Patent Description:
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. <CIT> relates to an aerosol delivery device. <CIT> relates to a cigar shaped smoking device. <CIT> relates to an electronic vaporisation cigarette. <CIT> and <CIT> relate to an aerosol generating device.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol provision device, aerosol provision device having an axis and comprising, at a first end, an end member at least partially surrounded by an outer cover, the end member and the outer cover together defining an end surface of the aerosol provision device, wherein the end member defines a recess which is positioned away from the end surface in the direction of the axis and is covered by the outer cover, the recess configured to interrupt capillary flow of water.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for protecting electrical components of an aerosol provision device from water ingress, the method comprising:.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating material" includes materials that provide volatilised components upon heating, typically in the form of an aerosol. Aerosol generating material includes any tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol generating material may also be known as "smokable material".

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

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

A first aspect of the present disclosure defines an aerosol provision device with an end member located towards one end of the device. The end member is at least partially covered by an outer cover, which can surround the device. The end member, and an edge of the outer cover, together define at least part of an end surface of the device. It has been found that water, or other liquids, may enter the body of the device by capillary action. For example, water may flow into the device through a small gap between the end member and the outer cover. This water can travel into the device, between an inner surface of the cover and a side surface of the end member, which can cause damage to, or cause problems with, components of the device.

To reduce such water ingress by capillary action, the end member is provided with a recess, such as a groove or channel, which limits or reduces the flow of water into the device. The recess may be formed away from the end surface of the device, in a surface of the end member which may come into contact with water (such as a side surface of the end member). The recess is therefore located beneath the outer cover. The recess interrupts the capillary flow of water so that water is less likely to flow beyond the recess. The recess provides a larger gap or distance between the end member and the inner surface of the outer cover which reduces the ability for the water to flow further into the device under capillary action. The recess therefore acts as a barrier and protects the device from water ingress. Components positioned further away from the end surface than the recess are protected by the recess from water ingress by capillary action.

The device defines an axis, such as longitudinal axis, and the recess may extend at least partially around the longitudinal axis (i.e. may extend at least partially around the side surface of the end member which is covered by the outer cover). In some devices the recess extends fully around the longitudinal axis to provide a continuous recess. The outer cover may also extend fully around the longitudinal axis, and therefore cover the continuous recess. In devices where the recess extends substantially around the longitudinal axis, improved protection from water ingress is provided because the recess stops water ingress at all points around the device.

The recess may extend around the end member in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. However, in other arrangements, only some portions of the recess extend around the end member in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. Other portions of the recess may extend around the end member in a direction that is angled with respect to the substantially perpendicular portions of the recess.

The end member may comprise a bottom surface which forms a portion of the end surface of the device. The end member may also comprise at least one side surface extending away from the bottom surface. The at least one side surface may be covered by the outer cover. The recess can be formed along the at least one side surface. The side surfaces may extend away from the bottom surface in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

As mentioned, the end member and an edge of the outer cover together define at least part of an end surface of the device. For example, the bottom surface of the end member and the bottom edge of the outer cover may define at least part of an end surface of the device. The bottom edge and bottom surface may not be flush with each other. For example, the bottom edge of the outer cover may extend further along the longitudinal axis than the bottom surface of the end member (or vice-versa).

The device may comprise an electrical component positioned further away from the end surface than the recess. For example, the electrical component may be located on the other side of the recess from the end surface. Hence the electrical component is positioned away from the end surface (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis) by a distance that is greater than that of the recess. Accordingly, the recess can protect the electrical component from water damage by stopping the water from reaching the electrical component. The electrical component may be positioned within a portion of the end member. For example, the end member may define a receptacle within which the component can be received. In an example where the recess extends substantially around the end member, only a portion of the recess need be positioned between the electrical component and end surface to provide protection to the electrical component.

The electrical component may be a component of an interface, such as a socket/port. In one particular example, the electrical component is a female USB connector.

In one example, the electrical component is a socket and the end member delimits a through hole for access to the socket. For example, an interface or plug, such as a charging cable, may pass through the through hole formed in a side surface of the end member to engage the socket. The through hole is arranged further away from the end surface than the recess and so the recess stops water from flowing into the socket and/or the rest of the device. The outer cover may also delimit a corresponding through hole to the through hole of the end member. The through hole may be formed in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device.

The end member may comprise a second recess extending around the longitudinal axis, and the device may comprise a resilient member arranged in the second recess. For example, the resilient member may be an O-ring which sits within the second recess. The resilient member and second recess provide further protection from water ingress by acting as a seal. The resilient member may abut the inner surface of the outer cover and therefore act as a barrier. The second recess may therefore also be covered by the outer cover.

The second recess may be arranged further away from the end surface than the (first) recess. Thus, the second recess and resilient member acts as a second barrier to protect from water ingress. For example, the resilient member may abut the outer cover to form a seal. It may be preferable to arrange the second recess further away from the end surface because water may become trapped in the second recess, under the resilient member, so it may be desirable to reduce the amount of water reaching the second resilient member.

The second recess may lie in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The end member may comprise an attachment component arranged further away from the end surface than the recess. The attachment component is configured to engage the outer cover, and therefore hold the outer cover in place. By positioning the attachment component further away from the end surface than the recess, the likelihood of water coming into contact with the attachment component is reduced. The water may, for example, cause the attachment component to become damaged, corroded, rusted, or otherwise become less effective, for example by reducing a resistance to movement between the attachment element and the outer cover, such as by acting as a lubricant.

The attachment component may also be arranged further away from the end surface than the second recess to further reduce the likelihood of contact with water.

The end member may delimit a further through hole through which the attachment component protrudes. This can help reduce the overall profile of the apparatus because the attachment component, which may be relatively large or bulky can be arranged primarily inside the end member.

The attachment component may be a spring or magnet for example. A spring may protrude into a corresponding recess formed on an inner surface of the outer cover.

The end member may comprise one or more further attachment components arranged around the end member.

The recess may have a depth dimension of greater than about <NUM>, greater than about <NUM>, greater than about <NUM>, or greater than about <NUM>. The recess may have a depth dimension of less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, or less than about <NUM>. In one particular example, the recess may have a depth dimension of about <NUM>. The depth dimension is a distance measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. Recesses with depths within this range have been found to be effective at reducing the capillary flow of water. In general, the deeper the recess the more effective it is at blocking capillary action. If the recess needs to be deeper, the end member must be made larger to allow the increased depth, which increases the overall size of the device, these depths have been found to present a good balance between size and effectiveness.

In some examples, the recess is formed through a wall (such as the side surface) of the end member. Preferably, the recess does not extend through the wall by more than about <NUM>% of the wall thickness. This ensures that the structural integrity of the wall is not compromised by forming a recess in the wall.

The recess may have a width dimension of greater than about <NUM>, greater than about <NUM>, greater than about <NUM>, greater than about <NUM>, greater than about <NUM>, or greater than about <NUM>. The recess may have a width dimension of less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, or less than about <NUM>. In one particular example, the recess may have a width dimension of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In another particular example, the recess may have a width dimension of about <NUM>. The width dimension is a distance measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. Recesses with widths within this range are effective at reducing the capillary flow of water into the device. This is because capillary action is a function not just of the gap between surfaces but gravity, when a device is oriented vertically, water can only flow to a certain height under capillary action. There is therefore a balance between the width dimension and effectiveness, with longer width dimensions being more effective but this also impacts the size of the device. This also interacts with the depth dimension, because a deeper narrower recess many provide similar protection to a shallower wider recess.

At least a portion of the recess may be positioned away from the end surface by a distance of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In one example, at least a portion of the recess may be positioned away from the end surface by a distance of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In another example, at least a portion of the recess may be positioned away from the end surface by a distance of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In another example, at least a portion of the recess may be positioned away from the end surface by a distance of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In another particular example, at least a portion of the recess may be positioned away from the end surface by a distance of about <NUM>. If the recess is positioned closer to the end surface, the volume of water reaching the recess is likely to be higher than if the recess is positioned further away (because a volume of water will be retained in the capillary formed between the end member and the cover). It may therefore be more effective to position the recess further away, but this increases the overall size of the device or places design constraints on the position of components to protect against water ingress. These distances provide an effective balance of these considerations.

The "portion of the recess" is the portion of the recess arranged closest to the end surface. Accordingly, if the whole recess is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, then the whole recess is positioned at an equal distance from the end surface. However, if portions of the recess are positioned at different distances from the end surface (measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis), then the "portion of the recess" refers to the portion arranged closest to the end surface.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for protecting electrical components of an aerosol provision device from water ingress. The method comprises:.

The air gap may be provided between the outer cover and the end member of the device, for example. As mentioned above, the outer cover generally abuts the side surface of the end member. The water flows, via capillary action, between these two abutting surfaces until it reaches the air gap. The air gap therefore protects the electrical components from the water.

The air gap may be provided by forming a recess, such as a groove or channel on one, or both, of the generally abutting surfaces. Providing the air gap may comprise forming a recess on a surface of an end member of the device. The recess may be formed by moulding the end member to include a recess. Alternatively, the recess may be formed by removing material from the end member after it is manufactured.

Providing an air gap may comprise providing an air gap with the dimensions described above for the recess.

Positioning the electrical components for protection in a portion of the device may comprise:.

After providing an air gap by forming a recess, the method may further comprise forming a second recess on the surface of the end member and arranging a resilient member within the second recess.

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

The device <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> (in the form of an outer cover) which surrounds and houses various components of the device <NUM>. The device <NUM> has an opening <NUM> in one end, through which the article <NUM> may be inserted for heating by a heating assembly. In use, the article <NUM> may be fully or partially inserted into the heating assembly where it may be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly.

The device <NUM> of this example comprises a first end member <NUM> which comprises a lid <NUM> which is moveable relative to the first end member <NUM> to close the opening <NUM> when no article <NUM> is in place. In <FIG>, the lid <NUM> is shown in an open configuration, however the cap <NUM> may move into a closed configuration. For example, a user may cause the lid <NUM> to slide in the direction of arrow "A".

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

The device <NUM> may also comprise an electrical component, such as a socket/port <NUM>, which can receive a cable to charge a battery of the device <NUM>. For example, the socket <NUM> may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples the socket <NUM> may be used additionally or alternatively to transfer data between the device <NUM> and another device, such as a computing device.

<FIG> depicts the device <NUM> of <FIG> with the outer cover <NUM> removed and without an article <NUM> present. The device <NUM> defines a longitudinal axis <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first end member <NUM> is arranged at one end of the device <NUM> and a second end member <NUM> is arranged at an opposite end of the device <NUM>. The first and second end members <NUM>, <NUM> together at least partially define end surfaces of the device <NUM>. For example, the bottom surface of the second end member <NUM> at least partially defines a bottom surface of the device <NUM>. Edges of the outer cover <NUM> may also define a portion of the end surfaces. In this example, the lid <NUM> also defines a portion of a top surface of the device <NUM>.

The end of the device closest to the opening <NUM> may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) of the device <NUM> because, in use, it is closest to the mouth of the user. In use, a user inserts an article <NUM> into the opening <NUM>, operates the user control <NUM> to begin heating the aerosol generating material and draws on the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device <NUM> along a flow path towards the proximal end of the device <NUM>.

The other end of the device furthest away from the opening <NUM> may be known as the distal end of the device <NUM> because, in use, it is the end furthest away from the mouth of the user. As a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows away from the distal end of the device <NUM>.

The device <NUM> further comprises a power source <NUM>. The power source <NUM> may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The battery is electrically coupled to the heating assembly to supply electrical power when required and under control of a controller (not shown) to heat the aerosol generating material. In this example, the battery is connected to a central support <NUM> which holds the battery <NUM> in place.

The device further comprises at least one electronics module <NUM>. The electronics module <NUM> may comprise, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB <NUM> may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB <NUM> may also comprise one or more electrical tracks to electrically connect together various electronic components of the device <NUM>. For example, the battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB <NUM> so that power can be distributed throughout the device <NUM>. The socket <NUM> may also be electrically coupled to the battery via the electrical tracks.

In the example device <NUM>, the heating assembly is an inductive heating assembly and comprises various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article <NUM> via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction.

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

The induction heating assembly of the example device <NUM> comprises a susceptor arrangement <NUM> (herein referred to as "a susceptor"), a first inductor coil <NUM> and a second inductor coil <NUM>. The first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> are made from an electrically conducting material. In this example, the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> are made from Litz wire/cable which is wound in a helical fashion to provide helical inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM>. Litz wire comprises a plurality of individual wires which are individually insulated and are twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wires are designed to reduce the skin effect losses in a conductor. In the example device <NUM>, the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> are made from copper Litz wire which has a rectangular cross section. In other examples the Litz wire can have other shape cross sections, such as circular.

The first inductor coil <NUM> is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first section of the susceptor <NUM> and the second inductor coil <NUM> is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second section of the susceptor <NUM>. In this example, the first inductor coil <NUM> is adjacent to the second inductor coil <NUM> in a direction along the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the device <NUM> (that is, the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> to not overlap). The susceptor arrangement <NUM> may comprise a single susceptor, or two or more separate susceptors. Ends <NUM> of the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> can be connected to the PCB <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM>, in some examples, may have at least one characteristic different from each other. For example, the first inductor coil <NUM> may have at least one characteristic different from the second inductor coil <NUM>. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil <NUM> may have a different value of inductance than the second inductor coil <NUM>. In <FIG>, the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> are of different lengths such that the first inductor coil <NUM> is wound over a smaller section of the susceptor <NUM> than the second inductor coil <NUM>. Thus, the first inductor coil <NUM> may comprise a different number of turns than the second inductor coil <NUM> (assuming that the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil <NUM> may be made from a different material to the second inductor coil <NUM>. In some examples, the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially identical.

In this example, the first inductor coil <NUM> and the second inductor coil <NUM> are wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the inductor coils are active at different times. For example, initially, the first inductor coil <NUM> may be operating to heat a first section of the article <NUM>, and at a later time, the second inductor coil <NUM> may be operating to heat a second section of the article <NUM>. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in the inactive coil when used in conjunction with a particular type of control circuit. In <FIG>, the first inductor coil <NUM> is a right-hand helix and the second inductor coil <NUM> is a left-hand helix. However, in another embodiment, the inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> may be wound in the same direction, or the first inductor coil <NUM> may be a left-hand helix and the second inductor coil <NUM> may be a right-hand helix.

The susceptor <NUM> of this example is hollow and therefore defines a receptacle within which aerosol generating material is received. For example, the article <NUM> can be inserted into the susceptor <NUM>. In this example the susceptor <NUM> is tubular, with a circular cross section.

The device <NUM> of <FIG> further comprises an insulating member <NUM> which may be generally tubular and at least partially surround the susceptor <NUM>. The insulating member <NUM> may be constructed from any insulating material, such as plastic for example. In this particular example, the insulating member is constructed from polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The insulating member <NUM> may help insulate the various components of the device <NUM> from the heat generated in the susceptor <NUM>.

The insulating member <NUM> can also fully or partially support the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned around the insulating member <NUM> and are in contact with a radially outward surface of the insulating member <NUM>. In some examples the insulating member <NUM> does not abut the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, a small gap may be present between the outer surface of the insulating member <NUM> and the inner surface of the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM>.

In a specific example, the susceptor <NUM>, the insulating member <NUM>, and the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> are coaxial around a central longitudinal axis of the susceptor <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a side view of device <NUM> in partial cross-section. The outer cover <NUM> is present in this example. The rectangular cross-sectional shape of the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> is more clearly visible.

The device <NUM> further comprises a support <NUM> which engages one end of the susceptor <NUM> to hold the susceptor <NUM> in place. The support <NUM> is connected to the second end member <NUM>.

The device may also comprise a second printed circuit board <NUM> associated within the control element <NUM>.

The device <NUM> further comprises a second lid/cap <NUM> and a spring <NUM>, arranged towards the distal end of the device <NUM>. The spring <NUM> allows the second lid <NUM> to be opened, to provide access to the susceptor <NUM>. A user may open the second lid <NUM> to clean the susceptor <NUM> and/or the support <NUM>.

The device <NUM> further comprises an expansion chamber <NUM> which extends away from a proximal end of the susceptor <NUM> towards the opening <NUM> of the device. Located at least partially within the expansion chamber <NUM> is a retention clip <NUM> to abut and hold the article <NUM> when received within the device <NUM>. The expansion chamber <NUM> is connected to the end member <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded view of the device <NUM> of <FIG>, with the outer cover <NUM> omitted.

<FIG> depicts a cross section of a portion of the device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> depicts a close-up of a region of <FIG> show the article <NUM> received within the susceptor <NUM>, where the article <NUM> is dimensioned so that the outer surface of the article <NUM> abuts the inner surface of the susceptor <NUM>. This ensures that the heating is most efficient. The article <NUM> of this example comprises aerosol generating material 110a. The aerosol generating material 110a is positioned within the susceptor <NUM>. The article <NUM> may also comprise other components such as a filter, wrapping materials and/or a cooling structure.

<FIG> shows that the outer surface of the susceptor <NUM> is spaced apart from the inner surface of the inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> by a distance <NUM>, measured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the susceptor <NUM>. In one particular example, the distance <NUM> is about <NUM> to <NUM>, about <NUM>-<NUM>, or about <NUM>.

<FIG> further shows that the outer surface of the insulating member <NUM> is spaced apart from the inner surface of the inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> by a distance <NUM>, measured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the susceptor <NUM>. In one particular example, the distance <NUM> is about <NUM>. In another example, the distance <NUM> is substantially <NUM>, such that the inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> abut and touch the insulating member <NUM>.

In one example, the susceptor <NUM> has a wall thickness <NUM> of about <NUM> to <NUM>, or about <NUM>.

In one example, the susceptor <NUM> has a length of about <NUM> to <NUM>, about <NUM>-<NUM>, or about <NUM>.

In one example, the insulating member <NUM> has a wall thickness <NUM> of about <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or about <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts the end member <NUM> and its arrangement relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the device <NUM>. As mentioned briefly, the end member <NUM> is arranged towards one end of the device <NUM> and is at least partially surrounded by the outer cover <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>).

The end member <NUM> comprises a bottom/lower surface <NUM> (which forms part of an end surface of the device <NUM>) and at least one side surface <NUM>. In this example, the bottom surface <NUM> is arranged generally perpendicular to the axis <NUM>. However, the bottom surface <NUM> may be arranged at other angles with respect to the axis <NUM>. The end member in this example comprises a continuous side surface <NUM> which extends around the axis <NUM> in an azimuthal direction (indicated by arrow <NUM>). In other examples, the end member may comprise two or more side surfaces which together extend at least partially around the axis <NUM>. The outer cover <NUM> may at least partially surround and generally abut the side surface <NUM> once it is attached to the device <NUM>. A lower edge of the outer cover <NUM> may lie flush with the bottom surface <NUM>, and so also form part of the end surface of the device <NUM>.

The end member <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> positioned away from the bottom surface <NUM> in a direction parallel to the axis <NUM>. The recess <NUM> is formed along the side surface <NUM> and extends fully around the end member <NUM> in the azimuthal direction <NUM> to form a continuous recess.

As mentioned above, the recess <NUM> acts to prevent/reduce water from flowing further into the device. For example, water may enter a small gap between the side surface <NUM> and the outer cover <NUM>, and flow along the side surface <NUM> in a direction generally parallel to the axis <NUM>. This flow of water may be due, at least partially, to capillary action. As the water reaches the recess <NUM>, the flow of water is interrupted because the greater gap between surfaces makes the capillary action weaker. The recess <NUM> therefore acts as a barrier to stop the capillary flow of water. The water is therefore less likely to flow beyond the position of the recess <NUM>. Components of the device which are positioned beyond the recess <NUM> are less likely to come into contact with the water.

The recess <NUM> has a depth dimension, which is measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis <NUM> (i.e. in the direction indicated by arrow <NUM>). The recess also has a width dimension, which is measured in a direction parallel to the axis <NUM>. In this particular example, the width dimension is <NUM>, and the depth dimension is <NUM>. A recess with these dimensions has been found to be suitable to reduce the ingress of water.

The end member <NUM> may further house one or more electrical components, such as a socket/port <NUM>. For example, the end member <NUM> may define a cavity/receptacle <NUM>, within which components may be positioned. As shown most clearly in <FIG> and <FIG>, the socket <NUM> can be arranged within the receptacle <NUM>. The socket <NUM> in this example is a female USB charging port. Accordingly, to provide access to the socket <NUM>, a through hole <NUM> may be formed in the side surface <NUM> of the end member <NUM>. The socket <NUM> may be arranged inside the receptacle <NUM> adjacent to the through hole <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the socket <NUM> (and the through hole <NUM>) are positioned further away from end surface of the device <NUM> than the recess <NUM>. The recess <NUM> therefore reduces/stops water from contacting the socket <NUM>.

The end member <NUM> may further comprise a second recess <NUM> within which a resilient member <NUM>, such as an O-ring, can be received. In this example the second recess <NUM> extends around the end member <NUM> in the azimuthal direction <NUM> and is perpendicular to the axis <NUM>. In other examples however, the second recess <NUM> may be arranged at angles other than <NUM> degrees to the axis <NUM>. The second recess <NUM> is provided to hold the resilient member <NUM> in place. The resilient member <NUM> may abut the inner surface of the outer cover <NUM> to provide a seal. The resilient member <NUM> therefore acts as a second means of protection against water ingress should the water travel beyond the first recess <NUM>. Accordingly, the second recess <NUM> may be positioned further away from the end surface than the first recess <NUM>.

Although the second recess <NUM> is shown positioned further away from the end surface than the through hole <NUM> (and the socket <NUM>), the second recess <NUM> may be positioned closer to the end surface than the through hole <NUM> (and the socket <NUM>) in some examples.

The end member <NUM> may further comprise one or more attachment components <NUM> which are configured to engage and hold the outer cover <NUM> in place. In this example, the attachment components <NUM> protrude outwards from the side surface <NUM> and are received within corresponding recesses formed on the inner surface of the outer cover <NUM>. It will be appreciated that other types of attachment components may be used. The attachment components <NUM> protrude through holes formed in the end member <NUM>. The attachment components <NUM> are therefore generally located within the receptacle <NUM> and extend through the side surface <NUM>. This can help reduce the size of the device <NUM> because the attachment component is primarily located within the receptacle <NUM> of the end member <NUM>.

In this example the attachment components <NUM> are all positioned further away from the end surface than the first and second recesses <NUM>, <NUM>. This minimises the likelihood of the attachment components <NUM> coming into contact with water. In other examples, some, or all of the attachment components <NUM> may be positioned between the first recess <NUM> and the second recess <NUM>.

The end member <NUM> may further comprise one or more connection members <NUM> which engage with the central support <NUM> (shown most clearly in <FIG>). Other means of connecting the end member <NUM> to the central support <NUM> may be used.

<FIG> is a diagrammatic representation of the end member <NUM> of <FIG> as viewed in the direction of arrow <NUM>.

In this example, the recess <NUM> comprises at least a first portion 208a, a second portion 208b, and a third portion 208c. The first portion 208a and the third portion 208c extend around the end member <NUM> in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the axis <NUM> of the device <NUM>. The second portion 208b extends around the end member <NUM> in a direction that is angled with respect to the first and third portions 208c.

In this example, the third portion 208c and part of the second portion 208b of the recess <NUM> is positioned between the electrical component <NUM> and the end surface. However, this still provides adequate protection from water ingress because water cannot easily cross the recess <NUM> using capillary action and the electrical component <NUM> is located on the other side of the recess <NUM> from the end surface.

The recess <NUM> has a depth dimension <NUM>, which is measured inwardly from the side surface <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the axis <NUM>. The recess <NUM> also has a width dimension <NUM>, which is measured in a direction parallel to the axis <NUM>. In this example the width of the recess <NUM> is substantially constant along the recess <NUM>, however, in other examples the width of the recess <NUM> may vary at different points around the recess. For example, the width may need to be wider at places where water ingress is more likely and/or where the effects of capillary flow are more pronounced. Similarly, the depth <NUM> of the recess <NUM> may vary at different points around the recess <NUM>.

<FIG> also depicts the recess <NUM> being positioned away from the end surface of the device <NUM> by a distance <NUM>. Because the distance varies at different points around the recess <NUM>, the distance <NUM> is the distance from the end surface to a portion of the recess arranged closest to the end surface. In this example, the third portion 208c is positioned away from the end surface by a distance <NUM> of about <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagrammatic representation of another end member <NUM>. As with the example depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the end member <NUM> comprises a bottom/lower surface <NUM> (which forms part of an end surface of the device) and at least one side surface. In this example however, the end member <NUM> has a rectangular footprint, and therefore comprises four side surfaces, including a first side surface 404a, a second side surface 404b, a third side surface 404c and a fourth side surface (hidden from view).

The end member <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> that extends fully around the end member <NUM> to form a continuous recess. Unlike the example in <FIG> and <FIG>, the recess <NUM> in this example extends around the end member <NUM> in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the device for its entire length.

The end member <NUM> further comprises a second recess <NUM> within which a resilient member <NUM>, such as an O-ring, is received.

The end member <NUM> further comprises one or more attachment components <NUM> which are configured to engage and hold an outer cover in place. In this example, the attachment components <NUM> are magnets. One attachment component <NUM> is positioned between the first recess <NUM> and the second recess <NUM> and another attachment component <NUM> is positioned further away from the end surface than the first and second recesses <NUM>, <NUM>. Other arrangements are possible.

<FIG> is a diagrammatic representation of another end member <NUM>. As with the examples depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the end member <NUM> comprises a bottom/lower surface <NUM> (which forms part of an end surface of the device) and at least one side surface <NUM>. In this example, the end member <NUM> does not comprise any connection members which engage with a central support. Other means of connecting the end member <NUM> to the device may be used. For example, components in the device may be attached/adhered to the end member <NUM>.

The end member <NUM> may comprise any of the features described in the examples of <FIG>, <FIG>. However, unlike the examples of <FIG>, <FIG>, the end member <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> that does not fully extend around the end member <NUM>. Instead, the recess <NUM> is non-continuous. In another example (not depicted), the recess may be non-continuous, but may extend fully around the end member to form a helical/spiral recess. In another example at least two separate recesses may each extend partially around the end member with the recesses partially overlapping in the direction perpendicular to the axis but offset along the longitudinal axis, such as forming an interdigitated pattern.

<FIG> depicts a flow diagram for a method <NUM> for protecting electrical components of an aerosol provision device from water ingress. The method comprises, in block <NUM>, positioning the electrical components for protection in a portion of the device spaced apart from an end of the device. The method further comprises, in block <NUM>, providing an air gap between otherwise generally abutting surfaces, wherein the air gap is positioned between the end of the device and the electrical components, the air gap preventing flow of water by capillary action from the end of the device to the electrical components.

Claim 1:
An aerosol provision device (<NUM>) having an axis (<NUM>) and comprising:
a power source (<NUM>);
an end member (<NUM>), at a first end, at least partially surrounded by an outer cover (<NUM>), the end member and the outer cover together defining an end surface of the aerosol provision device, wherein the end member defines a recess (<NUM>) which is positioned away from the end surface in the direction of the axis and is covered by the outer cover, characterised in that the recess is configured to interrupt capillary flow of water.