Patent Description:
Electronic aerosol provision systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain aerosolisable material, such as a reservoir of fluid or liquid containing a formulation, typically but not necessarily including nicotine, or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product, from which a vapour/aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol provision system will typically comprise a vaporiser, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise a portion of aerosolisable material to generate a vapour.

Once a vapour has been generated, the vapour may be passed through flavouring material to add flavour to the vapour, after which the (flavoured) vapour may be then delivered to a user via a mouthpiece or outlet from the aerosol provision system.

It is common for aerosol provision systems to comprise a modular assembly, often having two main functional parts, namely a control unit / body, and disposable / replaceable consumable part. Such a consumable part, in some embodiments, may take the resemblance of a cigarette.

Various approaches are described herein which seek to improve existing aerosol provision systems, such as those outlined above, in a number of different ways.

<CIT> discloses a device configured for releasing at least one substance from source material, comprising: a housing; a plurality of source material sections positioned at fixed locations with respect to the housing; a plurality of airflow paths, each airflow path associated with at least one source material section; each airflow path associated with at least one blocking element which prevents flow of air through the path; and an actuator operably coupled to the blocking element, the actuator configured for unblocking the airflow path of at least one selected source material section to allow flow of air to and through source material within the selected section.

According to a first aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material, and an air inlet channel for delivering air to the vaporiser, wherein the air inlet channel comprises an opening which is configured to be covered when the aerosol provision system is in a first configuration, and which is configured to be uncovered when the aerosol provision system is in a second configuration, wherein the opening is configured to allow air to bypass the vaporiser when the opening is uncovered, by bypassing out from the air inlet channel through the opening, for inhibiting the delivery of vaporised aerosolisable material when the aerosol provision system is in the second configuration.

According to a second aspect of certain embodiments there is a method for controlling the delivery of vaporised aerosolisable material in an aerosol provision system comprising a vaporiser and an air inlet channel, wherein the method comprises:
moving the aerosol provision system between a first configuration, in which an opening of the air inlet channel is covered for allowing air passing through the air inlet channel to reach the vaporiser, and a second configuration in which the opening is uncovered to allow air to bypass the vaporiser by bypassing out from the air inlet channel through the opening.

The present disclosure relates to non-combustible aerosol provision systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes. According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosolisable material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user. Aerosolisable material, which also may be referred to herein as aerosol generating material or aerosol precursor material, is material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way.

Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system / device and electronic aerosol provision system / device. An electronic cigarette may also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolisable material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolisable materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolisable material and a solid aerosolisable material. The solid aerosolisable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a consumable part and a device / body which is configured to releasably engage with the consumable part.

The aerosol provision system may be provided with a means for powering a vaporiser therein, and there may be provided an aerosolisable material transport element for receiving the aerosolisable material that is to be vaporised. The aerosol provision system may also be provided with a reservoir for containing aerosolisable material, and in some embodiments a further reservoir for containing flavouring material for flavouring a generated vapour from the aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the vaporiser may be a heater/heating element capable of interacting with the aerosolisable material so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosolisable material to form a vapour/aerosol. In some embodiments, the vaporiser is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolisable material without heating. For example, the vaporiser may be capable of generating a vapour/aerosol from the aerosolisable material without applying heat thereto, for example via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurisation or electrostatic means.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosolisable material which may comprise an active constituent, a carrier constituent and optionally one or more other functional constituents.

The active constituent may comprise one or more physiologically and/or olfactory active constituents which are included in the aerosolisable material in order to achieve a physiological and/or olfactory response in the user. The active constituent may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychoactives. The active constituent may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active constituent may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, a vitamin such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, a cannabinoid, or a constituent, derivative, or combinations thereof. The active constituent may comprise a constituent, derivative or extract of tobacco or of another botanical. In some embodiments, the active constituent is a physiologically active constituent and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g. nicotine ditartrate/nicotine bitartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the active constituent is an olfactory active constituent and may be selected from a "flavour" and/or "flavourant" which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. In some instances such constituents may be referred to as flavours, flavourants, flavouring material, cooling agents, heating agents, and/or sweetening agents. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gasone or more of extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

In some embodiments, the flavouring material (flavour) may comprise menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucalyptol, WS-<NUM>.

The carrier constituent may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the carrier constituent may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, <NUM>,<NUM>-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional constituents may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

As noted above, aerosol provision systems (e-cigarettes) often comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable part (body / device) and a replaceable consumable (cartridge) part. Devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part devices. It is also common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure described herein comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part device employing consumable parts. However, it will be appreciated the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for other electronic cigarette configurations, for example modular devices comprising more than two parts, as devices conforming to other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a more boxy shape.

From the forgoing therefore, and with reference to <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments provided herein is an aerosol provision system <NUM> which may in some embodiments be provided as a body <NUM> which can releasably accommodate, and/or be releasably attached to, a consumable part <NUM>. The aerosol provision system <NUM> comprises a first reservoir <NUM> for containing an aerosolisable material for vaporising, and a vaporiser <NUM> for vaporising the aerosolisable material from the first reservoir <NUM>. The aerosol provision system <NUM> also defines a cavity <NUM> which is configured to receive the consumable part <NUM>.

With respect to the consumable part <NUM>, this may comprise the flavouring material, which may be located in a second reservoir <NUM>.

In accordance with some embodiments, the vaporiser <NUM> may be tubular and surround the cavity <NUM>, which may provide for a more efficient spacing/layout of the vaporiser <NUM> with respect to the cavity <NUM> in such a way that the aerosol provision system <NUM> can be smaller, and more compact.

Also in accordance with some embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the aerosol provision system <NUM> may comprise a first channel <NUM> between the vaporiser <NUM> and the cavity <NUM>, wherein the vaporiser <NUM> is configured to impart vaporised aerosolisable material into the first channel <NUM>. In this way, and as will be described, once vaporised aerosolisable material is imparted to the first channel <NUM> by the vaporiser <NUM>, the vaporised aerosolisable material may then pass through the first channel <NUM>, into the cavity <NUM> and through any consumable part <NUM> located therein (including any second reservoir <NUM> thereof, if present), and finally out of the consumable part <NUM> through to the user's mouth, for inhalation of the vaporised aerosolisable material by the user.

In accordance with some of the above embodiments, the first channel <NUM> (where present) may be parallel to the cavity <NUM>, as shown in the embodiments from <FIG>. Additionally/alternatively, in accordance with some embodiments, during use of the aerosol provision system <NUM>, air may be configured to flow in a first direction A1 along the first channel <NUM>, and vaporised aerosolisable material from the vaporiser <NUM> configured to flow in a second direction A2 through the consumable part <NUM> in the cavity (or, put differently, principally flow in a second direction A2 through the second reservoir <NUM>) wherein the second direction A2 is opposite to the first direction A1. In such embodiments, the first direction A1 may be parallel to a length of the first channel <NUM>, which extends between a first end 18A of the first channel <NUM> and a second end 18B of the first channel (which may be opposite the first end 18A of the first channel <NUM>). Equally, in accordance with some embodiments, the second direction A2 may be parallel to a length of the cavity <NUM>, which extends between a first end 16A of the cavity <NUM> (which may be a closed first end 16A in some embodiments) and a second end 16B of the cavity <NUM> (which may be opposite the first end 16A of the cavity <NUM>, and which in some embodiments may be an open second end 16B). Where the second reservoir <NUM> is present, in such embodiments, the second direction A2 may in some embodiments thereof be parallel to a length of the second reservoir <NUM>, which extends between a first end 102A of the second reservoir <NUM> and a second end 102B of the second reservoir <NUM> (which may be opposite the first end 102A of the second reservoir <NUM>).

In embodiments where the second direction A2 is opposite to the first direction A1, this may allow for a more compact aerosol provision system <NUM>, such as those shown in the embodiments from <FIG>, As well, the change in direction from the first direction A1 to the second direction A2 may increase the turbidity of the air passing from the first channel <NUM> into the cavity <NUM>; the consumable part <NUM>; and/or the second reservoir <NUM>, which may assist with a better passage of vapour through such features along the second direction A2.

Returning to the features of the first channel <NUM>, in accordance with some embodiments, any provided first channel <NUM> may be tubular, and/or may be located outside of the cavity <NUM>. In such embodiments thereof, the first channel <NUM> may then extend from the previously described first end 18A and the second end 18B (which may be opposite the first end 18A) for the first channel <NUM>. In accordance with some embodiments, the first channel <NUM> may be located between the vaporiser <NUM> and any provided second reservoir <NUM>, and/or may be located between the first reservoir <NUM> and any provided second reservoir <NUM>, as shown in the embodiments from the Figures.

With respect to the vaporiser <NUM>, as noted previously the vaporiser <NUM> may, or may not comprise a heater/heating element to form the vaporised aerosolised material. Though in embodiments where the vaporiser <NUM> comprises a heating element <NUM>, in accordance with some embodiments thereof, the vaporiser <NUM> may further comprise an aerosolisable material transport element <NUM> (also called a wick) for delivering aerosolisable material from the first reservoir <NUM> to the heating element <NUM>. In respect of such embodiments, it will be appreciated that a number of different combinations of aerosolisable material transport element <NUM> and/or heating element <NUM> might be employed. For instance, in accordance with some embodiments, the heating element <NUM> may comprise a conductive material located on an external surface of the aerosolisable material transport element <NUM>, such as a surface <NUM> which is exposed to the first channel <NUM>. Such conductive material may appreciably take any required shape on the surface of the aerosolisable material transport element <NUM>, e.g. a spiral pattern; a raster pattern; or a zig-zag pattern such to allow the heating element <NUM> to efficiently vaporise the aerosolisable material in the aerosolisable material transport element <NUM>. As will be appreciated, the heating element <NUM> (or the vaporiser <NUM> in general, where a heating element <NUM> is not employed) may be connected to a power source <NUM> from the aerosol provision system <NUM>, which in some embodiments may be a battery. In embodiments where the aerosol provision system <NUM> comprises the body <NUM> which can releasably accommodate, and/or be releasably attached to, the consumable part <NUM>, in some embodiments thereof the power source <NUM> may be located in the body <NUM>. Electrical power from the power source <NUM> may be supplied via a wired connection <NUM> to the vaporiser <NUM>, and/or appreciably may be delivered to the vaporiser <NUM> in some embodiments wirelessly or through a non-contact power transmission system between the power source <NUM> and the vaporiser.

As to the structure and composition of any provided aerosolisable material transport element <NUM> (wick), it will be appreciated that the aerosolisable material transport element <NUM> may be anything which can appropriately draw the aerosolisable material to a position where it can be vaporised by the heating element <NUM> during use of the aerosol provision system <NUM>. In that respect therefore, in accordance with some embodiments, the aerosolisable material transport element <NUM> may comprise a porous material, and/or a fibrous material or a solid material. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material transport element <NUM> may be made of cotton, or could be made of a ceramic material. Thus appreciating the foregoing, and at a general level, it will be appreciated the specific structure and composition of the aerosolisable material transport element <NUM> may be varied to best cater for any intended application of the aerosol provision system <NUM>.

For delivering air into the aerosol provision system <NUM>, the aerosol provision system <NUM> may comprise at least one air inlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, a plurality of air inlets <NUM> may be provided, and in some very particular embodiments (such as those shown in <FIG>), the plurality of air inlets <NUM> may be disposed on side surfaces <NUM> of the aerosol provision system <NUM> or body <NUM>, such as in some particular embodiment on side surfaces <NUM> which extend between a first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> and a second end <NUM> of the body <NUM> which is opposite the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. By providing more than one air inlet <NUM>, this may conveniently allow for continued operation of the aerosol provision system <NUM>, even if one of the air inlets <NUM> becomes blocked or inoperable during use. To better ensure an even distribution of air flow through the aerosol provision system <NUM>, in accordance with some embodiments, there may be provided a pair of air inlets <NUM> located on opposing side surfaces <NUM> from the aerosol provision system <NUM> (or body <NUM>), such as in the embodiments shown in <FIG>.

To better prevent dirt or fluid from entering each air inlet <NUM> when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is not in use, in accordance with some embodiments, there may be provided a closing member <NUM> which is moveable between a first position in which the at least one air inlet <NUM> is open and a second position in which the at least one air inlet <NUM> is blocked. Such a closing member <NUM> may comprise a variety of different forms, such as a valve for each air inlet; a rotatable sleeve which is rotatable between the first position and the second position; and/or a moveable latch. In a particular embodiment, such as those shown in <FIG>, the closing member may comprise a cap <NUM> which is moveable or rotatable between the first position and the second position. In accordance with some embodiments, the closing member <NUM> may be configured to make an audible noise (such as a 'click') when the closing member <NUM> reaches the first position and/or the second position. Such an audible noise may, for instance, be created by the closing member <NUM> engaging a slot, or ratchet, at each of the first position and the second position. Said slot or ratchet might then be disengaged by the user then applying force to move the closing member <NUM> from said first or second position towards the other of the first and second positions. With the audible noise, the user will then better know when the closing member <NUM> is properly located at either the first position and/or the second position.

In accordance with some embodiments, the aerosol provision system <NUM> (or body <NUM>) may be provided with a retaining member <NUM>, for gripping a consumable part <NUM> received in the aerosol provision system <NUM> (or body <NUM>). Such a retaining member <NUM>, which in accordance with some embodiments may be a retaining portion <NUM> and/or a retaining plug <NUM>, is illustrated in the embodiments from the <FIG> at least. The retaining member <NUM> may surround any provided cavity <NUM>, and may in some particular embodiments surround any second open end 16B of the cavity <NUM>. Thus in embodiments where the retaining member <NUM> is provided, the retaining member <NUM> may provide a frictional holding force on the consumable part <NUM> received in the aerosol provision system <NUM> (or body <NUM>). Put differently, the retaining member <NUM> in some embodiments may be configured to releasably accommodate the consumable part <NUM> received in the aerosol provision system <NUM> (or body <NUM>). In this way therefore, the retaining member <NUM> better prevents any consumable part <NUM> from being accidentally disengaged from, and/or from sliding out of, the aerosol provision system <NUM> (or body <NUM>) during use, and may better orientate the consumable part <NUM> in the aerosol provision system <NUM> (or body <NUM>/cavity <NUM>) during use.

Returning to the at least one air inlet <NUM>, in accordance with some embodiments the aerosol provision system <NUM> may comprise an initial air channel <NUM> between the at least one air inlet <NUM> and the first channel <NUM>. The initial air channel <NUM> may in be inclined with respect to the first channel <NUM> and the at least one air inlet <NUM> for changing the direction of air flowing from the at least one air inlet <NUM> into the first channel <NUM>. In this way, the initial air channel <NUM> advantageously provides for a channel which may better guide and prepare the air for entry into the first channel <NUM>. In this way, the presence of the air channel <NUM> may provide for a more effective flow of air through the first channel <NUM>. As shown in the embodiments from the <FIG>, any provided initial air channel <NUM> may in some embodiments be located next to, and feed air into, the first end 18A of the first channel <NUM>.

In embodiments where the retaining member <NUM> is also employed, in accordance with some embodiments thereof, a surface of the retaining member <NUM> may define a first surface <NUM> of the initial air channel <NUM>. In this way, where the retaining member <NUM> (which may act to better grip and/or orientate the consumable part <NUM>) is removed, this may render the aerosol provision system <NUM> inoperable, due to air then being able to escape the system through the exposed area/opening <NUM> where the first surface <NUM> would otherwise be. In other words, a surface of the retaining member <NUM> defining the first surface <NUM> of the initial air channel <NUM> may act as a safety feature for the aerosol provision system <NUM>. As to the exact shape of any such surface of the retaining member <NUM> in such embodiments, it will be appreciated that this shape will depend on the relative location of the retaining member <NUM> to the initial air channel <NUM>. However, in accordance with some embodiments, the retaining member <NUM> may be annular, and/or the surface of the retaining member may be a conical surface. With this in mind, and for the sake of completeness, it is envisaged in some embodiments that the surface of the retaining member <NUM> may equally define a surface <NUM> from another portion of the air channel between the at least one air inlet <NUM> and the vaporiser <NUM>, to similarly achieve the above noted safety feature.

Returning to aspects of the first channel <NUM>, as noted previously, the first channel <NUM> may comprise the first end 18A and the second end 18B (which may be opposite the first end 18A), and/or in some embodiments may be cylindrical. In this way, and where the retaining member is employed <NUM>, in some embodiments thereof, the first end 18A of the first channel <NUM> may be located between the retaining member <NUM> and the second end 18B of the first channel <NUM>. In this way, and in some embodiments, the first end 18A of the first channel <NUM> and any open second end 16B of the cavity <NUM> (which may receive the consumable part <NUM>) may be located on the same side of the second end 18B of the first channel <NUM>. In these embodiments therefore, these may assist with implementing any previously described change in the direction of the air passing through the first channel <NUM> (e.g. in the direction A1) versus the flow of vapour passing through the cavity <NUM> and/or the second reservoir <NUM> (e.g. in the direction A2).

Turning to the first reservoir <NUM>, for better reducing any leakage of aerosolisable material from the first reservoir <NUM>, in accordance with some embodiments the first reservoir <NUM> may comprise a sealing member <NUM> for sealing a portion of the first reservoir <NUM>. Conveniently, in some particular embodiments, the sealing member <NUM> may additionally comprise a surface which defines a second surface <NUM> of the initial air channel <NUM>. In this way, where the sealing member <NUM> is removed and/or sufficiently worn out, a leakage path in the initial air channel <NUM> (or more generally a leakage path in the air path between the at least one air inlet <NUM> and the vaporiser <NUM>) may be introduced. to effectively render the aerosol provision system <NUM> inoperable, due to air then being able to escape the system through the exposed area where the second surface <NUM> would otherwise be. In other words, a surface of the sealing member <NUM> defining the second surface <NUM> of the initial air channel <NUM> may act as a safety feature for the aerosol provision system <NUM>. Again, and for the sake of completeness, it is envisaged in some embodiments that the surface of the sealing member <NUM> may equally define a surface <NUM> from another portion of the air channel between the at least one air inlet <NUM> and the vaporiser <NUM>, to similarly achieve the above noted safety feature.

As to the shape of the first reservoir <NUM>, it will be appreciated that it may take any required shape to supply aerosolisable material to the vaporiser <NUM> (and/or the aerosolisable material transport element <NUM>, where present). In some embodiments however, such as those shown in the <FIG>, the first reservoir <NUM> may be cylindrical, and potentially may extend between a first end and second end. In some particular embodiments thereof where the sealing member <NUM> is additionally employed, the sealing member <NUM> may in some cases define at least one of the first end and the second end of the first reservoir <NUM>, as shown in the embodiment of the <FIG>. Staying with the first reservoir <NUM>, in accordance with some embodiments, the aerosol provision system <NUM> and/or the first reservoir <NUM> may comprise a viewing means <NUM> for allowing a user to observe a quantity or level of aerosolisable material inside the first reservoir <NUM>. Conceivably, such a viewing means <NUM> may comprise a transparent or translucent portion <NUM> from the first reservoir <NUM>, or may comprise a window for viewing inside the first reservoir <NUM>. In this way, the viewing means <NUM> thus allows the user to make a visual determination as to when aerosolisable material in the first reservoir <NUM> is low/depleted, or may allow the user to identity any malfunctions that might be otherwise viewable inside the first reservoir <NUM>.

Turning to the cavity <NUM>, as noted previously the cavity <NUM> may in some embodiments extend between a first end 16A of the cavity <NUM> (which may be a closed first end 16A in some embodiments) and a second end 16B of the cavity <NUM> (which may be opposite the first end 16A of the cavity <NUM>, and which in some embodiments may be an open second end 16B). The cavity <NUM> in some embodiments may be cylindrical, such as in embodiments where any provided consumable part <NUM> is cylindrical and/or where the consumable part <NUM> resembles the shape of a cigarette. In accordance with some embodiments, the first channel <NUM> and the cavity <NUM>, and/or the first channel <NUM> and any provided second reservoir <NUM>, may be separated by at least one partitioning member, such as in some particular embodiments a wall which may be tubular. For the sake of completeness however, it will be appreciated that a function of the at least one partitioning member may be to appropriately separate any vapour passing through any provided second reservoir <NUM>/consumable part <NUM> from mixing with air flowing through the first channel <NUM>. Accordingly, in some embodiments, an appropriate partition may be achieved by an outer wall of the consumable part <NUM> acting to suitably separate air in the first channel <NUM> from vapour passing through the consumable part <NUM> and/or any second reservoir <NUM> located therein without the need for any further/separate partitioning member from the aerosol provision system <NUM> and/or body <NUM> itself.

Moving to any provided second reservoir <NUM> from the aerosol provision system <NUM>, for the sake of completeness, the second reservoir <NUM> could be located in a consumable part <NUM> which may be releasably accommodated in the aerosol provision system <NUM>, or may be provided in an aerosol provision system <NUM> where no such consumable part <NUM> is employed. In such latter embodiments, the second reservoir <NUM> may for instance be located in (or integrated in) the cavity <NUM> in a way which inhibits vapour which passes through the second reservoir <NUM>, towards an outlet for inhalation by the user, from mixing with the air passing through the first channel <NUM>. Separation of the air flow from the first channel <NUM> and the vapour flow through the second reservoir <NUM> may, in accordance with some embodiments thereof, be achieved by the presence of the at least one partitioning member as described above.

As recited previously, any provided second reservoir <NUM> from the aerosol provision system <NUM> may comprise a flavouring material(s), and is configured to receive vaporised aerosolisable material from the vaporiser <NUM>. The flavouring material(s) may comprise any of the previously described flavouring materials, such as (but not limited to) tobacco and/or nicotine. Where the vaporiser <NUM> comprises the heating element <NUM>, the flavouring material from the second reservoir <NUM> may be configured to be at least partially heated from vaporised aerosolisable material from the vaporiser <NUM> which flows through the second reservoir <NUM>. In this way, the heat from the vaporised aerosolisable material may better cause the flavouring material to be imparted into the vaporised aerosolisable material to form the flavoured vapour which is imparted to the user. In this respect, in some particular embodiments, the flavouring material from the second reservoir <NUM> may be additionally configured to be at least partially heated by the heating element <NUM> from the vaporiser <NUM>, as shown in the embodiments from the Figures. In this way, heat from the heating element <NUM> may be transmitted to the second reservoir <NUM> to provide an additional source of heating to the flavouring material in the second reservoir <NUM>. Such additional heating may be particularly effective when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is used after a period of sustained inactivity, in so far as the heat from the heating element <NUM> may then provide an initial amount of heat to the flavouring material in the second reservoir <NUM> prior to any vaporised aerosolisable material reaching the (otherwise cold) flavouring material in the second reservoir <NUM>. In this way therefore, having heat from the heating element <NUM> transmitted to the second reservoir <NUM> to provide an additional source of heating to the flavouring material in the second reservoir <NUM> may provide a more consistent form of heat to the second reservoir <NUM>, and may allow for a boost of preheat to the second reservoir <NUM> which may be advantageous in situations when the aerosol provision system <NUM> has not been used for a period of sustained inactivity.

Conveniently as well, in accordance with some of these embodiments where heat is supplied from the heating element <NUM>, the need for a second heating element, which is separate from the heating element <NUM>, for heating the second reservoir <NUM> may be potentially removed. Put differently, in accordance with some of these potential embodiments, the aerosol provision system <NUM> may be provided with only one heating element <NUM>, and/or may be configured such that the second reservoir <NUM> does not comprise a heating element (for heating the second reservoir <NUM>) which is separate from the heating element <NUM>. Phrased yet another way, in accordance with some of these embodiments, the flavouring material from the second reservoir may be configured to be exclusively heated by both the heat from the vaporised aerosolisable material from the vaporiser <NUM> which flows through the second reservoir, and by the heat from the heating element <NUM> from the vaporiser <NUM>.

Mindful of the above disclosure, it will be appreciated that aspects of the aerosol provision system <NUM> herein described may in certain embodiments be configured to act as a safety feature for inhibiting the delivery of vaporised aerosolisable material in certain configurations of the aerosol provision system <NUM>, such as when the consumable part <NUM> or the retaining member <NUM> is not accommodated by the body <NUM>.

Appreciating this disclosure, and turning to the disclosure from <FIG> therefore, it is envisaged that the present disclosure may also effectively provide for an aerosol provision system <NUM> comprising a vaporiser <NUM> for vaporising aerosolisable material, and an air inlet channel <NUM> for delivering air to the vaporiser <NUM>, wherein the air inlet channel <NUM> comprises an opening <NUM> which is configured to be covered when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is in a first configuration, and which is configured to be uncovered when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is in a second configuration, wherein the opening <NUM> is configured to allow air to bypass the vaporiser <NUM> when the opening <NUM> is uncovered, by bypassing out from the air inlet channel <NUM> through the opening <NUM>, for inhibiting the delivery of vaporised aerosolisable material when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is in the second configuration.

It is envisaged that in any such embodiment where the opening <NUM> is employed to effectively control or inhibit the delivery of vaporised aerosolisable material, that this opening <NUM> need not necessarily be used in the context of an aerosol provision system <NUM> which expressly comprises a separate body <NUM> and consumable part <NUM>.

As noted above, the provision of such an opening <NUM> in the aerosol provision system is best illustrated with reference to the embodiments of aerosol provision system shown in <FIG>.

In the above respect for instance, the covering of the opening <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments may be configured to be controlled or actuated in response to a command from a user. For instance, in a particular embodiment, the aerosol provision system <NUM> may comprise a cover member <NUM> for covering the opening in the first configuration, and not covering the opening in the second configuration. Such an embodiment is shown, for instance, with reference to the disclosure of <FIG>. In this way, and in accordance with some embodiments, the cover member <NUM> may be moveable to alter the aerosol provision system <NUM> between the first configuration and the second configuration. In accordance with some particular embodiments, the cover member <NUM> may be configured to be moved by the user, and/or be configured to be moved in response to an electrical signal (e.g. in response to a user pressing a switch or button from the aerosol provision system <NUM>, or potentially a switch or button from the body <NUM> from the aerosol provision system <NUM> - where such a body <NUM> is employed).

With such embodiments therefore, it may be seen that cover member <NUM> may act as a safety feature which inhibits the delivery of vaporised aerosolisable material when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is in the second configuration (where the cover member <NUM> does not cover the opening <NUM>).

Equally however, in accordance with some embodiments where the aerosol provision system <NUM> comprises the consumable part <NUM> and the body <NUM>, the cover member <NUM> may be supplemented or replaced with a portion of the consumable part <NUM>. In this way, in accordance with some embodiments, the opening <NUM> may be configured to be covered by the consumable part <NUM> when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is in the first configuration. Equally, in accordance with some embodiments, such as those described previously with reference to <FIG>, the opening <NUM> may be configured to be covered by the retaining member <NUM> when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is in the first configuration (in embodiments where this retaining member <NUM> is employed). Such a latter embodiment employing the retaining member <NUM> is illustrated with reference to the embodiment from <FIG>. For the sake of completeness however, and with reference to the embodiments of <FIG>, it will be appreciated that any portion of the consumable part <NUM> might instead be configured to cover the opening <NUM> without the need for the retaining member <NUM> necessarily.

Mindful of the above therefore, it can be seen that the provision of the opening <NUM>, or indeed more than one opening <NUM> in some embodiments, may allow for the inhibiting the delivery of vaporised aerosolisable material when the aerosol provision system is in the second configuration - through the air bypassing the vaporiser <NUM>. Tying in with this, it will be appreciated that this opening(s) <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments may be similarly employed to also allow air to bypass other components of the aerosol provision system <NUM>. These other components which may be optionally bypassed are shown in dotted lines with respect to the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>. In this respect for instance, and in accordance with some embodiments, where the aerosol provision system <NUM> comprises the reservoir <NUM> for containing flavouring material (which might be located upstream or downstream of the vaporiser <NUM>), the air inlet channel <NUM> may be configured such that air flowing through the opening <NUM> bypasses the reservoir <NUM>. Additionally/alternatively, in accordance with some embodiments where the aerosol provision system <NUM> comprises a cavity <NUM> configured to receive a flavouring material (again which might be located upstream or downstream of the vaporiser <NUM>), the air inlet channel <NUM> may be configured such that air flowing through the opening <NUM> bypasses the cavity <NUM>. In these embodiments therefore, the presence of the opening <NUM> may allow for the flavouring material to be better preserved/unused when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is in the second configuration.

In respect of any air which might bypass out from the air inlet channel <NUM> through the opening <NUM>, it will be appreciated that the aerosol provision system <NUM> may be configured to deliver the air to a location outside the aerosol provision system <NUM> directly in accordance with some embodiments, such as in the embodiments shown in <FIG>. In this way, when air is passed or forced into the aerosol provision system <NUM> through the air inlet channel <NUM> when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is in the second configuration, the air may then pass straight through the opening <NUM>, such to bypass the vaporiser <NUM> from the aerosol provision system <NUM>, and then out of the aerosol provision system <NUM>.

Equally however, in accordance with some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, in respect of any air which might bypass out from the air inlet channel <NUM> through the opening <NUM>, the aerosol provision system <NUM> may be configured to deliver the air passing through the opening <NUM> to a location downstream of the vaporiser <NUM> in a way such that the air passing through the opening <NUM> bypasses the vaporiser <NUM>. In accordance with such embodiments therefore, the air which bypasses out from the air inlet channel <NUM> through the opening <NUM> may be configured to be delivered to a location which is downstream of the vaporiser <NUM>, and upstream of any provided outlet <NUM> or mouthpiece <NUM> from the aerosol provision system <NUM>. Put differently, in accordance with such embodiments, the aerosol provision system <NUM> may be provided with a bypass passage <NUM> comprising a first end 61A for receiving air bypassing out from the air inlet channel <NUM> through the opening <NUM>, and a second end 61B for delivering this air to a location downstream of the vaporiser <NUM> in a way such that the air passing through the bypass passage <NUM> bypasses the vaporiser <NUM>. Appreciably as well, in accordance with some particular embodiments where the bypass passage <NUM> is employed, the second end 61B of the bypass passage <NUM> may be configured for delivering the air which bypasses out from the air inlet channel <NUM> through the opening <NUM> to a location downstream of any employed cavity <NUM> or reservoir <NUM> from the aerosol provision system <NUM>, and in a way such that this air bypasses the employed cavity <NUM> or reservoir <NUM>. Such an embodiment of aerosol provision system <NUM> is illustrated with reference to <FIG>.

In respect of the functionality of the opening <NUM> to better allow for air to bypass out from the air inlet channel <NUM> through the opening <NUM> when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is in the second configuration, in accordance with some embodiments, the aerosol provision system <NUM> may further comprise a one-way valve <NUM> for inhibiting air from passing through the opening <NUM> into the air inlet channel <NUM>. As to the location of any such provided one-way valve, it will be appreciated that the opening <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments may comprise the one-way valve, or the one-way valve <NUM> may be located downstream of the opening <NUM>, such as in the bypass passage <NUM> (where such a bypass passage <NUM> is employed). Equally, where the bypass passage <NUM> is employed, such as in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the aerosol provision system <NUM> may comprise a second one-way valve <NUM> for inhibiting air downstream of the vaporiser <NUM> from passing back into the bypass passage <NUM>. Appreciably any employed one-way valve <NUM>;<NUM> might comprise any form of suitable one-way valve, such as a duckbill valve or a reed valve in accordance with some particular embodiments.

With respect to any relative spacing of the opening(s) <NUM> with respect to other components of the aerosol provision system <NUM>, in accordance with some embodiments where the aerosol provision system <NUM> comprises a mouthpiece <NUM> defining an outlet <NUM> for vaporised aerosolisable material, in the first configuration of the aerosol provision system the opening <NUM> may be located closer to the mouthpiece <NUM> than the vaporiser <NUM> is located to the mouthpiece <NUM>. In this way, this may allow for a more compact sized aerosol provision system <NUM>.

Irrespective of whether the opening <NUM> is employed however, in accordance with some embodiments, to further help control the delivery of vaporised aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system <NUM>, the aerosol provision system <NUM> may further comprise a puff sensor <NUM> configured to permit the operation of the vaporiser <NUM> in response to detecting a puff of air in the aerosol provision system <NUM>. As to the location of any such puff sensor <NUM> in the aerosol provision system <NUM>, it will be appreciated that this may be located in a number of different locations in the aerosol provision system <NUM>. In this respect for instance, in accordance with some particular embodiments, the puff sensor <NUM> may be located upstream of any provided outlet <NUM> or mouthpiece <NUM>, or located upstream or downstream of the vaporiser <NUM>, or upstream or downstream of any provided cavity <NUM> or second reservoir <NUM>. Purely by way of illustration, and in accordance with the embodiments disclosed in the Figures (such as in <FIG>), a puff sensor <NUM> is shown downstream of the vaporiser <NUM> and upstream of the second reservoir <NUM>/cavity <NUM>.

Where a puff sensor <NUM> is employed, in accordance with some embodiments, the puff sensor <NUM> may be employed together with the opening <NUM> to yet further help control the delivery of vaporised aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system <NUM>, as shown for instance with respect to the embodiments from <FIG>. In this respect for instance, and in accordance with some embodiments, the air inlet channel <NUM> may be configured such that air flowing through the opening <NUM> bypasses the puff sensor <NUM>. Put differently, the puff sensor <NUM> (and the vaporiser <NUM>) may be located downstream of the opening <NUM>. In this way, when the opening <NUM> is uncovered when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is in the second configuration, the air may bypass the puff sensor <NUM> to better ensure that the vaporiser <NUM> is not operated in this second configuration through the puff sensor <NUM> not being able to detect the puff of air in the aerosol provision system <NUM> (which instead has bypassed through the opening <NUM>).

Appreciating the foregoing therefore, it can be seen that herein described is also a method for controlling the delivery of vaporised aerosolisable material in an aerosol provision system <NUM> comprising a vaporiser <NUM> and an air inlet channel <NUM>, wherein the method comprises moving the aerosol provision system <NUM> between a first configuration, in which an opening <NUM> of the air inlet channel <NUM> is covered for allowing air passing through the air inlet channel <NUM> to reach the vaporiser <NUM>, and a second configuration in which the opening <NUM> is uncovered to allow air to bypass the vaporiser <NUM> by bypassing out from the air inlet channel <NUM> through the opening <NUM>.

With respect to such methods, it will be appreciated that such methods may comprise moving the aerosol provision system from the second configuration (in which the opening <NUM> is uncovered) to the first configuration (in which the opening <NUM> is covered), or similarly may comprise moving the aerosol provision system <NUM> from the first configuration to the second configuration. Equally, where the method comprises moving the aerosol provision system <NUM> from the second configuration to the first configuration, this may be achieved by accommodating the consumable part <NUM> in the body <NUM> (where such a consumable part/body arrangement is employed).

With respect to such herein described methods as well, in accordance with some embodiments, the method may further comprise operating the aerosol provision system <NUM> in the first configuration for allowing the vaporiser <NUM> to receive air from the air inlet channel <NUM>. Appreciably, in some embodiments, such operation of the aerosol provision system <NUM> may be following the aerosol provision system <NUM> being moved from the second configuration to the first configuration.

In the above respect therefore, and in accordance with some embodiments provided herein, there may be provided an aerosol provision system <NUM> comprising: the first reservoir <NUM> for containing an aerosolisable material for vaporising; the vaporiser <NUM> for vaporising the aerosolisable material from the first reservoir <NUM>, wherein the vaporiser <NUM> comprises a heating element <NUM>; the first channel <NUM> for receiving aerosolisable from the vaporiser <NUM>; the second reservoir <NUM> comprising a flavouring material, wherein the second reservoir <NUM> is configured to receive vaporised aerosolisable material from the vaporiser <NUM>; wherein flavouring material from the second reservoir <NUM> is configured to be at least partially heated from vaporised aerosolisable material from the vaporiser <NUM> which flows through the second reservoir <NUM>, and is configured to be at least partially heated by the heating element <NUM> from the vaporiser <NUM>.

From the foregoing, described herein are a number of different improvements pertaining to a number of a different aspects of aerosol provision systems. In that respect therefore, and at least, there has been described an aerosol provision system comprising:.

There has also been described an aerosol provision system comprising:.

There has also been described an aerosol provision system comprising a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material, and an air inlet channel for delivering air to the vaporiser, wherein the air inlet channel comprises an opening which is configured to be covered when the aerosol provision system is in a first configuration, and which is configured to be uncovered when the aerosol provision system is in a second configuration, wherein the opening is configured to allow air to bypass the vaporiser when the opening is uncovered, by bypassing out from the air inlet channel through the opening, for inhibiting the delivery of vaporised aerosolisable material when the aerosol provision system is in the second configuration.

There has also been described a method for controlling the delivery of vaporised aerosolisable material in an aerosol provision system comprising a vaporiser and an air inlet channel, wherein the method comprises:
moving the aerosol provision system between a first configuration, in which an opening of the air inlet channel is covered for allowing air passing through the air inlet channel to reach the vaporiser, and a second configuration in which the opening is uncovered to allow air to bypass the vaporiser by bypassing out from the air inlet channel through the opening.

There has also been described an aerosol provision system <NUM> comprising a vaporiser <NUM> for vaporising aerosolisable material, and an air inlet channel <NUM> for delivering air to the vaporiser <NUM>, wherein the air inlet channel <NUM> comprises an opening <NUM> which is configured to be covered when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is in a first configuration, and which is configured to be uncovered when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is in a second configuration, wherein the opening <NUM> is configured to allow air to bypass the vaporiser <NUM> when the opening <NUM> is uncovered, by bypassing out from the air inlet channel <NUM> through the opening <NUM>, for inhibiting the delivery of vaporised aerosolisable material when the aerosol provision system <NUM> is in the second configuration.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

For instance, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to a "liquid" or "fluid" in the first reservoir, it will be appreciated that this liquid or fluid may be replaced with any aerosolisable material. Equally, where an aerosolisable material is used, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments this aerosolisable material may comprise a liquid or fluid.

With respect to the vaporiser <NUM>, although the vaporiser <NUM> has been described in some embodiments as comprising a heater/heating element <NUM>, it will be appreciated that in some other embodiments the vaporiser <NUM> may be capable of generating a vapour/aerosol from the aerosolisable material without applying heat thereto, for example via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurisation or electrostatic means as described previously.

Concerning any provided flavouring material as well, for the sake of completeness it is to be noted that any provided flavouring material need not necessarily be heated to release its flavouring to the vaporised aerosolisable material. In that respect therefore, it is not necessarily the case that any vaporiser <NUM> in these instances must necessarily require the heating element <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An aerosol provision system comprising a vaporiser (<NUM>) for vaporising aerosolisable material, and an air inlet channel (<NUM>) for delivering air to the vaporiser (<NUM>), wherein the air inlet channel (<NUM>) comprises an opening (<NUM>) which is configured to be covered when the aerosol provision system is in a first configuration, and which is configured to be uncovered when the aerosol provision system is in a second configuration, wherein the opening (<NUM>) is configured to allow air to bypass the vaporiser (<NUM>) when the opening (<NUM>) is uncovered, by bypassing out from the air inlet channel (<NUM>) through the opening (<NUM>), for inhibiting the delivery of vaporised aerosolisable material when the aerosol provision system is in the second configuration.