting to replace or refill the reservoir 310, 410, or to
`replace or recharge the power source 340, 440.
`[0058] FIG. 5 shows a third example embodiment of the
`invention. An electronic cigarette is made up of a tube 500
`comprising a first part 510 and a second part 520. The first part
`510 and second part 520 are screwed together such that they
`form the tube 500, the external surfaces of the tube 500 being
`flush, with no join being noticeable by a user. The location of
`the screw fixing is shown as 590 on FIG. 5. The first part 510
`includes an integrated cartridge and vaporization chamber
`515. The integrated cartridge and vaporization chamber 515
`includes a coiled heating element 530 and a sponge 540, the
`sponge being 540 impregnated with a nicotine dilution. The
`sponge 540 is surrounded by a membrane to prevent the
`passage of the nicotine dilution from the sponge 540 prior to
`the dilution being atomised by the heating element 530. The
`first part 510 also includes a mouth piece 540 arranged to be
`sucked by a user in order to inhale the nicotine dilution that is
`atomised by the heating element 530 in the integrated car(cid:173)
`tridge and vaporization chamber 515. The second part 520
`includes a power source 560 arranged to be in electrical
`contact with the heating element 530 when the first part 510
`and second part 520 are joined. The second part 520 also
`includes a push switch 570 arranged to control the power
`source 560. When the push switch 570 is activated by a user,
`the power source 560 supplies the heating element 530 with
`power. The heating element 530 atomises some of the nico-
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1022.008
`
`

`

`US 2010/0031968 Al
`
`Feb. 11, 2010
`
`4
`
`tine dilution contained in the sponge 540 which can then pass
`through the membrane and be inhaled by the user. The second
`part 520 also includes an LED 580 located at the distal end of
`the second part 520 which is activated by operation of the
`push switch 570 in order to show that the electronic cigarette
`500 is operating. The LED may be a green LED in order to
`reduce potential confusion with a normal cigarette.
`[0059] The screw connection between the first part 510 and
`second part 520 enables easy construction of the electronic
`cigarette 500. The screw connection between the two parts
`may include a catch mechanism to prevent the two parts being
`unscrewed from each other. In an alternative embodiment, the
`connection between the two parts may be a push fit. The push
`fit may include a catch arranged to prevent the two structural
`elements from being pulled apart.
`[0060] Whilst the present invention has been described and
`illustrated with reference to particular example embodi(cid:173)
`ments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
`art that the invention lends itself to many different variations
`not specifically illustrated herein. Some examples of such
`variations and alternatives have been described above. Fur(cid:173)
`thermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
`features as described for one example embodiment of the
`invention may be applicable to another example embodiment
`of the invention, and vice versa.
`[0061] Where in the foregoing description, integers or ele(cid:173)
`ments are mentioned which have known, obvious or foresee(cid:173)
`able equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorpo(cid:173)
`rated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to
`the claims for determining the true scope of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion, which should be construed so as to encompass any such
`equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that
`integers or features of the invention that are described as
`preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional
`and do not limit the scope of the independent claims.
`
`1. An electronic smoking-substitute device comprising a
`tube containing:
`a reservoir containing a liquid, the liquid comprising a
`substance to be inhaled by the user;
`a heating element, the heating element being a coil and
`being in direct contact with the reservoir; and
`a power source, arranged to power the heating element.
`2. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the reservoir is
`not removable from the tube without dismantling other parts
`of the device or destroying the device.
`3. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the power
`source is not rechargeable.
`4. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the power
`source is connected directly to the heating element.
`5. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the power
`source is sufficient to enable at least 600 inhalations of atom(cid:173)
`ised liquid.
`6. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the tube is a
`plastics material.
`7. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the tube,
`reservoir, heating element and power source form a single
`unit.
`8. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the reservoir and
`the heating element form a first part and the power supply
`forms a second part.
`9. A device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
`switch for activation of the heating element.
`10. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the switch is a
`push switch located on the external surface of the tube.
`11. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the switch is an
`internal switch activated by a user sucking on the device.
`12. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating
`element is directly integrated with the reservoir.
`
`* * * * *
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1022.009
`
`