AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

The present application describes an aerosol provision device. The device has a chamber configured to receive a consumable including an aerosol-generating material, a body, and a mouthpiece through which aerosol generated is drawn by a user when the mouthpiece is arranged in an open position. The device is configured so that movement of the consumable towards or into the chamber causes the mouthpiece to move relative to the body from a closed position to the open position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision devices, aerosol provision systems comprising an aerosol provision device, and methods of arranging an aerosol provision device.

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 by creating products that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such products are so-called “heat not burn” products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating, but not burning, material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

SUMMARY

A first aspect provides an aerosol provision device. The aerosol provision device is for generating an inhalable medium. The aerosol provision device comprises a chamber configured to receive a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material. The aerosol provision device comprises a body. The aerosol provision device comprises a mouthpiece through which aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material is drawn by a user of the aerosol provision device when the mouthpiece is arranged in an open position. The aerosol provision device is configured so that movement of the consumable towards or into the chamber causes the mouthpiece to move relative to the body from a closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece comprises a wall of the chamber.

In some embodiments, the body comprises at least a portion of the chamber.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is configured so that, in the closed position, the mouthpiece is retracted in the body.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is configured so that, in the open position, the mouthpiece is extended from the body.

In some embodiments, a direction of extension of the mouthpiece is the same as a direction of a majority dimension of the aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the chamber is at least partially unblocked when the mouthpiece is in the closed position.

In some embodiments, a size of the chamber is the same when the mouthpiece is in the closed position and the open position.

In some embodiments, a size of the chamber is different when the mouthpiece is in the closed position compared to when the mouthpiece is in the open position.

In some embodiments, the chamber has a first volume when the mouthpiece is in the closed position that is smaller than a second volume of the chamber when the mouthpiece is in the open position.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece is configured to occupy at least a portion of the chamber in the closed position and block access by the consumable to the chamber.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is configured so that insertion of the consumable towards or into the chamber causes the mouthpiece to move relative to the body.

In some embodiments, a position of the mouthpiece relative to the body is determined by a position of the consumable relative to the body.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece is rotatable from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece is helically rotatable from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece is translationally moveable from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece is rectilinearly moveable from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device comprises a guide configured to guide movement of the mouthpiece in a predetermined manner between the open position and the closed position. In some embodiments, the guide comprises a pivot. In some embodiments, the guide comprises a track and a runner configured to move along the track.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device comprises a detector to detect insertion of the consumable into or towards the chamber, and a controller to receive an output from the detector and cause the mouthpiece to move relative the body from the closed position to the open position on the basis of the output.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device comprises a driving mechanism configured to drive movement of the mouthpiece from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device comprises a damping mechanism configured to control at least a portion of movement of the mouthpiece from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, the chamber is configured to receive the consumable through a side of the aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the chamber is configured to receive the consumable through an end of the aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, a direction of insertion of the consumable into the chamber is the same as a direction of movement of the mouthpiece from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a direction of insertion of the consumable into the chamber is different to a direction of movement of the mouthpiece between the open and closed positions. In some embodiments, the direction of insertion of the consumable into the chamber is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the mouthpiece between the open and closed positions.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is arranged such that the consumable is visible to a user when the mouthpiece is in the open position and the consumable is located in the chamber.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is arranged such that, when the consumable is located in the chamber, the consumable is visible to the user when looking at a longitudinal end of the aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is arranged such that, when the consumable is located in the chamber, the consumable is concealed from the user when looking at a side of the aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is arranged such that, when the consumable is located in the chamber, the consumable is concealed from the user when looking at any side of the aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is arranged such that, when the consumable is located in the chamber, the consumable is visible to the user when looking at a side of the aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is arranged such that, when the consumable is located in the chamber, the consumable is concealed from the user when looking at a longitudinal end of the aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is arranged such that, when the consumable is located in the chamber, the consumable is concealed from the user when looking at opposing longitudinal ends of the aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is arranged such that, when the consumable is located in the chamber, a portion of the consumable is visible to the user, wherein the portion comprises part of an overall dimension of the consumable. In some embodiments, the overall dimension is a length of the consumable. In some embodiments, the overall dimension is a width of the consumable. In some embodiments, the overall dimension is a depth of the consumable. In some embodiments, the part is less than or equal to 50% of the overall dimension. In some embodiments, the part is less than or equal to 25% of the overall dimension. In some embodiments, the part is less than or equal to 10% of the overall dimension. In some embodiments, the part is less than or equal to 1% of the overall dimension.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is arranged such that, when the consumable is located in the chamber, the consumable is visible to the user without protruding from a surface of the aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the chamber is configured to conceal the consumable when the consumable is received in the chamber and when viewing the consumable in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the consumable.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system. The aerosol provision system comprises the aerosol provision device according to the first aspect and the consumable comprising aerosol-generating material.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of arranging an aerosol provision device. The method comprises providing a mouthpiece of the aerosol provision device in a position away from an open position, wherein aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material can be drawn through the mouthpiece by a user of the aerosol provision device. The method comprises inserting a consumable into the aerosol provision device. The method comprises causing, by the inserting, the mouthpiece to move relative to the body to the open position so that the aerosol can be drawn through the mouthpiece by the user.

In some embodiments, the method is a method of arranging the aerosol provision device according to the first aspect.

Further features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the disclosure, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision devices, such as non-combustible aerosol provision devices, and to aerosol provision systems, such as non-combustible aerosol provision systems. According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision device is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material comprised by a consumable for receipt by a chamber of the aerosol provision device (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of the aerosol-generating material to a user. In some embodiments, the aerosol provision system, such as the non-combustible aerosol provision system, comprises an aerosol provision device, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and a consumable for use with the aerosol provision device, the consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is 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.

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. The aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). 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 cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 50 wt %, 60 wt % or 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100 wt % of amorphous solid. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material consists of amorphous solid.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

In some embodiments, a substance to be delivered by the aerosol provision device may be an aerosol-generating material which may comprise an active constituent, a carrier constituent and optionally one or more other functional constituents.

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material or an area for receiving aerosol-generating material. The area for receiving aerosol-generating material may be a storage area for storing aerosol-generating material. For example, the storage area may be a reservoir. In some embodiments, the area for receiving aerosol-generating material may be separate from, or combined with, an aerosol generating area.

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.

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 energized 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 device 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.

A user may insert the consumable into the aerosol provision device before an aerosol is produced, which the user subsequently inhales. The consumable may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a chamber, such as a heating chamber, of the device which is sized to receive the consumable.

An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavor, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.

The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavorant, a colorant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials. The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, coloring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy. The aerosol generator may be provided as a permanent part of the aerosol provision device.

Apparatus is known that heats aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, typically to form an aerosol which can be inhaled, without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating material. Such apparatus is sometimes described as an “aerosol generating device”, an “aerosol provision device”, a “heat-not-burn device”, a “tobacco heating product device” or a “tobacco heating device” or similar. Similarly, there are also so-called e-cigarette devices, which typically vaporize an aerosol-generating material in the form of a liquid, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of or be provided as part of a rod, cartridge or cassette or the like which can be inserted into the apparatus.

A user of an aerosol provision device will store the aerosol provision device in a storage, such as a pocket or a bag, when aerosol is not being drawn through the aerosol provision device. The user will then remove the aerosol provision device from the storage before configuring the aerosol provision device ready for a usage session when aerosol is drawn from the device or the device is cleaned. Interaction by the user with the aerosol provision device comprises physically adjusting the aerosol provision device to a state suitable for the usage session. Aerosol provision devices and aerosol provision systems are described herein, that offer improved setup functionality and/or reduced storage demands.

The aerosol provision device100comprises a chamber110for receiving a consumable10comprising aerosol-generating material. The chamber110is formed in a cavity101of the aerosol provision device100. The consumable10is configured to occupy part of the cavity101. The consumable10is shown with a dotted boundary inFIG.1cto schematically indicate where the consumable10is positioned when the consumable10is in the chamber110. In this embodiment, the chamber110is configured so that the consumable10abuts walls of the chamber110, even though a gap between the consumable10and the walls is shown.

In some embodiments, the chamber110comprises an interface (not shown) configured to engage with the consumable10to retain the consumable10at a predetermined position in the chamber110. In this embodiment, the consumable10is insertable into the chamber110via an opening at a side of the chamber110. In other embodiments, the consumable10may be insertable into the chamber110via an opening at an end of the chamber110.

In this embodiment, the chamber110is variable in size and therefore variable in volume. In other embodiments, the chamber110may comprise a fixed size and therefore fixed volume. The chamber110, shown inFIG.1a, is provided in a collapsed state with a minimum size (minimum volume). The chamber110, shown inFIG.1c, is provided in an expanded state with a maximum size (maximum volume). Advantageously, the aerosol provision device100is more compact when the chamber110is in the collapsed state, for example when the aerosol provision device100is stored by a user of the aerosol provision device100, than when the chamber110is in the expanded state.

When the consumable10is in the chamber110, part of the consumable10is visible to a user. The part of the consumable10is visible when viewing only one side of the aerosol provision device100in a depth direction, shown as direction Z. That is, the chamber110is configured to cause the consumable10to not be visible to a user when viewing a length (longitudinal) direction and a width (transverse) direction, shown as direction Y and direction X, respectively because the consumable10is shielded from view by the aerosol provision device100. In some embodiments, the chamber110may be configured to cause the consumable10to protrude from the aerosol provision device100. Protrusion of the consumable10is seen when viewing the aerosol provision device100in the longitudinal direction Y and width direction X. In other embodiments, the chamber110may be configured to cause the consumable10to be concealed, and therefore not visible to the user, when viewing the aerosol provision device100in the depth direction Z, when the consumable10is in the chamber110. In other embodiments, the chamber110may be configured to cause the consumable10to be visible when the aerosol provision device100is viewed in a plurality of directions when the consumable10is in the chamber110. In other embodiments, the chamber110may be configured to cause the consumable10to be entirely concealed when the aerosol provision device100is viewed in any direction, and therefore completely invisible to the user, when the consumable10is in the chamber110, unless the aerosol provision device100, or part of the aerosol provision device100, is transparent or translucent.

The aerosol provision device100comprises an aerosol generator180for generating an inhalable medium, such as aerosol, from the aerosol-generating material of the consumable10when the consumable10is in the chamber110. The aerosol generator180is configured to supply heat to the aerosol-generating material of the consumable10to generate the inhalable medium.

The aerosol generator180therefore comprises an electrical resistance heater. In other embodiments, the aerosol generator180may comprise an induction heater or one or more of an electrical resistance heater and an induction heater. In yet other embodiments, pressure could be used to generate an inhalable medium from the consumable. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.1aand1b, the aerosol generator180substantially surrounds the chamber110along a length of the chamber110. In other embodiments, the aerosol generator180may extend only partially along the chamber and/or may be positioned elsewhere relative to the chamber110. For example, the aerosol generator180may be positioned within the chamber110.

The supply of power to the electrical resistance heater is provided by a power source190. In this embodiment, the power source190is a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is integral to the aerosol provision device100. In other embodiments, the power source may be replaceable, such as a replaceable battery. In other embodiments, the power source190may be a non-rechargeable battery. The power source190is configured to provide electrical power to electronic components of the aerosol provision device100.

The aerosol provision device100comprises a body120and a mouthpiece130comprising an opening131through which aerosol can be drawn through the mouthpiece130by a user of the aerosol provision device100. The body120comprises a portion of the chamber110and the mouthpiece130comprises a wall of the chamber110. As best shown when chamber110is in the expanded state inFIG.1cand the chamber110is open to the user, the chamber110has five walls: a back wall in the depth direction Z; two opposing side walls in the width direction X; and two opposing walls in the longitudinal direction Y (an upper wall formed by the mouthpiece130and a lower wall formed by the body120). The body120therefore comprises four of the five walls and the mouthpiece130comprises the other wall (the upper wall). The wall formed by the mouthpiece130is moveable in the longitudinal direction Y so as to cause a size of the chamber110to vary. That is, an opening of the chamber110is covered by the mouthpiece130when the chamber110is in the collapsed state, as shown inFIG.1a. In this embodiment, when the chamber110is in the expanded state and the consumable10is in the chamber110, as demonstrated byFIG.1c, the mouthpiece130is configured to abut the consumable10. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece130may not abut the consumable10when the chamber110is in the expanded state.

Although in this embodiment, there are five walls of the chamber110, in other embodiments, there may be fewer than five walls but no less than two, wherein the body120comprises at least one wall and the mouthpiece130comprises at least one wall. In some embodiments, the body120and/or the mouthpiece130may comprise an arcuate wall of the chamber110. The arcuate wall may be complementary in shape to a shape of an arcuate consumable10. In some embodiments, the body120may comprise a single wall of the chamber110and that single wall may be arcuate.

The mouthpiece130is a component through which aerosol, generated from the aerosol-generating material of the consumable10, can be drawn by the user of the aerosol provision device100. The user can draw the aerosol through the mouthpiece130when the mouthpiece130is arranged in an open position and the consumable10is in the chamber110, as shown inFIG.1c. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece130is arranged centrally of a longitudinal axis A of the aerosol provision device100. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece130may be offset from the longitudinal axis A.

The mouthpiece130is movable relative to the body120so that mouthpiece130is accessible for inhalation of the aerosol through the mouthpiece130by a user. The mouthpiece130is movable back-and-forth along the longitudinal axis A. The mouthpiece130is therefore a movable component of the aerosol provision device100. The mouthpiece130is also configured to occupy part of the cavity101of the aerosol provision device100(another part is occupied by the consumable10, as shown inFIG.1c). The mouthpiece130is therefore configured to move within the cavity101to open and close the cavity101. Opening the cavity101causes the chamber110to increase in size, whereas, closing the cavity101causes the chamber110to decrease in size.

The mouthpiece130is movable between a first position (as shown inFIGS.1aand1b) and a second position (as shown inFIGS.1cand1d). In the first position, a first portion of the mouthpiece130that is exposed from the aerosol provision device100is smaller than a second portion of the mouthpiece130in the second position. The first position is a retracted position because the mouthpiece130is retracted in the body120. The retracted position can be considered a closed position of the mouthpiece130. The second position is an extended position because the mouthpiece130is extended from the body120. The extended position can be considered an open position of the mouthpiece. In the first position, the chamber110has a size that is smaller than when in the second position.

The mouthpiece130is configured to allow the chamber110to extend in the longitudinal direction Y to a longitudinal extent the aerosol generator180as shown inFIG.1c. In the second position, the chamber110is an aerosol generation zone. In some embodiments, the chamber110is configured to extend in the longitudinal direction Y beyond a longitudinal extent of the aerosol generator180, as shown in the embodiment ofFIGS.2aand2b.

When the consumable10is in the chamber110and the mouthpiece130is in the second position, aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material can be drawn from the consumable10. A user is therefore able to draw on the mouthpiece130to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision device100when the mouthpiece130is in the second, open position. In the first position, the chamber110is closed to a user because the cavity101is at least partially covered by the mouthpiece130. That is, the mouthpiece130is configured such that, in the first position, the mouthpiece130at least partially covers an opening into the chamber110through which the consumable10is insertable. In the first position, a user is therefore unable to draw on the mouthpiece130in the first position. The mouthpiece130may be of any suitable shape to at least partially cover the cavity101when the mouthpiece130is in the first position. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece130may entirely cover the cavity101when the mouthpiece130is in the first position.

When the consumable10is removed from the aerosol provision device100, the mouthpiece130is configured to move from the second position to the first position to at least partially cover the cavity101. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece130is unbiased and is configured to be moveable to the first position. During storage of the aerosol provision device100, the mouthpiece130, being in the first position, helps to reduce an overall size of the aerosol provision device100. When in the first position, the mouthpiece130reduces a risk of contamination in the cavity101and protects a user from residual heat in the chamber110that is produced by the aerosol generator180.

The aerosol provision device100comprises a guide140. The guide140is configured to guide movement of the mouthpiece130in a predetermined manner between the first, closed position and the second, open position of the mouthpiece130. The guide140is optional, such that, in some embodiments, the mouthpiece130may move freely between the first and second positions without guiding movement of the mouthpiece130. This may allow the mouthpiece130to move in a random manner between the first and second positions.

In this embodiment, the guide140enables the mouthpiece130to slide relative to the body120between the first, closed position and the second, open position of the mouthpiece. That is, the mouthpiece130is translationally movable the closed position to the open position. In this embodiment, the translational movement is rectilinear. In this embodiment, the guide140provides for guided movement of the mouthpiece130using frictional surface contact between two substantially flat surfaces. The guide140comprises one substantially flat surface and the mouthpiece130comprises another substantially flat surface. In this embodiment, an outer surface of the mouthpiece130comprises the another substantially flat surface. In some embodiments, the guide140and mouthpiece130may comprise non-flat surfaces that still provide the frictional surface contact to allow the guide140to guide movement of the mouthpiece130in a predetermined manner between the first, closed position and the second, open position of the mouthpiece130.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device100comprises a biasing member configured to bias the mouthpiece130to the first position. The biasing member resists movement of the mouthpiece130to the second position. In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device100comprises a damper configured to dampen movement of the mouthpiece130to the first position. The damper may be active only when the mouthpiece130is moving to the second position. An example of a biasing member and an example of a damper is shown inFIG.3band discussed below. Advantageously, the biasing member and damper provide controlled movement of the mouthpiece130.

A user configures the aerosol provision device100for use by inserting the consumable10into the chamber110provided in a side122of the body120. In this embodiment, a direction of insertion of the consumable10into the chamber110is perpendicular to a direction of movement of the mouthpiece130between the open and closed positions. In the first position, the mouthpiece130blocks access to the chamber110. The mouthpiece130must therefore be moved out of the way to unblock the cavity101and provide access to the chamber110. When doing so, the consumable10abuts the mouthpiece130which causes the mouthpiece130to move relative to the body120from the first, closed position and to the second, open position. That is, the movement of the consumable10into the chamber110results in the mouthpiece130moving away from the body120. Further, a position of the mouthpiece130relative to the body120is determined by a position of the consumable10relative to the body120. In this embodiment, the guide140is configured to resist movement of the mouthpiece130to control the movement and avoid inadvertent movement of the mouthpiece130. The resistance is set so as to be operated by the user without excessive force. In other embodiments, the movement may only be automatic to avoid the need for manual operation.

The aerosol provision device100comprises a detector150to detect insertion of the consumable10into the chamber110. The aerosol provision device100also comprises a controller160and a driving mechanism in the form of a motor170. The controller160is configured to receive an output from the detector150and cause the motor170to drive movement of the mouthpiece130relative to the body120from the first, closed position to the second, open position. The movement of the mouthpiece130is therefore on the basis of the output from the detector150. The detector150, the controller160, the motor170, and the aerosol generator180are each powered by the power source190. Withdrawal of the consumable10from the chamber110, which leads to an absence of the consumable from the aerosol provision device100, is also detectable by the detector150. Therefore, removing the consumable10from the chamber110is also configured to cause movement of the mouthpiece130in reverse. That is, the controller160is configured to receive an output from the detector150to detect an absence of the consumable10in chamber110and cause the motor170to drive movement of the mouthpiece130relative to the body120from the second, open position to the first, closed position. In this embodiment, a user can operate a switch151to turn the detector150on or off. The switch151is manually operable and is configured to send an electronic signal to the controller160to allow the detector150to be enabled or disabled. In this embodiment, the switch151is a push switch. In other embodiments, the switch151is a sliding switch. In some embodiments, the switch151does not require movement to be imparted by the user on the switch151to operate the switch151. For example, the switch151may comprise capacitive sensing to sense a presence of the user. When the detector150is turned off, the mouthpiece130moves by manual insertion of the consumable10. When the detector150is turned on, the mouthpiece130moves automatically when insertion of the consumable10is detected.

In some embodiments, the controller160may be configured to activate the aerosol generator180once the detector150has detected the presence of the consumable10in the chamber110. In some embodiments, activation of the aerosol generator180by the controller160is immediate. In other embodiments, activation of the aerosol generator180by the controller160is delayed by a predetermined time.

In this embodiment, a mouthpiece230is completely retractable in a cavity201of the aerosol provision device200, as shown inFIG.2a. A mouthpiece230that is completely retractable is advantageous because the aerosol provision device200is more compact when the mouthpiece230is arranged in the first position. Further, when the mouthpiece230is arranged in the first position, the mouthpiece230is concealed by a body220when viewing the aerosol provision device200in the depth direction Z.

The mouthpiece230, in this embodiment, is manually movable between the first position, shown inFIG.2a, and the second position, shown inFIG.2b. Although motorized operation by a motor, as discussed in relation to aerosol position device100, is not shown, this could be provided in the aerosol position device200. Such manual configuration may help to decrease the complexity of the aerosol position device200because the mouthpiece230can move directly by user force on the mouthpiece230.

The movement of the mouthpiece230in the aerosol position device200is guided by a guide240. The guide240of this embodiment enables the mouthpiece230to slide relative to the body220between the first, closed position and the second, open position, as discussed with aerosol provision device100. However, the guide240of this embodiment is different to that of the aerosol provision device100in that the guide240comprises a track242and a runner244. The runner244is configured to move along the track242. The track242and the runner244provide guided movement beyond what is provided by frictional surface contact between two substantially flat surfaces, as described in relation to aerosol provision device100. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece230comprises the runner244and the body220comprises the track242. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece230may comprise the track242and the body220may comprise the runner244.

As shown inFIGS.2aand2b, the track242comprises a series of undulations and the runner244is a ball that moves along the undulations. The ball is an example of a detent that is biased towards the runner244, by a biasing member (not shown but similar to other biasing members described herein), to latch the mouthpiece230in a predetermined position. In other embodiments, the runner244may comprise a flexible member that is biased towards the track242. In such an embodiment, the guide240may comprise a snap fit mechanism, wherein the snap-fit mechanism comprises the flexible member and the track242.

In this embodiment, the track242comprises seven protrusions241and six grooves243therebetween. Each groove243is a discrete interval to hold a position of the mouthpiece230relative to the body220. When the runner244is a flexible member and the guide is a snap-fit mechanism, the flexible member may be configured to snap in and out of the grooves due to the bias of the flexible member towards the track242.

In this embodiment, when the mouthpiece230is in the first position, as shown inFIG.2a, the runner244is in one extreme end of the six grooves243. In the second position of the mouthpiece230, as shown inFIG.2b, the runner244is in another extreme end of the six grooves243. Each groove243between the extreme ends of the grooves243corresponds to a different one of a number of predetermined positions of the mouthpiece230. The number of predetermined positions in this embodiment is four. In other embodiments, the number of predetermined positions may be greater or fewer than four.

A user inserts a consumable10through an opening226at an end224of the body220and into a chamber210. As the consumable10is further inserted, the user imparts a force on the mouthpiece230by the consumable10to move the mouthpiece230along the longitudinal axis A of the aerosol provision device200from the first position shown inFIG.2ato the second position shown inFIG.2b. Any resistance provided by the guide240would need to be overcome to move the mouthpiece230. In this embodiment, a direction of insertion of the consumable10into the chamber210is the same as a direction of movement of the mouthpiece230from the closed position to the open position.

In this embodiment, the movement of the mouthpiece230comprises a discrete number of steps because of the discrete intervals provided by the track244. Nevertheless, it is the movement of the consumable10towards and into the chamber210that causes the mouthpiece230to move relative to the body220from the retracted (closed) position to the extended (open) position. In the extended position, the user can draw aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material of the consumable10through an opening231of the mouthpiece230.

In this embodiment, a direction of extension of the mouthpiece230corresponds to a direction of a majority dimension of the aerosol provision device200. In this embodiment, the majority dimension is a length of the aerosol provision device200as shown in direction Y.

Once the consumable10is fully inserted into the chamber210, as shown inFIG.2b, the consumable is concealed by the body220when viewing the aerosol provision device200in a depth direction Z. The consumable10is concealed by a longitudinal end224of the body220. Although the mouthpiece230is extended from the body220in the second position, to increase an overall size of the aerosol provision device200, the consumable10itself does not further impact the overall size. Although the consumable10is concealed in the depth direction, when the consumable10is fully inserted into the chamber210, the consumable10is still visible to the user when looking at the longitudinal end224of the aerosol provision device200. In other embodiments, the longitudinal end224of the aerosol provision device200may be covered by a cover (not shown) to entirely conceal the consumable10in the chamber210.

In this embodiment, the chamber210is also variable in size. However, in the first position of the mouthpiece230, shown inFIG.2a, the chamber210occupies approximately half of the length of the aerosol generator280in a longitudinal direction Y of the aerosol provision device200. This may allow for improved cooling of the chamber210when a consumable10has been heated by the aerosol generator280because a portion of the cavity201that would be for occupancy by the consumable10is open to atmosphere.

FIGS.3aand3bshow an aerosol provision device300. The aerosol provision device300is a variation of the aerosol provision device100described with reference toFIGS.1a,1b, and1c. Similar components in the aerosol provision device300have the same reference numbers as those ofFIGS.1a,1b, and1cbut the reference numbers are increased by 200. Such common features are not discussed again. The discussion below is limited to the differences between the aerosol provision devices100,300.

One difference between the aerosol provision device100, as previously described in relation toFIGS.1a,1b, and1c, and the aerosol provision device300according to this embodiment, and shown inFIGS.3aand3b, is that a chamber310of the aerosol provision device300comprises a fixed size (and therefore a fixed volume). That is, in the first position of a mouthpiece330, shown inFIG.3a, the chamber310occupies the same amount of space in a cavity301as the chamber310occupies the space of the cavity301when the mouthpiece330is in the second position, shown inFIG.3b. When the mouthpiece330is in the retracted position, the chamber310is also exposed to atmosphere because the chamber310is open to one side322of a body320of the aerosol provision device300. This may allow for improved cooling of the chamber310when a consumable10has been heated by an aerosol generator380because a portion of the cavity301that is for occupancy by the consumable10is open to the external environment when the consumable10is removed.

The aerosol provision device300comprises a damping mechanism335configured to control movement of the mouthpiece330from the closed position of the mouthpiece330, as shown inFIG.3a, to the open position of the mouthpiece330, as shown inFIG.3b. The damping mechanism335comprises a biasing member333and a damper337. In some embodiments, the damping mechanism335may comprise only one of the biasing member333or damper337. The biasing member333is configured to bias the mouthpiece330to the first position and the damper is configured to control a speed at which the mouthpiece330moves, to dampen movement of the mouthpiece330to the first position. The biasing member333resists movement of the mouthpiece330to the second position. Advantageously, the biasing member333and damper337provide controlled movement of the mouthpiece330along a guide340.

In this embodiment, the mouthpiece350moves by operation of a motor370. The motor370is driven by a controller360following an output from a detector350detecting presence of the consumable10in the chamber310. The aerosol provision device300does not comprise a switch to engage and disengage operation of the motor370by enabling or disabling the detector350, as described in relation to aerosol provision device100. This is because operation of the motor370is automatic when the detector350has detected the presence of the consumable10in the aerosol provision device300.

In this embodiment, the mouthpiece330is helically rotatable about a longitudinal axis A of the aerosol provision device300. That is, the mouthpiece350moves helically along the guide340so that the mouthpiece330retracts and extends from the body320in the longitudinal direction Y. Put another way, the mouthpiece350is configured to move along a helical path, as shown by a helical arrow H inFIG.3b, when the mouthpiece350moves between the closed position and the open position. In this embodiment the mouthpiece350and the guide340comprise respective threaded portions (not shown) that engage with each other to determine the helical path. Although in this embodiment, movement of the mouthpiece330along the helical path is continuous, in other embodiments, the movement of the mouthpiece330along the helical path may be discrete.

FIGS.4aand4bshow an aerosol provision device400. The aerosol provision device400is a variation of the aerosol provision device100described with reference toFIGS.1a,1b, and1c. Similar components in the aerosol provision device400have the same reference numbers as those ofFIGS.1a,1b, and1cbut the reference numbers are increased by 300. Such common features are not discussed again and the discussed below is limited to the differences between the aerosol provision devices100,400.

One difference between the aerosol provision device100, as previously described in relation toFIGS.1a,1b, and1c, and the aerosol provision device400according to this embodiment, and shown inFIGS.4aand4b, is that a chamber410of the aerosol provision device400comprises a fixed size (and therefore a fixed volume) as discussed in relation to aerosol provision device300. This means that the chamber410comprises the same volume when a mouthpiece430is in the first and second positions, as shown inFIGS.4aand4b, respectively.

The mouthpiece430of this embodiment is telescopic and comprises a first part430aof the mouthpiece that is movable relative to a second part430bof the mouthpiece. The guide440is to provide guided movement of only one of the first part430aand the second part430b. In this embodiment, the guide440provides guided movement of the first part430aonly. In other embodiments, the guide440may provide guided movement of both parts430a,430b. As the mouthpiece430moves to the extended position shown inFIG.4b, the first part430aextends from a body420and moves with respect to the chamber410. During such movement, the chamber410is fixed relative to the second part430bbecause the chamber410is provided in the second part430b. In this embodiment, walls of the chamber410are entirely formed by the second part430bof the mouthpiece430. Although the mouthpiece430is provided with a cavity401, walls of the chamber410are not formed by walls of the cavity401.

In this embodiment, the second part430bof the mouthpiece comprises the chamber410. That is, the chamber410is unblocked, and open to atmosphere, when the mouthpiece430is in the closed position, shown inFIG.4a. That is, when the mouthpiece430is in the retracted position, the chamber410is also exposed to atmosphere because the chamber310is open to one side422of the body420of the aerosol provision device300. This may allow for improved cooling of the chamber410when a consumable10has been heated by the aerosol generator480because chamber410is open to the external environment when the consumable10is removed.

Similarly, to aerosol provision device300, in this embodiment, the mouthpiece450moves by operation of a motor470. The motor470is driven by a controller460following an output from a detector450detecting presence of the consumable10in the chamber410. Also, the aerosol provision device400does not comprise a switch to engage and disengage operation of the motor470by enabling or disabling the detector450, as described in relation to aerosol provision device100. This is because operation of the motor470is automatic in aerosol provision device400, as explained in relation to aerosol provision device300. One difference between aerosol provision device300and aerosol provision device400is that the detector450is configured to also detect movement of the consumable towards the chamber410so that the mouthpiece430is able to move before the consumable10enters the chamber410. This improves a speed of configuration of the aerosol provision device400so that the user is able to draw on the aerosol provision device400sooner.

FIGS.5a,5b,6a, and6bshow aerosol provision devices500,600. As discussed previously, similar components in the aerosol provision devices500,600have the same reference numbers as those ofFIGS.1a,1b, and1cbut the reference numbers are increased by 400, 500, respectively. Such common features are not discussed again. The discussion below is limited to the differences.

The aerosol provision devices500,600may also comprise features discussed previously that are compatible with the aerosol provision devices500,600but are not shown inFIG.5a,5b,6a, or6b. Examples include a damping mechanism, a detector, a controller, a motor, an aerosol generator, and a power source.

Each of aerosol provision devices500,600comprises a mouthpiece530,630that is offset from a longitudinal axis A of the respective aerosol provision device500,600. Although the mouthpieces530,630extend in a longitudinal direction Y, the mouthpieces530,630are provided in a corner of the respective aerosol provision device500,600. Furthermore, a direction of insertion of a consumable10into each chamber510,610of the respective aerosol provision devices500,600is different to a direction of movement of the respective mouthpiece530,630between the open and closed positions

In aerosol provision device500, the mouthpiece530is configured to rotate about a pivot546. A guide540comprises the pivot546. The pivot546guides rotational movement of the mouthpiece530relative to a body520when the consumable10is inserted into the chamber510. The consumable10is insertable in the side522of the body520to force the mouthpiece530away from the first position, shown inFIG.5a, and towards the second position, shown inFIG.5b. When the consumable10is removed, the mouthpiece530is then manually rotated back by a user from the second position to the first position. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece530may latch into one or both of the first and second positions. In this embodiment, the pivot546rotates about a width direction X such that an axis of the pivot546is provided in the width direction X and is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A of the aerosol provision device500. In other embodiments, the axis of the pivot546may be provided in an oblique direction to the longitudinal axis A of the aerosol provision device500. In other embodiments, the pivot546may rotate about a length direction Y or a depth direction Z such that the axis of the pivot546is provided in the length direction Y or the depth direction Z, respectively. In some embodiments, the guide540may be a hinge comprising the pivot546. The hinge may be of any suitable form. In some embodiments, the pivot546may comprise a rod, pin or an axle.

In aerosol provision device600, the mouthpiece630is configured to slide along a guide640. The guide640operates in the same manner as described by the guide140in relation toFIGS.1aand1c, except that the guide640of this embodiment is provided on a single side of the mouthpiece630. The guide640guides translational movement of the mouthpiece630relative to a body620when a consumable10is inserted into the chamber610. In this embodiment, the consumable10is inserted into the chamber610in a width direction X through an opening626in a transverse side628of the body620. As the consumable10is inserted into the transverse side628of the body620, the consumable10forces the mouthpiece630away from the first position, shown inFIG.6a, and towards the second position, shown inFIG.6b. In this embodiment, the guide640provides guided movement in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis A of the aerosol provision device600. In other embodiments, the guide640may provide guided movement in an oblique direction to the longitudinal axis A of the aerosol provision device600.

FIG.7shows an aerosol provision system700S comprising an aerosol provision device700and a consumable10for insertion in the aerosol provision device700. An inserted consumable11is shown with a solid line boundary and a non-inserted consumable10is shown with a dotted boundary. The dashed line indicates a chamber710into which the non-inserted consumable10is to be inserted and the inserted consumable11has already been inserted. As discussed previously, similar components in the aerosol provision device700have the same reference numbers as those ofFIGS.1a,1b, and1cbut the reference numbers are increased by 600. Such common features are not discussed again. The discussion below is limited to the differences.

The aerosol provision device700may comprise features discussed previously that are compatible with the aerosol provision device700but are not shown inFIG.7. Examples include a damping mechanism, a detector, a controller, a motor, an aerosol generator, and a power source.

The aerosol provision device700comprises an opening726in a side722of the aerosol provision device700. The opening726provides access to a chamber710in a body720of the aerosol provision device700for receiving a non-inserted consumable10. The chamber710is visible when the consumable10,11is absent the chamber710and a user is viewing the side722of the aerosol provision device700in a depth direction of the aerosol provision device700. The inserted consumable11is visible to a user but does not protrude from the side722the aerosol provision device700.

The aerosol provision device700comprises a detector (not shown inFIG.7) as described in relation to aerosol provision device100. The detector detects insertion of the consumable10,11into the chamber710which causes a mouthpiece730to move from a first, closed position to a second, open position by controlled operation of a driving mechanism (not shown inFIG.7) in the form of a motor (not shown inFIG.7). Any aspect as previously described in relation to this operation of aerosol provision device100also applies to aerosol provision device700, except for a direction of movement of the mouthpiece730.

In aerosol provision device700, the mouthpiece730pivots relative to the body720as shown inFIG.7. The axis of the pivot is offset from a longitudinal center of the aerosol provision device700such that when the mouthpiece730is rotated by pivoting about the axis, the mouthpiece730extends from the body720to one side of the body720. In this embodiment, the axis of the pivot is in a depth direction Z and is therefore perpendicular to a longitudinal direction Y of the aerosol provision device700.

Although not shown, any of the aerosol provision devices100,200,300,400,500,600,700may comprise a retention member to hold the consumable10in position in the respective chamber110,210,310,410,510,610,710. The retention member may help to prevent unintentional movement of the consumable10. Alternatively, or additionally, a retention member may be provided to hold the respective mouthpiece130,230,430,530,630,730in one or both of the first and second positions. An example retention member is a protrusion of the body120,220,320,420,520,620,720that is engageable with a recess of the respective mouthpiece130,230,430,530,630,730and/or consumable10. Cooperation of the protrusion and recess may increase the force necessary to remove the mouthpiece130,230,430,530,630,730from the first and/or second position or the consumable10from the respective chamber110,210,310,410,510,610,710. This may help to prevent unintentional movement of the mouthpiece130,230,430,530,630,730and/or removal of the consumable10. In some embodiments, the retention member may be provided on the mouthpiece130,230,430,530,630,730and/or consumable10when the recess is provided in the respective body120,220,320,420,520,620,720. The retention member could also take the form of a magnetic attachment or an alternative mechanical fastening, such as a screw thread and threaded barrel.

FIG.8shows an illustration of a method800of arranging an aerosol provision device. The method800comprises providing801a mouthpiece of the aerosol provision device in a position away from an open position, wherein aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material can be drawn through the mouthpiece by a user of the aerosol provision device. The method800comprises inserting802a consumable into the aerosol provision device. The method800comprises causing803, by the inserting, the mouthpiece to move relative to the body to the open position so that the aerosol can be drawn through the mouthpiece by the user.

The aerosol provision devices100,200,300,400,500,600,700as previously described, can be used, where discussed, in the operation of the method800. Furthermore, the causing803, by the inserting, the mouthpiece to move relative to the body to the open position so that the aerosol can be drawn through the mouthpiece by the user, may be electronically or electro-mechanically operated by a controller.

Embodiments comprise aerosol provision devices100,200,300,400,500,600,700, aerosol provision systems100S,200S,700S comprising an aerosol provision device100,200,700and a consumable10comprising aerosol-generating material, and a method800of arranging an aerosol provision device. The consumable10is for receipt in the chamber110,210,310,410,510,610,710of the aerosol provision device100,200,300,400,500,600,700. In use, the aerosol provision device100,200,300,400,600,700is configured to generate an inhalable medium, such as aerosol, from the aerosol-generating material.

For the avoidance of doubt, where in this specification the term “comprises” is used in defining the invention or features of the invention, embodiments are also disclosed in which the invention or feature can be defined using the terms “consists essentially of” or “consists of” in place of “comprises”. Reference to a material “comprising” certain features means that those features are included in, contained in, or held within the material.