DEVICE FOR HOLDING A SMOKING ARTICLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for holding a smoking article, and to a smoking machine for smoking a plurality of smoking articles. The present invention has particular, but not exclusive, application in a smoking machine of the type in which successive smoking articles are puffed at a single smoking port.

[0002] Cigars, cigarettes, and cigarillos (generally known as smoking articles) are often analysed for composition of mainstream smoke using equipment known as a smoking machine. The results so obtained are used both in characterising the smoking article, and by regulators to determine the yield of smoke components and whether the smoking article is below a predefined ceiling for each component. Newer "cigarette like" smoking articles, sometimes known as potentially reduced exposure products (PREPS) or e-cigarettes, are also analysed using smoking machines. These smoking articles are often characterised by the production of large quantities of water vapour in the smoke stream. Although this water vapour is probably not injurious to health it has the property of trapping chemicals and particles of interest that are known to be harmful which can then be quickly precipitated from the vapour stream.

[0003] Known smoking machines are generally either of the linear or rotary type. Linear smoking machines typically comprise a row of smoking article holders, each of which is connected to a puffing mechanism for drawing a puff through the smoking article. A rotary smoking machine typically has a single position where a smoking article is puffed, and a number of other positions where the smoking article is left to smoulder or sit passively awaiting a puff. Each smoking article is rotated or moved in turn to a smoking port, where a seal is made and a puff drawn. The smoking article that was previously puffed is moved away to smoulder or await a next puff.

[0004] While a smoking article is in a non-puffing position, it is desirable for the mouth end of the article to be sealed to the atmosphere to prevent losses which may otherwise result in an underestimate of the delivery of the article (for example, tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide delivery).

[0005] In many conventional rotary smoking machines the path distance between the article being "smoked" and the capture system is quite long. Moreover there may be cooling effects between the smoked article mouth piece and the capture system. This can allow particles of interest to be precipitated from the vapour stream, thereby causing delivery to be underestimated. A possible solution to this would be to locate the capture system as close to the mouthpiece as possible. However, this may present practical difficulties in achieving a seal during the process of drawing a puff and whilst the smoking article is being moved and is not being puffed.

[0006] Previously contemplated mechanisms for providing a seal during the passive state have included the use of spring plungers, closely slipping rings and bands of sprung seals. However these have been devised without particular consideration for minimising the smoke path and tend to be somewhat complex in design, prone to contamination through presenting a large surface for contamination/precipitation of vapour and complex to clean and service.

[0007] Standard smoking methods define the interval between puffs and the puff duration. Thus the maximum utilisation of a rotary smoking machine is governed in part by the speed at which a smoking article can be moved to and from the puffing position.

[0008] GB2423461 discloses a cigarette holder with a flexible seal for occluding ventilation holes in the filter of a cigarette.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a holding device for holding a smoking article, the device being arranged for removable engagement with a smoking port, the device comprising a hole through which a product of the smoking article may be drawn, and a sealing member arranged to seal the hole when the holding device is disengaged from the smoking port, wherein the sealing member is arranged to be urged away from the hole when the holding device is engaged with the smoking port.

[0010] The present invention may provide the advantage that, by arranging the sealing member to be urged away from the hole when the holding device is engaged with the smoking port, a simple, small, fast acting and/or compact seal and release mechanism may be provided. The invention may also provide the advantage that the smoking path may be minimised, thus reducing the potential for any cooling effects to take place. Furthermore, the arrangement may facilitate the process of cleaning with particular attention being paid to the non-smoking smouldering phase of the smoking process.

[0011] The product of the smoking article may be, for example, smoke in the case of an article which undergoes combustion or pyrolysis, such as a cigarette or cigar, or vapour in the case of a vaping device such as an e-cigarette.

[0012] Preferably the device is arranged such that relative movement of the device and the smoking port causes the sealing member to be urged away from the hole. Thus movement of the device towards the smoking port and/or movement of the smoking port towards the device may cause the sealing member to be urged away from the hole. This can allow a simple seal and release mechanism to be provided without the need for a separate actuating mechanism.

[0013] The sealing member may be arranged to be urged away from the hole by a part of the smoking port. This may help to provide a simple seal and release mechanism using existing components. For example, the holding device may be arranged to engage with a spigot on the smoking port, and the sealing member may be arranged to be urged away from the hole by the spigot. This arrangement may help to provide a simple, fast acting mechanism in which the time between seals being made is minimised, thus minimising any losses.

[0014] Alternatively another part of the smoking port or smoking machine, such as a protrusion on the smoking port, could be used to urge the sealing member away from the hole.

[0015] The sealing member may comprise a captive ball. For example, the ball may be held captive in a cage or a socket, but be free to rotate. This arrangement may allow an effective seal to be provided, while also facilitating movement of the sealing member.

[0016] The device may further comprise a track for guiding movement of the sealing member. This may help to ensure that the sealing member (such as a captive ball) travels along a well-defined path, and thus may help to ensure reliable operation of the seal and release mechanism.

[0017] The track may also be arranged to guide relative movement of device and the smoking port. For example, in the case where a spigot is provided on the smoking port, the track may be arranged to guide the spigot. This may help to ensure reliable operation of the seal and release mechanism. The track may be, for example, a depression in a surface of the holding device, or any other means for guiding movement of the sealing member and/or spigot.

[0018] The sealing member may be rotatable about a pivot. For example, the sealing member may be connected to an arm, which in turn may be connected to the pivot. In one preferred embodiment, the sealing member comprises a captive ball connected by an arm to the pivot. This may allow the sealing member to rotate about the pivot as it is engaged and disengaged from the hole, thus providing a simple seal and release mechanism.

[0019] The holding device may further comprise means for returning the sealing member to seal the hole, for example when the device and the smoking port move apart. This may help to ensure that the seal is made as quickly as possible, thereby minimising any losses. For example, the sealing member may be spring loaded, and the spring loading may act to return the sealing member to the position in which it seals the hole. Alternatively another force such as gravity could be used to return the sealing member.

[0020] The holding device may further comprise a heating element arranged to heat at least part of the holding device. This may allow the holding device to be kept above ambient temperature, for example, at a temperature which corresponds approximately to that of the human body. This may help to prevent condensation of the smoke or vapour which might otherwise occur. Thus this arrangement may help to ensure that the yield of the smoking article is similar to that which would be obtained by a human.

[0021] The holding device may be arranged to be mounted on a rotary smoking machine. For example, the holding device may comprise a bracket which is arranged to be mounted on a ring of a rotary smoking machine.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for capturing a product of a smoking article, the apparatus comprising a smoking port and a holding device in any of the forms described above.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the smoking port comprises a spigot for engaging with the holding device. The spigot may be any kind of device which allows a product of the smoking article to be drawn from the holding device. In this case the sealing member may be arranged to be urged away from the hole by the spigot when the holding device is engaged with the smoking port.

[0024] The spigot may have a through-hole for connecting with the hole in the holding device. This can allow smoke or vapour to be drawn from the smoking article and through the holding device and smoking port.

[0025] The spigot preferably comprises a hemispherical end which may engage with a corresponding recess in the holding device. This may help to ensure a good seal between the spigot and the holding device when in the smoking position. Where a recess is provided in the holding device, the sealing member may engage in the recess in the non-smoking position.

[0026] Preferably a part of the spigot which engages with the holding device has a similar size and/or shape as a part of the sealing member which engages with the holding device. For example, where the sealing member is a ball, the spigot may have a hemispherical end with a radius which is similar to or substantially the same as that of the ball. This can help to ensure that both the sealing member and the spigot engage reliably with the holding device.

[0027] A seal, such as an O-ring, may be provided for sealing the spigot and the holding device while in the smoking position. The spigot may be spring-loaded, to help ensure a good seal.

[0028] The holding device or apparatus described above is preferably arranged for use with a smoking machine for automatic smoking or vaping of the smoking article. Thus, according to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a smoking machine comprising a smoking port and a holding device as described above, or an apparatus as described above.

[0029] The smoking machine may further comprise puffing means in communication with the smoking port for puffing a smoking article.

[0030] Preferably the smoking machine comprising a plurality of holding devices, to allow a plurality of smoking articles to be tested.

[0031] The smoking machine may further comprise means (such as an actuating mechanism) for relative movement of the holding devices and the smoking port such that successive holding devices are brought into engagement with the smoking port. For example, the holding devices may be moved such that successive holding devices are engaged with the smoking port, or the smoking port may be moved to successive holding devices, or both.

[0032] In one embodiment the holding devices are mounted on a ring, in which case means may be provided for relative movement of the ring and the smoking port. For example the ring may be rotated relative to the smoking port, or the smoking port may be rotated relative to the ring, or both.

[0033] In one embodiment the smoking machine is a rotary smoking machine. However the present invention may be used with other smoking machine geometries such as, but not limited to, systems where the holding devices are deployed in a pattern other than a ring or circle and moved to a smoking port with the smoking articles either facing outwards or inwards from/to the centre of movement; and systems where the holding devices remain stationary and the smoking port is moved to successive holding devices.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of smoking a smoking article, the method comprising:

holding the smoking article in a holding device, the holding device comprising a hole through which a product of the smoking article may be drawn;

bringing the holding device into engagement with a smoking port;

sealing the hole with a sealing member when the holding device is not in engagement with the smoking port; and

urging the sealing member away from the hole as the holding device is brought into engagement with the smoking port.

[0035] The sealing member may be urged away from the hole by a spigot through which a product of the smoking article may be drawn when the holding device is in engagement with the smoking port.

[0036] Features of one aspect of the invention may be provided with any other aspect. Apparatus features may be provided with method aspects and vice versa.

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows schematically a top view of a rotary smoking machine;

Figure 2 shows a cross section through part of a smoking port and corresponding holding device;

Figure 3 shows a cross section through a holding device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 4 shows an elevation of a ball sealing system.

[0038] Figure 1 shows schematically a top view of a rotary smoking machine. Referring to Figure 1, the machine comprises a puffing engine 10 flexibly connected by a flexible tube 12 to a smoking port 14. The smoking port comprises a capture pad holder 40 which contains a capture or trapping pad for capturing samples from the smoking article. A plurality of holding devices 16 is located on a ring 18. Each of the holding devices 16 holds a smoking article 20, such as a cigarette or e-cigarette.

[0039] In operation, the ring 18 is rotated by an actuating mechanism such as a stepper motor (not shown). Each holding device 16 is rotated in turn to the smoking port 14. A spigot on the smoking port engages with the holding device and forms a seal. A puff is then drawn through the smoking article 20 by the puffing engine 10. The device that was previously puffed is moved away to smoulder or await a next puff.

[0040] Alternatively, rather than rotating the ring 18, the smoking port 14 may be rotated about the inside of the ring 18. In this case a rotating valve may be used between the smoking port 14 and the puffing engine 10.

[0041] In another embodiment, the ring is inverted so that the smoking articles face inwards and the smoking port is located outside of the ring. In this case, the ring may be rotated so that successive holding devices are engaged with the smoking port, or the smoking port may be rotated around the outside of the ring so as to engage with successive holding devices, or both.

[0042] Figure 2 shows a cross section through part of the smoking port 14 and corresponding holding device 16 while in a puffing position. Referring to Figure 2, the smoking port 14 comprises capture pad holder 40 which contains a capture pad 42 for capturing samples from the smoking article. A spigot 44 is provided for engaging with the holding device 16. The spigot 44 may be separate from or form part of the capture pad holder 40. The spigot 44 consists of a formed end, preferably hemispherical, fitted with a compliant seal or O-ring 46. The smoking port 16 comprises a bracket 22 with a matched, preferably hemispherical recess 48 with which the spigot 44 engages. When the spigot 44 is engaged in the recess 48, the O-ring 46 forms a gas tight seal. A passage 50 through the spigot connects with a through hole 28 in the holding device 16.

[0043] In the arrangement of Figure 2, pressure is applied between the smoking port 14 and the holding device 16 by means of a captive compression spring 52 which bears against a fixed plate 54. A rigid tube 56 connects the capture pad holder 40 with the flexible tube 12 and puffing engine 10 of Figure 1. The rigid tube 56 passes through a hole 58 in the fixed plate 50. The rigid tube 56 can move backwards and forwards through the hole 58, which allows the smoking port 14 some lateral movement so that it can engage and disengage with successive holding devices. A shoulder 60 on the rigid tube 58 limits movement of the smoking port towards the fixed plate 50. If desired, a housing (not shown) may be provided for the smoking port which can protect the spring 52, provide a guide for the lateral movement of the smoking port, and provide an end stop for movement of the smoking port away from the fixed plate 54.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the compression spring 52 could be replaced by a pneumatic or electrically actuated plunger at the expense of additional complexity as this would need to be synchronised with the movement of the rotating ring. Similarly the hemispherical form of the spigot could be changed to a flat face seal but at the risk of increasing the difficulty of forming a gas tight seal when the spigot is in place.

[0045] While a smoking article is in a non-puffing position it is desirable for the mouth end of the article to be sealed to the atmosphere to prevent losses that may otherwise result in an underestimate of the delivery of the article. The whole process is critically timed as standard smoking methods define the interval between puffs and the puff duration. Thus the maximum utilisation of the smoking machine is governed in part by the speed at which a smoking article can be moved to and from the smoking position. A typical smoking regime would be 60 seconds between puffs and puffs of 2 second duration. With a single second transition between puffing and non-puffing this means a maximum of 20 articles can be smoked at a single time. If the transition interval could be decreased to 0.5 seconds then the number of articles that could be puffed would increase to 24. Thus this activation speed is highly relevant to considerations of maximum utilisation.

[0046] In embodiments of the invention, a self-actuating sealing mechanism is provided which allows the mouth end of the smoking article to be sealed to the atmosphere while in a non-puffing position. The holding device consists of a specially designed bracket to which the smoking article to be tested is held using a known holder such as a labyrinth seal. The bracket comprises a boss to mount the lip seal, a through-hole for the smoke or vapour to pass through, a profile guide for the sealing system to run in, and mounting fixtures for the sealing system. The sealing system consists of a free running ball held captive in a cage and mounted onto a torsion spring that allows the ball to run along the profiled guide and also to ride slightly up and down. A stop is provided such that in one position the ball sits in the bracket through-hole; in all other positions the ball will tend to be forced into this stop position by the spring. The through-hole is constructed such that the end form has a spherical radius of different radius than the ball, so that when covering the hole a seal is formed that does not allow vapour to escape the port.

[0047] As the bracket with the smoking article is moved the ball sits in place until the arm upon which it is mounted encounters an object, such as a spigot for the trapping and capture pad that is sprung loaded at right angles to the bracket. At this point the ball rides up. The capture and trapping pad spigot now engages with the bracket hole and a puff is taken. Further movement of the bracket will allow the capture and trapping spigot to ride past the ball which is returned to the hole in the bracket by the spring.

[0048] Figure 3 shows a cross section through a holding device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention while in a non-puffing position. Referring to Figure 3, the holding device 16 comprises a bracket 22 which is attached to the ring 18 of Figure 1. The cigarette or other smoking article 20 is held in a holder 24, which may be a holder of a type known in the art. The holder 24 is fitted using an O-ring to a boss 26 on the bracket 22. A through-hole 28 is provided through the bracket to allow smoke or vapour to pass when the smoking article 20 is puffed by the puffing engine. Seated in the hole 28 is a ball 30. If desired, the ball may sit in a recess such as the recess 48 shown in Figure 2.

[0049] Referring back to Figure 3, the ball 30 is held captive in a cage 31, but is free to rotate in all directions. This ball and cage is connected by an arm 32 to a pivot point 34 and a torsion spring 36. The torsion spring 36 is arranged such that in its normal state the ball 30 seats itself in the bracket through-hole 28 forming a seal with the bracket. Correct selection of the torsion spring properties provide the return movement and a lateral engaging force to seal the through hole 28. Alternatively a second compression spring could be added to the arm at the pivot point to provide this downward force. The ball may be constructed from any suitable material which can provide a seal, such as heat resistant plastic.

[0050] Figure 4 shows an elevation of the ball sealing system, and the movements required to open and close the through-hole. Referring to Figure 4, a track 35 is formed in the bracket which guides the movement of the ball 30 and the capture and trapping spigot 44. The track 35 is in the form of a shallow, elongated depression. As the holding device 16 is swept past the spigot 44, the spigot is guided by the track so that it pushes the ball 30 and cage 31 aside. The movement of the ball 30 is also guided by the track, with pivot occurring about the pivot point 34. Movement occurs between positions A and B in Figure 4. Whilst the capture spigot 44 is engaged within the hole 28, the ball 30 and cage 31 are held to one side by the action of the spigot. Preferably the hemispherical form of the spigot matches that of the closure ball, so that the spigot sits in the through hole in the same way as the closure ball.

[0051] Once puffing is concluded the bracket continues to move, the spigot 44 disengages from the through hole 28 and pushes the ball and cage further out of the way until the spigot 44 clears the underside of the cage 31. The ball 30 is driven back by the spring 36 to engage with the through hole 28 forming a seal. A stop 38 is provided which acts on the arm 32 to prevent it from overrunning the hole 28. The spigot of the capture and trapping pad is at this point beginning to engage the next ball on the smoking carousel.

[0052] With this design the dead volume or distance between mouth piece of the smoking device and the spigot of the capture pad is determined by the depth of the bracket, which in turn determines the through-hole length. This could be reduced from the hundreds of millimetres currently available in commercial smoking machines to less than 10 millimetres, depending on the required mechanical strength of the bracket.

[0053] Furthermore cleaning of the path between capture spigot and mouthpiece becomes the simple process of pushing the ball aside and wiping or "pulling through"; no disassembly is required as with currently available designs.

[0054] An additional benefit of this design is that of maintaining the temperature of the smoke or vapour which in turn prevents condensation. The bracket can be so designed to have a reduced thermal mass or to have resistive or other heating elements to maintain a blood heat temperature that replicates the human body and prevents premature condensation of vapour.

[0055] Although described for a rotating smoking machine where the smoking articles are placed in a horizontal circle the sealing method described can be applied to other smoking machine geometries such as, but not limited to, systems where the smoking articles are deployed in a holding pattern other than a ring or circle and moved to a puffing device with the smoking articles either facing outwards or inwards from/to the centre of movement, and systems where the smoking articles remain stationary and the puffing device is moved to successive smoking articles.

Claims

1. A holding device (16) for holding a smoking article (20), the device being arranged for removable engagement with a smoking port (14), the device comprising a hole (28) through which a product of the smoking article may be drawn,
characterised by:

a sealing member (30) arranged to seal the hole (28) when the holding device (16) is disengaged from the smoking port (14), wherein the sealing member (30) is arranged to be urged away from the hole (28) when the holding device is engaged with the smoking port.

2. A holding device according to claim 1, wherein the device is arranged such that relative movement of the device (16) and the smoking port (14) causes the sealing member (30) to be urged away from the hole (28).

3. A holding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing member (30) is arranged to be urged away from the hole by a part of the smoking port.

4. A holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device is arranged to engage with a spigot (44) on the smoking port, and the sealing member is arranged to be urged away from the hole by the spigot.

5. A holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing member comprises a captive ball (30).

6. A holding device according to any of the preceding claims, the device further comprising a track (35) for guiding movement of the sealing member.

7. A holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing member comprises a captive ball (30) connected by an arm (32) to a pivot (34).

8. A holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing member is spring loaded.

9. A holding device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a heating element arranged to heat at least part of the holding device.

10. A holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device comprises a bracket (22) which is arranged to be mounted on a ring.

11. Apparatus for capturing a product of a smoking article, the apparatus comprising a smoking port (14) and a holding device (16) according to any of the preceding claims.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the smoking port comprises a spigot (44) for engaging with the holding device.

13. A smoking machine comprising:

a smoking port (14);

a holding device (16) according to any of claims 1 to 10; and

puffing means (10) in communication with the smoking port for puffing a smoking article.

14. A method of smoking a smoking article (20), the method comprising:

holding the smoking article in a holding device (16), the holding device comprising a hole (28) through which a product of the smoking article may be drawn;

bringing the holding device into engagement with a smoking port (14);

sealing the hole with a sealing member (30) when the holding device is not in engagement with the smoking port; and

urging the sealing member (30) away from the hole as the holding device is brought into engagement with the smoking port.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the sealing member (30) is urged away from the hole (28) by a spigot (44) through which a product of the smoking article (20) may be drawn when the holding device is in engagement with the smoking port.

Ansprüche

1. Haltevorrichtung (16) zum Halten eines Rauchartikels (20), wobei die Vorrichtung zum trennbaren Verkuppeln mit einem Rauchanschluss (14) ausgebildet ist, wobei die Vorrichtung ein Loch (28) aufweist, durch das ein Produkt des Rauchartikels gezogen werden kann,
gekennzeichnet durch:

ein Dichtelement (30), das ausgebildet ist, um das Loch (28) abzudichten, wenn die Haltevorrichtung (16) von dem Rauchanschluss (14) abgekuppelt ist, wobei das Dichtelement (30) ausgebildet ist, um von dem Loch (28) weggedrängt zu werden, wenn die Haltevorrichtung mit dem Rauchanschluss verkuppelt ist.

2. Haltevorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Vorrichtung derart ausgebildet ist, dass eine Relativbewegung der Vorrichtung (16) und des Rauchanschlusses (14) bewirkt, dass das Dichtelement (30) von dem Loch (28) weggedrängt wird.

3. Haltevorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das Dichtelement (30) ausgebildet ist, um von dem Loch durch einen Teil des Rauchanschlusses weggedrängt zu werden.

4. Haltevorrichtung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Haltevorrichtung ausgebildet ist, um in Eingriff mit einem Zapfen (44) an dem Rauchanschluss zu gelangen, und das Dichtelement ausgebildet ist, um durch den Zapfen von dem Loch weggedrängt zu werden.

5. Haltevorrichtung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Dichtelement eine gefangene Kugel (30) aufweist.

6. Haltevorrichtung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Vorrichtung ferner eine Führungsbahn (35) zum Steuern der Bewegung des Dichtelementes aufweist.

7. Haltevorrichtung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Dichtelement eine gefangene Kugel (30) aufweist, die durch einen Arm (32) mit einem Drehgelenk (34) verbunden ist.

8. Haltevorrichtung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Dichtelement federbelastet ist.

9. Haltevorrichtung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner mit einem Heizelement, das ausgebildet ist, um wenigstens einen Teil der Haltevorrichtung zu erwärmen.

10. Haltevorrichtung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Haltevorrichtung eine Konsole (22) aufweist, die ausgebildet ist, um an einem Ring angebracht zu werden.

11. Apparat zum Einfangen eines Produktes eines Rauchartikels, wobei der Apparat einen Rauchanschluss (14) und eine Haltevorrichtung (16) nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche aufweist.

12. Apparat nach Anspruch 11, wobei der Rauchanschluss einen Zapfen (14) zum Verkuppeln mit der Haltevorrichtung aufweist.

13. Rauchmaschine, die aufweist:

einen Rauchanschluss (14);

eine Haltevorrichtung (16) nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10; und

Rauchmittel (10), die mit dem Rauchanschluss zum Rauchen eines Rauchartikels kommunizieren.

14. Verfahren zum Rauchen eines Rauchartikels (20), wobei das Verfahren aufweist:

Halten des Rauchartikels in einer Haltevorrichtung (16), wobei die Haltevorrichtung ein Loch (28) aufweist, durch welches ein Produkt des Rauchartikels gezogen werden kann;

Bringen der Haltevorrichtung in Eingriff mit einem Rauchanschluss (14);

Abdichten des Loches mit einem Dichtelement (30), wenn die Haltevorrichtung nicht in Eingriff mit dem Rauchanschluss ist; und

Drängen des Dichtelementes (30) weg von dem Loch, wenn die Haltevorrichtung in Eingriff mit dem Rauchanschluss gebracht wird.

15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14, wobei das Dichtelement (30) von dem Loch (28) durch einen Zapfen (44) weggedrängt wird, durch den ein Produkt des Rauchartikels (20) gezogen werden kann, wenn die Haltevorrichtung in Eingriff mit dem Rauchanschluss ist.

Revendications

1. Un dispositif de maintien (16) pour maintenir un article à fumer (20), le dispositif étant agencé pour se mettre en prise de manière amovible avec un orifice à fumer (14), le dispositif comprenant un trou (28) à travers lequel un produit de l'article à fumer peut être aspiré,
caractérisé par :

un élément d'étanchéité (30) est agencé pour sceller le trou (28) quand le dispositif de maintien (16) est désengagé de l'orifice à fumer (14), l'élément d'étanchéité (30) étant agencé de manière à être éloigné du trou (28) quand le dispositif de maintien est en prise avec l'orifice à fumer.

2. Un dispositif de maintien selon la revendication 1, le dispositif étant agencé de manière à ce qu'un mouvement relatif entre le dispositif (16) et l'orifice à fumer (14) amène l'élément d'étanchéité (30) à s'éloigner du trou (28).

3. Un dispositif de maintien selon la revendication 1 ou 2, l'élément d'étanchéité (30) étant agencé pour être éloigné du trou par une partie de l'orifice à fumer.

4. Un dispositif de maintien selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, le dispositif de maintien étant agencé pour se mettre en prise avec un ergot (44) sur l'orifice à fumer, et l'élément d'étanchéité étant agencé pour être éloigné du trou par l'ergot.

5. Un dispositif de maintien selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément d'étanchéité comprend une bille captive (30).

6. Un dispositif de maintien selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, le dispositif comprenant en sus une piste (35) pour guider le mouvement de l'élément d'étanchéité.

7. Un dispositif de maintien selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément d'étanchéité comprend une bille captive (30) reliée par un bras (32) à un pivot (34).

8. Un dispositif de maintien selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément d'étanchéité est chargé par ressort.

9. Un dispositif de maintien selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en sus un élément de chauffage agencé pour chauffer au moins une partie du dispositif de maintien.

10. Un dispositif de maintien selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, le dispositif de maintien comprenant un support (22) qui est agencé pour être monté sur une bague.

11. Appareil pour recueillir un produit d'un article à fumer, l'appareil comprenant un orifice à fumer (14) et un dispositif de maintien (16) selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes.

12. Appareil selon la revendication 11, dans lequel l'orifice à fumer comprend un ergot (44) pour se mettre en prise avec le dispositif de maintien.

13. Une machine à fumer comprenant :

un orifice à fumer (14) ;

un dispositif de maintien (16) selon une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10 ; et

un moyen de tirer (10) en communication avec l'orifice à fumer pour tirer sur un article à fumer.

14. Un procédé pour fumer un article à fumer (20), le procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à :

maintenir l'article à fumer dans un dispositif de maintien (16), le dispositif de maintien comprenant un trou (28) à travers lequel un produit de l'article à fumer peut être aspiré ;

amener le dispositif de maintien en prise avec un orifice à fumer (14) ;

sceller le trou avec un élément d'étanchéité (30) quand le dispositif de maintien n'est pas en prise avec l'orifice à fumer ; et

éloigner l'élément d'étanchéité (30) du trou à mesure que le dispositif de maintien est amené en prise avec l'orifice à fumer.

15. Un procédé selon la revendication 14, dans lequel l'élément d'étanchéité (30) est éloigné du trou (28) par un ergot (44) à travers lequel un produit de l'article à fumer (20) peut être aspiré quand le dispositif de maintien est en prise avec l'orifice à fumer.

Drawing