Electrically heated cigarette smoking system

• US 7,293,565 B2
• Filed: 06/30/2003
• Issued: 11/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Philip Morris USA Incorporated (Altria Group, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Philip Morris USA Incorporated (Altria Group, Inc.)
• Inventors: Griffin, William T., Adams, John M., Higgins, Charles T.
• Primary Examiner(s): LOPEZ, CARLOS N
• Application Number:
  US10/608,089
• Publication Number:
  US 20040261802A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,597 Days
• Field of Search: 131/329, D13107-110, 320110-115
• US Class Current: 131/329
• CPC Class Codes: A24F 40/90 Arrangements or methods specially adapted for charging batteries thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence

Abstract

A stand for an electrically heated cigarette smoking device can removably support an electrically heated cigarette smoking device, which includes a rechargeable power supply. The stand is configured to fit in a receptacle, such as a receptacle in a vehicle. Charging electronics controls charging of the rechargeable power supply when the electrically heated cigarette smoking device is supported by the stand, and the electrically heated cigarette smoking device or stand is electrically connected to the external power supply.

Claims

1. An electrically heated cigarette smoking system, comprising:

an electrically heated cigarette smoking device including a rechargeable power supply; and

a stand comprising;

a base configured to removably support the electrically heated cigarette smoking device, the base including electrical contacts which electrically contact electrical contacts on the electrically heated cigarette smoking device to electrically connect the rechargeable power supply to the stand, and a surface configured to fit removably in a receptacle and/or to support the stand on an external surface; and

optional charging electronics provided in the base, the charging electronics being operable to control charging of the rechargeable power supply;

wherein the stand is operable to supply electrical power to the rechargeable power supply and charging electronics when the electrically heated cigarette smoking device is supported on the base and the stand is electrically connected to an external power supply via an electrical conductor.

2. The electrically heated cigarette smoking system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises the charging electronics.

3. The electrically heated cigarette smoking system of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the base is cylindrical shaped to fit removably in a cylindrical receptacle.