EP4652878A1

EP4652878A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: EP4652878A1
Application number: EP24177750.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrew Thornton; James Sheridan
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2024-05-23
Filing date: 2024-05-23
Publication date: 2025-11-26
Also published as: WO2025242476A1

Abstract

An aerosol provision device (4) for use with an aerosol generating material (8). The aerosol provision device (4) comprising a removable power source (14) configured to supply power for consumption by an electrical component of the device (4) and a power source receiving portion (16) in which the removable power source (14) is arranged. The device (4) further comprises a release member (22) configured to at least partially move the removable power source (14) out of the power source receiving portion (16).

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device and an aerosol provision system.

Background

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds by heating, but not burning, the material. The material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol provision device, for use with an aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising:

a removable power source configured to supply power for consumption by an electrical component of the device;
a power source receiving portion in which the removable power source is arranged; and
a release member configured to at least partially move the removable power source out of the power source receiving portion.

The power source receiving portion may comprise an opening into which removable power source is received (e.g. inserted into), and the device may further comprise a cover movable between a closed position in which opening is closed and an open position in which the opening is open.
The release member may be arranged to automatically at least partially move the removable power source out of the power source receiving portion.
The release member may be arranged to automatically at least partially move the removable power source out of the power source receiving portion when the cover is moved into the open position.
The release member may be operably coupled to the cover such that movement of the cover from the closed position to the open position drives the release member to at least partially move the power source out of the power source receiving portion.
The release member may be integrally formed with the cover.
The release member may be mechanically coupled to the cover.
The device may further comprise a locking member which locks (e.g. holds) the removable power source within the power source receiving portion thereby preventing the release member from moving the removable power source out of the power source receiving portion.
The locking member may be moved into an unlocked position in which the release member at least partially moves the removable power source out of the power source receiving portion.
The cover may provide (e.g. define) the locking member.
The release member may comprise a resiliently deformable member which is at least partially deformed by the removable power source when the removable power source is fully received by the power source receiving portion. The resiliently deformable member may be compressible.
The resiliently deformable member may act to push the removable power source out of the power source receiving portion.
The resiliently deformable member may comprise a spring. The spring may comprise a helical spring or a leaf spring.
The release member may comprise a manually moveable member comprising a first portion arranged to engage the removable power source and a second portion arranged for actuation by a user. The first portion may engage a bottom face of the removable power source. Movement of the manually moveable member between a first position and a second position may cause the removable power source to move at least partially out of the power source receiving portion.
The manually moveable member may comprise a ribbon. The first portion may extend underneath a bottom face of the removable power source, when received within the power source receiving portion, and the second portion may be exposed within the device for a user to pull. The bottom face may be defined as a face of the removable power source which is first inserted into the power source receiving portion.
The release member may be configured to move the removable power source such that at least a portion of the removable power source protrudes to an outside of the aerosol provision device.
The removable power source may comprise at least one of: a battery, a supercapacitor, a lithium-ion capacitor, and a power generator. The power generator may convert any suitable form of energy into any other suitable form of energy (e.g. electrical power) for consumption by the device and/or article. The power generator may, for example, be configured to convert kinetic energy into electrical power.
The power source receiving portion may comprise a cavity defined within the device.
The cavity may be defined by a housing of the device.
The power source receiving portion may be dimensioned to receive the entire removable power source such that no part of the removable power source extends out of the power source receiving portion when it is entirely contained therein.
The aerosol provision device may comprise a heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material.
The aerosol generating material may be part of an article.
The aerosol provision device may comprise an article receiving portion configured to receive the article.
The article may comprise a heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material
The removable power source may provide power to the heating arrangement, and/or any other suitable electrical component of the device or article receive therein.
According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising:

an aerosol generating material; and
the aerosol provision device according to any embodiment described above.

The aerosol generating material may be part of an article.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a release member in the form of a spring;
Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the system shown in Figure 1 with the removable power source partially moved out of the power source receiving portion;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the system shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the system shown in Figure 1, in the configuration shown in Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, comprising a release member extending from a cover of the device;
Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the system shown in Figure 5 with the cover moved into an open position and with the removable power source partially moved out of the power source receiving portion;
Figure 7 is a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the release member is in the form of a manually moveable member;
Figure 8 is a schematic representation of the system shown in Figure 7 with the cover moved into an open position revealing a portion of the manually moveable member to be gripped;
Figure 9 is a schematic representation of the system shown in Figure 7 wherein the removable power source has been partially moved out of the power source receiving portion by pulling on the manually moveable member;
Figure 10 is a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, whereby a release member is mechanically coupled to a cover of the device; and
Figure 11 is a schematic representation of the system shown in Figure 10 with the cover in an open position with the release member moved into a position in which the removable power source is partially moved out of the power source receiving portion.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as "smokable material".
The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.
According to the present disclosure, the aerosol provision system may comprise a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system which is a system where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the consumable (or article) for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
An aerosol provision device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol provision device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article.
Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system (hereinafter "system") 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 2 may be a non-combustible aerosol provision system. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the system 2 comprises an aerosol provision device (hereinafter "device") 4 for use with, i.e. for generating an aerosol from, an aerosol generating material 8. The device 4 may similarly be a non-combustible aerosol provision device 4. In the embodiment depicted, the aerosol generating material 8 forms part of an article 6 which is suitably received by the device 4. The aerosol generating material 8 may be in solid, liquid and/or gel form within the article 8.
In some embodiments, as depicted, the device 4 may comprise a housing 10 (sometimes referred to as a body) which houses various parts of the device 4. As depicted in Figure 1, the device 4 may comprise an article receiving portion 12 configured to receive the article 6. The article receiving portion 12 may be at least partially defined by the housing 10, or a component attached thereto or inserted therein.
As depicted in Figure 1, the device 4 comprises a removable power source 14 configured to supply power (i.e. electrical power) for consumption by an electrical component of the device 4. The device 4 further comprises a power source receiving portion 16 in which the removable power source 14 is arranged (i.e. received). The power source receiving portion 16 is shaped to suitably receive the removable power source 14. The power source receiving 16 may be dimensioned such that the removable power source 14 is received therein in a manner in which absent any force acting on the removable power source 14, the removable power source 14 is unable to move within the power source receiving portion. In other words, the removable power source 14 may be held within the power source receiving portion 16 by frictional forces acting between the removable power source 14 and an inner surface of the power source receiving portion 16.
In the embodiment depicted, the power source receiving portion 16 is in the form of a cavity within the device 4, e.g. within the housing 10 of the device 10. However, it will be appreciated that the power source receiving portion 16 may have any suitable shape and/or dimension which may at least partially depend on the shape/size of the removable power source 14.
As depicted in Figure 1, the removable power source 14 may comprise an electrical connector 18 which is arranged to engage with a corresponding electrical connector 20 provided on the device 4. Each of the electrical connector 18 and corresponding electrical connector may comprise a plurality (e.g. at least two) electrical terminals for facilitating the transfer of power between the removable power source 14 and the other electrical components of the device 2. The electrical connector 18 on the removable power source 14 may be arranged at any suitable position thereon, and the corresponding electrical connector 20 may be arranged at any suitable corresponding position within the power source receiving portion 16. When the removable power source 14 is suitably received within the power source receiving portion 16, the electrical connector 18 and corresponding electrical connector 20 may engage with one another and thereby establish an electrical connection between the removable power source 14 and the electrical components of the device 4.
The device 4 comprises a release member 22 configured to at least partially move the removable power source 14 out of the power source receiving portion 16. In the embodiments depicted herein the release member 22 is configured to partially move the removable power source 14 out of the power source receiving portion 16. However, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments the release member 22 may fully move the removable power source 14 fully out of the power source receiving portion.
As depicted in Figure 1, the release member may be arranged at (e.g. mounted to) the base 23 of the power source receiving portion 16, and may act on a bottom face 25 of the removable power source 14. However, the release member 22 may be arranged at any suitable position such that it can suitably move the removable power source 14 out of the power source receiving portion 16.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the release member 22 is in the form of a resiliently deformable member which acts to push the removable power source 14 out of the power source receiving portion 16. Specifically, in the embodiment shown, the release member 22 is in the form of a spring, specifically a helical spring. However, any other suitable resiliently deformable member may be utilised. For example, the release member 22 may instead, or in addition, comprise a leaf spring, or a deformable material, such as a rubber block. Operation of the release member 22 will be described in more detail further below. A release member in the form of a resiliently deformable member, e.g. such as a spring, may provide a simple and cost effective means for moving, e.g. automatic release, of the removable power source 14 from the power source receiving portion 16 as will be described in more detail further below.
In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the device 4 may further comprise a cover 24 which is moveable between a closed position (as shown in Figure 1) and an open position (as shown in Figure 2). The cover 24 may act to close an opening 27 of the power source receiving portion 16. The opening 27 may provide access to the power source receiving portion 16, and specifically may facilitate the insertion and removal of the removable power source 14 from the power source receiving portion 16.
The cover 24 may move relative to the opening 27 in any suitable manner. In an embodiment, as depicted in Figure 1, the cover 24 may be pivotally mounted, e.g. via a hinge 26, to the housing 10 of the device 4. In other embodiments, the cover 24 may instead be mounted to slide relative to the housing 10, and/or be separable from the housing 10. As depicted in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the cover 24 may extend over the article receiving portion 12 and may thus comprise a through hole 28 through which the article 6 may be inserted into the device 4. It will be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments the cover 24 may not extend over the article receiving portion 12 and thus such a through hole 28 may not be necessary.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cover 24 provides (i.e. functions as) a locking member which locks the removable power source 14 within the power source receiving portion 16. Specifically, the cover 24 prevents the release member 22 from moving the removable power source 14 out of the power source receiving portion 16, at least when the cover 24 is in the closed position. The cover 24 may thus act to both close at least part of the device 4, e.g. the power source receiving portion 16, and function to prevent release of the removable power source 14. This may, therefore, reduce the total number of components. It will be appreciated, however, that in some embodiments, in addition to the cover 24, a separate locking member may be provided. The closed position of the cover 24 shown in Figure 1 may be considered to be a locked position.
As depicted in Figure 1, when the removable power source 14 is fully received by the power source receiving portion 16, the release member 22, which in the embodiment shown is in the form of a resiliently deformable member, is at least partially deformed by the removable power source 14. This generates a resilient bias which tends to push the removable power source 14 out of the power source receiving portion 16. The partial deformation, may, for example, comprise compression. Expansion of the release member 22, and thus movement of the removable power source 14, is resisted, however, by the cover 24 which when in the closed position acts to lock the removable power source 14 in place.
The device 4 may comprise any suitable electrical components. In some embodiments, as depicted, the device 4 may comprise a controller 30 (i.e. an electrical component). The controller 30 may be operatively coupled to a heating arrangement 32 and/or a user interface 34. The heating arrangement 32 may be configured to heat the article 6, specifically the aerosol generating material 8, when suitably received by the device 4. The heating arrangement 32 may comprise any suitable heating arrangement. In some embodiments, the heating arrangement 32 may comprise an inductive or resistive heating arrangement. When in the form of an inductive heating arrangement, the heating arrangement 32 may comprise a susceptor which may be part of the device 4, or which may be integrally provided with the article 6. In some embodiments, the heating arrangement 32 may be part of the article 6, rather than the device 4. For example, the article 6 may comprise electrically resistive heater (e.g. in the form of electrically resistive tracks) which heat the aerosol generating material 8. In such embodiments, an electrical connection between the device 4 and article 6 may be formed.
The user interface 34 may comprise any suitable means which facilitate interaction between a user and the device 4. For example, the user interface 34 may comprise at least one button configured to turn the device ON and/or OFF and/or select an operational mode of the device 4. The user interface 34 may comprise indication means for providing information to a user. For example, the indication means may comprise a display, one or more lights (e.g. light emitting diodes), a speaker and/or a haptic device.
The removable power source 24 may supply power to at least one of the controller 30, heating arrangement 32 and user interface 34.
As depicted in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the power source receiving portion 16 may be dimensioned to receive the entire removable power source 14 such that no part of the removable power source 14 extends out of the power source receiving portion 16 when it is entirely contained therein. In such embodiments, the presence of a release member 22 may be important, as otherwise removal of the removable power source 14 may be difficult as there may be not part of the removable power source 14 which a user can easily grip (prior to release).
Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the system 2, shown in Figure 1, with the article 6 separated from the device 4 and with the cover 24 moved into the open position. When a user wishes to remove the removable power source 14, e.g. so as to replace the removable power source 14, to charge the removeable power source 14, or to dispose of the removable power source 14 separately to the rest of the device, the user may first remove the article 6. In some embodiments, removal of the article 6, prior to moving the cover 124, may not be necessary. The user may then move the cover 24 into the open position shown in Figure 2. This open position of the cover 24 may be considered to be an unlocked position in the context of the cover 24 providing a locking member. The cover 24 may be moved into the open position by pivoting the cover about the hinge 26. When in the open position, as shown, the cover 24 no longer acts to lock the removable power source 14 in position. As a result, the release member 22 is free to move (e.g. push) the removable power source 14 at least partially out of the power source receiving portion 16. Specifically, in the embodiment shown, the removable power source 14 is pushed out through the opening 27 of the power source receiving portion 16. In the embodiment shown, when the cover 24 is moved into the open position, the release member 22, in the form of a spring, is able to expand and thereby move the removable power source 14 in the manner described.
In the embodiment depicted, the release member 22 acts to automatically move the removable power source 14 at least partially out of the power source receiving portion 16 once the cover 24 is moved into the open position.
In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, when the removable power source 14 is moved by the release member 22, this may cause the electrical connector 18 and corresponding electrical connector 20 to become disengaged, thereby breaking the electrical connection between the removable power source 14 and the rest of the device 4.
As depicted in Figure 2, in at least partially moving the removable power source 14 out of the power source receiving portion 16, it may be possible for a user to more easily grip the removable power source 14 and fully separate it from the device 4. This may thus improve ease of use of the device. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the release member 22 is arranged to automatically at least partially move the removable power source 14 out of the power source receiving portion 16 when the cover 24 is moved into the open position. This occurs as a result of the release member being in the form of a resiliently deformable member, and the cover 24 providing the locking function. This automatic movement of the removable power source 14 may also improve ease of use, as it may reduce the number of steps required to be performed by a user in order to separate the removable power source 22.
As depicted in Figure 2, the release member 22 may be configured to move the removable power source 14 such that at least a portion (e.g. upper portion 15) of the removable power source 14 protrudes to an outside of the aerosol provision device 4. The outside of the aerosol provision device 4 may be considered to be a free space in which a user is able to place at least one of their fingers in order to manipulate move the removable power source 14.
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the system 2 shown in Figure 1, with the cover 24 in the closed position. In this position, the article 6 is suitably received by the device 4. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the system 2 shown in Figure 2, with the cover 24 in the open position. As shown in this Figure, with the cover 24 in the open position (and with the article 6 having been removed), the release member 22 (not visible in this Figure) is free to push (e.g. eject) the removable power source out of the opening 27 of the power source receiving portion 16. A user may then be able to more easily manipulate the removable power source 14, e.g. so as to completely separate the removable power source 14 from the rest of the device 4.
Figure 5 shows a schematic view of an aerosol provision system (herein after "system") 102, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As with the embodiment described above, the system comprises an aerosol provision device (hereinafter "device") 104 and an article 106 comprising an aerosol generating material 108. The device 104 and article 106are substantially the same as the device 4 and article 6 described above, except for the following differences.
As shown in Figure 5, in some embodiments, the device 104 comprises a cover 124 which is moveable between a closed position (depicted in Figure 5) and an open position (depicted in Figure 6). When in the closed position, as with the previous embodiment, the cover 124 acts to retain a removable power source 114 within a power source receiving portion 116. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the device 104 comprises a release member 122 which is operably coupled to the cover 124. The release member 122 may be integrally formed with the cover 124. For example, the cover 124 and release member 122 may form part of a single moulded body. In other embodiments, the release member 122 may be a separate component which is attached to the cover 124. For example, the release member 122 may be attached to, and thus operably coupled to, the cover 124 via a snap fitting or any other engagement mechanism.
With continued reference to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the removable power source 114 may comprise an engagement feature 136 which the release member 122 may engage in order to suitably move the removable power source 114. The engagement feature 136 may comprise a recess which the release member 122 protrudes into, at least when the removable power source is suitably (e.g. fully) received by the power source receiving portion 116. Whilst a recess is depicted, it will be appreciated that the engagement feature 136 may comprise any suitable feature with which the release member 122 may interact in order to drive movement of the removable power source 114. For example, the engagement feature may instead comprise a protrusion on an outer surface of the removable power source 114. In other embodiments, the engagement feature 136 may be omitted, and the release member 122 may engage directly with an outer surface of the removable power source 114.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the cover 124 is shown as being pivotally mounted to a housing 110 of the device 104 via a hinge 126. However, it will be appreciated that the cover 124 may be configured to move relative to the housing 110, and thus drive movement of the release member 122, in any suitable manner as discussed above with reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the system 102 shown in Figure 5, with the cover 124 moved into an open position, through pivotal movement about the hinge 126. In this embodiment, the article 106 has been removed from the device 104, however it will be appreciated that in some embodiments the article 106 may remain within the device 104 during this movement. As depicted, the release member 122 is operably coupled to the cover 124 (e.g. by being integrally formed therewith) such that movement of the cover 124 into this open position drives the release member 122 to at least partially move the removable power source 114 out of the power source receiving portion 116. Specifically, the release member 122 engages the engagement feature 136 and drives the removable power source 114 upwards out through an opening 127 to the power source receiving portion 116. Similarly to the embodiment described above, the removable power source 114 comprises an electrical connector 118 which engages with a corresponding electrical connector 120 on the device 104. When the removable power source 114 is moved into the position shown in Figure 6, the electrical connector 118 and corresponding electrical connector 120 become disengaged and the removable power source 114 is no longer able to supply electrical power to the rest of the device 104.
As with the previous embodiment, in the embodiment depicted in Figures 5 and 6, the removable power source 114 is at least partially moved out of the power source receiving portion 116 as the cover 124 is moved into the open position, as shown.
The provision of a release member 122 which is operably coupled to the cover 124 in the manner described above may provide a reliable means for extracting the removable power source 114 from the power source receiving portion 116.
Figure 7 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of an aerosol provision system (hereinafter "system") 202 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The system 202 comprises an aerosol provision device (hereinafter "device") 204 and an article 206 comprising an aerosol generating material 208. The device 104 and article 206 are substantially the same as the device 4 and article 6 described above, and only differences therebetween will be discussed below.
As with previous embodiments, the device 204 comprises a removable power source 214 received within a power source receiving portion 216, which may be formed within a housing 210 of the device 204. Similarly, the removable power source 214 comprises an electrical connector 218 which may engage with a corresponding electrical connector 220 of the device 204, when suitably received by the power source receiving portion 216.
The device 204 also comprises a cover 224 which is pivotally mounted to the device 204 via a hinge 226. However, unlike previous embodiments, movement of the cover 224 does not result in movement of the removable power source 214. Instead, in some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, the device 204 may comprise a release member 222 in the form of a manually moveable member 222. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 7, the manually moveable member is in the form of a ribbon 222. The ribbon 222 may be made from any suitable material that is capable of moving the removable power source 214. The ribbon 222 comprises a first portion 222A which is arranged to extend underneath a bottom face 225 of the removable power source 214, when the removable power source 214 is suitably received within the power source receiving portion 216. The bottom face 225 may be defined as a face of the removable power source 214 which is first inserted into the power source receiving portion 216. The ribbon 222 further comprises a second portion 222B (not visible in Figure 7, but visible in Figures 8 and 9), which is exposed within the device 204 for a user to pull. The second portion 222B may only be exposed when the cover 224 is moved into an open position, as will be discussed in more detail further below.
The ribbon 222 may further comprise a third portion 222C which is fixedly attached to the device 204, e.g. to an internal wall 238 of the power source receiving portion 216.
The second portion 222B of the ribbon 222, which extends underneath the bottom face 225 of the removable power source 214, may be suitably arranged so as not to interfere with the engagement between the connector 218 and corresponding electrical connector 220.
Figure 8 shows a schematic view of the system 202 shown in Figure 7, with the article 206 separated from the device 204, and with the cover 224 moved into an open position. As with previous embodiments, in some instances it may not be necessary to separate the article 206 from the device 206 before moving the cover 224 into the open position. When the cover 224 is in the open position, the second portion 222B of the ribbon is exposed. A user may grip then second portion 222B in order to pull on the ribbon 222 and extract the removable power source 214. This is described further with reference to Figure 9, which shows the system 202 shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the ribbon 222 has been pulled. As shown in Figure 9, as a result of the third portion 222C which is held in a fixed position, pulling on the second portion 222B causes the first portion 222A to pull up against the underneath 225 of the removable power source 214 and thereby pull the removable power source 214 out through an opening 227 of the power source receiving portion 216.
As depicted, this may cause the electrical connector 218 and corresponding electrical connector 220 to become disengaged and thereby prevent the supply of electrical power from the removable power source 214 to the rest of the device 204.
The use of a release member 222 in the form of a manually moveable member may provide a mechanically simple, reliable and inexpensive means for extracting the removable power source 214 from the power source receiving portion 216. Whilst the manually moveable member is shown in the form of a ribbon 222, any other suitable manually moveable member may be provided. For example, the manually moveable member may instead comprise a substantially rigid member which acts on the removable power source 214.
Figure 10 depicts a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system (hereinafter "system") 302 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The system 302, similarly to previous embodiments, comprises an aerosol provision device (hereinafter "device") 304 and an article 306 comprising an aerosol generating material 308. The device 304 and article 306 may substantially the same as the device 3 and article 6 described above with references to Figures 1 and 2, except for the differences set out below. As with previous embodiments, the device 304 comprises a removable power source 314 received within a power source receiving portion 316 which may be within a housing 310 of the device 304.
The device 304 similarly comprises a cover 324 which is movable between a closed position (shown in Figure 10) and an open position (shown in Figure 11). The cover 324 is pivotally mounted to the housing 310 via a hinge 326, although it is envisaged that the cover 324 may move relative to the housing 310 in any suitable manner.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the device 304 further comprises a release member 322 in the form of a rod. The release member 322 is arranged to act on the bottom face 325 of the removable power source 314 so as to push the removable power source 314 out of the power source receiving portion 316.
In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10, the release member 322 is mechanically coupled to the cover 324. Specifically, in the embodiment depicted, the device 304 comprises a mechanical coupling 340 which is arranged to move with the cover 324 and translate movement thereof into movement of the release member 322.
This will now be described with reference to Figure 11 which depicts the system 302 with the article 306 separated from the device 304 and with the cover 324 moved into the open position. As with previous embodiments, it may not be necessary to remove the article 306 from the device 304 in order to move the cover 324 into the open position. As shown in Figure 11, when the cover 324 is moved into the open position, the mechanical coupling 340 is lifted upwards, which acts to drive the release member 322 upwards, thereby pushing on the bottom face 325 of the removable power source 314, thus pushing the removable power source 314 at least partially out of the power source receiving portion 316, out through the opening 327. Similarly to previous embodiments, when moved in this manner, an electrical connector 318 on the removable power source 314 may become separated from a corresponding electrical connector 320 on the device 304.
It will be appreciated that the mechanical coupling depicted in Figure 11 is merely illustrative, and any suitable mechanical coupling between the cover 324 and the release member 322 may be provided. Similarly, the release member 322 in the form of a rod is also only illustrative, and thus the release member 322 may have any other suitable form.
In any of the various embodiments set out above, the removable power source, e.g. removable power source 14, 114, 214, 314, may comprise a battery. In other embodiments, however, the removable power source may comprise an alternative form of power source, e.g. an exothermic power source. In such embodiments, instead of providing power for consumption by an electrical component of the device, the power source may instead supply heat for consumption by a component of the device. The general principles of the release member set out above may nonetheless be applied to such embodiments. In some embodiments, the removable power source 14, 114, 214, 314 comprises at least one of: a battery, a super capacitor, a lithium ion capacitor or a power generator. As discussed above, the power generator may convert one type of energy into another type of energy for consumption by the device and/or article. For example, the power generator may convert kinetic power into electrical power. In such embodiments, the power generator may comprise an actuation member, e.g. a rotatable handle, which can be moved by a user so as to input kinetic energy into the power generator.
Whilst in the various embodiments shown the aerosol generating material is part of the article, it will be appreciated that the aerosol generating material may be inserted directly into the device and not be part of the article. For example, the aerosol generating material may comprise a liquid which is directly inserted into the device.
The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention 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 claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

An aerosol provision device, for use with an aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising:
a removable power source configured to supply power for consumption by an electrical component of the device;

a power source receiving portion in which the removable power source is arranged; and

a release member configured to at least partially move the removable power source out of the power source receiving portion.
The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the power source receiving portion comprises an opening into which removable power source is received, wherein the device further comprises a cover movable between a closed position in which opening is closed and an open position in which the opening is open.
The aerosol provision device of claim 2, wherein the release member is arranged to automatically at least partially move the removable power source out of the power source receiving portion when the cover is moved into the open position.
The aerosol provision device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the release member is operably coupled to the cover such that movement of the cover from the closed position to the open position drives the release member to at least partially move the power source out of the power source receiving portion.
The aerosol provision device of claim 4, wherein the release member is integrally formed with the cover.
The aerosol provision device of claim 4, wherein the release member is mechanically coupled to the cover.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, further comprising a locking member which locks the removable power source within the power source receiving portion thereby preventing the release member from moving the removable power source out of the power source receiving portion.
The aerosol provision device of claim 7, when dependent on claim 2 or 3, wherein the cover also provides the locking member.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the release member comprises a resiliently deformable member which is at least partially deformed by the removable power source when the removable power source is fully received by the power source receiving portion.
The aerosol provision device of claim 9, wherein the resiliently deformable member acts to push the removable power source out of the power source receiving portion.
The aerosol provision device of claim 10, wherein the resiliently deformable member comprises a spring.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the release member comprises a manually moveable member comprising a first portion arranged to engage the removable power source and a second portion arranged for actuation by a user.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the release member is configured to move the removable power source such that at least a portion of the removable power source protrudes to an outside of the aerosol provision device.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the removable power source comprises a battery.
An aerosol provision system comprising:
an aerosol generating material; and

the aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim.