Patent Application
20240130426
The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion movable relative to the first housing portion. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising a first mouthpiece element at a first end of the aerosol-generating article and a second mouthpiece element at a second end of the aerosol-generating article. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising a wrapper and a plurality of spaced apart indicia on an outer surface of the wrapper.
A number of electrically-operated aerosol-generating systems in which an aerosol-generating device having an electric heater is used to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco plug, have been proposed in the art. The aerosol-generating substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article which is inserted into a cavity in the aerosol-generating device.
Typically, aerosol-generating devices comprise a housing defining the cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article. Although the housing may have a shape that attempts to provide some ergonomic benefit to a user, typically the size and shape of the housing is driven by the need to accommodate the cavity, the electric heater, a power supply, and the control electronics. Therefore, known aerosol-generating devices often have a size and shape that may provide only a limited ergonomic benefit to a user.
It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device that may provide an improved ergonomic benefit to a user.
Aerosol-generating articles typically comprise an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco plug, and a mouthpiece downstream of the tobacco plug. The mouthpiece typically comprises a filter element. Such aerosol-generating articles may offer a user limited options for customising the user experience. Therefore, some users may try to use the aerosol-generating article in a manner not intended by the manufacturer. For example, users may attempt to use the aerosol-generating article without fully inserting the aerosol-generating article into an aerosol-generating device, so that only part of the aerosol-forming substrate is heated. However, the result is that part of the aerosol-forming substrate is not heated and is therefore wasted. Furthermore, using aerosol-generating articles in this manner may reduce consistency from one user experience to the next. Other users may remove part of the aerosol-forming substrate by cutting the aerosol-generating article before insertion into the aerosol-generating device. This results in a further problem of reduce resistance to draw, which may also adversely affect the user experience.
It would be desirable to provide aerosol-generating articles that may facilitate customisation of a user experience.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a first housing portion. The first housing portion may define a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a second housing portion. The second housing portion may extend from the first housing portion. The second housing portion may be movable relative to the first housing portion.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising a first housing portion defining a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article and a second housing portion extending from the first housing portion. The second housing portion is movable relative to the first housing portion.
Advantageously, providing a second housing portion that is movable relative to a first housing portion may provide the aerosol-generating device with at least one of a variable size and shape. Advantageously, moving the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion may allow a user to position the second housing portion in a manner that improves or optimises user comfort while holding the aerosol-generating device. Different users may prefer different positions of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion. Advantageously, the movable second housing portion may accommodate different user preferences.
The second housing portion may be rotatable about the first housing portion. Advantageously, a rotatable second housing portion may facilitate movement of the second housing portion through a range of typically preferred positions of the second housing relative to the first housing portion.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise at least one shaft portion, wherein the second housing portion is movable connected to the first housing portion by the at least one shaft portion.
The at least one shaft portion may be integrally formed with the first housing portion. The at least one shaft portion may be formed separately from the first housing portion and secured to the first housing portion. The second housing portion may comprise at least one bearing portion, wherein the at least one shaft portion is rotatably received within the at least one bearing portion. The at least one bearing portion may comprise at least one aperture within the second housing portion, wherein the at least one shaft portion is rotatably received within the at least one aperture.
The at least one shaft portion may be integrally formed with the second housing portion. The at least one shaft portion may be formed separately from the second housing portion and secured to the second housing portion. The first housing portion may comprise at least one bearing portion, wherein the at least one shaft portion is rotatably received within the at least one bearing portion. The at least one bearing portion may comprise at least one aperture within the first housing portion, wherein the at least one shaft portion is rotatably received within the at least one aperture.
The second housing portion may be movably connected to the first housing portion by a ball and socket joint. At least a part of the first housing portion may comprise a first curved surface. The first curved surface may form a ball portion of the ball and socket joint. At least a part of the second housing portion may comprise a second curved surface. The second curved surface may form a socket portion of the ball and socket joint.
Preferably, the cavity comprises a first cavity end and a second cavity end opposite the first cavity end, wherein the cavity defines a first direction extending between the first cavity end and the second cavity end.
The first housing portion may define a first opening at the first cavity end and a second opening at the second cavity end. In other words, the cavity may be a through-cavity, wherein an aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the cavity at the first cavity end or the second cavity end.
Advantageously, providing a through-cavity may facilitate removal of an aerosol-generating article from the cavity. For example, a user may push against an end of the aerosol-generating article so that the aerosol-generating article is pushed out of the cavity at an opposite end. Advantageously, removing the aerosol-generating article by pushing the aerosol-generating article through the cavity instead of pulling the aerosol-generating article out of the cavity may reduce or minimise the risk of parts of an aerosol-forming substrate remaining in the cavity.
Advantageously, providing a through cavity may facilitate use of the aerosol-generating device with aerosol-generating articles having a length that is longer than a length of the cavity. For example, during use, an aerosol-generating article may protrude from the cavity at the first cavity end, the second cavity end, or both the first cavity end and the second cavity end.
Advantageously, providing a through cavity may facilitate cleaning of the cavity. For example, a brush or other cleaning tool may be pushed entirely through the cavity, which may facilitate removal of debris and other contaminants from the cavity.
Advantageously, providing a through cavity may facilitate a simple airflow path through the aerosol-generating device during use. In particular, air may flow directly through an aerosol-generating article received within the cavity without the need for dedicated airflow inlets or airflow outlets on the aerosol-generating device.
Preferably, the cavity has a circular cross-sectional shape. Advantageously, a circular cross-sectional shape facilitates use of the aerosol-generating device with an aerosol-generating article having a circular cross-sectional shape. Advantageously, a circular cross-section shape may allow a user to insert an aerosol-generating article into the cavity with any rotational orientation.
In embodiments in which the first housing portion defines a first opening and a second opening, preferably an inner diameter of the first opening is the same as an inner diameter of the second opening.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a first closure member arranged to selectively obstruct at least part of the first opening.
The first closure member may be configured to engage an aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity. Advantageously, the first closure member may retain the aerosol-generating article within the cavity.
The first closure member may be arranged to selectively obstruct substantially all of the first opening. Advantageously, the first closure member may selectively provide a surface against which an aerosol-generating article is received when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity through the second opening. Advantageously, the first closure member may facilitate correct positioning of the aerosol-generating article within the cavity.
The first closure member may be arranged to slide with respect to the first housing portion. The first closure member may be arranged to rotate with respect to the first housing portion.
The first closure member may be movable between an open position in which the first opening is unobstructed and a closed position in which the first closure member at least partially obstructs the first opening. In embodiments in which the first closure member is arranged to selectively obstruct substantially all of the first opening, preferably the first closure member obstructs substantially all of the first opening when the first closure member is in the closed position.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a first biasing member arranged to bias the first closure member towards the closed position. The first biasing member may comprise a spring.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a first detent configured to engage the first closure member to retain the first closure member in the closed position.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a second closure member arranged to selectively obstruct at least part of the second opening.
The second closure member may be configured to engage an aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity. Advantageously, the second closure member may retain the aerosol-generating article within the cavity.
The second closure member may be arranged to selectively obstruct substantially all of the second opening. Advantageously, the second closure member may selectively provide a surface against which an aerosol-generating article is received when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity through the first opening. Advantageously, the second closure member may facilitate correct positioning of the aerosol-generating article within the cavity.
The second closure member may be arranged to slide with respect to the first housing portion. The second closure member may be arranged to rotate with respect to the first housing portion.
The second closure member may be movable between an open position in which the second opening is unobstructed and a closed position in which the second closure member at least partially obstructs the second opening. In embodiments in which the second closure member is arranged to selectively obstruct substantially all of the second opening, preferably the second closure member obstructs substantially all of the second opening when the second closure member is in the closed position.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a second biasing member arranged to bias the second closure member towards the closed position. The second biasing member may comprise a spring.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a second detent configured to engage the second closure member to retain the second closure member in the closed position.
Preferably, the second housing portion has an elongate shape and comprises a first housing end coupled to the first housing portion for movement relative to the first housing portion, and a second housing end opposite the first housing end.
The term “elongate” is used herein to refer to a shape having a length and a width perpendicular to the length, wherein the ratio of length to width is at least 1.5 to 1.
Advantageously, an elongate second housing portion may facilitate use of the second housing portion as a handle by a user. In other words, a user may hold the aerosol-generating device by the second housing portion during use of the aerosol-generating device.
The second housing portion may define a second direction extending between the first housing end and the second housing end, wherein the second housing portion is movable relative to the first housing portion into a position in which the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Advantageously, a position in which the second direction defined by the second housing portion is perpendicular to the first direction defined by the cavity may facilitate use of the second housing portion as a handle.
Preferably, the second housing portion is rotatable with respect to the first housing portion through a range of angles between the first direction and the second direction. Preferably, the range of angles includes an angle of 90 degrees between the first direction and the second direction. The second housing portion may be rotatable with respect to the first housing portion from a first position to a second position. The angle between the first direction and the second direction at the first position may be 45 degrees. The same angle between the first direction and the second direction at the second position may be 135 degrees.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise at least one indicia on at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, wherein the at least one indicia is arranged to indicate a position of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a locking mechanism configured to selectively prevent movement of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion. Advantageously, the locking mechanism may prevent unwanted movement of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion during use of the aerosol-generating device.
The locking mechanism may comprise a ratchet mechanism. Advantageously, a ratchet mechanism may facilitate movement of the second housing portion into one or more predetermined positions relative to the first housing portion.
Preferably, the aerosol-generating device comprises an electric heater, a power supply, and a controller configured to supply power from the power supply to the electric heater. Advantageously, during use, the electric heater may heat the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article received within the cavity.
Preferably, the electric heater is position within the first housing portion.
Advantageously, positioning the electric heater within the first housing portion may facilitate heating of an aerosol-generating article received within the cavity defined by the first housing portion.
Advantageously, positioning the electric heater within the first housing portion may reduce or minimise heating of the second housing portion during use of the aerosol-generating device. Advantageously, reducing or minimising heating of the second housing portion may improve user comfort when a user holds the aerosol-generating device by the second housing portion during use.
Preferably, the electric heater extends around at least a portion of the cavity so that, when an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is received within the electric heater. In arrangements in which an aerosol-generating article is received within an electric heater, the electric heater may be referred to as an “external heater”. An external heater may be particularly advantageous in embodiments in which the cavity is a through-cavity.
Preferably, at least one of the power supply and the controller is positioned within the second housing portion. Preferably, both the power supply and the controller are positioned within the second housing portion.
Advantageously, positioning the power supply and the controller within the second housing portion may reduce or minimise the transfer of heat from the electric heater to the power supply and the controller during use of the aerosol-generating device. Advantageously, reducing or minimising heating of the power supply and the controller may reduce, minimise or prevent thermal damage to the power supply and the controller.
Advantageously, positioning the power supply and the controller within the second housing portion may position the centre of mass of the aerosol-generating device within the second housing position. Advantageously, positioning the centre of mass of the aerosol-generating device within the second housing portion may facilitate user comfort when a user holds the aerosol-generating device by the second housing portion during use.
The electric heater may comprise an inductive heating element. During use, the inductive heating element inductively heats a susceptor material to heat an aerosol-generating article received within the cavity. The susceptor material may form part of the aerosol-generating device. The susceptor material may form part of the aerosol-generating article. The inductive heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil extending around at least a portion of the cavity so that, when an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is received within the inductor coil.
The electric heater may comprise a resistive heating element. During use, an electrical current is supplied to the resistive heating element to generate heat by resistive heating. The resistive heating element may comprise a foil heater. Preferably, the foil heater is wrapper around at least a portion of the cavity so that, when an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is received within the foil heater. The foil heater may be an etched foil heater. The foil heater may be a tubular foil heater.
The power supply may be a DC voltage source. Preferably, the power supply is a battery. The power supply may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium based battery. Suitable lithium batteries may include lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate and lithium-polymer batteries. The power supply may comprise another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging. The power supply may have a capacity that allows for the storage of enough energy for use of the aerosol-generating device with one or more aerosol-generating articles.
Each of the first housing portion and the second housing portion may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics that are suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, for example polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is light and non-brittle.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising at least one aerosol-forming substrate, and an aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure, in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein.
As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases volatile compounds that can form an aerosol.
The aerosol-generating article may comprise at least one mouthpiece element. The at least one mouthpiece element may be adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate. The at least one mouthpiece element may be spaced apart from the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise at least one additional element positioned between the aerosol-forming substrate and the at least one mouthpiece element. The at least one additional element may comprise an aerosol-cooling element.
The aerosol-generating article may comprise a wrapper. Preferably, the wrapper is wrapped around the aerosol-forming substrate and, where present, the at least one mouthpiece element and the at least one additional element.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first mouthpiece element. The first mouthpiece element may be positioned at a first end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a second mouthpiece element. The second mouthpiece element may be positioned at a second end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise at least one aerosol-forming substrate. The at least one aerosol-forming substrate may be positioned between the first mouthpiece element and the second mouthpiece element.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating article comprising a first mouthpiece element positioned at a first end of the aerosol-generating article and a second mouthpiece element positioned at a second end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article also comprises at least one aerosol-forming substrate positioned between the first mouthpiece element and the second mouthpiece element.
Advantageously, providing first and second mouthpiece elements at first and second ends of an aerosol-generating article may facilitate use of both ends of the aerosol-generating article as a “mouth end” that is received in a user's mouth during use.
Advantageously, providing an aerosol-generating article with two mouth ends may allow a user to insert the aerosol-generating article into an aerosol-generating device in different orientations.
Advantageously, an aerosol-generating article with two mouth ends may be particularly suited to an aerosol-generating device comprising a through-cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article. In such arrangements, the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the through-cavity with a first mouth end of the aerosol-generating article protruding from a first end of the through-cavity and a second end of the aerosol-generating article protruding from a second end of the through-cavity.
Advantageously, providing an aerosol-generating article with two mouth ends may facilitate heating a first part of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate and drawing generated aerosol through the first mouthpiece element and subsequently heating a second part of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate and drawing generated aerosol through the second mouthpiece element. In other words, providing an aerosol-generating article with two mouth ends may facilitate two user experiences with a single aerosol-generating article.
The at least one aerosol-forming substrate may be a single aerosol-forming substrate positioned between the first mouthpiece element and the second mouthpiece element.
The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first susceptor element positioned within the aerosol-forming substrate and a second susceptor element positioned within the aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, positioning first and second susceptor elements within the aerosol-forming substrate may facilitate separate inductive heating of first and second portions of the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into an aerosol-generating device so that only one of the first susceptor element and the second susceptor element is positioned within an inductor coil. Advantageously, this may facilitate heating of different portions of the aerosol-forming substrate during different user experiences.
Preferably, the aerosol-generating article defines a longitudinal direction extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first susceptor element and the second susceptor element are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.
The at least one aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, providing separate first and second aerosol-forming substrates may allow heating of the first aerosol-forming substrate during a first user experience and heating of the second aerosol-forming substrate during a second user experience.
The first aerosol-forming substrate may be positioned between the first mouthpiece element and the second aerosol-forming substrate. The first aerosol-forming substrate may abut the second aerosol-forming substrate. The first aerosol-forming substrate may be spaced apart from the second aerosol-forming substrate.
Preferably, the aerosol-generating article defines a longitudinal direction extending between the first end and the second end. The first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.
The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first susceptor element positioned within the first aerosol-forming substrate and a second susceptor element positioned within the second aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, providing a first susceptor element within the first aerosol-forming substrate and a second susceptor element in the second aerosol-forming substrate may facilitate separate inductive heating of the first and second aerosol-forming substrates. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into an aerosol-generating device so that only one of the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate is positioned within an inductor coil. Advantageously, this may facilitate heating of each of the aerosol-forming substrates during different user experiences.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise at least one aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise at least one mouthpiece element. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a wrapper. The wrapper may be wrapped around the at least one aerosol-forming substrate and the at least one mouthpiece element. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of indicia on an outer surface of the wrapper. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal direction extending between the first end and the second end. The plurality of indicia may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating article comprising at least one aerosol-forming substrate, at least one mouthpiece element, and a wrapper wrapped around the at least one aerosol-forming substrate and the at least one mouthpiece element. The aerosol-generating article also comprises a plurality of indicia on an outer surface of the wrapper. The aerosol-generating article comprises a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal direction extending between the first end and the second end. The plurality of indicia are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.
Advantageously, the plurality of spaced apart indicia may provide a user with a visual indication of how far the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into a cavity of an aerosol-generating device. For example, a user may insert the aerosol-generating article into a cavity of an aerosol-generating device until a chosen indicia is aligned with a portion of a housing of the aerosol-generating device. This may be particularly advantageous in arrangements in which the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into an aerosol-generating device in a plurality of different positions or orientations to facilitate selective heating of portions of a single aerosol-forming substrate of selective heating of separate aerosol-forming substrates.
The plurality of indicia may comprise any suitable number of indicia. For example, the plurality of indicia may comprise two, three, four, five or six indicia.
Preferably, each of the indicia circumscribes a portion of the wrapper. Advantageously, providing indicia that circumscribe a portion of the wrapper may facilitate viewing of each indicia irrespective of a rotational orientation of the aerosol-generating article.
The indicia may be substantially identical to each other.
Preferably, at least two of the indicia comprise at least one of a different size, a different shape, a different colour, and a different motif. Preferably, each of the indicia comprises at least one of a different size, a different shape, a different colour, and a different motif. Advantageously, providing the indicia with at least one of a different size, a different shape, a different colour, and a different motif may help a user to differentiate between the different indicia.
The spacing in the longitudinal direction between adjacent indicia may be between 5 millimetres and 10 millimetres.
The aerosol-generating article may also be an aerosol-generating article according to any other aspects of the present disclosure, in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein. In other words, the aerosol-generating article may comprise any combination of features from one or more other aspects of the present disclosure.
Each of the aerosol-forming substrates described herein may comprise a plug of tobacco. The tobacco plug may comprise one or more of: powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghettis, strips or sheets containing one or more of: tobacco leaf, fragments of tobacco ribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco. Optionally, the tobacco plug may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, to be released upon heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also contain capsules that, for example, include the additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively, or in addition, such capsules may be crushed prior to, during, or after heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may contain one or more botanicals.
Where the tobacco plug comprises homogenised tobacco material, the homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenised tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenised tobacco material may have an aerosol-former content of greater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis. The homogenised tobacco material may alternatively have an aerosol former content of between 5 percent and 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuting one or both of tobacco leaf lamina and tobacco leaf stems; alternatively, or in addition, sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during, for example, the treating, handling and shipping of tobacco. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise one or more intrinsic binders, that is tobacco endogenous binders, one or more extrinsic binders, that is tobacco exogenous binders, or a combination thereof to help agglomerate the particulate tobacco. Alternatively, or in addition, sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise other additives including, but not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco fibres, aerosol-formers, humectants, plasticisers, flavourants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents and combinations thereof. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material are preferably formed by a casting process of the type generally comprising casting a slurry comprising particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface, drying the cast slurry to form a sheet of homogenised tobacco material and removing the sheet of homogenised tobacco material from the support surface.
Each tobacco plug may have a length of between 10 millimetres and 18 millimetres. Each tobacco plug may have a length of between 12 millimetres and 16 millimetres.
Each tobacco plug may have a diameter of between 5 millimetres and 12 millimetres.
Each mouthpiece element described herein may comprise a filter element. Each filter element may comprise any suitable material. Suitable materials for each filter element may include at least one of acetate tow, paper, lyocell, viscose, biodegradable fibres, polylactic acid (PLA), and one or more polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Each filter element may comprise a cellulose acetate filter plug. Each mouthpiece element may have a length of between 5 millimetres and 10 millimetres.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating article according to any of the aspects of the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating system also comprises an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing defining a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article, an electric heater, a power supply, a controller configured to supply power from the power supply to the electric heater.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise any of the features described herein with reference to any other aspects of the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating device may be an aerosol-generating device according to any other aspects of the present disclosure. The housing of the aerosol-generating device may comprise the first housing portion and the second housing portion according to other aspects of the present disclosure.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article, wherein the cavity comprises a first end and a second end. The aerosol-generating device also comprises at least one first opening at the first end of the cavity and at least one second opening at the second end of the cavity. The at least one first opening and the at least one second opening are the only openings in fluid communication with the cavity.
Advantageously, providing only first and second openings in fluid communication with the cavity may define a single airflow path through the cavity between the first end and the second end. Advantageously, the single airflow path through the cavity may be the only airflow path through the aerosol-generating device. Advantageously, the single airflow path may provide the aerosol-generating device with a simple design that may reduce or minimise manufacturing complexity.
The at least one first opening may be a single first opening at the first end of the cavity. The aerosol-generating device may be arranged so that an aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the cavity through the first opening. For example, the first opening may be sized to receive an aerosol-generating article.
Preferably, the at least one first opening is positioned at an outer surface of the aerosol-generating device.
The at least one second opening may be a single second opening at the second end of the cavity. The aerosol-generating device may be arranged so that an aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the cavity through the second opening. For example, the second opening may be sized to receive an aerosol-generating article.
Preferably, the at least one second opening is positioned at an outer surface of the aerosol-generating device.
The aerosol-generating device may be arranged so that an aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the cavity through each of the first opening and the second opening. For example, each of the first opening and the second opening may be sized to receive an aerosol-generating article. The first opening may be the same size as the second opening.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise any of the features described herein with reference to any other aspects of the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating device may be an aerosol-generating device according to any other aspects of the present disclosure.
The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.
Example Ex1: An aerosol-generating device comprising:
Example Ex2: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex1, wherein the second housing portion is rotatable about the first housing portion.
Example Ex3: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the cavity comprises a first cavity end and a second cavity end opposite the first cavity end, and wherein the cavity defines a first direction extending between the first cavity end and the second cavity end.
Example Ex4: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex3, wherein the first housing portion defines a first opening at the first cavity end and a second opening at the second cavity end.
Example Ex5: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex4, wherein the cavity has a circular cross-sectional shape, and wherein an inner diameter of the first opening is the same as an inner diameter of the second opening.
Example Ex6: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex4 or Ex5, further comprising a first closure member arranged to selectively obstruct at least part of the first opening.
Example Ex7: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex6, further comprising a second closure member arranged to selectively obstruct at least part of the second opening.
Example Ex8: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex3 to Ex7, wherein the second housing portion has an elongate shape and comprises a first housing end coupled to the first housing portion for movement relative to the first housing portion, and a second housing end opposite the first housing end.
Example Ex9: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex5, wherein the second housing portion defines a second direction extending between the first housing end and the second housing end, and wherein the second housing portion is movable relative to the first housing portion into a position in which the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
Example Ex10: An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding Example, further comprising at least one indicia on at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, wherein the at least one indicia is arranged to indicate a position of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion.
Example Ex11: An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding Example, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to selectively prevent movement of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion.
Example Ex12: An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding Example, further comprising:
Example Ex13: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex12, wherein the electric heater is positioned within the first housing portion, and wherein at least one of the power supply and the controller is positioned within the second housing portion.
Example Ex14: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex13, wherein both the power supply and the controller are positioned within the second housing portion.
Example Ex15: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex12, Ex13 or Ex14, wherein the electric heater extends around at least a portion of the cavity so that, when an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity, the aerosol-generating article is received within the electric heater.
Example Ex16: An aerosol-generating system comprising:
Example Ex17: An aerosol-generating article comprising:
Example Ex18: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex17, wherein the at least one aerosol-forming substrate is a single aerosol-forming substrate positioned between the first mouthpiece element and the second mouthpiece element.
Example Ex19: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex18, further comprising:
Example Ex20: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex17, wherein the at least one aerosol-forming substrate comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate.
Example Ex21: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex20, wherein the aerosol-generating article defines a longitudinal direction extending between the first end and the second end, and wherein the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.
Example Ex22: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex20 or Ex21, further comprising:
Example Ex23: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex17 to Ex22, further comprising:
Example Ex24: An aerosol-generating article comprising:
Example Ex25: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex23 or Ex24, wherein each of the indicia circumscribes a portion of the wrapper.
Example Ex26: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex23, Ex24 or Ex25, wherein the each of the indicia comprises at least one of a different size, a different shape, a different colour, and a different motif.
Example Ex27: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex23 to Ex26, wherein a spacing in the longitudinal direction between adjacent indicia is between 5 millimetres and 10 millimetres.
Example Ex28: An aerosol-generating system comprising:
Example Ex29: An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex1 to Ex15 and an aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex17 to Ex27.
Example Ex30: An aerosol-generating device comprising:
Example Ex31: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex30, wherein the at least one first opening is a single first opening at the first end of the cavity.
Example Ex32: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex31, wherein an aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the cavity through the first opening.
Example Ex33: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex30, Ex31 or Ex32, wherein the at least one second opening is a single second opening at the second end of the cavity.
Example Ex34: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex33, wherein an aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the cavity through the second opening.
Example Ex35: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex33 or Ex34 when dependent on Example Ex31 or Ex32, wherein the first opening is the same size as the second opening.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The first housing portion 12 defines a cavity 16 for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The first housing portion 12 also defines a first opening 18 at a first end of the cavity 16 and a second opening 20 at a second end of the cavity 16. The first and second openings 18, 20 are sized so that an aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the cavity 16 through the first opening 18 or the second opening 20.
The aerosol-generating device 10 also comprises a first closure member 22 slidably mounted on the first housing portion 12 and biased towards a closed position shown in
The aerosol-generating device 10 also comprises a second closure member 24 slidably mounted on the first housing portion 12 and biased towards a closed position shown in
An electric heater 26 is positioned in the first housing portion 12 and comprises an inductor coil extending around a central portion of the cavity 16. A controller 28 and a power supply 30 comprising a battery are positioned in the second housing portion 14. The controller 28 is configured to supply power from the power supply 30 to the inductor coil to inductively heat an aerosol-generating article received within the cavity 16.
The aerosol-generating article 50 also comprises a first susceptor element 66 positioned within a first portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 60 and a second susceptor element 68 positioned within a second portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 60. The first and second susceptor elements 66, 68 are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction 70 of the aerosol-generating article 50.
A wrapper 72 is wrapped around the first and second mouthpiece elements 52, 56, the aerosol-forming substrate 60 and the first and second aerosol-cooling elements 62, 64. A plurality of indicia are provided on an outer surface of the wrapper 72, the plurality of indicia comprising a first indicia 74, a second indicia 76 and a third indicia 78 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction 70. Each indicia comprises a printed line extending around the wrapper 72. In the illustrated embodiment each indicia comprises a different printed line to assist a user with distinguishing between the different indicia. However, it will be appreciated that the indicia may be substantially identical to each other. For example, the first, second and third indicia 74, 76, 78 may comprise three identical printed lines spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction 70.
Advantageously, the first and second mouthpiece elements 52, 56, the first, second and third indicia 74, 76, 78 and the first and second susceptor elements 66, 68 facilitate the use of the aerosol-generating article 50 with the aerosol-generating device 10 in a number of different configurations.
In a first configuration shown in
In a second configuration shown in
In a third configuration shown in
The second and third configurations allow a user to use the aerosol-generating article 50 for two user experiences, each experience using only half of the aerosol-forming substrate 60. The user may use the second configuration followed by the third configuration. Alternatively, the user may use the third configuration followed by the second configuration.
The aerosol-generating article 150 differs from the aerosol-generating article 50 by the arrangement of the aerosol-forming substrate. In particular, the aerosol-generating article 150 comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate 160 comprising a first tobacco plug in which the first susceptor element 66 is positioned, and a second aerosol-forming substrate 161 comprising a second tobacco plug in which the second susceptor element 68 is positioned. The skilled person will appreciate that the separate first and second aerosol-forming substrate 160, 161 correspond to the first and second portions of the single aerosol-forming substrate 60 of the aerosol-generating article 50. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article 150 may be used with the aerosol-generating device 10 in the same way as the aerosol-generating article 50.
A wrapper 72 is wrapped around the mouthpiece element 52, the porous element 256, the aerosol-forming substrate 60 and the aerosol-cooling element 62. An indicia 74 comprising a printed line is provided on an outer surface of the wrapper 72.
In each of the configurations of the aerosol-generating system 300, a user inserts the aerosol-generating article 250 into the cavity 16 until the indicia 74 is aligned with an edge of the first housing portion 12. In this position the entire aerosol-forming substrate 60 and the susceptor element 66 are positioned within the inductor coil. Therefore, the electric heater 26 heats the entire aerosol-forming substrate 60 and the user may inhale the generated aerosol through the mouthpiece element 52.
As described with reference to
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21158266.3 | Feb 2021 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/053492 | 2/14/2022 | WO |
