EP4583735A1

EP4583735A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: EP4583735A1
Application number: EP23771921.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Scott BOHAM; Ping Chou Chen; Mark HARRIMAN; Matthew Hodgson
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2022-09-06
Filing date: 2023-09-06
Publication date: 2025-07-16
Also published as: CA3265593A1; GB202212988D0; US20250380738A1; WO2024052670A1

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision device, comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; a first outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; a second outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; a first aerosol generating region arranged to generate a first aerosol; a second aerosol generating region arranged to generate a second aerosol; a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, the first aerosol generating region and the first outlet; a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, the second aerosol generating region and the second outlet; at least one heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device.

Background

Aerosol provision devices and systems are known. Common systems use heaters which are activated to create an aerosol by an aerosol provision device from an aerosol generating material which is then inhaled by the user. The device may provide an aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the device. Users may wish to control the aerosols provided by aerosol provision devices. Users may wish to be provided with a range of aerosols generated from a range of aerosol generating materials. It can be desirable for the user to vary or switch between the aerosol provided. This may increase the user experience of the device. Modem systems allow users to access and refill the aerosol generating material in devices.

The present invention is directed toward solving some of the above problems.

Summary

Aspects of the invention are defined in the accompanying claims.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device, comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; a first outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; a second outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; a first aerosol generating region arranged to generate a first aerosol; a second aerosol generating region arranged to generate a second aerosol; a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, the first aerosol generating region and the first outlet; a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, the second aerosol generating region and the second outlet; at least one heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region. Such an arrangement is able to provide a user of the aerosol provision device control over the provision of a first or a second aerosol by the device. In particular, the arrangement allows a single device to provide a variety of aerosols for enjoyment by a user. It is therefore possible for a user to use a device for multiple aerosols and therefore reduce the number of devices or additional materials required to provide the full range of aerosols a particular user may desire. This arrangement advantageously requires less material to provide this outcome (only one rather than several devices required) and also significantly improves user experience over previous systems. The user also need not access and refill aerosol generating material which can be technically difficult, particularly for users with poor mobility, can be dangerous, accessing components within a device may carry a risk of damage to device or user, and can be unhygienic.

The aerosol provision device of the present invention is able to be manipulated by a user to provide an aerosol from a specific aerosol generating region. The manipulation is far less intensive than requiring a user to change the aerosol generating material within the device and therefore provides a far more robust, safe and easy-to-use solution than previous systems. The devices disclosed herein may operate via several different mechanisms, including physical manipulation of the airflow paths (such as blocking a flow path through a non-desired aerosol generating region and unblocking a flow path through a desired aerosol generating region) and electrical manipulation of electrical connections within the device (controlling whether a heater heats one aerosol generating material or another, or whether to activate one specific heater or heating element from an array of heaters or heating elements).

The arrangement is therefore able to provide a “plug-and-play” approach. In that, the user may inhale on a first outlet and be provided with a first aerosol and inhale on a second outlet and be provided with a second aerosol. The system disclosed herein is an improvement over previous systems due to the ease of use and removal of complex manipulations for changing between the aerosols provided by a device.

In particular, users that have limited or impaired mobility, in particular in relation to hands, are able to use the full capability of the device.

The present teachings will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures:

Figures la, lb and 1c are schematic views of an aerosol provision device according to an example;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to an example;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to an example;

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to an example;

Figure 5 is a series of schematic views of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to an example;

Figure 6 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to an example;

Figure 7 is a series of schematic views of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to an example; and,

Figure 8 is a pair of schematic views of an aerosol provision device according to an example.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Detailed

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 aerosol provision systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes. 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. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

Figure la illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol provision device 100 has at least one inlet 110 through which air can enter the device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 has a first outlet 120 through which aerosol within the device 120 can pass. The aerosol provision device 100 has a second outlet 130 through which aerosol within the device 100 can pass. The aerosol provision device 100 has a first aerosol generating region 140 arranged to generate a first aerosol. The aerosol provision device 100 has a second aerosol generating region 150 arranged to generate a second aerosol. The aerosol provision device 100 has a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 110, the first aerosol generating region 140 and the first outlet 120. In the example of Figure la, the first flow channel is shown by the arrow A, indicating airflow through the first flow channel.

The aerosol provision device 100 has a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 110, the second aerosol generating region 150 and the second outlet 130. In the example of Figure lb, the second flow channel is shown by the arrow B, indicating airflow through the second flow channel.

The aerosol provision device 100 has at least one heating element 160, 162, to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region 140 and the second aerosol generating region 150. In the examples of Figure la and lb, the device 100 shown has two heating elements 160, 162. It can be envisaged however that a common location on or near the flow paths may have a heating element. While this may be more complex to construct, one heating element is less material intensive than more than one. Use of one heater is electrically more efficient than use of two heaters. As such, there are advantages to both an arrangement wherein a heating element is shared and an arrangement wherein heating elements are not shared.

Also shown in Figures la and lb is a location 170 that is centrally located in the device 100. The location 170 may be a common location on or near the two flow paths shown by arrows A and B. In the central location 170, there may be located a puff sensor or flow detector or microphone or the like. This may indicate when a use is inhaling on the device 100 and communicate with control circuitry to activate an appropriate heating element.

For example, in the example of Figure la, the user inhales on outlet 120. The puff sensor 170 detects airflow entering through the inlet 110 and passing towards the first aerosol generating region 140. The puff sensor sends a signal which results in the heating element 160 being activated and generating an aerosol for inhalation by the user from outlet 120. The signal may go straight to the heating element or to a control circuitry or the like. Use of only one puff detector is advantageous as it reduces the overall cost of the device 100 against a device with a plurality of puff detectors.

In the example of Figure 1c, there are two inlets 110, 112. The inlet 110 allows airflow to enter the device 100 and follow air flow channel B. Inlet 112 allows airflow to enter the device 100 and follow air flow channel A. In this arrangement, the puff detector 170 detects whether airflow is present on one side of the puff detector 180 or the other, corresponding to airflow along channel A or B, and activates the corresponding heating element, heating element 160 for channel A or heating element 162 for channel B. In the example shown, air flow A travels along a lower side of the puff detector 170 while air flow B travels along an upper side of the puff detector 170, however other arrangements may be envisaged that utilise this concept.

In the examples of Figures la to 1c, the outlets 120, 130 are at either end of a device 100. This need not be the case. The figures are schematic only and serve to clearly demonstrate the concept of a device 100 with multiple aerosols that are accessible by a user from one device with multiple outlets. The device 100 may comprise a power portion for holding a power source or the like for providing power to the aerosol provision device 100. This may be arranged centrally, i.e. as per the puff detector 170, or may be arranged non-centrally. Central location may improve the weight distribution of the device 100 resulting in a better user experience of the device 100. Location of the power portion at non-centrally, e.g. at one end of a device, may be more simple to manufacture.

In an example, the device has a movable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position, wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel and wherein in the second position the moveable component at least partially blocks the second flow channel.

The moveable component may be a component that may be moved by rotation or translation. In use, the user may move the movable component to a series of predetermined positions. A “predetermined position” is used herein to refer to a position that is intended, by the manufacturer, to provide a predetermined outcome from the device. That outcome may be the provision of a specific aerosol from a specific region within the device, such as a first aerosol from the first aerosol generating region, or a second aerosol from the second aerosol generating region. In contrast, a “non-predetermined position” is used herein to refer to a position that is not intended by the manufacturer to provide a predetermined outcome from the device. This may be, for example, one or more positions that are between, or beyond, predetermined positions.

The process of moving the moveable component alters a physical arrangement within the device. The physical arrangement may refer to the physical arrangement of air flow channels through the device. The physical arrangement may refer to the physical arrangement of electrical contacts in the device. The moveable component may move to cover an inlet or an outlet of the device, in this way preventing aerosol being provided from one specific air flow channel.

In an example, movement of the moveable component alters the flow channels within the device. In the first position, the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel. In the second position, the moveable component at least partially blocks the second flow channel. The moveable component may be moved to block an inlet or outlet as described above.

Referring to Figures la to 1c, the moveable component may be arranged to provide relative movement between any of the first aerosol generating region 140, the second aerosol generating region 150, the inlet 110 or inlets 110,112, the outlets 120, 130 and the power portion of the device 100. The moveable component may be part of any of these components of the device 100. In this way, the user is provided with control over the aerosol provided by the aerosol provision device 100, by preventing aerosol being provided from one (or more) outlet(s).

In an example, the moveable component may be moved in a manner that is rotational around a longitudinal axis of device 100, or in a different motion such as by a pushing motion into (or from) a predetermined position. Rotation may move the moveable component to block one air flow path and open another air flow path such that one of the first aerosol generating region 140 or the second aerosol generating region 150 provides an aerosol to the respective outlet 120, 130. In this way, the user is able to select which aerosol is provided to them, via a robust and reliable mechanical arrangement.

In an example, the moveable component is arranged to provide tactile feedback when in a predetermined position. In this way, the user may be informed when the moveable component is in a predetermined position and the device can therefore be expected to operate in a predetermined manner. As the movement of the moveable component affects the aerosol provided by the device, inaccurate location of the moveable component may result in poor aerosol delivery, whether by inaccurate blocking of flow channels or poor electrical connections or the like. As such, the user experience of the device may be improved by providing some form of feedback to the user when the moveable component is in a predetermined position. Such an arrangement also increases the reliability of the overall device. The feedback may be tactile, this may be provided by an arrangement of projections and recesses, or may be electrical, for example a sensor may provide a visual or audible indication when the moveable component is in a predetermined position.

In an example, the device may further comprise a stopper to prevent the moveable component moving beyond the predetermined positions. The stopper may be a physical element that physically opposes attempts to move the moveable component beyond the range of predetermined positions.

In the example of Figure 2, there is shown an arrangement 200 of a stopper for preventing a moveable component moving beyond predetermined positions. In the example of Figure 2, the arrangement 200 has an aerosol provision device housing 210. Within the housing 210 is an array of predetermined positions 220. The array of predetermined positions 220 has a first predetermined position 222, a second predetermined position 224, a third predetermined position 226, and a fourth predetermined position 228. The moveable component may have a projection that enters a recess located at each of the predetermined positions 220. The moveable component may have a resilient member arranged to extend into a recess at a predetermined position 220 when suitably aligned, or arranged to bias a projection (or electrical contact) into a recess when suitably aligned.

In these examples, the user is able to safely, reliably and easily move the moveable component into a predetermined position 220. The arrangement 200 has a pair of stoppers 230. The stoppers 232, 234 prevent the moveable component moving beyond the predetermined positions 220. The stoppers 232, 234 may physically prevent movement of a projection or a resilient member and therefore provide feedback to the user that further movement in the same direction is not permitted. The stoppers 230 may be arranged adjacent, or reasonably proximal to, the outermost predetermined positions 222, 228 (in the example of Figure 2). Use of a stopper, or stoppers, improve the overall safety of the aerosol provision device disclosed herein.

The stoppers 230 may be arranged to limit movement to a specific number of degrees of rotation (for example) or a certain distance of translation or insertion. In an example the stoppers 230 may prevent movement beyond around 180 degrees of the moveable component. The stoppers 230 and the predetermined positions 220 may demonstrate latching behaviour when interacting with the moveable component to help inform the user of the allowed range of movements of the moveable component. This increases the safety and reliability of the device, by reducing the likelihood of a user moving the moveable component too far and potentially damaging the device. In an example, the moveable component is further arranged to move to a third position, wherein the third position is a predetermined position (which may be deemed a latched position due to the interaction of projection and recesses) wherein the aerosol provision device is in an inoperable mode. In this example, the moveable component may be moved to a third position (such as 226 from Figure 2). In the third position, the moveable component is latched, i.e. the moveable component is secured and at least slightly prevented from moving away from this position. Such latching may occur by aligning of a resilient member or projection and a recess or the like. In this example, the resilient member/proj ection projects into the recess and some additional mechanical effort is required to move the moveable component out of the recess and into a further predetermined position, such as position 228.

When the moveable component is moved to the third position, the device may be inoperable, for example this may be in a sleep mode or a locked mode or an “off’ mode or the like. While in one of these modes, the user cannot receive an aerosol from the device without changing the mode, by moving the moveable component into a different predetermined position. Such a position may be one wherein the inlet or inlets and/or the outlets are blocked by an element that moves in response to movement of the moveable component. In the example of Figure 2, there are positions between the predetermined positions indicated 220, such as position 240. In the present disclosure, the position 240 is not considered a predetermined position 220 as the moveable component will not latch into place in position 240. The positions that are not “predetermined positions” are not intended for the user to move the moveable component to and then leave the moveable component in.

In an example, the aerosol provision device is configured to be in an inoperable mode when the movable component is in a non-predetermined position. In the non-predetermined positions, the moveable component will not appropriately align flow channels or electrical components (or the like) in the device in a predetermined manner. As a result, when in a non-predetermined position, the device may either provide an aerosol that has not been predetermined by the manufacturer, or not provide an aerosol at all. This would lead to a poor user experience.

As such, the safety of the device and the resulting user experience is improved by preventing operation of the device when the moveable component is not in a predetermined position (i.e. is in a non-predetermined position). Non-predetermined therefore means non-predetermined by the manufacturer when the device is designed and provided for use.

In a specific example, in a first predetermined position, a first flow channel is open and allows a first aerosol to be provided to a user from a first outlet. In a second predetermined position, a second flow channel is open and allows a second aerosol to be provided to a user from a second outlet.

In a non-predetermined position between the first and second predetermined positions, both flow channels may be partially open and therefore the device may try to provide an aerosol from the first outlet and from the second outlet. If the user is not expecting such a provision of aerosol from two outlets, it may decrease the user experience of the device. As such, in nonpredetermined position the device may be arranged to not be able to provide an aerosol, i.e. be in an inoperable mode. This may be controlled by control circuitry in the device that prevents activation of the heating element or elements when the moveable component is not in a predetermined position.

In an example, the device has a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises at least one outlet. The mouthpiece may provide a suitable contact point for a user’s mouth to receive an aerosol from the device. The mouthpiece may have one or more outlets in the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may therefore have a series of outlets from which different aerosols may be provided to a user. In the examples shown in Figures la to 1c, the device 100 has two mouthpieces each with one outlet 120, 130.

In an example, the first flow channel and second flow channel share at least one portion of flow channel. In such an example, there is some overlap between the two flow channels. In an example, the flow channels may join at an inlet 110, or near the puff detector or at a heating element. By sharing some portion of flow channel, the device 110 may be made more compact and therefore easier to transport for a user. Sharing a portion of the flow channel also means that duplicate components, such as multiple heating elements or multiple puff detectors, are not required. In certain examples, the shared flow channels may have shared electronic components such as puff detectors or the like, which reduces the overall cost of the device. In an example, the device has one heating element for providing an aerosol, the heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region. In such an example, the heating element is arranged to provide thermal energy to both the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region. In the examples of Figures la to 1c, there are two heating elements for heating two aerosol generating regions.

An example of a device with one heating element arranged to heat two regions is shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a device 300. The device 300 has a housing 310 that holds a first aerosol generating region 320 and a second aerosol generating region 330. Each region may have an aerosol generating material store, such as a reservoir or the like. The device 300 has a heater 340 located so that the heater 340 can heat a region. The moveable component may be connected to the reservoirs such that the moveable component can be moved and, in turn, move the reservoirs in a direction shown by arrow B. By rotating the reservoirs, the user can control which reservoir is close to the heating element 340. In this way, the heating element 340 may be arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region 320 and the second aerosol generating region 330, dependent on the movement provided by the moveable component to the reservoirs. Alternatively, the heater 340 may be centrally located and be operated to affect both regions simultaneously. In such an arrangement an air flow path through a region may be closed by the moveable component, such that aerosol generated by the heater is not provided to the user. Heated aerosol may re-condense after a period of time has elapsed - in this instance, the moveable component may move the reservoir e.g. up and down within the device 300 to be within the impact of the heater 340 or away from the heater 340 as well as altering the flow channels within the device 300. The outlet connected to the reservoir being heated may be open such that a user is only provided with the aerosol from the selected reservoir.

In an example, shown in Figure 4, the device 400 may have an aerosol generating material reservoir 405 with at least two portions 420, 430. In the example shown, a first portion 420 of the aerosol generating material reservoir 405 is in the first aerosol generating region. In the example shown, a second portion 430 of the aerosol generating material reservoir 405 is in the second aerosol generating region. The arrangement shown has the portions 420, 430 as two sides of a cylindrical aerosol generating material reservoir 405. The materials in the two portions 420, 430 of the reservoir 405 may be two different materials. The materials may be liquids or solids. In this arrangement, the device 400 may provide only one heater thereby reducing the cost of production against a device with multiple heaters. This also advantageously provides a reduction in the electronic complexity of the device 400.

In an example, the first portion 420 of the reservoir 405 may hold around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material. The first portion 420 may hold up to 0.02 ml or up to 0.03 ml of liquid aerosol generating material. The second portion 430 of the reservoir 405 may hold the same or a different volume of liquid to the first portion 420. The device 400 therefore may be a single puff device 400 or a device 400 that is intended to be a disposable device 400, i.e. a device that is designed not to be re-fillable, rather once the reservoir or reservoirs are empty the device 400 may be disposed. In a disposable device 400, the device 400 may have a power source that is contained within the power portion that cannot be accessed by a user. The power source may be non-rechargeable and non-replaceable. The power source may be arranged to have sufficient power to aerosolise the amount of aerosol generating material in the device, but not more. In this way, when the aerosol generating material has been aerosolised, the device 400 is has no remaining power and can be disposed of. This may improve the user experience, by providing a device that is easy to use and requires no maintenance.

Any of the devices disclosed herein may be disposable as per the above description.

In contrast to the example of Figure 4, the device may have a first aerosol generating material reservoir and a second aerosol generating material reservoir. In such an example, the first aerosol generating material reservoir may be in the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating material reservoir may be in the second aerosol generating region - such an example is shown in Figures la to 1c. In this sense, the reservoirs may be separated by some distance - in the example of Figures la to 1c the reservoirs are separated by a power portion comprising a power source and a puff detector 170. In an example, the first and second reservoirs may hold around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material, up to 0.02 ml of liquid aerosol generating material or up to 0.03 ml of liquid aerosol generating material. The power source in the power portion may be arranged to have sufficient power to aerosolise the amount of aerosol generating material in the device, but not more. In this way, the devices of Figures la to 1c may be disposable. Each aerosol generating region may have its own wick to which aerosol generating material is drawn prior to be aerosolised by a heating element operating near the wick. Air flow may then carry the aerosolised material along a designated flow channel and out of the respective outlet.

In an example, the first flow channel and second flow channel may be entirely distinct from each other, as discussed above with reference to Figures la to 1c. In this example, the device may be more mechanically complex to construct and may require additional electronics such as puff sensors and heaters (though not necessarily), there is a reduced likelihood of a mixed aerosol being provided to a user. In this way, by isolating the flow channels from one another, there is reduced likelihood of a previous aerosol impacting the present aerosol, by for example having condensed on the channel inside the device. As such, the reliability and consistency of the aerosol provided to a user is improved.

In an example, the separated flow channels may have an aerosol provided by one heater. The heater may be centrally located and within thermal communication of the aerosol generating material reservoirs. The heater may be activated and one reservoir may have airflow through it such that one aerosol is provided to a user. In another example, the device may have a plurality of heaters, each of which may be activated by a specific predetermined position and corresponding electrical connection. A first heating element may be arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region and a second heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the second aerosol generating region. While more costly to provide more heating elements and more complex electrical circuitry, the arrangement of the heating elements and the aerosol generating regions is made simpler. In either arrangement, one or more puff sensors may be used.

In an example, the moveable component is arranged to move around a longitudinal axis of the device. Rotational movement has been found to be mechanically simple for users. In particular, rotational movement of the body portion of the device has been found to be achievable even for users with movement difficulties. The rotation of a body portion may occur while holding the device, such that a movement using only one hand can move the moveable component and change the aerosol provided to the user. In an example, the moveable component is, in use, moved by a user of the aerosol provision device. In this example, the user moves the moveable component via a mechanical motion. This is a cost-effective way of using user motion to control aerosol delivery.

In another example, the moveable component is, in use, moved by electronic control circuitry of the aerosol provision device. In this way, while more costly than mechanical movement from the user, the likelihood of over movement of the moveable component - for example past a stopper - is reduced. In this example, therefore, the safety of the device is increased and accordingly the lifetime of the device.

In an example, the device has a device housing for housing the components of the device. The housing may comprise indicators indicating locations of the predetermined positions. Such indicators may be graphics on the housing that may be arrow heads, which can be aligned with indicators on the moveable component. In this way, the user may be informed as to where the predetermined positions are and thereby be discouraged from moving the moveable component beyond the predetermined positions. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the device and therefore increases the lifetime of the device. Such indicators also decrease the likelihood of the device being put in a non-predetermined position and therefore being in an inoperable mode. In this way, the user experience is also improved.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a portion of an example of a device 500. The Figure shows a switch 510 on the device 500. The switch may be on a bottom end 505 of the device 500. The switch 510 can be moved as shown in the three cross-sectional views of Figure 5. The switch 510’ is shown in a predetermined position wherein the left flow channel is closed and the right flow channel is open. In this position, airflow shown by arrow C can enter the right flow channel through an inlet. The switch 510” is shown in a predetermined position wherein both left and right flow channels are closed, air flow cannot enter through an inlet as the portion is blocked. The switch 510’” is shown in a predetermined position wherein the right flow channel is closed and the left flow channel is open. In this position, airflow shown by arrow D can enter the left flow channel through an inlet.

In the position of 510”, the device is in an inoperable mode as air cannot enter the device 500. In this arrangement, the device 500 can stand on the bottom end 505 of the device 500, as the switch does not project beyond the recess within which it is set in the bottom end 505. As such, this arrangement advantageously prevents the user standing the device 500 when the device 500 is operable. In this way, the user has a noticeable reminder that the device 500 is in an operable mode - by the device 500 not being able to rest on the bottom end 505, when placed on a surface.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown an example of a device 600. The device 600 has a housing 610 and a cover 620. The cover 620 may be a removable cover for removably covering an outlet 630. The device 600 may have a second outlet 632 at another position on the device housing 610 of the device 600. The cover 620 may improve the cleanliness of the device 600 by protecting an outlet 630 of the device 600 from particle ingress via the outlet.

In an example, the removable cover 620 is arranged to support the device 600 when located on a flat surface. The removable cover 620 may therefore act as a stand or the like for the device 600. The cover 620 may have a substantially flat end surface for allowing the device 600 to be balanced on the cover 620. The cover 620 may have a series of teeth or projections or the like on which the device 600 may stand when on a flat surface. The cover 620 is therefore capable of supporting the device 600.

Referring now to Figure 7, there are a series of removable covers shown covering an outlet of the aerosol generating device. The cover 720 is shown covering a mouthpiece and is in a good fit to the housing 710 of the device. The cover 720 is shown covering first outlet 730 with second outlet 732 available for use by a user. The user may use the cover 720 to prevent aerosol being provided by the device from a specific outlet during use. In use, the user may cover an outlet 730 with the cover 720, inhale on another outlet 732 and be provided with a specific aerosol, the aerosol related to the aerosol generation region that is in fluid communication with the another outlet 732. The cover 720 assists in providing a negative pressure in the device such that an aerosol is provided to a user out of the desired outlet 732, and an aerosol is not provided out of the covered outlet 730.

The cover 720’ is shown with a flat end surface 721’ and can therefore allow a user to stand the device on the surface 721’ (as described above), other arrangements are capable of proving this as noted above. The removable cover 720’ is arranged to support the device when located on a flat surface. The cover 720’ covers outlet 730’ and can be used by the user to generate a negative pressure in the device as per the above description. The outlet 732’ may be used to provide an aerosol to the user, when not covered by cover 720’.

The cover 720” is shown with a housing connection 722” for connecting to a housing 710” of the aerosol provision device. The cover 720” covers outlet 730”, though outlet 730” may still be seen. The cover 720” may prevent aerosol being provided from outlet 730”. The device may be capable of rotating around the housing connection 722’ ’ with respect to the cover 720’ ’ . This rotation may be enjoyable for a user. The rotation also allows the device to be rested on the flat end 721” of the cover 720” in a variety of arrangements. In an example, the housing connection 722’ ’ is half way along the device and therefore the cover 720’ ’ can free spin around the full body of the device. The user may inhale on outlet 732” while the cover 720” covers outlet 730”.

Referring now to Figure 8, there are removable covers 820 shown in a examples for covering outlets 830, 832 of the aerosol generating device. In an example, the cover 820 is a slideable cover 820 for slideable covering outlets 830, 832 (or a mouthpiece comprising outlets). In an example, the cover 820 may be slid up and down the housing 810 to uncover and cover the outlets 830, 832. In the example of cover 820, both outlets 830 and 832 are covered and therefore not accessible to a user. The device is therefore not in an operable state. The cover 820 may be a sleeve or the like that can be moved by a user. The sleeve 820 may be moved by a handle 822 or lever or the like to move the sleeve 820. The sleeve can be moved in either direction along a longitudinal axis of the device. Movement in one direction may uncover one outlet 830, movement in another direction may uncover another outlet 832.

In an example, the slideable cover 820’ is arranged to slide between at least three positions (two positions are shown in Figure 8). In a first position, the slideable cover 820 covers the outlets 830, 832. In a second position, the slideable cover 820’ does not cover outlet 830’ but does cover outlet 832’ . In a third position, the slideable cover may cover the outlet 830, 830’ but not the outlet 832, 832’. The user may control movement between these positions using handle 822, 822’.

The size of the slideable cover may impact operation. In an example, the length of the cover is such that it can move between the second and third positions detailed above (covering one outlet but not the other), but in a first position, the cover does not cover either outlet, i.e. both outlets are accessible for a user. This may be beneficial when the user wishes to switch rapidly between aerosols from either outlet.

The covers disclosed herein are easily manipulated (simple slide or rotate motions) and therefore can be used by users with reduced mobility. This ensures that user experience is increased in a device that is able to provide multiple aerosols from one device.

The device may have more than two outlets and therefore the device may have covers that cover more than one outlet, or outlets may be arranged proximally so that multiple outlets can be covered by one removable cover. Devices with multiple covers covering multiple outlets are envisaged within the scope of this disclosure. In that sense, the removable covers of the examples in Figure 7 may be combined, the covers of Figure 7 may also be combined with the covers of Figure 8.

The power electronics of the device may include a power source such as a battery or the like alongside control circuitry for controlling the activation and use of power in the device 100. The control circuitry may communicate with a microphone or other puff sensor or the like and control heating of the heating elements in the device. The arrangements discussed herein may use single or multiple puff sensors, flow sensors or the like. By ensuring, the flow paths (whether entirely separate or overlapping in some portion) impact the area near the puff sensor, only one puff sensor need be used. In this way, fewer electronics can be used in the manufacture of the device and the overall cost is decreased. Such a device can then be provided to users for a lower price.

The device disclosed herein may be a disposable device. In this way, the user has no access to the power portion and need not recharge or replace the battery, improving the ease of use of the device. The device may have no mechanism for recharging the battery or accessing the battery. The device may be a single use device. This assists in reducing the cost of manufacture of the device, as the device can be made without access mechanisms. The reduction of cost of manufacture in disposable devices is a significant advantage that may be more important in disposable devices than re-useable devices. As such, there is disclosed herein a reliable, robust, multi-aerosol-providing aerosol provision device that can be used by users with reduced mobility without impacting user experience.

In a particular example, the device disclosed herein may operate with a flavour pod which is replaceable in the device - this may be referred to as a consumable. The flavour may be any of tobacco and glycol and may include 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, cardamon, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognacjasmine, 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.

When combined with an aerosol generating medium, the aerosol provision device as disclosed herein may be referred to as an aerosol provision system.

Thus there has been described an aerosol provision device, for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: control circuitry for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision device; a detector arranged to detect an air output associated with a user of the aerosol provision device; wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user.

The aerosol provision system may be used in a tobacco industry product, for example a noncombustible aerosol provision system.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate. In one embodiment, the aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette also known as a vaping device.

In one embodiment the electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing and optionally a mouthpiece.

In one embodiment the aerosolizable substrate is contained in or on a substrate container. In one embodiment the substrate container is combined with or comprises the heater.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product which releases one or more compounds by heating, but not burning, a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material which may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material.

In one embodiment the heating product is a non-electronic article.

In one embodiment the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source which is capable of supplying heat energy to the aerosolizable substrate without any electronic means, such as by burning a combustion material, such as charcoal.

In one embodiment the heating product also comprises a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

In some embodiments the aerosolizable substrate material may comprise an aerosol or aerosol generating agent or a humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin or diethylene glycol.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system to generate aerosol by heating, but not burning, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may comprise for example solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a superior electronic aerosol provision system. 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 teach the claimed features. 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 and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision device, comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; a first outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; a second outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; a first aerosol generating region arranged to generate a first aerosol; a second aerosol generating region arranged to generate a second aerosol; a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, the first aerosol generating region and the first outlet; a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, the second aerosol generating region and the second outlet; at least one heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region.

2. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1, further comprising a movable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position, wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel and wherein in the second position the moveable component at least partially blocks the second flow channel.

3. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first flow channel and second flow channel share at least one portion of flow channel.

4. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an aerosol generating material reservoir with at least two portions, wherein a first portion of the aerosol generating material reservoir is in the first aerosol generating region, and wherein a second portion of the aerosol generating material reservoir is in the second aerosol generating region.

5. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first aerosol generating material reservoir and a second aerosol generating material reservoir, wherein the first aerosol generating material reservoir is in the first aerosol generating region, and wherein the second aerosol generating material reservoir is in the second aerosol generating region.

6. An aerosol provision device according to claim 5, wherein a first heating element is arranged to heat the first aerosol generating material reservoir in the first aerosol generating region, and wherein a second heating element is arranged to heat the second aerosol generating material reservoir in the second aerosol generating region.

7. An aerosol provision device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first aerosol generating material reservoir comprises a first wick and the second aerosol generating material reservoir comprises a second wick.

8. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first aerosol generating material reservoir holds around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material and wherein the second aerosol generating material reservoir holds around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.

9. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a removable cover for removably covering at least one of the first outlet and the second outlet.

10. An aerosol provision device according to claim 9, wherein the removable cover is arranged to support the device when located on a flat surface.

11. An aerosol provision device according to claim 10, wherein the removable cover has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end has a flat end surface.

12. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the removable cover further comprises a housing connection for connecting to a housing of the aerosol provision device, wherein the removable cover is arranged to rotate around the housing connection of the removable cover.

13. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a slideable cover for slideably covering at least one of the first outlet and the second outlet.

14. An aerosol provision device according to claim 13, wherein the slideable cover is arranged to slide between at least two positions, wherein in a first position the slideable cover covers the first outlet; and, wherein in a second position the slideable cover covers the second outlet.

15. An aerosol provision device according to claim 14, wherein the slideable cover is further arranged to slide to a third position, wherein in the third position the slideable cover does not cover the first outlet and does not cover the second outlet.

16. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the aerosol provision device is a disposable aerosol provision device.

17. An aerosol provision device according to claim 16, further comprising a non- rechargeable, non-replaceable power source for providing power to the at least one heating element.