(19)
(11) EP 4 570 694 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
18.06.2025 Bulletin 2025/25

(21) Application number: 24207645.3

(22) Date of filing: 18.10.2024
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B65D 41/04(2006.01)
B65D 47/20(2006.01)
A24F 40/485(2020.01)
A24F 40/10(2020.01)
A24F 40/42(2020.01)
B65D 23/00(2006.01)
B65D 6/00(2006.01)
B65D 47/12(2006.01)
B65D 51/18(2006.01)
A24F 15/015(2020.01)
A24F 40/40(2020.01)
A24F 40/48(2020.01)
B65D 51/24(2006.01)
B65D 8/00(2006.01)
(52) Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
B65D 47/2018; B65D 47/20; B65D 47/2031; B65D 41/0442; B65D 47/122; B65D 47/12; B65D 51/18; B65D 47/123; A24F 15/015; A24F 40/10; A24F 40/40; A24F 40/42; B65D 23/00; B65D 51/24; B65D 11/00; B65D 11/04
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
BA
Designated Validation States:
GE KH MA MD TN

(30) Priority: 19.10.2023 CN 202322811415 U

(71) Applicant: Insta Fill Ltd
Bolton Lancashire BL1 8HF (GB)

(72) Inventor:
  • CHEN, Jiale
    Shenzhen, Baoan District (CN)

(74) Representative: Wilson Gunn 
Centurion House 129 Deansgate
Manchester M3 3WR
Manchester M3 3WR (GB)

   


(54) AN IMPROVED E-LIQUID BOTTLE AND A MOUTH STRUCTURE FOR THE E-LIQUID BOTTLE


(57) This invention discloses a bottle mouth structure and an e-liquid bottle, aimed at solving the problem of manual dripping in traditional e-liquid bottles, where improper refilling by the user may lead to e-liquid leakage. This invention includes a bottle mouth structure and an e-liquid bottle, which consists of an oil guiding component and a leakproof component. The oil guiding component is equipped with an oil guide tube and a protruding part. The oil guide tube includes a first end and a second end, where the second end is connected to the body of the e-liquid bottle. The protruding part of the oil guiding component is also connected to the body of the e-liquid bottle. The leakproof component is sleeved onto the first end of the oil guide tube.




Description

Technical Field of the Invention



[0001] The present invention relates to the field of e-liquid storage technology. More specifically, but without limitation, the present invention relates to a bottle mouth structure for an e-liquid bottle and an e-liquid bottle.

Background to the Invention



[0002] As a substitute for traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes have become increasingly popular, especially among young people, due to the wider variety of available flavours. However, using e-cigarettes involves the storage and periodic replenishment of e-liquid, which makes the design and usability of e-liquid bottles critical. Traditional e-liquid bottles for e-cigarettes adopt an open design, where users manually drip the e-liquid into the e-cigarette device. This refilling method is not only cumbersome but also prone to operational errors, which may result in e-liquid leakage due to improper refilling.

[0003] To overcome the above-mentioned technical issues, the invention disclosed herein provides a bottle mouth structure for an e-liquid bottle and an e-liquid bottle.

Summary of the Invention



[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a bottle mouth structure for an e-liquid bottle. The bottle mouth structure may be connectable to a body of an e-liquid bottle. The bottle mouth structure may comprise an oil guiding component. The bottle mouth structure may comprise a leak-proof component. The oil guiding component may comprise an oil guide tube. The oil guiding component may comprise a protruding part. The protruding part may comprise a collar extending around the oil guide tube. The oil guide tube may comprise a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end may comprise a first and a second opening respectively. The second end may be connectable to the body of the e-liquid bottle. The protruding part of the oil guiding component may be connectable to the body of the e-liquid bottle. The leak-proof component may be sleeved onto the first end of the oil guide tube.

[0005] The cross-section of the leak-proof component may be circular. The outer contour of the leak-proof component may be circular. The cross-sectional outer contour of the leak-proof component may be circular. The leak-proof component may comprise a first opening at one end. The first opening may be configured to accommodate the first end of the oil guide tube.

[0006] The leak-proof component may comprise a cap-like structure that fits securely over the first end of the oil guide tube. The leak-proof component may comprise a generally cylindrical or annular shape. The leak-proof component may comprise a hollow interior designed to fit over the first end of the oil guide tube.

[0007] The leak-proof component may comprise a top surface. The top surface may be configured to at least partially cover the first opening of the first end of the oil guiding component. The top-surface may be circular. The leak-proof component may comprise a membrane. The top surface of the leak-proof component may be provided with several openings within the membrane. The openings may be evenly distributed around the centre of the top surface of the membrane. The openings may be evenly distributed around the center of the leak-proof component's (20) cross-section.

[0008] The openings may comprise slits in the top surface of the leak-proof component. More specifically, the openings may comprise slits in the membrane which forms the top surface of the leak-proof component. The slits may be arranged in a radial pattern, radiating outward from a central point on the top surface of the leak-proof component. The slits may be symmetrically arranged about the central point on the top surface of the leak-proof component.

[0009] The top surface of the leak-proof component may be provided with several serrated membranes that are evenly distributed around the center, with the serrated tips pointing inward towards the center.

[0010] The leak-proof component may be flexible. The leak-proof component may be elastic. The leak-proof component may be made out of an elastomeric material. The leak-proof component may be made out of rubber. The leak-proof component may be made out of silicone.

[0011] The bottle mouth structure may further comprise a bottle cap. The bottle mouth structure may be connectable to the bottle cap. More specifically, the the bottle cap may be connectable to the oil guide tube. The bottle cap may be connectable to the first end of the oil guide tube. The bottle cap may comprise an outer cap and an inner cap. The inner cap may be housed within the outer cap.

[0012] The inner side wall of the inner cap may be threaded.

[0013] The outer side wall of the oil guide tube may be threaded. The outer side wall of the oil guide tube may be threadedly connected to the inner cap of the bottle cap. The outer side wall of the oil guide tube may be threadedly connectable to the inner side wall of the inner cap. The outer side wall of the oil guide tube may be connected to the inner side wall of the inner cap via a threaded connection.

[0014] The inner cap may be provided with a rubber ring. The inner diameter of the rubber ring may be larger than than the inner diameter of the leak-proof component.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an e-liquid bottle. A body of the e-liquid bottle may be connected to the bottle mouth structure described in the first aspect of the invention.

[0016] The body of the e-liquid bottle may be provided with an oil outlet hole and a groove.

[0017] The oil outlet hole may be connected to the second end of the oil guide tube. The protruding part of oil guiding component may be nested in the groove of the body of the e-liquid bottle.

[0018] The body of the e-liquid bottle may be fitted with an internal clamping structure that secures the oil guiding component to the body of the e-liquid bottle. The inner side wall of the body may be provided with the clamping structure.

[0019] The protruding part of the oil guiding component may comprise a clamping head. The clamping head may be configured to engage with the clamping structure on the inner side wall of the body of the e-liquid bottle. The clamping head may comprise a protrusion. The clamping head may comprise a plurality of protrusions disposed around an outer circumference of the protruding part of the oil guiding component. The clamping head may comprise two protrusions. The protrusions may comprise teeth. The internal clamping structure may comprise a recession, indent or groove configured to receive the one or more protrusions. The internal clamping structure may comprise a plurality of recessions. The recession may be arranged on an inner surface of the body of the e-liquid bottle.

[0020] The body of the e-liquid bottle may be made out of a transparent material. For example, the body of the e-liquid bottle may be made out of a transparent plastic.

[0021] Compared to existing technology, the invention offers the following benefits:
This invention provides a bottle mouth structure and an e-liquid bottle, including an oil guiding component and a leak-proof component. The oil guiding component has an oil guide tube with a protruding part. The oil guide tube has a first and second end, with the second end connected to the body of the e-liquid bottle. The protruding part of the oil guiding component is connected to the body of the e-liquid bottle. The leak-proof component is sleeved on the first end of the oil guide tube.

[0022] Traditional e-liquid bottles for e-cigarettes adopt an open design, where users need to manually drip the e-liquid into the device. This method is relatively cumbersome, requiring users to have some operational skill and increasing the risk of mistakes. Improper refilling can lead to e-liquid leakage, resulting in waste and potentially damaging the e-cigarette device.

[0023] To solve the issues of cumbersome refilling, inconvenience, and environmental impact caused by traditional e-liquid bottles, this invention is introduced. By seamlessly integrating with the e-cigarette device, this e-liquid bottle design eliminates the hassle of refilling and improves convenience and safety while reducing negative environmental impact. It provides a more innovative and user-friendly solution.

[0024] The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the aspects, examples or embodiments described herein may be applied to any other aspect, example, embodiment or feature. Further, the description of any aspect, example or feature may form part of or the entirety of an embodiment of the invention as defined by the claims. Any of the examples described herein may be an example which embodies the invention defined by the claims and thus an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention



[0025] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1: A schematic diagram showing the overall structure of the e-liquid bottle.

Figure 2: An exploded view of the bottle mouth structure and the e-liquid bottle.

Figure 3: A schematic diagram showing the structure of the oil guiding component in the bottle mouth.

Figure 4: A schematic diagram showing the structure of the inner cap in the bottle mouth.

Figure 5: A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the inner cap in the bottle mouth structure.



[0026] In the figures: 10: Cap, 11: Inner cap, 111: Rubber ring, 20: Leak-proof component, 30: Oil guiding component, 31: Clamping head, 32: First end, 40: Body of the bottle, 41: Oil outlet hole, 42: Groove, 43: Clamping structure.

[0027] The following description illustrates the preferred embodiments of the invention using the accompanying figures. It should be understood that these examples are provided for explanation and clarification of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0028] The applicant's research has revealed that traditional e-liquid bottles have several significant shortcomings. First, manually dripping e-liquid increases the likelihood of user errors, which may lead to leakage, wastage, and damage to the e-cigarette device. Additionally, this process is cumbersome and negatively affects the user experience. Furthermore, some e-liquid bottles are poorly sealed, increasing the risk of leakage or contamination, which can affect the health and safety of users.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1-5, the invention provides a bottle mouth structure and an e-liquid bottle that includes an oil guiding component (30) and a leak-proof component (20). The oil guiding component (30) is equipped with an oil guide tube and a protruding part. The oil guide tube includes a first end (32) and a second end, with the second end connected to the body (40) of the bottle. The protruding part of the oil guiding component (30) is also connected to the body (40) of the bottle. The leak-proof component (20) is sleeved onto the first end (32) of the oil guide tube. The oil guide tube facilitates the flow of e-liquid through its connection to the body (40) of the bottle.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the oil guide tube is designed with a specialized interface for e-cigarette devices. The first end of the oil guide tube (32) is designed to match the heating element of the e-cigarette device, allowing for direct connection and delivery of e-liquid into the device without the need for manual refilling. During use, users can easily unscrew the cap (10) to open the e-liquid bottle. Align the bottle mouth with the e-cigarette device's interface and insert it securely. Pressing the bottle lightly causes the e-liquid to flow from the bottle into the device. This e-liquid bottle is suitable for use with both open-system e-cigarettes and disposable e-cigarettes.

[0031] The leak-proof component (20) has a circular cross-section. The bottom and bottom edges are also circular, matching the opening of the oil guide tube. This design ensures a tight fit between the leak-proof component (20) and the oil guide tube, improving sealing performance. When the leak-proof component (20) is connected to the oil guide tube, the circular cross-section ensures uniform contact on the sealing surface, reducing the risk of leakage from the bottom and effectively preventing e-liquid leakage.

[0032] The top surface of the leak-proof component (20) is equipped with several serrated membranes. These can also be describes as a plurality of slits in the top surface of the leak-proof component (20). These serrated membranes are evenly distributed around the centre of the cross-section, with the serrated tips pointing towards the centre. In its normal state, the serrated membranes remain closed. At this point, the leak-proof component (20) forms a fully sealed state, preventing e-liquid leakage. When external force is applied to the leak-proof component (20), such as when the e-cigarette's refill port is inserted into the oil guide tube, the serrated membranes automatically open to form a passage, allowing e-liquid to flow smoothly into the e-cigarette.

[0033] This design reduces the likelihood of leakage when liquid flow is not required. The leak-proof component (20) effectively prevents e-liquid leakage in non-use situations, while quickly opening the passage when needed, making it easier for users to replace the e-liquid bottle or perform other operations. This improves the overall user experience.

[0034] The bottle mouth structure is connected to a cap (10), and the cap (10) is connected to the oil guide tube. The cap (10) consists of an outer cap and an inner cap (11). The inner cap (11) is housed inside the outer cap, providing an additional protective layer that effectively prevents dust, foreign objects, or contaminants from entering the bottle mouth, ensuring the purity of the e-liquid.

[0035] The inner side wall of the inner cap (11) is threaded. The threaded structure of the inner cap (11) provides a better sealing effect. When the inner cap (11) is tightly screwed, the threads ensure that the inner cap (11) is securely sealed within the outer cap, effectively preventing e-liquid leakage or contamination from external sources.

[0036] The outer side wall of the oil guide tube is also threaded, and the oil guide tube is threadedly connected to the inner cap (11) of the cap (10). The threaded connection ensures that the oil guide tube and the cap (10)'s inner cap (11) are securely connected, preventing accidental loosening. When users refill the e-liquid, the threaded connection between the oil guide tube and the cap (10) ensures easy tightening and loosening, improving the user experience.

[0037] This design improves the overall sealing performance of the cap (10) and oil guide tube, effectively preventing e-liquid leakage while improving the convenience and safety of the user's experience. The combination of the inner and outer caps, the threaded design, and the threaded connection all contribute to improving the product's overall reliability and user-friendliness.

[0038] The inner cap (11) is fitted with a rubber ring (111), whose inner diameter is larger than that of the leak-proof component (20). The design of the rubber ring (111) further enhances the sealing performance of the cap (10). When the inner cap (11) is screwed tight, the rubber ring (111) compresses, forming a tighter seal that effectively prevents e-liquid leakage. The rubber material has good elasticity and sealing performance. Because of its flexibility, the rubber ring (111) can better adapt to the shape of the leak-proof component (20), filling potential gaps and ensuring complete sealing of the bottle mouth during use. This prevents e-liquid leakage or external contamination, ensuring that users have a better experience when using the e-liquid.

[0039] An e-liquid bottle, wherein the e-liquid bottle includes a body (40), and the body (40) is connected to the bottle mouth structure.

[0040] The body (40) is provided with an oil outlet hole (41) and a groove (42).

[0041] The oil outlet hole (41) is connected to the second end of the oil guide tube, and the groove (42) is nested with the protruding part of the oil guiding component (30).

[0042] The inner side wall of the body (40) is also provided with a clamping structure (43).

[0043] The clamping structure (43) is a recessed part on the inner wall of the body (40) that matches the shape and size of the clamping head (31). The clamping structure (43) includes a plane perpendicular to the inner wall of the body (40) and an inclined surface. The plane and the inclined surface intersect at an acute angle, with the opening facing downwards.

[0044] The outer side wall of the protruding part of the oil guiding component (30) is provided with a clamping head (31), and the clamping head (31) engages with the clamping structure (43). The clamping head (31) and the clamping structure (43) provide a secure connection, ensuring that the protruding part of the oil guiding component (30) is securely attached to the clamping structure (43) of the body (40). The user only needs to insert the clamping head (31) of the oil guiding component (30) into the clamping structure (43) of the body (40) to complete the assembly, improving the product's ease of use.

[0045] At the same time, due to the design of the clamping structure (43), the oil guiding component (30) can be easily inserted into the body (40) but is not easily removed, preventing the oil guiding component (30) from falling off.

[0046] The leak-proof component (20) is made of silicone. The use of silicone for the leak-proof component (20) increases its sealing performance, ensuring that the bottle mouth remains sealed during use, effectively preventing e-liquid leakage. The silicone material is softer, making it easier to use and reducing the likelihood of wear or damage that may occur with harder materials.

[0047] Additionally, the body (40) is made from transparent, eco-friendly material, allowing users to observe the remaining e-liquid and clearly display the colour and quality of the e-liquid. The pull-and-plug design, combined with optimized material selection, balances user convenience and environmental protection, addressing some of the issues faced with traditional bottles during the refilling process, while providing users with a more convenient, safe, and eco-friendly e-liquid experience.

[0048] The working principle of the bottle mouth structure and e-liquid bottle described in this invention is as follows:
The bottle mouth structure and e-liquid bottle include an oil guiding component and a leak-proof component. The oil guiding component is provided with an oil guide tube and a protruding part. The oil guide tube includes a first end and a second end, with the second end connected to the body of the e-liquid bottle. The protruding part of the oil guiding component is connected to the body of the e-liquid bottle. The leak-proof component is sleeved onto the first end of the oil guide tube. The bottle mouth structure is connected to a cap, and the cap is connected to the oil guide tube.

[0049] The inner cap of the bottle cap is threaded. The user can simply unscrew the outer cap to open the bottle cap. The user inserts the necessary part of the e-cigarette device into the bottle cap, and the oil guide tube connects with the oil outlet hole of the bottle. The protruding part of the oil guiding component engages with the clamping structure of the bottle body, ensuring that the oil guide tube is securely connected to the bottle cap. The leak-proof component, made of silicone, is soft and provides effective sealing. When needed, it opens a passage to ensure that the e-liquid flows smoothly into the e-cigarette device. The e-liquid bottle can be used for both open-system and disposable e-cigarettes. When the user needs to refill e-liquid while using the e-cigarette, they simply insert or remove the bottle without manual refilling, which is quick and convenient. This design eliminates the complexity, operational risks, and issues associated with traditional manual refilling methods.

[0050] The other structures of the bottle mouth structure and e-liquid bottle described in this embodiment refer to the prior art.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this invention and is not intended to limit the invention in any way. Any modifications, equivalent changes, or adaptations made according to the technical essence of this invention that do not deviate from the contents of the technical scheme still fall within the scope of the invention.


Claims

1. A bottle mouth structure, wherein the bottle mouth structure is connectable to a body of an e-liquid bottle and comprises:

an oil guiding component (30), wherein the oil guiding component (30) is provided with an oil guide tube and a protruding part. The oil guide tube includes a first end (32) and a second end, and the second end of the oil guide tube is connectable to the body (40) of the e-liquid bottle. The protruding part of the oil guiding component (30) is also connectable to the body (40) of the e-liquid bottle;

leak-proof component (20), wherein the leak-proof component (20) is sleeved onto the first end (32) of the oil guide tube.


 
2. The bottle mouth structure according to claim 1, wherein:

the cross-sectional outer contour of the leak-proof component (20) is circular; and

a top surface of the leak-proof component (20) comprises a membrane, wherein the membrane is provided with several openings, which are evenly distributed around the center of the top surface of the leak-proof component (20).


 
3. The bottle mouth structure according to claim 2, wherein the openings comprise slits in the top surface of the leak-proof component (20) and the slits are arranged in a radial pattern, radiating outwardly from a central point on the top surface of the leak-proof component.
 
4. The bottle mouth structure according to any one of the preceding claims, the bottle mouth structure further comprising a bottle cap (10), wherein:

the bottle mouth structure is connectable to the bottle cap (10), and the bottle cap (10) is connectable to the oil guide tube; and

the bottle cap (10) includes an outer cap and an inner cap (11), wherein the inner cap (11) is housed inside the internal space of the outer cap.


 
5. The bottle mouth structure according to claim 4, wherein an inner side wall of the inner cap (11) is threaded.
 
6. The bottle mouth structure according to claim 5, wherein the outer side wall of the oil guide tube is threaded, and the oil guide tube is threadedly connectable to the inner cap (11) of the bottle cap (10).
 
7. The bottle mouth structure according to any one of claim 4 to 6, wherein the inner cap (11) is provided with a rubber ring (111), and the inner diameter of the rubber ring (111) is larger than the inner diameter of the leak-proof component (20).
 
8. An e-liquid bottle, wherein a body of the e-liquid bottle is connected to the bottle mouth structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
 
9. The e-liquid bottle according to claim 8, wherein:

the body (40) of the e-liquid bottle is provided with an oil outlet hole (41) and a groove (42);

the oil outlet hole (41) of the body (40) is connected to the second end of the oil guide tube; and

the protruding part of the oil guiding component (30) is nested in the groove (42) of the body (40).


 
10. The e-liquid bottle according to claim 9, wherein:
an inner side wall of the body (40) is provided with a clamping structure (43).
 
11. The e-liquid bottle according to claim 10, wherein:
the outer side wall of the protruding part of the oil guiding component (30) is provided with a clamping head (31), and the clamping head (31) engages with the clamping structure (43).
 
12. The e-liquid bottle according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the body of the e-liquid bottle is made out of a transparent material.
 




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