CA3224604A1

CA3224604A1 - Aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: CA3224604A1
Application number: CA3224604A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Zhihuang Xiao; Richard HAINES
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-19
Filing date: 2022-07-04
Publication date: 2023-01-26
Also published as: US20240334970A1; CO2024000370A2; AU2022315580A1; WO2023002149A1; JP2024528824A; GB202110350D0; KR20240023157A; IL309815A; CN117897065A; MX2024000934A; EP4373327A1

Abstract

An aerosol provision system (1) comprising a casing (45) and an aerosolisable material transport element (14), inside the casing (45), for receiving aerosolisable material to be vaporised. The aerosolisable material transport (14) element further comprises a first portion (42); and a second portion (31) comprising a first end portion (32), and a second end portion (34) opposite the first end portion (32). The first portion (42) is between the first end portion (32) and the second end portion (34), and each end portion (32; 34) is for receiving aerosolisable material for delivering to the first portion (42). The aerosol provision system (1) also has a fluid delivery tube (24; 26) at least partly located inside the casing (45). In this way, the aerosolisable material transport element (14) is configured to be at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing (45) and the fluid delivery tube (24; 26) for securing the aerosolisable material transport element (14) inside the casing (45).

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 such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain aerosolisable material, such as a reservoir of fluid or liquid containing a formulation, typically but not necessarily including nicotine, or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product, from which a vapour/aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol provision system will typically comprise a vaporiser, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise a portion of aerosolisable material to generate a vapour.
Once a vapour has been generated, the vapour may, though not necessarily, be passed through flavouring material to add flavour to the vapour, after which the (flavoured) vapour may be then delivered to a user via a mouthpiece or outlet from the aerosol provision system.
It is common for aerosol provision systems to comprise a modular assembly, often having two main functional parts, namely a control unit/body, and cartridge/consumable part. Such a consumable part, in some embodiments, may take the resemblance of a cigarette.
Various approaches are described herein which seek to improve existing aerosol provision systems, such as those outlined above, in a number of different ways.
Summary According to a first aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising:
a casing;
an aerosolisable material transport element, inside the casing, for receiving aerosolisable material to be vaporised, wherein the aerosolisable material transport element further comprises:
a first portion;
a second portion comprising a first end portion, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion;
wherein the first portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion, and wherein each end portion is for receiving aerosolisable material for delivering to the first portion;

a fluid delivery tube at least partly located inside the casing;
wherein the aerosolisable material transport element is configured to be at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing and the fluid delivery tube for securing the aerosolisable material transport element inside the casing.
According to a second aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision cartridge comprising:
a casing;
an aerosolisable material transport element, inside the casing, for receiving aerosolisable material to be vaporised, wherein the aerosolisable material transport element further comprises:
a first portion;
a second portion comprising a first end portion, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion;
wherein the first portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion, and wherein each end portion is for receiving aerosolisable material for delivering to the first portion;
a fluid delivery tube at least partly located inside the casing;
wherein the aerosolisable material transport element is configured to be at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing and the fluid delivery tube for securing the aerosolisable material transport element inside the casing.
According to a third aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of securing an aerosolisable material in an aerosol provision system comprising:
a casing;
an aerosolisable material transport element, inside the casing, for receiving aerosolisable material to be vaporised, wherein the aerosolisable material transport element further comprises:
a first portion;
a second portion comprising a first end portion, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion;
wherein the first portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion, and wherein each end portion is for receiving aerosolisable material for delivering to the first portion; and a fluid delivery tube at least partly located inside the casing;
wherein the method comprises securing the aerosolisable material transport element inside the casing such that the aerosolisable material transport element is at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing and the fluid delivery tube.

2 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 1A schematically represents an aerosol provision system in a first configuration in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
Figure 1B schematically represents the aerosol provision system from Figure 1A
in a second configuration in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
Figure 2 schematically represents two perspective views of an aerosol provision system which is moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
Figure 3A schematically represents a first cross section view of the aerosol provision system from Figure 2.
Figure 3B schematically represents a second cross section view of the aerosol provision system from Figure 2, and which is perpendicular to the first cross section view from Figure 3A.
Figure 4A schematically represents an enlarged portion of Figure 3A in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
Figure 4B schematically represents an enlarged portion of Figure 3B in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
Detailed Description Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed /
described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / 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, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes.
According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent

3 aerosolisable material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user. Aerosolisable material, which also may be referred to herein as aerosol generating material or aerosol precursor material, is material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way.
Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system / device and electronic aerosol provision system /
device. An electronic cigarette may also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolisable material is not a requirement.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolisable materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolisable material and a solid aerosolisable material. The solid aerosolisable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Equally in some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a consumable part/cartridge and a device/body which is configured to releasably engage with the consumable part/cartridge.
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.

4 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 can nabinoid, 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

5 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) often comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable part (body / device) and a replaceable consumable

6 (cartridge) part. Devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part devices. It is also common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure described herein comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part device employing consumable parts. However, it will be appreciated the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for other electronic cigarette configurations, for example modular devices comprising more than two parts, as devices conforming to other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a more boxy shape.
From the forgoing therefore, and with reference to the Figures, in accordance with some embodiments provided herein is an aerosol provision system 1 which may in some embodiments be provided as a body 10 which can releasably accommodate, and/or be releasably attached to, a cartridge 100. The aerosol provision system 1 comprises a reservoir 12 for containing an aerosolisable material for vaporising, and an aerosolisable material transport element 14 for receiving aerosolisable material from the reservoir 12.
Also provided in the aerosol provision system 1 is a vaporiser 16 for vaporising the aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element 14.
In embodiments where the aerosol provision system 1 comprises the body 10 and the cartridge 100, the cartridge 100 may comprise the reservoir 12, the aerosolisable material transport element 14, and the vaporiser 16. In this way, when the body 10 is releasably engaged with the cartridge 100, the vaporiser 16 may be configured to receive electrical power via an electrical contact 18 on the body 10 which is also electrically connected to a power source 20 from the body 10. In this way, power from the power source 20 may be used to power the vaporiser 16 for vaporising the aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element 14.
During the operation of the aerosol provision system 1, inlet air from an air inlet 22 of the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured to pass through at least one inlet air channel 24. The inlet air channel 24 may be accordingly configured to deliver air over the the aerosolisable material transport element 14 to pick up vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element 14. The vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element 146 may then pass through a fluid outlet tube 26 for delivery to an outlet 28 of the aerosol provision system 1. From there, the vaporised aerosolisable material from the vaporiser 16 may then pass out through the outlet 28 through to a user's mouth, for inhalation of the vaporised aerosolisable material by the user (for instance via a mouthpiece 30).

7 As to the structure and composition of any provided aerosolisable material transport element 14 (wick), it will be appreciated that the aerosolisable material transport element 14 may be anything which can appropriately draw the aerosolisable material to a position where it can be vaporised by the vaporiser 16 during use of the aerosol provision system 1.
In that respect therefore, in accordance with some embodiments, the aerosolisable material transport element 14 may comprise a porous material, and/or a fibrous material or a solid material. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material transport element 14 may be made of cotton, or could be made of a ceramic material. Thus appreciating the foregoing, and at a general level, it will be appreciated the specific structure and composition of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 may be varied in a number of different ways to best cater for any intended application of the aerosol provision system 1.
With respect to the vaporiser 16, as noted previously the vaporiser 16 may or may not comprise a heater/heating element to form the vaporised aerosolised material.
Though in embodiments where the vaporiser 16 comprises a heating element, in accordance with some embodiments thereof, the heating element may comprise a conductive material located on an external surface of the aerosolisable material transport element 14, such as a coil of wire which is wound around at least a first portion 42 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 (as shown for instance with reference to the embodiment from Figures 3A-4B). Equally however, it will be appreciated that the conductive material may take other shapes on the surface of the aerosolisable material transport element 14, e.g.
a spiral pattern; a raster pattern; or a zig-zag pattern such to allow the heating element to efficiently vaporise the aerosolisable material in the aerosolisable material transport element 14. In such cases, it will be appreciated that the heating element (or the vaporiser 16 in general, where a heating element is not employed) may be connected to the power source 20 from the aerosol provision system 1, which in some embodiments may be a battery. In embodiments where the aerosol provision system 1 comprises the body 10 which can releasably accommodate, and/or be releasably engaged with, the cartridge 100, in some embodiments thereof the power source 20 may be located in the body 10.
Electrical power from the power source 20 may then be supplied via the electrical contact 18 to the vaporiser 16, and/or appreciably may be delivered to the vaporiser 16 in some embodiments wirelessly or through a non-contact power transmission system between the power source 20 and the vaporiser 16.
Appreciating the foregoing general disclosure of the aerosol provision system 1 therefore, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, herein provided is an aerosol provision system 1 comprising the aerosolisable material transport element 14 for receiving aerosolisable material to be vaporised, wherein the aerosol provision system 1 is moveable

8

9 between a first configuration in which at least a second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is uncompressed or partly compressed, and a second configuration in which the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is compressed by a greater amount than in the first configuration for restricting the formation of vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in the second configuration. Such an aerosol provision system will now be described with reference to the embodiments from Figures 1A-48.
The purpose of the aerosol provision system 1 being moveable between the first configuration and the second configuration is to better allow for the formation of vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element 14 to be controlled.
Specifically, this control is achieved by effectively throttling, such as via a compression of the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14, the amount of aerosolisable material which can be vaporised off the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in the proximity of the vaporiser 16. As will be described, it is envisaged that the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration in a number of different ways, as will now be described, In a simple sense, and with reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B, the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 which is configured to be compressed may comprise a first end portion 32, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion 32, from the aerosolisable material transport element 14. In this way, as the second portion 31 is compressed in the second configuration (or more compressed than in the first configuration), this relative increase in the compression of the second portion 31 better restricts aerosolisable material from the reservoir 12 from being vaporised by the vaporiser 16 to form vaporised aerosolisable material.
As to the amount of such compression, it will be appreciated that the amount of compression in the second configuration is configured to be more than that in the first configuration. Put differently, the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in the first configuration may be either not compressed at all, or be compressed by a first amount.
In this way, the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in the second configuration may be compressed by a second amount which is more than that the amount of compression in the first configuration.
As to how the compression of the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 may be increased from the first configuration to the second configuration, it is envisaged that this may be achieved in a number of different ways.

In this respect for instance, in accordance with some embodiments, such as that illustrated in Figures 1A and 18, the aerosol provisions system 1 may comprise at least one compressing member 38 which is configured to be actuated for compressing the second portion 31 (and/or each of the first end portion 32 and the second end portion 34 where such end portions 32;34 are employed) in the second configuration. As to the exact structure of any such employed compressing member 38, it will be appreciated that this structure may vary depending on the intended application of the aerosolisable material transport element 14. Though in accordance with some embodiments, the compressing member 38 may comprise a moveable plunger for impinging on the second portion 31 in the second configuration, or an adjustably sized collar which is configured to surround and throttle the second portion 31 in the second configuration.
Turning to the disclosure from Figures 2-4B, other mechanisms for the aerosol provision system 1 being moveable between the first configuration and the second configuration include the aerosol provision system 1 comprising a specially configured fluid outlet tube 26 for receiving vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element, which is configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration for causing the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 to be compressed in the second configuration.
In accordance with such embodiments, the fluid outlet tube 26 may in some instances comprise at least one aperture 50 for gripping the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14. In this way, when the fluid outlet tube 26 is moved, the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 may be configured to move with the fluid outlet tube 26. In this way, by moving the fluid outlet tube 26 from the first configuration to the second configuration, this may also move the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 from the first configuration to the second configuration.
As to how the aerosol provision system 1 may be moveable between the first and the second configuration, it will be appreciated in accordance with some embodiments, such as those illustrated in Figures 2-4B, the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 may be configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration. Such movement can be seen in the embodiment from Figure 2 in particular, where rotation of the fluid outlet tube 26 causes the second portion 31 to move from the first configuration (see position 31A for the second portion 31 in the first configuration) to the second configuration (see position 318 for the position of the second portion 31 in the second configuration).

Staying with such embodiments where the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration for restricting the formation of vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element in the second configuration, in accordance with some narrower embodiments, the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 may in particular be configured to rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration. Such embodiments can be seen with reference to the embodiment from Figures 2-4B, where the fluid outlet tube 26 is configured to move/rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration for causing the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 to be compressed in the second configuration. In this way, by virtue of this movement of the fluid outlet tube 26, the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is configured to move/rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration.
Where the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is configured to rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration, in accordance with some embodiments thereof, the second portion may be configured to rotate about an angle of no more than 45 degrees, or in accordance with some narrow embodiments by an angle of no more than 40 degrees, or in accordance with some yet narrower embodiments by an angle of no more than 35 degrees. With the provision of these upper bound angles therefore, these may assist with inhibiting the shearing/failure of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 during the movement of the aerosol provision system between the first configuration and the second configuration.
In so far as any second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is configured to move or rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration for restricting the formation of vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element in the second configuration, in accordance with some embodiments thereof, a first portion 42 of the aerosolisable material transport element may be configured to remain stationary between the first configuration and the second configuration. In this way, in so far as the second portion 31 is configured to move but the first portion 42 is configured to remain stationary, movement of the aerosol provision system 1 from the first configuration to the second configuration may cause a shear/compressive force to be applied to the second portion 31 when the aerosol provision system 1 is in the second configuration. Such a shear/compressive force may thus further assist in restricting the formation of vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element in the second configuration. This is because of the compressive force restricting the ability of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 to deliver aerosolisable material form the reservoir 12 to the vaporiser 16.
In respect of any exact positioning of such a first portion 42, in accordance with some embodiments, the first portion 42 may be located between any provided first end portion 32 and the second end portion 34 from the aerosolisable material transport element 14. In this way, and in accordance with some embodiments, the aerosolisable material transport element 14 may thus define a C-shape, or be configured such that the first end portion 32 projects outwardly from one end of the first portion 42 and/or configured such that the second end portion 34 projects outwardly from another end of the first portion 42 which is opposite the one end. In such embodiments, the first end portion 32 and/or the second end portion 34 may therefore be located closer to the reservoir 12 and/or any provided outlet 28 or mouthpiece 30, than the first portion 42 is located to the reservoir 12 and/or any provided outlet 28 or mouthpiece 30. Or put differently, the first end portion 32 and/or the second end portion 34 may extend about a direction which is (substantially) perpendicular to a second direction in which the first portion 42 is configured to extend. For the sake of completeness, it is to be noted that the provision of a first, stationary, portion 42 from the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is not explicitly necessary. Indeed, rather than moving the second portion 31 relative to the first portion 42 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14, compression of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in the second configuration may also be achieved through the entirety of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 moving between the first configuration and the second configuration.
For instance, in accordance with some particular embodiments, the second portion 31 may be configured to abut a structure, which may in accordance with some embodiments be fixed/immovable, from the aerosol provision system 1, such as a wall or stop therefrom, as the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration. In this way, as the second portion 31 then reaches its position in the second configuration of the aerosol provision system 1, the structure from the aerosol provision system 1 may act to compress the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element for restricting the formation of vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element in the second configuration. Similarly, when the aerosol provision system is then moved back from the second position to the first position, in the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in the first position may then be configured to not be compressed by the structure, and/or may be separated from the structure.
In a very particular embodiment, where such a structure is employed, the structure may comprise a casing 45 of the aerosol provision system 1 (or a casing 45 of the cartridge 100 where a body 10/cartridge 100 arrangement is employed). Such a casing 45 in accordance with some embodiments may be configured to cover and/or surround the aerosolisable material transport element 14 when the aerosol provision system is in use.
Turning to how the aerosol provision system 1 may be moved between the first configuration and the second configuration, in accordance with some embodiments (such as those shown in Figures 2-4B) the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured to be manually moved between the first and second configurations. Such manual movement may be seen, for instance, in accordance with the embodiment from Figure 2 where the fluid outlet tube 26 may be configured to be manually moved, or rotated, between the first configuration and the second configuration of the aerosol provision system 1.
Appreciably however, in accordance with some embodiments, the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration in response to a signal from a controller 40 from the aerosol provision system 1.
With respect to any provided controller 40, this may be configured to receive power from the power source 20. As to the location of any such controller 40, it will be appreciated that in embodiments where the aerosol provision system 1 comprises the body 10 and the cartridge 100, the controller may be located in either the body 10 or the cartridge 100.
Depending on the configuration of the aerosol provision system 1, electrical power from the power source to the controller 40 may then be supplied via either a wired connection, and/or 20 appreciably may be delivered wirelessly, such as through a non-contact power transmission system between the power source 20 and the controller 40.
Where such a signal is employed, as to the type of signal itself, it will be appreciated that in accordance with some embodiments, the signal may be a wireless signal, or may be transmitted by a wired connection 43 from the controller 40 to any provided compressing member 38 from the aerosol provision system 1 (as can be seen for instance with reference to the wired connection 43 between the controller 40 and the compressing member 38 from Figures 1A-1B).
With respect to how any such signal may be generated, the aerosol provision system 1 in accordance with some embodiments may further comprise a user interface 44, and/or an actuator 46 which is connected to the controller 40, and which is configured for controlling the generation of the signal. Appreciably, in respect of any actuator 46 which is employed, this may comprise a button or switch, for instance, which might in accordance with some embodiments be located on any employed body 10 from the aerosol provision system 1.
With the provision of such a user interface 44 or the actuator 46, they may each then be used to controlling the generation of the signal ¨ for instance in response to an input by a user (e.g. by way of the user interacting with the user interface 44 and/or by the user actuating the actuator 46).
From the foregoing therefore, it will be appreciated that described herein are a number of different configurations of aerosol provision system 1 which can be employed to better control the formation of vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element 14 during use of the aerosol provision system.
Building on the above disclosure, it may be seen that this disclosure may also effectively provide for an aerosol provision system 1 comprising an aerosolisable material transport element 14 for receiving aerosolisable material to be vaporised, wherein the aerosol provision system 1 further comprises a rotatable component 21 comprising a recess 23 for accommodating a first portion 42 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14, wherein the rotatable component 21 is configured to move between the first configuration of the aerosol provision system and the second configuration of the aerosol provision system 1. In this way, in the second configuration of the aerosol provision system 1, the rotatable component 21 is configured for restricting the formation of vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element 14.
In the above respect, the provision of the rotatable component 21 with the recess 23 may collectively assist with better controlling the formation of vaporised aerosolisable material in an aerosol provision system. Specifically, this may be achieved by moving or rotating the rotatable component 21 between the second configuration (in which the formation of vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is restricted) and the first configuration (in which the formation of vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is less restricted than in the second configuration).
In so far as any such rotatable component 21 is employed, it will be appreciated that this rotatable component 21 may be formed/implemented in a number of different ways. For instance, in accordance with some embodiments such as those shown in Figures 2-4B, the rotatable component 21 may comprise the fluid outlet tube 26. In this way, the fluid outlet tube 26 may then be configured to rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration as can be seen with reference to the embodiment from Figure 2 for example.
Equally however, it will be appreciated that in accordance with some embodiments, the rotatable component 21 may be separate from the fluid outlet tube 26, such that the fluid outlet tube 26 is then not necessarily rotatable. In such latter embodiments therefore, the rotatable component 21 might comprise some other rotatable member configured to restrict the formation of vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in the second configuration (such as a rotatable latch which is configured to impinge/compress the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in the second configuration).
Irrespective of the exact structure of the rotatable component 21 however, to help the rotatable component 21 better accommodate/grip the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in use, as noted above the rotatable component 21 in accordance with some embodiments may be provided with the recess 23 for accommodating at least a portion of the aerosolisable material transport element 14, such as (but not limited to) the first portion 42 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14. Such a recess 23 is best shown in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4A-4B.
In embodiments where the recess 23 is employed, it may be seen that the recess 23 may be located proximal the vaporiser 16 such to accommodate the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in a position which is proximal to the vaporiser 16. With respect to this positioning as well, in accordance with some embodiments where the rotatable component 21 comprises the fluid outlet tube 26, it may be seen that in accordance with some embodiments thereof, the fluid outlet tube 26 may at least partly define the recess 23. This can be seen for instance with reference to Figures 3A-4B, where the recess is shown located at a first end 26A of the fluid outlet tube 26.
In so far as any such first end 26A of the fluid outlet tube 26 is employed, it may be seen that in some cases, this first end 26A may be located closer to the vaporiser 16 than the first end 26A is located to the outlet 28 or mouthpiece 30. Put differently, the fluid outlet tube 26 may comprise a second end 26B defining the outlet 28 or mouthpiece 30, wherein the second end 26B is located opposite the first end 26A. Or put yet differently still, the recess 23 in accordance with some embodiments may be located between the vaporiser 16 and any provided outlet 28/mouthpiece 30.
With respect to the exact shape and/or geometry of any provided recess 23, this may appreciably depend on the shape of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 which the recess 23 is configured to accommodate. In this respect for instance, the recess 23 in accordance with some embodiments may be elongate, and/or may be configured to have a semi circular cross-section (as shown in the embodiment from Figures 4A-49) such to accommodate or grip a cylindrical aerosolisable material transport element 14 For completeness, it will be appreciated that where such a rotatable component 21 is employed, the rotatable component 21 in accordance with some embodiments may be employed in embodiments such as those illustrated schematically with reference to Figures 1A-1B, such that the rotatable component 21 may be configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration in response to a signal from the controller 40, and which in accordance with some yet narrower embodiments may be used alongside the user interface 44 and/or the actuator 46, connected to the controller 40, for controlling the generation of the signal as described previously.
Also building on the above disclosure, and with reference to the disclosure from the Figures, it will be appreciated that herein described are also effective mechanisms for better securing the aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system 1 (or aerosol provision cartridge 100). In this respect therefore, provided herein is an aerosol provision system 1 comprising a casing 45 and an aerosolisable material transport element 14, inside the casing 45, for receiving aerosolisable material to be vaporised. The aerosolisable material transport 14 element further comprises a first portion 42; and a second portion 31 comprising a first end portion 32, and a second end portion 34 opposite the first end portion 32. The first portion 42 is between the first end portion 32 and the second end portion 34, and each end portion 32;34 is for receiving aerosolisable material, such as from the reservoir 12, for delivering to the first portion 42. The aerosol provision system 1 also has a fluid delivery tube 24;26 at least partly located inside the casing 45. In this way, the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is configured to be at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing 45 and the fluid delivery tube 24;26 for securing the aerosolisable material transport element 14 inside the casing 45.
In accordance with the above embodiments therefore, the fact that the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is effectively at least partly sandwiched between the casing 45 and the fluid delivery tube 24;26 (which could in some examples be the fluid outlet tube 26, or possibly one or more of the inlet air channels 24 for delivering air to the aerosolisable material transport element 14), this may better secure the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in its correct location inside the casing 45 during use.
In so far as the above embodiments might be employed where the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is configured to be at least partly compressed between the casing 45 and a fluid delivery tube 24;26, in accordance with some narrower embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 4A-4B, the first portion 42 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 may be that which is configured to be at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing 45 and the fluid delivery tube for securing the aerosolisable material transport 14 element inside the casing 45. Equally however, in accordance with some embodiments, it may be the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 which is configured to be at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing 45 and the fluid delivery tube for securing the aerosolisable material transport 14 element inside the casing 45. This could be achieved for instance, and any movement or rotation of the aerosol provision system between a first configuration and a second configuration potentially aside, by having the second portion 31 of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 secured (potentially, but not necessarily) permanently in the second configuration of the aerosol provision system 1. In this way therefore, in accordance with some embodiments, a mechanism for securing the aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system 1 could be for the second portion to be (potentially permanently) sandwiched/compressed between the casing 45 and the fluid delivery tube 24;26.
With respect to the casing 45, with reference to the embodiments disclosed in the Figures, it may be seen that the casing 45 may act to encompass/surround aspects of the aerosol provision system 1, such as any provided reservoir 12 and/or vaporiser 16. In this way, the casing 45 may be configured to define an external shell for the aerosol provision system 1, which appreciably in accordance with some embodiments might be formed as a unitary component, and/or formed as a single moulded component. Appreciably the casing 45 may be made of any appropriate material, such as a plastic.
Where the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is configured to be at least partly compressed between or against the casing 45 for securing the aerosolisable material transport element 14 inside the casing, in accordance with some embodiments, the aerosolisable material transport element 14 may be configured to be at least partly compressed between or against a portion of casing, such as a portion which is part of an outermost or external wall of the casing, and/or a portion defining a first end wall 47 for the casing, which may be a first end wall 47 from an aerosol provision cartridge 100 which is configured to abut the body 10 from the aerosol provision system 1 where such a body

10/cartridge 100 arrangement is employed. Equally, in accordance with some embodiments (as shown in Figures 4A-48), the portion of the casing 45 may be a flat portion 48 to better ensure the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is more uniformly compressed against the casing 45.
Geometry of the casing 45 aside however, further examples as to how the aerosolisable material transport element 14 may be better secured in the aerosol provision system 1 include the aerosolisable material transport element 14 being located at a first end of the fluid delivery tube 24;26, as can be seen with reference to the embodiments from the Figures where the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is located at an end 24A of each air inlet channel 24, and is located at the first end 26A of the fluid outlet tube 26. In accordance with such embodiments therefore, the fluid delivery tube 24;26 may then comprise a second, open, end, which is located opposite the first end. In respect of each air inlet channel 24 this second, open, end 24B could be situated next to, or at, the air inlet 22.

Equally in the case of the fluid delivery tube comprising the fluid outlet tube 26, the second, open, end 26B could define the outlet 28 or the mouthpiece 30.
Equally, in accordance with some embodiments, to better secure the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in the aerosol provision system 1, the fluid delivery tube may comprise a recess (such as, for example, the recess 23 in the rotatable component 21/fluid outlet tube 26 as per the embodiment from Figures 2-4B) for accommodating the first portion 42 of the aerosolisable material transport element. In this way, and as noted previously, the provision of the recess 23 in the aerosol provision system 1 may thus allow it to better accommodate/grip the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in use.
With reference to the above embodiments which relate to better securing the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in the aerosol provision system 1, as noted above, it will be appreciated that these embodiments could, but need not necessarily, be used in embodiments of the aerosol provision system 1 which comprises any form of rotatable component 21, and/or those which are configured to move between the second configuration (in which the formation of vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is restricted) and the first configuration (in which the formation of vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is less restricted than in the second configuration).
Equally, in accordance with the above embodiments which relate to better securing the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in the aerosol provision system 1, it will be appreciated that these embodiments could be used with any combination of other feature(s) described herein with reference to the embodiments from Figures 1A-4B. In this respect for instance, and in accordance with some embodiments, the above embodiments which relate to better securing the aerosolisable material transport element 14 in the aerosol provision system 1 could be configured such that the aerosolisable material transport element is configured to move or rotate between any herein described first configuration and second configuration of the aerosol provision system 1 (and potentially as well moved in response to a signal from a controller from the aerosol provision system). Equally, in accordance with some embodiments, the aerosolisable material transport element for such embodiments may be C-shaped, and/or have the more particular geometry shown with reference to the embodiments shown in the Figures. As well, such embodiments could be used in any form of aerosol provision system 1, such as a one-part system or in a two-part system such as in an aerosol provision cartridge 100 such as those described above which are configured to be releasably accommodated, and/or be releasably attached to, a body10 from the aerosol provision system 1.

Mindful of the above therefore, it may be seen that there has at least been described an aerosol provision system comprising:
a casing;
an aerosolisable material transport element, inside the casing, for receiving aerosolisable material to be vaporised, wherein the aerosolisable material transport element further comprises:
a first portion;
a second portion comprising a first end portion, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion;
wherein the first portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion, and wherein each end portion is for receiving aerosolisable material for delivering to the first portion;
a fluid delivery tube at least partly located inside the casing;
wherein the aerosolisable material transport element is configured to be at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing and the fluid delivery tube for securing the aerosolisable material transport element inside the casing.
There has also been described an aerosol provision cartridge comprising:
a casing;
an aerosolisable material transport element, inside the casing, for receiving aerosolisable material to be vaporised, wherein the aerosolisable material transport element further comprises:
a first portion;
a second portion comprising a first end portion, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion;
wherein the first portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion, and wherein each end portion is for receiving aerosolisable material for delivering to the first portion;
a fluid delivery tube at least partly located inside the casing;
wherein the aerosolisable material transport element is configured to be at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing and the fluid delivery tube for securing the aerosolisable material transport element inside the casing.
Also described herein is a method of securing an aerosolisable material in an aerosol provision system comprising:
a casing;

an aerosolisable material transport element, inside the casing, for receiving aerosolisable material to be vaporised, wherein the aerosolisable material transport element further comprises:
a first portion;
a second portion comprising a first end portion, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion;
wherein the first portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion, and wherein each end portion is for receiving aerosolisable material for delivering to the first portion; and a fluid delivery tube at least partly located inside the casing;
wherein the method comprises securing the aerosolisable material transport element inside the casing such that the aerosolisable material transport element is at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing and the fluid delivery tube.
There has also been described an aerosol provision system 1 comprising a casing 45 and an aerosolisable material transport element 14, inside the casing 45, for receiving aerosolisable material to be vaporised. The aerosolisable material transport 14 element further comprises a first portion 42; and a second portion 31 comprising a first end portion 32, and a second end portion 34 opposite the first end portion 32. The first portion 42 is between the first end portion 32 and the second end portion 34, and each end portion 32;34 is for receiving aerosolisable material for delivering to the first portion 42. The aerosol provision system 1 also has a fluid delivery tube 24;26 at least partly located inside the casing 45. In this way, the aerosolisable material transport element 14 is configured to be at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing 45 and the fluid delivery tube 24;26 for securing the aerosolisable material transport element 14 inside the casing 45.
In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.
Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc.
other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.
For instance, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to a "liquid" or "fluid" in the reservoir 12, it will be appreciated that this liquid or fluid may be replaced with any aerosolisable material. Equally, where an aerosolisable material is used, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments this aerosolisable material may comprise a liquid or fluid.
With respect to the vaporiser 16, although the vaporiser 16 has been described in some embodiments as comprising a heater/heating element, such as a coil of wire which is wound around at least a portion of the aerosolisable material transport element 14 (as shown for instance with reference to the embodiment from Figures 3A-4B), it will be appreciated that in some other embodiments the vaporiser 16 may be capable of generating a vapour/aerosol from the aerosolisable material in the aerosolisable material transport element 14 without applying heat thereto, for example via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurisation or electrostatic means as described previously.
Finally as well, whilst a number of the features herein described have been described with reference to embodiments of aerosol provision system 1 which are provided as part of a body 10 which can releasably accommodate, and/or be releasably attached to, a cartridge 100, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, any of the herein described features from the cartridge 100 and/or the body 10 may be integrated into an aerosol provision system 1 which does not comprise such a cartridge/body configuration.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision system comprising:
a casing;
an aerosolisable material transport element, inside the casing, for receiving aerosolisable material to be vaporised, wherein the aerosolisable material transport element further comprises:
a first portion;
a second portion comprising a first end portion, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion;
wherein the first portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion, and wherein each end portion is for receiving aerosolisable material for delivering to the first portion;
a fluid delivery tube at least partly located inside the casing;
wherein the aerosolisable material transport element is configured to be at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing and the fluid delivery tube for securing the aerosolisable material transport element inside the casing.

2. An aerosol provision system according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the aerosolisable material transport element is configured to be at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing and the fluid delivery tube for securing the aerosolisable material transport element inside the casing.

3. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid delivery tube comprises a fluid outlet tube for receiving vaporised aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element.

4. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid delivery tube comprises an inlet air channel for delivering air to the aerosolisable material transport element.

5. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to move between a first configuration in which the second portion is configured to be uncompressed or partly compressed, and a second configuration in which the second portion is configured to be compressed by a greater amount than in the first configuration.

6. An aerosol provision system according to claim 5, wherein the casing is configured to be separated from the second portion of the aerosolisable material transport element in the first configuration, and is configured to abut and compress the second portion of the aerosolisable material transport element in the second configuration.

7. An aerosol provision system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the fluid delivery tube is configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration.

8. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 5-7, wherein the fluid delivery tube is configured to rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration.

9. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 5-8, wherein the aerosolisable material transport element is configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration.

10. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 5-9, wherein the aerosolisable material transport element is configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration.

11. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 5-10, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration in response to a signal from a controller from the aerosol provision system.

12. An aerosol provision system according to claim 11, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises at least one of a user interface and/or an actuator, connected to the controller, for controlling the generation of the signal.

13. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosolisable material transport element is C-shaped.

14. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid delivery tube comprises a recess for accommodating the first portion of the aerosolisable material transport element.

15. An aerosol provision system according to claim 13, wherein the recess is located at a first end of the fluid delivery tube.

16. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosolisable material transport element is located at a first end of the fluid delivery tube.

17. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 15-16, wherein the fluid delivery tube comprises a second, open, end, wherein the second end is located opposite the first end.

18. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosolisable material transport element is configured to be at least partly compressed by, and between, a portion of the casing and the fluid delivery tube for securing the aerosolisable material transport element inside the casing.

19. An aerosol provision system according to claim 18, wherein the portion is part of an outermost or external wall of the casing.

20. An aerosol provision system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the portion is part of an end wall of the casing.

21. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 18-20, wherein the portion of the casing is flat.

22. An aerosol provision cartridge comprising:
a casing;
an aerosolisable material transport element, inside the casing, for receiving aerosolisable material to be vaporised, wherein the aerosolisable material transport element further comprises:
a first portion;
a second portion comprising a first end portion, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion;
wherein the first portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion, and wherein each end portion is for receiving aerosolisable material for delivering to the first portion;
a fluid delivery tube at least partly located inside the casing;
wherein the aerosolisable material transport element is configured to be at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing and the fluid delivery tube for securing the aerosolisable material transport element inside the casing.

23. A method of securing an aerosolisable material in an aerosol provision system comprising:
a casing;
an aerosolisable material transport element, inside the casing, for receiving aerosolisable material to be vaporised, wherein the aerosolisable material transport element further comprises:
a first portion;
a second portion comprising a first end portion, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion;
wherein the first portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion, and wherein each end portion is for receiving aerosolisable material for delivering to the first portion; and a fluid delivery tube at least partly located inside the casing;
wherein the method comprises securing the aerosolisable material transport element inside the casing such that the aerosolisable material transport element is at least partly compressed by, and between, the casing and the fluid delivery tube.