Single-use connector and cartridge for a smoking article and related method

摘要

The present disclosure relates to connectors that may be employed in cartridges for smoking articles. The connectors may include a single-use mechanism that may include a blocking pin, a biasing mechanism, and a release mechanism. The release mechanism may hold the blocking pin in a partially retracted position in which the blocking pin is at least partially retracted from an aperture extending through threads defined by the connector. The release mechanism may include a latch that is displaced from contact with the blocking pin by a release pin upon engagement of the connector with a mating connector. The biasing mechanism may force the blocking pin against an end of the mating connector such that when the mating connector is unscrewed from the connector, the blocking pin extends through the aperture and blocks at least one recess defined between the threads such that the connector may not be reused.

主权项

1. An electronic smoking article, comprising:
a single-use cartridge, comprising: a chamber configured to hold a product; and a connector, comprising:
a body, defining:
a plurality of threads;a plurality of recesses respectively positioned between the threads; andan aperture extending through one or more of the threads; anda single-use mechanism, comprising:
a blocking pin configurable between a retracted position in which the blocking pin is at least partially retracted from the aperture and an extended position in which the blocking pin extends through the aperture and blocks at least one of the recesses;a biasing mechanism configured to bias the blocking pin toward the extended position; anda release mechanism configured to retain the blocking pin in the retracted position and release the blocking pin after the threads and the recesses engage corresponding threads and recesses of a mating connector.