ASSEMBLY FOR INSERTION INTO AN AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

An assembly (400) for insertion into an aerosol provision device (100) is provided. The assembly comprises a body (402), aerosol forming material positioned along a flow path at least partially defined by the body, and a sealing element (404). The sealing element is moveable between a first position (FIG. 4A) and a second position (FIG. 4B). In the first position the sealing element is configured to close at least a portion of the flow path to reduce atmospheric air contacting the aerosol forming material. In the second position the sealing element is positioned to allow atmospheric air to travel along the flow path and contact the aerosol forming material. The sealing element is attached to the body in both the first position and the second position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device, for example a consumable for 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 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

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device. The assembly comprises: a body; aerosol forming material positioned along a flow path at least partially defined by the body; and a sealing element. The seal element is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the sealing element is configured to close at least a portion of the flow path to reduce atmospheric air contacting the aerosol forming material. In the second position the sealing element is positioned to allow atmospheric air to travel along the flow path and contact the aerosol forming material. The sealing element is attached to the body in both the first position and the second position.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device. The assembly comprises: a body; aerosol forming material positioned along a flow path at least partially defined by the body; and a sealing element. The sealing element is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the sealing element is configured to at least partially seal the flow path to reduce atmospheric air contacting the aerosol forming material. In the second position the sealing element is positioned to allow atmospheric air to travel along the flow path and contact the aerosol forming material. The assembly comprises an adhesive positioned between the sealing element and the body, the adhesive being configured to hold the sealing element in the first position.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising the assembly of any of the first and second aspects, and an aerosol provision device configured to receive the assembly. In operation, the aerosol provision device generates an aerosol from the aerosol forming material.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A first aspect of the present disclosure defines an assembly (which can also be referred to as a consumable, an article, or a consumable article), having a sealing element that is movable between a first position and a second position, where the sealing element is attached to a body of the consumable in both positions. The consumable is insertable into an aerosol provision device and is heated (or more generally atomised) to produce an aerosol which is subsequently inhaled by a user. The assembly may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating (or atomisation) chamber sized to receive the assembly. In one example, an assembly is tubular in nature, and may be known as a “tobacco stick”, for example, the assembly may comprise tobacco formed in a specific shape which is then coated, or wrapped in one or more other materials, such as paper [[and/or]] or foil. In another example, the assembly may be a flat substrate with aerosol forming material deposited on one or more sides of the substrate.

The assembly has an integrated sealing element which seals the flow path to retain freshness of the aerosol forming material. A user may, for example, remove the sealing element prior to heating or inhaling the aerosol by moving the sealing element from the first position to the second position. The first position may therefore be a closed position, and the second position may be an open position. By being attached to the body of the assembly at all times, the assembly remains a single item, so the sealing element is less likely to be misplaced, such as when the assembly is used to generate an aerosol and the sealing element is in the second position). After a session of inhaling the aerosol, an aerosol forming material comprised of the assembly may not be fully depleted. To ensure the remaining aerosol forming material stays fresher for longer, a user may reseal the flow path to reduce atmospheric air from coming into contact with the aerosol forming material by moving the sealing element from the second position to the first position. The sealing element is already attached to the body of the consumable, so a user is less likely to misplace the sealing element should it be desired to reseal the assembly. Accordingly, the quality of the aerosol forming material can remain as high as possible for longer since the user is less likely to lose the sealing element. Moreover, the user is more likely to apply the sealing element after a session if the user does not have to spend time locating the sealing element. Furthermore, the user is more likely to apply the sealing element relatively quickly after the session ends, therefore keeping the quality of the aerosol forming material as high as possible.

The body of the assembly may be elongate in nature, be cylindrical, be a cuboid, or be a substantially flat. In some examples, the sealing element is a first sealing element and the consumable comprises a second sealing element, where both the first and second sealing elements are movable between the first position and the second position. For example, the first sealing element may seal an “outlet” out of the flow path, and the second sealing element may seal an “inlet” into the flow path. By having a separate, but attached, sealing element for both the inlet and the outlet, the freshness of the aerosol forming material can be improved further because it further reduces the likelihood of atmospheric air from contacting the aerosol forming material.

The assembly may comprise an attachment element to attach the sealing element to the body. For example, the attachment element may be a connector, such as a length of material, which extends between the body of the assembly and the sealing element. The attachment element may be attached at one end to the body, and at another end may be attached to the sealing element. The attachment element may be constructed from a compressible, flexible or resilient material so that the attachment element is less likely to obstruct the flow path. For instance, the user may fold or roll up the attachment element when the assembly element is inserted into the aerosol provision device and the sealing element is in the second position.

The sealing element may be integrally formed with the body. For example, the sealing element and the body of the assembly may be constructed from the same material and be integrally formed. By having an integrally formed sealing element, the assembly is easier to manufacture because there are fewer manufacturing steps required to produce a separate sealing element and to attach the separate sealing element to the body. In addition, a unitary assembly can mean that the sealing element is less likely to separate from the body, because there are fewer points of failure. In one specific example, the sealing element is joined to the body by a living hinge.

The body may define an inlet to and an outlet from the flow path, and the sealing element comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein, in the first position the first portion is configured to close the outlet and the second portion is configured to close the inlet. Therefore, unlike the example previously described which has separate first and second sealing elements, this example assembly comprises a unitary sealing element capable of sealing both the inlet and the outlet.

The body may be a substrate, and the aerosol forming material is positioned on a surface of the substrate, and the sealing element is configured to cover the aerosol forming material. For example, the substrate may be a substantially flat substrate constructed from cardboard, paper or a polymer. In other examples, however, the substrate may not be flat, and may have an undulating profile, for example. The sealing element may cover the whole, or a portion, of the substrate and the aerosol forming material is deposited onto, or within the substrate. In a particular example, a gel aerosol forming material may be deposited onto the surface of the substrate. This construction can be inexpensive to produce. The sealing element may be attached to the substrate at one or more places.

When the body is a substrate, the aerosol forming material may be positioned within a recess defined by the surface of the substrate, and the sealing element is configured to cover the recess. This type of assembly can therefore provide a profile which is more uniform in nature than a substrate having aerosol forming material deposited on its surface, because the substrate has an increased depth in the places on its surface where the material is deposited. The assembly may therefore be more easily packed and stored. In addition, the sealing element may be simpler to produce or more effective because it need not conform to the shape of the aerosol forming material and can lie flush with the surface of the substrate and top of the recess. Further still, direct contact between the sealing element and the aerosol forming material may be undesirable, so the recess provides a way to avoid this contact.

The sealing element may be a lid. The lid may be dimensioned to be at least partially received within the body when in the first position. This construction means that the lid can be inserted into the body of the assembly while in the first position. This can be useful to provide a compact assembly. In addition, because the lid is within the body, it is less likely to be accidentally displaced and moved into the second position. The lid may also be dimensioned to surround at least a portion of the body when in the first position. Therefore, unlike when the lid is received within the body, the lid is applied over one end of the body so that it overlaps and surrounds an outer perimeter of the body. This construction can make it easier for a user to attach, remove and reattach the sealing element by hand. In addition, the space within the body does not need to accommodate the lid, so more space is available within the body for aerosol forming material. The lid may be constructed from resilient or elastic material to enable the lid to be stretched over or around the outer perimeter of the body or to engage a lip or step on the outer perimeter.

The assembly may further comprise a fastener, or a fastening assembly, that is arranged to cooperate with the sealing element to hold the sealing element in the first position. The fastener therefore provides means to securely fasten the sealing element to the body and retain the sealing element in the first position. The fastener therefore makes it less likely for the sealing element to accidentally move from the first position to the second position.

The fastener may be a clip, a snap-fit fastener, press-stud fastener, or suction pad which holds the sealing element in place. The fastener may be provided by a magnet, which cooperates with magnetically susceptible material to hold the sealing element in place. The fastener may be located on the body or on the sealing element, or a fastener may be located on the body and a corresponding faster may be located on the sealing element. The fastener may be a single element or may be a fastener assembly.

The fastener may comprise a thread. For example, the sealing element may be a screw fit lid, which screws onto the thread to hold the lid in place.

The sealing element may comprise a first engagement surface and the body may comprise a second engagement surface, the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface being configured to engage each other in the first position to hold the sealing element in the first position, such as by a friction fit. Hence, in some examples, two surfaces come into mutual contact and a frictional force between the surfaces holds the sealing element in place. This frictional fastening means provides a simple and effective means of securing the sealing element in place. Furthermore, this construction of is easy to manufacture and is relatively inexpensive when compared to other fasteners. In addition, a friction fit may allow the assembly to have a more compact design and a lower profile.

The assembly may comprise an adhesive positioned between the sealing element and the body, the adhesive being configured to hold the sealing element in the first position. Adhesive may provide a low profile and is an effective method of sealing the flow path. The adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. This may allow reattachment of the sealing element after the sealing element has been initially peeled off.

A second aspect of the present disclosure defines an assembly (also referred to as a consumable, an article, or a consumable article), having a sealing element that is movable between a first position and a second position, where the assembly comprises an adhesive positioned between the sealing element and the body, the adhesive being configured to hold the sealing element in the first position.

In the second aspect, the assembly has a sealing element which seals the flow path to retain freshness of the aerosol forming material using adhesive. A user may, for example, peel off the sealing element prior to heating or inhaling the aerosol by moving the sealing element from the first position to the second position. Unlike in the first aspect, the sealing element need not always be attached to the consumable. As briefly mentioned above, adhesive is a particularly advantageous means of securing the sealing element to the body of the assembly to ensure the aerosol forming material stay fresh within the flow path. The sealing element therefore prevents moisture from the air from contacting the aerosol forming material, or prevents moisture from the aerosol forming material from evaporating.

The adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which may allow reattachment of the sealing element. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is one which forms a bond when pressure is applied. It may enable the sealing element to be peeled off (i.e. moved from the first position to the second position) and reapplied (i.e. moved from the second position to the first position) at least once. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is therefore useful to allow a user to consume part of the aerosol forming material, reseal the sealing element to retain freshness, and at a later time to remove the sealing element again to continue consuming the aerosol forming material. The pressure-sensitive adhesive may comprise an elastomer such as an acrylic, and a tackifier such as a rosin ester.

The adhesive may comprise a “structural” adhesive, such as a polysaccharide. As used herein, “polysaccharides” encompasses polymeric carbohydrate molecules composed of long chains of monosaccharide units bound together by glycosidic linkages, and salts and derivatives of such compounds. Suitably, derivatives of such compounds may have ester, ether, acid, amine, amide, urea, thiol, thioether, thioester, thiocarboxylic acid or thioamide side groups on the monosaccharide units. Example polysaccharides include cellulose and cellulose derivatives and alginic acid and salts thereof. In some examples, the polysaccharide comprises pectin. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide may adhere the sealing element to either or both of the aerosol forming material and the body of the consumable.

Polysaccharides demonstrate good wettability properties, which aid in bonding the sealing element to the consumable. This is particularly the case when the adhesive is bonding a hydrophobic surface, such as the sealing element, to the aerosol forming material which can comprise a liquid.

In some examples the adhesive is Generally Recognised As Safe by the Food and Drug Administration (GRAS). For example, the adhesive may be food acceptable and optionally, a food grade material. The adhesive may therefore be non-toxic and safe for ingestion. This is useful because the adhesive (or a portion thereof) may come into contact with a mouth of a user or be aerosolised for possible inhalation by a user.

In some examples, a first adhesive force between the adhesive and the sealing element is greater than a second adhesive force between the adhesive and the body. This may ensure that all or a majority of the adhesive remains on the sealing element, rather than being transferred to the body after removal of the sealing element. Any adhesive which remains on the consumable may affect the taste of the aerosol or may interfere with operation of the device during heating.

Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown an example of an aerosol provision device100. In broad outline, the device100may be used to heat an assembly (also referred to as a consumable, or article, or a consumable article) to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the device100.FIG. 1shows the device100without a consumable inserted therein.FIG. 2shows a top view of the device100.

InFIGS. 1 and 2, the device100of this example comprises a housing102. The housing102has an opening104in one end, which is configured to receive a consumable comprising an aerosol forming material. The aerosol forming material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine or flavorants.

As used herein, the terms “flavor” and “flavorant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. In some embodiments the aerosol forming material may comprise a vapor or aerosol generating agent or a humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin or diethylene glycol.

The consumable may be fully or partially inserted into the opening104so that it is received within a receptacle or chamber of the housing102. In use, an aerosol generating element is arranged to aerosolise the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol for user inhalation. In one example, the aerosol generating element is a heater arranged in use to heat the consumable, although it should be appreciated that other aerosol generating elements adapted to generate aerosol may equally be used in other examples. The assembly may also comprise a cap106, to cover the opening104when no consumable is in place. InFIGS. 1 and 2, the cap106is shown in an open configuration, however the cap106may slide into a closed configuration when the consumable is removed.

The device100may further comprise a control element108. The control element108in this example is a button or a switch, and when a user activates the control element108, the device100is switched on.

FIG. 3shows a cross-sectional view of an example system200comprising the device100, shown inFIG. 1, and a replaceable consumable110. In this example, the consumable110has been inserted into the opening104of the device100. The device100has a receptacle, or heating chamber112which, in use, contains the consumable110to be heated. Upon insertion, the consumable110is engaged with the receptacle. The device100comprises one or more heaters120arranged to heat the replaceable consumable110once the consumable110has been received within the receptacle112. The consumable110therefore comprises aerosol forming material that interacts with the heater120to generate an aerosol upon heating. The consumable110may also comprise one or more other elements, such as packaging materials or one or more filters. In some example systems200, the consumable comprises one or more sealing elements that is configured to be seal a flow path through the consumable to improve the freshness of the aerosol forming material. The sealing element is discussed in more detail below.

The consumable110in this example is elongate, although the consumable may take any suitable shape. An end of the removable consumable110projects out of the device100through the opening104of the housing102such that the user may inhale the aerosol through the consumable in use. In other examples the consumable110is fully received within the heating chamber112such that it does not project out of the device100. In such a case, the user may inhale the aerosol directly from the opening104, or via a mouthpiece which may be connected to the housing102around the opening104.

The device100further has an electronics/power chamber114which in this example contains electrical control circuitry116and a power source118. The electrical control circuitry116may include a controller, such as a microprocessor arrangement, configured and arranged to control the heating of the removable consumable. The electrical control circuitry116may receive a signal from the control element108and activate a heater120in response. As an alternative, the device100may comprise features that send a signal to the control circuitry116to cause the heater120to be automatically activated when a user is drawing on the device100. Electronic elements within the device100are electrically connected via one or more wires124, shown depicted as dashed lines.

The power source118may be a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include for example a lithium-ion battery, a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), an alkaline battery and/or the like. The battery118is electrically coupled to one or more heaters120to supply electrical power when required to heat the consumable110, and thereby generate an aerosol.

The heater120may be an electrically resistive heater, including for example a nichrome resistive heater, a ceramic heater, etc. The heater120may be an induction heater (which includes the arrangements of a susceptor in, or forming, the chamber112, or a susceptor in the consumable110). Other heating arrangements may be used.

FIG. 4Adepicts an example consumable assembly400for use in the device100or any other aerosol provision device. The consumable comprises a sealing element404to assist keeping the aerosol forming material fresh when it is not being used. The consumable400comprises a body402having a generally cylindrical form and has a first end406and a second end408. Disposed within the body402is aerosol forming material (not shown), and air is drawn through the body402to contact the aerosol forming material which is heated in use. In this example, the first end406and the second end408form an outlet and inlet, respectively. In other examples, however, the inlet and outlet may be positioned anywhere along the consumable400. Air is drawn into the consumable via the inlet at the second end408, passes along a flow path defined by the body402where it mixes with aerosol, and flows out of the outlet at the first end406before being inhaled by a user.

It has been found that by having an open inlet or outlet atmospheric air can come into contact with the aerosol forming material and degrade its flavor over time. To overcome this, the inlet, outlet, or both the inlet and the outlet can be covered by a sealing element404to retain freshness of the aerosol forming material.FIG. 4Ashows an example sealing element404used to partially seal the outlet of the flow path through the consumable400. A similar sealing element404may be used to seal the inlet. The sealing element may be constructed from any suitable material, such as plastic, paper, foil, cardboard, rubber, etc.

The example sealing element404comprises one or more components which can be moved into a closed position to reduce atmospheric air contacting the aerosol forming material.FIG. 4Ashows the sealing element404positioned in an open position, which allows atmospheric air to travel along the flow path to contact the aerosol forming material.FIG. 4Bshows the sealing element404after it has been moved into a closed position. To move the sealing element404into the closed position, a user may move the sealing element404in the direction of arrow416.

In this example, the sealing element404is attached to the body402in both the open position and the closed position so that the sealing element404is less likely to be misplaced. The sealing element404may be attached to the body402by any means, however in this example a separate attachment element410extends between the sealing element404and the body402to ensure that the sealing element remains attached.

To ensure the sealing element404is held in the closed position, the consumable400may comprise a fastener, adhesive positioned between the sealing element and the body, or may be held in place via friction fit due to the engagement of two engagement surfaces. In the example ofFIGS. 4A and 4B, the consumable400comprises a fastener412, in this case a press-stud fastener, configured to engage a corresponding fastener414. The fastener412and corresponding fastener414may therefore form a fastener assembly. Other types of fasteners can be used, for example, the fastener (or corresponding fastener) may comprise magnetically susceptible material and the corresponding fastener (or fastener) may comprise a magnet or both fasteners may be magnets arranged with opposite polarity when the fastener is fastened.

FIG. 5depicts another example consumable assembly500for use in the device100. The consumable500is similar to that described in relation toFIGS. 4A and 4B, however in this example, the consumable500comprises two lid sealing elements504a,504bhaving a threaded construction to allow the lids504a,504bto be screwed and held in the closed position. The lids504a,504bare dimensioned to surround at least a portion of the body502awhen in the closed position.

The consumable500comprises a body502having a generally cylindrical form and has an outlet and an inlet located respectively at a first end506and a second end508of the body502. The consumable of this example comprises a first sealing element504ato seal the outlet, and a second sealing element504bto seal the inlet. These sealing elements are in the form of a lid in this example. Together these ensure that the aerosol forming material remains fresh when it is not being used. InFIG. 5, the first sealing element504ais depicted in the open position, and the second sealing element504bis depicted in the closed position. The sealing elements504a,504beach comprise an attachment element510extending between the sealing element504a,504band the body502to ensure that the sealing elements504a,504bremain attached to the body502.

To ensure the sealing elements504a,504bare held in the closed position, the consumable500may comprise fasteners, adhesive positioned between the sealing elements504a,504band the body502, or they may be held in place via friction fit due to the engagement of two engagement surfaces. In the example ofFIG. 5, however, the consumable500has a fastener comprising a male thread512located on an outer surface of the body502, where the male thread512is configured to cooperate with a corresponding female thread514located on an inner surface of first sealing element504a. The second sealing element504bmay also comprise a female thread configured to engage another set of male threads located on the body502.

FIG. 6depicts an end view of the first sealing element504ain the closed position. A user can rotate the lid504a(in the direction of arrow516) about a rotational axis defined by a pin518or other rotational joint. The pin518connects the lid504ato attachment element510, by extending through the lid504aand the attachment element510. This mechanism therefore allows a user to screw the lid504ainto place to secure the lid504ain the closed position.

FIG. 7depicts another example consumable assembly700for use in the device100. The consumable700is similar to that described in relation toFIGS. 4A, 4B and 5, however in this example, the consumable700is a cuboid shape and comprises a lid sealing element704having a form which fits within the body702. The lid sealing element704is therefore dimensioned to be at least partially received within the body702when in the closed position.

The consumable700comprises a body702having a generally cuboidal form and has an outlet and an inlet located respectively at a first end706and a second end708of the body702. The consumable of this example comprises a sealing element704to seal the outlet, and a second sealing element (not visible inFIG. 7) to seal the inlet. The sealing elements are in the form of a lid in this example. Together these ensure that the aerosol forming material remains fresh when it is not being used. InFIG. 7, the sealing element704is depicted in the open position. The sealing element704may comprise a separate attachment element extending between the sealing element704and the body702. For example, the attachment element may be located on an underside of the sealing element704and so is not visible in the figure. Alternatively, the lid704and the body704may be integrally formed, for example joined by a living hinge.

To ensure the sealing element704is held in the closed position, the consumable700is held in place via friction fit due to the engagement of two engagement surfaces. In the example ofFIG. 7, the sealing element704comprises at least one first engagement surface712and the body702comprises at least one second engagement surface714. The first engagement surface712and the second engagement surface714are configured to engage each other in the closed position to hold the sealing element in the closed position due to frictional forces. For example, the lid704, which is inserted into the body702has a depth and therefore one or more faces712which abut one or more corresponding portions714on the inner surface of the body702. This engagement causes the lid704to be held in place. A surface716of the lid704may be in contact with the aerosol forming material when in the closed position, or there may be a gap. By being inserted within the body702, the lid704is less likely to “catch” and accidentally move to the open position.

FIG. 8depicts another example consumable assembly800for use in the device100. The consumable800is similar to that described in relation toFIG. 7. In this example, the consumable800comprises a sealing element804which is integrally formed with the body802and is joined by a living hinge. In addition, the consumable800comprises an adhesive positioned between the sealing element804and the body802, where the adhesive holds the sealing element804in the closed position.

The consumable800comprises a body802having a generally cuboidal form and has an outlet and an inlet respectively located at a first end806and a second end808of the body802. The consumable of this example comprises a sealing element804to seal the outlet, and a second sealing element to seal the inlet (not visible inFIG. 8). The sealing elements are in the form of a flap in this example. InFIG. 8, the sealing element804is depicted in the open position. A mentioned, the sealing element804and the body802are integrally formed, and a living hinge extends between the sealing element804and the body802. This construction can allow a user to fold the sealing element804back towards an outer surface of the body802in the direction of arrow816. In this position, the flap804can lie substantially flush with the outer surface of the body802, which can allow the first end806of the consumable800to be more easily inserted into the heating chamber.

To ensure the sealing element804is held in the closed position, the sealing element804is held in place via adhesive. In the example ofFIG. 8, the sealing element804comprises a first surface812and the body802comprises at least one second outer surface814. The first surface812and the second surface814are configured to engage each other in the closed position and adhesive located on either or both the first and second surfaces812,814can hold the sealing element in the closed position. For example, the tab812can engage a portion of the surface814. In one particular example, the adhesive is a pressure-sensitive adhesive, to allow reattachment of the sealing element804.

FIG. 9depicts another example consumable assembly900for use in the device100. The consumable900of this example comprises a single, unitary sealing element904comprising a first portion904aand a second portion904b. In the closed positions, the first portion904ais configured to close the outlet and the second portion904bis configured to close the inlet.

The consumable900comprises a body902having a generally cuboidal form and has an outlet and an inlet respectively located at a first end906and a second end908of the body902. As mentioned, the consumable of this example comprises a single sealing element904comprising a first portion904ato seal the outlet906, and a second portion904bto seal the inlet. By having a single element being configured to close both the inlet and the outlet, a more secure sealing element904can be produced because it provides a greater surface area over which it can be attached to the body902. In addition, there are fewer points of failure and the consumable900is easier to manufacture. InFIG. 9, the sealing element904is depicted as being separate from the body902for illustrative purposes. During manufacture, the sealing element904is attached to the body. For example, an outer surface912of the body may engage an inner surface914of the sealing element904. In one example the outer surface912and the inner surface914are joined by a structural adhesive, however any other attachment means may be used.

To ensure the portions904a,904bare held in the closed position, the consumable900may comprise fasteners, adhesive positioned between the portions904a,904band the body902, or they may be held in place via friction fit due to the engagement of two engagement surfaces.

FIG. 10depicts another example consumable assembly1000for use in the device100. The consumable1000of this example comprises a sealing element1004comprising a first portion1004aand a second portion1004b. In the closed positions, the first portion1004aand the second portion1004bare configured to close the outlet1006.

The consumable1000comprises a body1002having a generally cuboidal form and has an outlet and an inlet located respectively at a first end1006and a second end1008of the body1002. As mentioned, the consumable of this example comprises a sealing element1004comprising a first portion1004aand a second portion1004bboth being used to seal the outlet. A similar sealing element may be provided to seal the inlet. InFIG. 10, the sealing element1004is depicted in the open position. To ensure the portions1004a,1004bare held in the closed position, the consumable1000may comprise fasteners or adhesive, or they may be held in place via an interlocking mechanism. In the example ofFIG. 10however, pressure sensitive adhesive is deposited on the flap1012or on an outer surface of the first portion1004a. The first portion1004amay be closed first, and the second portion1004bclosed second so that the adhesive secures the sealing element1004in the closed position. The first and second portions1004a,1004bare attached to the body1002via living hinges.

FIG. 11depicts another example consumable assembly1100for use an aerosol provision device. The consumable1100differs from previously described consumables in that the body is a substrate and the aerosol forming material such as tobacco or a gel, is deposited on a surface of the substrate.

The consumable1100comprises a substrate1102having a generally flat form, however other forms may be used. Aerosol forming material1106is deposited on a surface of the substrate1102, and in use, air is drawn across the substrate1102to entrain aerosol, before being inhaled by a user. The substrate body1102therefore partially defines a flow path. The consumable of this example comprises a sealing element1104to cover the aerosol forming material1106. In this example the sealing element1104takes the form of a flexible sheet, which is attached to the substrate1102at one or more locations. For example, the sealing element1104may be adhered to the substrate1102. In other examples however, the sealing element1104may not be attached to the substrate1102in both the open and closed positions. For example, a user may fully peel away the sealing element1104and dispose of it. InFIG. 11, the sealing element1104is depicted in the open position.

To ensure the sealing element1104is held in the closed position, the sealing element1104is held in place via a pressure sensitive adhesive, although other fasteners may be used. For example, the sealing element1104[[and/or]] or the substrate1102may comprise an adhesive deposited in one or more locations and when brought into contact, the sealing element1104is held in the closed position in which the aerosol forming material1106is covered.

FIG. 12depicts another example consumable assembly1200for use with an aerosol provision device. The consumable1200is substantially similar to that depicted inFIG. 11but differs in that the sealing element1204is more rigid and is integrally formed with the substrate1202by being joined via a living hinge. Alternatively, the consumable may comprise another type of attachment element to attach the sealing element1204to the substrate1202.

FIG. 13depicts another example consumable assembly1300for use with an aerosol provision device. The consumable1300is substantially similar to that depicted inFIG. 11but differs in that the substrate1302defines a recess1308within which the aerosol forming material is deposited. A sealing element1304is therefore configured to cover the recess1308in the closed position.

In the examples described above, the sealing element is described as being attached to the body in both the closed position and the open position. However, this need not always be the case. In variations of the examples previously described, the sealing element(s) may not be attached to the body/substrate in both positions. For example, a user may move the sealing element(s) into the open position which causes the sealing element(s) to become detached. A user may dispose of the sealing element(s) or may store them for later reattachment to seal the flow path.

Although the sealing element(s) may not be attached to the body/substrate in both positions, it is advantageous to use adhesive to hold the sealing element in the closed position. Therefore, in any of the previously described examples, the attachment elements and living hinges may be disposed of, and adhesive used to hold the sealing element in the closed position.

In variations of the example ofFIGS. 4 and 5, the attachment elements may not be present, and the sealing element may be adhered to the body or aerosol forming material to hold the sealing element in the closed position. In a variation of the example ofFIG. 7, the attachment element or living hinge may not be present, and the sealing element may be adhered to an inner surface of the body or aerosol forming material to hold the sealing element in the closed position. In a variation of the example ofFIG. 9, the single sealing element may be adhered to an outer surface of the body or aerosol forming material using adhesive and is therefore designed to be fully separated from the body before use. In variations of the examples ofFIGS. 11-13, the sealing element may not be permanently attached to the substrate when in the open position.

In these variations, the adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, to allow reattachment of the sealing element after it has been removed. Alternatively, the adhesive may be a structural adhesive. In some examples the adhesive comprises a polysaccharide.