RU2825627C2 - Aerosol delivery device containing connectors for forming electrical and mechanical connections between interchangeable units - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol delivery device.

SUBSTANCE: aerosol delivery device comprises a control device that includes an outer casing forming an outer wall and having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the control device forms a cartridge housing chamber, and the control device also includes a battery and a control component. The device comprises a cartridge that includes a mouthpiece and a container, wherein the mouthpiece has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the mouthpiece has an outlet formed therein, wherein the container also forms a proximal end and a closed distal end and is configured to content of the liquid composition. The cartridge also includes an atomizer configured to vaporize the liquid composition, wherein each of the cartridge and the driver includes at least one connector configured to provide a magnetic and electrical connection between the cartridge and the driver in a manner that allows functional placement of the cartridge in the chamber for receiving the cartridge of the control device with the possibility of removal, while the distal end of the mouthpiece is located near the proximal end of the container and the specified at least one cartridge connector is located on the mouthpiece.

EFFECT: possibility of functional connection of the cartridge with the control device with the possibility of removal.

32 cl, 67 dwg

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and the right to benefit from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 16/386,940, entitled “Connectors for Forming Electrical and Mechanical Connections Between Interchangeable Units in an Aerosol Delivery System,” filed April 17, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/744,978, entitled “Aerosol Generating Device,” filed October 12, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to aerosol delivery devices, such as smoking articles, and more particularly to aerosol delivery devices that can use electrically generated heat to produce an aerosol (e.g., smoking articles commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes). The smoking articles can be configured to heat an aerosol precursor, which can include materials that can be made or obtained from tobacco, or otherwise include tobacco, wherein said precursor is capable of forming an inhalable substance for human consumption.

LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

Over the years, a variety of smoking devices have been proposed as an improvement or alternative to smoking products that require the combustion of tobacco. It is understood that many of these devices have been designed to provide the sensations associated with smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, but without delivering significant amounts of the incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products that result from the combustion of tobacco. To this end, a variety of smoking products, aroma generators, and medicinal inhalers have been proposed that use electrical energy to vaporize or heat a vaporizable material or attempt to provide the sensations of smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes without significantly burning tobacco. See, for example, the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heat generating sources disclosed in the art as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0255702 to Griffith Jr. et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0096781 to Sears et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Also see, for example, the various types of electrically powered smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heat generating sources referenced by trademark and trade information source in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0216232 to Bless et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It is advantageous to provide an aerosol delivery device with advantageous features for ease of use.

DISCLOSURE OF THE ESSENCE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods for making such devices and elements of such devices. In particular, the present invention may relate to an aerosol delivery device and a cartridge for removable use with the aerosol delivery device. In this regard, various embodiments of the present invention provide an aerosol delivery device with elements providing advantages for ease of use, comprising a control device and a cartridge, wherein electrical and mechanical connections are provided on the cartridge and the control device, allowing the cartridge to be functionally connected to the control device with the possibility of removal. The present invention includes, without limitation, the following example implementations:

Example of implementation 1: An aerosol delivery device comprising a control device that includes an outer casing that forms an outer wall and has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the control device forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, and the control device also includes a battery and a control component, and a cartridge that includes a mouthpiece portion and a container, wherein the mouthpiece portion has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the mouthpiece portion has an outlet formed therein, wherein the container also forms a closed distal end and is configured to contain a liquid composition, and the cartridge also includes a heater configured to heat the liquid composition, wherein each of the cartridge and the control device includes at least one connector configured to provide a magnetic and electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device in such a way that it is possible to functionally accommodate the cartridge in the cartridge accommodating chamber of the control housing with the possibility removal, wherein said at least one cartridge connector is located on the mouthpiece portion.

Example of implementation 2: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the inner frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of magnets located at a distance around the upper projection of the inner frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located on the inner frame and below its upper projection, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also contains a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a metal plate located below the projection, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 3: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the magnets of the internal frame of the control device are exposed on the upper surface of the upper projection such that when the cartridge is placed in the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnets of the internal frame of the control device are in direct contact with the metal plate of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 4: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper portion, at least one fastening element located on the upper surface of the internal frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located on the internal frame, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, at least one fastening element located on the projection of the cartridge, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the said at least one fastening element of the control device and the said at least one fastening element of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 5: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the upper part of the inner frame of the control device includes an inclined surface, wherein at least one fastening element of the control device contains a plurality of magnets located at a distance around the inclined surface of the inner frame, and the protrusion of the cartridge includes a corresponding inclined surface, wherein at least one fastening element of the cartridge contains a plurality of magnets located at a distance around the inclined surface of the protrusion.

Example of implementation 6: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the upper part of the internal frame of the control device includes an inclined surface, wherein at least one fastening element of the control device comprises a plurality of magnets located at a distance around the inclined surface of the internal frame, and the protrusion of the cartridge includes a corresponding inclined surface, wherein at least one fastening element of the cartridge comprises a plurality of metal plates located at a distance around the inclined surface of the protrusion.

Example of implementation 7: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the upper part of the inner frame of the control device includes an inclined surface, wherein at least one fastening element of the control device comprises a plurality of magnets located at a distance around the inclined surface of the inner frame, and the projection of the cartridge includes an inclined surface, wherein at least one fastening element comprises a metal ring that contains the inclined surface of the projection.

Example of implementation 8: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which at least one fastening element of the control device comprises a magnetic ring that includes an inclined surface that contains the upper part of the inner frame, wherein the protrusion of the cartridge comprises the inclined surface, and at least one fastening element of the cartridge comprises a metal ring that contains the inclined surface of the protrusion.

Example of implementation 9: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper portion, a pair of individual magnets that comprise a portion of the upper portion of the internal frame, wherein the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a pair of metal plates that comprise a portion of the projection of the cartridge and are operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, both a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are created between the pair of individual magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the pair of individual metal plates of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 10: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which a pair of individual magnets of the internal frame of the control device include an inclined surface, and a pair of metal plates of the projection of the cartridge include a corresponding inclined surface.

Example of implementation 11: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, a plurality of magnetic spheres located in the internal frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located on the internal frame, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to a battery, and the cartridge also comprises a pair of metal plates, each of which includes receiving recesses at its opposite ends, wherein the metal plates are operatively connected to a heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating a cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnetic spheres of the internal frame of the control device and the receiving recesses of the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 12: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, a pair of angled magnets located in the internal frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located in the internal frame and below the pair of angled magnets, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a pair of pointed sliding metal plates located in the projection, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the angled magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the pointed sliding metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 13: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located on the internal frame and below its upper projection, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a metal plate located below the projection, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge.

Embodiment example 14: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, wherein a plurality of cylindrical magnets extend through the upper projection of the inner frame such that the upper surface of the magnets is located substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper projection.

Example of implementation 15: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the lower surface of the projection and operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

Embodiment example 16: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, wherein a plurality of cylindrical magnets extend through the upper projection of the inner frame such that the upper surface of the magnets is located substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper projection.

Example of implementation 17: An aerosol delivery device according to any previous example of implementation or any combination of any previous examples of implementation, in which the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, and a pair of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the magnets are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the lower surface of the projection and operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, both a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 18: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which a pair of cylindrical magnets extend through an upper projection of the inner frame such that the upper surface of the magnets is located substantially at the same level with the upper surface of the upper projection.

Example of implementation 19: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a pair of cylindrical magnets that pass through the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of conductive housings, each of which substantially surrounds a side surface of a corresponding magnet and passes through the upper projection of the internal frame in such a way that an upper edge of the housings is located substantially at the same level with the upper surface of the upper projection, wherein the conductive housings are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the lower surface of the projection and operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating a cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive housings of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 20: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a pair of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of conductive housings, each of which substantially surrounds the upper and lateral surface of the corresponding magnet and extends through the upper projection of the internal frame in such a way that the upper surface of the housings is located substantially at the same level with the upper surface of the upper projection, wherein the conductive housings are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the lower surface of the projection and operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive housings of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 21: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of magnets located in the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of metal plates located in the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the upper surface of the metal plates is located substantially at the same level with the upper surface of the upper projection, wherein the metal plates are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and first and second pairs of metal plates located below the projection, wherein the first pair of metal plates is operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the second pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates of the internal frame of the control device and the first pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 22: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of magnets located in the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of metal plates located in the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the upper surface of the metal plates is located substantially at the same level with the upper surface of the upper projection, wherein the metal plates are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates located below the projection, wherein the metal plates are operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates of the internal frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 23: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, and a pair of magnets located in the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of metal plates located in the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the metal plates are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates containing a portion of the projection of the cartridge and operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates of the internal frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 24: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, and a pair of magnets located in the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of metal plates located in the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the metal plates are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a metal ring that contains a portion of the projection, and a pair of conductive spring contacts operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal ring of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates of the internal frame of the control device and the pair of conductive spring contacts of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 25: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of conductive pins that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the lower surface of the projection and operatively connected to the heater, wherein each metal plate includes an integrated spring contact, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the internal frame of the control device and the integrated spring contacts of the metal plates of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 26: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of magnets located at a distance around the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts located on the internal frame and below its upper projection, wherein the spring contacts are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a metal plate located below the projection, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 27: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper portion, at least one fastening element located on the upper surface of the internal frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts located on the internal frame, wherein the conductive spring contacts are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, at least one fastening element located in the projection of the cartridge, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the at least one fastening element of the control device and the at least one fastening element of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 28: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, a plurality of magnetic spheres located in the internal frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts located on the internal frame, wherein the conductive spring contacts are operatively connected to a battery, and the cartridge also comprises a pair of metal plates, each of which includes receiving recesses at its opposite ends, wherein the metal plates are operatively connected to a heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating a cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnetic spheres of the internal frame of the control device and the receiving recesses of the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 29: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, a pair of angled magnets located in the internal frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts located in the internal frame and below the pair of angled magnets, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a pair of pointed sliding metal plates located in the projection, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the angled magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the pointed sliding metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 30: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, in which the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts located on the internal frame and below its upper projection, wherein the conductive spring contacts are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a metal plate located below the projection, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge.

Example of implementation 31: An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding example of implementation or any combination of any preceding examples of implementation, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the lower surface of the projection and operatively connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from reading the following detailed description with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present invention includes any combination of two, three, four or more of the above embodiments, as well as combinations of two, three, four or more features or elements set forth in the present description, regardless of whether such features or elements are explicitly combined in the description of a particular embodiment herein. The present disclosure is intended to be read as a whole, so that any individual features or elements of the disclosed invention in any of its various aspects and embodiments should be considered as combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Having therefore described the present invention in the general terms set forth above, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially sectioned view of a control device for the aerosol delivery device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a cartridge according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 3A according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a partial perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a partial exploded top view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10B is a partial exploded top view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge coupled to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12A is a partial exploded perspective view of an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14A is a partial perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14B is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14C is a partial transparent perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16A is a partial perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16B is a top view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16C is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18A is a partial perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18B is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19A is a partial sectional view of a cartridge before it is fully connected to the internal frame of the control device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19B is a partial sectional view of a cartridge coupled to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20A is a partial transparent perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20B is a partial perspective view of a cartridge coupled to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20C is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22A is a partial perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22B is a partial perspective view of a cartridge coupled to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22C is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24A is a partial perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24B is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26A is a partial perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26B is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28A is a partial exploded perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28B is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30A is a partial exploded perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30B is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30C is a bottom view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32A is a partial exploded perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32B is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32C is a bottom view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a partial exploded perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35A is a partial perspective view of a cartridge coupled to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35B is a partial transparent perspective view of a cartridge coupled to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36A is a partial perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36B is a partial transparent perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38A is a partial transparent perspective view of the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38B is a partial perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge coupled to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 40 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge connected to the internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to examples of its implementations. These examples of implementations are described in such a way that this disclosure thoroughly, completely and fully conveys the scope of the invention to a person skilled in the art. In fact, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be considered as limited to the embodiments given herein; on the contrary, these embodiments are given so that the present invention complies with applicable legal requirements. In this description and in the appended claims, a grammatical construction indicating that an element is given in the singular also implies the plural, unless the context of the invention clearly dictates otherwise.

As described below, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery devices or vaporization devices, wherein these terms are used interchangeably herein. Aerosol delivery devices according to the present disclosure use electrical energy to heat a material (preferably without burning the material to any significant extent and/or without significantly chemically changing the material) to form an inhalable substance; and the components of such devices are in the form of articles that are most preferably sufficiently compact to be considered portable devices. In other words, use of the components of the preferred aerosol delivery devices does not result in the formation of smoke, i.e., from by-products of combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, but rather, use of these preferred systems results in the formation of vapors formed during the process of vaporization or evaporation of certain components included therein. In preferred embodiments, the components of the aerosol delivery devices may be characterized as electronic cigarettes, and said electronic cigarettes most preferably include tobacco and/or tobacco-derived components and thus deliver tobacco-derived components in the form of an aerosol.

Aerosol generating means of certain preferred aerosol delivery devices can provide a variety of sensations (e.g., inhalation and exhalation rituals, types of tastes and aromas, organoleptic effects, physical sensation, rituals of use, visual cues such as those provided by a visible aerosol, and the like) of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or smoking pipe that are caused by lighting and burning tobacco (and then inhaling the tobacco smoke) without any significant combustion of any of their components. For example, a user of an aerosol generating means according to the disclosure of the present invention can hold and use this means in a manner similar to how a smoker uses a traditional type of smoking article, by drawing on one end of said means to inhale the aerosol generated by this means, by taking or making puffs at selected intervals, and the like.

The proposed aerosol delivery devices may also be characterized as vapor-generating articles or drug delivery articles. Thus, such articles or devices may be adapted to provide one or more substances (e.g., flavoring agents and/or pharmaceutical active ingredients) in a respirable form or state. For example, the respirable substances may be substantially in the form of a vapor (e.g., a substance that is in the gaseous phase at a temperature below its critical point). According to an alternative embodiment, the respirable substances may be in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas). For simplicity, the term "aerosol" as used herein is intended to refer to vapors, gases, and aerosols of a form or type that are suitable for inhalation by a person, regardless of whether they are or are not visible and have or do not have a shape that can be considered "smoke-like."

Aerosol delivery devices according to the disclosure of the present invention most preferably comprise some combination of a power source (e.g., an electrical power source), at least one control component (e.g., means for actuating, controlling, regulating, and shutting off the power supply to generate heat, such as by controlling an electrical current from the power source to other components of the article - for example, a microcontroller or a microprocessor), a heater or heat-generating element (e.g., an electrical resistive heating element or other component, which alone or in combination with one or more additional elements may be generally referred to as an "atomizer"), a liquid composition (e.g., typically a liquid in the form of an aerosol precursor composition capable of forming an aerosol upon the application of sufficient heat, such ingredients are commonly referred to as "smoke juice," "e-liquid," and "e-juice"), and a mouthpiece or mouthpiece region for allowing a draw to be made through the aerosol delivery device to inhale the aerosol (e.g., a defined air flow path through the article such that the generated the aerosol can be expelled from it after a puff is taken).

More specific formats, configurations and arrangements of components in aerosol delivery devices according to the present invention will be apparent in light of the further disclosure of the invention presented below. In addition, the selection and arrangement of various components of aerosol delivery devices may be understood by considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as those representative products referenced in the "Background of the Invention" section of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, the present invention relates to aerosol delivery devices and cartridges for aerosol delivery devices that provide a visual indication of one or more characteristics of the device. For example, in some embodiments, a cartridge of an aerosol delivery device may contain a liquid composition that includes a flavoring agent. The present invention relates to aerosol delivery devices and cartridges for aerosol delivery devices, wherein the cartridge is configured to be removably connected to a control device, wherein when the cartridge is placed in the control device, at least one element of the cartridge, at least one element of the control device, or at least one element of both the cartridge and the control device provides a visual indication of a color associated with the flavoring agent.

An example of an embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 100 of the disclosure of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in the drawing, the aerosol delivery device 100 includes a control device 200 and a removable cartridge 300. Although only one cartridge is shown in the illustrated embodiment, it should be understood that in various embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 100 may include an interchangeable system. For example, in one or more embodiments, a single control device may be used with a plurality of different cartridges. Similarly, in one or more embodiments, a single cartridge may be used with a plurality of different control devices.

In various embodiments, the control device 200 includes an outer casing 202 that forms an outer wall 204 that includes a distal end 206 and a proximal end 208. The aerosol delivery device 100 of the illustrated embodiment also includes an indicator window 240 formed in the outer casing 202. FIG. 2 shows a partially sectioned view of the control device 200 of the aerosol delivery device 100 of FIG. 1. As shown in the drawing, the control device 200 also includes an inner frame 215 that contains a chamber 212 for receiving a cartridge formed by a wall 214 of the inner frame. The control device 200 also includes a battery 216 located in the outer casing 202 and also includes an external connection element 218. In the embodiment shown, the external connection element 218 is located at the distal end 206 of the outer casing 202.

The various components of the aerosol delivery device of the present invention may be selected from components described in the art and commercially available. Examples of batteries that may be used in accordance with the invention are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0028766 to Peckerar et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, other power sources may be used. For example, in various embodiments, the power source may comprise a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery, a solid-state battery, a thin-film solid-state battery, a rechargeable supercapacitor, and the like, and thus be combined with any type of recharging technology, including connection to a conventional wall charger, connection to a car charger (e.g., a cigarette lighter socket), connection to a computer, such as via a universal serial bus (USB) cable or connector (e.g., USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB type C), connection to a photovoltaic cell (sometimes referred to as a solar cell) or to a solar panel of solar cells, to a wireless charger, such as a charger that uses inductive wireless charging (including, for example, wireless charging in accordance with the Qi wireless charging standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)) or a wireless radio frequency (RF) charger. An example of an inductive wireless charging system is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0112196 to Sur et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In additional embodiments, the power source may also include a capacitor. Capacitors may discharge faster than batteries and may be charged between puffs, allowing the battery to discharge into the capacitor at a slower rate than if it were used to directly power the heating element. For example, a supercapacitor - such as an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) - may be used separately from or in combination with the battery. When used alone, the supercapacitor may be charged before each use of the article. Thus, the device may also include a charging component that can be attached to the smoking article between uses to replenish the supercapacitor. Examples of energy sources that include supercapacitors are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0112191 to Sur et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In various embodiments, the control device 200 may also include a light source 230 and at least one slit 232 (see FIG. 1) formed in the outer wall 204 of the control device 200, through which light from the light source 230 may be visible. In some embodiments, the light source 230 may comprise, for example, at least one light emitting diode (LED) configured to provide one or more colors of illumination. In some embodiments, the light source may be configured to provide illumination in only one color, while in other embodiments, the light source may be configured to provide illumination in various other colors. In still other embodiments, the light source may be configured to provide white light. As shown in FIG. 2, the second light source 230 may be located directly on the control component 234 (such as, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB)), in which additional control components (for example, a microcontroller and/or memory components) may be included. In various embodiments, the slot 232 can be provided in any desired shape and can be, in particular, located near the distal end 206 of the control device 200. In some embodiments, the slot 232 can be completely open or can be filled, for example, with a light-guiding material, or can be covered with a transparent or translucent element (for example, glass or plastic) on one or both of the inner surface and the outer surface of the outer wall 204 of the control device 200. The aerosol delivery device 100 can also contain a control mechanism for controlling the amount of electrical energy supplied to the heat-generating element during a puff. Representative types of electronic components, their structure and configuration, their features, and general methods of operation are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,205,622 to Pan, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0230117 to Fernando et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0060554 by Collet et al., in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0270727 by Ampolini et al., and in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0257445 by Henry et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Electrical connectors 220 may be located in the chamber 212 for receiving a cartridge and, in the illustrated embodiment, are provided on the sides of the wall 214 of the inner frame. In various embodiments, electrical connectors 220 may be operatively connected to the battery (e.g., connected to the battery directly or via the control component 234). As will be described in more detail below, electrical connectors may have various shapes and may be located in various other locations of the inner frame 215. As also shown in FIG. 2, the near end 208 of the outer casing 202 comprises an opening 210 that provides access to the chamber 212 for receiving a cartridge formed by the inner frame 215. It should be noted that for the purposes of the present invention, the term "operatively connected" should be interpreted in a broad sense to cover components that are directly connected and/or connected via one or more additional components.

In various embodiments, additional indicators (e.g., tactile feedback components, auditory feedback components, or the like) may be included in addition to or as an alternative to the light source. Additional representative types of components that provide visual signals or indicators, such as light emitting diode components, as well as the design and use thereof, are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al., 8,499,766 to Newton, and 8,539,959 to Scatterday, and in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0020825 to Galloway et al. and in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0216233 to Sears et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. It should be understood that not all illustrated elements are necessary. For example, the LED may be missing or replaced with another indicator, such as a vibration indicator.

In various embodiments, an air flow sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like may be included in the device. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the control device 200 may include a sensor 236 on the control component 234. Configurations of a printed circuit board and a pressure sensor, for example, are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0245658 to Worm et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In various embodiments, the sensor 236 may be located anywhere within the control device 200 to be exposed to an air flow and/or a pressure change that may signal a puff on the device and thereby cause the battery 216 to energize the heater in the cartridge 300. Alternatively, in the absence of an air flow sensor, the heater may be manually activated, such as by means of a push button that may be located on the control housing 200 and/or the cartridge 300. Additional representative types of sensing and detecting mechanisms, their structure and configuration, their components, and general methods of operation are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr., U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., and PCT No. WO 2010/003480 to Flick, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

In some embodiments, an input element may be included in the aerosol delivery device (and may replace or supplement the air flow or pressure sensor). An input device may be included to allow a user to control functions of the device and/or to output information to the user. Any component or combination of components may be used as an input to control a function of device 100. For example, one or more push buttons may be used as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0245658 to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Similarly, a touch screen may be used as described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 14/643,626, filed March 10, 2015 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As a further example, components configured to recognize gestures based on predetermined movements of the aerosol delivery device may be used as an input device. See US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0158782 to Henry et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the input device may comprise a computer or a computing device such as a smartphone or a tablet. In particular, the aerosol delivery device may be wired to the computer or other device, such as by using a USB cable or a similar protocol. The aerosol delivery device may also communicate with the computer or other device acting as the input device via wireless communication. See, for example, the systems and methods for controlling a device via a read request, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0007561 to Ampolini et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In such embodiments, an application or other computer program may be used in conjunction with a computer or other computing device to input control commands to the aerosol delivery device, wherein such control commands include, for example, the ability to form an aerosol of a certain composition by selecting the nicotine content and/or the content of additional flavors to be included.

Although other embodiments may differ, in the embodiment shown, the inner frame 215 is separated from the outer casing 202. Thus, the inner frame 215, which forms a chamber 212 for accommodating a cartridge, may exist independently and separately from the outer casing 202. The opening of the chamber may coincide with the opening at the near end 208 of the outer casing 202. Thus, in the embodiment shown, the wall 214 of the inner frame may be a completely different element that is attached to the outer casing 202; however, in other embodiments, the wall of the inner frame and the outer casing may be formed continuously. In any case, the side walls forming the wall of the inner frame are located inside the outer casing and are separated from it.

In various embodiments, the outer casing 202 can be formed from any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, ceramic, glass or the like. In some embodiments, the inner frame 215 can be formed from a different material than that used to form the outer casing 202. For example, in some embodiments, the outer casing can comprise a metal material, and the inner frame can comprise a plastic material. In other embodiments, the same materials can be used. The choice of materials, as indicated above, can also extend to the outer casing for any additional control device (any additional control devices) that is included in the device.

An example of an embodiment of a cartridge 300 for use in an aerosol delivery device of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In particular, FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to example embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 3B shows a partially sectioned view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the cartridge 300 comprises a container 302, which is formed by an outer wall 304 of the container, which includes a near end 306 and a distant end 308, which is closed. Thus, the container 302 can be characterized in that the wall 304 of the container is a side wall, which is continuous around the container, and the distant end 308 forms a bottom wall. The container 302 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 324 for vaporization (for example, an electronic liquid or an aerosol precursor composition), which can be configured as otherwise described in this document. The cartridge 300 also comprises a mouthpiece 310, which is formed by an outer wall 312 of the mouthpiece, which includes a near end 314 with an outlet opening 315 formed therein, and a far end 316, which interacts with the near end 306 of the container 302.

For aerosol delivery systems that are characterized as electronic cigarettes, the aerosol precursor composition may include tobacco or tobacco-derived components. In one respect, the tobacco may be in the form of tobacco pieces or pieces, such as finely ground, shredded, or powdered tobacco strip. Tobacco balls, pellets, or other solid forms may be included, such as described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0335070 to Sears et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In another respect, the tobacco may be in the form of an extract, such as a spray-dried extract, that includes many of the water-soluble components of tobacco. Alternatively, the tobacco extracts may be in the form of an extract with a relatively high nicotine content that also contains smaller amounts of other extracted components derived from tobacco. In another respect, tobacco-derived components may be provided in a relatively pure form, such as certain tobacco-derived flavoring agents. On the one hand, a component that is derived from tobacco and that may be used in a highly purified or substantially pure form is nicotine (e.g., pharmaceutical grade nicotine).

In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid composition, sometimes referred to as an aerosol precursor composition, a vapor precursor composition, or an "e-liquid," may comprise various components including, by way of example, a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and/or flavorings. Representative types of aerosol precursor components and compositions are also known and characterized in U.S. Patent No. 7,217,320 to Robinson and in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013/0008457 to Zheng et al.; 2013/0213417 to Chong; and 2014/0060554 to Collett et al.; 2015/0020823 to Lipowicz et al.; and No. 2015/0020830 to Koller, and WO 2014/182736 to Bowen et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Other aerosol precursors that may be used include the aerosol precursors that are included in R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company's VUSE® products, the BLU™ products Fontem Ventures B.V., MISTIC MENTHOL by Mistic Ecigs, MARK TEN by Nu Mark LLC, JUUL by Juul Labs, Inc., and VYPE by CN Creative Ltd. Also desirable are the so-called "smoke juices" for electronic cigarettes, which are available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC. Still other additional examples of aerosol precursor compositions are sold under the trademarks BLACK NOTE, COSMIC FOG, THE MILKMAN E-LIQUID, FIVE PAWNS, THE VAPOR CHEF, VAPE WILD, BOOSTED, THE STEAM FACTORY, MECH SAUCE, CASEY JONES MAINLINE RESERVE, MITTEN VAPORS, DR. CRIMMY'S V-LIQUID, SMILEY E LIQUID, BEANTOWN VAPOR, CUTTWOOD, CYCLOPS VAPOR, SICBOY, GOOD LIFE VAPOR, TELEOS, PINUP VAPORS, SPACE JAM, MT. BAKER VAPOR and JIMMY THE JUICE MAN.

The amount of aerosol precursor included in the aerosol delivery system is such that the aerosol generating means has acceptable sensory and desired performance characteristics. For example, it is most preferred that a sufficient amount of aerosol forming material (e.g., glycerin and/or propylene glycol) is used to ensure the generation of a visible main stream of aerosol, which in many respects resembles the appearance of tobacco smoke. The amount of aerosol precursor within the aerosol generating system may depend on factors such as the number of puffs desired on the aerosol generating means. In one or more embodiments, about 1 ml or more, about 2 ml or more, about 5 ml or more, or about 10 ml or more of the aerosol precursor composition may be included.

In some embodiments, the liquid composition may contain one or more flavorings. As used herein, reference to "flavoring" refers to compounds or components that can be aerosolized or delivered to a user and that convey a sensory experience of taste and/or aroma. Examples of flavoring agents include, but are not limited to, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, cream, tea, coffee, fruit (such as apple, cherry, strawberry, peach, and citrus flavors including lime and lemon), maple, menthol, mint, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, nutmeg, clove, lavender, cardamom, ginger, honey, anise, sage, rosemary, hibiscus, rose hips, mate, gaius, honeybush, rooibos, californica, bacopa monnieri, ginkgo biloba, withania somnifera, cinnamon, sandalwood, jasmine, cascarola, cocoa, licorice, and flavoring agents and additives of the type and nature traditionally used to flavor cigarette, cigar, and pipe tobacco. Additionally, syrups such as high fructose corn syrup may be used. Examples of plant-derived compositions that may be useful are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,107,453 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0152265 to Dube et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The selection of such additional components will vary depending on factors such as the sensory characteristics desired in the smoking article, and the present invention encompasses any such additional components that are readily apparent to those skilled in the art of tobacco and tobacco-related or tobacco-derived products. See, for example, Gutcho, Tobacco Flavoring Substances and Methods, Noyes Data Corp. (1972), and Leffingwell et al., Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products (1972), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. It should be noted that the reference to a flavoring agent need not be limited to any one flavoring agent as described above, and may in fact be a combination of one or more flavoring agents.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the cartridge 300 also includes a heater 320 and a liquid transfer element 322 that extends between the heater and the liquid composition 324 contained within the container 302. In various embodiments, the heater 320 and the liquid transfer element 322 may be implemented as separate elements that are fluidly connected, or may be implemented as a combined element. Moreover, the heater 320 and the liquid transfer element 322 may be formed from any structure as otherwise described herein. The cartridge 300 also includes one or more electrical contacts 325 that are configured to electrically connect the heater 320 to the battery 216 and/or the control component 234 of the control device 200.

In various embodiments, the fluid transfer element 322 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transfer fluid, such as by capillary action. In some embodiments, for example, the fluid transfer element may be formed from fibrous materials (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, fiberglass), porous ceramics, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillary tubes, or the like. Thus, the fluid transfer element 322 may be any material that comprises a network of open pores (i.e., a plurality of pores that are interconnected so that a fluid can flow from one pore to another in a plurality of directions through the element). As further described herein, some embodiments of the disclosure of the present invention may, in particular, relate to the use of non-fibrous transfer elements. Thus, fibrous transfer elements may be expressly excluded. Alternatively, combinations of fibrous transport elements and non-fibrous transport elements may be used. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting an aerosol precursor are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0261487 to Chapman et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0059780 to Davis et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Also, various adsorbent materials, as well as the design and operation of these adsorbent materials in certain types of electronic cigarettes, are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer element 322 may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, or the like. Examples of monolithic materials suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0188626 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some embodiments, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

In various embodiments, the heater 320 may comprise one or more different materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is passed therethrough. In some embodiments, the heater 320 may be a wire coil. Examples of materials from which the wire coil may be made include stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloys, fechral (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al) ₂ ), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, silver-palladium alloys, graphite and graphite-based materials (e.g., foams and carbon-based filaments). In additional embodiments, the heater 320 may be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silicon dioxide and/or ceramics (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramics). Other types of heaters, such as laser diodes or micro heaters, may also be used. The laser diode may be configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength or range of wavelengths that may be tuned to vaporize the aerosol precursor composition and/or tuned to heat a liquid transport element by which the aerosol precursor composition may be provided for vaporization. The laser diode may in particular be arranged to deliver electromagnetic radiation within a chamber, and the chamber may be configured to capture the radiation (e.g., a black body or a white body). Suitable micro heaters are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, the microheaters may comprise a substrate (e.g., quartz, silicon dioxide) with a heater track thereon (e.g., a resistive element such as Ag, Pd, Ti, Pt, Pt/Ti, boron-doped silicon, or other metals or metal alloys), which may be printed or otherwise applied to the substrate. A passivation layer (e.g., aluminum oxide or silicon dioxide) may be applied over the heater track. In particular, the heater 320 may be substantially planar. Such heaters are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0345633 to DePiano et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the embodiment shown, the outer wall 304 of the container may be made at least partially transparent and/or translucent, so that the liquid composition 324 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some embodiments, the entire outer wall 304 of the container may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some embodiments, only one side of the outer wall 304 of the container may be transparent or translucent, while the remaining portions of the outer wall of the container may be substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer wall 304 of the container may be substantially opaque, and a strip (e.g., from about 1 mm wide to about 20 mm wide or from about 2 mm wide to about 18 mm wide or from about 5 mm wide to about 15 mm wide) extending from the near end 306 of the container 302 to the far end 308 of the container may be transparent or translucent. In additional embodiments, the outer wall 304 of the container may be colored. In some embodiments, the color may be configured so that the liquid composition 324 inside the container 302 is still visible, for example, by using a transparent or translucent outer wall of the container. In other embodiments, the wall of the container may be designed so that the outer wall 304 of the container has a substantially opaque color.

In various embodiments, the control device 200 can be configured such that at least a portion of the container 302 is visible when the cartridge 300 interacts with the control device 200. As noted above, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer wall 304 of the container can be made at least partially transparent and/or translucent, so that the liquid composition 324 contained therein is visible from the outside, and the outer wall 204 of the control device 200 can be configured to include an indicator window 240 through which the outer wall 304 of the container and any liquid composition 324 present in the container 302 can be visible when the cartridge 300 interacts with the control device 200.

In various embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 100 and/or the control device 200 of the aerosol delivery device 100 may also include an external connector configured to electrically contact each element of the external connection of the device (for example, the element 218 of the external connection of the device). The external connector may include a first end of the connector and a second end of the connector connected to each other by a connection, which may be, for example, a cord of variable length. In various embodiments, the first end of the connector may be configured to electrically and optionally mechanically connect to the control device. In particular, the first end of the connector may include an insert wall, which may be received in a cavity present at the distal end 206 of the control device 200. The external connector may include a plurality of electrical pins inside the insert wall configured to perform charging and/or a connection for transmitting information with the element 218 of the external connection of the device. In some embodiments, the control device 200 may include a mechanical connector (for example, a mechanical connector 242) near the external connection element 218 of the control device. In some embodiments, the mechanical connector 242 may be a magnet or a metal (or a similar element) that is configured to be magnetically attracted to a magnet. Thus, the first end of the external connection connector may similarly include a mechanical connection element that may be located between the insert wall and the electrical pins. In various embodiments, the mechanical connection element may be a magnet or a metal (or a similar element) that is configured to be magnetically attracted to a magnet. The second end of the connector may be configured to be connected to a computer or a similar electronic device or connected to a power source. For example, the second end of the connector has a universal serial bus (USB) connection; however, another connection may also be provided and/or an adapter (for example, a USB/AC adapter) may similarly be included. For example, an adapter including a USB connector at one end and a power supply connector at the opposite end is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0261495 to Novak et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Other features, controls, or components that may be included in aerosol delivery devices according to the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,934,289 to Watkins et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,365,742 to Hon, U.S. Patent No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0163063 to Fernando et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0192623 by Tucker et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0298905 by Leven et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0180553 by Kim et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0000638 by Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0261495 by Novak et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0261408 by DePiano et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

In various embodiments, the mouthpiece 310 of the cartridge 300 may be configured to interact with the container 302. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the distal end 316 of the mouthpiece 310 may include a rim wall 330 that is at least partially inserted from the outer wall 312 of the mouthpiece. The rim wall 330 may be configured to interact with the inner region of the near end 306 of the outer wall 304 of the container. In some embodiments, the rim wall 330 may have a length of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, from about 2 mm to about 18 mm, or from about 5 mm to about 15 mm. In some embodiments, the rim wall 330 may interact with the outer wall 304 of the container only by friction fit, or the rim wall may be substantially permanently attached to the outer wall of the container, such as by welding or adhesive.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 310 may form a substantially open interior space, through which the generated vapor may combine with air to form an aerosol for discharge through the outlet 315 of the mouthpiece 310. In one or more embodiments, the mouthpiece 310 may include one or more additional interior walls, which may be configured to form one or more compartments of the mouthpiece. For example, the mouthpiece may include an interior upper wall between the near end and the far end and also include an interior lower wall between the interior upper wall and the far end of the mouthpiece. More specifically, as seen in FIG. 3B, the mouthpiece 310 may include an inner upper wall 332 between the near end 314 and the far end 316 of the mouthpiece 310. In addition, the mouthpiece 310 may include an inner lower wall 334 between the inner upper wall 332 and the far end 316 of the mouthpiece 310.

In various embodiments, two or more walls in the mouthpiece may be configured to form an evaporation chamber within which a heater may be located. As shown in FIG. 3B, the outer wall 312 of the mouthpiece, the inner upper wall 332 and the inner lower wall 334 form a first evaporation chamber 340 in which a heater 320 is located. In some embodiments, one or more electrical contacts 325 may be located within a portion of the outer wall 312 of the mouthpiece that forms the evaporation chamber 340; however, it is understood that one or more electrical leads may extend from the heater 320 to one or more electrical contacts located on another portion of the outer wall of the mouthpiece or located on the outer wall 304 of the container. One or more walls of the mouthpiece may also comprise one or more openings for passing through them one or more additional elements of the cartridge 300 or for passing the generated vapor/aerosol. For example, the inner upper wall 332 may include an opening 336 for vapor, through which the vapor generated in the evaporation chamber 340 may pass to the first outlet 315. In some embodiments, the opening 336 for vapor in the inner upper wall 332 may be substantially located therein in the center and may be substantially aligned with the heater 320 along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 300. As a further example, the inner lower wall 334 may include a passage 338 for a wick, through which the first element 322 for transferring liquid (for example, a wick) may pass between the heater 320 and the liquid composition 324 in the container 302.

In various embodiments, two or more walls in the mouthpiece may be configured to form a cooling chamber, within which the formed aerosol may be allowed to expand and/or cool before passing through the outlet. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the outer wall 312 of the mouthpiece and the inner upper wall 332 form a cooling chamber 342 that receives the formed vapor/aerosol from the evaporation chamber 340. Thus, the vapor/aerosol formed by the heater 320 passes from the second evaporation chamber 340 through the vapor opening 336 into the cooling chamber 342. In some embodiments, the evaporation chamber 340 and the cooling chamber 342 may be configured to have a predetermined relative volume ratio. For example, in some embodiments, the volume ratio of evaporation chamber 340 to cooling chamber 342 may be from about 2:1 to about 1:4, from about 1:1 to about 1:4, or from about 1:1.5 to about 1:3.

If desired, the mouthpiece 310 may also include one or more elements configured to reduce or prevent leakage of condensed liquid therefrom. For example, in some embodiments, all or part of the inner region of the wall 312 of the mouthpiece and/or the inner upper wall 332 forming the cooling chamber 342 may be formed from or include an absorbent or adsorbent material configured to retain liquid. Alternatively or additionally, all or part of the inner region of the wall 312 of the mouthpiece and/or the inner upper wall 332 forming the cooling chamber 342 may be configured to direct liquid back to the evaporation chamber 340, for example by adding microchannels or the like.

In one or more embodiments, the cartridge 300 may be configured such that the mouthpiece wall 312 includes a projection located between its near end 314 and its far end 316. For example, with reference to FIG. 3A and 3B, the mouthpiece 310 comprises a projection 350 that extends along a circumferential surface from the wall 312 of the mouthpiece around substantially the entire mouthpiece 310. In some embodiments, the distance at which the projection 350 extends from the wall 310 of the mouthpiece may be substantially uniform around the entire circumferential surface of the mouthpiece 310. In some embodiments, the distance at which the projection 350 extends from the wall 312 of the mouthpiece may vary at one or more points around the circumferential surface of the mouthpiece 310. The entire cartridge 300 or the mouthpiece 310 individually may be formed with respect to a longitudinal axis (L), a first transverse axis (T1) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis (T2) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first transverse axis.

In some embodiments, the entire cartridge 300 and/or the mouthpiece 310 may be formed with respect to the overall length along the longitudinal axis (L), the overall width along the first transverse axis (T1) and the overall depth along the second longitudinal axis (T2). The length may be greater than the width, which in turn may be greater than the depth. The distance by which the projection 350 extends laterally from the wall 312 of the mouthpiece may be greater along the second transverse axis (T2) than along the first transverse axis (T1). Thus, in some embodiments, the overall distance between the opposite outer edges of the projection 350 across the mouthpiece 310 along the first transverse axis (T1) may be greater than the overall distance between the opposite edges of the projection across the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2); the total distance between the opposite outer edges of the projection 350 through the mouthpiece 310 along the first transverse axis (T1) can be substantially equal to the total distance between the opposite edges of the projection through the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2); or the total distance between the opposite outer edges of the projection 350 through the mouthpiece 310 along the first transverse axis (T1) can be less than the total distance between the opposite edges of the projection through the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2). In particular embodiments, the distance (d2) between the wall 312 of the mouthpiece and the outer edge of the projection 350 when measured along the second transverse axis (T2) can be greater than the distance between the wall of the mouthpiece and the outer edge of the projection when measured along the first transverse axis (T1). The specified distances may, in particular, be measured approximately at the midpoint of each of the first transverse axis (T1) and the second transverse axis (T2).

According to the disclosure of the present invention, each of the cartridge and the control device includes at least one connector configured to provide a magnetic and electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device in such a way that it is possible to functionally accommodate the cartridge in the cartridge accommodating chamber of the control body with the possibility of removal, wherein said at least one cartridge connector is located on the mouthpiece. As will be described in more detail below, in various embodiments, at least one cartridge connector and the control device can have a plurality of different shapes, outlines, sizes, positions, etc. to provide a magnetic and electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device. In addition, in various embodiments, the same cartridge and/or control device connector can provide a magnetic and/or electrical connection.

FIG. 4A shows a partial perspective view of the internal frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 4A shows a portion of the internal frame 415 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated here.

As shown in the drawing, the inner frame 415 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 412 for accommodating a cartridge and a projection 450 formed at its upper end. The inner frame 415 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 452 located near the upper projection 450 of the inner frame 415. In the illustrated embodiment, four individual magnets 452A, 452B, 452C, 452D are formed, each of which has a substantially block shape or a rectangular prismatic shape, although in other embodiments, a greater or lesser number of individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and/or sizes. In the illustrated embodiment, magnets 452A, 452B, 452C, 452D are approximately equally spaced around the outer side of the inner frame 415 and below its upper projection 450, wherein each of the plurality of magnets is located within a corresponding magnet receiving member 453, which in the illustrated embodiment is an extension of the upper projection 450. Although other methods are possible, magnets 452A, 452B, 452C, 452D of the illustrated embodiment can be secured within the magnet receiving members 453 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the magnets described above or any other magnets described herein may comprise a variety of different types of magnets, including rare earth magnets. For example, in some embodiments, one or more magnets may comprise neodymium magnets (also known as NdFeB, NIB or Neo magnets). In various embodiments, different classes of neodymium magnets may be used, including, for example, N35, N38, N40, N42, N45, N48, N50 and/or N52 classes. In other embodiments, one or more magnets may comprise samarium cobalt magnets (also known as SmCo magnets). In yet other embodiments, one or more magnets may comprise ceramic/iron magnets. In other embodiments, one or more magnets may comprise aluminum nickel cobalt (AlNiCo) magnets. In any of the above embodiments, one or more magnets may comprise a galvanic coating and/or a coating. For example, in some embodiments, one or more magnets may be coated with nickel. In other embodiments, one or more magnets may be coated with one or more of the following: zinc, tin, copper, epoxy, silver, and/or gold. In some embodiments, one or more magnets may be coated with a combination of these materials. For example, in one embodiment, one or more magnets may be coated with nickel, copper, and again nickel. In another embodiment, one or more magnets may be coated with nickel, copper, nickel, and a top coat of gold.

The inner frame 415 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 420A, 420B located near the inner frame 415 and below its upper projection 450. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 420A, 420B are operatively connected to a battery of the control device in a manner as will be described below for supplying power to the heater of the inserted cartridge. The conductive pins 420A, 420B of the illustrated embodiment comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical spring contacts), each of which is biased inwardly such that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the chamber 412 for receiving the cartridge and is configured to deflect outwardly under the action of an embedded spring, although other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 420A, 420B comprise gold-plated metal pins; however, other materials or combinations of materials are possible, which may also include coatings and/or electroplating of electrically conductive materials. Examples of electrically conductive materials may include, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the conductive pins 420A, 420B have a rounded profile, although other profiles are possible, such that deflection of the conductive pins 420A, 420B is facilitated when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receiving chamber 412. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 420A, 420B may be secured within the inner frame 415 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process such that the movable components of the conductive pins are capable of being deflected outward by the force of the springs.

FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 4B shows a cartridge 500 that includes a container 502 that is formed by an outer wall 504 of the container that includes a near end 506 and a far end 508 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 500 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated here. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 500 of the embodiment shown comprises a mouthpiece 510 that is formed by an outer wall 512 of the mouthpiece that includes a near end 514 with an outlet opening 515 formed therein, and a distal end 516 that cooperates with a near end 506 of the container 502. In the embodiment shown, the wall 512 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 550 located between its near end 514 and the distal end 516. The cartridge 500 of the embodiment shown also includes a metal plate 552 that is located below the projection 550. In the embodiment shown, the metal plate 552 is attached to the bottom of the projection 550 of the mouthpiece 510 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of a molding process with insert. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plate 552 may comprise any material capable of being attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof. The cartridge 500 also includes a pair of conductive connectors 525A, 525B located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 510 and below the projection 550 and the metal plate 552. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive connectors 525A, 525B may be attached inside the mouthpiece 510 of the cartridge 500 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive connectors 525A, 525B are operatively connected to the heater 520 (see FIG. 5) of the cartridge 500. In various embodiments, the conductive connectors 525A, 525B can be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and/or any combination thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 500 of FIG. 4B is configured to be connected to the cartridge receiving chamber 412 of the inner frame 415 of FIG. 4A in such a way that magnetic and electrical connections are created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 5 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 500 connected to the inner frame 415 of the control device. As shown in the drawing, when the cartridge 500 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the inner frame 415 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the plurality of magnets 452A, 452B, 452C, 452D located in the inner frame 415 of the control device and the metal plate 552 of the cartridge 500. Additionally, when the cartridge 500 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the internal frame 415, an electrical connection is created between the pair of conductive pins 420A, 420B of the internal frame 415 of the control device and the conductive connectors 525A, 525B of the cartridge 500. Thus, when the cartridge 500 is placed in the internal frame 415 of the control device, the heater 520 of the cartridge 500 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 500 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the internal frame 415 of the control device, the cartridge 500 is mechanically biased into connection with the internal frame 415 of the control device in such a way that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

It should be noted that for this embodiment and/or another embodiment described herein, the magnets may promote a proper rotational orientation of the cartridge relative to the control device. For example, while in some embodiments the cartridge may be installed in the control device in any rotational orientation, and in other embodiments the geometry of the cartridge and/or the control device may promote a proper rotational orientation of the cartridge relative to the control device, in yet other embodiments the magnets in the cartridge and the magnets in the control device may promote a proper rotational orientation of the cartridge relative to the control device. For example, if the same pole of a magnet in the cartridge is inserted near the same pole of a magnet in the control device (e.g. the North pole of a magnet in the cartridge and the North pole of a magnet in the control device, or the South pole of a magnet in the cartridge and the South pole of a magnet in the control device), the magnets will repel each other. However, if the opposite poles are placed next to each other (for example, the North pole of the magnet in the cartridge and the South pole of the magnet in the control device, or the South pole of the magnet in the cartridge and the North pole of the magnet in the control device), the magnet will attract each other. As a result, the positioning of the polarity of the magnets in the cartridge and the control device can be performed in such a way that the opposite poles of the magnet are attracted to each other with a proper rotational orientation of the cartridge relative to the control device and repel each other in other rotational orientations of the cartridge relative to the control device.

FIG. 6 shows a partial perspective view of the inner control frame 615 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the inner frame 615 of the shown embodiment includes a projection 650 formed at its upper end and a plurality of magnets 652 located near the upper projection 450 of the inner frame 615. In the shown embodiment, four separate magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D are formed. In various embodiments, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D are configured to facilitate a magnetic connection between the inner frame 615 of the control device and a cartridge (such as, for example, the cartridge 500 of FIG. 4B). Thus, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D of the shown embodiment are similar to the magnets described with respect to FIG. 4A. For example, four individual magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D of the illustrated embodiment are provided, each of which has a substantially block shape or a rectangular prismatic shape, although a greater or lesser number of individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and/or sizes. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above. The inner frame 615 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 620A, 620B located near the inner frame 615 and below its upper projection 650. With respect to the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D, the conductive pins 620A, 620B of the illustrated embodiment are similar to the conductive pins of the embodiment of FIG. 4A. For example, the conductive pins 620A, 620B of the illustrated embodiment comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical spring contacts), each of which is biased inwardly such that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the chamber 612 for receiving the cartridge and is configured to deflect outwardly against the action of the force of the built-in spring, although in other embodiments other types of conductive elements may be used. Reference is made to the possible materials for the conductive pins described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 620A, 620B may be secured within the inner frame 615 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process such that the movable components of the conductive pins are capable of deflecting outwardly under the action of the force of the springs.

FIG. 7 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 500 connected to the inner frame 615. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D are approximately equally spaced around the outside of the inner frame 615, with each magnet positioned within a corresponding magnet receiving member 653 (see FIG. 6). Although other methods are possible, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D of the illustrated embodiment may be secured within the magnet receiving members 653 by means of a push fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process. However, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 4A, magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D of the illustrated embodiment are exposed on the upper surface of the upper projection 650 of the inner frame 615 such that, when the cartridge 500 is connected to the inner frame 615 of the control device, magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D make direct contact with the metal plate 552 of the cartridge 500. Thus, when using a similar configuration of magnets, the magnetic coupling between the cartridge 500 and the inner frame 615 of the embodiment of FIG. 7 can be stronger than the magnetic coupling of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B shows a partial exploded view from above of the inner frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIGS. 8A and 8B show an inner frame 815 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated herein.

As shown in the drawings, the inner frame 815 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 812 for receiving a cartridge and a plurality of projecting elements 856 that extend outward from the upper portion 858 of the inner frame 815. Although other configurations are possible, the projecting elements 856 of the illustrated embodiment are approximately equally spaced around the periphery of the upper portion 858 of the inner frame 815. The upper portion 858 of the inner frame 815 also forms an inclined surface 860 that is inclined downward and inward with respect to its upper edge. The inner frame 815 of the shown embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 852 arranged on the inclined surface 860. In the shown embodiment, four individual magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D are provided, each of which has a substantially block shape or a rectangular prismatic shape, although in other embodiments a greater or lesser number of individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and/or sizes. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above. In the shown embodiment, the magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D are approximately evenly spaced around the inclined surface 860 of the inner frame 815. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D of the shown embodiment may be secured within the inclined surface 860 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process.

Additionally, the inner frame 815 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 820A, 820B (not shown in FIG. 8A) located in the inner frame 815 and near its upper portion 858. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 820A, 820B comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical spring contacts), each of which is biased inwardly such that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the chamber 812 for receiving the cartridge and is configured to deflect outwardly under the action of an integrated spring, although other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the conductive pins 820A, 820B have a rounded profile, although other profiles are possible, such that the deflection of the conductive pins 820A, 820B is facilitated when the cartridge is inserted into the chamber 812 for receiving the cartridge. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 820A, 820B may be secured within the inner frame 815 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process such that the movable components of the conductive pins are capable of being deflected outward under the action of the force of the springs. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 820A, 820B are operatively connected to the battery of the control device in the manner as will be described below, for supplying power to the heater of the inserted cartridge. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 820A, 820B may be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 8C shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 8C shows a cartridge 700 that includes a container 702 that is formed by an outer wall 704 of the container that includes a near end 706 and a far end 708 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 700 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated here. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 700 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a mouthpiece 710, which is formed by an outer wall 712 of the mouthpiece, which includes a near end 714 with an outlet opening 715 formed therein, and a distant end 716, which interacts with the near end 706 of the container 702. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 712 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 750, located between its near end 714 and the distant end 716. The projection 750 of the illustrated embodiment also includes an inclined surface 760, formed below its upper part. The cartridge 700 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 752 arranged on an inclined surface 760. In the illustrated embodiment, four individual magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D are provided, each of which has a substantially block shape or a rectangular prismatic shape, although in other embodiments a greater or lesser number of individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and/or sizes. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above. In the illustrated embodiment, magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D are approximately equally spaced around the inclined surface 760 of the projection 750 of the cartridge 700. Although other methods are possible, magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D of the illustrated embodiment can be secured within the inclined surface 760 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process.

Although not shown in the drawing, the cartridge 700 also includes a pair of conductive connectors similar to the conductive connectors described above with respect to the cartridge 500 of FIG. 4B. In particular, the conductive connectors are located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 710 and below the projection 750. In the embodiment shown, the conductive connectors may be attached inside the mouthpiece 710 of the cartridge 700 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive connectors are operatively connected to the heater 720 (see FIG. 9) of the cartridge 700. In various embodiments, the conductive connectors may be made of any electrically conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 700 of FIG. 8C is configured to be connected to the chamber 812 for receiving the cartridge of the inner frame 815 of FIG. 8A and 8B in such a way that magnetic and electrical connections are created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 9 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 700 connected to the inner frame 815 of the control device. In the shown embodiment, the inclined surface 860 of the inner frame 815 is configured to complement the inclined surface 760 of the projection 750 of the cartridge 700. Thus, when the cartridge 700 of the shown embodiment is connected to the inner frame 815 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the plurality of magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D located on the inclined surface 860 of the inner frame 815 of the control device and the plurality of magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D located on the inclined surface 760 of the cartridge 700. Additionally, when the cartridge 700 of the shown embodiment is connected to the inner frame 815, an electrical connection is created between the pair of conductive pins 820A, 820B of the inner frame 815 of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge 700. Thus, when the cartridge 700 is placed in the internal frame 815 of the control device, the heater 720 of the cartridge 700 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 700 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 815 of the control device, the cartridge 700 is mechanically biased into connection with the internal frame 815 of the control device by means of a magnetic connection such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device. It should be noted that in other embodiments, either the plurality of magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D of the internal frame 815 of the control device, or the plurality of magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D of the cartridge (or a combination of both) can be replaced by metal plates in order to provide a magnetic connection between the cartridge 700 and the internal frame 815 of the control device.

FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B shows a partial exploded view from above of the inner frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIGS. 10A and 10B show an inner frame 1015 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated herein.

As shown in the drawings, the inner frame 1015 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 1012 for receiving a cartridge and a plurality of projecting elements 1056 that extend outward from the upper portion 1058 of the inner frame 1015. Although other configurations are possible, the projecting elements 1056 of the illustrated embodiment are approximately equally spaced around the periphery of the upper portion 1058 of the inner frame 1015. The upper portion 1058 of the inner frame 1015 also forms an inclined surface 1060 that is inclined downward and inward with respect to its upper edge. The internal frame 1015 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 1052 arranged on the inclined surface 1060. In the illustrated embodiment, four individual magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, 1052D are provided, each of which has a substantially block shape or a rectangular prismatic shape, although in other embodiments a greater or lesser number of individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and/or sizes. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above. In the illustrated embodiment, magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, 1052D are approximately equally spaced around the inclined surface 1060 of the inner frame 1015. Although other methods are possible, magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, 1052D of the illustrated embodiment can be secured within the inclined surface 1060 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process.

In addition, the inner frame 1015 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 1020A, 102B (not shown in FIG. 10A) located in the inner frame 1015 and near its upper portion 1058. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical spring contacts), each of which is biased inwardly such that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the chamber 1012 for receiving the cartridge and is configured to deflect outwardly under the action of an integral spring, although other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the ends of the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B have a rounded profile, although other profiles are possible, such that the deflection of the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B is facilitated when the cartridge is inserted into the chamber 1012 for receiving the cartridge. In the embodiment shown, the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B can be secured inside the inner frame 1015 by means of a tight fit and/or an adhesive bond or by means of an insert molding process such that the movable components of the conductive pins are able to deflect outward under the action of the force of the springs. In the embodiment shown, the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B are operatively connected to the battery of the control device in the manner as will be described below, for supplying power to the heater of the inserted cartridge. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B may be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 10C shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 10C shows a cartridge 900 that includes a container 902 that is formed by an outer wall 904 of the container that includes a near end 906 and a far end 908 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 900 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated here. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 900 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a mouthpiece 910 which is formed by an outer wall 912 of the mouthpiece which includes a near end 914 with an outlet opening 915 formed therein, and a distal end 916 which cooperates with a near end 906 of the container 902. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 912 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 950 located between its near end 914 and the distal end 916. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 950 of the cartridge 900 also includes a metal ring 952 which forms an inclined surface 960. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal ring 952 is attached to the bottom of the projection 950 of the mouthpiece 910 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of a process insert molding. In the embodiment shown, the metal ring 952 may comprise any material capable of being attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof.

Although not shown in the drawing, the cartridge 900 also includes a pair of conductive connectors similar to the conductive connectors described above with respect to the cartridge 500 of FIG. 4B. In particular, the conductive connectors are located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 910 and below the projection 950. In the embodiment shown, the conductive connectors may be attached inside the mouthpiece 910 of the cartridge 900 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive connectors are operatively connected to the heater 920 (see FIG. 11) of the cartridge 900. In various embodiments, the conductive connectors may be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 900 of FIG. 10C is configured to be connected to the chamber 1012 for receiving the cartridge of the inner frame 1015 of FIG. 10A and 10B in such a way that magnetic and electrical connections are created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 11 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 900 connected to the inner frame 1015 of the control device. In the shown embodiment, the inclined surface 1060 of the inner frame 1015 is configured to complement the inclined surface 960 of the metal ring 952 of the projection 950 of the cartridge 900. Thus, when the cartridge 900 of the shown embodiment is connected to the inner frame 1015 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the plurality of magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, 1052D located on the inclined surface 1060 of the inner frame 1015 of the control device and the metal ring 952, which contains a portion of the projection 950 of the cartridge 900. In addition, when the cartridge 900 of the shown embodiment is connected to the inner frame 1015, an electrical connection is created between the pair of conductive pins 1020A, 102B of the inner frame 1015 of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge 900. Thus, when the cartridge 900 is placed in the internal frame 1015 of the control device, the heater 920 of the cartridge 900 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 900 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the internal frame 1015 of the control device, the cartridge 900 is mechanically biased into connection with the internal frame 1015 of the control device in such a way that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 12A shows a partial exploded perspective view of an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; In particular, FIG. 12A shows an internal frame 1215 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated herein.

As shown in the drawings, the inner frame 1215 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 1212 for accommodating a cartridge and a magnetic ring 1252, which forms an upper portion 1258 of the inner frame 1215. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic ring 1252 forms an inclined surface 1260, which is inclined downwards and inwards with respect to its upper edge. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic ring 1252 is attached to the inner frame 1215 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above.

In addition, the inner frame 1215 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 1220A, 1220B located in the inner frame 1215 and near its upper part 1258. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical spring contacts), each of which is biased inward such that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the chamber 1212 for receiving the cartridge and is configured to deflect outward under the action of an integrated spring, although other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B have a rounded profile, although other profiles are possible, such that the deflection of the conductive pins 1220 is facilitated when the cartridge is inserted into the chamber 1212 for receiving the cartridge. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B can be secured within the inner frame 1215 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process such that the movable components of the conductive pins are capable of being deflected outward under the action of the force of the springs. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B are operatively connected to the battery of the control device in the manner as will be described below, for supplying power to the heater of the inserted cartridge. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B can be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 12B shows a cartridge 1100 that includes a container 1102 that is formed by an outer wall 1104 of the container that includes a near end 1106 and a far end 1108 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 1100 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated herein. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 1100 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a mouthpiece 1110 that is formed by an outer wall 1112 of the mouthpiece that includes a near end 1114 with an outlet opening 1115 formed therein, and a distal end 1116 that cooperates with a near end 1106 of the container 1102. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 1112 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 1150 located between its near end 1114 and the distal end 1116. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 1150 of the cartridge 1100 also includes a metal ring 1152 that forms an inclined surface 1160. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal ring 1152 may comprise any material that is capable of being attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials including, without limitation, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof.

The cartridge 1100 also includes a pair of conductive connectors 1125A, 1125B located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 1110 and below the metal plate 1152 of the projection 1150. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive connectors can be attached inside the mouthpiece 1110 of the cartridge 1100 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive connectors 1125A, 1125B are operatively connected to the heater 1120 (see FIG. 13) of the cartridge 1100. In various embodiments, the conductive connectors 1125A, 1125B can be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and/or any combination thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 1100 of FIG. 12B is configured to connect to the chamber 1212 for receiving the cartridge of the inner frame 1215 of FIG. 12A in such a way that magnetic and electrical connections are created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 13 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 1100 connected to the inner frame 1215 of the control device. In the embodiment shown, the inclined surface 1260 of the magnetic ring 1252 of the inner frame 1215 is configured to complement the inclined surface 1160 of the metal ring 1152 of the projection 1150 of the cartridge 1100, although in other embodiments the contact surfaces can be flat (for example, thereby creating a mating place between the surfaces at a substantially right angle). Thus, when the cartridge 1100 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 1215 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the magnetic ring 1252 of the internal frame 1215 of the control device and the metal ring 1152, which contains a part of the projection 1150 of the cartridge 1100. In addition, when the cartridge 1100 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 1215, an electrical connection is created between the pair of conductive pins 1220A, 1220B of the internal frame 1215 of the control device and the conductive connectors 1125A, 1125B of the cartridge 1100. Thus, when the cartridge 1100 is placed in the internal frame 1215 of the control device, the heater 1120 of the cartridge 1100 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 1100 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the internal frame 1215 of the control device, the cartridge 1100 is mechanically biased into connection with the internal frame 1215 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 14A shows a partial perspective view of the internal frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; In particular, FIG. 14A shows an internal frame 1415 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated herein.

As shown in the drawings, the inner frame 1415 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 1412 for receiving a cartridge and a pair of individual magnets 1452A, 1452B that form part of an upper portion 1458 of the inner frame 1415. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper portion 1458 of the inner frame 1415 (formed by the pair of individual magnets 1452A, 1452B and the portions of the inner frame 1415 between the magnets 1452A, 1452B) forms an inclined surface 1460 that is inclined downward and inward with respect to the upper edge. In the illustrated embodiment, the individual magnets 1452A, 1452B have an arcuate shape and are attached to the inner frame 1415 by means of adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the embodiment shown, individual magnets 1452A, 1452B are operatively connected to a battery of the control device in a manner as will be described below to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above.

FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14C shows a partially transparent perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 14B and 14C show a cartridge 1300 that includes a container 1302 that is formed by an outer wall 1304 of the container that includes a near end 1306 and a far end 1308 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 1300 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated herein. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 1300 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a mouthpiece 1310, which is formed by an outer wall 1312 of the mouthpiece, which includes a near end 1314 with an outlet opening 1315 formed therein, and a distal end 1316, which interacts with the near end 1306 of the container 1302. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 1312 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 1350, located between its near end 1314 and the distal end 1316. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 1350 of the cartridge 1300 also includes a pair of separate metal plates 1352A, 1352B. In the embodiment shown, a pair of individual metal plates 1352A, 1352B and portions of the projection 1350 between the metal plates 1352A, 1352B form an inclined surface 1360 that is inclined downward and inward. In the embodiment shown, the individual metal plates 1352A, 1352B are shaped as an arrowhead and are attached to the projection 1350 of the cartridge 1300 by means of an adhesive or an insert molding process, although other attachment methods are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, individual metal plates 1352A, 1352B are operatively connected to a heater 1320 (see FIGS. 14C and 15) of a cartridge 1300. In the illustrated embodiment, metal plates 1352A, 1352B may comprise any material that is electrically conductive and magnetically attracted, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 1300 of FIGS. 14B and 14C is configured to connect to the chamber 1412 for receiving the cartridge of the inner frame 1415 of FIG. 14A such that magnetic and electrical connections are created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 15 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 1300 connected to the inner frame 1415 of the control device. In the embodiment shown, the inclined surface 1460 of the individual magnets 1452A, 1452B and the portions of the inner frame 1415 is configured to complement the inclined surface 1360 of the individual metal plates 1352A, 1352B and the portions of the projection 1350 of the cartridge 1300, although in other embodiments the contact surfaces can be flat (for example, thereby creating a mating place between the surfaces at a substantially right angle). Thus, when the cartridge 1300 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 1415 of the control device, between the individual magnets 1452A, 1452B of the internal frame 1415 of the control device and the individual metal plates 1352A, 1352B, which contain a part of the projection 1350 of the cartridge 1300, magnetic and electrical connections are created. Thus, when the cartridge 1300 is placed in the internal frame 1415 of the control device, the heater 1320 of the cartridge 1300 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 1300 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 1415 of the control device, the cartridge 13200 is mechanically biased into connection with the internal frame 1415 of the control device in such a way that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 16A shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16B shows a top view of the inner frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIGS. 16A and 16B show a portion of the inner frame 1615 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated herein.

As shown in the drawings, the inner frame 1615 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 1612 for accommodating a cartridge and an upper portion 1658 formed by the upper end of the inner frame 1615. The inner frame 1615 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 1652 located near the upper portion 1658. In the illustrated embodiment, four individual magnets 1652A, 1652B, 1652C, 1652D are provided, each of which has a substantially spherical shape, although in another embodiment, a greater or lesser number of individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and/or sizes. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above. In the illustrated embodiment, magnets 1652A, 1652B, 1652C, 1652D are spaced around the outer side of the inner frame 1615 and near its upper part 1658, and each of the plurality of magnets is located inside a corresponding magnet receiving element 1653. In the illustrated embodiment, each magnet receiving element 1653 comprises a compartment, inside which a corresponding magnet 1652 is captured. Each magnet receiving element 1653 also forms an opening 1654, which extends into a chamber 1612 for receiving a cartridge. In various embodiments, magnets 1652A, 1652B, 1652C, 1652D are configured to move within receiving elements 1653 such that in one direction at least a portion of each magnet 1652 is configured to pass through a corresponding opening 1654, and in the opposite direction each magnet can move away from the opening 1654.

In addition, the inner frame 1615 of the shown embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 1620A, 1620B located in the inner frame 1615 and near its upper part 1658. In the shown embodiment, the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical spring contacts), each of which is biased inward such that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the chamber 1612 for receiving the cartridge and is configured to deflect outward under the action of an integrated spring, although in other embodiments other types of conductive elements can be used. In the shown embodiment, the ends of the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B have a rounded profile, although other profiles are possible, such that the deflection of the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B is facilitated when the cartridge is inserted into the chamber 1612 for receiving the cartridge. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B can be secured within the inner frame 1615 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process such that the movable components of the conductive pins are capable of being deflected outward under the action of the force of the springs. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B are operatively connected to the battery of the control device in the manner as will be described below, for supplying power to the heater of the inserted cartridge. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B can be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 16C shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 16C shows a cartridge 1500 that includes a container 1502 that is formed by an outer wall 1504 of the container that includes a near end 1506 and a far end 1508 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 1500 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated herein. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 1500 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a mouthpiece 1510 that is formed by an outer wall 1512 of the mouthpiece that includes a near end 1514 with an outlet opening 1515 formed therein, and a distal end 1516 that cooperates with a near end 1506 of the container 1502. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 1512 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 1550 located between its near end 1514 and the distal end 1516. The cartridge 1500 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of metal plates 1552A, 1552B, each of which is located below the projection 1550 and on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 1510. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 1552A, 1552B attached to the mouthpiece 1510 by means of an adhesive or an insert molding process, although other methods of attachment are possible in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the metal plates 1552A, 1552B includes a pair of recesses 1555 located at opposite ends thereof. In various embodiments, the recesses 1555 are configured to receive a portion of the spherical magnets 1652 of the cartridge 1600. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 1552 are also operatively connected to the heater 1520 (see FIG. 5) of the cartridge 1500. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 1552A, 1552B may comprise any material configured to be electrically conductive and attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 1500 of FIG. 16C is configured to be connected to the cartridge receiving chamber 1612 of the inner frame 1615 of FIGS. 16A and 16B such that magnetic and electrical connections are created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 17 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 1500 connected to the inner frame 1615 of the control device. As shown in the drawing, when the cartridge 1500 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the inner frame 1615 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between a plurality of magnets 1652 located in the inner frame 1615 of the control device and the metal plates 1652 of the cartridge. In particular, when the cartridge 1500 is connected to the internal frame 1615 of the control device, the plurality of magnets 1652 are located in the corresponding recesses 1555 of the metal plates 1552A, 1552B. In addition, when the cartridge 1500 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 1615, an electrical connection is created between the pair of conductive pins 1620A, 1620B of the internal frame 1615 of the control device and the metal plates 1552A, 1552B of the cartridge 1500. Thus, when the cartridge 1500 is placed in the internal frame 1615 of the control device, the heater 1520 of the cartridge 1500 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 1500 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the internal frame 1615 of the control device, the cartridge 1500 is mechanically biased into connection with the internal frame 1615 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 18A shows a partial perspective view of the internal frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 18A shows a portion of the internal frame 1815 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated here.

As shown in the drawings, the inner frame 1815 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 1812 for receiving a cartridge, which forms its upper part 1858. The inner frame 1815 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of magnets 1852A, 1852B, located in the outer wall of the control device and above the upper part 1858 of the inner frame 1815. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 1852A, 1852B are located on opposite sides of the control device, and each magnet 1852 has a wedge-shaped shape, which forms a surface 1857 with a cutout. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 1852A, 1852B can be attached to the control device by means of glue, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above.

In addition, the inner frame 1815 of the shown embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 1820A, 1820B located in the inner frame 1815 near its upper part 1858. In the shown embodiment, the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical spring contacts), each of which is biased inward such that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the chamber 1812 for receiving the cartridge and is configured to deflect outward under the action of an integrated spring, although in other embodiments other types of conductive elements may be used. In the shown embodiment, the ends of the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B have a rounded profile, although other profiles are possible, such that the deflection of the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B is facilitated when the cartridge is inserted into the chamber 1812 for receiving the cartridge. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B can be secured within the inner frame 1815 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process such that the movable components of the conductive pins are capable of being deflected outward under the action of the force of the springs. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B are operatively connected to the battery of the control device in the manner as will be described below, for supplying power to the heater of the inserted cartridge. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B can be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 18B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 18B shows a cartridge 1700 that includes a container 1702 that is formed by an outer wall 1704 of the container that includes a near end 1706 and a far end 1708 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 1700 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated herein. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 1700 of the embodiment shown comprises a mouthpiece 1710 which is formed by an outer wall 1712 of the mouthpiece which includes a near end 1714 with an outlet opening 1715 formed therein, and a distal end 1716 which cooperates with the near end 1706 of the container 1702. In the embodiment shown, the wall 1712 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 1750 located between its near end 1714 and the distal end 1716. The cartridge 1700 of the embodiment shown also includes a pair of sliding metal plates 1752A, 1752B which are located in the projection 1750. In the embodiment shown, each of the metal plates 1752 has a pointed structure which forms a peak region 1759 and is made with the ability to slide outward under the action of the spring force and inward against the action of the spring force. The extent to which the metal plates 1752A, 1752B extend outward is limited by the design of the projection 1750. The cartridge 1700 also includes a pair of conductive connectors 1725A, 1725B located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 1710 and below the projection 1750 and the metal plates 1752A, 1752B. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive connectors 1725A, 1725B can be attached inside the mouthpiece 1710 of the cartridge 1700 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive connectors 1725A, 1725B are operatively connected to the heater 1720 (see FIGS. 19A and 19B) of the cartridge 1700. As noted above, in various embodiments, the conductive connectors 1725A, 1725B can be made of any electrically conductive material, including, for example, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and/or any combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 1752A, 1752B can comprise any material configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, without limitation, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, conductive connectors 1725A, 1725B may be formed from any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 1700 of FIG. 18B is configured to be connected to the chamber 1812 for receiving the cartridge of the inner frame 1815 of FIG. 18A in such a way that magnetic and electrical connections are created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 19A shows a partially cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1700 before it is completely connected to the inner frame 1815 of the control device, and FIG. 19B shows a partially cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1700 after it is connected to the inner frame 1815 of the control device. As the cartridge 1700 is inserted into the inner frame 1815 of the control device, the pointed sliding metal plates are first deflected inward until the peak areas 1759 of the metal plates 1752A, 1752B pass the upper edge of the magnets 1852A, 1852B of the control device, where the sliding metal plates 1752A, 1752B pass outward with abutment against the surface 1857 with a cutout of the magnets 1852A, 1852B until the cartridge is placed in the inner frame 1815. As also shown in the drawings, when the cartridge 1700 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the inner frame 1815 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the pair of magnets 1857 located in the control device and the pair of sliding metal plates 1752A, 1752B of the cartridge. In addition, when the cartridge 1700 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 1815, an electrical connection is created between the pair of conductive pins 1820A, 1820B of the internal frame 1815 of the control device and the conductive connectors 1725A, 1725B of the cartridge 1700. Thus, when the cartridge 1700 is placed in the internal frame 1815 of the control device, the heater 1720 of the cartridge 1700 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 1700 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 1815 of the control device, the cartridge 1700 is mechanically biased into connection with the internal frame 1815 of the control device in such a way that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 20A shows a partial transparent perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20B shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 20A and 20B show a portion of the inner frame 2015 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated herein.

As shown in the drawings, the inner frame 2015 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 2012 for receiving a cartridge and an upper projection 2050. The inner frame 2015 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 2052 located near the upper projection 2050 of the inner frame 2015. In particular, the illustrated embodiment includes two pairs of cylindrical magnets 2052A, 2052B, 2052C, 2052D, each pair being located on opposite sides of the inner frame 2015 and coming near its upper projection 2050, wherein each of the plurality of magnets is located inside a corresponding element 2053 for receiving a magnet, which in the illustrated embodiment is an extension of the upper projection 2050. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above. Although other methods are possible, magnets 2052A, 2052B, 2052C, 2052D of the illustrated embodiment may be secured within magnet receiving members 2053 via a push fit and/or adhesive bond or via an insert molding process.

In addition, the inner frame 2015 of the shown embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 2020A, 2020B located in the inner frame 2015 and below its upper projection 2050. In the shown embodiment, the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical spring contacts), each of which is biased inward such that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the chamber 2012 for receiving the cartridge and is configured to deflect outward under the action of an integrated spring, although other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. In the shown embodiment, the ends of the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B have a rounded profile, although other profiles are possible, such that the deflection of the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B is facilitated when the cartridge is inserted into the chamber 2012 for receiving the cartridge. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 2020A, 202B can be secured within the inner frame 2015 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process such that the movable components of the conductive pins are capable of deflecting outward under the action of the force of the springs. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B are operatively connected to the battery of the control device in the manner as will be described below, for supplying power to the heater of the inserted cartridge. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B can be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 20C shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 20C shows a cartridge 1900 that includes a container 1902 that is formed by an outer wall 1904 of the container that includes a near end 1906 and a far end 1908 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 1900 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated herein. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 1900 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a mouthpiece 1910 which is formed by an outer wall 1912 of the mouthpiece which includes a near end 1914 with an outlet opening 1915 formed therein, and a distal end 1916 which cooperates with a near end 1906 of the container 1902. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 1912 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 1950 located between its near end 1914 and the distal end 1916. The cartridge 1900 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a metal plate 1952 which is located below the projection 1950. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plate 1952 is attached to the bottom of the projection 1950 of the mouthpiece 1910 by means of an adhesive, although other embodiments are possible. methods of attachment, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. The cartridge 1900 also includes a pair of conductive connectors 1925A, 1925B located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 1910 and below the projection 1950 and the metal plate 1952. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive connectors may be attached inside the mouthpiece 1910 of the cartridge 1900 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive connectors 1925A, 1925B are operatively connected to the heater 1920 (see FIG. 21) of the cartridge 1900. In various embodiments, the conductive connectors may be made of any electrically conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plate 1952 may comprise any material configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, conductive connectors 1925A, 1925B may be formed from any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 1900 of FIG. 20C is configured to be connected to the cartridge receiving chamber 2012 of the inner frame 2015 of FIGS. 20A and 2B such that a magnetic and electrical connection is created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 21 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 1900 connected to the inner frame 2015 of the control device. As shown in the drawing, when the cartridge 1900 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the inner frame 2015 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the plurality of magnets 2052A, 2052B, 2052C, 2052D located in the inner frame 2015 of the control device and the metal plate 1952 of the cartridge 1900. In addition, when the cartridge 1900 of the shown embodiment is connected to the inner frame 2015, an electrical connection is created between the pair of conductive pins 2020A, 2020B of the inner frame 2015 of the control device and the conductive connectors 1925A, 1925B of the cartridge 1900. Thus, when the cartridge 1900 is placed in the inner frame 2015 of the control device, the heater 1920 of the cartridge 1900 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 1900 of the shown embodiment is connected to the inner frame 2015 of the control device, the cartridge 1900 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 2015 of the control device in such a way that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 22A shows a partial transparent perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22B shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIGS. 22A and 22B show a portion of the inner frame 2215 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated herein.

As shown in the drawings, the inner frame 2215 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 2212 for receiving a cartridge and an upper projection 2250. The inner frame 2215 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 2252 located near the upper projection 2250 of the inner frame 2215. In particular, the illustrated embodiment includes two pairs of cylindrical magnets 2252A, 2252B, 2252C, 2252D, each pair being located on opposite sides of the inner frame 2215 and coming near its upper projection 2250, wherein each of the plurality of magnets is located inside a corresponding element 2253 for receiving a magnet, which in the illustrated embodiment is an extension of the upper projection 2250. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above. Although other methods are possible, magnets 2252A, 2252B, 2252C, 2252D of the illustrated embodiment may be secured within magnet receiving members 2253 via a push fit and/or adhesive bond or via an insert molding process.

In addition, the inner frame 2215 of the shown embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 2220A, 2220B located in the inner frame 2215 and near its upper projection 2250. In the shown embodiment, the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B comprise spring-loaded pins (for example, electrical spring contacts), each of which is biased inwardly such that a portion of the end of the pin passes through the upper projection 2250 and is configured to deflect downwardly under the action of an embedded spring, although other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. In the shown embodiment, the ends of the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B have a rounded profile, although other profiles are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B can be secured within the inner frame 2015 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process such that the movable components of the conductive pins are capable of deflecting upward under the action of the force of the springs. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B are operatively connected to the battery of the control device in the manner as will be described below, for supplying power to the heater of the inserted cartridge. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B can be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 22C shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 22C shows a cartridge 2100 that includes a container 2102 that is formed by an outer wall 2104 of the container that includes a near end 2106 and a far end 2108 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 2100 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated herein. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 2100 of the embodiment shown comprises a mouthpiece 2110 that is formed by an outer wall 2112 of the mouthpiece that includes a near end 2114 with an outlet opening 2115 formed therein, and a distal end 2116 that cooperates with the near end 2106 of the container 2102. In the embodiment shown, the wall 2112 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 2150 located between its near end 2114 and the distal end 2116. The cartridge 2100 of the embodiment shown also includes a pair of separate metal plates 2152A, 2152B that include a portion of the projection 2150. In the embodiment shown, the metal plates 2152A, 2152B are attached to the projection 2150 of the mouthpiece 2110 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, individual metal plates 2152A, 2152B are operatively connected to a heater 2120 (see FIG. 23) of a cartridge 2100. In the illustrated embodiment, metal plates 2152A, 2152B may comprise any material configured to be electrically conductive and attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, without limitation, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 2100 of FIG. 22C is configured to be connected to the cartridge receiving chamber 2212 of the inner frame 2215 of FIGS. 22A and 22B such that a magnetic and electrical connection is created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 23 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 2100 connected to the inner frame 2215 of the control device. As shown in the drawing, when the cartridge 2100 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the inner frame 2215 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the plurality of magnets 2252A, 2252B, 2252C, 2252D located in the inner frame 2215 of the control device and the metal plates 2152A, 2152B of the cartridge 2100. In addition, when the cartridge 2100 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 2215, an electrical connection is created between the pair of conductive pins 2220A, 2220B of the internal frame 2215 of the control device and the metal plates 2152A, 2152B of the cartridge 2100. Thus, when the cartridge 2100 is placed in the internal frame 2215 of the control device, the heater 2120 of the cartridge 2100 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 2100 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 2215 of the control device, the cartridge 2100 is mechanically biased into connection with the internal frame 2215 of the control device in such a way that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 24A shows a partial perspective view of the internal frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 24A shows a portion of the internal frame 2415 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated herein.

As shown in the drawings, the inner frame 2415 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 2412 for accommodating a cartridge and an upper projection 2450. The inner frame 2415 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of magnets 2452A, 2452B located near the upper projection 2450 of the inner frame 2415. In particular, the illustrated embodiment includes two cylindrical magnets 2452A, 2452B located on opposite sides of the inner frame 2415 and passing through its upper projection 2450. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper surfaces of the magnets 2452A, 2452B are located substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper projection 2450. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the magnets is located within a corresponding magnet receiving member 2453, which in the illustrated embodiment is an extension of the upper projection 2450. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 2452A, 2452B of the illustrated embodiment can be secured within the magnet receiving members 2453 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process. Although not shown in the drawing, in the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 2452A, 2452B are operatively connected to a battery of the control device.

FIG. 24B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 24B shows a cartridge 2300 that includes a container 2302 that is formed by an outer wall 2304 of the container that includes a near end 2306 and a far end 2308 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 2300 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated herein. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 2300 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a mouthpiece 2310 which is formed by an outer wall 2312 of the mouthpiece which includes a near end 2314 with an outlet opening 2315 formed therein, and a distal end 2316 which cooperates with the near end 2306 of the container 2302. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 2312 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 2350 located between its near end 2314 and the distal end 2316. The cartridge 2300 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of separate metal plates 2352A, 2352B which comprise a portion of the projection 2350. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 2352A, 2352B are attached to the projection 2350 of the mouthpiece 230 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the individual metal plates 2352A, 2352B are operatively connected to the heater 2320 (see FIG. 23) of the cartridge 2300. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 2352A, 2352B may comprise any material configured to be electrically conductive and attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, without limitation, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 2300 of FIG. 24B is configured to be connected to the chamber 2412 for receiving the cartridge of the inner frame 2415 of FIG. 24A in such a way that a magnetic and electrical connection is created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 25 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 2300 connected to the inner frame 2415 of the control device. As shown in the drawing, when the cartridge 2300 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the inner frame 2415 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the pair of magnets 2452A, 2452B located in the inner frame 2415 of the control device and the metal plates 2352A, 2352B of the cartridge 2300. In addition, when the cartridge 2300 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 2415, an electrical connection is created between the pair of magnets 2452A, 2452B of the internal frame 2415 of the control device and the metal plates 2352A, 2352B of the cartridge 2300. Thus, when the cartridge 2300 is placed in the internal frame 2415 of the control device, the heater 2320 of the cartridge 2300 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 2300 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 2415 of the control device, the cartridge 2300 is mechanically biased into connection with the internal frame 2415 of the control device in such a way that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 26A shows a partial perspective view of the internal frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 26A shows a portion of the internal frame 2615 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated here.

As shown in the drawings, the inner frame 2615 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 2612 for receiving a cartridge and an upper projection 2650. The inner frame 2615 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of magnets 2652A, 2652B located near the upper projection 2650 of the inner frame 2615. In particular, the illustrated embodiment includes two cylindrical magnets 2652A, 2652B located on opposite sides of the inner frame 2615, wherein each of the magnets 2652A, 2652B is located inside a corresponding conductive housing 2620A, 2620B, wherein each magnet/housing assembly (2652A, 2620A, 2652B, 2620B) passes through its upper projection 2650. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above. In addition, each of the conductive bodies 2620A, 2620B and the magnets 2652 are located inside a corresponding receiving element 2653. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 2652 of the shown embodiment can be secured inside the conductive bodies 2620A, 2620B by means of adhesive and/or a press-fit connection, and the conductive bodies 2620A, 2620B (or the conductive body and magnet assemblies (2620A, 2652A, 2620B, 2652B)) of the shown embodiment can be secured inside the receiving elements 2653 by means of a press-fit and/or adhesive connection or by means of an insert molding process. Although not shown in the drawing, the conductive bodies 2620A, 2620B are operatively connected to the battery of the control device. In various embodiments, the conductive bodies 2620A, 2620B may be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 26B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 26B shows a cartridge 2500 that includes a container 2502 that is formed by an outer wall 2504 of the container that includes a near end 2506 and a far end 2508 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 2500 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated herein. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 2500 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a mouthpiece 2510 that is formed by an outer wall 2512 of the mouthpiece that includes a near end 2514 with an outlet opening 2515 formed therein, and a distal end 2516 that cooperates with the near end 2506 of the container 2502. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 2512 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 2550 located between its near end 2514 and the distal end 2516. The cartridge 2500 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of separate metal plates 2552A, 2552B that comprise a portion of the projection 2550. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 2552A, 2552B are attached to the projection 2550 of the mouthpiece 2510 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the individual metal plates 2552A, 2552B are operatively connected to the heater 2520 (see FIG. 27) of the cartridge 2500. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 2552A, 2552B may comprise any material configured to be electrically conductive and attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, without limitation, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 2500 of FIG. 26B is configured to be connected to the chamber 2612 for receiving the cartridge of the inner frame 2615 of FIG. 26A in such a way that a magnetic and electrical connection is created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 27 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 2500 connected to the inner frame 2615 of the control device. As shown in the drawing, when the cartridge 2500 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the inner frame 2615 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between a pair of magnets 2652 located in the inner frame 2615 of the control device and the metal plates 2552A, 2552B of the cartridge 2500. In addition, when the cartridge 2500 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 2615, an electrical connection is created between the conductive bodies 2620A, 2620B of the internal frame 2615 of the control device and the metal plates 2552A, 2552B of the cartridge 2500. Thus, when the cartridge 2500 is placed in the internal frame 2615 of the control device, the heater 2520 of the cartridge 2500 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 2500 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 2615 of the control device, the cartridge 2500 is mechanically biased into connection with the internal frame 2615 of the control device in such a way that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 28A is a partial exploded perspective view of an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; In particular, FIG. 268 is a portion of an internal frame 2815 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated herein.

As shown in the drawings, the inner frame 2815 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 2812 for receiving a cartridge and an upper projection 2850. The inner frame 2815 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of magnets 2852A, 2852B located near the upper projection 2850 of the inner frame 2615. In particular, the illustrated embodiment includes two cylindrical magnets 2852A, 2852B located on opposite sides of the inner frame 2815, wherein the respective upper and side surfaces of each magnet 2852A, 2852B are substantially surrounded by respective conductive housings 2820A, 2820B, wherein each magnet/housing assembly (2852A, 2820A, 2852B, 2820B) extends through its upper projection 2850. Reference is made to possible magnetic materials described above. Although other configurations are possible, in the embodiment shown, the upper surfaces of the conductive bodies 2820A, 2820B are located substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper projection 2850. Furthermore, each of the conductive bodies 2820 and the magnets 2852 are located within a corresponding receptacle 2853, which in the embodiment shown is an extension of the projection. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 2852A, 2852B of the embodiment shown can be secured within the conductive bodies 2820A, 2820B by means of an adhesive and/or a push-fit bond, and the conductive bodies 2820A, 2820B (or the conductive body and magnet assemblies (2820, 2852)) of the embodiment shown can be secured within the receptacles 2853 by means of a push-fit and/or an adhesive bond or by means of an insert molding process. Although not shown in the drawing, the conductive bodies 2820A, 2820B are operatively connected to the battery of the control device. In various embodiments, the conductive bodies 2820A, 2820B can be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 28B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 28B shows a cartridge 2700 that includes a container 2702 that is formed by an outer wall 2704 of the container that includes a near end 2706 and a far end 2708 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 2700 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated herein. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 2700 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a mouthpiece 2710 that is formed by an outer wall 2712 of the mouthpiece that includes a near end 2714 with an outlet opening 2715 formed therein, and a distal end 2716 that cooperates with the near end 2706 of the container 2702. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 2712 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 2750 located between its near end 2714 and the distal end 2716. The cartridge 2700 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of separate metal plates 2752A, 2752B that comprise a portion of the projection 2750. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 2752A, 2752B are attached to the projection 2750 of the mouthpiece 2710 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the individual metal plates 2752A, 2752B are operatively connected to the heater 2720 (see FIG. 29) of the cartridge 2700. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 2752A, 2752B may comprise any material configured to be electrically conductive and attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, without limitation, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 2700 of FIG. 28B is configured to be connected to the cartridge receiving chamber 2812 of the inner frame 2813 of FIG. 28A in such a way that magnetic and electrical connections are created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 29 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 2700 connected to the inner frame 2815 of the control device. As shown in the drawing, when the cartridge 2700 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the inner frame 2813 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the pair of magnets 2852A, 2852B located in the inner frame 2815 of the control device and the metal plates 2752A, 2752B of the cartridge 2700. In addition, when the cartridge 2700 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 2815, an electrical connection is created between the conductive bodies 2820A, 2820B of the internal frame 2815 of the control device and the metal plates 2752A, 2752B of the cartridge 2700. Thus, when the cartridge 2700 is placed in the internal frame 2815 of the control device, the heater 2720 of the cartridge 2700 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 2700 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 2815 of the control device, the cartridge 2700 is mechanically biased into connection with the internal frame 2815 of the control device in such a way that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 30A is a partial exploded perspective view of an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; In particular, FIG. 31 is a portion of an internal frame 3015 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated herein.

As shown in the drawing, the inner frame 3015 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 3012 for accommodating a cartridge and a projection 3050 formed at its upper end. The inner frame 3015 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 3052 located near the upper projection 3050 of the inner frame 3015. In the illustrated embodiment, four individual magnets 3052A, 3052B, 3052C, 3052D are formed, each of which has a substantially block shape or a rectangular prismatic shape, although in other embodiments a greater or lesser number of individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and/or sizes. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above. In the illustrated embodiment, magnets 3052A, 3052B, 3052C, 3052D are approximately equally spaced around the outer side of the inner frame 3015 and below its upper projection 3050. Each of the plurality of magnets is located within a corresponding magnet receiving member 3053, which in the illustrated embodiment is an extension of the upper projection 3050. Although other methods are possible, magnets 3052A, 3052B, 3052C, 3052D of the illustrated embodiment can be secured within the corresponding magnet receiving members 3053 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process.

In addition, the inner frame 3015 of the shown embodiment also includes a pair of metal plates 3020A, 3020B located in the upper projection 3050 of the inner frame 3015, which are open through openings in the upper projection 3050. Although other configurations are possible, in the shown embodiment, the metal plates have a curved shape configured to correspond to a portion of the upper projection 3050, and the upper surfaces of the magnets 3020A, 3020B are located substantially at the same level with the upper surface of the upper projection 3050. In the shown embodiment, the metal plates 3020A, 3020B are operatively connected to the battery of the control device in a manner as will be described below, for supplying power to the heater of the inserted cartridge. In various embodiments, the metal plates 3020A, 3020B may be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 30B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 30C shows a bottom view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 30B and 30C show a cartridge 2900 that contains a container 2902 that is formed by an outer wall 2904 of the container that includes a near end 2906 and a far end 2908 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 2900 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated herein. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 2900 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a mouthpiece 2910, which is formed by an outer wall 2912 of the mouthpiece, which includes a near end 2914 with an outlet formed therein, and a distant end 2916, which interacts with the near end 2906 of the container 2902. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 2912 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 2950, located between its near end 2914 and the distant end 2916. The cartridge 2900 of the illustrated embodiment also includes two pairs of metal plates. In particular, the cartridge 2900 includes a pair of short metal plates 2925A, 2925B that extend around opposite corners of the projection 2950 of the cartridge 2900, and a pair of long metal plates 2952A, 2952B that extend around other opposite corners of the projection 2950 and end near the ends of the pair of short metal plates 2925A, 2925B. In the embodiment shown, each of the first pair of metal plates 2925A, 2925B has a curved shape configured to fit a portion of the projection 2950, and each of the second pair of metal plates 2952A, 2952B has a curved shape configured to fit another portion of the projection 2950. In the embodiment shown, the first and second pairs of metal plates 2925A, 2925B, 2952A, 2952B are attached to the lower portion of the projection 2950 of the mouthpiece 2910 by means of adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pair of metal plates 2925A, 2925B are operatively connected to the heater 2920 (see FIG. 31) of the cartridge 2900. In various embodiments, the short metal plates 3020A, 3020B can be made of any electrically conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the long metal plates 2952A, 2952B can comprise any material configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 2900 of FIGS. 30B and 30C is configured to be connected to the cartridge receiving chamber 3012 of the inner frame 3015 of FIG. 30A in such a way that a magnetic and electrical connection is created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 30A shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 2900 connected to the inner frame 3015 of the control device. As shown in the drawing, when the cartridge 2900 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the inner frame 3015 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the plurality of magnets 3052A, 3052B, 3052C and 3052D located in the inner frame 3015 of the control device and the second pair of metal plates 2952A and 2952B of the cartridge 2900. In addition, when the cartridge 2900 of the shown embodiment is connected to the inner frame 3015, an electrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates 3020A, 3020B of the inner frame 3015 of the control device and the first pair of metal plates 2925A, 2925B of the cartridge 2900. Thus, when the cartridge 2900 is placed in the inner frame 3015 of the control device, the heater 2920 of the cartridge 2900 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 2900 of the shown embodiment is connected to the inner frame 3015 of the control device, the cartridge 2900 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 3015 of the control device in such a way that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 32A shows a partial exploded perspective view of an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 32A shows a portion of an internal frame 3215 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated here.

As shown in the drawing, the inner frame 3215 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 3212 for accommodating a cartridge and a projection 3250 formed at its upper end. The inner frame 3215 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 3252 located near the upper projection 3250 of the inner frame 3015. In the illustrated embodiment, four individual magnets 3252A, 3252B, 3252C, 3252D are formed, each of which has a substantially block shape or a rectangular prismatic shape, although in other embodiments a greater or lesser number of individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and/or sizes. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above. In the illustrated embodiment, magnets 3252A, 3252B, 3252C, 3252D are approximately equally spaced around the outer side of the inner frame 3215 and below its upper projection 3250. Each of the plurality of magnets is located within a corresponding magnet receiving member 3253, which in the illustrated embodiment is an extension of the upper projection 3250. Although other methods are possible, magnets 3252A, 3252B, 3252C, 3252D of the illustrated embodiment can be secured within the corresponding magnet receiving members 3253 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process.

In addition, the inner frame 3215 of the shown embodiment also includes a pair of metal plates 3220A, 3220B located at opposite corners of the upper projection 3250 of the inner frame 3215 and which are open through openings in the upper projection 3250. Although other configurations are possible, in the shown embodiment, the metal plates have a curved shape configured to correspond to a portion of the upper projection 3250, and the upper surfaces of the magnets 3220A, 3220B are located substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper projection 3050. In the shown embodiment, the metal plates 3020A, 3020B are operatively connected to the battery of the control device in a manner as will be described below, for supplying power to the heater of the inserted cartridge. In various embodiments, the metal plates 3220A, 3220B may be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 32B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 32C shows a bottom view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 32B and 32C show a cartridge 3100 that includes a container 3102 that is formed by an outer wall 3104 of the container that includes a near end 3106 and a far end 3108 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 3100 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated herein. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 3100 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a mouthpiece 3110, which is formed by an outer wall 3112 of the mouthpiece, which includes a near end 3114 with an outlet formed therein, and a distant end 3116, which interacts with the near end 3106 of the container 3102. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 3112 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 3150, located between its near end 3114 and the distant end 3116. The cartridge 3100 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of separate metal plates. In particular, the cartridge 3100 also includes a pair of metal plates 3152A, 3152B, which are located on opposite sides of the cartridge 3100. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the metal plates 3152A, 3152B has a curved shape configured to correspond to a portion of the projection 3150. In particular, each plate 3152A, 3152B starts near the first corner of the projection 3150, passes around this corner and the second corner of the projection 3150 and ends near the corner of the projection opposite to the first corner. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 3152A, 3152B are attached to the lower part of the projection 3150 of the mouthpiece 3110 by means of adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 3152A, 3152B are operatively connected to the heater 3120 (see FIG. 33) of the cartridge 3100. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 3152A, 3152B may comprise any material that is electrically conductive and magnetically attracted, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 3100 of FIGS. 32B and 32C is configured to be connected to the chamber 3212 for receiving the cartridge of the inner frame 3215 of FIG. 32A in such a way that a magnetic and electrical connection is created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 33 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 3100 connected to the inner frame 3215 of the control device. As shown in the drawing, when the cartridge 3100 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the inner frame 3215 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the plurality of magnets 3252A, 3252B, 3252C and 3252D located in the inner frame 3215 of the control device and the metal plates 3152A, 3152B of the cartridge 3100. In addition, when the cartridge 3100 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 3215, an electrical connection is created between the metal plates 3220A, 3220B of the internal frame 3215 of the control device and the metal plates 3152A, 3152B of the cartridge 3100. Thus, when the cartridge 3100 is connected to the internal frame 3215 of the control device, the heater 3120 of the cartridge 3100 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 3100 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 3215 of the control device, the cartridge 3100 is mechanically biased into connection with the internal frame 3215 of the control device in such a way that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 34 shows a partial exploded perspective view of an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 34 shows a portion of an internal frame 3415 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated here.

As shown in the drawing, the inner frame 3415 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 3412 for receiving a cartridge and a projection 3450 formed at its upper end. The inner frame 3415 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of magnets 3452A, 3452B on opposite sides of the projection 3450. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the magnets 3452A, 3452B has a substantially block shape or a rectangular prismatic shape. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above. In other embodiments, more or fewer magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and/or sizes. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the magnets 3452A, 3452B is located below the upper surface of the projection 3450 and within a corresponding magnet receiving member 3453, which in the illustrated embodiment is an extension of the upper projection 3450. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 3452A, 3252B of the illustrated embodiment can be secured within the corresponding magnet receiving members 3453 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process.

In addition, the inner frame 3415 of the shown embodiment also includes a pair of metal plates 3420A, 3420B located on opposite sides of the upper projection 3450 of the inner frame 3215 and which are open through openings in the upper projection 3450. In the shown embodiment, each of the metal plates 3420A, 3420B is located inside a corresponding receiving element 3455, which in the shown embodiment comprises a part of the upper projection 3450. Although other configurations are possible, in the shown embodiment, the metal plates have a substantially block shape or a rectangular prismatic shape, and the upper surfaces of the metal plates 3420A, 3420B are located substantially at the same level with the upper surface of the upper projection 3450. In the shown embodiment, the metal plates 3420A, 3420B are operatively connected to a battery of the control device in a manner as will be described below, for supplying power to the heater of the inserted cartridge. In various embodiments, the metal plates 3420A, 3420B may be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 35A is a partial perspective view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 35B is a partial transparent perspective view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; In particular, FIG. 35A and 35B show a cartridge 3300 that includes a container (not visible) that is defined by an outer wall of the container that includes a near end and a far end that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 3300 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated herein. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 3300 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a mouthpiece 3310, which is formed by an outer wall 3312 of the mouthpiece, which includes a near end 3314 with an outlet opening 3315 formed therein, and a distant end (not visible), which interacts with the near end of the container. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 3312 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 3350, located between its near end 3314 and the distant end. The cartridge 3300 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of metal plates. In particular, the cartridge 3300 includes metal plates 3352A, 3352B that extend around respective adjacent sides of the projection 3350 of the cartridge such that they extend around a series of opposite corners of the projection 3350, but do not extend around another series of opposite corners of the projection 3350. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the metal plates 3352A, 3352B has a curved J-shape configured to correspond to a portion of the projection 3350, as described above, and to be operatively connected to the heater 3320 of the cartridge 3300. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 3352A, 3352B are attached to the bottom of the projection 3350 of the mouthpiece 3310 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 3352A, 3352B may comprise any material capable of electrical conductivity and magnetic attraction, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 3300 is configured to be connected to the chamber 3412 for receiving the cartridge of the inner frame 3415 in such a way that magnetic and electrical connections are created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 35A and 35B show partial perspective views of the cartridge 3300 connected to the inner frame 3415 of the control device. As shown in the drawings, when the cartridge 3300 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the inner frame 3415 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets 3452A, 3452B located in the inner frame 3415 of the control device and the metal plates 3352A, 3352B of the cartridge 3300. In addition, when the cartridge 3300 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 3415, an electrical connection is created between the metal plates 3420A, 3420B of the internal frame 3415 of the control device and the metal plates 3352A, 3352B of the cartridge 3300. Thus, when the cartridge 3300 is connected to the internal frame 3415 of the control device, the heater 3320 of the cartridge 3300 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 3300 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 3415 of the control device, the cartridge 3300 is mechanically biased into connection with the internal frame 3415 of the control device in such a way that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 36A shows a partial perspective view of the internal frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 36A shows a portion of the internal frame 3615 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated here.

As shown in the drawing, the inner frame 3615 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 3612 for receiving a cartridge and a projection 3650 formed at its upper end. The inner frame 3615 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of magnets 3652A, 3652B on opposite sides of the projection 3650. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the magnets 3652A, 3652B has a substantially block shape or a rectangular prismatic shape. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above. In other embodiments, more or fewer magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and/or sizes. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the magnets 3652A, 3652B is located below the upper surface of the projection 3650 and within a corresponding magnet receiving member 3653, which in the illustrated embodiment is an extension of the upper projection 3650. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 3652A, 3652B of the illustrated embodiment may be secured within the corresponding magnet receiving members 3653 by means of a tight fit and/or adhesive bonding or by means of an insert molding process.

In addition, the inner frame 3615 of the shown embodiment also includes a pair of metal plates 3620A, 3620B located on opposite sides of the upper projection 3650 of the inner frame 3615. In the shown embodiment, each of the metal plates 3620A, 3620B is located below the upper surface of the projection 3650 and inside the corresponding receiving element 3655, which in the shown embodiment comprises a part of the upper projection 3650. Although other configurations are possible, in the shown embodiment, the metal plates have a substantially block shape or a rectangular prismatic shape. In the shown embodiment, the metal plates 3620A, 3620B are operatively connected to the battery of the control device in the manner as will be described below, for supplying power to the heater of the inserted cartridge. In various embodiments, the metal plates 3620A, 3620B may be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 36B shows a partial transparent perspective view of a cartridge connected to an internal frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; In particular, FIG. 36B shows a cartridge 3500 that includes a container 3502 that is formed by an outer wall 3504 of the container that includes a near end 3506 and a far end 3508 that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 3500 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated herein. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 3500 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a mouthpiece 3510 which is formed by an outer wall 3512 of the mouthpiece which includes a near end 3514 with an outlet opening 3515 formed therein, and a distal end 3516 which cooperates with a near end 3506 of the container 3502. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 3512 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 3550 located between its near end 3514 and the distal end 3516. The cartridge 3500 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a metal plate 3552 which is located below the projection 3550. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates 3552 are attached to the bottom of the projection 3550 of the mouthpiece 3510 by means of adhesive, although other methods are possible in other embodiments. attachment, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process, a push-fit connection, a heat-shrink connection, and the like. The cartridge 3500 also includes a pair of conductive springs 3525A, 3525B located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 3510. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the conductive springs includes a contact surface 3565A, 3565B that is exposed through a corresponding opening in the mouthpiece 3510 below the projection 3550. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive springs 3525A, 3525B can be attached inside the mouthpiece 3510 of the cartridge 3500 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive springs 525A, 3525B are operatively connected to the heater 3520 (see FIG. 37) of the cartridge 3500. In various embodiments, the conductive springs 3525A, 3525B can be made of any electrically conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and/or any combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plate 3552 can comprise any material configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt and alloys such as steel.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 3500 is configured to be connected to the chamber 3612 for receiving the cartridge of the inner frame 3615 in such a way that magnetic and electrical connections are created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 37 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 3500 connected to the inner frame 3615 of the control device. As shown in the drawings, when the cartridge 3500 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the inner frame 3615 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets 3652A, 3652B located in the inner frame 3615 of the control device and the metal plate 3552 of the cartridge 3500. In addition, when the cartridge 3500 of the shown embodiment is connected to the inner frame 3615, an electrical connection is created between the metal plates 3620A, 3620B of the inner frame 3615 of the control device and the conductive springs 3525A, 3525B of the cartridge 3500. Thus, when the cartridge 3500 is connected to the inner frame 3615 of the control device, the heater 3520 of the cartridge 3500 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 3500 of the shown embodiment is connected to the inner frame 3615 of the control device, the cartridge 3500 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 3615 of the control device in such a way that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 38A shows a partial transparent perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 38A shows a portion of the inner frame 3815 for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and a similar configuration and variations of components) as the control device 200 described above. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components), which will not be repeated here.

As shown in the drawings, the inner frame 3815 of the illustrated embodiment includes a chamber 3812 for receiving a cartridge and an upper projection 3850. The inner frame 3815 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 3852 located near the upper projection 3850 of the inner frame 3815. In particular, the illustrated embodiment includes two pairs of cylindrical magnets 3852A, 3852B, 3852C, 3852D, each pair being located on opposite sides of the inner frame 3815 and coming near its upper projection 3850, wherein each of the plurality of magnets is located inside a corresponding element 3853 for receiving a magnet, which in the illustrated embodiment is an extension of the upper projection 3850. Reference is made to the possible magnetic materials described above. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 3852 of the illustrated embodiment may be secured within the magnet receiving members 3853 via a push fit and/or adhesive bond or via an insert molding process.

In addition, the inner frame 3815 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 3820A, 3820B located in the inner frame 3815 and near its upper projection 3850. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 3820A, 3820B comprise cylindrical metal pins located on opposite sides of the inner frame 3815 and which pass through the upper projection 3850. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper surfaces of the metal pins 3820A, 3820B pass over (for example, pass slightly above) the upper surface of the upper projection 3850. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pins 3820A, 3820B are operatively connected to the battery of the control device in the manner as will be described below, for supplying power to the heater of the inserted cartridge. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 3820A, 3820B may be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 38B shows a partial perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 38B shows a cartridge 3700 that includes a container 3702 that is formed by an outer wall 3704 of the container that includes a near end 3706 and a far end (not visible) that is closed. In many respects, the cartridge 3700 may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (and similar configuration and variations of components) as the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated herein. Thus, reference is made to the corresponding discussions of these configurations and components (as well as configurations and variations of components).

The cartridge 3700 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a mouthpiece 3710 that is formed by an outer wall 3712 of the mouthpiece that includes a near end 3714 with an outlet opening formed therein (not visible) and a distal end 3716 that cooperates with a near end 3706 of the container 3702. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 3712 of the mouthpiece includes a projection 3750 located between its near end 3714 and the distal end 3716. The cartridge 3700 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pair of separate metal plates 3752A, 3752B that include a portion of the projection 3750. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the metal plates 3752A, 3752B includes an embedded spring contact 3765A, 3765B, which extends below the projection 3750. In the shown embodiment, the metal plates 3752A, 3752B are attached to the projection 3750 of the mouthpiece 3710 by means of an adhesive, although in other embodiments other methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, by means of an insert molding process, a push-fit connection, a thermal crimp connection, and the like. In the shown embodiment, the individual metal plates 3752A, 3752B are operatively connected to the heater 3720 (see FIG. 39) of the cartridge 3700. In the shown embodiment, the metal plates 3752A, 3752B can comprise any material that is electrically conductive and magnetically attracted, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, and alloys such as steel. In some embodiments, one or both metal plates may be made of a bimetallic material, such as a bimetallic plate in which one or more portions of the plate that are configured to contact the conductive pins comprise an electrically conductive spring material, and one or more portions of the plate that are configured to contact the magnets comprise another material that is suitable for being attracted to the magnet.

In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 3700 of FIG. 38B is configured to be connected to the cartridge receiving chamber 3812 of the inner frame 3815 of FIG. 38A in such a way that a magnetic and electrical connection is created between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 39 shows a partially cutaway view of the cartridge 3700 connected to the inner frame 3815 of the control device. As shown in the drawing, when the cartridge 3700 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the inner frame 3815 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the plurality of magnets 3852A, 3852B, 3852C, 3852D located in the inner frame 3815 of the control device and the metal plates 3752A, 3752B of the cartridge 3700. In addition, when the cartridge 3700 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 3815, an electrical connection is created between the pair of conductive pins 3820A, 3820B of the internal frame 3815 of the control device and the built-in spring contacts 3765A, 3765B of the cartridge 3700. Thus, when the cartridge 3700 is placed in the internal frame 3815 of the control device, the heater 3720 of the cartridge 3700 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 3700 of the shown embodiment is connected to the internal frame 3815 of the control device, the cartridge 3700 is mechanically biased into connection with the internal frame 3815 of the control device in such a way that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

It should be noted that in various embodiments, some components of either the control device or the cartridge, or both the control device and the cartridge may be replaced by other components with a similar function but a different design. For example, some of the above embodiments describe the use of spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical spring contacts) in the internal frame of the control device, wherein the spring-loaded pins are connected to a battery of the control device. In various alternative embodiments, one or both electrical spring contacts used in these embodiments may be replaced by metal plates that include formed contact surfaces. An example of such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 40, which illustrates a partially cutaway view of a cartridge connected to the internal frame of the control device, according to an example of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 40 shows a cartridge 3900 connected to the internal frame 4015 of the control device. In the embodiment shown, the spring-loaded electrical pins have been replaced by metal plates 4020 that contain rounded deflecting contact areas 4065 that are configured to interact with electrical contacts of the cartridge. In various embodiments, the metal plate 4020 can be made of any electrically conductive material, including, without limitation, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and/or any combination thereof. Thus, as shown in the drawing, when the cartridge 3900 of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the internal frame 4015 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the control device and the metal plate 3952 of the cartridge 3900, and an electrical connection is created between the contact areas 4065 of the metal plates 4020 of the internal frame 4015 of the control device and the electrical contacts 3925 of the cartridge 3900, which are connected to the heater 3920. Thus, when the cartridge 3900 is connected to the internal frame 4015 of the control device, the heater 3920 of the cartridge 3900 can be operatively connected to the battery of the control device.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, using the disclosures provided in the above description and the accompanying drawings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and it is intended that modifications and other embodiments be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (32)

1. An aerosol delivery device comprising a control device that includes an outer casing that defines an outer wall and has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the control device defines a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, and the control device also includes a battery and a control component, and a cartridge that includes a mouthpiece portion and a receptacle, wherein the mouthpiece portion has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the mouthpiece portion has an outlet formed therein, wherein the receptacle also defines a proximal end and a closed distal end and is configured to contain a liquid composition, and the cartridge also includes an atomizer configured to evaporate the liquid composition, wherein each of the cartridge and the control device includes at least one connector configured to provide a magnetic and electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device such that the cartridge can be operatively accommodated in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge a control device with the possibility of removal, wherein the distal end of the mouthpiece portion is located near the proximal end of the container and said at least one cartridge connector is located on the mouthpiece portion. 2. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of magnets located at a distance around the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located on the internal frame and below its upper projection, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a metal plate located below the projection, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the magnets of the internal frame of the control device are exposed on the upper surface of the upper projection such that when the cartridge is placed in the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnets of the internal frame of the control device are in direct contact with the metal plate of the cartridge. 4. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper portion, at least one fastening element located on the upper surface of the internal frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located on the internal frame, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, at least one fastening element located on the projection of the cartridge, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the at least one fastening element of the control device and the at least one fastening element of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge. 5. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 4, wherein the upper part of the inner frame of the control device includes an inclined surface, and at least one fastening element of the control device contains a plurality of magnets located at a distance around the inclined surface of the inner frame, and the projection of the cartridge includes a corresponding inclined surface, and at least one fastening element of the cartridge contains a plurality of magnets located at a distance around the inclined surface of the projection. 6. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 4, wherein the upper part of the inner frame of the control device includes an inclined surface, wherein at least one fastening element of the control device comprises a plurality of magnets located at a distance around the inclined surface of the inner frame, and the projection of the cartridge comprises a corresponding inclined surface, wherein at least one fastening element of the cartridge comprises a plurality of metal plates located at a distance around the inclined surface of the projection. 7. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 4, wherein the upper part of the inner frame of the control device includes an inclined surface, and at least one fastening element of the control device comprises a plurality of magnets located at a distance around the inclined surface of the inner frame, and the projection of the cartridge includes an inclined surface, and at least one fastening element comprises a metal ring that contains the inclined surface of the projection. 8. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 4, wherein at least one fastening element of the control device comprises a magnetic ring that includes an inclined surface, wherein the protrusion of the cartridge includes an inclined surface, and at least one fastening element of the cartridge comprises a metal ring that includes an inclined surface of the protrusion. 9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper portion, a pair of separate magnets, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a pair of metal plates containing a portion of the projection of the cartridge and operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, both a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are created between the pair of separate magnets of the control device and the pair of separate metal plates of the cartridge. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 9, wherein the pair of individual magnets of the control device include an inclined surface, and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge projection include a corresponding inclined surface. 11. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, a plurality of magnetic spheres located in the internal frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located on the internal frame, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a pair of metal plates, each of which includes receiving recesses at its opposite ends, wherein the metal plates are operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnetic spheres of the internal frame of the control device and the receiving recesses of the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge. 12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, a pair of angled magnets located in the internal frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located in the internal frame and below the pair of angled magnets, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a pair of pointed sliding metal plates located in the projection, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the angled magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the pointed sliding metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge. 13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located on the internal frame and below its upper projection, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a metal plate located below the projection, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge. 14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 13, wherein a plurality of cylindrical magnets extend through the upper projection of the inner frame such that the upper surface of the magnets is flush with the upper surface of the upper projection. 15. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the lower surface of the projection and operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge. 16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15, wherein a plurality of cylindrical magnets extend through the upper projection of the inner frame such that the upper surface of the magnets is flush with the upper surface of the upper projection. 17. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, and a pair of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the magnets are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the lower surface of the projection and operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, both a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge. 18. The aerosol delivery device of claim 17, wherein a pair of cylindrical magnets extend through the upper projection of the inner frame such that the upper surface of the magnets is flush with the upper surface of the upper projection. 19. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an inner frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the inner frame includes an upper projection, a pair of cylindrical magnets that pass through the upper projection of the inner frame, and a pair of conductive housings, each of which surrounds a side surface of a corresponding magnet and passes through the upper projection of the inner frame such that an upper edge of the housings is located at the same level with an upper surface of the upper projection, wherein the conductive housings are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the lower surface of the projection and operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating a cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive housings of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a pair of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of conductive housings, each of which surrounds the upper and side surfaces of a corresponding magnet and extends through the upper projection of the internal frame such that the upper surface of the housings is located at the same level with the upper surface of the upper projection, wherein the conductive housings are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the lower surface of the projection and operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating a cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive housings of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge. 21. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of magnets located in the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of metal plates located in the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the upper surface of the metal plates is located at the same level with the upper surface of the upper projection, wherein the metal plates are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and first and second pairs of metal plates located below the projection, wherein the first pair of metal plates is operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the second pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates of the internal frame of the control device and the first pair of metal plates of the cartridge. 22. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of magnets located in the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of metal plates located in the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the upper surface of the metal plates is located at the same level with the upper surface of the upper projection, wherein the metal plates are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates located below the projection, wherein the metal plates are operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates of the internal frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge. 23. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, and a pair of magnets located in the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of metal plates located in the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the metal plates are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates containing a portion of the projection of the cartridge and operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates of the internal frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge. 24. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, and a pair of magnets located in the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of metal plates located in the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the metal plates are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a metal ring that contains a portion of the projection, and a pair of conductive spring contacts operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal ring of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates of the internal frame of the control device and the pair of conductive spring contacts of the cartridge. 25. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of conductive pins that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the lower surface of the projection and operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein each metal plate includes an integrated spring contact, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the internal frame of the control device and the integrated spring contacts of the metal plates of the cartridge. 26. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of magnets located at a distance around the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts located on the internal frame and below its upper projection, wherein the spring contacts are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a metal plate located below the projection, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge. 27. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper portion, at least one fastening element located on the upper surface of the internal frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts located on the internal frame, wherein the conductive spring contacts are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, at least one fastening element located on the projection of the cartridge, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the at least one fastening element of the control device and the at least one fastening element of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge. 28. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, a plurality of magnetic spheres located in the internal frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts located on the internal frame, wherein the conductive spring contacts are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a pair of metal plates, each of which includes receiving recesses at its opposite ends, wherein the metal plates are operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnetic spheres of the internal frame of the control device and the receiving recesses of the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge. 29. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, a pair of angled magnets located in the internal frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts located in the internal frame and below the pair of angled magnets, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a pair of pointed sliding metal plates located in the projection, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the angled magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the pointed sliding metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts located on the internal frame and below its upper projection, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, a metal plate located below the projection, and a pair of conductive connectors operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the internal frame of the control device and the conductive connectors of the cartridge. 31. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device also comprises an internal frame that forms a chamber for accommodating a cartridge, wherein the internal frame includes an upper projection, a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts that extend into the upper projection of the internal frame, wherein the conductive pins are operatively connected to the battery, and the cartridge also comprises a projection located between the near and far ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the lower surface of the projection and operatively connected to the atomizer, wherein, when the cartridge is placed in the chamber for accommodating the cartridge, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the internal frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge. 32. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the atomizer comprises a heater configured to heat the liquid composition.