EP4613117A2 - Device for aromatizing the aerosol of an aerosol-forming device, in particular of shisha - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for flavoring the aerosol of an aerosol-generating device, e.g., a shisha pipe—also known as a water pipe—and similar aerosol-generating devices. The device according to the invention comprises a tubular central body with a flavor carrier and includes, for example, connections to the hose of a shisha and to a mouthpiece. The flavor carrier can flavor the aerosol formed in the shisha pipe without having to heat the flavors.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a device for flavoring the aerosol of an aerosol-generating device, e.g., a shisha pipe—also known as a water pipe—and similar aerosol-generating devices. The device according to the invention comprises a tubular central body with a flavor carrier, a hollow body with a flavor carrier, and includes connections for, for example, the hose of a shisha and a mouthpiece.

Background of the invention and prior art

Shisha smoking has become increasingly popular in Western countries in recent years. Many cities have cafes and bars that sell shisha pipes and tobacco.

The shisha is a water pipe that has been known since at least the 16th century and first spread in India and large parts of the Arab world. In many Arab countries, the shisha is an integral part of the culture; communal smoking was and still is considered a symbol of hospitality. This culture also spread to Western countries through tourists and migrants.

Structure, components and function of the shisha

The structure, components, and function of a hookah can be described as follows. A hookah contains a water-filled vessel, the so-called bowl. A so-called smoke column with a dip tube is screwed onto it. The smoke column with dip tube is screwed onto the bowl. The bowl is filled with enough water so that, after screwing on the smoke column, the dip tube protrudes into the water. The hookah bowl and a heating element are placed on the upper end of the smoke column. A glycerin-containing liquid is vaporized in the hookah bowl, forming an aerosol. The glycerin-containing liquid can contain propylene glycol and/or flavorings. Traditionally, the hookah is heated with pieces of coal; modern versions use electric heating elements. Traditionally, tobacco is used in the hookah bowl, which is The aerosol is impregnated with the glycerol-containing liquid described above. Alternatively, tobacco-free carriers can be used. Alternatively, the aerosol can also be formed without a carrier using electrical heating.

Above the water level on the bowl is an opening into which a hose with a mouthpiece can be inserted. When the mouthpiece is pulled, a vacuum is created in the bowl. This vacuum causes an airflow from the shisha head into the bowl, which transports the aforementioned aerosol through the bowl and into the mouthpiece. Conventional bowls have several openings that allow the connection of multiple hoses, allowing several people to smoke the shisha together.

Basic features of the invention and preferred embodiments

The present invention is based on the object of providing a device for improved aromatization of the aerosol of a shisha or other aerosol-forming device.

• Vorrichtung zur Aromatisierung des Aerosols einer aerosolbildenden Vorrichtung, insbesondere einer Shisha,
• wobei durch Erhitzung einer Flüssigkeit ein Aerosol erzeugt wird,
• wobei die Flüssigkeit Glycerin und/oder Propylenglykol enthält,
• wobei sich die Flüssigkeit optional in oder auf einem Trägerstoff befinden kann,
• wobei als optionaler Trägerstoff Tabakblätter, Zellstoff, Rauchsteine, Krepppapier oder Gemische verwendet werden können,
• wobei die Erhitzung durch glühende Kohle oder durch elektrische Heizung erfolgt,
• wobei das erzeugte Aerosol durch einen oder mehrere im Luftstrom befindliche Aromaträger aromatisiert wird,
• wobei der Aromaträger aus natürlichen Materialien, modifizierten natürlichen Materialien, künstlichen Materialien, vorzugsweise Polymeren, Silica Gel, mineralischen Materialien besteht, welche Flüssigkeiten aufnehmen können,
• wobei der Aromaträger mit einer aromabeladenen Flüssigkeit getränkt ist,
• wobei der Aromaträger im Wesentlichen zylinderförmig, hohlzylinderförmig, in Form eines Prismas mit mehreckigem Querschnitt oder eines Zylinders mit mehreren Längsbohrungen ausgebildet ist,
• wobei der Aromaträger als poröser oder faseriger Körper mit durchgehenden Kapillaren ausgebildet ist,
• wobei der Aromaträger ein Volumen von 0,5-20 cm³ und eine Oberfläche von 4-45 cm² aufweist,
• wobei der oder die Aromaträger sich in einen rohrförmigen Zentralkörper befinden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
• der rohrförmige Zentralkörper an beiden Enden Verschlusselemente aufweist, um den oder die Aromaträger in Position zu halten,
• wobei die Verschlusselemente Öffnungen als Luft- oder Aerosoldurchlass aufweisen,
• wobei die Verschlusselemente so ausgebildet sind, dass entweder
  1. a) an einer Öffnungsseite das Verschlusselement eine sich verjüngende Steckvorrichtung ausbildet, die in den Schlauch der Shisha gesteckt wird und an der anderen Seite das Verschlusselement eine Steckvorrichtung ausbildet, die in ein Mundstück gesteckt wird oder
  2. b) an einer Öffnungsseite das Verschlusselement eine sich verjüngende Steckvorrichtung ausbildet, die in die Bowl der Shisha gesteckt wird und an der anderen Seite eine Steckvorrichtung ausbildet, die in den Schlauch der Shisha gesteckt wird.

The present invention teaches according to claim 1 a

• Device for flavoring the aerosol of an aerosol-forming device, in particular a shisha,
• whereby an aerosol is produced by heating a liquid,
• wherein the liquid contains glycerin and/or propylene glycol,
• wherein the liquid may optionally be in or on a carrier,
• where tobacco leaves, cellulose, smoke stones, crepe paper or mixtures can be used as optional carrier materials,
• where heating is effected by glowing coal or by electric heating,
• wherein the aerosol produced is flavoured by one or more flavour carriers located in the air stream,
• wherein the aroma carrier consists of natural materials, modified natural materials, artificial materials, preferably polymers, silica gel, mineral materials, which can absorb liquids,
• wherein the aroma carrier is impregnated with an aroma-laden liquid,
• wherein the aroma carrier is substantially cylindrical, hollow cylindrical, in the form of a prism with a polygonal cross-section or a cylinder with several longitudinal bores,
• wherein the aroma carrier is formed as a porous or fibrous body with continuous capillaries,
• the aroma carrier has a volume of 0.5-20 cm ³ and a surface area of 4-45 cm ² ,
• wherein the aroma carrier(s) are located in a tubular central body, characterized in that
• the tubular central body has closure elements at both ends to hold the aroma carrier(s) in position,
• wherein the closure elements have openings for air or aerosol passage,
• wherein the closure elements are designed such that either
  1. a) on one opening side, the closure element forms a tapered plug-in device which is inserted into the hose of the shisha and on the other side, the closure element forms a plug-in device which is inserted into a mouthpiece or
  2. b) on one opening side, the closure element forms a tapered plug-in device which is inserted into the bowl of the shisha and on the other side forms a plug-in device which is inserted into the hose of the shisha.

Further preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

The invention is explained below with reference to the figures.

Figure 1 shows the central element of the invention as an exploded view, namely a tubular central body (3) with two openings (the air/aerosol inlet (3.1) shown at the top, the air/aerosol outlet (3.2) shown at the bottom). Inside the central body there is an adapter (2) for receiving aroma carriers (not yet shown here), which in turn also has two openings (2.1 and 2.2). The upper and lower openings of the central body are closed with two closure elements (1, 4) so that the adapter including the aroma carriers is fixed inside the central body. The closure elements naturally contain openings to ensure the air/aerosol flow.

It is also self-evident that the openings of the closure element of the aroma carrier (2.1) and the closure element 1 are aligned in such a way that airflow is possible through all closure elements. The openings of one closure element must not be hermetically covered by the struts between the openings of the adjacent closure element.

This can be done, for example, by a spacer on the underside of the closure element 1 and/or on the top side of the closure element (2.1). Other mechanical solutions are also conceivable.

The same applies to the openings of the closure element of the aroma carrier (2.2) in relation to the closure element 4: Here too, the openings must be coordinated with one another in such a way that air can pass through all closure elements, which can be achieved by the measures described above.

The closure element 1 shown above can be inserted into a standard mouthpiece of a shisha, the closure element 4 shown below can be inserted into the hose of the shisha.

Both closure elements are designed to form an airtight seal with the mouthpiece or tube. To achieve this, they can either contain sealing elements and/or be made at least partially of rubber, silicone, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

Figure 2 shows the assembled central element (left) and an exploded view on the right. Shown here is the adapter (2), which in turn contains several aroma carriers (5).

Figure 3 shows the assembled central element from different views.

Figures 4 and 5 Show the central element with the adapter and the various closure elements as an exploded view. The closure elements must be arranged with their openings in such a way that air/aerosol flow is guaranteed on both sides at all times during operation.

Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of the closure element 1.

Figure 7 shows a first embodiment of the adapter 2. It can be clearly seen that the inside of the cylinder is not smooth, but has elevations and depressions that serve the air/aerosol draft in combination with a cylindrical aroma carrier.

Figure 8 shows a variant of the adapter with differently shaped openings in the closure elements. In this case, a substantially cylindrical cotton roll can serve as the aroma carrier. Suitable for this application are, for example, cotton rolls such as those used by dentists.

These have a diameter between 0.8 and 1.2 cm and are four centimeters long.

Figure 9 shows in comparison an adapter according to Figure 7 or 8 (left) and an adapter with a different internal design (right). In this design, as shown in the right-hand illustration, there are only 4 elevations, with which a cylindrical aroma carrier can be held centrally on the one hand, while on the other hand the air/aerosol flow is directed via the surface of the cylindrical aroma carrier. In this case, too, the aroma carrier can consist of a cotton roll. In other embodiments of the invention, other materials are used. These can be, among others, natural materials such as cellulose or cotton, modified natural materials such as cellulose acetate, or synthetic materials, preferably polymers such as elastane, PET, polyamide, polyacetate, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefins, polycondensates, polyurethanes, or similar polymer materials, and mixtures thereof are used primarily in foam-like designs. These can be produced, for example, by processes such as plastic foams, foam extrusion, molding processes, MuCell processes, RRIM (Reinforced Reaction Injection Molding), PUR foams, thermoplastic foam casting processes (TSG). Other alternative materials include silica gel, which can absorb large quantities of liquid and also has an extremely large surface area (up to 600m ² /g). Furthermore, mineral materials such as zeolite, montmorillonite, smectite or pumice stone can be mentioned which can absorb liquids. The material can also be designed as a porous or fibrous body with continuous capillaries. Within the scope of the present invention, several different materials can also be mixed.

The selected material must be capable of absorbing the aroma solution described below and effectively releasing it back to the surface of the aroma carrier. Furthermore, the material must be capable of quickly replacing aroma released at the surface through diffusion from the interior.

As already explained above, the aroma carrier can, in the simplest case, be cylindrical. Alternatively, the aroma carrier can also be designed in the form of a hollow cylinder. Further alternatively, the cylinder can have multiple bores. The aroma carrier can also be designed in the shape of a prism, with a cross-section that can be polygonal (e.g., triangular, quadrangular, hexagonal, or octagonal). An aroma carrier designed in any shape can also have channels, depressions, and/or elevations on the surface to increase the contact areas. Aroma carriers made of sponge-like polymer material can also be designed in these shapes. Typically, the aroma carrier has a volume of 0.5-20 ^cm³ and a surface area of 4-45 ^cm² . In many cases, the aroma carrier is cylindrical and has a length of 1-6 cm and a diameter of 0.5-2 cm. In special cases, smaller or larger aroma carriers can also be used.

The aroma carrier typically contains 1-5 ml of an aroma solution.

The solvent content in the aroma solution consists preferably, but not Consists exclusively of 1-30% propylene glycol and 70-99% flavorings (raw material content). Small amounts of ethanol (or other physiologically acceptable solvents, e.g., water, glycerin) may be included if desired. The flavors (e.g., apple, pear, strawberry, vanilla, coconut, blueberry, blackberry, orange, lemon, bergamot, melon, pineapple, cinnamon) are commercially available and therefore require no further explanation here. To achieve a weaker flavor, the solvent content can also be 31-99% and the flavor raw material content 1-69%.

The manufacturer Hertz & Selck, for example, offers an ice candy flavor:
The solvent content of this flavor is 18% in the form of propylene glycol.

The flavoring raw material concentration would be 82%. (Flavoring raw material concentrations are usually mixtures of raw materials that then produce the desired flavor.)

Figure 10 Shows the tubular central body in various views. The central body is preferably made of metal (e.g., chrome-plated steel, silver, etc.), which gives it a high-quality appearance. Alternatively, the central body can also be made of plastic.

Figure 11 shows the closure element 4 from different perspectives.

Figure 12 This image shows a flavor carrier with an RFID module (4) and QR code (5) as identification elements for use with an electrically heated shisha, as described below. In practice, the use of one identification element (e.g., RFID module or QR code) is usually sufficient. This embodiment shows the foil seals of the openings of the closure elements, which must be removed using the tabs before use.

This embodiment uses a shisha with an electric heater, wherein the heater is controlled by a control module. The aroma carrier contains an identification element with identification information. The identification element is preferably a QR code or an RFID module. Of course, other identification elements are also possible, such as magnetic stripes or other barcodes. The shisha also contains a sensor element compatible with the identification element (e.g., an optical scanner, an RFID receiver module, or a magnetic stripe reader) for reading the identification information stored in the identification element. This can be information about whether the aroma carrier is compatible with the shisha. Alternatively or additionally, an expiration date can also be stored as identification information. The heater is only released by the control module if compatibility is confirmed or if the expiration date has not yet expired. In particular, a verification of the origin of the aroma carrier. The use of counterfeit aroma carriers can be effectively prevented in this way. The maximum usage time of the aroma carrier can also be stored as identification information, so that the heating is automatically switched off by the control module when the maximum usage time is reached. Further operation is then only possible with a fresh aroma carrier.

Furthermore, the temperature of the heating element can be included as identification information. Different flavors have different vapor pressures, so, for example, a lower temperature can be set when using menthol than for fruit flavors.

The sensor element and the control module can also be linked to a mobile device, for example, a mobile app. Identifying information can be displayed on the mobile device (e.g., type of aroma, usage time, etc.). Furthermore, it is possible to control the heating via the mobile app.

Figure 13 shows an adapter without an identification element, but with foil closures and opening tabs.

Figure 14 shows a holding element for holding and securing one or more aroma carriers. The holding element has a grip element at the tip (shown above).

Figure 15 shows the use of this holding element from Figure 14 One or more cylindrical aroma carriers (6) can be accommodated by the crescent-shaped projections of the holding element (5). The assembly of aroma carriers (6) and holding element (5) can be inserted into the adapter (2) using the handle element (5.1). The entire adapter 2 is inserted into the tubular central element (3) and closed using the closure elements (1, 4).

Figure 16 shows the preferred application of the central body with aroma carrier: For example, according to Figure 15 The composite element is positioned between the hose of a hookah and the mouthpiece using the connectors. Pulling on the mouthpiece draws in the aerosol generated in the hookah bowl, which is then flavored by the aroma carrier.

Figure 17 shows an alternative application in which, for example, according to Figure 15 composite element is positioned between the bowl and hose using plug-in connections.

The finished flavor carrier, loaded with flavor solution, can be sealed in a packaging film and stored in this form for at least 12 months. It is advantageous to seal the flavor carrier with two sealing films (with tear-off tabs) before sealing, which prevents premature flavor loss.

The device according to the invention makes it possible for several people to enjoy different flavors at one hookah by using different flavored carriers. This eliminates the need to agree on a flavor before using a hookah. Each person can obtain their preferred flavor from the respective flavor carrier.

Furthermore, it is also possible to use a first flavor in the shisha bowl and a second flavor in the flavor carrier. This creates individually selectable flavor combinations that go beyond the usual commercial offerings.

Furthermore, it is possible to use two flavor carriers in combination, e.g. using different flavor carriers by means of the Figure 15 The holding element shown. For example, there are lovers of mint flavors who like to combine other flavors with mint. By using different flavor carriers together, it is possible, for example, to combine a first flavor (e.g., apple flavor) with a second flavor (e.g., mint flavor). It goes without saying that any other flavors can also be combined in this way.

What all applications have in common is that the flavoring effect lasts for a very long time without losing any intensity. With conventional shisha smoking, the smoke or vapor typically loses flavor intensity after a few minutes, and after 60 minutes at the latest, no flavor is perceptible anymore. The device according to the invention can generally be used for more than four hours without losing flavor intensity. In some cases, the device could be used for 6-10 hours without having to change the flavor carrier.

It was surprising to those skilled in the art that a significant aromatization of the aerosol was possible using the device according to the invention. Experts believed that the aromas in the hookah bowl had to be heated to evaporate the aromatic substances. A comparatively cool aerosol (between 20°C and 40°C) flows through the central element according to the invention, which contains the aroma carrier, because the aerosol in the bowl was cooled accordingly as it flowed through. It was not expected that sufficient aromatization of the aerosol would be possible at this temperature.

Furthermore, it surprised the expert that a significantly more differentiated aroma perception is possible compared to conventional shisha smoking. Without wishing to be bound by this theory, it is suspected that the conditions typically prevailing in the shisha bowl (temperatures between 300 and 800°C) can lead to a (partial) degradation of the very sensitive aromatic compounds, so that flavor nuances are lost. In addition, the aromatic compounds in the bowl (especially the hydrophilic aromatic compounds) are washed out and the vapor/smoke travels a comparatively long distance through the smoke column (typically approx. 50 cm) and the hose (typically approx. 100 cm), so that ultimately only a small portion of the originally intended aromas reaches the user.

The device according to the invention is further illustrated by the attached figures. The figures show various embodiments of the invention without intending to be limiting. Those skilled in the art can readily construct variants and other embodiments of the invention without having to engage in inventive activity.

The present patent application takes the priorities of the international patent applications PCT/IB2024/052147 ( Registration date: March 6, 2024 ) and PCT/IB2024/052148 (registration date: March 6, 2024 ), the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The priority claims relate only to those features of the invention that were first described in the cited international applications.

Claims (16)

Device for flavoring the aerosol of an aerosol-forming device, in particular a shisha, whereby an aerosol is produced by heating a liquid, wherein the liquid contains glycerin and/or propylene glycol, wherein the liquid may optionally be in or on a carrier, where tobacco leaves, cellulose, smoke stones, crepe paper or mixtures can be used as optional carrier materials, where heating is effected by glowing coal or by electric heating, wherein the aerosol produced is flavoured by one or more flavour carriers located in the air stream, wherein the aroma carrier consists of natural materials, modified natural materials, artificial materials, preferably polymers, silica gel, mineral materials, which can absorb liquids, wherein the aroma carrier is impregnated with an aroma-laden liquid, wherein the aroma carrier is substantially cylindrical, hollow cylindrical, in the form of a prism with a polygonal cross-section or a cylinder with several longitudinal bores, wherein the aroma carrier is formed as a porous or fibrous body with continuous capillaries, the aroma carrier has a volume of 0.5-20 cm ³ and a surface area of 4-45 cm ² , wherein the aroma carrier(s) are located in a tubular central body, characterized in that the tubular central body has closure elements at both ends to hold the aroma carrier(s) in position, wherein the closure elements have openings for air or aerosol passage, wherein the closure elements are designed such that either a) on one opening side, the closure element forms a tapered plug-in device which is inserted into the hose of the shisha and on the other side, the closure element forms a plug-in device which is inserted into a mouthpiece
or b) on one opening side, the closure element has a tapered A plug-in device is formed which is inserted into the bowl of the shisha and on the other side a plug-in device is formed which is inserted into the hose of the shisha. Device according to claim 1, wherein the closure element, which forms a tapered plug-in device that is inserted into the hose of the shisha, and the closure element, which forms a plug-in device that is inserted into a mouthpiece, are each formed at least partially from a soft, rubber-like material in order to enable an airtight connection between the hose and the closure element. Device according to claim 1, wherein the aroma carrier is located inside an adapter, the adapter allowing airflow over the surface of the aroma carrier. Device according to claim 1, wherein one or more aroma carriers are held by a holding element, wherein the holding element is located inside an adapter, wherein the adapter allows airflow over the surface of the aroma carrier. Device according to claim 1, wherein the aroma carrier is designed as a capsule with an air-impermeable shell and internal flooding channels, wherein the air flow through the flooding channels is located inside an adapter, wherein the air flow through the flooding channels enables the aromatization of the aerosol. Device according to claim 5, wherein the aroma carrier has a foil closure on both sides. Device according to claim 1, wherein the closure elements of the tubular central body and the closure elements of the aroma carrier are arranged so that an air/aerosol draft through the tubular central body is possible. Device according to claim 7, wherein the closure elements comprise spacers which ensure an arrangement by means of which an air/aerosol draft through the tubular central body is possible. Device according to claim 1, wherein the plug-in devices of the closure elements are designed so that an airtight connection between the hose and central body and between central body and mouthpiece or between bowl and central body and between central body and hose. Device according to claim 7, wherein the plug devices of the closure elements are made at least partially of rubber, silicone or thermoplastic elastomer. Device according to claim 1, wherein the heating is carried out by means of an electric heater, characterized in that the aroma carrier carries an identification element with identification information, that the device contains a sensor element and a control module which regulates the heating so that the electric heater is controlled based on the identification information of the identification element. Device according to claim 11, wherein the identification element is designed as an RFID module and the sensor element as an RFID reader or wherein the identification element is designed as a barcode or QR code and the sensor element as a barcode reader or QR code reader. Device according to claim 11, wherein the control module only enables the heating when the sensor element detects the presence of an aroma carrier compatible with the device by reading the identification information of the identity element of the aroma carrier. Device according to claim 11, wherein the identification information of the identification element contains a maximum usage time of the aroma carrier and the control module enables the heating only for the maximum usage time specified in the identification element. Device according to claim 11, wherein the identification information of the identification element contains temperature information and the control module sets the heater to the stored temperature. Device according to claim 11, wherein the control module contains an interface to a mobile device so that the stored data can be displayed on the mobile device and/or that the control of the heating can be influenced by means of the mobile device.