WO2019218311A1

WO2019218311A1 - Electric arc ignition smoking devices

Info

Publication number: WO2019218311A1
Application number: PCT/CN2018/087324
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lik Hon; Zhuoran LI; Fucheng YU
Original assignee: Fontem Holdings 1 B.V.
Priority date: 2018-05-17
Filing date: 2018-05-17
Publication date: 2019-11-21

Abstract

An electronic arc ignition smoking device (1) is provided. The ignition smoking device (1) comprises a housing (10), a battery (31) in the housing (10) electrically connected to a control circuit (21); a receptacle (28) in the housing (10) for receiving a smoking material (105); an air inlet (45) on the housing (10); an arc electrode pin projecting into the receptacle, the arc electrode pin and the receptacle (28) electrically connected to the control circuit (21); and a switch (50) or an inhalation sensor (46) electrically connected to the control circuit (21); wherein: an electric arc is initiated between the arc electrode pin and the receptacle (28) when the electronic ignition arc ignition circuit is switched on via the switch (50) or the sensor (46); and the receptacle (28) comprises a conductive element (130) electrically connected to the control circuit (21).

Description

ELECTRIC ARC IGNITION SMOKING DEVICES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field of the invention is electronic ignition devices for combustion of smoking articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is widely recognized that smoking tobacco can be a fire hazard. Therefore, there is a need for devices and smoking articles that limit this risk while still providing users with an experience similar to smoking conventional tobacco articles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are embodiments of electronic arc ignition devices comprising: a housing comprising a combustion section and a battery section, the combustion section having a receptacle for holding a smoking article; a battery in the battery section electrically connected to a control circuit; a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the control circuit and insulated from each other in the combustion section; the first electrode extending into the receptacle in the combustion section; and the housing having an air inlet to allow air to flow into the receptacle; wherein an electric arc is created between the first and second electrodes when the control circuit is switched on to connect the first and second electrodes with the battery.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of electric arc smoking articles comprising: a smoking material section comprising a smoking material surrounded by a first wrap; and one or more conductive elements.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of electronic arc ignition smoking devices comprising: a housing; a battery in the housing electrically connected to an electronic arc ignition circuit; a receptacle in the housing for receiving a smoking material; an air inlet adjacent to a first end of the receptacle; an arc electrode pin projecting into the receptacle, the arc electrode pin and the receptacle electrically connected to the electronic arc ignition circuit; and a switch or an inhalation sensor electrically connected to the electronic arc ignition circuit; wherein: an electric arc is initiated between the arc electrode pin and the receptacle when the electronic ignition arc ignition circuit is switched on via the switch or the sensor; and the receptacle is a conductive tube having a closed first end and an open second end and the arc electrode pin is centered in the receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a side section view of an embodiment of an electric arc ignition smoking device coupled with a smoking article.

Figure 2A is a side section view of an embodiment of an electric arc ignition smoking device.

Figure 2B is a side section view of an embodiment of an electric arc ignition smoking device.

Figure 3A is a side section view of two electrodes configured similar to a Jacob ladder coupled with an embodiment of a smoking article.

Figure 3B is a side section view of an electrode configured similar to a half-Jacob ladder coupled with an embodiment of a smoking article.

Figure 3C is a side section view of a “spring-push design” of the electrodes coupled with an embodiment of a smoking article.

Figure 4A is a side section view of an embodiment of a casing.

Figure 4B is a side section view of an embodiment of a casing.

Figure 4C is a side section view of an embodiment of a casing further comprising an absorbent element.

Figure 4D is a side section view of an embodiment of a casing positioned between an embodiment of a smoking article and an embodiment of an ignition smoking device.

Figure 5A is a side section view of an embodiment of a smoking article.

Figure 5B is an illustration scheme of a configuration of a conductive element on and/or in a first wrap of an embodiment of a smoking article.

Figure 5C is an illustration scheme of another configuration of a conductive element on and/or in a first wrap of an embodiment of a smoking article.

Figure 5D is a side section view of an embodiment of a smoking article with a conductive element separate from a first wrap of an embodiment of a smoking article.

Figure 5E is a side section view of an embodiment of a smoking article with a conductive element separate from a first wrap of an embodiment of a smoking article.

Figure 6A is a bottom view of an embodiment of a smoking article.

Figure 6B is a bottom view of an embodiment of a smoking article.

Figure 6C is a bottom view of an embodiment of a smoking article.

Figure 6D is a bottom view of an embodiment of a smoking article.

Figure 7 is a side section view of an embodiment of the electric arc ignition smoking device which mimics a pipe.

Figure 8 is a side section view of an embodiment of the electric arc ignition smoking device mimicking a pipe coupled with a smoking article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of an electric arc ignition smoking device (the “ignition smoking device” ) are described herein using novel configurations of electric arc for combustion of a smoking material. The novel electric arc ignition smoking device may be used with an electric arc smoking article (the “smoking article, ” e.g., a conventional cigarette or one with novel designs described herein) . An electric arc may be initiated to ignite tobacco or other smoking material of the smoking article, and an air flow is provided to the smoking article to sustain combustion of the smoking article when a user inhales. When the inhalation stops, the electric arc and the air flow terminate, and the combustion stops. Thus, the ignition smoking device described herein provides for controlled combustion of a cigarette or smoking article and may provide experiences similar to conventional cigarettes or tobacco products.

In order to fully understand the manner in which the above-recited details and other advantages and objects according to the invention are obtained, a more detailed description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. Although the invention has been described with reference to various embodiments and specific examples, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and adaptations of the invention are possible without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention. For example, the elements of one embodiment can be combined with other embodiments in addition to or in lieu of the elements of other embodiments.

I. Electric arc ignition smoking device (the “ignition smoking device” )

The ignition smoking device may comprise a housing comprising a battery section and a combustion section. The combustion section comprises a receptacle for holding a smoking article. A battery is provided in the battery section and electrically connected to a control circuit (e.g., an electronic arc ignition circuit) . At least two electrodes (e.g., a first and a second electrodes) are electrically connected to the control circuit and insulated from each other in the combustion section. At least one of the electrodes extends into the receptacle (also referred herein as an arc electrode pin) . Optionally the arc electrode pin is centered in the receptacle. When there are two or more of the electrodes extending into the receptacle, the two or more of the electrodes are optionally configured to be symmetric to the center of the receptacle. The housing comprises an air inlet to allow air to flow into the receptacle. An electric arc is created between the electrodes when the control circuit is switched on to connect the electrodes with the battery.

The housing may be made of one or more insulation materials, e.g., ceramic, polymer (e.g., Teflon) , silicon, and rubber.

The receptacle of the ignition smoking device has a receiving end for receiving the smoking article, and a closed end. Optionally a support is provided at the closed end of the receptacle. The receptacle may be at the proximal end of the ignition smoking device (e.g., for an embodiment that mimics a cigarette or cigar) . Alternatively, the receptacle may be at the distal end of the ignition smoking device (e.g., for an embodiment that mimics a pipe) . As used herein, a distal end of an ignition smoking device refers to the end of the ignition smoking device that is distal from a user when the ignition smoking device is in use; and a proximal end of the article is the end of the ignition smoking device that is closer to the user. Similarly, a distal end of a smoking article is its distal end compared to the receptacle of the ignition smoking device, and the other end is the proximal end of the smoking article. A smoking article suitable for the ignition smoking device comprises a smoking material section comprising a smoking material for combustion. At least 80%, 90%, or 95%of the smoking material section of the smoking article is positioned in the receptacle.

The two or more electrodes are insulated from each other. The electrodes may be configured on and/or through the support such that at least one electrode (e.g., the arc electrode pin) extends into the receptacle. The support may also comprise a movable element coupled with a spring (the “spring push design, ” see e.g., Figure 3C) . One or more electrodes may be configured on the movable element, and the spring is configured to have sufficient force to compress the ash remaining after combustion but insufficient to compress the smoking material. Thus, the one or more electrodes on the movable element travels from the closed end towards the receiving end of the receptacle as the combustion progresses, and so does the electric arc initiated by the one or more electrodes.

An electric arc between the two or more electrodes can be initiated when at least two electrodes are connected to the battery through the control circuit. The gap between the two electrodes may increase from the support to the receiving end of the receptacle. An electric arc is initiated at a path with the lowest electric conductivity. Thus, when the electrodes are surrounded by material with substantially uniform electric conductivity, the electric arc may be initiated at the closest distance between the electrodes. The smoking material which has a lower electric conductivity is converted into ash during combustion. Thus, the electric arc path tends to travel from where it is close to the closed end to the receiving end of the receptacle in the smoking article while combustion of the smoking article progresses. The smoking material in the smoking article may be configured to have lower electric conductivity at a section closer to the closed end of the receptacle than a section closer to the receiving end of the receptacle to further ensure that the electric arc will be initiated close to the closed end of the receptacle.

The ignition smoking device may comprise more than two electrodes, e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 electrodes. In certain embodiments, two or more electrodes may extend into the receptacle. In certain embodiments, the closest gap between the two or more electrodes is about 3 mm to about 10 mm, about 4 mm to about 9 mm, or about 5 mm to about 8 mm. In certain embodiments, one or more electrodes extend into the receptacle to more than about 40%, more than about 50%, more than about 60%, more than about 70%, more than about 80%, or more than about 90%of the length of the receptacle. The one or more electrodes that extend into the receptacle may take any shape suitable, e.g., round, square, triangle, rectangle, polygonal, or pyramid. The thickness of the electrodes may decrease from the support of the receptacle to its receiving end such that the gap between the two electrodes decreases from the support to the receiving end in the receptacle. The two or more electrodes may have a sharp tip for piercing into the smoking article.

The electrodes may be made of the same or different electrically conductive materials (the “conductive materials” ) or by coating an inert core with a conductive material. Examples of the conductive materials include, without limitation, metals (e.g., aluminum, barium calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, gold, ion, iridium, lead, lithium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, muonium, niobium, nickel, osmium, palladium, platinum, rhenium, rhodium, ruthenium, sodium, silver, steel, strontium, tantalum, thallium, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, zinc, zirconium) and alloys formed by any combination thereof (e.g., brass) ; carbon (e.g., graphite, graphene, and/or carbon-based nanomaterials) ; metal oxides (e.g., ZrO ₂, TrO ₂, SiO ₂, Al ₃O ₂, MoO ₃, n-BaTiO ₃, (Fe, Ti) ₂O ₃, ReO ₃, RuO ₂, IrO ₂) ; metal salts including, without limitation, borides (e.g., TiB ₂) , carbides (e.g., SiC, B ₄C) , metal halides (e.g., LiF, nickel halides) , nitrides (e.g., TiN, AIN) , silicides (e.g., MoSi ₂) ; conductive polymers; and conductive ceramics. Optionally, one or more of the electrodes may be made of one or more hard conductive material that may pierce into the smoking article.

A voltage applied between the two or more electrodes may be about 1 kv to about 100 kv, about 2 kv to about 50 kv, about 3 kv to about 20 kv, about 4 kv to about 10 kv, about 4 kv to about 8 kv, or about 4 kv to about 5 kv. . The current of the electric arc formed between the two or more electrodes is about 0.1 Am to 10 Am, 0.5 Am to 5 Am, 1 Am to 3 Am, 1 Am to 2 Am, 1 Am to 1.5 Am, 2 Am to 3 Am, or 2 Am to 2.5 Am. The frequencies of the AC power for the electric arc ignition can be from 0.1 M Hz to 1G Hz, 1M to 50M Hz, 1 M to 25 M Hz, 0.1 M to 5 M Hz, 0.5M to 3 M Hz, or 0.5 M to 1 M Hz.

The control circuit controls the connection of the battery and the two or more electrodes. The control circuit may comprise a transformer, inductor or similar circuit to generate sufficiently high voltage for the initiation of the electric arc. The control circuit may be turned on by a switch or a signal from a sensor to connect the battery and the two or more electrodes. For example, the sensor (e.g., an inhalation sensor such as an air flow sensor or other sensors that are responsive to a user’s inhalation) may send a signal to the control circuit only when the sensor senses an inhalation. Upon receiving the signal, the control circuit will connect the battery and the two or more electrodes to initiate an electric arc for ignition. The control circuit disconnects the battery and one or more of the electrodes when the inhalation stops, and the electric arc terminates.

Alternatively, the ignition smoking device does not include a sensor. Instead, the ignition smoking device comprises a switch for turning on and off the control circuit when the switch is pushed or released, respectively.

The housing may comprise one or more air inlets to allow air flow into the receptacle. The one or more air inlets may be in airflow communication with a one-way valve such that air may flow into the receptacle when a user inhales, and the airflow is disrupted when the user stops inhalation. The combustion section may comprise an airflow element in airflow communication with at least one of the one or more air inlets on the housing to provide air supply for combustion. The airflow element may extend from at least one of the one or more air inlets through the support to the receiving end of the receptacle. The airflow element may further comprise a one-way valve as described herein. The airflow element may take any suitable shape, e.g., an L-shape as shown in Figure 1.

At least one of the one or more air inlets on the housing is positioned between the support and the battery. The support may comprise one or more openings to allow one or more airflow elements to pass through. The one or more openings on the support may be the airflow elements in airflow communication with at least one of the one or more air inlets on the housing.

The support may optionally seal the control circuit and battery from the receptacle to avoid contamination of undesired combustion remains (e.g., tar, and ash) .

The receptacle may comprise a sealing element that is close to its receiving end and contacts the smoking article. The smoking article may be configured to require air supply through inhalation to sustain the combustion. The combustion terminates when the user stops inhalation, regardless whether the sealing element and the support together provide an air tight or substantially air tight space with the housing.

The ignition smoking device may take any form suitable. Examples of the shape of the ignition smoking device include, without limitation, a tubular shape (e.g., a shape that mimics a conventional cigarette) , or a pipe shape.

The ignition smoking device may mimic a pipe and comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end.

The ignition smoking device may have a mouthpiece at the proximal end of the ignition smoking device, a combustion section at the distal end, and a battery section between the mouthpiece and the combustion section. A battery is provided in the battery section. The combustion section comprises a receptacle having a receiving end to receive a smoking article and a closed end. Optionally a support is provided at the closed end. Two or more electrodes are configured on and/or through the support. Preferably two or more electrodes extend into the receptacle (e.g., similar to the Jacob ladder design) . The ignition smoking device comprises an airflow element that extends into the receptacle and is in airflow communication with the mouthpiece. The airflow element extends through the battery section and the support to provide an airflow path for the smoke to reach the mouthpiece. The airflow element prevents the contact of smoke with battery and/or other electronic elements (e.g., control circuit) optionally configured in the combustion section, and thus prevents potential contamination of smoke and/or combustion remains (e.g., tar, ash) . Optionally, the airflow element further comprises an absorbent element to absorb and/or filter combustion remains in the smoke. An embodiment of the absorbent element may be an absorbent layer the inner wall further comprises. The absorbent element may comprise one or more noninflammable absorbent materials. Optionally, the airflow element may extend all the way through the mouthpiece. The airflow element may also extend into the receptacle to more than about 40%, more than about 50%, more than about 60%, more than about 70%, more than about 80%, more than about 90%, or more than 100%of the length of the receptacle. Optionally, the airflow element may extend into the receptacle beyond the receiving end of the receptacle.

The ignition smoking device may comprise an optional casing in the receptacle. The casing comprises one or more conducive elements connected to at least one electrodes on and/or through the support. The casing has a closed end, an open end, and a receiving chamber formed therebetween. The open end of the casing is proximal to the receiving end of the receptacle for receiving the smoking article. The closed end may comprise an airflow opening to allow the airflow and at least an electrode opening for the at least one electrode into the casing. The closed end may seal the receiving chamber from the control circuit and the battery section. The casing catches combustion remains of the smoking article (e.g., tar, ash) and may be removable from the receptacle for replacement and/or cleaning. The casing may be especially useful when a conventional cigarette or cigar is used with the ignition smoking device. The casing optionally comprises an absorbent element for absorbing the liquid combustion remains (e.g., tar, ash) . The absorbent element comprises one or more non-inflammable absorbent materials. Examples of the non-inflammable absorbent materials include, without limitation, activated carbon, micro-porous ceramic, foamed ceramic, natural fiber, artificial fiber or foam metal material. Examples of fibers include, without limitation, ceramic fiber, quartz fiber, glass fiber, and aramid fiber.

The casing may comprise one or more conductive elements connected to at least one electrode on and/or through the support. Optionally, the one or more conductive elements extend from the closed end towards the open end of the casing. The one or more conductive elements of the casing comprise one or more conductive materials. The shape of the one or more conductive elements may be a filament or a sheet, and can be straight or comprise one or more curves and/or turns. The one or more conductive elements may extend through and/or around the smoking material section. The closed end of the casing may comprise one or more conductive elements. Optionally, the whole casing may be a conductive element made of one or more conductive materials.

II. Electric arc smoking articles (the “smoking articles” )

A smoking article comprises a smoking material section comprising a smoking material. The smoking material section has a first end and a second end. The smoking article optionally comprises an inhalation section in airflow communication with the smoking material section at its first end.

When the smoking article is positioned into an ignition smoking device the second end of the smoking material section is positioned closer to the support of the ignition smoking device than the first end.

The smoking article optionally comprises one or more conductive elements that may be electrically connected to one or more electrodes on and/or through the support of the ignition smoking device when the smoking article is coupled with the ignition smoking device. The one or more conductive elements may extend from the second end towards the first end of the smoking material section. The one or more conductive elements comprise one or more conductive materials. The shape of the one or more conductive elements may be a filament or a sheet, and can be straight or comprise one or more curves and/or turns (e.g., spiral) . The one or more conductive elements may extend through and/or around the smoking material section to more than about 40%, more than about 50%, more than about 60%, more than about 70%, more than about 80%, or more than about 90%of the length of the smoking material section.

The smoking article may comprise a first wrap that surrounds the smoking material. The first wrap may comprise one or more conductive materials (e.g., a copper or aluminum foil) . The first wrap may comprise one or more conductive elements embedded therein and/or thereon. The first wrap may be made of one or more conductive materials.

The smoking article may comprise one or more conductive elements separable from the first wrap. The one or more conductive elements may be positioned within and/or outside of the first wrap.

The smoking article may comprise an absorbent wrap that surrounds the smoking material. The absorbent wrap comprises at least partially an absorbent material as described herein. The absorbent wrap may be configured between the first wrap and the smoking material. The first wrap may be configured between the absorbent wrap and the smoking material.

The smoking article may further comprise an outer wrap that surrounds the smoking material outside of the first wrap and the absorbent wrap when applicable.

The inhalation section may comprise a mouthpiece and optionally a filter. The filter may be made of Examples of the filter material include, without limitation, filter materials suitable for conventional cigarettes, porous materials, absorbent materials, etc.

The smoking article may comprise a cover covering the second end. The cover may seal the smoking material. The cover may comprise an airflow opening to allow the airflow and at least an electrode opening for the at least one electrode into the smoking material section. The cover may comprise no openings and can be penetrated by an airflow element and/or the electrode of the ignition smoking device that extend into the receptacle. The cover may comprise one or more conductive elements that can be connected to at least one electrode of the ignition smoking device when the smoking article is coupled with the ignition smoking device. For example, the cover may be made of one or more conductive materials.

The smoking materials can be tobacco filament, e.g., the same tobacco as used in conventional tobacco cigarettes. Other similar combustible solid materials may be used, such as other plant components, leaves, or filaments. The smoking materials may comprise carbon materials (e.g., carbon fibers) . The smoking article may have smoking materials with substantially uniform electric conductivity in the smoking material section. The smoking article may have smoking materials with different electric conductivities at different portion of the smoking material section. The smoking material in the smoking article may have higher electric conductivity at the second end than the first end of the smoking material section. In certain embodiments, the electric conductivity of the smoking material may decrease from the second end to the first end of the smoking material section. The electric conductivity of a smoking material can be adjusted by electric conductive contents (e.g., carbon materials) . For example, the smoking material at the second end may contain higher carbon content than the smoking material that at the second end of the smoking material section.

III. Smoking method

Provided herein is a method for smoking a smoking article with an ignition smoking device described herein. The method comprises:

a) placing the smoking article into a receptacle of the ignition smoking device;

b) igniting the smoking article by an electric arc initiated between two electrodes of the ignition smoking device by switching on a control circuit of the ignition smoking device to connect the battery and the two electrodes;

c) sustaining combustion of the smoking article in the receptacle by an airflow provided through an airflow element of the ignition smoking device into the receptacle;

d) terminating the electric arc between the two electrodes by switching off the control circuit to disconnect the battery and at least one of the two electrodes of the ignition smoking device;

e) terminating the airflow provided into the receptacle; and

f) repeating steps b) -e) wherein the electric arc initiated in step b) travels from a second end to a first end of a smoking material section of the smoking article, wherein:

the second end of the smoking material section is closer to the electrodes to the other end of the smoking article.

The airflow from the ambient environment may be through an inlet on a housing of the ignition smoking device, and/or or an airflow element extending into a receptacle of the ignition smoking device.

The smoking method may comprise the following steps:

B) inhaling from an inhalation section of the smoking article or the ignition smoking device;

C) a sensor sensing the inhalation and switching on a control circuit of the ignition smoking device to connect the battery and the two electrodes to initiate an electric arc to ignite the smoking article;

D) sustaining combustion of the smoking article in the receptacle by an airflow provided via the inhalation through an airflow element of the ignition smoking device into the receptacle;

E) when the user stops inhalation, the sensor switching off the control circuit to disconnect the battery and at least one of the two electrodes of the ignition smoking device, and the airflow provided via the inhalation terminated; and

F) repeating steps B) -E) wherein the electric arc initiated in step C) travels from a second end to a first end of a smoking material section of the smoking article, wherein:

IV Examples

Figure 1 shows an example of an ignition smoking device 1 coupled with a smoking article 100. The smoking article 100 may have a tubular shape and a size similar to a conventional cigarette or cigar, and may be a conventional cigarette or cigar. Figures 2A-2B show various examples of the ignition smoking device by itself. Figures 3A-3C show various examples of the electrode configurations. Figures 4A-4C show various examples of the casing and Figure 4D shows an embodiment of an ignition smoking device 1 coupled with a smoking article 100 in a casing 200. Figures 5A-5E show various examples of the smoking article 100. Figures 6A-6D show various examples of the wrapping configurations of the smoking article 100.

Figures 7 and 8 show various examples of an ignition smoking device 1 mimicking a pipe.

The ignition smoking device 1 shown in Figure 1 mimics a conventional cigarette or cigar. The ignition smoking device 1 comprises a housing 10 comprising a battery section 30 at a distal end 3 and a combustion section 20 at a proximal end 2 of the ignition smoking device 1, a battery 31 in the battery section 30, and a receptacle 28 in the combustion section 20. The receptacle 28 has a receiving end 27 and a closed end 29 (Figures 2A &2B) . A support 40 is provided at the closed end 29. Two

electrodes

41 and 42 insulated from each other are provided in the combustion section 20 (Figure 3A) . An electric arc between the two

electrodes

41 and 42 can be initiated when the

electrodes

41 and 42 are connected to the battery 31. The electrode 41 extends into the receptacle 28. The gap between the two

electrodes

41 and 42 decreases from the closed end 29 to the receiving end 27 of the receptacle 28, such that the smoking material 105 wrapped in a wrap 102 is ignited first at the end of the smoking article 100 that is closer to the closed end 29 of the receptacle for combustion. The smoking material 105 turns to ash after combustion and the electric arc path travels towards the receiving end 29 of the receptacle 28 as the smoking material 105 is more conductive before combustion than the ash formed after combustion or air if the formed ash falls to the closed end 29 of the receptacle 28. The

electrodes

41 and 42 are configured on a support 40, with an insulation element 43 configured around the electrode 41 to electrically insulate electrode 41 from electrode 42. The electrode 42 may form the perimeter or area of a circle, rectangle, triangle or polygon on the support 40 surrounding the electrode 41. The support 40 optionally seals the control circuit 21, and/or the battery 31 from the combustion section 20. The electrode 41 may have a sharp tip for piercing into the smoking article 100 or the casing 200, if used.

The receiving end 27, the support 40, and the housing 10 define a receptacle 28. The receptacle 28 may comprise a sealing element 26 close to the receiving end 27 that contacts the smoking article 100. The smoking article 100 is configured to allow an airflow supply (e.g., through inhalation) to sustain the combustion. The combustion terminates when the user stops inhalation, whether or not the sealing element 26 and the support 40 together provide an air tight or substantially air tight receptacle 28. The support 40 further comprises an airflow element 44 that extends into the receptacle 28 and into the smoking article 100 from the distal end of the smoking article 102 (not shown in Figure 1, see Figures 5A-5E) and is in airflow communication with an air inlet 45 on the housing 10. The airflow element 44 optionally comprises a one-way valve 47 to allow air flow from the air inlet 45 into the smoking article 100 only when a user inhales. A sensor 46 (e.g., an air flow sensor) is coupled with the airflow element 44 and a control circuit 21. The control circuit 21 may receive signals from the sensor 46 and control the electric connection between the battery 31 and the electrodes 41 and/or 42. When a user inhales, the sensor 46 sends a signal to the control circuit 21 which connects the

electrodes

41 and 42 with the battery 31 to initiate an electric arc to ignite combustion of the smoking material 105 with air supplied by the airflow element 44. The combustion is terminated when the user stops the inhalation as the air remained in the smoking article is not sufficient to sustain the combustion. The control circuit 31 disconnects at least one of the

electrodes

41 and 42 from the battery 31, except when the sensor senses inhalation. When the user inhales again, the sensor 46 sends another signal to the control circuit 21 which connects the

electrodes

41 and 42 with the battery 31 to initiate an electric arc closer to the proximal end of the smoking article 102 than the previous ignition. The control circuit 21 optionally includes step-up circuitry to increase the voltage provided to the electrodes to a level sufficient to initiate the arc. Alternatively, such circuitry may be provided as a separate module or assembly.

Figure 2A shows the ignition smoking device 1 of Figure 1 with the smoking article 100.

Figure 2B shows an alternative example of the ignition smoking device 1 comprising a switch 50 configured on the housing 10 for connecting and disconnecting the battery 31 and the

electrodes

41 and 42. An airflow element or outlet 44 on the support 40 extends toward the proximal end 2 of the ignition smoking device 1 and is in airflow communication with the air inlet 45 configured on the housing 10. Alternatively, the airflow element 44 is an opening on the support 40 and does not necessarily extend beyond the support 40.

The

electrodes

41 and 42 may have other configurations, examples of which are shown in Figures 3A-3C with the smoking article 100. The rest of the ignition smoking device 1 may be the same as described above.

Figure 3A shows an electrode configuration similar to a Jacob’s ladder design. Both

electrodes

41 and 42 extend into the smoking article 100 in the receptacle from the distal end 103 of the smoking article 100 towards its proximal end 102 when in use. As the

electrodes

41 and 42 are thicker where they enter into the smoking article 100 at its distal end 103 than a position closer to its proximal end 102, the gap between the two

electrodes

41 and 42 increases from the distal end 103 (gap a1) to the proximal end 102 (gap a2) such that an electric arc is initiated first at the distal end 103 of the smoking article 100. In the design of Fig. 3A, the housing 10 need not be connected to either electrode, as the arc is created between the

electrodes

41 and 42. The

electrodes

41 and 42 may optionally be adjacent to or in contact with a non-conductive housing 10, to maximize the volume of smoking material 105 exposed to the arc.

The electrode configuration in Figure 3B is similar to a half Jacob’s ladder design. Only the electrode 41 extends into the smoking article 100 in the receptacle 28 from the distal end 103 of the smoking article 100 towards its proximal end 102 when in use. In this design the arc may be created between the electrode 41 and a conductive element (not shown) the smoking article 100 and/or the receptacle 28 comprises.

Another embodiment of the

electrodes

41 and 42 is shown in Figure 3C. The

electrodes

41 and 42 are configured on a movable element 49 of the support 44 further coupled with a spring 48. The spring 48 is configured to have sufficient force to compress the ash remaining after combustion but insufficient to compress the smoking material 105 before combustion occurs. Consequently, the

electrodes

41 and 42 can move from the distal end 103 towards the proximal end 102 as combustion progresses. In this design the arc may be created between the

electrodes

41 and 42.

The combustion section optionally comprises a casing 200 in the receptacle 28 as shown in Figures 4A-4D. The casing 200 may be removed from the receptacle 28 for replacement or cleaning. The casing 200 comprises a closed end 202 and an open end 201. The casing may be positioned between the smoking article 100 and the receptacle 28 of the ignition smoking device 1. The open end 201 can receive the smoking article 100. The closed end 202 comprises an airflow opening 203 and an electrode opening 204 to allow the airflow element 44 and the electrode 41 through and extend into the casing 200. As shown in Figure 4A, the closed end 202 or the casing 200 may comprise a conductive element made of one or more conductive materials. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4B, a conductive element 206 is configured on the closed end 202 to be electrically coupled with the electrode 42. Optionally, as shown in Figure 4C, the casing 200 may further comprise an absorbent element 205 configured on the closed end 202 to absorb undesired combustion remains (e.g., ash, tar) . Figure 4D shows an embodiment wherein the smoking article 100 is received in the open end 201 of the casing 200 that is positioned in the receptacle 28 of the ignition smoking device 1. The airflow element 44 extends through the airflow opening 203 at the closed end 202 of the casing 200. The electrode 41 and insulation element 43 extend through the electrode opening 204 at the closed end 202 of the casing 200. The casing 200 may be conductive and is electrically coupled to the electrode 43 of the ignition smoking device 1.

Figure 5A shows an example of the smoking article 100. The smoking article 100 has a proximal end 102 for a user’s inhalation and a distal end 103 close to which the combustion preferably begins. The smoking article 100 has a mouthpiece 110 at the proximal end 102. The mouthpiece 110 may further comprise a filter 111 as described herein. The smoking article 100 comprises a smoking material section 120 containing a smoking material 105 for combustion. The smoking material section 120 is surrounded by one or more wraps as described herein. For example, the smoking material section 120 has a first wrap 121 that surrounds the smoking material 105. Optionally, the distal end of the smoking article 100 is covered by a cover 104 as.

The first wrap 121 may comprise one or more conductive elements 130. The first wrap 121 may be made of one or more conductive materials as described herein (e.g., an alumina foil) and thus functions as a conductive element for formation of arc (Figure 5A) .

Alternatively, the first wrap 121 may comprise one or more conductive elements 130 embedded therein and/or thereon, as shown in Figures 5B-5C. The one or more conductive elements 130 may have any shape provided they extend from a second end 123 towards a first end 122 of the smoking material section 120, wherein the second end of the smoking material section 120 is closer to the closed end of a receptacle of an ignition smoking device when the smoking article is in the receptacle. The conductive element 130 may be straight and substantially parallel to (Figure 5B) or having an angle with (Figure 5C) the longitudinal direction of the smoking article 100.

Figures 5D-5E show other examples of the smoking article 100, wherein the smoking article comprises one or more conductive elements 130 (only one is shown as an example) separated from the first wrap 121. The one or more conductive elements 130 may be positioned within (Figure 5D) and/or outside of (Figure 5E) the smoking material 105 extending from the second end 123 towards the first end 122 of the smoking material section 120.

Figures 6A-6B show bottom views of various embodiments of the smoking article 100, which comprise a first wrap 121 and an absorbent wrap 140 that surrounds the smoking material 105. The absorbent wrap 140 at least partially comprises an absorbent material as described herein. The absorbent wrap 140 may be configured between the first wrap 121 and the smoking material 105 (Figure 6A) to absorb undesired combustion remains (e.g., tar, and ash) . Alternatively, the first wrap 121 may be configured between the absorbent wrap 140 and the smoking material 105.

Figures 6C-6D show bottom views of examples of the smoking article 100 of figures 6A-6B further comprising an outer wrap 150, respectively. The outer wrap 150 wraps around the smoking material 105 outside of the outer layer of the first wrap 121 (Figure 6C) and the absorbent wrap (Figure 6D) .

Figure 7 shows a side section view of an embodiment of the ignition smoking device 1 that mimics a pipe. The ignition smoking device 1 comprises a housing 10 having a proximal end 102 and a distal end 103. A mouthpiece 110 is configured at the proximal end 102 for inhalation. The ignition smoking device 1 comprises a combustion section 20 at the distal end 103. The combustion section 20 comprises a support 40 on which are configured two

electrodes

41 and 42. The combustion section 20 receives a smoking article at the distal end 103, and the support 40 blocks the smoking article from further entering into the ignition smoking device 1. A battery section 30 comprising a battery 31 (not shown) is provided under the support 40 in the housing 10. An airflow element 44 is provided in the housing 10 to extend from a position close to the proximal end 102 in airflow communication with the mouthpiece 110 towards the distal end 103. The airflow element 44 extends through the battery section 30 and support 40 to provide an airflow path for the smoke to reach the mouthpiece. The airflow element 44 prevents the contact of smoke with battery and/or other electronic elements (e.g., control circuit) configured in the combustion section 20. Therefore, the airflow element 44 may prevent potential contamination of smoke and/or combustion remains (e.g., tar, ash) . Optionally, the inner wall of the airflow element 44 further comprises an absorbent layer 441 to further absorb and/or filter combustion remains. The absorbent layer 441 comprises one or more noninflammable absorbent materials. Optionally, the airflow element 44 may extend all the way to the mouthpiece 110 (Figure 8) . Figure 8 shows a smoking article 100 received in the receptacle of the ignition smoking device 1. The airflow element 44 may extend into the smoking article 100.

Example 1 provides an electronic arc ignition device, comprising:

a housing comprising a combustion section and a battery section, the combustion section having a receptacle for holding a smoking article;

a battery in the battery section electrically connected to a control circuit;

a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the control circuit and insulated from each other in the combustion section;

the first electrode extending into the receptacle in the combustion section; and

the housing having an air inlet to allow air to flow into the receptacle;

wherein an electric arc is created between the first and second electrodes when the control circuit is switched on to connect the first and second electrodes with the battery.

Example 2 provides the electric arc ignition smoking device of Example 1, wherein:

the first electrode extends into more than about 40%, more than about 50%, more than about 60%, more than about 70%, more than about 80%, or more than about 90%of the length of the receptacle.

Example 3 provides the electric arc ignition smoking device of any one of Examples 1-2, wherein the first and second electrodes are configured on and/or through a support.

Example 4 provides the electric arc ignition smoking device of any one of Examples 1-3, further comprising an airflow element in airflow communication with the air inlet of the housing and extending into the receptacle.

Example 5 provides the electric arc ignition smoking device of Example 4, wherein the airflow element comprises a one-way valve.

Example 6 provides the electric arc ignition smoking device of any one of Examples 1-5, wherein the support seals the receptacle from the conductive circuit and battery.

Example 7 provides the electric arc ignition smoking device of any one of Examples 1-6, wherein the first and second electrodes have a thickness decreasing from the support to a receiving end of the receptacle for receiving the smoking article.

Example 8 provides the electric arc ignition smoking device of any one of Examples 1-7, further comprising a sensor responsive to a user’s inhalation and coupled to the control circuit.

Example 9 provides the electric arc ignition smoking device of any one of Examples 1-8, further comprising a switch for switching on and off the control circuit.

Example 10 provides the electric arc ignition smoking device of any one of Examples 1-9, wherein:

the support further comprises a movable element coupled with a spring;

at least one of the two or more electrodes is configured on the movable element; and

the spring is configured to have sufficient force to compress the ash remaining after combustion but insufficient to compress the smoking material.

Example 11 provides the electric arc ignition smoking device of Example 10, wherein at least two electrodes are configured on the movable element.

Example 12 provides the electric arc ignition of any one of Examples 1-10, further comprising a casing in the receptacle, wherein:

the casing comprises:

a conductive element connected to the second electrode, and

a receiving chamber between an open end and a closed end, wherein:

the closed end is closer to the support than the receiving end of the receptacle and comprises an airflow opening to allow the airflow and an electrode opening for the first electrode into the casing, and

the open end is capable of receiving the smoking article.

Example 13 provides the electric arc ignition of Example 12, wherein the casing can be separated from the receptacle.

Example 14 provides the electric arc ignition of Example 12 or Example 13, wherein the closed end of the casing comprises the conductive element.

Example 15 provides the electric arc ignition of any one of Examples 12-14, wherein the casing is the conductive element.

Example 16 provides an electric arc smoking article comprising:

a smoking material section comprising a smoking material surrounded by a first wrap; and one or more conductive elements.

Example 17 provides the electric arc smoking article of Example 16, further comprising a cover covering a second end of the smoking material section.

Example 18 provides the electric arc smoking article of Example 16 or 17, wherein the cover comprises no openings and is penetrable.

Example 19 provides the electric arc smoking article of any one of Examples 16-18, wherein the cover comprises one or more conductive elements.

Example 20 provides the electric arc smoking article of any one of Examples 16-19, wherein the first wrap comprises one or more conductive elements.

Example 21 provides the electric arc smoking article of any one of the Examples 16-20, further comprising one or more conductive elements in the smoking material.

Example 22 provides the electric arc smoking article of any one of the Examples 16-21, wherein the electric conductivity of the smoking material at the second end is higher than that at the first end.

Example 23 provides the electric arc smoking article of Example 22, wherein the smoking material at the second end has higher carbon content than that at the first end.

Example 24 provides the electric arc smoking article of Example 22 or 23, wherein the electric conductivity of the smoking material decreases from the second end to the first end of the electric arc smoking article.

Example 25 provides the electric arc smoking article of Example 24, wherein the carbon content of the smoking material decreases from the second end to the first end of the smoking material section.

Example 26 provides an electronic arc ignition device, comprising:

a housing;

a battery in the housing electrically connected to an electronic arc ignition circuit;

a receptacle in the housing for receiving smoking material;

an air inlet adjacent to a first end of the receptacle;

an arc electrode pin projecting into the receptacle, the arc electrode pin and the receptacle electrically connected to the electronic arc ignition circuit; and

a switch or an inhalation sensor electrically connected to the electronic arc ignition circuit; wherein:

an electric arc is initiated between the arc electrode pin and the receptacle when the electronic ignition arc ignition circuit is switched on via the switch or the sensor; and

the receptacle is a conductive tube having a closed first end and an open second end and the arc electrode pin is centered in the receptacle.

Example 27 provides a method for smoking an electric arc smoking article according to any one of Examples 16-25 with an electronic arc ignition smoking device according to any one of Examples 1-15 and 26, comprising:

a) placing the electric arc smoking article into the receptacle of the electric arc ignition smoking device;

b) igniting the electric arc smoking article by an electric arc initiated between two electrodes of the electric arc ignition smoking device by switching on a control circuit of the electric arc ignition smoking device to connect the battery and the first and second electrodes;

c) sustaining combustion of the electric arc smoking article in the receptacle by an airflow provided through the airflow element of the electric arc ignition smoking device into the receptacle;

d) terminating the electric arc between the first and second electrodes by switching off the control circuit to disconnect the battery and at least one of the first and second electrodes of the electric arc ignition smoking device;

e) terminating the airflow provided into the receptacle; and

f) repeating steps b) -e) wherein the electric arc initiated in step b) travels from the second end to the first end of the smoking material section.

Thus, novel devices and methods have been shown and described. Various modifications and substitutions may of course be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention, therefore, should not be limited, except to the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

An electronic arc ignition device, comprising:

a housing comprising a combustion section and a battery section, the combustion section having a receptacle for holding a smoking article;

a battery in the battery section electrically connected to a control circuit;

a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the control circuit and insulated from each other in the combustion section;

the first electrode extending into the receptacle in the combustion section; and

the housing having an air inlet to allow air to flow into the receptacle;

wherein an electric arc is created between the first and second electrodes when the control circuit is switched on to connect the first and second electrodes with the battery.
The electric arc ignition smoking device of claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are configured on and/or through a support.
The electric arc ignition smoking device of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising an airflow element in airflow communication with the air inlet of the housing and extending into the receptacle.
The electric arc ignition smoking device of claim 3, wherein the airflow element comprises a one-way valve.
The electric arc ignition smoking device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the support seals the receptacle from the conductive circuit and battery.
The electric arc ignition smoking device of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the first and second electrodes have a thickness decreasing from the support to a receiving end of the receptacle for receiving the smoking article.
The electric arc ignition smoking device of any one of claims 1-6, further comprising a sensor responsive to a user’s inhalation and coupled to the control circuit.
The electric arc ignition smoking device of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising a switch for switching on and off the control circuit.
The electric arc ignition smoking device of any one of claims 1-8, wherein:

the support further comprises a movable element coupled with a spring;

at least one of the two or more electrodes is configured on the movable element; and

the spring is configured to have sufficient force to push the ash remaining after combustion but insufficient to push the smoking material.
The electric arc ignition smoking device of claim 9, wherein at least two electrodes are configured on the movable element.
The electric arc ignition of any one of claims 1-10, further comprising a casing in the receptacle, wherein:

the casing comprises:

a conductive element connected to the second electrode, and

a receiving chamber between an open end and a closed end, wherein:

the closed end is closer to the support than the receiving end of the receptacle and comprises an airflow opening to allow the airflow and an electrode opening for the first electrode into the casing, and

the open end is capable of receiving the smoking article.
The electric arc ignition of claim 11, wherein the casing can be separated from the receptacle.
The electric arc ignition of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the closed end of the casing comprises the conductive element.
The electric arc ignition of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the casing is the conductive element.
An electric arc smoking article comprising:

a smoking material section comprising a smoking material surrounded by a first wrap; and one or more conductive elements.
The electric arc smoking article of claim 15, further comprising a cover covering a second end of the smoking material section.
The electric arc smoking article of claim 15 or 16, wherein the cover comprises no openings and is penetrable.
The electric arc smoking article of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the cover comprises one or more conductive elements.
The electric arc smoking article of any one of claims 15-18, wherein the first wrap comprises one or more conductive elements.
The electric arc smoking article of any one of the claims 15-19, further comprising one or more conductive elements in the smoking material.
The electric arc smoking article of any one of the claims 15-20, wherein the electric conductivity of the smoking material at the second end is higher than that at the first end.
The electric arc smoking article of claim 21, wherein the smoking material at the second end has higher carbon content than that at the first end.
The electric arc smoking article of claim 21 or 22, wherein the electric conductivity of the smoking material decreases from the second end to the first end of the electric arc smoking article.
The electric arc smoking article of claim 23, wherein the carbon content of the smoking material decreases from the second end to the first end of the smoking material section.
An electronic arc ignition smoking device, comprising:

a housing;

a battery in the housing electrically connected to an electronic arc ignition circuit;

a receptacle in the housing for receiving a smoking material;

an air inlet adjacent to a first end of the receptacle;

an arc electrode pin projecting into the receptacle, the arc electrode pin and the receptacle electrically connected to the electronic arc ignition circuit; and

a switch or an inhalation sensor electrically connected to the electronic arc ignition circuit; wherein:

an electric arc is initiated between the arc electrode pin and the receptacle when the electronic ignition arc ignition circuit is switched on via the switch or the sensor; and

the receptacle is a conductive tube having a closed first end and an open second end and the arc electrode pin is centered in the receptacle.
A method for smoking an electric arc smoking article according to any one of claims 15-24 with an electronic arc ignition smoking device according to any one of claims 1-14 and 25, comprising:

a) placing the electric arc smoking article into the receptacle of the electric arc ignition smoking device;

b) igniting the electric arc smoking article by an electric arc initiated between two electrodes of the electric arc ignition smoking device by switching on a control circuit of the electric arc ignition smoking device to connect the battery and the first and second electrodes;

c) sustaining combustion of the electric arc smoking article in the receptacle by an airflow provided through the airflow element of the electric arc ignition smoking device into the receptacle;

d) terminating the electric arc between the first and second electrodes by switching off the control circuit to disconnect the battery and at least one of the first and second electrodes of the electric arc ignition smoking device;

e) terminating the airflow provided into the receptacle; and

f) repeating steps b) -e) wherein the electric arc initiated in step b) travels from the second end to the first end of the smoking material section.