Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems for providing aerosol to a user including electronic aerosol provision systems such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like).
• electronic aerosol provision systems such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like).
• Electronic aerosol provision systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, typically including nicotine, from which an aerosol is generated, e.g. through heat vaporisation.
• An aerosol source for an aerosol provision system may thus comprise a heater having a heating element arranged to receive source liquid from the reservoir, for example through wicking / capillary action. While a user inhales on the device, electrical power is supplied to the heating element to vaporise source liquid in the vicinity of the heating element to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user.
• Such devices are usually provided with one or more air inlet holes located away from a mouthpiece end of the system.
• Such aerosol provision systems are used, typically, multiple times per day by an individual user.
• a consumable part e.g., such as the liquid formulation
• the entire aerosol provision system is disposed of and a new aerosol provision system is used by a user to continue providing aerosol according to the demands of the user.
• This can generate high levels of material waste.
• Some solutions offer a separable housing or the like that stores the consumable part and allows for only the separable housing to be disposed of and replaced once the consumable part is depleted.
• these separable housings also comprise a heater, which is replaced along with the consumable part, which may be due to hygiene or operational lifetime reasons. While such an approach reduces the material waste, there are nonetheless still large amounts of material waste, not least of all generated by the disposal of the heater.
• an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material
• the aerosol provision device includes an aerosol-generating material storage portion for storing an aerosol-generating material; and a heater element for heating an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol.
• the aerosol provision device is configured to releasably receive an aerosol modifying agent release component comprising a housing and an aerosol modifying agent, such that generated aerosol is able to pass to the aerosol modifying agent to modify a characteristic of the aerosol.
• the heater element is integrally formed with the aerosol provision device.
• the device further comprises an aerosol-generating material transport component arranged to transport aerosol-generating material from the aerosol generating material storage portion to the heater element for heating.
• the aerosol-generating material comprises, or consists of, an aerosol-former material.
• the aerosol-generating material is a liquid formulation.
• the aerosol modifying agent is configured to impart a flavour and/or active ingredient to the aerosol generated by the heater element as the aerosol passes to the aerosol modifying agent.
• a refill and recharge device for use with the aerosol provision device of the first aspect or the aerosol provision system of the second aspect, wherein the refill and recharge device is configured to, when the aerosol provision device is coupled to the refill and recharge device, at least one of: refill the aerosol-generating material storage portion of the aerosol provision device with aerosol-generating material, and recharge a power source of the aerosol provision device .
• a non-therapeutic method of providing an aerosol to a user by aerosolising an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol provision device includes: providing aerosol-generating material to a heater element for heating the aerosol-generating material, wherein the heater element is integrally formed with the aerosol provision device; causing the heater element to heat to an extent to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol; and passing the generated aerosol through an aerosol modifying agent release component comprising a housing and an aerosol modifying agent to modify a characteristic of the aerosol.
• aerosol provision means for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material
• the aerosol provision means includes: aerosol-generating material storage means for storing an aerosol-generating material; and heater means for heating an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol
• the aerosol provision means is configured to releasably receive an aerosol modifying agent release means comprising a housing and an aerosol modifying agent, such that generated aerosol is able to pass to the aerosol modifying agent to modify a characteristic of the aerosol, and wherein the heater means is integrally formed with the aerosol provision means.
• a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
• the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
• the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
• END electronic nicotine delivery system
• the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
• the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
• the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
• flavour and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch,
• the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint.
• the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry.
• the flavour comprises eugenol.
• the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco.
• the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect.
• a suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.
• An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material.
• the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.
• a susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field.
• the susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material.
• the heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material.
• the susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms.
• the device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
• the present disclosure provides an aerosol provision device comprising an integrated heater element configured to aerosolise aerosol generating material stored in an aerosol-generating material storage portion.
• an aerosol provision device comprising an integrated heater element configured to aerosolise aerosol generating material stored in an aerosol-generating material storage portion.
• the degree of residual material left on the heater or heating element is relatively lower than compared, in particular, with using aerosol-generating material comprising flavours or flavourant.
• the aerosol generator may experience improved longevity and performance by virtue of the fact that build-ups of residue are relatively less.
• this allows for the possibility of prolonged use of the aerosol provision device and heater element thereby reducing the frequency that such aerosol provision devices are required to be disposed of and/or replaced.
• FIG. 1 schematically shows a system 1 for providing an aerosol to a user in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
• the system 1 comprises a refill and recharge device 10 (sometimes referred to herein as a refill/recharge pack 10), an aerosol provision device 20, and an aerosol modifying agent release component 30 (sometimes referred to herein as a consumable or article).
• the width of consumable 30 is less than the width of the aerosol provision device 20, thereby providing a stepped profile at the relevant end of the aerosol provision system where the consumable 30 protrudes from the receptacle 21.
• the consumable 30 may be configured such that the protruding section has a similar width to the aerosol provision device 20. When the two are engaged, the protruding section of the consumable 30 protruding from the receptacle 21 forms a flush outer surface with the outer surface of the aerosol provision device 20.
• the outer housing 20a in the described implementation has an overall cylindrical shape.
• the outer housing 20a defines a proximal or mouth end 20b at which the receptacle 21 and consumable 30 (when present) are located and a distal end 20c, opposite the proximal end 20b.
• the outer housing 20a may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metallic material. In some implementations, the outer housing 20a may be circumscribed, at least partly, by a paper material or cellulose material. Within the outer housing 20a is located the various components of the aerosol provision device 20, such as the power source 22, control circuitry 23, etc.
• the power source 22 in this implementation is a battery 22.
• the battery 22 is rechargeable and may be, for example, of the kind normally used in aerosol provision systems and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods.
• the battery 22 may be, for example, a lithium ion battery, although other battery chemistries may also be considered.
• the battery 22 is capable of being recharged via an external source (such as the refill/recharge pack 10, described later).
• the aerosol provision device 20 includes a first electrical contact 29a at the distal end 20c of the outer housing 20a and a second electrical contact 29b at the proximal end 20b of the outer housing 20, positioned at an inner surface of the receptacle 21.
• the first and second electrical contacts 29a, 29b may be annular and extend around the outer surface of the outer housing 20a and the inner surface of the receptacle 21, accordingly.
• the first electrical contact 29a is configured to couple to a positive terminal of an external power source (or alternatively a negative terminal) and the second electrical contact 29b is configured to couple to a negative terminal of an external power source (or alternatively a positive terminal).
• the electrical contacts 29a, 29b are electrically coupled to the terminals of the battery 22 (either directly or via suitable recharging circuitry) and can facilitate recharging of the battery 22.
• the electrical contacts 29a, 29b may be arranged differently (for example, at the same end of the housing 20a), or may be omitted if, for example, the battery 22 is to be recharged inductively using suitable wireless recharging circuitry provided in the housing 20a.
• the control circuitry 23 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operations of the aerosol provision system.
• the control circuitry 23 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units / circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the aerosol provision system's operation and may be implemented by provision of a (micro)controller, processor, ASIC or similar form of control chip.
• the control circuitry 23 may be arranged to control any functionality associated with the aerosol provision system.
• the functionality may include the charging or re-charging of the battery 22, the discharging of the battery 22 (e.g., for providing power to the aerosol generator 26), in addition to other functionality such as controlling visual indicators (e.g., LEDs) / displays, communication functionality for communicating with external devices, etc.
• the reservoir 24 (which is an example of an aerosol-generating material storage area) is provided as part of the aerosol provision device 20, for example, within housing 20a.
• the reservoir 24 may be integrally formed with the aerosol provision device 20.
• the reservoir 24 may be unable to be removed from the aerosol provision device 20.
• the reservoir 24 may comprise one or more walls that define a volume, within which an aerosol generating material is capable of being stored.
• the reservoir 24 is configured to store a liquid aerosol-generating material, and may therefore be configured so as to reduce or prevent leakage of the aerosol-generating material out of the reservoir 24.
• the reservoir 24 may take any suitable shape, such as a cylindrical shape.
• the reservoir 24 is provided in fluid communication with an aerosol-generating material transport element 25 and an aerosol generator 26.
• the reservoir 24 may comprising an opening, within which the aerosol-generating material transport element 25 is located or extends.
• the aerosol-generating material transport element 25 is configured to transport the aerosol-generating material from the reservoir 24 to the aerosol generator 26.
• the specific mechanism underlying how the aerosol-generating material transport element 25 functions may depend on the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir 24.
• the aerosol-generating material transport element 25 may be configured to transport aerosol-generating material via capillary action.
• the aerosol-generating material transport element 25 may comprise a porous material (e.g., ceramic) or a bundle of fibres (e.g., glass or cotton fibres) which define a plurality of pores or interstices capable of drawing liquid from the reservoir 24 to be provided to the aerosol generator 26. Any suitable aerosol-generating material transport element 25 may be utilised having regard to the specific aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir 24 and/or the type of aerosol generator 26 used.
• the heating element is electrically connected to the control circuitry 23 and battery 22, and heating of the heating element is achieved by passing an electrical current between locations on the heating element.
• the heating element may be a susceptor element which is intended to generate heat upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field (generated by a suitable magnetic field generator located in the aerosol provision device 20 and controlled by the control circuitry 23).
• the aerosol-generating material transport component 25 may be integrated with the aerosol generator 26 to form a combined aerosol generator and aerosol-generating material transport component.
• the aerosol generator 26 may comprise a porous, conductive plate or a plurality of sintered steel fibres forming a planar structure.
• the aerosol provision device 20 further comprises an airflow path formed of an air inlet 27a, a vapour generation chamber 27b, air passage 27c, and outlet 27d.
• a pressure sensor 27e (or other suitable sensor) is provided in the airflow path.
• the air inlet 27a comprises one or more openings provided in the outer housing 20a.
• the air inlet 27a is provided in fluid communication with a vapour generation chamber 27b, which is a region around the aerosol generator 26 where vapour is initially generated and aerosol initially formed.
• the vapour generation chamber 27b is shown as region extending the width of the reservoir 24, but it should be appreciated the vapour generation chamber 27b may take any suitable size or shape.
• the vapour generation chamber 27b is provided in fluid communication with the aerosol generator 26 such that it is capable of receiving generated vapour from the aerosol generator 26.
• the vapour generation chamber 27b is further provided in fluid communication with air passage 27c.
• the air passage 27c extends in the region between the reservoir 24 and the outer housing 20a, and passes either side of the reservoir 24, up to the outlet 27d provided at the base of the receptacle 21.
• the air pathway in the aerosol provision device 20 extends from the air inlet 27a to the outlet 27d at the base of the receptacle 21, via the vapour generation chamber 27b.
• the aerosol provision system when a user inhales at a mouthpiece end of the aerosol provision system (for example a mouthpiece end of the consumable 30 / proximal end 20b of the housing 20a), air is drawn into the aerosol provision device 20 via the air inlet 27a, passes through the vapour generation chamber 27b where vaporised aerosol-generating material is entrained in the air, before being passed through the air passage 27c and to the air outlet 27d.
• the aerosol is then passed through the consumable 30 to impart at least one of a flavour and an active substance (e.g., nicotine) to the aerosol before being delivered to the user.
• a flavour and an active substance e.g., nicotine
• the aerosol provision device 20 further comprises a reservoir refill mechanism 28.
• the reservoir refill mechanism 28 is arranged in fluid communication with the reservoir 24 and is configured to allow the reservoir 24 to be refilled with aerosol-generating material, for example from the refill/recharge pack 10. For example, as the aerosol generator 26 is activated, some of the aerosol-generating material in the reservoir 24 is used up.
• the reservoir refill mechanism 28 is any suitable mechanism that allows the reservoir 24 to be refilled with aerosol-generating material. Refilling the reservoir 24 with aerosol-generating material allows the aerosol provision device 20 to be used multiple times, therefore improving the longevity of the aerosol provision device 20 and reducing material waste.
• the reservoir refill mechanism 28 is configured to provide a suitable seal (depending on the nature of the aerosol-generating material) to prevent the escape of aerosol-generating material from the reservoir 24.
• the reservoir refill mechanism 28 may be valve, such as a spring-loaded ball valve, which is biased into a closed position but capable of being urged to an open position when the reservoir refill mechanism 28 is engaged with a suitable refilling mechanism (e.g., in the refill/recharge pack 10) for refilling of the reservoir 24 with aerosol-generating material.
• the reservoir refill mechanism 28 may comprise a septum capable of being pierced by a suitable needle or the like of a suitable refilling mechanism (e.g., in the refill/recharge pack 10).
• the reservoir refilling mechanism 28 is configured to allow aerosol-generating material to pass therethrough.
• the reservoir refill mechanism 28 is accessible through the receptacle 21. That is, the reservoir refill mechanism 28 is arranged such that the suitable refilling mechanism (e.g., in the refill/recharge pack 10) is capable of passing through an opening in the base of the receptacle 21 and interacting with the reservoir refill mechanism 28.
• the air outlet 27d functions as the opening in the base of the receptacle 21 that allows both the aerosol to pass through the consumable 30 (when installed in the receptacle 21) and the suitable refilling mechanism (e.g., in the refill/recharge pack 10) to engage with the reservoir refill mechanism 28 (when the consumable 30 is not installed in the receptacle 21).
• the reservoir refill mechanism 28 may be arranged at an alternate location, for example, on a side of the housing 20a.
• the aerosol provision device 20 of Figure 2 represents an example aerosol provision device 20.
• the exact arrangement of the components within the housing 20a, such as the aerosol generator 26, reservoir 24, air pathway, etc. may vary from implementation to implementation.
• FIG. 3 schematically shows the consumable 30 in more detail, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
• the housing 30a of the consumable 30 may take any suitable shape, but in the present example is a cylindrical shape.
• the consumable 30 is sized so as to be received, at least partly, within the receptacle 21 of the aerosol provision device 20, and hence in this example, the receptacle 21 is also similarly cylindrical in shape.
• the housing 30a may be formed of any suitable material, for example a plastic material.
• the housing 30a may be formed from paper or a similar material such as card. Forming the housing 30a from paper or card may reduce the manufacturing cost of the consumable 30.
• the housing 30a of Figure 3 is shown as being a tubular with openings at either ends thereof. At each end, a retaining element 31, 32 is provided.
• the retaining elements 31, 32 are positioned to extend across the openings of the tubular housing 30a. Accordingly, the retaining elements 31, 32 and the housing 30a define a volume therebetween. Within the volume is located the aerosol modifying agent 33. Accordingly, it should be understood that the retaining elements 31, 32 help to retain the aerosol modifying agent 33 within the consumable 30.
• the retaining elements 31, 32 are configured to allow air (and aerosol from the aerosol provision device 20) to pass through the retaining elements 31, 32.
• the aerosol modifying agent 33 may be any suitable aerosol modifying agent, for example any of the aerosol modifying agents listed above.
• the aerosol modifying agent 33 is configured to modify one or more properties of the aerosol that passes by or through the aerosol modifying agent 33.
• the aerosol modifying agent 33 comprises an active substance.
• the aerosol modifying agent 33 comprises nicotine.
• the aerosol modifying agent 33 comprises a flavour or flavourant.
• the aerosol modifying agent 33 comprises a tobacco flavouring.
• the consumable 30 when the consumable 30 is engaged with the aerosol provision device 20, specifically when the consumable 30 is inserted into receptacle 21, the consumable 30 is inserted such that the distal end (i.e., the end comprising retaining element 31) is inserted first into the receptacle 21. That is, when the consumable 30 is inserted into the receptacle 21, the first, distal retaining element 31 is closest to the distal end 20c of the aerosol provision system 20.
• the distal end i.e., the end comprising retaining element 31
• the aerosol provision device 20 comprises the pressure sensor 27e (or a similar sensor, such as a flow sensor) which is capable of sensing reduce pressure or air flow through the airflow path as a result of a user inhalation.
• the consumable 30 is separable from the aerosol provision device 20.
• the consumable 30 may be removed from the aerosol provision device 20 and a replacement consumable 30 attached to the device 20 in its place.
• the aerosol provision system can continue to generate aerosol via the aerosol generator 26.
• the reservoir 24 may be refilled with aerosol-generating material, via the reservoir refill mechanism 28. Therefore, it should be understood that the aerosol provision device 20 is generally regarded as reusable, and usable with multiple (e.g., sequential) consumables 30 which may be regarded as disposable.
• the aerosol-generating material is free from any active ingredients and/or flavourants. "Free from” as used herein means that the aerosol-generating material does not contain any active ingredients and/or flavourants or contains no greater than negligible or trace amount of the active ingredients and/or flavourants. More concretely, the aerosol-generating material comprises an active ingredient in an amount of no greater than 0.01 wt.% based on the weight of the aerosol-generating material (such as a liquid aerosol-generating material) and/or the aerosol-generating material comprises one or more flavourants in an amount of no greater than 0.01 wt.% based on the weight of the aerosol-generating material (such as a liquid aerosol-generating material).
• the aerosol-generating material comprises, consists of, or essentially consists of an aerosol-former material.
• the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol.
• the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
• the aerosol-generating material may comprise water.
• the aerosol-generating material selected from the group comprising, or consisting of: propylene glycol, (vegetable) glycerol, and water.
• the aerosol-generating material may comprise or consist of any one or combination of the above.
• the aerosol-generating material is a liquid aerosol-generating material.
• the aerosol-generating material is exclusively or predominantly (e.g., greater than 50% by weight) formed from propylene glycol.
• the aerosol-generating material is exclusively or predominantly (e.g., greater than 50% by weight) formed from (vegetable) glycerol.
• the aerosol-generating material is exclusively or predominantly (e.g., greater than 50% by weight) formed from water.
• the aerosol generator 26 is provided as an integral part of the aerosol provision device 20. That is, the aerosol generator 26 is integrally formed with the aerosol provision device 20. As noted above, the aerosol provision device 20 is intended to be used with multiple consumables 30 and thus the aerosol generator 26 is intended to be used multiple times over a prolonged period of use. In addition, the aerosol generator 26 may be used for a longer period than aerosol provision systems that have a disposable, integrated reservoir and heater (for example, in the form of a disposable cartomiser).
• the aerosol generator 26 integrally provided with the aerosol provision device 20 may be more prone to build-up of residue over time which may affect performance if used with an aerosol-generating material having other constituents, such as a flavour or an active substance, for example. Therefore, by using an aerosol-generating material that is free from active ingredients and / or flavourants, the aerosol generator 26 can be used for a longer period of time with relatively lower levels of residual build-up, thereby maintaining acceptable performance for longer.
• aerosol-generating material transport element 25 and aerosol generator 26 by providing an aerosol-generating material that is free from active ingredients / flavourants, there is a reduced chance of cross-contamination of aerosol-generating material in the reservoir 24, aerosol-generating material transport element 25 and aerosol generator 26.
• aerosol-generating material transport element 25 and aerosol generator 26 may mix with the second unflavoured aerosol-generating material and cause cross-contamination of the aerosol-generating material and the aerosol produced therefrom.
• the aerosol modifying agent 33 is capable of providing flavour and/or an active substance to the aerosol that is delivered to the user.
• the receptacle 21 provides a location where the consumable 30 couples or otherwise engages with the aerosol provision device 20.
• the consumable 30 is held in place in the receptacle 21 by friction-fit. That is, the diameter of the receptacle 21 may be the same size as (or slightly smaller than, e.g., 0.1 or less of a mm) the diameter of the consumable 30.
• the consumable 30 may be engaged with the receptacle 21 in other ways, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, bayonet fixing or magnetic coupling.
• the receptacle 21 represents only an example of a suitable interface for interfacing with and engaging the consumable 30.
• the consumable 30 may be engaged with the aerosol provision device 20 in any suitable way.
• Figure 4 schematically shows the refill/recharge pack 10 in more detail, along with a schematic representation of the aerosol provision device 20, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that Figure 4 is not shown to any particular scale and the various components are only schematically shown. In addition, it should be appreciated that certain features of the refill/recharge pack 10 are omitted from Figure 4 , such as the various wiring and electrical connections between certain components, for example.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 comprises a housing 10a, receptacle 11 for receiving the aerosol provision device 20, power source 12, control circuitry 13, reservoir 14, transfer mechanism 15, aerosol-generating material conduit 16a, 16b and 16c, aerosol provision device engagement mechanism 17, and electrical contacts 18a, 18b.
• the size and/or shape of the refill/recharge pack 10 is not limited to the above, and in other implementations, the size and/or shape of the refill/recharge pack 10 may be different from that specified above.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 comprises the receptacle 11 which is sized so as to receive the aerosol provision device 20.
• the receptacle 11 may define a cylindrical recess having a similar width / diameter and length as the aerosol provision device 20.
• the receptacle 11 has a longitudinal axis that is parallel with the length dimension of the refill/recharge pack 10.
• the distal end of the aerosol provision device 20 protrudes out of the receptacle 11 when the aerosol provision device 20 is fully inserted.
• the aerosol provision device 20 may be fully enclosed within the receptacle 11. In such implementations, a mechanism may be implemented to help lift the aerosol provision device 20 from the receptacle 11 for removal from the refill/recharge pack 10.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 is intended to receive the aerosol provision device 20 between uses of the aerosol provision device 20 / system, to recharge the battery 22 of the aerosol provision device 20 and to refill the reservoir 24 of the aerosol provision device 20.
• the action is similar to removing a cigarette from a cigarette packet.
• providing the refill/recharge pack 10 with similar dimensions to a cigarette pack may increase familiarity to users transitioning from cigarettes to electronic aerosol provision systems, which therefore may help ease such a transition.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 may also have a similar weight to a cigarette pack, for broadly similar reasons.
• the power source 12 in this implementation is a battery 12.
• the battery 12 may be rechargeable, for example a lithium ion battery, although other battery chemistries may also be considered.
• the battery 12 is capable of being recharged via an external source (such as via a connection to mains power through a suitable cable, not shown, or via inductive charging).
• the battery 12 may not be rechargeable.
• the outer housing 10a may comprise a door or hatch that allows for the battery 12 to be replaced with a fresh (i.e., charged) battery 12.
• the battery 12 is intended to be used to recharge the battery 22 of the aerosol provision device 20, and thus has a capacity at least equal to the capacity of the battery 22 of the aerosol provision device 20.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 further comprises a reservoir 14 configured to store aerosol-generating material.
• the reservoir 14 is configured to store a liquid aerosol-generating material, and may therefore be configured so as to reduce or prevent leakage of the aerosol-generating material out of the reservoir 14.
• the reservoir 14 may take any suitable shape, such as a cuboidal shape.
• an aerosol provision device engagement mechanism 17 for engaging with the aerosol provision device 20 is provided at the base of the receptacle 11 of the refill/recharge pack 10.
• the engagement mechanism 17 is sized so as to be received in the receptacle 21 of the aerosol provision device 20. That is, the aerosol provision device 20 is inserted into the receptacle 11, proximal end 20b first such that as the aerosol provision device 20 is lowered into the receptacle 11, the engagement mechanism 17 aligns with and engages the receptacle 21 of the aerosol provision device 20.
• the reservoir refill mechanism 28 is accessible through the base of the receptacle 21.
• the engagement mechanism 17 is configured to engage with the reservoir refill mechanism 28 so as to facilitate refilling of the reservoir 24 of the aerosol provision device 20.
• the engagement mechanism 17 comprises a protrusion 17a at an end thereof that is arranged to protrude through the outlet 27d of the aerosol provision device 20 and engage with, and actuate (e.g., move the spring-loaded ball valve of) the reservoir refill mechanism 28.
• the protrusion 17a may be suitably shaped to engage with the reservoir refill mechanism 28, and may take different forms in dependence on the specific reservoir refill mechanism 28 employed in the aerosol provision device 20. For example, if the reservoir refill mechanism 28 is a septum, the protrusion 17a may take the form of a needle.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 comprises an aerosol-generating material conduit formed of three parts; a first conduit 16a in fluid communication with the reservoir 14 and extending to an input of the transfer mechanism 15, a second conduit 16b in fluid communication with the output of the transfer mechanism 15 and extending to and in fluid communication with a third conduit 16c extending through the engagement mechanism 17 and the protrusion 17a and terminating at an opening at the end of the protrusion 17a.
• the first, second and third conduits16a, 16b, 16c are referred to herein as aerosol-generating material conduit 16.
• the aerosol-generating material conduit 16 (or conduit 16) is configured to allow aerosol-generating material from the reservoir 14 to pass along the conduit 16 and to the reservoir 24 of the aerosol provision device 20 via the reservoir refill mechanism 28.
• the conduit 16 is capable of supplying aerosol-generating material to an opening in the protrusion 17a, which when the aerosol provision device 20 is installed in the receptacle 11, supplies aerosol-generating material to the reservoir 24 to refill the reservoir 24 of the aerosol provision device 20.
• the conduit 16 is configured to transport liquid aerosol-generating material to the opening in the protrusion 17a.
• the transfer mechanism 15 is a peristaltic pump.
• a peristaltic pump typically works through rotary motion, where a rotatable component comprises a number of rollers or the like that act to compress a flexible tube as they rotate, forcing the fluid to move through the tube.
• the conduit 16 is provided either side of the transfer mechanism 15 (i.e., coupling to an inlet and an outlet of the transfer mechanism 15).
• other pumps may be used in place of the peristaltic pump.
• the transfer mechanism 15 may alternatively include other mechanisms, such as a plunger or the like in the reservoir 14 and arranged to change the volume of the reservoir 14 to force aerosol-generating material along the conduit 16. In this case, it should be appreciated that the transfer mechanism 15 is not located on the conduit 16.
• the transfer mechanism 15 may be provided at a suitable location in the refill/recharge pack 10.
• the transfer mechanism 15 may be electronically operated.
• a motor provided in the refill/recharge pack 10, under control of the control circuitry 13, may be used to drive the peristaltic pump or other transfer mechanism 15.
• the battery 12 may be used to supply power to the transfer mechanism 15 in such implementations.
• Control of the motor may be dependent on a suitable detection process for detecting that the aerosol provision device 20 is located in the receptacle 11; that is, the transfer mechanism 15 may be operable to transfer aerosol-generating material from the reservoir 14 when the aerosol provision device 20 is determined to be present in the receptacle 11.
• the transfer mechanism 15 may be mechanically and manually operated by a user; for example, by a rotatable arm coupled to the rotational axis of the peristaltic pump and provided on the outer surface of the housing 10a.
• the transfer mechanism 15 may be omitted.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 is configured to cause aerosol-generating material provided in the reservoir 14 to pass to the reservoir 24 of the aerosol provision device 20 when the aerosol provision device 20 is located in the receptacle 11. Accordingly, the reservoir 24 of the aerosol provision device 20 is capable of being refilled with aerosol-generating material by the refill/recharge pack 10.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 comprises electrical contacts 18a and 18b.
• the electrical contacts 18a, 18b are arranged in the refill/recharge pack 10 such that they are able to be brought into electrical connection with the electrical contacts 29a, 29b of the aerosol provision device 20 when the aerosol provision device 20 is located in the receptacle 11. More specifically, a first electrical contact 18a of the refill/recharge pack 10 is arranged so as to electrically connect with the first electrical contact 29a of the aerosol provision device 20, and a second electrical contact 18b is arranged so as to electrically connect with the second electrical contact 29b of the aerosol provision device 20.
• the first electrical contact 18a of the refill/recharge pack 10 is provided at a location toward the opening of the receptacle 11 such that when the aerosol provision device 20 is inserted into the receptacle 11, the first electrical contact 29a at the distal end 20c of the aerosol provision device 20 is capable of being bought into electrical connection with the first electrical contact 18a of the refill/recharge pack 10.
• the first electrical contact 18a may take any suitable form; for example, the electrical contact 18a may be an annular ring provided extending, coaxially, with the axis of the receptacle 11. In other implementations, the electrical contact 18a may comprise one or more contact pads provided at a surface of the receptacle 11.
• the radial extent of the first electrical contact 29a of the aerosol provision device 20 about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision 20 and the radial extent of the first electrical contact 18a of the refill/recharge pack 10 about the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 11 is such that the aerosol provision device 20 can be inserted at any rotational position about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 20 relative to the receptacle 11 and still provide electrical contact between the first electrical contacts 18a, 29a.
• the electrical contact 29a may extend 360° around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 20, and the electrical contact 18a may extend between 1° to 360° around the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 11.
• the second electrical contact 18b of the refill/recharge pack 10 is provided at a location on the outer surface of the engagement mechanism 17.
• the second electrical contact 29b located within the receptacle 21 of the aerosol provision device 20 is capable of being bought into electrical connection with the second electrical contact 18b of the refill/recharge pack 10 when the engagement mechanism 17 engages with the receptacle 21.
• the second electrical contact 18b may take any suitable form; for example, the electrical contact 18b may be an annular ring provided extending, coaxially, with the axis of the engagement mechanism 17. In other implementations, the electrical contact 18b may comprise one or more contact pads provided at a surface of the engagement mechanism 17.
• the radial extent of the second electrical contact 29b of the aerosol provision device 20 about the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 21 and the radial extent of the second electrical contact 18a of the refill/recharge pack 10 about the longitudinal axis of the engagement mechanism 17 is such that the aerosol provision device 20 can be inserted at any rotational position about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 20 relative to the receptacle 11 and still provide electrical contact between the second electrical contacts 18b, 29b.
• the electrical contact 29b may extend 360° around the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 21, and the electrical contact 18b may extend between 1° to 360° around the longitudinal axis of the engagement mechanism 17.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 When the aerosol provision device 20 is installed in the receptacle 11 of the refill/recharge pack 10, the refill/recharge pack 10 is configured to recharge the battery 22 of the aerosol provision device 20.
• the battery 12 of the refill/recharge pack 10 is electrically connected (potentially via recharging circuitry of the control circuitry 13) to the first electrical contact 18a and the second electrical contact 18b.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 is configured to cause recharging of the battery 22 of the aerosol provision device 20 by applying suitable power from the battery 12 of the refill/recharge pack 10.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 and/or the aerosol provision device 20 may have suitable circuitry to control and/or monitor the recharging of the battery 24 of the aerosol provision device 20, for example to help ensure the recharging is performed safely and accurately.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 is also configured to cause electrical power provided in the battery 12 of the refill/recharge pack 10 to pass to the battery 22 of the aerosol provision device 20 when the aerosol provision device 20 is located in the receptacle 11.
• the battery 22 of the aerosol provision device 20 is capable of being recharged with electrical power by the refill/recharge pack 10.
• the configuration of the refill/recharge pack 10 as shown in Figure 4 is to be understood as an example of the refill/recharge pack 10; however, in other implementations, the refill/recharge pack 10 may be configured differently.
• the position of the electrical contacts 18a, 18b may be different from what is shown in Figure 4 .
• the conduit 16, transfer mechanism 15, and engagement mechanism 17 may be different from what is shown.
• Various aspects of the refill/recharge pack 10 may also depend on the configuration of the aerosol provision device 20 (or vice versa).
• the reservoir 14 is located next to the receptacle 11 of the refill/recharge pack 10. This configuration may help achieve overall dimensions of the refill/recharge pack 10 consistent with cigarette packs, as described above. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the position of the reservoir 14 relative to the receptacle 11 may be different from that shown.
• the conduit 16 extends from the base of the reservoir 14 and is fed, in effect, in a direction towards the opening of the receptacle 11 when passing along the engagement mechanism 17.
• the conduit 16 and engagement mechanism 17 may be differently configured.
• the engagement mechanism 17 may similarly be provided extending from a side of the receptacle 11.
• the engagement mechanism 17 may be configured to move between a retracted position (in which the engagement mechanism 17 is moved out of the receptacle 11 therefore not impacting the ability to position the aerosol provision device 20 in the receptacle 11) to an extended position (in which the engagement mechanism 17 is moved into the receptacle 11 to engage with the reservoir refill mechanism 28 of the aerosol provision device 20).
• the conduit 16 may be arranged accordingly, for example, extending from a side of the reservoir 14.
• a moveable engagement mechanism 17 is not limited to the side of the receptacle 11.
• the engagement mechanism 17 as shown in Figure 4 may alternatively be configured to extend / retract.
• the aerosol provision device 20 is inserted with the distal end 20c protruding from the receptacle 11 (or otherwise arranged near the opening of the receptacle 11).
• the inlet to the reservoir 24 of the aerosol provision device 20 (comprising the reservoir refill mechanism 28) is closer to the engagement mechanism 17 than the aerosol generator 26.
• the aerosol generator 26 is closer to the top surface than the reservoir refill mechanism 28.
• any air that is located in the reservoir 24 is displaced by the aerosol-generating material from the refill/recharge pack 10 via the aerosol generator 26 / aerosol-generating material transport element 25. That is to say, the displaced air may exit the reservoir 24 by following a similar pathway that the aerosol-generating material would otherwise follow in normal operation from the reservoir 24 to the aerosol generator 26.
• This configuration means that the pressure within the reservoir 24 can be equalised and refilling can be performed uninhibited without provision of a separate air release valve or the like provided in the reservoir 24.
• the consumable 30 when installed in the receptacle 21 acts to block or obscure from sight the reservoir refill mechanism 28, thereby providing a sleeker visual appearance to the user.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 and/or aerosol provision device 20 may be configured differently.
• the reservoir 24 may be provided with an air release valve.
• the engagement mechanism 17 acts dually to function as a mechanism for refilling the reservoir 24 of the aerosol provision device 20 and as a mechanism for recharging the battery 22 of the aerosol provision device 20.
• the engagement mechanism 17 may be configured to perform only one of these functions, with the other function being implemented using different components and/or a second engagement mechanism.
• the above has described a system comprising the refill/recharge pack 10 and an aerosol provision system formed of an aerosol provision device 20 and a consumable 30.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 is configured to act to recharge and refill the aerosol provision device 20 such that the aerosol provision device 20 may be used to generate aerosol multiple times.
• the aerosol provision device 20 uses aerosol-generating material that is formed from one or more of a select number of constituents, which may help reduce residues forming on the aerosol generator 26 and thus improving the longevity of the aerosol generator 26 and aerosol provision device 20.
• the consumable 30 may act to impart flavour and/or active ingredients (or any other desired constituents) to the aerosol as it passes through the aerosol modifying agent.
• the consumable 30 is intended to be disposed and replaced relative to the aerosol provision device 20. By providing the aerosol generator 26 in the aerosol provision device 20, the consumable 30 can be kept relatively simple, low part count, and low cost.
• the system is arranged so as to replicate experiences that traditional cigarette users may experience when using cigarettes/cigarette packs, but in the context of a non-combustible aerosol provision system.
• the aerosol provision system formed of the consumable 30 and aerosol provision device 20
• the refill/recharge pack 10 is sized similarly to a cigarette pack. Providing the refill/recharge pack 10 and the aerosol provision system in this way, users that are transitioning from cigarette use to non-combustible aerosol provision system use may find the experience more familiar, and therefore may be more likely to continue use of the system.
• the consumable 30 is configured to replicate cigarette flavour / taste in the aerosol that is delivered to the user, thereby providing a familiar taste and therefore users may similarly be more likely to continue use of the system.
• the reservoir 24 of the aerosol provision device 20 may be sized so as to contain an amount of aerosol-generating material that is equivalent to between 10 to 30 discrete inhalations on the aerosol provision system.
• the battery 22 of the aerosol provision device 20 may have a capacity that is equivalent to the power requirement for the aerosol generator 26 of between 10 to 30 discrete inhalations on the aerosol provision system.
• the volume of the reservoir 24 and the capacity of the battery 22 are not limited to this, and may be different in different implementations.
• the reservoir 14 of the aerosol provision device 20 may be sized so as to contain an amount of aerosol-generating material that is equivalent to between 10 to 20 discrete refills of the reservoir24 of the aerosol provision system.
• the battery 12 of the refill/recharge pack 10 may have a capacity that is equivalent to the power requirement for the aerosol generator 26 of between 100 to 600 discrete inhalations on the aerosol provision system.
• the volume of the reservoir 14 and the capacity of the battery 12 are not limited to this, and may be different in different implementations.
• Figure 5 schematically shows a modification of the refill/recharge pack 10 of Figure 4 .
• Figure 5 will be understood from Figure 4 , and like components are provided with like reference signs. A description thereof is omitted for conscience.
• the refill/recharge pack 10 comprises a lid 10b which selectively allows access to receptacle 11 when the lid 10b is opened or removed.
• the lid 10b is a separately component to the housing 10a, that may be removed and coupled to the housing 10a.
• the lid 10b is movably mounted to the housing 10a of the refill/recharge pack 10.
• the lid 10b is arranged to rotate about an axis parallel to the width direction in a hinge-like manner.
• the lid 10b is capable of moving between a closed position in which the opening of the receptacle 11 is obscured by the lid 10b, and an open position in which the opening of the receptacle 11 is exposed and an aerosol provision device 20 is able to be inserted therein.
• Cigarette packs often comprise a lid, and thus providing lid 10b on the refill/recharge pack 10 provides increased familiarity to users transitioning to non-combustible aerosol provision systems.
• the overall length dimension of the refill/recharge pack 10 includes the extent of the lid 10b in the longitudinal direction.
• Figure 6 is a flow diagram representing an example non-therapeutic method of providing an aerosol to a user by aerosolising an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol provision device (such as aerosol provision device 20).
• an aerosol provision device such as aerosol provision device 20.
• the method starts at step S1, where aerosol-generating material, such as aerosol-generating material that is free from active ingredients / flavourants, is provided to the aerosol generator 26 of the aerosol provision device 20.
• aerosol-generating material such as aerosol-generating material that is free from active ingredients / flavourants
• the reservoir 24 of the aerosol provision device 20 is provided with the aerosol-generating material. This may be as a result of an initial filling procedure, e.g., during manufacture of the reservoir 24 or the aerosol provision device 20, or as part of a refilling procedure performed by the refill/recharge pack 10.
• Aerosol-generating material in the reservoir 24 is provided to the aerosol generator 26 by virtue of the fact the aerosol generator 26 is provided in fluid communication with the reservoir 24 (and/or the aerosol-generating material transport element 25 which may facilitate the transport of aerosol-generating material to the aerosol generator 26).
• the method proceeds to activate the aerosol generator 26.
• the pressure sensor 27e or a similar sensor, such as a flow sensor
• Control circuitry 23 may detect such a drop in pressure and subsequently supplies power to the aerosol generator 26 (from battery 22) to cause the aerosol generator 26 to activate, i.e., heat, and generate vapour.
• the aerosol provision device 20 may comprise a user input mechanism, such as a button (not shown), on the housing 20a of the aerosol provision device 20 which is able to be actuated by a user to cause activation of the aerosol generator 26.
• a user input mechanism such as a button (not shown)
• aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol generator is vaporised / aerosolised and is entrained in the airflow through the aerosol provision system which is subsequently passed to the user.
• the generated aerosol is passed through the aerosol modifying agent release component 30 and, in particular, to / through the aerosol modifying agent to modify a characteristic of the aerosol.
• the characteristic may be the amount of an active ingredient (such as nicotine) in the aerosol and/or the amount of flavour in the aerosol.
• step S2 and S3 the activation of the aerosol generator 26 is stopped (either due the user no longer inhaling on the aerosol provision system or otherwise interacting with the user input mechanism, or after a predetermined time since activation has elapsed). Thereafter, the method proceeds back to step S1 and awaits for the next activation of the aerosol generator 26.
• the reservoir 24 of the aerosol provision system is described as being refillable with aerosol-generating material.
• the reservoir 24 / aerosol provision device 20 may not be refillable.
• the reservoir 24 may be sized so as to allow for a relatively larger number of activations (inhalations) of the aerosol provision system. For example, this may be upwards of 600 discrete activations, upwards of 1200 discrete activations, or upwards of 5000 activations.
• the amount of aerosol-generating material that is used-up per activation (or inhalation) may depend on several factors, including the type of aerosol generator 26, the type of aerosol-generating material, and user inhalation characteristics, and thus the size of the reservoir 24 may be determined accordingly.
• the aerosol generator 26 is capable of more consistent performance across multiple discrete inhalations. This may even be the case if the size of the reservoir 24 is set so as to allow, for example, between 200 to 400 discrete activations, which is a number that may be associated with known aerosol provision systems.
• a aerosol provision means for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material
• the aerosol provision means includes: aerosol-generating material storage means (including reservoir 24) for storing an aerosol-generating material; and heater means (including aerosol generator 26) for heating an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol
• the aerosol provision means is configured to releasably receive an aerosol modifying agent release means (including consumable 30) comprising a housing and an aerosol modifying agent, such that generated aerosol is able to pass to the aerosol modifying agent to modify a characteristic of the aerosol, and wherein the heater means is integrally formed with the aerosol provision means.
• an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material
• the aerosol provision device includes an aerosol-generating material storage portion for storing an aerosol-generating material; and a heater element for heating an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol.
• the aerosol provision device is configured to releasably receive an aerosol modifying agent release component comprising a housing and an aerosol modifying agent, such that generated aerosol is able to pass to the aerosol modifying agent to modify a characteristic of the aerosol.
• the heater element is integrally formed with the aerosol provision device.
• an aerosol provision system, a refill and recharge device, and a non-therapeutic method of providing an aerosol to a user are also described.

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• 2024
  • 2024-03-25 EP EP24165930.9A patent/EP4623723A1/fr active Pending
• 2025
  • 2025-03-14 WO PCT/GB2025/050517 patent/WO2025202597A1/fr active Pending

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