AU2022370320A1

AU2022370320A1 - Aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: AU2022370320A1
Application number: AU2022370320A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Patrick MOLONEY
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-22
Filing date: 2022-10-21
Publication date: 2024-04-18
Also published as: WO2023067357A1; CA3234621A1; GB202115195D0

Abstract

A mouthpiece (33) for an aerosol provision system (1). The mouthpiece (33) comprises an aerosol outlet channel (62) for delivering an aerosol to a user of the mouthpiece (33). The mouthpiece comprises at least one portion (300) or a display (330) whose appearance is configured to change in response to a predetermined event occurring, or being determined as occurring. Such a predetermined event may be a change in remaining power from a power source (16), or a temperature value being determined as exceeding a predetermined temperature. In this way, the portion (300) may allow the user to discern the occurrence of the predetermined event whilst they are still using the mouthpiece (33).

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

Field

The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems such as, but not limited to, nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like).

Background

Electronic aerosol provision systems often employ an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or more generally an aerosol provision device. Such an aerosol provision system typically contains aerosolisable material (also called aerosol-generating 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 (also called an aerosol generator), e.g. a heating element, arranged to aerosolise 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 (if the aerosolisable material was not itself flavoured), after which the (flavoured) vapour may be then delivered to a user via a mouthpiece from the aerosol provision system.

A potential drawback of existing aerosol provision systems and associated aerosol provision devices is that it can be challenging for the user to quickly discern particular characteristics or operations that are occurring therein. Various approaches are therefore described herein which seek to help address or mitigate some of the issues discussed above, through the provision of a mouthpiece, whereby the mouthpiece comprises a portion whose appearance is configured to change in response to a predetermined event, for indicating to the user that the predetermined event has occurred.

In this way, the portion may provide a convenient visual cue or prompt that that the predetermined event has occurred, such that the user can more quickly take any required action in response, as needed, even whilst they still might have their mouth over the mouthpiece.

Summary

According to a first aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol provision system, the mouthpiece comprising an aerosol outlet channel for delivering an aerosol to a user of the mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a portion whose appearance is configured to change in response to a predetermined event. According to a second aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, comprising the mouthpiece according to the first aspect, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a vaporiser for generating the aerosol, wherein the aerosol outlet channel is configured to receive aerosol generated by the vaporiser.

According to a third aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises the mouthpiece according to the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of changing the appearance of a portion from a mouthpiece of an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises: changing the appearance of the portion in response to a predetermined event.

It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the various aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Figure 1 schematically represents in perspective view an aerosol provision system comprising a cartridge and aerosol provision device (shown separated) in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 2 schematically represents in exploded perspective view of components of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;

Figures 3A to 3C schematically represent various cross-section views of a housing part of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;

Figures 4A and 4B schematically represent a perspective view and a plan view of a dividing wall element of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;

Figures 5A to 5C schematically represent two perspective views and a plan view of a resilient plug of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;

Figures 6A and 6B schematically represent a perspective view and a plan view of a bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1; Figure 7A schematically represents a perspective view of an embodiment of mouthpiece comprising a portion whose appearance is configured to change, and which is useable with the aerosol provision systems described above with reference to Figures 1-6B, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 7B schematically represent a cross section view of the mouthpiece from Figure 7A, when taken about cross section A-A’ as shown in Figure 7A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 8A schematically represents a perspective view of an embodiment of mouthpiece comprising a portion whose appearance is configured to change, in a first configuration, and in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 8B schematically represents a perspective view of the embodiment of mouthpiece from Figure 8A when in a second configuration, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 9A schematically represents a perspective view of an embodiment of mouthpiece comprising a portion whose appearance is configured to change, in a first configuration, and in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 9B schematically represents a perspective view of the embodiment of mouthpiece from Figure 9A when in a second configuration, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 10A schematically represents a perspective view of an embodiment of mouthpiece comprising a portion whose appearance is configured to change, in a first configuration, and in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 10B schematically represents a perspective view of the embodiment of mouthpiece from Figure 10A when in a second configuration, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 11A schematically represents a cross section view of an embodiment of mouthpiece, when taken about an equivalent cross section A-A’ as shown in Figure 7A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 11B schematically represents a cross section view of another embodiment of mouthpiece, when taken about an equivalent cross section A-A’ as shown in Figure 7A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 12 represents a schematic view of an embodiment of mouthpiece, and which may be representative of some of the internal structures of the mouthpieces herein described, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure; and

Figure 13 schematically represents a cross section view of another embodiment of mouthpiece, when taken about an equivalent cross section A-A’ as shown in Figure 7A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, and which comprises a (removable) visibility restricting portion for restricting visibility of an appearance changing portion from the mouthpiece.

Detailed Description

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed I described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed I described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

The present disclosure relates to non-combustible aerosol provision systems (such as an e- cigarette). 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. The aerosolisable material may also be flavoured, in some embodiments.

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 an aerosol provision system. 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 aerosol provision system is a hybrid device configured to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolisable materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid device 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 cartridge/consumable part and a body/reusable/aerosol provision device part, which is configured to releasably engage with the cartridge/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-3.

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, 1,3-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) may often comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable part (body - or aerosol provision 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 may 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 Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example aerosol provision system (e-cigarette) 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure. Terms concerning the relative location of various aspects of the electronic cigarette (e.g. terms such as upper, lower, above, below, top, bottom etc.) are used herein with reference to the orientation of the electronic cigarette as shown in Figure 1 (unless the context indicates otherwise). However, it will be appreciated this is purely for ease of explanation and is not intended to indicate there is any required orientation for the electronic cigarette in use.

The e-cigarette 1 (aerosol provision system 1) comprises two main components, namely a cartridge 2 and an aerosol provision device 4. The aerosol provision device 4 and the cartridge 2 are shown separated in Figure 1, but are coupled together when in use.

The cartridge 2 and aerosol provision device 4 are coupled by establishing a mechanical and electrical connection between them. The specific manner in which the mechanical and electrical connection is established is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, bayonet, latched or friction-fit mechanical fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts I electrodes for establishing the electrical connection between the two parts as appropriate. For example electronic cigarette 1 represented in Figure 1 , the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece 33, a mouthpiece end 52 and an interface end 54 and is coupled to the aerosol provision device by inserting an interface end portion 6 at the interface end of the cartridge into a corresponding receptacle 81 receiving section of the aerosol provision device. The interface end portion 6 of the cartridge is a close fit to be receptacle 8 and includes protrusions 56 which engage with corresponding detents in the interior surface of a receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the aerosol provision device. An electrical connection is established between the aerosol provision device and the cartridge via a pair of electrical contacts on the bottom of the cartridge (not shown in Figure 1) and corresponding sprung contact pins in the base of the receptacle 8 (not shown in Figure 1). As noted above, the specific manner in which the electrical connection is established is not significant to the principles described herein, and indeed some implementations might not have an electrical connection between the cartridge and a aerosol provision device at all, for example because the transfer of electrical power from the reusable part to the cartridge may be wireless (e.g. based on electromagnetic induction techniques).

The electronic cigarette 1 (aerosol provision system) has a generally elongate shape extending along a longitudinal axis L. When the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol provision device, the overall length of the electronic cigarette in this example (along the longitudinal axis) is around 12.5 cm. The overall length of the aerosol provision device is around 9 cm and the overall length of the cartridge is around 5 cm (i.e. there is around 1.5 cm of overlap between the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge and the receptacle 8 of the aerosol provision device when they are coupled together). The electronic cigarette has a crosssection which is generally oval and which is largest around the middle of the electronic cigarette and tapers in a curved manner towards the ends. The cross-section around the middle of the electronic cigarette has a width of around 2.5 cm and a thickness of around 1.7 cm. The end of the cartridge has a width of around 2 cm and a thickness of around 0.6 mm, whereas the other end of the electronic cigarette has a width of around 2 cm and a thickness of around 1.2 cm. The outer housing of the electronic cigarette is in this example is formed from plastic. It will be appreciated the specific size and shape of the electronic cigarette and the material from which it is made is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be different in different implementations. That is to say, the principles described herein may equally be adopted for electronic cigarettes having different sizes, shapes and I or materials.

The aerosol provision device 4 may in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure be broadly conventional in terms of its functionality and general construction techniques. In the example of Figure 1, the aerosol provision device 4 comprises a plastic outer housing 10 including the receptacle wall 12 that defines the receptacle 8 for receiving the end of the cartridge as noted above. The outer housing 10 of the aerosol provision device 4 in this example has a generally oval cross section conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge 2 at their interface to provide a smooth transition between the two parts. The receptacle 8 and the end portion 6 of the cartridge 2 are symmetric when rotated through 180° so the cartridge can be inserted into the aerosol provision device in two different orientations. The receptacle wall 12 includes two aerosol provision device air inlet openings 14 (i.e. holes in the wall). These openings 14 are positioned to align with an air inlet 50 for the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol provision device. A different one of the openings 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge in the different orientations. It will be appreciated some implementations may not have any degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge is couplable to the aerosol provision device in only one orientation while other implementations may have a higher degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge is couplable to the aerosol provision device in more orientations.

The aerosol provision device further comprises a battery 16 for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry 18 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button 20, an indicator light 22, and a charging port 24.

The battery 16 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The battery 16 may be recharged through the charging port 24, which may, for example, comprise a USB connector. The input button 20 in this example is a conventional mechanical button, for example comprising a sprung mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact in underlying circuitry. In this regard, the input button may be considered an input device for detecting user input, e.g. to trigger aerosol generation, and the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not significant. For example, other forms of mechanical button or touch-sensitive button (e.g. based on capacitive or optical sensing techniques) may be used in other implementations, or there may be no button and the device may rely on a puff detector for triggering aerosol generation.

The indicator light 22 is provided to give a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the electronic cigarette, for example, an indication of an operating state (e.g. on I off / standby), and other characteristics, such as battery life or fault conditions. Different characteristics may, for example, be indicated through different colours and I or different flash sequences in accordance with generally conventional techniques.

The control circuitry 18 is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette to provide conventional operating functions in line with the established techniques for controlling electronic cigarettes. The control circuitry (processor circuitry) 18 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the electronic cigarette's operation. For example, depending on the functionality provided in different implementations, the control circuitry 18 may comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the battery/power supply to the cartridge in response to user input, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional units I circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as indicator light display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It will be appreciated the functionality of the control circuitry 18 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and I or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) I circuitry I chip(s) I chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality.

Figure 2 is an exploded schematic perspective view of the cartridge 2 (exploded along the longitudinal axis L). The cartridge 2 comprises a housing part 32, an air channel seal 34, a dividing wall element 36, an outlet tube 38, a vaporiser/heating element 40, an aerosolisable material transport element 42, a plug 44, and an end cap 48 with contact electrodes 46. Figures 3 to 6 schematically represents some of these components in more detail. Figure 3A is a schematic cut-away view of the housing part 32 through the longitudinal axis L where the housing part 32 is thinnest. Figure 3B is a schematic cut-away view of the housing part 32 through the longitudinal axis L where the housing part 32 is widest. Figure 3C is a schematic view of the housing part along the longitudinal axis L from the interface end 54 (i.e. viewed from below in the orientation of Figures 3A and 3B).

Figures 4A is a schematic perspective view of the dividing wall element 36 as seen from below. Figure 4B is a schematic cross-section through an upper part of the dividing wall element 36 as viewed from below.

Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from above and Figure 5B is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from below. Figure 5C is a schematic view of the plug 44 along the longitudinal axis L seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e. viewed from above for the orientation in Figures 1 and 2).

Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view of the end cap 48 from above. Figure 6B is a schematic view of the end cap 48 along the longitudinal axis L seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e. from above).

The housing part 32 in this example comprises a housing outer wall 64 and a housing inner tube 62 which in this example are formed from a single moulding of polypropylene. The housing outer wall 64 defines the external appearance of the cartridge 2 and the housing inner tube 62 defines a part the air channel through the cartridge. The housing part is open at the interface end 54 of the cartridge and closed at the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge except for a mouthpiece opening I aerosol outlet 60, from the mouthpiece 33, which is in fluid communication with the housing inner tube 62. The housing part 32 includes an opening in a sidewall which provides the air inlet 50 for the cartridge. The air inlet 50 in this example has an area of around 2 mm². The outer surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 includes the protrusions 56 discussed above which engage with corresponding detents in the interior surface of the receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the aerosol provision device. The inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part includes further protrusions 66 which act to provide an abutment stop for locating the dividing wall element 36 along the longitudinal axis L when the cartridge is assembled. The outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 further comprises holes which provide latch recesses 68 arranged to receive corresponding latch projections 70 in the end cap to fix the end cap to be housing part when the cartridge is assembled.

The outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 includes a double-walled section 74 that defines a gap 76 in fluid communication with the air inlet 50. The gap 76 provides a portion of the air channel through the cartridge. In this example the doubled-walled section 74 of the housing part 32 is arranged so the gap defines an air channel running within the housing outer wall 64 parallel to the longitudinal axis with a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of around 3 mm². The gap I portion of air channel 76 defined by the doublewalled section of the housing part extends down to the open end of the housing part 32.

The air channel seal 34 is a silicone moulding generally in the form of a tube having a through hole 80. The outer wall of the air channel seal 34 includes circumferential ridges 84 and an upper collar 82. The inner wall of the air channel seal 34 also includes circumferential ridges, but these are not visible in Figure 2. When the cartridge is assembled the air channel seal 34 is mounted to the housing inner tube 62 with an end of the housing inner tube 62 extending partly into the through hole 80 of the air channel seal 34. The through hole 80 in the air channel seal has a diameter of around 5.8 mm in its relaxed state whereas the end of the housing inner tube 62 has a diameter of around 6.2 mm so that a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 is stretched to accommodate the housing inner tube 62. This seal is facilitated by the ridges on the inner surface of the air channel seal 34.

The outlet tube 38 comprises a tubular section, for instance made of ANSI 304 stainless steel or polypropylene, with an internal diameter of around 8.6 mm and a wall thickness of around 0.2 mm. The bottom end of the outlet tube 38 includes a pair of diametrically opposing slots 88 with an end of each slot having a semi-circular recess 90. When the cartridge is assembled the outlet tube 38 mounts to the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The outer diameter of the air channel seal is around 9.0 mm in its relaxed state so that a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 is compressed to fit inside the outlet tube 38. This seal is facilitated by the ridges 84 on the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The collar 80 on the air channel seal 34 provides a stop for the outlet tube 38.

The aerosolisable material transport element 42 comprises a capillary wick and the vaporiser (aerosol generator) 40 comprises a resistance wire heater wound around the capillary wick. In addition to the portion of the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, the vaporiser comprises electrical leads 41 which pass through holes in the plug 44 to contact electrodes 46 mounted to the end cap 54 to allow power to be supplied to the vaporiser via the electrical interface the established when the cartridge is connected to an aerosol provision device. The vaporiser leads 41 may comprise the same material as the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, or may comprise a different material (e.g. lower- resistance material) connected to the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick. In this example the heater coil 40 comprises a nickel iron alloy wire and the wick 42 comprises a glass fibre bundle. The vaporiser and aerosolisable material transport element may be provided in accordance with any conventional techniques and is may comprise different forms and I or different materials. For example, in some implementations the wick may comprise fibrous or solid a ceramic material and the heater may comprise a different alloy. In other examples the heater and wick may be combined, for example in the form of a porous and a resistive material. More generally, it will be appreciated the specific nature aerosolisable material transport element and vaporiser is not of primary significance to the principles described herein.

When the cartridge is assembled, the wick 42 is received in the semi-circular recesses 90 of the outlet tube 38 so that a central portion of the wick about which the heating coil is would is inside the outlet tube while end portions of the wick are outside the outlet tube 38.

The plug 44 in this example comprises a single moulding of silicone, may be resilient. The plug comprises a base part 100 with an outer wall 102 extending upwardly therefrom (i.e. towards the mouthpiece end of the cartridge). The plug further comprises an inner wall 104 extending upwardly from the base part 100 and surrounding a through hole 106 through the base part 100.

The outer wall 102 of the plug 44 conforms to an inner surface of the housing part 32 so that when the cartridge is assembled the plug in 44 forms a seal with the housing part 32. The inner wall 104 of the plug 44 conforms to an inner surface of the outlet tube 38 so that when the cartridge is assembled the plug 44 also forms a seal with the outlet tube 38. The inner wall 104 includes a pair of diametrically opposing slots 108 with the end of each slot having a semi-circular recess 110. Extended outwardly (i.e. in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge) from the bottom of each slot in the inner wall 104 is a cradle section 112 shaped to receive a section of the aerosolisable material transport element 42 when the cartridge is assembled. The slots 108 and semi-circular recesses 110 provided by the inner wall of the plug 44 and the slots 88 and semi-circular recesses 90 of the outlet tube 38 are aligned so that the slots 88 in the outlet tube 38 accommodate respective ones of the cradles 112 with the respective semi-circular recesses in the outlet tube and plug cooperating to define holes through which the aerosolisable material transport element passes. The size of the holes provided by the semi-circular recesses through which the aerosolisable material transport element passes correspond closely to the size and shape of the aerosolisable material transport element, but are slightly smaller so a degree of compression is provided by the resilience of the plug 44. This allows aerosolisable material to be transported along the aerosolisable material transport element by capillary action while restricting the extent to which aerosolisable material which is not transported by capillary action can pass through the openings. As noted above, the plug 44 includes further openings 114 in the base part 100 through which the contact leads 41 for the vaporiser pass when the cartridge is assembled. The bottom of the base part of the plug includes spacers 116 which maintain an offset between the remaining surface of the bottom of the base part and the end cap 48. These spacers 116 include the openings 114 through which the electrical contact leads 41 for the vaporiser pass.

The end cap 48 comprises a polypropylene moulding with a pair of gold-plated copper electrode posts 46 mounted therein.

The ends of the electrode posts 44 on the bottom side of the end cap are close to flush with the interface end 54 of the cartridge provided by the end cap 48. These are the parts of the electrodes to which correspondingly aligned sprung contacts in the aerosol provision device 4 connect when the cartridge 2 is assembled and connected to the aerosol provision device 4. The ends of the electrode posts on the inside of the cartridge extend away from the end cap 48 and into the holes 114 in the plug 44 through which the contact leads 41 pass. The electrode posts are slightly oversized relative to the holes 114 and include a chamfer at their upper ends to facilitate insertion into the holes 114 in the plug where they are maintained in pressed contact with the contact leads for the vaporiser by virtue of the plug.

The end cap has a base section 124 and an upstanding wall 120 which conforms to the inner surface of the housing part 32. The upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 is inserted into the housing part 32 so the latch projections 70 engage with the latch recesses 68 in the housing part 32 to snap-fit the end cap 48 to the housing part when the cartridge is assembled. The top of the upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 abuts a peripheral part of the plug 44 and the lower face of the spacers 116 on the plug also abut the base section 124 of the plug so that when the end cap 48 is attached to the housing part it presses against the resilient part 44 to maintain it in slight compression.

The base portion 124 of the end cap 48 includes a peripheral lip 126 beyond the base of the upstanding wall 112 with a thickness which corresponds with the thickness of the outer wall of the housing part at the interface end of the cartridge. The end cap also includes an upstanding locating pin 122 which aligns with a corresponding locating hole 128 in the plug to help establish their relative location during assembly.

The dividing wall element 36 comprises a single moulding of polypropylene and includes a dividing wall 130 and a collar 132 formed by projections from the dividing wall 130 in the direction towards the interface end of the cartridge. The dividing wall element 36 has a central opening 134 through which the outlet tube 38 passes (i.e. the dividing wall is arranged around the outlet tube 38). In some embodiments, the dividing wall element 36 may be integrally formed with the outlet tube 38. When the cartridge is assembled, the upper surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44 engages with the lower surface of the dividing wall 130, and the upper surface of the dividing wall 130 in turn engages with the projections 66 on the inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32. Thus, the dividing wall 130 prevents the plug from being pushed too far into the housing part 32 - i.e. the dividing wall 130 is fixedly located along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge by the protrusions 66 in the housing part and so provides the plug with a fixed surface to push against. The collar 132 formed by projections from the dividing wall includes a first pair of opposing projections I tongues 134 which engage with corresponding recesses on an inner surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44. The protrusions from the dividing wall 130 further provide a pair of cradle sections 136 configured to engage with corresponding ones of the cradle sections 112 in the part 44 when the cartridge is assembled to further define the opening through which the aerosolisable material transport element passes.

When the cartridge 2 is assembled an air channel extending from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol outlet 60 through the cartridge is formed. Starting from the air inlet 50 in the side wall of the housing part 32, a first section of the air channel is provided by the gap 76 formed by the double-walled section 74 in the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 and extends from the air inlet 50 towards the interface end 54 of the cartridge and past the plug 44. A second portion of the air channel is provided by the gap between the base of the plug 44 and the end cap 48. A third portion of the air channel is provided by the hole 106 through the plug 44. A fourth portion of the air channel is provided by the region within the inner wall 104 of the plug and the outlet tube around the vaporiser 40. This fourth portion of the air channel may also be referred to as an aerosol/aerosol generation region, it being the primary region in which aerosol is generated during use. The air channel from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol generation region may be referred to as an air inlet section of the air channel. A fifth portion of the air channel is provided by the remainder of the outlet tube 38. A sixth portion of the air channel is provided by the outer housing inner tube 62 which connects the air channel to the aerosol outlet 60, which is located at an end of the mouthpiece 33. The air channel from the aerosol generation region to be the aerosol outlet may be referred to as an aerosol outlet section of the air channel.

Also, when the cartridge is assembled a reservoir 31 for aerosolisable material is formed by the space outside the air channel and inside the housing part 32. This may be filled during manufacture, for example through a filling hole which is then sealed, or by other means. The specific nature of the aerosolisable material, for example in terms of its composition, is not of primary significance to the principles described herein, and in general any conventional aerosolisable material of the type normally used in electronic cigarettes may be used. The present disclosure may refer to a liquid as the aerosolisable material, which as mentioned above may be a conventional e-liquid. However, the principles of the present disclosure apply to any aerosolisable material which has the ability to flow, and may include a liquid, a gel, or a solid, where for a solid a plurality of solid particles may be considered to have the ability to flow when considered as a bulk.

The reservoir is closed at the interface end of the cartridge by the plug 44. The reservoir includes a first region above the dividing wall 130 and a second region below the dividing wall 130 within the space formed between the air channel and the outer wall of the plug. The aerosolisable material transport element (capillary wick) 42 passes through openings in the wall of the air channel provided by the semi-circular recesses 108, 90 in the plug 44 and the outlet tube 38 and the cradle sections 112, 136 in the plug 44 and the dividing wall element 36 that engage with one another as discussed above. Thus, the ends of the aerosolisable material transport element extend into the second region of the reservoir from which they draw aerosolisable material through the openings in the air channel to the vaporiser 40 for subsequent vaporisation.

In normal use, the cartridge 2 is coupled to the aerosol provision device 4 and the aerosol provision device activated to supply power to the cartridge via the contact electrodes 46 in the end cap 48. Power then passes through the connection leads 41 to the vaporiser 40. The vaporiser is thus electrically heated and so vaporises a portion of the aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element in the vicinity of the vaporiser. This generates aerosol in the aerosol generation region of the air path. Aerosolisable material that is vaporised from the aerosolisable material transport element is replaced by more aerosolisable material drawn from the reservoir by capillary action. While the vaporiser is activated, a user inhales on the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge. This causes air to be drawn through whichever aerosol provision device air inlet 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge (which will depend on the orientation in which the cartridge was inserted into the aerosol provision device receptacle 8). Air then enters the cartridge through the air inlet 50, passes along the gap 76 in the double-walled section 74 of the housing part 32, passes between the plug 44 and the end cap 48 before entering the aerosol generation region surrounding the vaporiser 40 through the hole 106 in the base part 100 of the plug 44. The incoming air mixes with aerosol generated from the vaporiser to form a condensation aerosol, which is then drawn along the outlet tube 38 and the housing part inner 62 before exiting through the mouthpiece outlet/aerosol outlet 60 for user inhalation.

From the above Figures 1-6B, it can be seen a possible embodiment construction of aerosol provision system 1 which is configured for generating an aerosol, which is suitable for use in the context of the present disclosure (alongside potentially other forms of aerosol provision system). Turning now to Figures 7A-13, the present disclosure also provides for a mouthpiece 33, which may be useable with any of the cartridges 2 or aerosol provision systems 1 herein described, such as any of those from the embodiments of Figures 1-6B for instance. At a general level therefore, the mouthpiece 33 may comprise an (appearance changing) portion 300 whose appearance is configured to change in response to a predetermined event. As will be described in due course, it is envisaged that this predetermined event could be a wide of variety of different things, depending on the intent for the portion 300. Purely for instance, and in accordance with some embodiments, the predetermined event may comprise any of: i) a composition of aerosol-generating material being determined as matching a predetermined composition of aerosol-generating material; ii) an amount of aerosolgenerating material being determined as being below a predetermined amount; iii) a change in remaining power from a power source (such as the power source 16 as described above); and/or iv) a temperature value, such as a temperature value indicative of a temperature of the aerosol generator 40, exceeding (or being determined as exceeding) a predetermined temperature. At this general level therefore, it may be appreciated that the portion 300 may be thus configured for indicating to a user that the predetermined event has occurred (whatever this event is). In this way, the portion 300 may provide a convenient visual cue or prompt to the user that that the predetermined event has occurred, such that the user can more quickly take any required action in response, as needed. Importantly, in so far as the mouthpiece 33 may comprise the portion 300, this may in certain instances more easily allow the user to react to the event even whilst the user still has their mouth over the mouthpiece 33.

Mindful of the above general disclosure therefore, it will be appreciate that the portion 300 may be located in a region or area of the mouthpiece 33 which is suitably visible to the user for them to see the portion 300.

Turning therefore to the disclosure from the embodiments disclosed in Figures 7A-13, in accordance with some embodiments, the mouthpiece 33 may comprise at least one external surface 302, which may be configured in accordance with some particular embodiments to comprise the portion 300.

As to the shape of the at least one external surface 302, it will be appreciated that this shape may vary depending on the particular shape of the device to which the mouthpiece is configured to be attached. Though in accordance with some embodiments, such as those shown in the embodiments of Figures 7A-13, the mouthpiece 33 may comprise an end 304, with the mouthpiece 33 in some embodiments thereof then being configured such that the at least one external surface 302 is inclined towards the end 304 of the mouthpiece 33. With this particular geometry, the mouthpiece 33 may be particularly shaped for receiving the lips of a user’s mouth in an ergonomic manner for better preventing any aerosol from escaping between the user’s mouth and the mouthpiece 33.

With respect to the delivery of any aerosol from the mouthpiece 33, at a general level the mouthpiece 33 may comprise an aerosol outlet channel 62 (described above as also being an outer housing inner tube 62) for delivering an aerosol to a user of the mouthpiece. With respect to such an aerosol outlet channel 62, the mouthpiece 33 may also comprise an outlet 60 for receiving aerosol from the aerosol outlet channel 62. Although this outlet 60 could be located in any required location on the mouthpiece 33, for better locating the outlet 60 nearest the user’s mouth, when the mouthpiece 33 is in use, in accordance with some embodiments (such as those shown in the Figures), the end 304 of the mouthpiece 33 may comprise the outlet 60. With respect to any such end 304, in accordance with some embodiments, the end 304 of the mouthpiece 33 may be substantially flat to better avoid the end 304 obstructing any aerosol emitted from the mouthpiece 33 from entering the user’s mouth.

Staying with the geometry of the mouthpiece 33, the provided external surface(s) 302 may be either straight, curved, or any combination thereof (in embodiments where more than one external surface 302 is provided). At least in so far as any external surface may be curved, this may provide for a more appropriate surface for the user to place their lips around in use. Equally, in so far as any external surface(s) may be curved, where this external surface(s) 302 comprises the portion 300, this may make the portion 300 easier to observe at different angles and orientations.

Noting the above therefore, it may be appreciated in some embodiments that the mouthpiece 33 may comprise at least one external surface 302, which may in accordance with some embodiments be configured to comprise the portion 300.

In accordance with some embodiments, the at least one external surface 302 may comprise a plurality of external surfaces 302. For instance, and in accordance with some particular embodiments (such as those shown in Figures 7A-13), the at least one external surface 302 may comprise a first external surface 302A (such as in some cases on a first side 33A of the mouthpiece 33), and a second external surface 302B (such as in some cases on a second side 33B of the mouthpiece 33, wherein the second side 33B is opposite the first side 33A). Where such a first and second external surface 302A;302B is employed, for providing an element of symmetry to the mouthpiece 33, the first external surface 302A in accordance with some embodiments may represent a reflection of, a mirror image of, and/or comprise reflection symmetry with, the second external surface 302B (as can be seen in the embodiments of Figures 7A-13). Thus in embodiments where a plurality of external surfaces 302 is employed, any combination (or all of these external surfaces) may comprise the portion 300. Or put differently, in accordance with some embodiments, the portion 300 may be located on any number, combination, or all of these plurality of external surfaces (such as the first external surface 302A and/or the second external surface 302B). In this way therefore, it may be seen that the portion 300 may be conveniently located on any number of these external surface(s) 302 to best allow for the portion 300 to be seen by the user when the mouthpiece 33 is in use.

For completeness, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, more than one portion 300 may be provided, such that in accordance with some particular embodiments (such as that shown in the embodiment of Figure 12) a first portion 300A may be provided on/by/in one of the external surfaces (e.g. the first external surface 302A), with a second portion 300B provided on/by/in another of the external surfaces (e.g. the second external surface 302A). In such embodiments therefore, the provision of more than one portion 300A;300B may allow for an even further ease for the user to discern that the predetermined event has occurred through each such portion 300A;300B.

Where more than one portion 300 is provided, it will be appreciated in some embodiments that each portion may be configured to change in response to the same predetermined event and/or change in the same way in response to the same predetermined event. In this way, the user may have several opportunities/portions to visually discern that the predetermined event has occurred. Equally, in accordance with some additional/alternative embodiments, each portion 300 may be configured to change in response to a different predetermined event and/or change in a different way relative to the other portion(s) 300. Thus put differently, in accordance with some very particular embodiments, the portion 300 may comprise a first portion (such as the first portion 300A) whose appearance is configured to change in response to a first predetermined event, and the portion 300 may comprise a second portion (such as the second portion 300B) whose appearance is configured to change in response to a second predetermined event which is different from the first predetermined event. Equally, in accordance with some embodiments, the portion 300 may comprise a first portion (such as the first portion 300A) whose appearance is configured to change in response to the predetermined event, and the portion 300 may comprise a second portion (such as the second portion 300B) whose appearance is configured to change in response to the (same) predetermined event. In such latter embodiments, it may be appreciated in some particular embodiments that the first and second portions may be configured to change in the same way in response to the (same) predetermined event. Appreciating the above therefore, at a general level therefore, it may seen that one or more external surface(s) 302 of the mouthpiece may comprise the portion(s) 300, as shown for instance in any of the embodiments from the Figures.

With respect to the size of the portion 300, it is envisaged that this be suitably sized so as to be suitably prominent on the mouthpiece 33, yet no so large that it becomes distracting, or too difficult for the user to discern information therefrom as a result of the appearance of the portion 300 changing in use.

Mindful of the above, in accordance with some embodiments, each portion may be elongate to better allow the user to spot the portion 300. With respect to any such length of the portion 300, in accordance with some embodiments the (or each) portion 300 may comprise a maximum length LMAX of no more than 55mm; no more than 50mm; no more than 40mm; no more than 30mm; no more than 25mm; no more than 20mm; and/or no than 15mm.

Equally, in accordance with some additional/alternative embodiments, the (or each) portion 300 may comprise a maximum width WMAX of no more than 20mm; no more than 18mm; no more than 15mm; no more than 12mm; and/or no more than 10mm.

With respect to any particular thickness for the (or each) portion 300, again this may be selected so as to not make the portion 300 occupy too much space on the mouthpiece 33, which could thus risk the portion 300 being damaged in instances where the portion 300 is unduly thick, such to in some embodiments unduly project from the mouthpiece. Thus in accordance with some embodiments, the (or each) portion 300 may comprise a maximum thickness TMAX of no more than 10mm; no more than 8mm; no more than 6mm; no more than 4mm; and/or no more than 2mm. With such maximum thicknesses, the (or each) portion 300 may thus act to no unduly occupy valuable space on the mouthpiece 33.

In more general terms, it may also be in that the (or each portion) may comprise a maximum dimension which is no more than no more than 55mm; no more than 50mm; no more than 40mm; no more than 30mm; no more than 25mm; no more than 20mm; and/or no than 15mm, in accordance with some embodiments. By the term ‘maximum dimension’ here, this may be understood as meaning that none of the maximum length LMAX; maximum width WMAX; or maximum thickness TMAX are larger than then specified amount.

As to the relative location of the mouthpiece with respect to the user’s mouth when the mouthpiece is in use, the mouthpiece 33 may be configured to ensure that the (or each) portion 300 is located suitably proximal their user’s mouth, to make it easier for the user to discern any change in appearance of the portion 300. In this respect therefore, and in accordance with some embodiments, the (or each) portion 300 may be located no more than 60mm; no more than 50mm; no more than 40mm no more than 30mm; no more than 20mm; and/or no more than 20mm from the end 304 of the mouthpiece 33. By the phrase ‘no more than XXmm from the end’ here, this may be interpreted to mean that no part of each portion 300 is located further from the end 304 than the specified distance, rather than any part of each portion solely needing to be more than the specified distance from the end 304 of the mouthpiece 33.

With respect to the geometry of the mouthpiece 33, it may be seen in accordance with some embodiments that the mouthpiece 33 may be used as part of a wider cartridge 2. This is shown for instance, with reference to the embodiments from Figures 7A-13 at least. In accordance with such embodiments where a cartridge 2 is employed, in some embodiments thereof, the cartridge 2 may further comprise a first end 54 (such as the interface end 54 described above with reference to Figures 1-6B), and a second end opposite the first end 54. The cartridge 2 may also comprise a base portion 6 (such as the interface end portion 6 described above with reference to Figures 1-6B) extending from the first end 54, wherein the base portion 6 is configured for engaging the cartridge 2 with an aerosol provision device 4. In this way, the base portion 6 may be located between the first end 54 and the mouthpiece 33.

Although not necessarily, to allow the mouthpiece to better fit into a user’s mouth relative to the dimensions of the base portion 6, in accordance with some particular embodiments (such as those shown in Figures 7A-11B), the mouthpiece 33 may be wider than the base portion 6. Put differently, a maximum width of the mouthpiece may be wider than a maximum width of the base portion 6. With respect to some embodiments, it may be seen that the end 52;304 of the mouthpiece 33 may define the second end of the cartridge 2.

Returning to the portion 300, in accordance with some embodiments, to better prevent the portion 300 being damaged in use, and/or to locate the portion 300 in a more discrete location which may be less visible to other people beyond the user of the mouthpiece 33, in accordance with some embodiments, the (or each) portion 300 in accordance with some embodiments may be at least partly, or fully, recessed into at least one of the at least one external surface 302. Put differently, in accordance with some embodiments, the portion 300 may be at least partly (or fully) embedded in the mouthpiece 33. This may be seen for instance in the embodiment of Figures 11A and 11 B, wherein the (or each) external surface 302;302A comprises a (respective) recess 306 for accommodating the (respective) portion 300. In this way, and in accordance with some particular embodiments thereof, the portion 300 may be configured to not project from the recess 306.

To prevent any unwanted damage to any provided portion 300, rather than (or in addition to) the use of any such recess 306, in accordance with some embodiments (such as that shown in Figure 11 A), the mouthpiece 33 may comprise a window 308, wherein the window 308 at least partly covers the portion 300 for allowing the portion 300 to be observed through the window 308. Appreciably where any such window 308 is provided, the window in accordance with some embodiments may be suitably clear to allow the user to observe the portion 300 through the window 308. In this respect therefore, and in accordance with some embodiments, the window may be substantially transparent and/or substantially translucent.

Where any such window 308 is employed, it may be appreciated that the external surface(s) 302 may comprise the window 308 in accordance with some embodiments, and/or such that the window 308 may in accordance with some embodiments be located on, or be flush with, the at least one external surface as shown in the embodiment of Figure 11A. Appreciably as well, where any such window 308 is employed, in accordance with some embodiments (such as, for instance, where a first portion 300A and a second portion 300B is employed), the window 308 in accordance with some particular embodiments may comprise a first window and a second window, such as in a particular embodiment such that the first external surface 302A comprises a first window, and such that the second external surface 302B comprises a second window.

As noted above, in accordance with some embodiments provided herein, means may be provided to help render the portion 300 less visible to other people beyond the user of the mouthpiece 33. This may be advantageous to better inhibit other people beyond the user seeing any output from the portion 300, and/or any information therefrom where this portion 300 is configured to comprise information (such as an indicia as will be described). Mindful of this, it may be appreciated that in certain embodiments, such as the embodiments from Figure 11A and/or 11 B (and also Figure 13), the mouthpiece 33 may comprise at least one visibility restricting portion 310 at least partly covering, and/or covering, the (or each) portion 300. In this way, the visibility restricting portion 310 may be configured to restrict the visibility of the (or each) portion 300, such as configured to restrict the visibility of the portion to a fewer number of predetermined angular positions. For instance, in a particular embodiment, the visibility restricting portion may be configured for allowing the portion 300 to be viewed when viewed from a viewpoint where the user has their mouth over the mouthpiece 33. Put differently still, the visibility restricting portion may be configured to restrict the visibility of the portion 300 from a first predetermined direction (for instance the direction V1 from the embodiment shown in Figure 11 B or 13), but allow visibility of the portion 300 from a second predetermined direction (for instance the direction V2 shown in the embodiment of Figure 11 B or 13) which is not parallel the first predetermined direction.

As to the structure of any such visibility restricting portion(s) 310, this may appreciably take a variety of different forms. For instance, in accordance with some embodiments, the visibility restricting portion may comprise a polarised portion, such as in accordance with some more particular embodiments, a polarised screen; polarised layer; and/or a polarised film.

In accordance with some embodiments, the visibility restricting portion may be attached to, located over, the appearance changing portion 300. Where a window(s) 308 is employed, in accordance with some embodiments thereof, the (or each) window may comprise a visibility restricting portion 310, such that in some particular embodiments thereof, the visibility restricting portion may be located on, or embedded in (especially for instance, in some embodiments where the visibility restricting portion comprises a polarised portion), the window 308. In some embodiments, any provided window 308 may comprise the visibility restricting portion 310 (noting this might then be also be used as part of any window 308 used in an aerosol provision system 1 , i.e. not just a window configured to at least partly cover a portion 300, to help restrict the visibility of any information underneath the window 308). As will be described, in so far as any display 330 is employed, the display in accordance with some embodiments may comprise the visibility restricting portion 310 for at least partly covering, and/or covering, the display 330.

Appreciating any such employment of a visibility restricting portion 310 therefore, it may be appreciated that at a very general level this may thus provide for a mouthpiece 33 for an aerosol provision system, the mouthpiece 33 comprising: a portion 300 (or a display) whose appearance is configured to change; and a visibility restricting portion at least partly covering the appearance changing portion (or the display). In this way, the visibility restricting portion 310 may be configured for restricting the visibility of the portion 300 (or the display).

The above disclosure, at an even more general level, may be appreciably employed in respect of any display, or other portion, from an aerosol provision system, which is configured to change in use. Thus at a general level, also provided herein is an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol provision system comprising a portion 300 (such as a display) whose appearance is configured to change, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a visibility restricting portion 310 at least partly covering the portion 300. In this way, the visibility restricting portion 310 may be configured for restricting the visibility of the (appearance changing) portion 300.

Also provided by the above is a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and an aerosol provision device, wherein the cartridge comprises the portion 300 (such as a display) whose appearance is configured to change, and comprises the visibility restricting portion 310 at least partly covering the portion 300. Appreciating the foregoing therefore, and where such a visibility restricting portion 310 is employed, it may be appreciated that this visibility restricting portion 310 may be located on, form part of, and/or be used with, any form of mouthpiece 33; cartridge 2; aerosol provision device 4; and/or aerosol provision system 1 as herein described which may comprise a portion which is configured to change appearance. In this way, the visibility restricting portion 310 may help to restrict the visibility of the portion 300 to be viewable from a fewer number of directions compared with if the visibility restricting portion 310 was not employed. As such, unwanted viewing of the portion 300 by those people surrounding the intended user may be mitigated against.

Moving away from any employed visibility restricting portion 310, and returning to the portion 300, in accordance with some embodiments, the portion 300 may at least partially surround, or in some narrower embodiments fully or completely surround, the aerosol outlet channel 62. In this way, viewing of the portion 300 may be facilitated at different points around the mouthpiece 33.

Noting the above therefore, it may be seen that the location and/or geometry of the portion 300 may take a variety of different forms, depending on the required application of the (or each) portion 300.

Turning to the application of the portion 300, as noted above previously, it is envisaged that the (or each) portion 300 may be configured to change appearance, such as in response to a predetermined event occurring, or in response to a predetermined event being determined as occurring. As to what might happen in these instances, it will be appreciated that this may vary again depending on the application of the portion 300.

Mindful of the above, in accordance with some embodiments (such as the embodiments shown in Figures 8A-8B and 9A-9B, the portion may be configured to change colour in response to the predetermined event. Purely for example, such a configuration may have an application in embodiments where the predetermined event comprises a change in remaining power from a power source (such as the battery 16), as shown in the embodiment from Figures 8A and 8B. In this respect for instance, the predetermined event may comprise a determination that the power source 16 comprises less than a predetermined amount of remaining power. In some particular embodiments the predetermined amount may comprise a predetermined percentage of the maximum capacity of the power source, such as in some very particular embodiments a predetermined percentage comprising 80%; 75%; 66.6% (i.e. two thirds); 60%; 50%; 40%; 33.3% (i.e. one third); 20%; 10%; and/or or 5%.

As to what the change in colour might be, this again might comprise a number of different changes, such as any change between any combination of the following colours: Black; White; Grey; Red; Orange; Yellow; Green; Blue; Pink; or Purple. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 8A 8B, in response to a determination that the power source 16 comprises less than a predetermined amount of remaining power, the portion 300 is configured to change from green to orange in response to the predetermined event occurring.

Another application for the portion 300, in accordance with some embodiments (such as that shown in Figures 9A-9B) is in respect of the predetermined event comprising a composition of aerosol-generating material being determined as matching a predetermined composition of aerosol-generating material. In such embodiments for instance, and at a more general level, the appearance of the portion 300 may be configured to change in response to a first predetermined event occurring (such as a composition of aerosol-generating material being determined as matching a first predetermined composition of aerosol-generating material); and the appearance of the portion 300 may be configured to change in response to a first predetermined event occurring (such as the composition of aerosol-generating material being determined as matching a second predetermined composition of aerosol-generating material). An example of such embodiments is illustrated with respect to the embodiment of Figure 9A and 9B, where Figure 9A shows the appearance of the portion 300 being configured to change to a first colour 312 (such as beige) in response to a first predetermined event occurring (such as the composition of aerosol-generating material being determined as matching a first predetermined composition of aerosol-generating material [e.g. vanilla]), and where Figure 9B shows the appearance of the portion 300 being configured to change to a second colour 314 (such as green) in response to a second predetermined event occurring (such as the composition of aerosol-generating material being determined as matching a second predetermined composition of aerosol-generating material [e.g. mint or menthol]).

Another application for the portion 300, in accordance with some embodiments (such as that shown in Figures 10A-10B) is in respect of the predetermined event comprising a temperature value exceeding, or being determined as exceeding, a predetermined temperature. In accordance with some embodiments, such a temperature value could be indicative of a temperature of a particular component, such as the temperature of the aerosol generator 40, and/or the temperature of a detected aerosol, such as the temperature of an aerosol in the aerosol outlet channel 62. Thus in such embodiments, and potentially other additional/alternative embodiments (such as the embodiments from Figures 9A-9B and 10A- 10B), in response to the predetermined event, the appearance of the portion may be configured to change by way of the portion 300 displaying at least one indicia 316. In accordance with some particular embodiments, the indicia may comprise a text string 318 (such as OVERHEAT DETECTED in the embodiment of Figure 10B); a graphical symbol 320; a warning symbol 322 (e.g. an exclamation point surrounded by a warning triangle in the embodiment of Figure 10B); and/or any combination of the above. Where the indicia is provided, in accordance with some particularly convenient embodiments, such as that shown in the embodiment of Figure 10B, the indicia may be orientated towards the end 52;304 of the mouthpiece 33. In this way, the user may be able to then more easily discern the indicia whilst they have their mouth over this end 52;304 of the mouthpiece.

Rather than a temperature value exceeding, or being determined as exceeding, a predetermined temperature, it will be appreciated that the predetermined event in accordance with some embodiments may comprise a temperature value being below, or being determined as being below, a predetermined temperature. Such embodiments may therefore allow for the appearance of the portion 300 to change in response to the temperature falling to below this predetermined temperature. For instance, in a very particular embodiment, in response to the temperature falling below the predetermined temperature, the appearance of the portion 300 may be configured to change to a predetermined colour (e.g. blue or green), and/or may be configured to display at least one indicia 316 (e.g. a text string 318, such as a text string 318 reciting ‘TEMPERATURE OK’).

Notwithstanding the above potential applications for the portion 300, other applications may also be provided in accordance with certain embodiments. For instance, in accordance with some embodiments the predetermined event may comprise the aerosol generator having been operated for a period of time which exceeds a predetermined threshold amount. In a particular embodiment, this may be achieved through any provided control circuitry 18 determining that the aerosol generator 40 has been operated for the period of time which exceeds the predetermined threshold amount.

Another potential application for the portion 300, in accordance with some embodiments, may be to change appearance when an amount of aerosol-generating material remaining in any provided reservoir 31 is below a predetermined amount. Again, in a particular embodiment where the control circuitry 18 is employed, this may be achieved in certain embodiments through any provided control circuitry 18 determining the amount of aerosolgenerating material remaining in the reservoir is below the predetermined amount. In such embodiments, in certain cases, the portion 300 may then the portion being configured to change by way of the portion displaying at least one indicia 316 (such as a text string 318 reciting ‘LOW LIQUID LEVEL’ and/or ‘REFILL REQUIRED’). With reference to the foregoing therefore, it may be appreciated the (appearance changing) portion 300 may be configured to change its appearance in a number of different ways, to cater for at least one (or more than one) different predetermined event(s) occurring.

As alluded to above, in accordance with some embodiments, certain predetermined events may be determined as having been occurred through the use of control circuitry 18 which may be employed in accordance with some embodiments. That being the case, in such embodiments, and at a general level, the control circuitry 18 may be configured to determine whether the predetermined event has occurred; and generate an output signal, in response to determining that the predetermined event has occurred, for changing the appearance of the portion 300.

Although not necessarily, there may also be provided at least one sensor 324 for generating sensor data to help with determining whether any given predetermined event(s) has occurred. Accordingly, with respect to such embodiments, any provided control circuitry 18 may be further configured to receive the sensor data from the sensor 324; and process the sensor data to determine whether the predetermined event has occurred. As to what such a sensor might be, this may appreciably depend on what the predetermined event is.

For instance, in accordance with some embodiments, any provided sensor 324 may comprise a temperature sensor; for determining a temperature value, such as a temperature of the aerosol generator 40 (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 12 with respect to the temperature sensor 324A); a temperature of the aerosol-generating material transport element 42 (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 12 with respect to the temperature sensor 324B); and/or an ambient temperature (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 12 with respect to the temperature sensor 324C).

Equally, in accordance with some additional/alternative embodiments, any provided sensor 324 may comprise a sensor 324D for generating sensor data which is indicative of an amount of aerosol-generating material remaining in the reservoir 31. Such a sensor 324D may appreciably be located in any appropriate location, such as but not limited to the sensor 324D being located in the reservoir 31; being configured to be in fluid communication with aerosol-generating material from the reservoir 31 ; and/or being configured to be exposed to aerosol-generating material from the reservoir 31 (as shown in the embodiment from Figure 12).

For the sake of completeness, where any sensor(s) 324 is employed, it may be appreciated that each such sensor 324 may be located in any appropriate location as required to perform its function. Accordingly, any given combination of the mouthpiece 33; the cartridge 2; the aerosol provision device 4; or the aerosol provisions system 1, may comprise the sensor(s) 324. Indeed, this can be seen from the embodiment from Figure 12, where some of the sensors 324 are located in the cartridge 2, and some are sensors 324 are located in the aerosol provision device 4.

Another application for the portion 300 may be where the portion comprises a thermochromic material 328. In this way, in so far the thermochromic material exceeds a predetermined temperature (e.g. caused by excess heat from the aerosol generator 40 in a very particular embodiment, and/or by excess heat in aerosol-generating material in the aerosol outlet channel 62 (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 12), and/or by excess heat in the reservoir 31), the thermochromic material 328 from the portion 300 of the mouthpiece 33 may be configured to automatically change appearance in response to the predetermined event (e.g. the predetermined event being the thermochromic material exceeding the predetermined temperature). In this way, the user may be able to easily discern through a change in colour of the thermochromic material 328 from the mouthpiece 33 that the predetermined event has occurred.

Another application for the portion 300, in accordance with some embodiments may be such that the mouthpiece 33 comprises a display 330, wherein the portion comprises a user interface 332 from the display 330. This is as shown, for instance, in the embodiments from Figures 7A-10B at least.

Where any portion 300 is provided, in accordance with some embodiments, the portion 300 and/or any provided display 330 may be configured to be releasably attached to the mouthpiece. In this way, the portion 300 and/or any provided display 330 may be that much more easily cleaned or disinfected as required between uses. Appreciably, in some particular embodiments here, the portion 300 and/or any provided display 330 may be configured to be releasably attached to the mouthpiece 33 (or other part of the aerosol provision system 1) by way of a magnetic coupling; a resilient clip; and/or any other coupling which does not utilise any form of mechanical fastener (such as a screw or a bolt). In this way, the portion 300 and/or any provided display 330 may be configured to be releasably attached to the mouthpiece (or other part of the aerosol provision system 1) in a fast, and tool free, manner.

Similarly, where any visibility restricting portion 310 is employed, this visibility restricting portion 310 could equally be configured to be releasably attached to the mouthpiece (or other part of the aerosol provision system 1) as required. This might be the case for instance, where the visibility restricting portion 310 comprises a shroud 320, or cowling 320, which is configured to at least partly cover the appearance changing portion 300, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 13, for instance, which shows an embodiment of visibility restricting portion 310 in the form of a shroud 320 which is configured to releasably connect with the aerosol provision system, such as releasably connect to a portion of the casing 322 therefrom (which may be a portion of the casing of the mouthpiece, the cartridge, or of the aerosol provision device, depending on the location of the corresponding appearance changing portion 300). In accordance with some embodiments, the casing 322 may comprise, or be, the external surface 302, for instance as shown in the embodiment of Figure 13.

In the particular embodiments where the visibility restricting portion 310 is employed, and this visibility restricting portion 310 is configured to be releasably attached to a portion of the aerosol provision system, it will be appreciated that this attachment may be achieved in some embodiments, by way of a magnetic coupling 324 (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 13); a resilient clip; and/or any other coupling which does not utilise any form of mechanical fastener (such as a screw or a bolt). In this way, the visibility restricting portion 300 may be configured to be releasably attached to the mouthpiece (or other part of the aerosol provision system 1) in a fast, and tool free, manner.

With respect to such embodiments where a visibility restricting portion 310 is employed, such as in the embodiment from Figure 13 where the visibility restricting portion 310 comprises the shroud 320, it may be appreciated therefore the visibility restricting portion 310 in accordance with some embodiments may be rigid. In this way, the visibility restricting portion 310 may also serve to provide an element of protection against the appearance changing portion 300 from being damaged in case the aerosol provision system is dropped.

Appreciably therefore, in accordance with such embodiments, whether this be for better protecting the appearance changing portion 300 from damage, or for restricting the visibility of the appearance changing portion 300 (for instance to particular directions only, such as direction V2 but not V1 as shown in the embodiment of Figure 13), it ma be seen therefore that in accordance with some embodiments, the visibility restricting portion 310 may at least partially extend over the appearance changing portion of the aerosol provision system, and/or may at least partially extend around the appearance changing portion of the aerosol provision system (again as shown in the embodiment of Figure 13).

It will be appreciated however that any such visibility restricting portion 310 need not necessarily be releasably connected to the remainder of the aerosol provision system. Thus in such embodiments, the visibility restricting portion 310 could equally be integrally formed with a portion (such as the casing 322 or the external surface 302) of the aerosol provision system. The visibility restricting portion 310, where employed, as noted above, may be configured to help to restrict the visibility of the appearance changing portion 300 in use. Tying in with this, for further restricting the visibility of the appearance changing portion 300 to only particular directions (such as to restrict the visibility of the appearance changing portion 300 when the aerosol provision system 1 is viewed, from the second end), the visibility restricting portion 310 in accordance with some embodiments may comprise an opening 326 for viewing the appearance changing portion of the aerosol provision system through the opening 326. In this way, and in accordance with some particular embodiments, the opening 326 may be configured to be visible from a predetermined number of directions (such as direction V2 shown in the embodiment of Figure 13), but not viewable from other directions (such as direction V1 shown in the embodiment of Figure 13). Mindful of the above general disclosure therefore, it may be seen the portion 300 may be used as part of a wider method, such as a method of changing the appearance of a portion from a mouthpiece 33 of an aerosol provision system 1 , wherein the method comprises changing the appearance of the portion 300 in response to a predetermined event. This method may then form the basis for any of the other features described herein, as needed depending on the embodiment and depending on the nature of the predetermined event(s).

Appreciating the foregoing, there has accordingly been described a mouthpiece for an aerosol provision system, the mouthpiece comprising an aerosol outlet channel for delivering an aerosol to a user of the mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a portion whose appearance is configured to change in response to a predetermined event.

There has also been described an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, comprising the mouthpiece as described above, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises an aerosol generator for generating the aerosol, wherein the aerosol outlet channel is configured to receive aerosol generated by the aerosol generator.

There has also been described a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and an aerosol provision device, wherein the cartridge comprises the mouthpiece as described above.

There has also been described a method of changing the appearance of a portion from a mouthpiece of an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises: changing the appearance of the portion in response to a predetermined event.

There has also been described the associated embodiments as set out in the various sets of clauses at the end of this specification.

There has also been described a mouthpiece 33 for an aerosol provision system 1. The mouthpiece 33 comprises an aerosol outlet channel 62 for delivering an aerosol to a user of the mouthpiece 33. The mouthpiece comprises at least one portion 300 whose appearance is configured to change in response to a predetermined event occurring, or being determined as occurring. Such a predetermined event may be a change in remaining power from a power source 16, or a temperature value being determined as exceeding a predetermined temperature. In this way, the portion 300 may allow the user to discern the occurrence of the predetermined event whilst they are still using the mouthpiece 33.

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, in terms of how any provided portion 300; display 302; sensor 324 may be powered (if it is employed at all), it will be appreciated that these components may be each powered using either the power supply 16, or powered with its own power source (not shown in the Figures).

Equally, with regard to the positioning of any such components, it will be appreciated that their locations may be provided anywhere in the aerosol provision system 1 as may be required to allow them to provide their required functionality. Indeed, and with respect to the (or each) portion 300, although this has been described herein as being part of the mouthpiece 33, this need not necessarily be the case such that in other more general embodiments, the aerosol provision system; the cartridge 2; the aerosol provision device 4; and/or any combination thereof could comprise the (or each) portion 300. Thus at a very general level, there may be consequentially provided herein an aerosol provision system I cartridge I aerosol provision device I mouthpiece, any of which comprising a portion 300 whose appearance is configured to change. In some narrower embodiments, the portion 300 may be then configured to change in response to a predetermined event. This being the case, any of these embodiments may then comprise any combination of features described herein, such as any combination of the features described below with reference to the claims. Such feature or features may be taken as a collective, or in isolation from each other, even in respect of combinations not otherwise expressly described. For the sake of completeness as well, in respect of the above components employed herein, it will be appreciated that any power or signals sent thereto may be provided using either a wired or wireless connection between the control circuitry 18 and the respective component, as necessary. In the particular embodiments shown in Figure 12, for instance, a wired connection is provided between the relevant components and the control circuitry 18, and which extends in the case of the component being located in the cartridge 2 across the interface end 54, via the contact electrodes 46 located on each of the aerosol provision device 4 and the cartridge 2 as shown in Figure 6B.

Equally, whilst a number of aerosol provision system 1 embodiments have been described herein as comprising a cartridge 2 and an aerosol provision device 4, this need not necessarily be the case such that the aerosol provision system 1 defines essentially a single component comprising all the vaporising features from the cartridge 2 and an aerosol provision device 4 in this single component.

FIRST SET OF CLAUSES

1. An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises an appearance changing portion whose appearance is configured to change, and a visibility restricting portion for restricting visibility of the appearance changing portion, wherein the visibility restricting portion at least partly covers the appearance changing portion.

2. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the visibility restricting portion is rigid.

5. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the visibility restricting portion comprises a shroud.

6. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the visibility restricting portion at least partially extends over the appearance changing portion of the aerosol provision system.

7. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the visibility restricting portion at least partially extends around the appearance changing portion of the aerosol provision system.

8. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the visibility restricting portion comprises an opening for viewing the appearance changing portion of the aerosol provision system through the opening.

9. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises a casing, and wherein the visibility restricting portion is connected to the casing.

10. An aerosol provision system according to clause 9, wherein the visibility restricting portion is configured to project outwardly from the casing when the visibility restricting portion is connected to the casing.

11. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the visibility restricting portion is releasably connected to the casing. 12. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the visibility restricting portion is integrally formed with a casing of the aerosol provision system.

13. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a first end, and a second end opposite the first end.

14. An aerosol provision system according to clause 13, wherein the first end comprises a first, mouthpiece, end.

15. An aerosol provision system according to clause 13 or 14, wherein the visibility restricting portion is configured to restrict the visibility of the appearance changing portion of the aerosol provision system when the aerosol provision system is viewed, from the second end.

16. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the visibility restricting portion comprises a polarised portion.

17. An aerosol provision system according to clause 17, wherein the polarised portion comprises at least one of a polarised screen, polarised layer, and a polarised film.

18. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a window at least partly covering the appearance changing portion for allowing the appearance changing portion to be observed through the window.

19. An aerosol provision system according to clause 18, wherein the window fully covers the appearance changing portion for allowing the appearance changing portion to be observed through the window.

20. An aerosol provision system according to clause 18 or 19, wherein the visibility restricting portion is located at an external surface of the window.

21. An aerosol provision system according to clause 18 or 19, when further dependent on clause 16, wherein the polarised portion is embedded in the window.

22. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 18-21 , when further dependent on clause 16, wherein the window comprises the polarised portion. 23. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 18-22, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises at least one external surface, wherein the at least one external surface comprises the window.

24. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 18-23, wherein the window comprises a first window and a second window.

25. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a display, and the appearance changing portion comprises a user interface from the display.

26. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the appearance changing portion comprises a thermochromic material.

27. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the appearance of the appearance changing portion is configured to change in response to a predetermined event.

28. An aerosol provision system according to clause 27, where in response the predetermined event, the appearance of the appearance changing portion is configured to change by way of the appearance changing portion displaying at least one indicia.

29. An aerosol provision system according to clause 28, wherein the indicia comprises a text string.

30. An aerosol provision system according to clause 28 or 29, wherein the indicia comprises a graphical symbol.

31. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 28-30, wherein the indicia comprises a warning symbol.

32. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 27-31, wherein the appearance changing portion is configured to change colour in response to the predetermined event. 33. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 27-32, wherein the predetermined event comprises a change in remaining power from a power source.

34. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 27-33, wherein the predetermined event comprises a composition of aerosol-generating material being determined as matching a predetermined composition of aerosol-generating material.

35. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 27-34, wherein the predetermined event comprises an amount of aerosol-generating material being determined as being below a predetermined amount.

36. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 27-35, wherein the predetermined event comprises a temperature value being determined as exceeding a predetermined temperature.

37. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the appearance changing portion is elongate.

38. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the appearance changing portion comprises a maximum dimension of no more than 40mm.

39. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a cartridge and an aerosol provision device configured to receive the cartridge.

40. An aerosol provision system according to clause 39, wherein the cartridge comprises the appearance changing portion and the visibility restricting portion.

41. An aerosol provision system according to clause 39 or 40, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises the appearance changing portion and the visibility restricting portion.

42. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a mouthpiece comprising an aerosol outlet channel for delivering the aerosol to a user of the mouthpiece. 43. An aerosol provision system according to clause 42, wherein the mouthpiece comprises the appearance changing portion and the visibility restricting portion.

44. An aerosol provision system according to clause 42 or 43, when further dependent on clause 39 at least, wherein the cartridge comprises the mouthpiece.

45. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the visibility restricting portion is configured to restrict the visibility of the appearance changing portion when the aerosol provision system is viewed from a first predetermined direction.

46. An aerosol provision system according to clause 45, wherein the visibility restricting portion is configured to enable visibility of the appearance changing portion when the aerosol provision system is viewed from a second predetermined direction which is different from the first predetermined direction.

47. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises a first, mouthpiece, end, and a second end opposite the first end.

48. An aerosol provision system according to clause 47, when further dependent on clause 46, wherein the first direction is configured to extend closer towards the mouthpiece end than the second direction is configured to extend towards the mouthpiece end.

49. An aerosol provision system according to clause 47 or 48, wherein the aerosol provision system extends along a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end.

50. An aerosol provision system according to clauses 49, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

51. An aerosol provision system according to clauses 49 or 50, wherein the first direction is configured to be more aligned with the longitudinal axis than the second direction is to the longitudinal axis

52. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 49-51, wherein the first direction is configured to extend at a shallower angle relative to the longitudinal axis than the second direction is to the longitudinal axis. 53. A mouthpiece for an aerosol provision system, the mouthpiece comprising an aerosol outlet channel for delivering an aerosol to a user of the mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises: an appearance changing portion whose appearance is configured to change; and a visibility restricting portion for restricting visibility of the appearance changing portion, wherein the visibility restricting portion at least partly covers the appearance changing portion.

54. A cartridge for an aerosol provision system, wherein the cartridge comprises: an appearance changing portion whose appearance is configured to change; and a visibility restricting portion for restricting visibility of the appearance changing portion, wherein the visibility restricting portion at least partly covers the appearance changing portion.

55. An aerosol provision device for an aerosol provision system, the aerosol provision device comprising: an appearance changing portion whose appearance is configured to change; and a visibility restricting portion for restricting visibility of the appearance changing portion, wherein the polarised portion at least partly covers the appearance changing portion.

56. A visibility restricting portion for releasably connecting with an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, wherein the visibility restricting portion is configured for at least partially restricting the visibility of an appearance changing portion of the aerosol provision system when the visibility restricting portion is connected to the aerosol provision system.

57. A visibility restricting portion for releasably connecting with an aerosol provision device from an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, wherein the visibility restricting portion is configured for at least partially restricting the visibility of an appearance changing portion of the aerosol provision system when the visibility restricting portion is connected to the aerosol provision device.

58. A visibility restricting portion for releasably connecting with a cartridge for use in an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, wherein the visibility restricting portion is configured for at least partially restricting the visibility of an appearance changing portion of the cartridge when the visibility restricting portion is connected to the cartridge.

59. A method of restricting the visibility of an appearance changing portion, whose appearance is configured to change, from an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises: using a visibility restricting portion for restricting visibility of the appearance changing portion. 60. A method according to clause 59, wherein the visibility restricting portion at least partly covers the appearance changing portion.

SECOND SET OF CLAUSES

1. A mouthpiece for an aerosol provision system, the mouthpiece comprising an aerosol outlet channel for delivering an aerosol to a user of the mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a portion whose appearance is configured to change in response to a predetermined event.

2. A mouthpiece according to clause 1, wherein the mouthpiece comprises at least one external surface.

3. A mouthpiece according to clause 2, wherein each of the at least one external surface is inclined towards an end of the mouthpiece.

4. A mouthpiece according to clause 3, wherein the end of the mouthpiece is substantially flat.

5. A mouthpiece according to any of clauses 3-4, wherein the portion is located no more than 40mm from the end of the mouthpiece.

6. A mouthpiece according to any of clauses 2-5, wherein each of the at least one external surface is curved.

7. A mouthpiece according to any of clauses 2-6, wherein the at least one external surface comprises the portion.

8. A mouthpiece according to any of clauses 2-7, wherein the portion is at least partly recessed into at least one of the at least one external surface.

9. A mouthpiece according to any of clauses 2-9, wherein the portion is configured to at least partly project from at least one of the at least one external surface.

10. A mouthpiece according to any of clauses 2-9, wherein the at least one external surface comprises: a first external surface on a first side of the mouthpiece; and a second external surface on a second side of the mouthpiece, wherein the second side is opposite the first side. 11. A mouthpiece according to clause 10, wherein at least one of the first and external surfaces comprises the portion of the mouthpiece.

12. A mouthpiece according to clause 10 or 11, wherein both the first and second external surfaces comprise the portion.

13. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, further comprising an outlet for receiving aerosol from the aerosol outlet channel.

14. A mouthpiece according to clause 13, when further dependent on any of clauses 3-5 at least, wherein the end of the mouthpiece comprises the outlet.

15. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the portion at least partially surrounds the aerosol outlet channel.

16. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the portion is elongate.

17. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the portion comprises a maximum dimension of no more than 40mm.

18. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a display, and the portion comprises a user interface from the display.

19. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the portion is configured to change colour in response to the predetermined event.

20. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the portion comprises a thermochromic material.

21. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the portion is at least partly embedded in the mouthpiece.

22. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a window, and the window at least partly covers the portion for allowing the portion to be observed through the window. 23. A mouthpiece according to clause 22, wherein the window is substantially transparent.

24. A mouthpiece according to clause 23 or 24, wherein the window is substantially translucent.

25. A mouthpiece according to any of clauses 22-24, when further dependent on clause 2 at least, wherein the window is located on the at least one external surface.

26. A mouthpiece according to any of clauses 22-25, wherein the window comprises a first window and a second window.

27. A mouthpiece according to clause 26, when further dependent on clause 10 at least, wherein the first external surface comprises the first window, and the second external surface comprises the second window.

28. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the predetermined event comprises a change in remaining power from a power source.

29. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the predetermined event comprises a composition of aerosol-generating material being determined as matching a predetermined composition of aerosol-generating material.

30. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the predetermined event comprises an amount of aerosol-generating being determined as being below a predetermined amount.

31. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the predetermined event comprises a temperature value being determined as exceeding a predetermined temperature.

32. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, where in response the predetermined event, the appearance of the portion is configured to change by way of the portion displaying at least one indicia. 33. A mouthpiece according to clause 32, wherein the indicia comprises a text string.

34. A mouthpiece according to clause 32 or 33, wherein the indicia comprises a graphical symbol.

35. A mouthpiece according to any of clauses 32-34, wherein the indicia comprises a warning symbol.

36. A mouthpiece according to any of clauses 32-35, when further dependent on clause 3, wherein the indicia is configured to be orientated towards the end of the mouthpiece.

37. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the portion whose appearance is configured to change in response to a predetermined event comprises: the appearance of the portion being configured to change in response a first predetermined event; and the appearance of the portion being configured to change in response a second predetermined event which is different from the first predetermined event.

38. A mouthpiece according to clause 37: wherein the appearance of the portion is configured to change to a first appearance in response to the first predetermined event; and wherein the appearance of the portion is configured to change to a second appearance in response to the second predetermined event.

39. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the portion is configured to be releasably attached to the mouthpiece.

40. A mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the mouthpiece further comprise a polarised portion at least partly covering the portion.

41. An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, comprising the mouthpiece according to any preceding clause, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a aerosol generator for generating the aerosol, wherein the aerosol outlet channel is configured to receive aerosol generated by the aerosol-generator. 42. An aerosol provision system according to clause 41, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a cartridge and an aerosol provision device configured to receive the cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises the mouthpiece.

43. An aerosol provision system according to clause 41 or 42, further comprising control circuitry which is configured to: determine whether the predetermined event has occurred; and generate an output signal, in response to determining that the predetermined event has occurred, for changing the appearance of the portion.

44. An aerosol provision system according to clause 43, further comprising a sensor for generating sensor data, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to: receive the sensor data from the sensor; process the sensor data to determine whether the predetermined event has occurred.

45. An aerosol provision system according to clause 44, wherein the sensor comprises a temperature sensor, and wherein the sensor data comprises a temperature value indicative of a temperature.

46. An aerosol provision system according to clause 45, wherein the predetermined event comprises the temperature value being determined, by the control circuitry, as being below a predetermined temperature.

47. An aerosol provision system according to clause 45 or 46, wherein the predetermined event comprises the temperature value being determined, by the control circuitry, as being above a predetermined temperature.

48. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 44-47, wherein the sensor data comprises a temperature value indicative of a temperature of the aerosol generator.

49. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 44-48, wherein the predetermined event comprises the control circuitry determining that the aerosol genrator has been operated for a period of time which exceeds a predetermined threshold amount.

50. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 41-49, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a reservoir for storing aerosol-generating material. 51. An aerosol provision system according to clause 50, when further dependent on clause 44 at least, wherein the sensor data is indicative of an amount of aerosol-generating material remaining in the reservoir, and wherein the predetermined event comprises the amount of aerosol-generating material remaining in the reservoir being determined, by the control circuitry, as being below a predetermined amount.

52. An aerosol provision system according to clause 50 or 51, wherein the predetermined event comprises the control circuity determining that a composition of aerosol-generating material in the reservoir matches a first composition.

53. A cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises the mouthpiece according to any of clauses 1-40.

54. A cartridge according to clause 53, the cartridge further comprising: a first end, and a second end opposite the first end; a base portion extending from the first end, wherein the base portion is configured for engaging the cartridge with the control unit; wherein the base portion is located between the first end and the mouthpiece.

55. A cartridge according to clause 54, wherein the mouthpiece is wider than the base portion.

56. A cartridge according to clause 53 or 54, when further dependent on clause 3 at least, wherein the end of the mouthpiece defines the second end of the cartridge.

57. A method of changing the appearance of a portion from a mouthpiece of an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises: changing the appearance of the portion in response to a predetermined event.

58. A method according to clause 57, wherein changing the appearance of the portion comprises changing the colour of the portion.

59. A method according to clause 57 or 58, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a display, and the portion comprises a user interface from the display. 60. A method according to any of clauses 57-59, wherein the method further comprises control circuitry from the aerosol provision system: determining whether the predetermined event has occurred; and generating an output signal, in response to determining that the predetermined event has occurred, for changing the appearance of the portion.

61. A method according to clause 60, wherein the method further comprises the control circuitry: receiving sensor data from a sensor from the aerosol provision system; processing the sensor data to determine whether the predetermined event has occurred.

Claims

2. A mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece comprises at least one external surface.

3. A mouthpiece according to claim 2, wherein the at least one external surface comprises the portion.

4. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the portion at least partially surrounds the aerosol outlet channel.

5. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a display, and the portion comprises a user interface from the display.

6. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the portion is configured to change colour in response to the predetermined event.

7. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a window, and the window at least partly covers the portion for allowing the portion to be observed through the window.

8. A mouthpiece according to claim 7, when further dependent on claim 2 at least, wherein the window is located on the at least one external surface.

9. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined event comprises a change in remaining power from a power source.

10. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined event comprises a composition of aerosol-generating material being determined as matching a predetermined composition of aerosol-generating material.

47

11. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined event comprises an amount of aerosol-generating being determined as being below a predetermined amount.

12. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined event comprises a temperature value being determined as exceeding a predetermined temperature.

13. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, where in response the predetermined event, the appearance of the portion is configured to change by way of the portion displaying at least one indicia.

14. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the portion whose appearance is configured to change in response to a predetermined event comprises: the appearance of the portion being configured to change in response a first predetermined event; and the appearance of the portion being configured to change in response a second predetermined event which is different from the first predetermined event.

15. A mouthpiece according to claim 14: wherein the appearance of the portion is configured to change to a first appearance in response to the first predetermined event; and wherein the appearance of the portion is configured to change to a second appearance in response to the second predetermined event.

16. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the portion is configured to be releasably attached to the mouthpiece.

17. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece further comprise a polarised portion at least partly covering the portion.

18. An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, comprising the mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a aerosol generator for generating the aerosol, wherein the aerosol outlet channel is configured to receive aerosol generated by the aerosol-generator.

48

19. An aerosol provision system according to claim 18, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a cartridge and an aerosol provision device configured to receive the cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises the mouthpiece.

20. An aerosol provision system according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising control circuitry which is configured to: determine whether the predetermined event has occurred; and generate an output signal, in response to determining that the predetermined event has occurred, for changing the appearance of the portion.

21. An aerosol provision system according to claim 20, further comprising a sensor for generating sensor data, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to: receive the sensor data from the sensor; process the sensor data to determine whether the predetermined event has occurred.

22. An aerosol provision system according to claim 21 , wherein the sensor comprises a temperature sensor, and wherein the sensor data comprises a temperature value indicative of a temperature.

23. An aerosol provision system according to claim 22, wherein the predetermined event comprises the temperature value being determined, by the control circuitry, as being below a predetermined temperature.

24. An aerosol provision system according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the predetermined event comprises the temperature value being determined, by the control circuitry, as being above a predetermined temperature.

25. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 21-24, wherein the sensor data comprises a temperature value indicative of a temperature of the aerosol generator.

26. An aerosol provision system according to any of claim 21-25, wherein the predetermined event comprises the control circuitry determining that the aerosol generator has been operated for a period of time which exceeds a predetermined threshold amount.

27. An aerosol provision system according to any of claim 21-26, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a reservoir for storing aerosol-generating material.

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28. An aerosol provision system according to claim 27, when further dependent on claim 21 at least, wherein the sensor data is indicative of an amount of aerosol-generating material remaining in the reservoir, and wherein the predetermined event comprises the amount of aerosol-generating material remaining in the reservoir being determined, by the control circuitry, as being below a predetermined amount.

29. An aerosol provision system according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the predetermined event comprises the control circuity determining that a composition of aerosol-generating material in the reservoir matches a first composition.

30. A cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises the mouthpiece according to any of claims 1-17.

31. A method of changing the appearance of a portion from a mouthpiece of an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises: changing the appearance of the portion in response to a predetermined event.

32. A method according to claim 31 , wherein changing the appearance of the portion comprises changing the colour of the portion.

33. A method according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a display, and the portion comprises a user interface from the display.

34. A method according to any of claims 31-33, wherein the method further comprises control circuitry from the aerosol provision system: determining whether the predetermined event has occurred; and generating an output signal, in response to determining that the predetermined event has occurred, for changing the appearance of the portion.

35. A method according to claim 34, wherein the method further comprises the control circuitry: receiving sensor data from a sensor from the aerosol provision system; processing the sensor data to determine whether the predetermined event has occurred.

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