MOUTH COMPONENT FOR AN AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2022/086730 filed Dec. 19, 2022, which claims priority to GB Application No. 2118804.0 filed Dec. 22, 2021, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a mouth component for an aerosol provision device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol provision device, and an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an article comprising aerosol generating material.

BACKGROUND

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds by heating, but not burning, the material. The material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a mouth component for an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the mouth component comprising: a support defining a mouth arranged to receive at least portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material; and a retention element on the support; wherein the retention element is arranged to act on the at least a portion of an article received through the mouth; and wherein the retention element comprises a sealing portion arranged to seal the support with another component of the aerosol provision device.

The support and the retention element may be integrally formed.

For example, the retention element may be overmolded with the support. The support may be any suitable component of an aerosol generating device, such as an expansion chamber wall.

The retention element may at least one of protrudes into or overlaps the mouth.

The retention element may comprise a retention arrangement arranged to at least one of deform and distend upon engagement with at least part of an article received through the opening.

The retention arrangement and the sealing portion may be a one-piece component.

The retention arrangement may comprise at least one rib.

The at least one rib may be a circumferentially extending rib. The at least one rib may be an axially extending rib.

The at least one rib may taper in a longitudinal direction. The at least one rib may taper in a circumferential direction.

The at least one rib may taper in a longitudinal direction to a point between two ends of the rib.

The at least one rib may taper in a circumferential direction to a point between two edges of the rib.

The retention arrangement may comprise a diaphragm.

The diaphragm may extend at least partially across the mouth.

The diaphragm may be segmented.

The segmented diaphragm may comprise a plurality of segments. Each segment may extend from an edge to towards the center of the aperture.

The segments may join to cover the mouth

The segments may separated from one another, such that gaps extending from an edge of the mouth to a center of the mouth are formed therebetween.

The segments may cover at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the mouth in a relaxed state, i.e. when there is no article inserted in the device.

The retention element may be resilient.

The retention element may be flexible.

The sealing portion may comprise at least one seal, wherein the at least one seal protrudes from the retention element. This allows the seal of the sealing portion to act on another component of an aerosol-generating device, so as to provide a seal between the another component and the support.

The seal may protrude radially from an outer side of the support.

The mouth may define a longitudinal axis along which at least part of an article is received in use. A seal of the at least one seal of the retention element may protrude from the support in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

A seal of the seal may extend in an annular channel on the outer side of the support.

The sealing portion may comprises multiple seals. For example, the sealing potion may comprises a seal protruding radially from an outer side of the support, and a seal protruding from the support in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The retention element may also extend from an inner side of the support in order to act on the portion of the article in use.

The seal may protrude around the periphery of the support.

The sealing portion may comprise a radial seal such as an O-ring.

The sealing portion may comprise an annular seal.

The sealing portion may comprise an O-ring extending in a longitudinal direction from the retention portion, and/or an O-ring extending in a radial direction from the retention portion.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of forming the mouth component as described in any of the above, the method comprising overmolding the retention element on the support.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol generating material comprising the mouth component.

The device may comprise a receptacle defining a heating zone. The receptacle may have a proximal end through which the at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material can be inserted into the heating zone, and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The support may be at the proximal end.

The support may be configured to support the receptacle at the proximal end.

The receptacle may comprise a heating element.

The heating element may be formed from material heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field.

The retention element may be is free from material heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field.

The support may be free from material heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field.

The retention element may define a longitudinal axis through which the article is configured to be inserted into the receptacle.

The aerosol provision device may comprise an inductor coil.

The inductor coil may encircle at least part of the heating element.

In use, the inductor coil may be configured to heat the heating element to a temperature of between about 200° C. and about 300° C. such as between about 240° C. and about 300° C., or between about 250° C. and about 280° C. When the outer cover is spaced apart from the susceptor by at least this distance, the temperature of the outer cover remains at a safe level, such as less than about 60° C., less than about 50° C., or less than about 48° C., or less than about 43° C. In use, the inductor coil may be configured to heat the heating element to a temperature of about 350° C.

The inductor coil may be substantially helical. The inductor coil may be a spiral coil. For example, the inductor coil may be formed from wire, such as Litz wire, which is wound helically around the coil support. The wire may be a solid wire.

The aerosol generating device may be a thermal heating product.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device as described in any of the above; and an article comprising aerosol generating material, wherein the article is dimensioned to be at least partially received within the mouth.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of forming the aerosol generating device of any of the above, the method comprising overmolding the retention element on the support.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a retention element for an aerosol provision device configured to generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the retention element comprising: a circumferentially extending body defining a mouth through which at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material is receivable, wherein the body comprises: a retention feature arranged to act on the a portion of an article received by the body; a seal feature arranged to act as a seal with another component.

The retention feature may extend radially inwardly from the circumferentially extending body.

The retention feature may comprise a retention arrangement arranged to at least one of deform and distend upon engagement with at least part of an article received through the circumferential body.

The retention feature may comprise at least one rib.

The at least one rib may taper in a longitudinal and/or a circumferential direction.

The at least one rib may taper in a longitudinal direction to a point between two ends of the rib.

The at least one rib may taper in a circumferential direction to a point between two edges of the rib.

The retention feature may comprise a diaphragm.

The diaphragm may be a segmented diaphragm. The segmented diaphragm may comprise a plurality of segments, each segment extending from the circumferential body to the center of any opening formed thereby.

The segments may join, or be separated from one another

The segments may separated from one another, such that gaps extending from an edge of the mouth to a center of the mouth are formed therebetween.

The retention element may be resilient.

The retention element may be flexible.

The seal feature may extend radially outwardly from the circumferential body.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising the retention element as described in any of the above.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device as described above; and an article comprising aerosol generating material, wherein the article is dimensioned to be at least partially received within the mouth.

The seal feature may comprise a protrusion protruding around the periphery of the circumferential body.

The seal feature may comprises a protrusion protruding in an axial direction from the circumferential body.

The seal feature may be a first seal feature and the retention element may comprise a second seal feature comprising a protrusion protruding in an axial direction from the circumferential body.

The retention element may include one or multiple seal features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an aerosol provision device;

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generator of the aerosol provision device of FIG. 1 including a mouth component;

FIG. 3A shows the mouth component of the aerosol generator of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B shows an exploded view of the mouth component of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C shows a top view of the mouth component of FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIG. 3D shows a side view of the mouth component of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C;

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a mouth component;

FIG. 5A shows another embodiment of a mouth component;

FIG. 5B shows the retention element of the mouth component of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C shows a cross section of a portion of an aerosol provision device including the mouth component of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A shows a cross sectional side view of an aerosol provision device including another embodiment of a mouth component;

FIG. 6B shows a top view of the aerosol provision device of FIG. 6A; and

FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional side view of an aerosol provision device including another embodiment of a mouth component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavorants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smokable material”.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an “amorphous solid”. The amorphous solid may be a “monolithic solid”. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt %, 60 wt % or 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100 wt % of amorphous solid.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

An aerosol generating device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an aerosol provision device 100 for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating medium/material. In broad outline, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 110 comprising the aerosol generating medium, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the device 100.

The device 100 comprises a body 102. A housing surrounds and houses various components of the device 100. The device 100 has a device opening 104 in one end, through which the article 110 may be inserted for heating by aerosol generator 114 (refer to FIG. 2). In use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted through the device opening 104 into the aerosol generator 114 within the device 100 where it may be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 114. The article 110 and the device 100 together form an aerosol provision system 101.

The device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 112, such as a button or switch, which operates the device 100 when pressed. For example, a user may turn on the device 100 by operating the switch 112.

The aerosol generator 114 defines a longitudinal axis 101.

The body 102 has end surfaces of the device 100. The end of the device 100 closest to the article aperture 104 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) 106 of the device 100 because, in use, it is closest to the mouth of the user. In use, a user inserts an article 110 into the aperture 104, operates the aerosol generator 114 to begin heating the aerosol generating material and draws on the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path towards the proximal end of the device 100.

The other end of the device furthest away from the aperture 104 may be known as the distal end 108 of the device 100 because, in use, it is the end furthest away from the mouth of the user. As a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end of the device 100. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 100 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

As used herein, one-piece component refers to a component of the device 100 which is not separable into two or more components following assembly of the device 100. Integrally formed relates to two or more features that are formed into a one piece component during a manufacturing stage of the component.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generator 114 of the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol generator 114 comprises a heating chamber 116 into which an article 110 may be inserted in use. In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol generator 114 includes a receptacle 120, which partially defines the heating chamber 116.

In one example, the aerosol generator 114 comprises an induction-type heating system, including a magnetic field generator. The magnetic field generator comprises an inductor coil assembly 122. The aerosol generator 114 comprises a heating element, defining the receptacle 120. The heating element is also known as a susceptor.

A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

The aerosol generator 114 is an inductive heating assembly and comprises various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 110 via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the inductive element. The varying electric current in the inductive element produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In inductive heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive heater and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.

The inductor coil assembly 122 includes an inductor coil. In embodiments, the number of inductor coils 122 differs. In embodiments, a single inductor coil or at least two inductor coils are used.

The heating element of this example is hollow and therefore defines at least part of the receptacle 120 within which aerosol generating material is received. For example, the article 110 can be inserted into the heating element. The heating element is tubular, with a circular cross section. In embodiments, an article inserted into the heating chamber may be heated internally, such as with a resistive or inductive pin or blade heater. The heating element may protrude in the receptacle 120.

The heating element is formed from an electrically conducting material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor in the present example is formed from a carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials may be used, for example a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt.

In other embodiments, the feature acting as the heating element may not be limited to being inductively heated. The feature, acting as a heating element, may therefore be heatable by electrical resistance. Microwave heating or infrared heating may also be used. The aerosol generator may therefore comprise electrical contacts for electrical connection with the apparatus for electrically activating the heating element by passing a flow of electrical energy through the heating element.

The receptacle 120 and article 110 are dimensioned so that the article 110 is received by the heating element. This helps ensure that the heating is most efficient. The article of this example comprises aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material is positioned within the receptacle 120. The article 110 may also comprise other components such as a filter, wrapping materials and/or a cooling structure. The receptacle 120 is configured to restrain the article 110 in the device.

A mouth arrangement 117 defines a passage through which the article 110 is inserted into the receptacle 120. The mouth arrangement 117 comprises a mouth component 118. The mouth component 118 defines a mouth of the receptacle. The mouth component 118 is a collar. The mouth component 118 comprises a mouth 119 arranged to receive at least part portion of the article 110. The mouth 119 acts as an expansion chamber. The article protrudes from the mouth component 118. The user's mouth is received on the article 110. The user's mouth may be spaced from the mouth arrangement 117 during use.

The mouth component 118 supports the receptacle 120 at the proximal end. The mouth component 118 acts as a receptacle support. A peripheral component 121 extends from the mouth component 118. The peripheral component 121 at least partially receives the mouth component 118. The peripheral component 121 and the mouth component 118 overlap. In embodiments, the peripheral component 121 and the mouth component 118 overlap along a circumference of the mouth component 118. The peripheral component 121 extends from the opening 104. The mouth component 118 comprises an annular member. The annular member acts as a support 124. The support 124 defines the mouth 119. The support forms a circumferential wall. The support 124 is aligned on the longitudinal axis.

The mouth component 118 includes a retention element 130. The retention element 130 is configured to act on at least a part of an article received through the device opening 104, to retain the article in the aerosol generator 114 in use. The retention element 130 provides a seal between the support 124 and the peripheral component 121. In embodiments, the retention element 130 forms a seal with another component of the device 100, such as the housing or a tubular member, to prevent ingress of fluids. The retention element 130 will be described in more detail with respect to the following Figures.

As shown in FIG. 2, the retention element 130 may be mounted to the support 124 at the end proximate the user in use. The retention element may be mounted in any suitable location, such as in or at the distal end of the support 124, on the proximal end of the heating chamber 116, or in a location between the distal and proximal ends of the support 124. The retention device 130 may be formed from any suitable material, such as rubber, a plastic, such as injection molded PEEK, or an elastomer, such as silicone.

FIG. 3A shows the mouth component 118 of FIG. 2, including the retention element 130 and the support 124. The retention element 130 may be injection molded with the support 124. As can be seen in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the retention element 130 may be embedded with the support 124, such that is integrally formed. This may be achieved, for example, with injection molding or compression molding. The retention element 130 in embodiments is separately formed from the support 124 and mounted thereto, such as with an interference fit. The support 124 may thus act as a support for the retention element. Alternatively, any suitable component of the device may act as the support. It will be understood that the retention element may retain its shape absent a support.

FIG. 3B shows an exploded view of the support 124 and the retention element 130 shown in FIG. 3A, which in combination may be referred to as the mouth component 118. The mouth component 118 comprises the support 124, the support 124 defining the mouth 119. The mouth component 118 also comprises the retention element 130 on the support 124. The retention element 130 is arranged to receive at least part of the article and act thereon in use (i.e. to retain the article). The retention element also comprises a sealing portion 134 to seal the support 124 with another component of the aerosol-generating device. The other component may be any suitable component such as a housing or the heating chamber. For example, the component shown as the peripheral component 121 of FIG. 2.

The sealing portion 134 of the retention element of the embodiment of FIG. 3B comprises a seal 135. The seal 135 comprises an annular portion. The seal 134 protrudes from an outer surface of the support 124. The seal 135 acts as an O-ring seal.

The retention element 130 comprises five legs 136 configured to retain an article in use, although any suitable number of legs may be used such as two, three, four, five, six, or more than six legs. The legs 136 act as retention elements of a retention arrangement. In embodiments, a single retention element is present, for example a single leg is used. Each leg extends longitudinally away from the sealing portion 134. Each retention element extends radially inwardly. Each leg 136 may taper in a longitudinal direction, towards a point midway between opposing ends of the leg. In embodiments each leg may taper in the longitudinal direction towards a free end of the leg. The legs 136 extending radially inwardly from the sealing portion 134 allow the retention element 130 to contact with a portion of an article in use, in order to retain it therein. The retention element 130 may be formed from a resilient material such that, when an article is inserted, they are deformed, and provide a force to hold the article in place. The material and the geometry of the retention element 130 may also enable the user to remove a portion of an article 110 from the device with greater ease, if an article 110 were to break in the device.

FIG. 3C shows a top view of the mouth component 118 of FIG. 3A, showing the cross section of the legs 136 of the retention element 130. As can be seen, the widths of the legs 136 also taper (i.e. the legs taper in the circumferential direction). However, the legs 136 may have any suitable shape. The retention element 130 may have rotational symmetry to the order of the number of legs. The seal 135 is shown protruding from the annular outer surface of the support 124. The seal 135 is easily brought into sealing contact with a peripheral component extending around the mouth component 118.

FIG. 3D shows a side view of the mouth component 118 of FIGS. 3A-C, showing the sealing portion of the retention element 130 extending from the support 124. The seal 135 comprises a convex sealing surface. The sealing surface of the seal 135 protrudes from an annular channel 137 (refer to FIG. 3B) on the outer side of the support 124.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the mouth component 118 including the mouth 119 and the retention element 130. The mouth component 118 of FIG. 4 is substantially the same as that of FIGS. 3 and so a detailed description will be omitted. The sealing portion 134 comprises an annularly extending protrusion 135a. The protrusion 135a defines the seal 135. The protrusion 135a protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of the retention element 130.

FIG. 5A shows another embodiment of the mouth component 118. FIG. 5B shows the retention element 130 of the mouth component 118 of FIG. 5A. The retention element 130 is on the support 124. The mouth component 118 of FIGS. 5A and 5B is substantially the same as that of FIGS. 3 and 4 and so a detailed description will be omitted. The retention element 130 comprises four legs, which extend radially inwards from a sealing portion 134. The number of legs may differ. The sealing portion 134 comprises the seal 135. FIG. 5C shows a cross section of a portion of a device including the mouth component of FIG. 5A. The sealing portion 134 acts to seal the support 124 to a cover or lid portion 140 of the housing. As can be seen in FIG. 5C, the retention element 130 and the support 124 are formed separately, and have an interference fit. As can also be seen in FIG. 5C, the insertion of an article 110 deforms the legs 136 of the retention element 130. The legs 136 act as retention elements of a retention arrangement. Such retention elements have a height substantially corresponding to the height of the retention element 130.

FIG. 6A shows a cross sectional side view of the aerosol provision device including another embodiment of the mouth component 118. The retention element 130 comprises a diaphragm 150. The diaphragm 150 is segmented. The segmented diaphragm includes four segments 152, although any suitable number of segments may be used, such as three, four, five, six, or more than six segments. Each segment extends from a portion of the circumference of the edge of the segmented diaphragm towards the center of an opening. The segments may be spaced from one another or may contact one another to cover the mouth. As can be seen in FIG. 5A, the segments may extend in the longitudinal direction to form a segmented “bowl”. That is, a portion of the proximal side of the diaphragm 150 is concave. In use, an article inserted through the opening will displace the segments, which will then provide a retaining force on the article. An annular sealing portion 134 extends about the segmented section. The sealing portion 134 provides a seal between the mouth component 118 and a lid or cap of the device. The retention element 130 is resilient. The retention element 130 is configured to bias the segments 152 to a closed condition. The sealing portion 134 comprises an increased thickness region to act as the seal. The increased thickness region extends annularly.

FIG. 6B shows a top view of the aerosol provision device of FIG. 6A. As previously described, in this embodiment, the segments 152 of the segmented diaphragm are separated from one another: however, they may be in contact with one another in the closed condition. The segmented diaphragm may cover 100% of the mouth when there is no article inserted. Alternatively the segmented diaphragm may cover less than 100%, such as less than 90%, less than 80%, less than 70% or less than 60%.

FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional side view of another embodiment of the mouth component 118. The retention element 130 thereof has an interference fit with the support 124. In embodiments, the retention element 130 and the support 124 may be integrally formed, in a similar manner to previously described embodiments. The sealing portion 134 of the retention element of FIG. 7 includes a plurality of seals. In FIG. 7, the sealing portion 134 includes a radially extending seal 134a, and two longitudinally extending O-ring seals 134b, 134c (wherein the mouth 119 defines a longitudinal axis along which at least part of an article is received in use, as can be seen in FIG. 1), although it will be appreciated that any number of seals extending in any direction may be used. Such an arrangement of the mouth component 118 provides a radial sealing arrangement and an axial sealing arrangement. In embodiments, one of the axial or radial sealing arrangements may be omitted. As previously discussed, the seals provide a seal between the support 124 and another component of the device, such as a housing or lid. Each of the radial sealing arrangement and axial sealing arrangement may seal against different components. The seals may provide a degree of tolerance, and/or aid in alignment of the components of the device during the manufacturing process.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention 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 of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

MOUTH COMPONENT FOR AN AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

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