AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol provision device.

BACKGROUND

Aerosol provision devices and systems are known. Common systems use heaters which are activated by a user to create an aerosol by an aerosol provision device from an aerosol generating material which is then inhaled by the user. The device may provide an aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the device. Users may wish to lock and unlock their device during periods of non-use and use respectively. It can be desirable for the user to control the ability of the device to provide aerosol. This may increase the overall safety of the device by improving user control over the device, in turn this may increase the user experience of the device.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed toward solving some of the above problems. Aspects of the disclosure are defined in the accompanying claims.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device, comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; an outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; at least one aerosol generating region arranged to generate an aerosol; at least one flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, the outlet and at least one aerosol generating region; a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position, wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks at least one flow channel and wherein in the second position the moveable component does not block airflow through at least one flow channel.

Such an arrangement is able to provide a user of the aerosol provision device control over the provision by the device of an aerosol. In particular, the arrangement allows a user to control their device by putting the device in an operable or inoperable state. By blocking and unblocking flow channels, the user may be able to make the device unable to provide an aerosol or able to provide an aerosol. This arrangement therefore improves the safety of the device. The user may wish to render the device inoperable when the device is being left in an area of low trust. Furthermore, by controlling the movement of the moveable component, and reducing the likelihood of accidental movement thereof, the likelihood of accidental activation of the device may accordingly be reduced.

Increasing the complexity of the movement of the moveable component is a mechanically robust method for decreasing the likelihood of accidental or unwanted activation of the aerosol provision device. Increasing the complexity of the movement of the moveable component is also not intensive from a manufacturing standpoint. As such, the present device provides a cost effective yet highly robust method of securing the device against accidental or unwanted activation. Furthermore, with predetermined positions wherein the moveable component requires additional physical effort to be moved from the predetermined position, the likelihood of accidental movement is further reduced, reducing the likelihood of accidental activation accordingly.

The arrangement is therefore able to provide a “plug-and-play” approach. In that, the user may activate the device on first usage with a first movement of the moveable component and then, with a minor physical movement, prevent activation of the device, i.e. put the device in an inoperable state. Returning to an operable state may be simple for the user, by performing a further physical movement.

The moveable component may be moved using a complex or simple but intricate movement. In either instance, the likelihood of an inappropriate user, such as an age-inappropriate user, performing the movement is significantly low such that the likelihood of use of the device by an inappropriate user is drastically reduced. In this way, the present disclosure improves the safety of the device.

The system disclosed herein is an improvement over previous systems due to the ease of use and removal of complex manipulations for altering between operable and inoperable states of a device.

In particular, users that have limited or impaired mobility, in particular in relation to hands, are able to use the full capability of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present teachings will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures:

FIGS. 1a and 1b are schematic views of an aerosol provision device according to an example.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to an example.

FIGS. 3a and 3b are schematic views of an aerosol provision device according to examples.

FIGS. 4a and 4b are schematic views of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to examples.

FIG. 5 is a series of schematic views of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to an example.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to an example.

FIG. 7 is a series of schematic views of portions of an aerosol provision device according to examples.

FIG. 8 is a pair of schematic views of an aerosol provision device according to an example.

While aspects of disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed/described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system/device and electronic aerosol provision system/device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms “aerosol” and “vapor”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolize”, may generally be used interchangeably.

FIG. 1a illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 100 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol provision device 100 has at least one inlet 110 through which air can enter the device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 has an outlet 120 through which aerosol within the device 100 can pass. The aerosol provision device 100 has at least one aerosol generating region 130 arranged to generate an aerosol. The aerosol provision device 100 has at least one flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 110, the outlet 120 and at least one aerosol generating region 130. The flow channel is illustrated by the two solid arrows A, B, showing airflow from the inlet through the aerosol generating region 130, and dashed arrow C, showing potential airflow from the aerosol generating region 130 to the outlet 120. The device 100 has a moveable component 140 arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position.

The aerosol generating region 130 comprises a heating element or the like for providing an aerosol from an aerosol generating material located, in use, in the aerosol generating region 130. The device may have one heating element per aerosol generating region, or may have one heating element in total. The device 100 may have control circuitry and a puff detector, microphone or the like for activating the heating element in the aerosol generating region 130. The device 100 may have one puff detector (or the like) per aerosol generating region, or may have one heating element in total.

The moveable component 140 is shown in a first position in FIG. 1a and a second position in FIG. 1b. In the first position, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1a, the moveable component 140 at least partially blocks at least one flow channel. In the example of FIG. 1a, the aerosol generating region 130 is not in fluid communication with the outlet 120 as the moveable component 140 at least partially blocks the flow from the aerosol generating region 130 to the outlet 120.

In the second position, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1b, the moveable component 140 does not block airflow through at least one flow channel. In the example of FIG. 1b, the aerosol generating region 130 is in fluid communication with the outlet 120 as the moveable component 140 does not block the flow from the aerosol generating region 130 to the outlet 120. In the example of FIG. 1b, the airflow enters the device 100 through the inlet 110, follows airflow line A, enters the aerosol generating region 130, passes through the region 130 following airflow line B, passes through the moveable component 140 and then exits the device via the outlet 120 having followed airflow line C.

In this way, a mechanical solution is provided for locking a device 100. The user is able to move the moveable component 140 between at least the two positions shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b. The moveable component is therefore a reliable and robust method of preventing inappropriate users from using the aerosol provision device 100 while allowing, with reduced user effort, an appropriate user to enjoy use of the device 100. As such, the present device strikes a suitable balance between safety and user experience.

The moveable component 140 may be moved by a rotational motion, as illustrated by the arrow R in FIG. 1b. The moveable component may be moved by a translational motion, as illustrated by the arrow T in FIG. 1b. More complex maneuvers may be required by the manufacturer to move the moveable component 140.

A simple motion may be more user friendly for an appropriate user. The user wishing the use, lock, and unlock the device, may prefer a simpler motion, such as rotation of a portion of the device 100 around a small number of degrees, such as between 30 and 90 degrees. In such an example, rotating a portion of the device 100 anticlockwise by 90 degrees renders the device useable (i.e. unlocks the device 100) and rotating a portion of the device 100 clockwise 90 degrees renders the device temporarily un-useable (i.e. locks the device 100). As such, a less complex motion may improve user experience of the device 100.

In contrast, a more complex motion, such as squeezing a portion of the device 100 and then rotating may be more difficult for an inappropriate user to perform, thereby increasing the safety of the mechanical lock of the device 100. This may however impact the appropriate user's user experience of the device 100. Combinations of motions such a squeeze and rotate, or translate then rotate are more difficult to replicate and are less likely to occur during, e.g., normal motion associated with the device 100 for example when being carried in luggage during travel. As such, a more complex motion also has improved resistance to accidental motion changing the device 100 from inactive (locked) to active (unlocked) states.

The device 100 herein therefore provides a simple mechanical solution for locking and unlocking a device 100 that is easy to manufacture and robust during periods of use and non-use. The device 100 is therefore cheaper to produce, reliable during use and non-use and accordingly provides an improved user experience.

In an example, the device 100 further comprises control circuitry arranged to prevent activation of the aerosol provision device 100 when either the moveable component 140 is not in a predetermined position, or the moveable component 140 is in the first position. In use, the user may be able to move the movable component 140 to a number, or series, of predetermined positions.

A “predetermined position” is used herein to refer to a position that is intended, by the manufacturer, to provide a predetermined outcome from the device 100. That outcome may be the provision of a specific aerosol from a specific region within the device 100, such as a first aerosol from a first aerosol generating region, or a second aerosol from a second aerosol generating region, or a locked effect wherein the device 100 cannot be used. In contrast, a “non-predetermined position” is used herein to refer to a position that is not intended by the manufacturer to provide a predetermined outcome from the device 100. This may be, for example, one or more positions that are between, or beyond, predetermined positions.

In an example, the device 100 may further comprise a stopper to prevent the moveable component 140 moving beyond the predetermined positions. The stopper may therefore provide further control over the positioning of the moveable component. In particular, the stopper may be a physical element that physically opposes attempts to move the moveable component beyond the range of predetermined positions. In another example, the stopper may be an electrical and/or magnetic component that electrically/magnetically opposed attempts to move the movable component beyond the range of predetermined positions.

In the example of FIG. 2, there is shown an arrangement 200 of a stopper for preventing a moveable component moving beyond predetermined positions within a device. In the example of FIG. 2, the arrangement 200 has an aerosol provision device housing 210. Within the housing 210 is an array of predetermined positions 220. The array of predetermined positions 220 has a first predetermined position 222, a second predetermined position 224, a third predetermined position 226, and a fourth predetermined position 228. The moveable component may have a projection that enters a recess located at each of the predetermined positions 220. The moveable component may have a resilient member arranged to extend into a recess at a predetermined position 220 when suitably aligned, or arranged to bias a projection (or electrical contact) into a recess when suitably aligned.

In these examples, the user is able to safely, reliably and easily move the moveable component into a predetermined position 220. The arrangement 200 has a pair of stoppers 230. The stoppers 232, 234 prevent the moveable component moving beyond the predetermined positions 220. The stoppers 232, 234 may physically (or otherwise) prevent movement of a projection or a resilient member and therefore provide feedback to the user that further movement in the same direction is not permitted. The stoppers 230 may be arranged adjacent, or reasonably proximal to, the outermost predetermined positions 222, 228 (in the example of FIG. 2). Use of a stopper, or stoppers, improves the overall safety of the aerosol provision device disclosed herein.

The stoppers 230 may be arranged to limit movement to a specific number of degrees of rotation (for example) or a certain distance of translation or insertion. In an example, the stoppers 230 may prevent movement beyond around 180 degrees of the moveable component. The stoppers 230 and the predetermined positions may demonstrate latching behavior when interacting with the moveable component to help inform the user of the allowed range of movements of the moveable component. This increases the safety and reliability of the device, by reducing the likelihood of a user moving the moveable component too far and potentially damaging the device.

In an example, the moveable component is further arranged to move to a third position, wherein the third position is a predetermined position (which may be deemed a latched position due to the interaction of projection and recesses) wherein the aerosol provision device is in an inoperable mode, i.e. a locked state. In this example, the moveable component may be moved to a third position (such as 226 from FIG. 2). In the third position, the moveable component is latched, i.e. the moveable component is secured and at least slightly prevented from moving away from this position. Such latching may occur by aligning of a resilient member or projection and a recess or the like. In this example, the resilient member/projection projects into the recess and some additional mechanical effort is required to move the moveable component out of the recess and into a further predetermined position, such as position 228.

When the moveable component is moved to the third position, the device may be inoperable, for example this may be in a sleep mode or a locked mode or an “off” mode or the like. In this position, the moveable component may block at least one flow channel. In this position, the moveable component may block some portion of all flow channels in the device, to prevent an aerosol being provided to a user. While in one of these modes (lock, sleep, etc.), the user cannot receive an aerosol from the device without changing the mode. The user may change the mode by moving the moveable component into a different predetermined position. Any predetermined position may be a latched position, i.e. a position from which additional effort is required from the user to move out of the predetermined position.

In the example of FIG. 2, there are positions between the predetermined positions indicated 220, such as position 240. In the present disclosure, the position 240 is not considered a predetermined position 220 as the moveable component will not latch into place in position 240. The positions that are not “predetermined positions” are not intended for the user to move the moveable component to and then leave the moveable component in. As such, moving the moveable component from a non-predetermined effort requires no additional effort from the user.

In an example, the aerosol provision device is configured to be in an inoperable mode when the movable component is in a non-predetermined position. In the non-predetermined positions, the moveable component will not appropriately block or not block flow channels in the device in a predetermined manner. As a result, when in a non-predetermined position, the device may either provide an aerosol that has not been predetermined by the manufacturer, or not provide an aerosol at all. This would lead to a poor user experience.

As such, the safety of the device and the resulting user experience is improved by preventing operation of the device when the moveable component is not in a predetermined position (i.e. is in a non-predetermined position). Non-predetermined therefore means non-predetermined by the manufacturer when the device is designed and provided for use.

In a specific example, in a first predetermined position, a first flow channel is partially blocked and may not allow a first aerosol to be provided to a user. In a second predetermined position, the first flow channel is not partially blocked and allows a first aerosol to be provided to a user. In a third predetermined position, a second flow channel (to, through and from a second aerosol generating region) is not partially blocked and allow a second aerosol to be provided to a user. In a non-predetermined position between the second and third predetermined positions, both flow channels may be partially open and therefore the device may provide a combined first and second aerosol to a user. If the user is not expecting such an aerosol, it may decrease the user experience of the device. As such, in non-predetermined position the device may be arranged to not be able to provide an aerosol, i.e. be in an inoperable mode. This assists against an unexpected, and potentially low quality aerosol, being provided to the user and decreasing user experience.

In an example, in the first position, the moveable component is arranged to block airflow through at least one flow channel. The moveable component may be arranged to entirely block the airflow through the flow channel by, for example, preventing airflow from the aerosol generating region 130 into the outlet 120 (as per FIG. 1a). Only a portion of the airflow channel needs to be blocked to prevent airflow through the channel. In an example, the device 100 may have a series of inlets. By moving the moveable component to block an inlet to, say, the first airflow channel, the moveable component 140 blocks a part of the air flow channel (arrow A in particular) and entirely prevents airflow through the channel (arrows A, B and C) and therefore prevents an aerosol being provided to the user from the first aerosol generating region 130 from the outlet 120. Entirely blocking the airflow channel also prevents an aerosol being provided to the user, for example, by blocking the inlet, the opening to an aerosol generating region, the outlet from the aerosol generating region and the outlet from the device.

Referring now to FIGS. 3a and 3b, there are shown cross sectional views of examples of an aerosol provision device 300 according to an example.

The aerosol provision device 300 has a further aerosol generating region 332 arranged to generate a further aerosol. The device 300 of FIG. 3a has an inlet (not shown), and outlet 320, a first aerosol generating region 330, a second aerosol generating region 332, a moveable component 340, a body portion 350 which comprises a power portion 352 and the moveable component 340. The power portion 352 may comprise a power source such as a battery or the like alongside control circuitry for controlling the activation and use of power in the device 300. The control circuitry may communicate with a microphone or other puff sensor or the like and control heating of the heating elements in the device. The arrangements discussed herein may use single or multiple puff sensors, flow sensors or the like.

In the example of FIG. 3a, there is a further flow channel arranged provide fluid communication between an inlet, the outlet and the further aerosol generating region 332. The further flow channel is shown by arrow D. The device 300 therefore can be used to provide multiple aerosols to a user. When the moveable component 340 is moved to provide a second aerosol however provision of the first aerosol is prevented while the moveable component 340 is in the predetermined position associated with provision of the second aerosol.

The process of moving the moveable component 340 alters a physical and/or electrical arrangement within the device 300. The physical arrangement may refer to the physical arrangement of air flow channels through the device 300. The electrical arrangement may also or alternatively refer to the physical arrangement of electrical contacts in the device 300.

In an example, movement of the moveable component 340 alters the flow channels within the device 400. In the first position, the moveable component 340 at least partially blocks the second flow channel. In the second position, the moveable component 340 at least partially blocks the first flow channel. The first flow channel may be a flow channel that leads from an inlet, through the first aerosol generating region 330 to an outlet 320. The second flow channel may be a flow channel that leads from an inlet, through the second aerosol generating region 332 to an outlet 320. The device 300 may have more than one inlet and/or more than one outlet.

A body portion 350 of the device 300 comprises the moveable component 340, the moveable component 340 arranged to provide relative movement between the aerosol generating portion 351 and the power portion 352.

In a predetermined position, the moveable component 340 at least partially blocks one or more flow channels between at least one inlet and at least one outlet of the device 300. The device 300 may have one or more inlets to allow air to enter the device 300. Flow channels may link the one or more inlets to one or more outlets of the device 300. By moving the moveable component 340, the user is able to block (partially or fully) one or more flow channels. In this way, the user is provided with control over the aerosol provided by the aerosol provision device 300. The user is also provided with the ability to lock the device 300, so that other users must accurately move the moveable component 340 prior to receiving an aerosol from the device 300.

In the example of FIG. 3a, the moveable component 340 is part of the aerosol generating portion 351 and may be moved in the manner of arrow R′. The moveable component 340 provides relative movement between the aerosol generating portion 351 and the power portion 352. In an example, the moveable component 340 may be part of the power portion 352. In an example, the moveable component 340 may be part of a mouthpiece of the device 300.

In an example, the device 300 has a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises at least one outlet. The mouthpiece may provide a suitable contact point for a user's mouth to receive an aerosol from the device. The mouthpiece may have one or more outlets in the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may therefore have a series of outlets from which different aerosols may be provided to a user.

The moveable component 340 may be moved to provide relative motion between any combination of the power portion 352, the aerosol generating portion 351 and a mouthpiece. In an example, the power portion 352 may be moved, e.g. rotated, while the aerosol generation portion 351 and a mouthpiece are not moved. In another example, the aerosol generation portion 351 and a mouthpiece may be moved, while the power portion 352 is not moved.

Any of these elements may be moved by the moveable component 340. Movement of a central portion of the device 300, such as the aerosol generating portion 351 has been found to be very user friendly and can be performed with one hand. The devices disclosed herein may be arranged to be easily manipulated (by simple slide, squeeze and slide, rotate, or squeeze and rotate motions) and therefore can be used by users with reduced mobility. Movement of the moveable component may be performed with a hand, or with a small tool or coin such as turning a screw or the like. By slightly increasing the difficulty of moving the moveable component 340, the likelihood of an inappropriate user using the device 300 is reduced significantly. Movement of any portion of the device 300 can therefore lead to a change in aerosol and/or locking of the device 300. This provides a great level of control over their device 300 thereby increasing user experience.

In an example, the moveable component 340 may be moved in a manner that is not rotation around a longitudinal axis of device 400, such as by a pushing motion into (or from) a predetermined position. Rotation in the direction of the arrow R′, in the example of FIG. 3a, moves the moveable component 340 to block one air flow path and open another air flow path such that one of the first aerosol generating region 330 or the second aerosol generating region 332 (or neither if locked) provides an aerosol to the outlet 320. In this way, the user is able to select which aerosol is provided to them, via a robust and reliable mechanical arrangement.

In the example of FIG. 3b, the moveable component 340 is part of the aerosol generating portion 351 and may be moved in the manner of arrow R′. The arrangement of FIG. 3b is similar to the arrangement of FIG. 3a, however the arrangement of FIG. 3a has one electrical connection to the power portion 352. Moving the moveable component 340 in the example of FIG. 3a relatively moves the electrical contact or electrical contacts connected to the first aerosol generating region 330 and the second aerosol generating region 332 to the contact or contacts of the power portion 352. Moving the moveable component 340 allows a user to align the contacts of the power portion 352 with any of:

- the electrical contacts of the first aerosol generating region 330;
- the electrical contacts of the second aerosol generating region 332; and
- not connect to either contacts of the first aerosol generating region 330 or the second aerosol generating region 332,
  
  such that one region can provide an aerosol for inhalation, or the device can be placed in a locked state where neither region provides an aerosol for inhalation.

The contacts may be slidable contacts. In this way, the contacts may be moved to slide along a face and connect with the contacts of the power portion 352 when the respective contacts are aligned. The contacts may be contact brushes, or the like, to assist sliding and electrical connection. The contacts may be moved into alignment with contacts of the power portion 352. In another example, either contact or contacts may be a conductive trace which can be contacted by contact brushes or pins or the like. In an example, the power portion 352 contacts may be recessed and the contacts of the first aerosol generating region 330 and the second aerosol generating region 332 may comprise a resilient member to bias the brushes or pins or the like into the recesses holding the contact or contacts of the power portion 352. In this way, a reliable and robust electrical connection can be provided after moving the moveable component into a predetermined position.

In an example, the moveable component 340 is arranged to provide tactile feedback when in a predetermined position. In this way, the user may be informed when the moveable component is in a predetermined position and can be expected to operate in a predetermined manner. As the movement of the moveable component 340 affects the aerosol provided by the device 300, inaccurate positioning of the moveable component 340 may result in poor aerosol delivery, whether by inaccurate blocking of flow channels or poor alignment of electrical connections or the like. As such, the user experience of the device 300 may be improved by providing some form of feedback to the user when the moveable component 340 is in a predetermined position. Such an arrangement also increases the reliability of the overall device 300. The feedback may be tactile, this may be provided by an arrangement of projections and recesses, or may be electrical, for example a sensor may provide a visual or audible indication when the moveable component 340 is in a predetermined position.

In an example, the device has a device housing for housing the components of the device. The housing may comprise indicators indicating locations of the predetermined positions. Such indicators may be graphics on the housing that may be arrow heads, which can be aligned with indicators on the moveable component. In this way, the user may be informed as to where the predetermined positions are and thereby be discouraged from moving the moveable component beyond the predetermined positions. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the device and therefore increases the lifetime of the device. Such indicators also decrease the likelihood of the device being put in a non-predetermined position and therefore being in an inoperable mode. In this way, the user experience is also improved.

In a fourth predetermined position, the moveable component 340 may unlock the power source portion 352. The power source portion 352 may comprise a battery, control circuitry, puff detectors, microphones or the like for accurately initiating heating from suitable aerosol generating regions during inhalation. Unlocking the power source portion 352 may improve ease of repair for a manufacturer or designated engineer for the device 300. In this way, the lifetime of the device 300 may be improved.

In an example, in the fourth (or further) position, the moveable component 340 unlocks the power source portion 352 to provide access to the power source portion 352 for removing a power source from and/or inserting a power source to the power source portion 352. Providing a user with access to the power source for removing and replacing a power source improves the ease with which the battery can be removed, recharged and/or replaced. This in turn increases the lifetime of the device 300 over a device 300 without access to the power source portion 352. Furthermore, during disposal of the device 300 a user may be able to access the power source portion 352 remove the elements therein (power source, electronics etc.), and recycle the elements in a suitable way, while recycling the body of the device 300 in another suitable way. As the body of such devices are often made from different materials (plastics etc.), this reduces the environmental impact of disposal of the device 300.

In use, the user is able to move the moveable component 340, remove a portion of the device 300 near the power source portion 352 (e.g. a bottom of the device 300), slide components out of the device 300 (e.g. circuit boards, PCBs, batteries, microphones, etc.) and recycle as electronics while the remaining device is recycled as plastics.

While locking the power source from the user may be safer from one perspective, user access can be offered to a user to improve the disposal of the device from an environmental perspective. This counterintuitive approach therefore leads to significant advantages.

Furthermore, by using the same moveable component 340 to lock, unlock, select aerosols, and recharge/dispose of electronics within the device 300, a robust, reliable, reduced complexity for manufacture and use, multi-purpose approach which results in extremely high user satisfaction is provided by delivering a device with multiple aerosol provision options that has an improved lifetime.

Different movements may be provided to the moveable component 340 for changing operable states of the device 300 compared to access of the battery portion to increase the difficulty for inappropriate users to access sensitive components of the device 300. For example, the user may:

- Rotate to change aerosols;
- Squeeze and rotate to lock the device; and,
- Squeeze and push (translate) the moveable component to access the power portion.
  
  Each of these are simple movements for an appropriate user, but the use of multiple movements decreases the likelihood of an inappropriate user accessing the device.

FIG. 4a shows a cross-sectional view of a device 400. The device 400 has a housing 410 that holds a first aerosol generating region 420 and a second aerosol generating region 430. Each region may have an aerosol generating material store, such as a reservoir or the like. The device 400 has a heater 440 located so that the heater 440 can heat a region. The moveable component may be connected to the reservoirs such that the moveable component can be moved and, in turn, move the reservoirs in a direction shown by arrow E. By rotating the reservoirs, the user can control which reservoir is close to the heating element 440. In this way, the heating element 440 may be arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region 420 and the second aerosol generating region 430, dependent on the movement provided by the moveable component to the reservoirs. Alternatively, the heater 440 may be centrally located and be operated to affect both regions simultaneously. In such an arrangement an air flow path through a region may be closed by the moveable component, such that aerosol generated by the heater is not provided to the user. Heated aerosol may re-condense after a period of time has elapsed—in this instance, the moveable component may move the reservoir e.g. up and down within the device 400 to be within the impact of the heater 440 or away from the heater 440 as well as altering the flow channels within the device 400. Moving the reservoirs away from the heater (via e.g. a translational motion on the moveable component), may be seen to lock the device 400 as the device 400 cannot provide an aerosol.

In a similar example, shown in FIG. 4b, the device 400 may have an aerosol generating material reservoir 405 with at least two portions 420, 430. In the example shown, a first portion 420 of the aerosol generating material reservoir 405 is in the first aerosol generating region. In the example shown, a second portion 430 of the aerosol generating material reservoir 405 is in the second aerosol generating region. The arrangement shown has the portions 420, 430 as two sides of a cylindrical aerosol generating material reservoir 405. The materials in the two portions 420, 430 of the reservoir 405 may be two different materials. The materials may be liquids or solids. In this arrangement, the device 400 may provide only one heater thereby reducing the cost of production against a device with multiple heaters. This also advantageously provides a reduction in the electronic complexity of the device 400.

In an example, the first portion 420 of the reservoir 405 may hold around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material. The first portion 420 may hold up to 0.02 ml or up to 0.03 ml of liquid aerosol generating material. The reservoirs may hold liquid up to 200 ml for multi-use or refillable, re-useable devices. The second portion 430 of the reservoir 405 may hold the same or a different volume of liquid to the first portion 420. The device 400 may be a single puff device 400 or a device 400 that is intended to be a disposable device 400, i.e. a device that is designed not to be re-fillable, rather once the reservoir or reservoirs are empty the device 400 may be disposed.

In a disposable device 400, the power source may be non-rechargeable and non-replaceable. In this instance, the access to the power source portion is advantageous as the user may dispose of the power source once the device is suitably depleted. The power source may be arranged to have sufficient power to aerosolize the amount of aerosol generating material in the device, but not more. In this way, when the aerosol generating material has been aerosolized, the device 400 is has no remaining power and can be disposed of. This may improve the user experience, by providing a device that is easy to use and requires no maintenance.

In contrast to the example of FIG. 4b, the device may have a first aerosol generating material reservoir and a second aerosol generating material reservoir. In such an example, the first aerosol generating material reservoir may be in the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating material reservoir may be in the second aerosol generating region. In this sense, the reservoirs may be separated by some distance. In this example, the first and second reservoirs may hold around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material, up to 0.02 ml of liquid aerosol generating material or up to 0.03 ml of liquid aerosol generating material. Alternatively, for a multi-use or refillable, re-useable device the reservoirs may hold far greater volumes, up to 200 ml.

In an example, the first flow channel and second flow channel may be entirely distinct from each other. In this example, the device may be more mechanically complex to construct and may require additional electronics such as puff sensors and heaters (though not necessarily), there is a reduced likelihood of a mixed aerosol being provided to a user. In this way, by isolating the flow channels from one another, there is reduced likelihood of a previous aerosol impacting the present aerosol, by for example having condensed on the channel inside the device. As such, the reliability and consistency of the aerosol provided to a user is improved.

In an example, the separated flow channels may have an aerosol provided by one heater. The heater may be centrally located and within thermal communication of the aerosol generating material reservoirs. The heater may be activated and one reservoir may have airflow through it such that one aerosol is provided to a user. In another example, the device may have a plurality of heaters, each of which may be activated by a specific predetermined position and corresponding electrical connection. A first heating element may be arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region and a second heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the second aerosol generating region. While more costly to provide more heating elements and more complex electrical circuitry, the arrangement of the heating elements and the aerosol generating regions is made simpler. In either arrangement, one or more puff sensors may be used.

In an example, the moveable component is arranged to move around a longitudinal axis of the device, as shown in FIG. 1b. Rotational movement has been found to be mechanically simple for users. In particular, rotational movement of the body portion of the device has been found to be achievable even for users with movement difficulties. The rotation of a body portion may occur while holding the device, such that a movement using only one hand can move the moveable component and change the aerosol provided to the user. In an example, the moveable component is, in use, moved by a user of the aerosol provision device. In this example, the user moves the moveable component via a mechanical motion. This is a cost-effective way of using user motion to control aerosol delivery alongside lock the device and access the battery of the device.

In another example, the moveable component is, in use, moved by electronic control circuitry of the aerosol provision device. In this way, while more costly than mechanical movement from the user, the likelihood of over movement of the moveable component—for example past a stopper—is reduced. In this example, therefore, the safety of the device is increased and accordingly the lifetime of the device.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a portion of an example of a device 500. The Figure shows a switch 510 on the device 500. The switch may be on a bottom end 505 of the device 500. The switch 510 can be moved as shown in the three cross-sectional views of FIG. 5. The switch 510′ is shown in a predetermined position wherein the left flow channel is closed and the right flow channel is open. In this position, airflow shown by arrow F can enter the right flow channel. The switch 510″ is shown in a predetermined position wherein both left and right flow channels are closed and the device is locked. The switch 510′″ is shown in a predetermined position wherein the right flow channel is closed and the left flow channel is open. In this position, airflow shown by arrow G can enter the left flow channel.

In the position of 510′, the device is in an inoperable mode as air cannot enter the device 500. In this arrangement, the device 500 can stand on the bottom end 505 of the device 500, as the switch does not project beyond the recess within which it is set in the bottom end 505. As such, this arrangement advantageously prevents the user standing the device 500 when the device 500 is operable. In this way, the user has a noticeable reminder that the device 500 is in an operable mode—by the device 500 not being able to rest on the bottom end 505, when placed on a surface.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an example of a device 600. The device 600 has a housing 610 and a cover 620. The cover 620 may be a removable cover for removably covering an outlet. This cover 620 may improve the cleanliness of the device 600 by protecting the device 600 from particle ingress via the outlet.

In an example, the removable cover 620 is arranged to support the device 600 when located on a flat surface. The removable cover 620 may therefore act as a stand or the like for the device 600. The cover 620 may have a substantially flat end surface for allowing the device 600 to be balanced on the cover 620. The cover 620 may have a series of teeth or projections or the like on which the device 600 may stand when on a flat surface. The cover 620 is therefore capable of supporting the device 600.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there are a series of covers shown covering a mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device. The cover 720 is shown covering a mouthpiece and is in a good fit to the housing 710 of the device. The cover 720′ is shown with a flat end surface 721′ and can therefore allow a user to stand the device on the surface 721′ (as described above), other arrangements are capable of proving this as noted above. The cover 720″ is shown with a housing connection 722″ for connecting to a housing 710″ of the aerosol provision device. The cover 720″ may be capable of rotating around the housing connection 722″. This rotation may be enjoyable for a user. The rotation also allows the device to be rested on the flat end 721″ of the cover 720 in a variety of arrangements. In an example, the housing connection 722″ is half way along the device and therefore the cover 720″ can free spin around the full body of the device.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there are a pair of covers shown covering a mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device. In an example, the cover 820 is a slideable cover 820 for slideable covering the outlet (or a mouthpiece). In an example, the cover 820 may be slid up and down the housing 810 to uncover 820′ and cover 820 the outlet. The cover 820 may be a sleeve or the like that can be moved by a user. The sleeve 820 may be moved by a handle 822 or lever or the like to move the sleeve 820.

In an example, the slideable cover 820, 820′ is arranged to slide between at least two positions (two positions are shown in FIG. 8), wherein in a first position the slideable cover 820 covers the outlet; and, wherein in a second position the slideable cover 820′ does not cover the outlet.

The arrangements discussed herein may use single or multiple puff sensors, flow sensors or the like. By ensuring, the flow paths (whether entirely separate or overlapping in some portion) impact the area near the puff sensor, only one puff sensor need be used. In this way, fewer electronics can be used in the manufacture of the device and the overall cost is decreased. Such a device can then be provided to users for a lower price.

As such, there has been described a device for providing an aerosol to a user that provides great control to the user. The user can easily control the state of the device, the aerosol provided and access sensitive components of the device for recycling or recharging. This is provided while maintaining high levels of security over the device, i.e. prevention of access and use by an inappropriate user. The device may be disposable or re-useable, both benefitting from access to portions of devices often denied to users. The device may have a cover for improving the cleanliness of use of the device and improving conditions of the device during storage and periods of non-use.

In a particular example, the device disclosed herein may operate with a flavor pod which is replaceable in the device—this may be referred to as a consumable. The flavor may be any of tobacco and glycol and may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamon, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof.

When combined with an aerosol generating medium, the aerosol provision device as disclosed herein may be referred to as an aerosol provision system.

Thus there has been described an aerosol provision device, for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: control circuitry for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision device; a detector arranged to detect an air output associated with a user of the aerosol provision device; wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorized user.

The aerosol provision system may be used in a tobacco industry product, for example a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

In one embodiment, the aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette also known as a vaping device.

In one embodiment the electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing and optionally a mouthpiece.

In one embodiment the aerosolizable substrate is contained in or on a substrate container. In one embodiment the substrate container is combined with or comprises the heater.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product which releases one or more compounds by heating, but not burning, a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material which may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material.

In one embodiment the heating product is a non-electronic article.

In one embodiment the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source which is capable of supplying heat energy to the aerosolizable substrate without any electronic means, such as by burning a combustion material, such as charcoal.

In one embodiment the heating product also comprises a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

In some embodiments the aerosolizable substrate material may comprise an aerosol or aerosol generating agent or a humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin or diethylene glycol.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system to generate aerosol by heating, but not burning, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may comprise for example solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a superior electronic aerosol provision system. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

CLAUSES

1. An aerosol provision device, comprising:

- at least one inlet through which air can enter the device;
- an outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass;
- at least one aerosol generating region arranged to generate an aerosol;
- at least one flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, the outlet and at least one aerosol generating region;
- a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position,
- wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks at least one flow channel and
- wherein in the second position the moveable component does not block airflow through at least one flow channel.

2. An aerosol provision device according to clause 1, further comprising control circuitry arranged to prevent activation of the aerosol provision device when either

- the moveable component is not in a predetermined position, or
- the moveable component is in the first position.

3. An aerosol provision device according to clause 1 or 2, wherein in the first position the moveable component is arranged to block airflow through at least one flow channel.

4. An aerosol provision device according to any of clauses 1 to 3, further comprising

- a further aerosol generating region arranged to generate a further aerosol;
- a further flow channel arranged provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, the outlet and the further aerosol generating region;
- wherein in a third position the moveable component is arranged to not block airflow through the further flow channel, and arranged to block airflow through at least one flow channel.

5. An aerosol provision device according to any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the moveable component is a part of at least one of:

- a mouthpiece of the aerosol provision device;
- a portion comprising the aerosol generating region of the aerosol provision device; a distal end of the aerosol provision device.

6. An aerosol provision device according to clause 5, wherein the moveable component is arranged to provide relative movement between the aerosol generating portion and the power portion.

7. An aerosol provision device according to any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the moveable component is arranged to be rotatably movable.

8. An aerosol provision device according to any of clauses 1 to 7, further comprising a power source portion wherein in a fourth position the moveable component unlocks the power source portion.

9. An aerosol provision device according to clause 8, wherein in the fourth position the moveable component unlocks the power source portion to provide access to the power source portion for removing a power source from and/or inserting a power source to the power source portion.

10. An aerosol provision device according to any of clauses 1 to 9, further comprising a removable cover for removably covering the outlet.

11. An aerosol provision device according to clause 10, wherein the removable cover is arranged to support the device when located on a flat surface.

12. An aerosol provision device according to clause 10 or 11, wherein the removable cover has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end has a flat end surface.

13. An aerosol provision device according to any of clauses 10 to 12, wherein the removable cover further comprises a housing connection for connecting to a housing of the aerosol provision device,

- wherein the removable cover is arranged to rotate around the housing connection of the removable cover.

14. An aerosol provision device according to any of clauses 11 to 19, further comprising a slideable cover for slideably covering at least the outlet.

15. An aerosol provision device according to clause 14, wherein the slideable cover is arranged to support the device when located on a flat surface.

16. An aerosol provision device according to clause 14 or 15, wherein the slideable cover is arranged to slide between at least two positions,

- wherein in a first position the slideable cover covers the outlet; and,
- wherein in a second position the slideable cover does not cover the outlet.

AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

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