MIST INHALATION DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/678,747, filed Aug. 2, 2024, incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a pod for use with a mist inhalation device, and a mist inhalation device for use with a pod.

BACKGROUND

The traditional hookah is a smoking device which burns tobacco leaves that have been crushed and prepared specifically to be heated using charcoal. The heat from the charcoal causes the crushed tobacco leaves to burn, producing smoke that is pulled through water in a glass chamber and to the user by inhalation. The water is used to cool the hot smoke for ease of inhalation.

Hookah use began centuries ago in ancient Persia and India. Today, hookah cafés are gaining popularity around the world, including the United Kingdom, France, Russia, the Middle East and the United States.

A typical modern hookah has a head (with holes in the bottom), a metal body, a water bowl and a flexible hose with a mouthpiece. New forms of electronic hookah products, including steam stones and hookah pens, have been introduced. These products are battery or mains powered and heat liquid containing nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals to produce smoke which is inhaled.

Although electronic hookahs avoid the need to use charcoal, hookah smoking has many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking.

Thus, a need exists in the art for an improved mist inhalation pod and device which seeks to address at least some of the problems described herein.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved pod for use with a mist inhalation device, and a mist inhalation device for use with the pod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a pod for use with a mist inhalation device as claimed in claim 1. The present invention also provides preferred embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims.

The various examples of this disclosure which are described below have multiple benefits and advantages over conventional and electronic mist inhalation devices and hookahs. These benefits and advantages are set out in the description below.

The mist inhalation devices of examples of this disclosure have an environmental benefit since the device does not emit any smoke and removes the need to burn charcoal.

Although the invention is described in the context of a hookah and mist inhalation device for use with a hookah, the mist inhalation device may be used in any other suitable equipment, and the term “hookah” is to be interpreted so as to not limit the disclosure of the invention.

REPRESENTATIVE FEATURES

Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and/or drawings of the specification.

• • 1. A mist inhalation device for use with a pod, the mist inhalation device comprising:
    • a base having a first end, an opposite second end, and at least one side wall extending between the first end and the second end of the base;
    • a lid couplable to the base, the lid having a first end, an opposite second end, and at least one sidewall extending between the first end and the second end of the lid,
  • wherein the base includes:
    • a recess extending from the first end of the base towards the second end of the base, the recess configured to accept a first portion of the pod; and
    • a mist delivery conduit extending from the first end of the base through the second end of the base;
  • and wherein the lid includes:
    • a recess extending from the second end of the lid towards the first end of the lid, the recess configured to accept a second portion of the pod;
    • an air delivery inlet port positioned in one of the at least one side walls of the lid;
    • an air delivery conduit extending from the air delivery inlet port to the recess of the lid;
    • a mist extraction conduit extending from the second end of the lid to the recess of the lid,
  • such that when the lid is coupled to the base, a fluid flow path is formed from the air delivery inlet port to the second end of the base via the air delivery conduit, the recess of the base and the recess of the lid, the mist extraction conduit, and the mist delivery conduit.
  • 2. The mist inhalation device of clause 1, wherein the air delivery conduit and the mist extraction conduit extend into the recess of the lid.
  • 3. The mist inhalation device of clause 2, wherein the air delivery conduit and the mist extraction conduit terminate at an oblique angle in the recess of the lid.
  • 4. The mist inhalation device of any one of the preceding clauses, further including a first annular seal and a second annular seal, the first annular seal positioned in the recess of the lid and surrounding the air delivery conduit, and the second annular seal positioned in the recess of the lid and surrounding the mist extraction conduit.
  • 5. The mist inhalation device of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the lid further includes a second air delivery inlet port, and the air delivery conduit includes an annular portion for fluidly coupling the air delivery inlet ports such that the air flow from the air delivery inlet ports is configured to converge before being conducted to the recess of the lid.
  • 6. The mist inhalation device of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the lid is hingedly coupled to the base.
  • 7. The mist inhalation device of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first end of the base features an indentation configured to receive the second end of the lid.
  • 8. The mist inhalation device of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the air delivery port is proximal the second end of the base.
  • 9. The mist inhalation device of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the base includes:
    • a plurality of recesses extending from the first end of the base towards the second end of the base, the recesses each configured to accept a first portion of a respective pod;
  • and the lid includes:
    • a plurality of recesses extending from the second end of the lid towards the first end of the lid, the recesses configured to accept a second portion of the respective pod;
    • an air delivery conduit extending from the air delivery inlet port to each of the recesses of the lid; and
    • a mist extraction conduit extending from the second end of the lid to the recesses of the lid,
      such that when the lid is coupled to the base, a fluid flow path is formed from the air delivery inlet port to the second end of the base via the air delivery conduit, the recesses of the base and the recesses of the lid, the mist extraction conduit, and the mist delivery conduit.
  • 10. A mist inhalation device for use with a pod, the mist inhalation device comprising:
    • a base having a first end, an opposite second end, and at least one side wall extending between the first end and the second end of the base;
    • a lid couplable to the base, the lid having a first end, an opposite second end, and at least one side wall extending between the first end and the second end of the lid, and
    • a pod chamber formed by a recess in at least one of the base and the lid, the pod chamber having a first end proximate the first end of the lid and a second end proximate the second end of the base,
      wherein the base further includes:
  • a mist delivery conduit extending from the first end of the base and through the second end of the base; and
    wherein the lid further includes:
  • an air delivery inlet port;
  • an air delivery conduit extending from the air delivery inlet port to the first end of the pod chamber; and
  • a mist extraction conduit extending from the second end of the lid to the first end of the pod chamber, such that when the lid is coupled to the base, a fluid flow path is formed from the air delivery inlet port to the second end of the base via the air delivery conduit, the pod chamber, the mist extraction conduit, and the mist delivery conduit.
  • 11. The mist inhalation device of clause 10, wherein the air delivery conduit and the mist extraction conduit extend into the pod chamber.
  • 12. The mist inhalation device of clause 11, wherein the air delivery conduit and the mist extraction conduit terminate at an oblique angle in the pod chamber.
  • 13. The mist inhalation device of any one of clauses 10 to 12, further including a first annular seal and a second annular seal, the first annular seal surrounding the air delivery conduit, and the second annular seal surrounding the mist extraction conduit.
  • 14. The mist inhalation device of any one of clauses 10 to 13, wherein the lid further includes a second air delivery inlet port, and the air delivery conduit includes an annular portion for fluidly coupling the air delivery inlet ports such that the air flow from the air delivery inlet ports is configured to converge before being conducted to the pod chamber.
  • 15. The mist inhalation device of any one clauses 10 to 14, wherein the lid is hingedly coupled to the base.
  • 16. The mist inhalation device of any one clauses 10 to 15, wherein the first end of the base features an indentation configured to receive the second end of the lid.
  • 17. The mist inhaler device of any one of clauses 10 to 16, wherein the air delivery inlet port is positioned on the side wall of the lid.
  • 18. The mist inhalation device of any one clauses 10 to 17, wherein the air delivery inlet port is proximal the second end of the base.
  • 19. The mist inhalation device of any one clauses 10 to 18, wherein the pod chamber is formed by a recess in the lid and a recess in the base.
  • 20. The mist inhalation device of any one of clauses 10 to 19, wherein the mist inhalation device includes:
    • a plurality of pod chambers, each pod chamber configured to receive a respective pod;
    • an air delivery conduit extending from the air delivery inlet port to the pod chambers; and
    • a mist extraction conduit extending from the second end of the lid to the pod chambers,
      such that when the lid is coupled to the base, a fluid flow path is formed from the air delivery inlet port to the second end of the base via the air delivery conduit, one of the plurality of pod chambers, the mist extraction conduit, and the mist delivery conduit.
  • 21. A pod for use with a mist inhalation device, the pod comprising:
    • a housing having a first end, an opposite second end and at least one side wall extending between the first end and the second end;
    • a first end wall proximate the first end and the side wall, the first end wall closing the first end of the housing, the first end wall being provided with an air inlet port and a mist outlet port, the air inlet port being sealed by a frangible air inlet seal and the mist outlet port being sealed by a frangible mist outlet seal;
    • a second end wall proximate the second end and the side wall, the second end wall closing the second end of the housing;
    • a liquid barrier wall positioned within the housing and spaced apart from the first end wall, the liquid barrier wall extending toward the side wall of the housing to form a liquid seal between the liquid barrier wall and the side wall, the liquid barrier wall having at least one liquid channel with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet;
    • a liquid chamber defined by the liquid barrier wall, the first end wall and the side wall of the housing, wherein the liquid chamber is configured to contain a liquid to be atomised, the liquid inlet being in liquid communication with the liquid chamber for conducting the liquid through the liquid outlet;
    • a spacer positioned within the housing between the liquid barrier wall and the second end wall, the spacer having a perimeter extending towards the side wall of the housing, the spacer including a hollow interior surrounded by the perimeter;
    • a sonication chamber including the hollow interior between the liquid barrier wall and the second end wall;
    • an ultrasonic transducer positioned between the spacer and the second end wall, the ultrasonic transducer having an atomisation surface adjacent to the sonication chamber and in communication with the sonication chamber;
    • a capillary having a first portion at least partly superimposed on the atomisation surface of the ultrasonic transducer and a second portion adjacent to the liquid outlet of the liquid channel, wherein the capillary covers at least a portion of the liquid outlet and conducts the liquid from the liquid outlet to the atomisation surface to generate a mist;
    • an air inlet conduit forming an air-tight channel for conducting air through the liquid chamber and the liquid contained therein, the air inlet conduit extending from the first end wall, through the liquid chamber and through the liquid barrier wall to the sonication chamber, a first end of the air inlet conduit being in fluid communication with the air inlet port in the first end wall of the housing and a second end of the air inlet conduit being in fluid communication with the sonication chamber; and
    • a mist outlet conduit forming an air-tight channel for conducting the mist through the liquid chamber and any liquid contained therein, the mist outlet conduit extending from the first end wall, through the liquid chamber and through the liquid barrier wall to the sonication chamber, a first end of the mist outlet conduit being in fluid communication with the mist outlet port in the first end wall of the housing and a second end of the mist outlet conduit being in fluid communication with the sonication chamber,
    • wherein, in use, the air inlet seal and the mist outlet seal are ruptured, the capillary conducts the liquid from the liquid chamber to the atomisation surface to be atomised at the atomisation surface, and the mist generated is conducted through the mist outlet conduit to the mist outlet port.
  • 22. The pod of clause 21, wherein the air inlet seal and the mist outlet seal are ruptured respectively by an air delivery conduit and a mist extraction conduit of the mist inhalation device when the pod is attached to the mist inhalation device to unseal the pod and configure the pod for use with the mist inhalation device.
  • 23. The pod of clause 21 or clause 22, wherein, when the ultrasonic transducer is activated, the atomisation surface vibrates and atomises the liquid at the atomisation surface to generate a mist within the sonication chamber, the mist being drawn out from the sonication chamber through the mist outlet conduit to the mist inhalation device as air is drawn into the sonication chamber through the air inlet conduit from the air inhalation device.
  • 24. The pod of any one of clauses 21 to 23, further comprising at least one biasing element for maintaining contact between the capillary and the atomisation surface of the ultrasonic transducer.
  • 25.The pod of clause 24, wherein the at least one biasing element is a projection extending from the liquid barrier towards the second end of the housing.
  • 26. The pod of any one of clauses 21 to 25, wherein the air inlet conduit and the mist outlet conduit are each positioned at least partly along a respective axis which is perpendicular to the atomisation surface.
  • 27. The pod of any one of clauses 21 to 26, wherein the air inlet conduit and the mist outlet conduit are diametrically opposed with respect to the atomisation surface, such that the air flows radially across the atomisation surface from the air inlet conduit to the mist outlet conduit.
  • 28. The pod of any one of clauses 21 to 27, wherein the first end of the air inlet conduit is of a larger cross-sectional area than the second end of the air inlet conduit, and the first end of the mist outlet conduit is of a larger cross-sectional area than the second end of the mist outlet conduit.
  • 29. The pod of any one of clauses 21 to 28, wherein the liquid barrier wall comprises at least one recess for accepting the liquid in the liquid chamber.
  • 30. The pod of clause 29, wherein the liquid inlet of the liquid channel is positioned in the recess.
  • 31. The pod of any one of clauses 21 to 30, wherein an exterior surface of the side wall comprises at least one of a projection and an indentation configured to engage a formation on the device to retain the pod in a predetermined orientation.
  • 32. The pod of any one of clauses 21 to 31, wherein the air inlet port and the mist outlet port are sealed by at least one frangible sheet.
  • 33. The pod of clause 32, wherein the frangible sheet is a metallic foil.
  • 34. The pod of any one of clauses 21 to 33, wherein a least one of the second end wall, the liquid barrier, and the spacer are of a resiliently deformable material.
  • 35. The pod of any one of clauses 21 to 34, further comprising a transducer holder for supporting the ultrasonic transducer adjacent to the sonication chamber, the transducer holder including an upper annular portion and a lower disc portion, wherein the upper annular portion includes an inner annular edge, the inner annular edge featuring one of a radius and a chamfer.
  • 36. The pod of clause 35, wherein at least one of the upper annular portion and the lower disc portion are of a resiliently deformable material.
  • 37. A mist inhalation device for use with a pod, wherein mist inhalation device comprises:
    • a base including a recess for accepting a first portion of the pod;
    • a lid couplable to the base, the lid including a recess for accepting a second portion of the pod;
    • an air inlet piercing element projecting from the recess in the lid; and
    • a mist outlet piercing element projecting from the recess in the lid, the pod comprising:
    • a housing having a first end, an opposite second end and at least one side wall extending between the first end and the second end;
    • a first end wall proximate the first end and the side wall, the first end wall closing the first end of the housing, the first end wall being provided with an air inlet port and a mist outlet port, the air inlet port being sealed by a frangible air inlet seal and the mist outlet port being sealed by a frangible mist outlet seal;
    • a second end wall proximate the second end and the side wall, the second end wall closing the second end of the housing;
    • a liquid barrier wall positioned within the housing and spaced apart from the first end wall, the liquid barrier wall extending toward the side wall of the housing to form a liquid seal between the liquid barrier wall and the side wall, the liquid barrier wall having at least one liquid channel with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet;
    • a liquid chamber defined by the liquid barrier wall, the first end wall and the side wall of the housing, wherein the liquid chamber is configured to contain a liquid to be atomised, the liquid inlet being in liquid communication with the liquid chamber for conducting the liquid through the liquid outlet;
      a spacer positioned within the housing between the liquid barrier wall and the second end wall, the spacer having a perimeter extending towards the side wall of the housing, the spacer including a hollow interior surrounded by the perimeter;
  • a sonication chamber including the hollow interior between the liquid barrier wall and the second end wall;
  • an ultrasonic transducer positioned between the spacer and the second end wall, the ultrasonic transducer having an atomisation surface adjacent to the sonication chamber and in communication with the sonication chamber;
  • a capillary having a first portion at least partly superimposed on the atomisation surface of the ultrasonic transducer and a second portion adjacent to the liquid outlet of the liquid channel, wherein the capillary covers at least a portion of the liquid outlet and conducts the liquid from the liquid outlet to the atomisation surface to generate a mist;
  • an air inlet conduit forming an air-tight channel for conducting air through the liquid chamber and the liquid contained therein, the air inlet conduit extending from the first end wall, through the liquid chamber and through the liquid barrier wall to the sonication chamber, a first end of the air inlet conduit being in fluid communication with the air inlet port in the first end wall of the housing and a second end of the air inlet conduit being in fluid communication with the sonication chamber; and
  • a mist outlet conduit forming an air-tight channel for conducting the mist through the liquid chamber and any liquid contained therein, the mist outlet conduit extending from the first end wall, through the liquid chamber and through the liquid barrier wall to the sonication chamber, a first end of the mist outlet conduit being in fluid communication with the mist outlet port in the first end wall of the housing and a second end of the mist outlet conduit being in fluid communication with the sonication chamber,
  • wherein, in use, the air inlet seal and the mist outlet seal are ruptured by the air inlet piercing element and the mist outlet piercing element, respectively, as the lid is closed,
  • the capillary conducts the liquid from the liquid chamber to the atomisation surface to be atomised at the atomisation surface, and
  • the mist generated is conducted through the mist outlet conduit to the mist outlet port.
  • 38. The mist inhalation device of clause 37, wherein the lid further comprises:
    • an air delivery inlet port;
    • an air delivery conduit for conducting air from the air delivery inlet port to the air inlet piercing element; and
    • a mist extraction port for conducting mist from the mist outlet piercing element through the lid, and
      wherein the base further comprises a mist delivery conduit for conducting the mist from the lid and through the base,
      such that, in use, the mist inhalation device and the pod create a fluid flow path from the air to the mist delivery conduit via the air delivery inlet port, the air delivery conduit, the air inlet piercing element, the air inlet conduit, the sonication chamber, the mist outlet conduit, the mist outlet piercing element, and the mist extraction conduit.
  • 39. The mist inhalation device of clause 38, further comprising annular seals between lid and the base, the annular seals positioned respectively around the air inlet piercing element, the mist outlet piercing element, and the mist extraction conduit.
  • 40. The mist inhalation device of any one of clauses 37 to 39, wherein the mist inhalation device is configured to attach to a hookah.
  • 41. A pod for use with a mist inhalation device, the pod comprising:
    • a housing having a first end, an opposite second end, and at least one side wall extending between the first end and the second end, the housing further including an air inlet port and a mist outlet port;
    • a first end wall proximate the first end and the side wall, the first end wall closing the first end of the housing;
    • a second end wall proximate the second end and the side wall, the second end wall closing the second end of the housing;
    • a liquid chamber configured to contain a liquid to be atomised, the liquid chamber including a liquid channel with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, the liquid inlet being in liquid communication with the liquid chamber for conducting the liquid through the liquid outlet;
    • a sonication chamber in liquid communication with the liquid chamber;
    • an ultrasonic transducer having an atomisation surface adjacent to the sonication chamber and in communication with the sonication chamber;
    • a capillary having a first portion at least partly superimposed on the atomisation surface of the ultrasonic transducer and a second portion adjacent to the liquid outlet of the liquid channel, wherein the capillary is configured to conduct the liquid from the liquid outlet to the atomisation surface to generate a mist;
    • an air inlet conduit forming a channel for conducting air through the liquid chamber, the air inlet conduit extending through the liquid chamber from the mist inhalation device to the sonication chamber, a first end of the air inlet conduit being in fluid communication with the air inlet port and a second end of the air inlet conduit being in fluid communication with the sonication chamber; and
    • a mist outlet conduit forming a channel for conducting the mist through the liquid chamber, the mist outlet conduit extending through the liquid chamber from sonication chamber to the mist inhalation device, a first end of the mist outlet conduit being in fluid communication with the mist outlet port and a second end of the mist outlet conduit being in fluid communication with the sonication chamber,
    • wherein, in use, the capillary conducts the liquid from the liquid chamber to the atomisation surface to be atomised at the atomisation surface, and the mist generated is conducted through the mist outlet conduit to the mist outlet port.
  • 42. The pod of clause 41, wherein the second portion of the capillary covers at least a portion of the liquid outlet.
  • 43. The pod of clause 41 or clause 42, wherein the air inlet port is positioned in the first end wall of the housing.
  • 44. The pod of any one of clauses 41 to 43 wherein the mist outlet port is positioned in the first end wall of the housing.
  • 45. The pod of any one of clauses 41 to 44, further including a liquid barrier wall spaced from the first end wall, wherein the liquid chamber is defined by the liquid barrier wall, the first end wall of the housing, and the at least one side wall.
  • 46. The pod of clause 45, further comprising a spacer positioned within the housing between the liquid barrier wall and the second end wall, the spacer having a perimeter extending towards the side wall of the housing, the spacer including a hollow interior surrounded by the perimeter, wherein the sonication chamber is defined by the liquid barrier wall, the perimeter of the spacer, and the atomisation surface of the ultrasonic transducer.
  • 47. The pod of one of clauses 41 to 46, wherein, when the ultrasonic transducer is activated, the atomisation surface vibrates and atomises the liquid at the atomisation surface to generate a mist within the sonication chamber, the mist being drawn out from the sonication chamber through the mist outlet conduit to the mist inhalation device as air is drawn into the sonication chamber through the air inlet conduit from the air inhalation device.
  • 48. The pod of any one of clauses 41 to 47, further comprising at least one biasing element for maintaining contact between the capillary and the atomisation surface of the ultrasonic transducer.
  • 49. The pod of clause 48, wherein the at least one biasing element is a projection extending from the liquid barrier towards the second end of the housing.
  • 50. The pod of any one of clauses 41 to 49, wherein the air inlet conduit and the mist outlet conduit are each positioned at least partly along a respective axis which is perpendicular to the atomisation surface.
  • 51. The pod of any one of clauses 41 to 50, wherein the air inlet conduit and the mist outlet conduit are diametrically opposed with respect to the atomisation surface, such that the air flows radially across the atomisation surface from the air inlet conduit to the mist outlet conduit.
  • 52. The pod of any one of clauses 41 to 51, wherein the first end of the air inlet conduit is of a larger cross-sectional area than the second end of the air inlet conduit, and the first end of the mist outlet conduit is of a larger cross-sectional area than the second end of the mist outlet conduit.
  • 53. The pod of any one clauses 41 to 52, wherein the liquid barrier wall comprises at least one recess for accepting the liquid in the liquid chamber.
  • 54. The pod of clause 53, wherein the liquid inlet of the liquid channel is positioned in the recess.
  • 55. The pod of any one of clauses 41 to 54, wherein an exterior surface of the side wall comprises at least one of a projection and an indentation configured to engage a formation on the device to retain the pod in a predetermined orientation.
  • 56. The pod of any one of clauses 41 to 55, wherein the air inlet port is covered by an air inlet seal and the mist outlet port is covered by a mist outlet seal, and wherein in use, the air inlet seal and the mist outlet seal are ruptured.
  • 57. The pod of clause 56, wherein the air inlet port and the mist outlet port are sealed by at least one frangible sheet.
  • 58. The pod of clause 57, wherein the frangible sheet is a metallic foil.
  • 59. The pod of any one of clauses 56 to 58, wherein the air inlet seal and the mist outlet seal are ruptured respectively by an air delivery conduit and a mist extraction conduit of the mist inhalation device when the pod is attached to the mist inhalation device to unseal the pod and configure the pod for use with the mist inhalation device.
  • 60. The pod of any one clauses 41 to 59, wherein a least one of the second end wall, the liquid barrier, and the spacer are of a resiliently deformable material.
  • 61. The pod of any one of clauses 41 to 60, further comprising a transducer holder for supporting the ultrasonic transducer adjacent to the sonication chamber, the transducer holder including an upper annular portion and a lower disc portion, wherein the upper annular portion includes an inner annular edge, the inner annular edge featuring one of a radius and a chamfer.
  • 62. The pod of clause 61, wherein at least one of the upper annular portion and the lower disc portion are of a resiliently deformable material.
  • 63. A mist inhalation device for use with a pod, wherein mist inhalation device comprises:
    • a base including a recess for accepting a first portion of the pod;
    • a lid couplable to the base, the lid including a recess for accepting a second portion of the pod;
    • an air inlet piercing element projecting from the recess in the lid; and
    • a mist outlet piercing element projecting from the recess in the lid, the pod comprising:
    • a housing having a first end, an opposite second end and at least one side wall extending between the first end and the second end;
    • a first end wall proximate the first end and the side wall, the first end wall closing the first end of the housing, the first end wall being provided with an air inlet port and a mist outlet port, the air inlet port being sealed by a frangible air inlet seal and the mist outlet port being sealed by a frangible mist outlet seal;
    • a second end wall proximate the second end and the side wall, the second end wall closing the second end of the housing;
    • a liquid barrier wall positioned within the housing and spaced apart from the first end wall, the liquid barrier wall extending toward the side wall of the housing to form a liquid seal between the liquid barrier wall and the side wall, the liquid barrier wall having at least one liquid channel with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet;
    • a liquid chamber defined by the liquid barrier wall, the first end wall and the side wall of the housing, wherein the liquid chamber is configured to contain a liquid to be atomised, the liquid inlet being in liquid communication with the liquid chamber for conducting the liquid through the liquid outlet;
      a spacer positioned within the housing between the liquid barrier wall and the second end wall, the spacer having a perimeter extending towards the side wall of the housing, the spacer including a hollow interior surrounded by the perimeter;
  • a sonication chamber including the hollow interior between the liquid barrier wall and the second end wall;
  • an ultrasonic transducer positioned between the spacer and the second end wall, the ultrasonic transducer having an atomisation surface adjacent to the sonication chamber and in communication with the sonication chamber;
  • a capillary having a first portion at least partly superimposed on the atomisation surface of the ultrasonic transducer and a second portion adjacent to the liquid outlet of the liquid channel, wherein the capillary covers at least a portion of the liquid outlet and conducts the liquid from the liquid outlet to the atomisation surface to generate a mist;
  • an air inlet conduit forming an air-tight channel for conducting air through the liquid chamber and the liquid contained therein, the air inlet conduit extending from the first end wall, through the liquid chamber and through the liquid barrier wall to the sonication chamber, a first end of the air inlet conduit being in fluid communication with the air inlet port in the first end wall of the housing and a second end of the air inlet conduit being in fluid communication with the sonication chamber; and
  • a mist outlet conduit forming an air-tight channel for conducting the mist through the liquid chamber and any liquid contained therein, the mist outlet conduit extending from the first end wall, through the liquid chamber and through the liquid barrier wall to the sonication chamber, a first end of the mist outlet conduit being in fluid communication with the mist outlet port in the first end wall of the housing and a second end of the mist outlet conduit being in fluid communication with the sonication chamber,
    • wherein, in use, the air inlet seal and the mist outlet seal are ruptured by the air inlet piercing element and the mist outlet piercing element, respectively, as the lid is closed,
  • the capillary conducts the liquid from the liquid chamber to the atomisation surface to be atomised at the atomisation surface, and
  • the mist generated is conducted through the mist outlet conduit to the mist outlet port.
  • 64. The mist inhalation device of clause 63, wherein the lid further comprises:
    • an air delivery inlet port;
    • an air delivery conduit for conducting air from the air delivery inlet port to the air inlet piercing element; and
    • a mist extraction port for conducting mist from the mist outlet piercing element through the lid, and
      wherein the base further comprises a mist delivery conduit for conducting the mist from the lid and through the base,
      such that, in use, the mist inhalation device and the pod create a fluid flow path from the air to the mist delivery conduit via the air delivery inlet port, the air delivery conduit, the air inlet piercing element, the air inlet conduit, the sonication chamber, the mist outlet conduit, the mist outlet piercing element, and the mist extraction conduit.
  • 65. The mist inhalation device of clause 64, further comprising annular seals between lid and the base, the annular seals positioned respectively around the air inlet piercing element, the mist outlet piercing element, and the mist extraction conduit.
  • 66. The mist inhalation device of any one of clauses 63 to 65, wherein the mist inhalation device is configured to attach to a hookah.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a hookah, embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a mist inhalation device of the hookah in FIG. 1, embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the mist inhalation device embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the mist inhalation device embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the mist inhalation device with a pod, embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the mist inhalation device embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the mist inhalation device with a pod, embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a mist inhalation device and pod, embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic, partially transparent view of a pod, embodying the present disclosure;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrammatic cross-sectional views of a pod, embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of a mist inhalation device and a plurality of pods, embodying the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the subject matter provided. Specific examples of components, concentrations, applications and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the attachment of a first feature and a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first feature and the second feature are attached in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be positioned between the first feature and the second feature, such that the first feature and the second feature may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

The following disclosure describes representative arrangements or examples. Each arrangement or example may be considered to be an embodiment and any reference to an “arrangement” or an “example” may be changed to “embodiment” in the present disclosure.

Conventional electronic vaporizing inhalers tend to rely on inducing high temperatures of a metal component configured to heat a liquid in the inhaler, thus vaporizing the liquid that can be breathed in. The liquid typically contains nicotine and flavorings blended into a solution of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), which is vaporized via a heating component at high temperatures. Problems with conventional inhalers may include the possibility of burning metal and subsequent breathing in of the metal along with the burnt liquid. In addition, some may not prefer the burnt smell or taste caused by the heated liquid.

FIGS. 1 to 12 illustrate a pod and mist inhalation device comprising a sonication chamber. It is noted that the expression “mist” used in the following disclosure means the liquid is not heated as usually in traditional inhalers known from the prior art. In fact, traditional inhalers use heating elements to heat the liquid above its boiling temperature to produce a vapor, which is different from a mist.

When sonicating liquids at high intensities, the sound waves that propagate into the liquid media result in alternating high-pressure (compression) and low-pressure (rarefaction) cycles, at different rates depending on the frequency. During the low-pressure cycle, high-intensity ultrasonic waves create small vacuum bubbles or voids in the liquid. This phenomenon is termed cavitation. When the bubbles attain a volume at which they can no longer absorb energy, they collapse violently during a high-pressure cycle. During the implosion, very high pressures are reached locally. At cavitation, broken capillary waves are generated, and tiny droplets break the surface tension of the liquid and are quickly released into the air, taking mist form.

The following will explain more precisely the cavitation phenomenon.

When the liquid is atomized by ultrasonic vibrations, micro water bubbles are produced in the liquid.

The bubble production is a process of formation of cavities created by the negative pressure generated by intense ultrasonic waves generated by the means of ultrasonic vibrations.

High intensity ultrasonic sound waves leading to rapid growth of cavities with relatively low and negligible reduction in cavity size during the positive pressure cycle.

Ultrasound waves, like all sound waves, consist of cycles of compression and expansion. When in contact with a liquid, Compression cycles exert a positive pressure on the liquid, pushing the molecules together. Expansion cycles exert a negative pressure, pulling the molecules away from another.

Intense ultrasound waves create regions of positive pressure and negative pressure. A cavity can form and grow during the episodes of negative pressure. When the cavity attains a critical size, the cavity implodes.

The amount of negative pressure needed depends on the type and purity of the liquid. For truly pure liquids, tensile strengths are so great that available ultrasound generators cannot produce enough negative pressure to make cavities. In pure water, for instance, more than 1,000 atmospheres of negative pressure would be required, yet the most powerful ultrasound generators produce only about 50 atmospheres of negative pressure. The tensile strength of liquids is reduced by the gas trapped within the crevices of the liquid particles. The effect is analogous to the reduction in strength that occurs from cracks in solid materials. When a crevice filled with gas is exposed to a negative-pressure cycle from a sound wave, the reduced pressure makes the gas in the crevice expand until a small bubble is released into solution.

However, a bubble irradiated with ultrasound continually absorbs energy from alternating compression and expansion cycles of the sound wave. These cause the bubbles to grow and contract, striking a dynamic balance between the void inside the bubble and the liquid outside. In some cases, ultrasonic waves will sustain a bubble that simply oscillates in size. In other cases, the average size of the bubble will increase.

Cavity growth depends on the intensity of sound. High-intensity ultrasound can expand the cavity so rapidly during the negative-pressure cycle that the cavity never has a chance to shrink during the positive-pressure cycle. In this process, cavities can grow rapidly in the course of a single cycle of sound.

For low-intensity ultrasound the size of the cavity oscillates in phase with the expansion and compression cycles. The surface of a cavity produced by low-intensity ultrasound is slightly greater during expansion cycles than during compression cycles. Since the amount of gas that diffuses in or out of the cavity depends on the surface area, diffusion into the cavity during expansion cycles will be slightly greater than diffusion out during compression cycles. For each cycle of sound, then, the cavity expands a little more than it shrinks. Over many cycles the cavities will grow slowly.

It has been noticed that the growing cavity can eventually reach a critical size where it will most efficiently absorb energy from the ultrasound. The critical size depends on the frequency of the ultrasound wave. Once a cavity has experienced a very rapid growth caused by high intensity ultrasound, it can no longer absorb energy as efficiently from the sound waves. Without this energy input the cavity can no longer sustain itself. The liquid rushes in and the cavity implodes due to a non-linear response.

The energy released from the implosion causes the liquid to be fragmented into microscopic particles which are dispersed into the air as mist.

FIG. 1 shows a hookah 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The hookah 10 comprises a main body 11, a lower vessel 12, a head 13 (also known as a hookah device or a mist inhalation device) and a suction pipe 14. The main body 11 serves to support the other components of the hookah 10. The mist inhalation device 13 is configured to generate a mist, and transport said mist through the suction pipe 14 to the user.

FIG. 2 shows a detail view of the mist inhalation device 13, which comprises a base 15 and a lid 16. The base 15 is configured to attach to the main body 11 of the hookah 10 by any releasable or permanent means. The lid 16 is, in some embodiments, hingedly coupled to the base 15 as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 8, and 12.

FIGS. 3 to 7 illustrate the use of the mist inhalation device 13 in a stepwise manner. FIG. 3 shows the mist inhalation device 13 with the lid 16 closed. FIG. 4 shows the mist inhalation device 13 with the lid 16 open, such that a recess 17 in the base 15 is ready to receive a pod 18. FIG. 5 shows the mist inhalation device 13 after a pod 18 has been inserted into the recess 17. FIG. 6 shows the mist inhalation device after the lid 16 has been closed. Upon closing the lid 16, two elements may puncture a seal 20 of the pod to establish a fluid flow path between the ambient air and the suction pipe 14 of the hookah 10. In this configuration, the hookah 10 is ready for use. FIG. 7 shows the lid 16 of the mist inhalation device 13 open with the pod 18 having holes in its upper surface. The pod 18 is able to be removed from the recess 17 in the base 15 and replaced with another pod 18.

Referring now to FIG. 8, which illustrates the pod 18 positioned within the recess 17 of the mist inhalation device 13. The base 15 of the mist inhalation device 13 has a first, upper end, and an opposite second, lower, end. At least one side wall extends from the upper end to the lower end of the base 15, and so the base 15 may therefore be generally cylindrical in shape, however it will be appreciated that any other shape is also possible. Similarly, the recess 17 may be a cylindrical recess, and the pod 18 generally cylindrical in shape. The recess 17 and the pod 18 are preferably a complimentary shape to one another, but this not necessary providing the pod 18 is sized so as to fit within the recess 17. Although not shown in the drawings, at least one of the recess 17 and the pod 18 may include a projection. The other one of the recess 17 and the pod 18 may include a corresponding indentation configured to receive the projection. The pod 18 may therefore only be inserted into the recess 17 in a predetermined orientation. The predetermined orientation allows other elements, such as electrical contacts and passageways of the base 15, lid 16, and pod 18, to align so that the apparatus may function correctly and efficiently.

The lower surface of the recess 17, that is the end of the recess 17 furthest from the lid 16, comprises two holes. The holes allow passage of electrical energy from the base 15 to the pod 18 by means of electrical contacts 21. The electrical contacts 21 connect to a circuit board 22. The circuit board 22 and electrical componentry of the mist inhalation device 13 may be of any type or configuration, and serve to provide power and/or electrical signals to the pod 18.

The base 15 may house an electrical storage device configured to power the mist inhalation device 13 so that the mist inhalation device 13 generates a drive signal which drives an ultrasonic transducer 45 within the pod 18. The electrical storage device can be a battery, including but not limited to a lithium-ion, alkaline, zinc-carbon, nickel-metal hydride, or nickel-cadmium battery; a super capacitor; or a combination thereof. The electrical storage device may be rechargeable. In examples utilizing a rechargeable electrical storage device, a charging port may be provided so that the electrical storage device does not need to be removed from the mist inhalation device 13. The electrical storage device may be primarily selected to deliver a constant voltage independent of charge level. Otherwise, the performance may degrade over time. Preferred electrical storage devices that are able to provide a consistent voltage output over the life of the device include lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries. Alternatively, the device may be wired to a mains power supply by means of a plug.

Electrical communication between the mist inhalation device 13 and the pod 18 may be established using electrical contacts 21.

The circuit board 22 may carry at least one integrated circuit and/or a microprocessor. In some arrangements, the at least one integrated circuit and/or the microprocessor is configured to process data from a sensor which senses a parameter indicative of the operation of the ultrasonic transducer 45 and controls the mist inhalation device 13 to vary the drive signal output to the ultrasonic transducer 45 in a feedback loop.

In some arrangements, the mist inhalation device 13 comprises an activation sensor which detects when the user draws on the suction pipe 14 and activates the ultrasonic transducer 45 to generate a mist. The activation sensor can be selected to detect changes in pressure, air flow, or vibration. In one arrangement, the activation sensor is a pressure sensor.

In some arrangements, the integrated circuit comprises a frequency controller which is configured to control the frequency of the drive signal output from the mist inhalation device 13 to the ultrasonic transducer 45. The frequency controller comprises a processor and a memory, the memory storing executable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform at least one function of the frequency controller.

In some arrangements, the mist inhalation device 13 drives the ultrasonic transducer 45 with a signal having a frequency of 2.8 MHz to 3.2 MHz in order to atomize a liquid having a liquid viscosity of 1.05 Pa·s to 1.412 Pa·s. Such a frequency enables the ultrasonic transducer to produce a bubble volume of about 0.25 to 0.5 microns. However, for liquids with a different viscosity or for other applications the ultrasonic transducer 45 may be driven at a different frequency. Parameters affecting the optimal frequency include the transducer manufacturing process and tolerances, the physical load on the transducer, the local and ambient temperature, and the distance from the transducer to the power source.

The mist inhalation device 13 may have a wireless communication system, such as in the form of a Bluetooth Low Energy capable microcontroller. The wireless communication system is in communication with the at least one integrated circuit and/or the microprocessor of the mist inhalation device 13 and is configured to transmit and receive data between the mist inhalation device 13 and a computing device, such as a smartphone.

The connectivity via Bluetooth Low Energy to a companion mobile application allows for remote control of the mist inhalation device 13, which may be useful if the mist inhalation device 13 is hired for a predetermined amount of time, for example.

The base 15 further comprises a mist delivery conduit 23. The mist delivery conduit 23 may extend from the upper end of the base 15 through and beyond the lower end of the base 15. Although the mist delivery conduit 23 is shown to extend beyond the lower surface of the base 15 in FIG. 8, the mist delivery conduit 23 may instead terminate in the same plane as the lower surface of the base 15. The suction pipe 14 may be coupled to the mist delivery conduit 23 or the base 15 by any means, such as push-fit, threaded fasteners or other locking mechanisms.

The lid 16 has a first, upper side, and an opposite second, lower side. The second side is couplable to the base 15. The lid 16 may be received by an indentation 30 in the upper side of the base 15, and may be coupled to the base 15 by means of one or more hinges 24. Alternatively, the lid 16 may be coupled to the base using any other means, or indeed may not be coupled to the base 15 by any means. In embodiments where the coupling means, or lack thereof, does not rotationally align the lid 16 and the base 15 in a specific way, a projection or an indicating symbol, such as an arrow, may be provided on at least one of the base 15 and the lid 16 in order to ensure correct orientation of the lid 16. In examples where the lid 16 or the base 15 include a projection, the other of the lid 16 and the base 15 includes an indentation configured to receive the projection. Correct orientation between the lid 16, the pod 18, and the base 15 is necessary for the correct function of the apparatus as a whole, as will be described in further detail below.

The second end of the lid 16 may include a recess for accepting the top of the pod 18 in embodiments where the recess 17 in the base is not deep enough to accommodate the whole pod 18. Alternatively, in embodiments where the whole pod 18 is accommodated in the recess 17 in the base, the lid 16 may not include a recess. In another alternative, the lid 16 may have a projection which protrudes into the recess 17 in the base 16. In a further alternative, the base 15 does not include a recess, and the whole pod 18 is accepted within the lid 16. The area configured to receive the pod may therefore be considered a chamber formed of a recess in at least one of the base 15 and the lid 16.

The lid 16 comprises an air delivery inlet port 25 and an air delivery conduit 26. The air delivery conduit 26 extends from the air delivery inlet port 25 to the recess of the lid 16. In examples not featuring a recess in the lid 16, the air delivery conduit 26 may extend to the second end of the lid 16. The air delivery conduit 26 may protrude from the lid 16 or the recess of the lid 16 axially, and thereby permit fluid communication between the surrounding air and the pod 18 in use. Alternatively, the air delivery conduit 26 may not protrude from the lid 16. The lid 16 may include any number of air delivery inlet ports 25, and the (or each) air delivery inlet port 25 may be of any size. The number and size of the air delivery inlet ports 25 may depend on factors such as (i) the air flow required for efficient pod use, or (ii) the user experience, whereby a restriction of air flow means that a user experiences a resistance, similar to more conventional smoking devices. The air delivery inlet port 25 may be positioned towards the axial end of the lid 16 configured to be coupled to the base 15 as shown in FIG. 8, or may instead be positioned elsewhere on the side wall or on the first end of the lid 16.

In some examples, such as in FIG. 8, the air delivery conduit 26 may comprise an annular portion 35. The annular portion 35 allows air from all air delivery inlet ports 25 to converge in the air delivery conduit 26 before passing into the pod 18. The annular portion 35 is particularly advantageous in examples featuring a higher number of air delivery inlet ports 25 than pods 18. In examples featuring more pods 18 than air delivery inlet ports 25, the annular portion 35 may be provided to divide the airflow from the air delivery conduit 26 into multiple air flow paths towards a plurality of pods 18.

In some embodiments, the air delivery conduit 26 may terminate as a piercing element 19 which protrudes from the lid 16. The piercing element 19 protruding from the lid 16 allows a more secure engagement with the pod 18. The piercing element 19 may terminate with an oblique angle at its end. An oblique angle is particularly advantageous should the pod 18 have a seal 20 across its upper surface, as the pointed end of the piercing element aids efficient piercing of the seal 20.

The lid 16 further comprises a mist extraction conduit 27. The mist extraction conduit 27, similar to the air delivery conduit 26, may have a piercing element 19 configured to pierce a seal 20 of the pod 18 in use. The mist extraction conduit 27 takes a path through the lid 16 from the recess in the lid 16, where applicable, to the second end of the lid 16. When the lid is closed, the mist exits the pod 18 and flows through the mist extraction conduit 27 to the mist delivery conduit 23. The mist extraction conduit 27 may protrude from the lid 16 or the recess of the lid 16 axially. Alternatively, the mist extraction conduit 27 may not protrude from the lid 16 or the recess.

In some examples, the piercing elements 19 are separate from the air delivery conduit 26 and the mist extraction conduit 27.

Annular sealing rings 28, 29 may be provided to surround each of the piercing elements 19 and the end of the mist extraction conduit 27. The pod annular sealing rings 28 are sized to abut the pod 18 to ensure that that there is no air or mist leakage to or from the pod 18. The base annular sealing ring 29 serves to ensure that the connection between the lid 16 and the base 15 is air and liquid tight where the mist extraction conduit 27 meets the mist delivery conduit 23. The annular sealing rings 28, 29 are preferably sized and shaped such that they are compressed or otherwise deformed with the lid 16 coupled to the base 15 with the device ready for use, thereby enabling optimal sealing. Preferably, the annular sealing rings 28, 29 are frustoconical in shape.

The arrows of FIG. 8 show the flow path of fluid from the air delivery inlet port 25 to the pod 18 via the air delivery conduit 26, and then from the pod 15 to suction pipe 14 via the mist extraction conduit 27 and mist delivery conduit 23.

FIG. 9 shows a view of the pod 18. The pod 18 comprises a housing, a sonication assembly 34, a sonication chamber air inlet conduit 32, a sonication chamber mist outlet conduit 33, and optionally, at least one seal 20.

The housing includes a first end, a second end, and at least one side wall 31 extending therebetween. A first end wall 36 is proximate the first end and the side wall 31, and closes the first end of the housing. Similarly, a second end wall 37 is proximate the second end and the side wall 31, and closes the second end of the housing.

A liquid barrier wall 38 is positioned within the housing and extends towards the side wall 31 to create a seal between the liquid barrier wall 38 and the side wall of the housing. The liquid barrier wall 31 is spaced apart from the first end wall 36 to form a liquid chamber 40 therebetween. The liquid chamber 40 is configured to hold a liquid to be atomised. The liquid may comprise nicotine.

The liquid barrier wall 38 comprises a liquid channel 39 having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The liquid channel 39 passes entirely through the liquid barrier wall 38 so as to allow liquid communication between the liquid chamber 40 and a capillary 41. The liquid barrier wall may have more than one liquid channel 39 to improve the liquid flow rate to the capillary 41, or to improve the dispersion of the liquid over a larger surface area of the capillary 41.

The liquid barrier wall 38 may further comprise a recess 42 in the planar face that defines the liquid chamber 40. Providing the liquid inlet of the liquid channel 39 in the recess 42 allows the liquid chamber 40 to be fully depleted of liquid before the pod 18 in the mist inhalation device 13 needs to be changed due to the recess representing the lowest point in the liquid chamber 40.

The pod 18 further includes a spacer 43 positioned within the housing axially between the liquid barrier wall 38 and the second end wall 37. The spacer 43 is annular, with an outer wall and an inner void. Once the pod 18 is assembled, the perimeter of the spacer 43 extends towards the side wall 31 of the housing, and the void, or hollow interior, defines at least part of the sonication chamber 44.

At least a part of at least one of the liquid barrier wall 38, the spacer 43, and the second end wall 37 may be of a resiliently deformable material so as to prevent liquid leaking from the liquid chamber 40. Such a material may include silicone.

The sonication chamber 44 may be defined as the void between the liquid barrier wall 38, the spacer 43, and the atomisation surface of an ultrasonic transducer 45. The sonication chamber 44 is a volume where liquid, transported from the liquid chamber 40, is atomised into a mist using the ultrasonic transducer 45. The ultrasonic transducer 45 is positioned between the spacer 43 and the second end wall 37. The ultrasonic transducer 45 may be of any kind configured to turn an electrical input signal into high frequency vibrations. The atomisation surface of the ultrasonic transducer 45 is adjacent to and in communication with the sonication chamber 44 in the form of contacting the capillary 41. In use, the atomisation surface is configured to turn the liquid which saturates the capillary 41 into a mist.

The capillary 41 may be of any material capable of transporting liquid by capillary action. The shape of the capillary 41 may be determined by a channel formed between the liquid barrier wall 38 and the spacer 43. The capillary 41 comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is at least partially superimposed on the atomisation surface of the ultrasonic transducer 45. The second portion is adjacent the liquid outlet of the liquid channel 39, and preferably covers at least a portion of the liquid outlet. Even more preferably, the second portion of the capillary 41 completely covers all liquid channels 39 in the liquid barrier wall 38. The liquid from the liquid chamber 40 is therefore conducted from the liquid outlet of the liquid channel 39 to the atomisation surface of the ultrasonic transducer 45 by the capillary 45.

The liquid barrier wall 38 may include projections 46 which extend into the sonication chamber 44 and act to urge the capillary 41 into contact with the atomisation surface.

The projections 46 also act to maintain contact between the capillary 41 and the atomisation surface of the ultrasonic transducer 45 as the ultrasonic transducer 45 vibrates. Although four cylindrical projections are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, it will be appreciated that the liquid barrier wall 38 may comprise any number of projections 46, and they may of any shape and size. Further, the biasing elements need not extend from the liquid barrier wall and could instead extend from another component of the pod 18, such as the spacer 43, or a component not seen in the figures but having the sole purpose of urging the capillary 41 onto the atomisation surface.

The ultrasonic transducer 45 is supported in position adjacent to the sonication chamber 44 by a transducer holder 47. The transducer holder 47 comprises a lower disc portion 48 and an upper annular portion 49, at least one of which may comprise a resiliently deformable material. The lower disc portion 48 may abut the second end wall 37 of the pod 18, and is generally planar. The lower disc portion 48 comprises holes through which electrical contacts 21 extend to enable the transfer of a signal to the ultrasonic transducer 45. The lower disc portion 48 further comprises an annular ridge 50 to act as the supporting surface for the underside of the ultrasonic transducer 45.

The upper annular portion 49 is sized and shaped to contact the lower disc portion 48, the inner wall of the upturned section of the second end wall 37, and the spacer 43. The upper annular portion 49 further acts to clamp the outer rim of the ultrasonic transducer 45 between itself and the annular ridge 50 of the lower disc portion 49 such that any vibrations are efficiently transferred to the capillary 45 but preferably isolated from the housing. The upper annular portion 49 may incorporate a chamfer or radius on its inner edge, thereby aiding the change in direction of air flow within the sonication chamber 44.

Air flows into the sonication chamber 44 through the air inlet conduit 32. The air inlet conduit 32 has a first end in fluid communication with an air inlet port 51, the air inlet port 51 preferably being in the first end wall 36 of the housing. The second end of the air inlet conduit 32 is in fluid communication with the sonication chamber 44. It can therefore be seen that the air inlet port 51 and air inlet conduit 32 form an air flow path from outside the pod 18 to the sonication chamber 44. In examples where the air inlet port 51 is in the first end wall 36 of the housing, the air inlet port 51 and the air inlet conduit 32 may extend through the liquid chamber 40 and the liquid barrier wall 38. In such examples, the air inlet conduit 32 forms an air-tight channel for conducting air from the air inlet port 51 to the sonication chamber 44 through the liquid chamber 40.

Air in the sonication chamber 44 is combined with the atomised liquid to form a mist. The mist then leaves the pod 18 to ultimately be inhaled by the user. The mist leaves the pod 18 by means of a mist outlet port 52 and mist outlet conduit 33. The mist outlet port 52 is preferably positioned in the first end wall 36 of the housing. The first end of the mist outlet conduit 33 is in fluid communication with the mist outlet port 52. The second end of the mist outlet conduit 33 is in fluid communication with the sonication chamber 44. Similar to the air inlet conduit 32, the mist outlet conduit 33 is configured to provide a path from the sonication chamber 44 to the outside of the pod 18. In examples where the mist outlet port 52 is in the first end wall 36, the mist outlet conduit 33 passes through the liquid chamber 40 and the liquid barrier wall 38.

In some examples, the first end of the air inlet conduit 32 and the first end of the mist outlet conduit 33 may have a larger cross-sectional area than the remainder of the air inlet conduit 32 and the remainder of the mist outlet conduit 33, respectively. The larger cross-sectional area allows for slight misalignment of the pod 18 and the lid 16 of the mist inhalation device 13 whilst still providing the necessary flow path to and from the sonication chamber 44.

In some examples, at least the second end of the air inlet conduit 32 and at least the second end of the mist outlet conduit are orientated substantially perpendicular to the atomisation surface of the ultrasonic transducer 45.

The second end of the air inlet conduit 32 and the second end of the mist outlet conduit 33 are preferably positioned diametrically opposed with respect to the atomisation surface of the ultrasonic transducer 45. Such positioning encourages efficient mist conduction from the sonication chamber to the mist outlet port 52 due to the airflow being required to move across the diameter of the atomisation surface.

The seal 20 serves to prevent any leakage of liquid from the pod 18 whilst the pod 18 is not in use. The seal 20 also serves to prevent debris entering the pod via the sonication chamber air inlet conduit 32 and mist outlet conduit 33. The seal 20 is therefore impervious to fluids, and may be applied to the pod 18 so that the pod 18 is hermetically sealed. It will be appreciated that FIG. 9 shows the pod 18 after the seal 20 has been pierced. In embodiments including the seal 20, the seal 20 may be composed of a frangible material, a sheet material, or more preferably a frangible sheet material. One such material is a metallic foil, which enables the piercing elements 19 to easily pierce the seal 20. The seal 20 may include perforations to enable easier and/or more precise piercing. In the illustrated embodiments, a single seal 20 covers the majority of a first end 36 of the pod 18. In other examples, a smaller seal may be provided which only covers the necessary holes in the pod 18. A plurality of seals is also envisaged, whereby a separate seal is applied to seal the air inlet port 51 and the mist outlet port 52, respectively.

In use, the pod 18 is placed into the mist inhalation device 13 and the lid 16 is then closed. The action of closing the list brings the piercing elements 19 into contact with the seal(s) 20, and the air inlet seal and the mist outlet seal are ruptured. The rupturing of the seal 20 establishes a fluid flow path from the ambient air to the suction pipe 14. The capillary 41 conducts the liquid from the liquid chamber 40 to the atomisation surface to be atomised at the atomisation surface.

Whilst the seal 20 is in place, the flow from the liquid chamber 40 to the capillary 41 may be limited or substantially zero due to air not being able to replace liquid within the liquid chamber 40, the liquid chamber 40 therefore holding at least a partial vacuum.

Once the seal 20 is ruptured or otherwise removed from the air inlet port 51 and the mist outlet port 52, the liquid stored in the liquid chamber 40 may be conducted through the liquid channels 39 to the capillary 41. The liquid is then conveyed, by the capillary 41, to the sonication chamber 44. The atomisation surface vibrates at high frequency, as discussed above, and releases liquid droplets into the sonication chamber 44.

Meanwhile, air from outside the mist inhalation device 13 is conducted through the air delivery inlet port 25, the air delivery conduit 26 and the air inlet conduit 32 to the sonication chamber 44.

As the air migrates through the sonication chamber 44 from the air inlet conduit 32 to the mist outlet conduit 33 due to the negative pressure caused by the use of the suction pipe 14, the air mixes with the liquid droplets and forms a mist.

The mist then flows through the mist outlet conduit 33, the mist extraction conduit 27, and the mist delivery conduit to the suction pipe 14, where the mist is inhaled by the user.

The apparatus described above may comprise an identification arrangement that allows only genuine pods 18 from the manufacturer to be used with the mist inhalation device 13. This anti-counterfeiting measure may be implemented in the pod 18 as a specific custom integrated circuit (IC) that is bonded to the pod 18. The IC contains truly unique information that allows complete traceability of the pod 18 (and its contents) over its lifetime as well as a precise monitoring of the consumption by the user. The IC allows the pod 18 to function and to generate mist only when authorized. The unique information can be read by the mist inhalation device to ascertain information such as whether the pod 18 is a genuine and/or certified pod, and whether the pod has been previously fully discharged, and therefore possibly refilled with counterfeit liquid. If certain conditions are met or not met, then the at least one integrated circuit and/or the microprocessor of the mist inhalation device 13 may allow or prevent the use of the pod 18 with the mist inhalation device 13.

It will be appreciated that the pod may be used in mist inhalation devices different to those disclosed, and vice versa. In such examples, the air inlet seal and the mist outlet seal are ruptured, the capillary conducts the liquid from the liquid chamber to the atomisation surface to be atomised at the atomisation surface, and the mist generated is conducted through the mist outlet conduit to the mist outlet port.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the mist inhalation device 113. The mist inhalation device 113 is largely the same as the mist inhalation device 13 shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, however it is configured to accept up to three pods 18 in three recesses. It will be appreciated that further embodiments may be configured to accept any number of pods 18.

The mist inhalation device 113 operates in the same manner as earlier examples in that one or more air delivery inlet ports 125 supply air to air delivery conduits 126, the end of which may be piercing elements 119 configured to pierce the seals of the pods 18. Mist extraction conduits 127 then conduct the mist from the pods 18 to the mist delivery conduit 123.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.