Aerosol delivery device with static ignitor contacts

Abstract

Disclosed is an aerosol delivery device for use with removable and replaceable cartridges. The device includes a holder defining a proximal end and a distal end and a receiving chamber configured to receive the removable cartridge including an ignitable heat source. The holder defines a first aerosol passageway extending therethrough. The device includes a mouthpiece coupled to the holder and defining a second aerosol passageway extending therethrough and a pair of static ignitor contacts disposed proximate the receiving chamber and oriented to contact the ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber. The device may include an access door movably coupled to the holder and configured to provide access to the receiving chamber in an open configuration and secure the cartridge for ignition when in a closed configuration.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An aerosol delivery device comprising:
 a holder comprising a main body defining a proximal end and a distal end;   a receiving compartment coupled to the holder and configured to be movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the receiving compartment defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge comprising an ignitable heat source, wherein in the open configuration, the receiving chamber is at least partially exposed; and   a pair of static ignitor contacts disposed within the receiving compartment and oriented to contact the ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber and the receiving compartment is in the closed configuration.   
     
     
         2 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 1 , further comprising a power source disposed within the main body, wherein the static ignitor contacts are in electrical communication with the power source when the door is in the closed configuration. 
     
     
         3 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the holder comprises at least one electrical contact in electrical communication with the power source and configured to mate with the static ignitor contacts when the receiving compartment is in the closed configuration to complete an electrical circuit. 
     
     
         4 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 2  further comprising an ignition switch disposed on the holder and in electrical communication with the power source and the static ignitor contacts, the ignition switch configured to deliver electrical current to the static ignitor contacts when actuated. 
     
     
         5 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 2  further comprising a printed circuit board disposed within the holder and in electrical communication with the power source and comprising a controller. 
     
     
         6 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 2 , wherein the electrical circuit is disrupted when the receiving compartment is in the open configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the receiving compartment is pivotably coupled to the main body. 
     
     
         8 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the receiving compartment sealingly engages the main body in the closed configuration. 
     
     
         9 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the main body further defines a first aerosol passageway that extends through at least a portion of the main body. 
     
     
         10 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 9 , wherein the receiving compartment further comprises an inner housing defining the receiving chamber, wherein the receiving compartment is configured to orient the receiving chamber in fluid communication with first aerosol passageway when in the closed configuration. 
     
     
         11 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 1  further comprising a latching mechanism configured to secure the receiving compartment in the closed configuration. 
     
     
         12 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the receiving compartment is substantially flush with an outer surface of the holder when in the closed configuration. 
     
     
         13 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the receiving compartment includes an insert disposed therein and configured to receive the cartridge and provide thermal insulation thereto. 
     
     
         14 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 1  further comprising a biasing mechanism disposed within the holder and oriented to engage a removable cartridge secured within the receiving chamber, wherein the biasing mechanism urges the ignitable heat source of the cartridge into contact with the static ignitor contacts when the receiving compartment is in the closed configuration. 
     
     
         15 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 1  further comprising a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end with a second aerosol passageway extending longitudinally therebetween, wherein the first end is configured to engage with a user's mouth and the second end is configured to engage the proximal end of the holder. 
     
     
         16 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece is removably coupled to the holder. 
     
     
         17 . The aerosol delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the receiving compartment defines an opening in a distal end thereof, the opening configured to provide air to the ignited heat source.