EP4731027A2 - Extractor element of an aerosol provision device - Google Patents

Abstract

An extractor element (6) of an aerosol provision device (2) is disclosed. The extractor element is configured so that in a first mode of operation the extractor element may be partially withdrawn from a housing (4) of the aerosol provision device but wherein the extractor element is prevented from being fully removed from the housing by a retention element (28).

Description

EXTRACTOR ELEMENT OF AN AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an extractor element of an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision device, an aerosol generating system and a method of generating a vapour.

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 by creating products that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such products are so-called “heat not burn” products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating, but not burning, material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Aerosol provision systems, which cover the aforementioned devices or products, are known. Common systems use heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium which is then inhaled by a user. Often the medium used needs to be replaced or changed to provide a different aerosol for inhalation. It is known to use induction heating systems as heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a varying magnetic field, and a susceptor or heating material which is heatable by penetration with the varying magnetic field to heat the suitable medium.

Aerosol provision devices are known which comprise a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod shaped aerosol generating article is inserted. Conventional aerosol provision devices are typically powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery (“LiB”).

SUMMARY

According to an aspect there is provided an extractor element of an aerosol provision device, wherein the extractor element is configured so that in a first mode of operation the extractor element is configured to be partially withdrawn from a housing of the aerosol provision device; and wherein the extractor element is restricted from being fully removed from the housing by a retention element of the aerosol provision device; and in a second mode of operation the extractor element is fully removable from the housing of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the extractor element comprises a restriction to restrict movement from the first mode to the second mode.

Optionally, the retention element can be caused to cease to prevent the extractor element from being fully removed from the housing of the aerosol device.

Optionally, the retention element the housing of the aerosol device can be caused to cease to prevent the extractor element from being fully removed from the housing of the aerosol device by a user interaction with the extractor element.

Optionally, the user interaction with the extractor element is the application of a predetermined force in a direction at least partially away from the housing of the aerosol device.

Optionally, the extractor element is in the second mode of operation whilst the extractor element is partially withdrawn from the housing of the aerosol device and the retention element does not prevent the removal of the extractor element from the housing of the aerosol device.

Optionally; the extractor element is further configured so that in a third mode of operation the extractor element is fully inserted in the housing of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the extractor element comprises an article aperture into which an aerosol generating article may be inserted in use.

Optionally, the extractor element is configured to secure an aerosol generating article within the article aperture so that in the first mode of operation an aerosol generating article is retained within the article aperture. Optionally, the extractor element comprises a retention slot configured to engage with a retention element of the aerosol provision device to restrict the extractor element from being fully removed from the housing.

Optionally, the retention slot comprises a retention channel.

Optionally, the retention slot comprises a detent configured to restrict movement of the extractor element relative to the retention element.

Optionally, the extractor element is configured to secure an aerosol generating article within the aperture so that in the third mode of operation an aerosol generating article is retained within the aperture.

Optionally, the extractor element is configured to secure an aerosol generating article within the user aperture so that in the first and third modes of operation an aerosol generating article is retained within the aperture.

Optionally, the extractor element is configured so that once the extractor element has been removed from the housing of an aerosol provision device a user may withdraw an aerosol generating article from the extractor element.

Optionally, the extractor element has a first end which faces away from the housing of the aerosol provision device when the extractor element is in the first mode of operation, and a second end that is retained in the aerosol provision device when the extractor element is in the first mode of operation.

Optionally, the extractor element comprises one or more retention apertures which are configured to engage with the retention element. In such embodiments the portion of the extractor element defining each retention aperture is such that a predetermined action or force is required to disengage a retention element from the retention aperture.

Optionally, the retention aperture is an aperture or hole in the surface of the extractor element such that the retention element can engage with the aperture and the extractor element be prevented from being fully removed from the housing by the retention element. In some embodiments at least one retention aperture extends through the body of the extractor element. In some embodiments at least one aperture is the mouth of a depression within the material of the extractor element.

Optionally, one or more of the retention apertures which are configured to engage with the retention element has the form of a retention slot.

Optionally, the retention slot is so configured that a retention element engaged with the retention slot may travel along the retention slot.

Optionally, the extractor element comprises a pair of retention slots, and the pair of retention slots are coaxial or approximately coaxial with each other and separated in the longitudinal direction by an island of extractor element.

Optionally the common axis of the pair of retention slots is parallel to or approximately parallel to the axis A.

Optionally, the island is so configured that it may prevent a retention element engaged with one of the pair of retention slots from traveling from one of the pair of retention slots to the other of that pair unless a predetermined action or force is exerted on the extractor element. On the application or exertion of the predetermined action or force on the extractor element the retention element may pass the island.

Optionally, a first retention slot of the pair of retention slots is positioned in that part of the extractor element that may be partially withdrawn from the housing of the aerosol provision device when the extractor element is in the first mode of operation, and the second retention slot of the pair of retention slots is positioned in that part of the extractor element that may not be withdrawn from the housing of the aerosol provision device when the extractor element is in the first mode of operation.

Optionally, the end of the second retention slot of the pair of retention slots that is furthest from the first retention slot of the pair of retention slots is a mouth end, and opens or mouths through a portion of the second end of the extractor element.

Optionally, the mouth end of the second retention slot of the pair of retention slots includes one or more converging slot walls, and the convergence of the one or more slot walls is in the direction from the second end to first end of the retention slot. Such converging walls may assist in the introduction of a retention element into the second retention slot of the pair of retention slots when the extractor element is moved from the second mode of operation towards the first move of operation.

Optionally the extractor element comprises a magnetic field source that is suitable for interacting with a magnetic material or second magnetic field source in the aerosol provision device and biasing the extractor element toward the third mode of operation.

Optionally the extractor element comprises a magnetic field source that is suitable for interacting with a magnetic material or second magnetic field source in the aerosol provision device and biasing the extractor element toward the third mode of operation.

Optionally the magnetic field source is one of a ferromagnet, for example magnetised iron, cobalt or nickel or an alloy thereof, or a rear earth magnet, for example a neodymium or samarium magnet.

Optionally the extractor element comprises a magnetic material that is suitable for interacting with a magnetic field source in the aerosol provision device and biasing the extractor element toward the third mode of operation.

Optionally the magnetic material is one of iron, cobalt, nickel, neodymium or samarium, or an alloy thereof.

According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a housing defining a heating chamber; and an extractor element configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material in the heating chamber; wherein the extractor element is configured so that in a first mode of operation the extractor element is movable within the housing of the aerosol provision device; and comprising a retention arrangement configured to restrict the extractor element from being moved into a second mode of operation in which the extractor element is spaced from the housing. Optionally, the retention arrangement comprises a retention device and a retention slot, wherein the retention device is configured to be received in the retention slot in the first mode.

Optionally, the retention slot comprises a retention channel.

Optionally, the retention slot comprises a retention aperture.

Optionally, the retention slot comprises a detent configured to restrict movement of the extractor element relative to the retention element between the first and second modes of operation.

Optionally, the detent is a ridge.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device comprises a secondary slot configured to receive the retention device, wherein the detent is between the retention slot and the secondary slot.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device comprises a housing into which the extractor element is retained in use.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises a retention device for retaining the extractor element within the housing of the aerosol provision device in the first mode.

Optionally, the retention device comprises a retention device.

Optionally, the retention device comprises one or more spring loaded plunger devices.

Optionally, the retention device comprises one or more resilient elements.

Optionally, the retention device is on the housing and the extractor element comprises the retention slot.

Optionally, the retention device is provided on the extractor element and the housing comprises one or more retention apertures which are configured to engage with the retention device.

A retention aperture in the housing is an aperture or hole in the surface of the housing such that the retention element can engage with the aperture and the extractor element be prevented from being fully removed from the housing by the retention element.

In some embodiments at least one retention aperture extends through housing. In some embodiments at least one aperture is the mouth of a depression within the material of the housing.

Optionally, the retention device and at least one retention aperture which is configured to engage with the retention device aperture are is so located that the retention device is engaged with at least one retention aperture when the extractor element is in the first mode of operation.

Optionally, the retention device is free from engagement with the extractor element when the extractor element is in the second mode of operation.

Optionally, the retention element is engaged with at least one retention aperture which is configured to engage with the retention element when the extractor element is in the third mode of operation.

Optionally, the retention device is engaged with one or more first retention apertures when the extractor element is in the first mode of operation, the retention device is engaged with one or more second retention apertures when the extractor element is in the third mode of operation, and the first and second retention apertures are all configured to engage with the retention device.

Optionally, the extractor element comprises one or more retention apertures which are configured to engage with the retention device. In such embodiments the portion of the extractor element defining each retention aperture is such that a predetermined action or force is required to disengage a retention device from a retention aperture. Optionally, one or more of the retention apertures which are configured to engage with the retention device has the form of a retention slot.

Optionally, the retention slot is so configured that a retention device engaged with the retention slot may travel along the retention slot.

Optionally, the extraction element includes two retention slots, and the two retention slots are coaxial or approximately coaxial.

Optionally the two retention slots are separated by a portion of the extraction element.

Optionally, the portion of the extraction element located between the two retention slots is so configured that it may prevent a retention device engaged with one of the retention slots from traveling to the other retention slot unless a predetermined action or force is exerted on the extractor element. On the application or exertion of the predetermined action or force on the extractor element the retention device may pass from one retention slot to the other.

Optionally, the extractor element includes an end, and a mouthing end of a retention slot opens or mouths through a portion of the end of the extractor element.

Optionally, the mouthing end of the retention slot includes one or more converging slot walls, and the convergence of the slot walls is in the direction along the retention slot away from the mouthing end. Such converging walls may assist in the introduction of a retention device into the retention slot when the extractor element is moved from the second mode of operation towards the first move of operation.

Optionally, one or more of the retention slots extend in the same direction as the direction of movement of the extractor element between the first and third modes of operation.

Optionally, one or more retention slots are so located that the retention device is engaged with one or more retention slots when the extractor element is in the first and third modes of operation. Optionally, one or more retention slots extend in a direction different to the direction of movement of the extractor element between the first and third modes of operation.

Optionally, one or more retention slots extend in a direction perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement of the extractor element between the first and third modes of operation.

Optionally the extractor element comprises a magnetic field source that is suitable for interacting with a magnetic material or second magnetic field source in the aerosol provision device and biasing the extractor element toward the third mode of operation.

Optionally the aerosol provision device comprises a first magnetic field source, and the extractor element comprises a second magnetic field source, and the first and second magnetic field sources are so located that the magnetic fields of the first and second magnetic field sources interact and bias the extractor element toward the third mode of operation.

Optionally one of the aerosol provision device and the extractor element comprises a magnetic field source, and the other of the aerosol provision device and the extractor element comprises a magnetic material that is suitable for interacting with a magnetic field source, and the magnetic field source and magnetic material are so located that the interaction of the magnetic field and the magnetic material bias the extractor element toward the third mode of operation.

Optionally at least one magnetic field source is one of a ferromagnet, for example magnetised iron, cobalt or nickel or an alloy thereof, or a rear earth magnet, for example a neodymium or samarium magnet.

Optionally the magnetic material is one of iron, cobalt, nickel, neodymium or samarium, or an alloy thereof.

According to an aspect there is provided an extractor element of an aerosol provision device, wherein the extractor element is configured so that in a first mode of operation the extractor element is configured to be partially withdrawn from a housing of the aerosol provision device; and wherein the extractor element is restricted from being fully removed from the housing by a retention element of the aerosol provision device; and in a second mode of operation the extractor element is fully removable from the housing of the aerosol provision device.

According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol provision device as described above; and an aerosol generating article comprising aerosol generating material.

According to another aspect there is provided a method of generating an aerosol comprising: providing an aerosol provision device as described above; inserting an aerosol generating article comprising aerosol generating material; and operating the aerosol provision device.

The apparatus of the various aspects of the present disclosure can include one or more, or all, of the features described above, including combinations of features not specifically identified, as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of an aerosol provision device according to the present disclosure comprising an embodiment of an extractor element according to the present disclosure when in a first mode of operation;

Fig. 1A shows an enlarged detail of portion B of the aerosol provision device of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the aerosol provision device of Fig.

1 when in a second mode of operation;

Fig. 2A shows a schematic perspective view of the extractor element of the aerosol provision device of Fig. 1 with the aerosol generating article removed from the extractor element;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the aerosol provision device of Fig. 1 when in a second mode of operation;

Fig. 3A shows a second schematic sectional view of the aerosol provision device of Fig. 1 when in a second mode of operation

Fig.4 shows a schematic perspective view of the extractor element of the aerosol provision device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a retention element of the aerosol provision device of Fig. 1;

Fig.6 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of an extractor element of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 7 shows a schematic sectional view of the extractor element of Fig. 6 along section cline C-C’ of Fig. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed or 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 conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one 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 aerosolgenerating 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 for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosolgenerating 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. 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 semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.

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 aerosolgenerating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosolmodifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

Non-combustible aerosol provision systems may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable aerosol generating article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may, for example, comprise an electric power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations the aerosol generating article may comprise partially, or entirely, the aerosol generating component.

For completeness, aerosol provision devices comprising an inductive element are known. The aerosol provision device may comprise one or more inductors and a susceptor which is arranged to be heated by the one or more inductors.

A susceptor is a heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically- conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The aerosol provision device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

According to various arrangements an aerosol provision device or a vapour provision device may be provided which is arranged to be charged by a charging unit. In particular, an aerosol provision device in combination with a charging unit is described below. However, it is not essential that a charging unit is provided and hence the interaction of an aerosol provision device with a charging unit as described below for illustrative purposes.

Furthermore, although an aerosol provision device is described and described in further detail below, it should also be understood that according to various embodiments a vapour provision device incorporating a hybrid ion capacitor as a power source may also be provided.

In some THP devices the aerosol provision device comprises an extractor where the consumable is inserted and served. Reference is made to Fig. 1.

The extractor may be detached for removing the consumable and cleaning the device. After the users finish puffing, they pull out the extractor with the used consumable, pull the consumable out of the extractor, then put the extractor back to the device. This is a little busy for the users, not good a user experience.

With reference to Figs. 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 4 and 5. an aerosol provision device 2 includes a housing 4 and an extractor element 6, also known as an extractor. The housing 4 defines a main body of the device 2. The extractor element 6 may be unitary formed. In embodiments, the extractor element is formed from an assembly of components. The extractor element 6 is received by the main body of the device 2.

The extractor element 6 includes a rim 8 and an extractor body 10. The extractor body 10 is configured to receive an aerosol generating article 12 (shown in Fig. 3) through an aperture 14, also known as an article receiving aperture. The aerosol generating article 12 includes aerosol generating material (not shown) which may be caused to aerosolize by a suitable heating element. In the illustrated embodiment the heating element is a heating pin 16. The heating pin 16 is, in the illustrated embodiment, a resistively heated pin and electrical power is supplied to the pin 16 by leads 22. In some other embodiments the heating pin 16 is heated by inductive heating. The heating element in embodiments has a different configuration, such as a blade or tubular member.

The extractor body 10 defines a receptacle for receiving at least a portion of the article 12. The rim 8 is at a proximal end of the extractor element 6. The proximal end is also known as the mouth end as that is the end closest to the mouth of a user during use. The other end of the extractor element 6 is a distal end. The extractor body 10 includes an end 11 remote from the rim 8. The end 11 is at the distal end. The rim 8 acts as a shoulder. The receptacle defines an article receiving space. The heating pin 16 is retained in the housing 4 on a base 20 and projects into a heating chamber 18 that is defined by an inner sleeve 24. The heating element upstands in the main body of the device 2.

The heating chamber 18 is configured so that the extractor body 10 may be removably inserted into the heating chamber 18 with the extractor body being in sliding contact with the inner sleeve 24.

The heating chamber 18, extractor body 10, and inner sleeve 24 all have a longitudinal extent which is coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal access A shown in Fig 3A.

The extractor body 10 includes an aperture 26, also known as a heating element aperture, which is located to allow the heating element 16 to extend through the aperture 26 when the extractor body 10 is inserted into the heating chamber 18. This allows the heating element 16 to penetrate the aerosol generating article 12 and, when in use, generate aerosol from the aerosol generating article 12. The aperture 26 is in the end 11 of the extractor body 10. The end 11 defines a base of the extractor body 10. The heating element 16 extends through the aperture 26 to protrude in the extractor element 6. The heating element 16 extends in the article receiving space.

The extractor element 6 of the aerosol provision device 2, is configured so that in a first mode of operation (shown in Fig. 1 and 1A) the extractor element 6 may be partially withdrawn from the housing 4. The extractor element 6 is prevented from being fully removed from the housing 4 by a retention element 28. A retention device 28a comprises the retention element 28. The retention element 28 forms part of an extractor retention arrangement. The retention element 28 is on the main body of the device 2.

The extractor element 6 is further configured so that in a second mode of operation (shown in Figs. 2 and 2A) the extractor element 6 is fully removable / removed from the housing 4. This allows easy cleaning of the extractor element 6. In such a mode of operation, the extractor element 6 is spaced from the main body of the device 2.

The extractor element 6 is further configured so that in a third mode of operation (shown in Fig 3 and 3A) the extractor element 6 is fully inserted in the housing 4 of the aerosol provision device 2. In such a mode of operation, the extractor element 6 is received in the main body of the device 2 in an operable position. The extractor element 6 is restricted from being further inserted into the main body of the device 2. The rim 8 of the extractor element 8 abuts the main body of the device 2 to limit insertion of the extractor element 6 into the main body of the device.

The extractor element 6 includes the article receiving aperture 14 through which an aerosol generating article 12 may be inserted in use. The article receiving aperture 14 is at the proximal end. The article receiving aperture 14 is defined by the rim 8.

The extractor element 6 secures the aerosol generating article 12 within the aperture 14 by way of a non-zero number, eight in the illustrated embodiment (of which four are shown in Fig 3A) of fins 32. Fins 32 extend along the length of the extractor body 10 and project into the void defined by the extractor body 10.

The extractor body is so configured that the extractor body 10 and inner sleeve 24 interact and the inner sleeve 24 pushes the fins 32 into the void defined by the extractor body 10. The fins 32 contact the aerosol generating article 12 and a friction grip between the aerosol generating article 12 and the fins 32 is formed. This has the result that in the first mode of operation an aerosol generating article 12 is retained within the aperture 14. In embodiments, the fins 32 are free from deflection. In embodiments, the fins are rigid. In embodiments, the fins define ribs.

Once the extractor element 6 has been removed from the housing 4 of the aerosol provision device 2 the fins 32 cease to be pushed against the aerosol generating article 12 and a user may withdraw the aerosol generating article 12 from the extractor element 6.

The extractor element 6 includes an aperture 30 which is configured to engage with the retention device 28. In other non-illustrated embodiments, the extractor element 6 includes two or more apertures 30.

The aperture 30 is configured to engage with the retention device 28 and is configured as a longitudinally extending slot 31. The slot extends in a direction that is the same as or parallel to the direction that the extractor element 6 moves between the first mode of operation (shown in Fig 1) and the third mode of operation (shown in Fig. 3). Alternatively expressed the slot extends in a direction parallel to axis A. The longitudinally extending slot 31 forms part of the extractor retention arrangement. The longitudinally extending slot in embodiments is a through slot, such as the aperture 30 shown in Figure 4, or a blind slot, such as the channel 130 shown in Figure 6. The retention element 28 is configured to locate in the longitudinally extending slot 31.

The aerosol provision device 2 comprises the housing 4 which includes the inner sleeve 24 in which the extractor element 6 is retained in use.

The aerosol provision device 2 includes the retention element 28 for retaining the extractor element 6 within the housing 4 of the aerosol provision device in the first mode of operation.

The retention device 28a comprises, as shown in Figure 5, a spring loaded plunger device which includes a casing 34 within which is a biasing means 42 in the form of a helical spring. The biasing means 42 has a first end acting on the casing 34 and a second end acting on a bearing plate 40. A main ball 36 is retained in the mouth 44 of the casing 34 and two or more intermediate balls 38 are positioned between the bearing plate 40 and the main ball 36. The biasing means 42 is configured to allow the biasing means 42 to be compressed and as a result the main ball 36 may be pushed toward the inside of the casing 34 if a predetermined force (related to the spring force of the biasing means 42) is applied to the main ball 36. The main ball 36 acts as the retention element 28, however it will be understood that alternative configurations are possible, for example a resilient member.

In other non-illustrated embodiments two or more retention devices 28 and a suitable number of apertures 30, acting as a corresponding slot, are included in the device 2 and extractor element 6.

In other non-illustrated embodiments, the or each retention device is a resilient element. The resilient element may be any system that acts in a fashion similar to the above described spring loaded plunger device.

In the illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure the retention device 28a is provided on or as part of the housing 4 and the extractor element 6 comprises one or more apertures 30, acting as the retention slot, which are configured to engage with the retention device 28.

In an alternative non-illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure the retention device 28 is provided on or as part of the extractor element 6 and the housing 4 includes one or more apertures which are configured to engage with the retention device 28.

As shown in the Figures the retention device 28 and retention aperture 30 are so located that the retention device 28a is engaged with the aperture 30 in the first mode of operation. In the first mode of operation the retention element 28 is slidable in the retention aperture 30. The retention arrangement acts to provide a guide for movement of the extractor element 6. The retention arrangement acts to limit movement of the extractor in the first mode. The retention aperture 30, acting as the retention slot, defines a detent 29. The detent is formed by a lip 33 defined at a longitudinal end of the aperture 30, acting as the retention slot.

The detent 29 acts as a restriction to restrict movement of the extractor element 6 relative to the main body of the device. When a user urges the extractor element 6, for example by pulling the extractor element 6 relative to the main body of the device, away from the main body, the detent 29 biases the retention element out of the retention aperture 30, acting as the retention slot. This provides user feedback. A further removal force causes the extractor element 6 to move out of the main body of the device, and into the second mode of operation.

The retention device 28 is spaced from the detent 29 in the third mode of operation. In some non-illustrated embodiments, the retention device 28 is not engaged with any apertures 30 which are configured to engage with the retention device when in the third mode of operation.

In some non-illustrated embodiments, the retention device 28 is engaged with one or more first apertures when in the first mode of operation, the retention device is engaged with one or more second apertures when in the third mode of operation, and the first and second apertures are all configured to engage with the retention device. In some non-illustrated embodiments, one or more apertures adapted to engage with the retention means are slots, and the slots are so located and orientated such that the retention device is engaged with one or more slots when in the first and third modes of operation.

In some non-illustrated embodiments, one or more apertures adapted to engage with the retention means are slots, and the slots extend in a direction different to the direction of movement of the movement of the extractor element between the first and third modes of operation. Alternatively expressed the centre line of the or each slot is not parallel with axis A

In some non-illustrated embodiments, one or more slots extend in a direction perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement of the movement of the extractor element between the first and third modes of operation. Alternatively expressed the centre line of the or each slot is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to axis A.

With reference to Figs 6 and 7, another embodiment of the device 2 is provided. This embodiment of the device is generally the same as the device 2 described above, and so a detailed description is omitted. Features of the device described above and features of the device described below are each applicable to each other. The extractor element 6 includes the rim 8 and the extractor body 10 as described above.

The extractor body 10 includes retention channel 130. The retention channel 130 acts as a retention slot 130A. The retention channel 130, acting as the retention slot, defines a detent 129. The detent 129 is formed by a lip 133 defined at a longitudinal end of the channel 130, acting as the retention slot.

The detent 129 acts as a restriction to restrict movement of the extractor element 6 relative to the main body of the device. When a user urges the extractor element 6, for example by pulling the extractor element 6 relative to the main body of the device, away from the main body, the detent 29 biases the retention element out of the retention channel 130, acting as the retention slot. This provides user feedback. A further removal force causes the extractor element 6 to move out of the main body of the device, and into the second mode of operation. The retention device 28 is spaced from the detent 129 in the third mode of operation. A secondary channel 130B extends from the detent 129. The retention channel 130A and the secondary channel 130B are coaxial or approximately coaxial with each other and separated in the longitudinal direction by a ridge 131. The ridge 131 forms the detent 129. The ridge 131 defines an island 131 formed by a portion of the extractor body 10. The retention channel 130A and the secondary channel 130B have the form of a depression or groove extending in the extractor body 10.

The common axis of the retention channel 130A and the secondary channel 130B is parallel to the axis A. The secondary channel 130B is open at the distal end.

The island 131 has side slopes 131 A, 131 B extending into the retention channel 130A and the secondary channel 130B. Exertion of a predetermined force on the extractor element will cause the retention element to travel out of one of the retention slots 130A or 130B up the side slope 131 A or 131 B respectively, over the island 131, and into the other of the retention channel 130A and the secondary channel 130B.

When the extractor element 6 is in the first mode of operation the main ball 36 of the retention element 28 is engaged in the second retention aperture 130B and abutting the side slope 131 B.

When the extractor element 6 is moved from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation by a user the user pulls the extractor element 6 away from the base 20 of the aerosol provision device 2. The retention element 28 is pulled toward and along the side slope 131 A causing compression of the compression element 42 until the main ball 36 can travel over the detent 129. The main ball 36 then enters and travels along the secondary channel 130B until the extractor element 6 is in the third mode of operation.

The mouth end 130M of the secondary channel 130B is the end of that slot that is furthest from the second retention slot 130B. The mouth end 130M opens or mouths through a portion of the end 11 of the extractor body 10.

The mouth end 130M includes a converging slot wall 130W, with the convergence of the converging slot wall 130W extending from the end 11 towards the secondary channel 130B. The converging slot wall 130W may assist the introduction of the retention element 28 into the first retention slot 130A.

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

Claims

1. An extractor element of an aerosol provision device, wherein the extractor element is configured so that in a first mode of operation the extractor element is configured to be partially withdrawn from a housing of the aerosol provision device; and wherein the extractor element is restricted from being fully removed from the housing by a retention element of the aerosol provision device; and in a second mode of operation the extractor element is fully removable from the housing of the aerosol provision device.

2. An extractor element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extractor element comprises a restriction to restrict movement from the first mode to the second mode.

3. An extractor element as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the extractor element is further configured so that in a third mode of operation the extractor element is fully inserted in the housing of the aerosol provision device.

4. An extractor element as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the extractor element comprises an article aperture into which an aerosol generating article may be inserted in use.

5. An extractor element as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, comprising a retention slot configured to engage with a retention element of the aerosol provision device to restrict the extractor element from being fully removed from the housing.

6. An extractor element as claimed in claim 5, wherein the retention slot comprises a retention channel.

7. An extractor element as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the retention slot comprises a detent configured to restrict movement of the extractor element relative to the retention element.

8. An aerosol provision device comprising: a housing defining a heating chamber; and an extractor element configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material in the heating chamber; wherein the extractor element is configured so that in a first mode of operation the extractor element is movable within the housing of the aerosol provision device; and comprising a retention arrangement configured to restrict the extractor element from being moved into a second mode of operation in which the extractor element is spaced from the housing.

9. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the retention arrangement comprises a retention device and a retention slot, wherein the retention device is configured to be received in the retention slot in the first mode.

10. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the retention slot comprises a retention channel.

11. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the retention slot comprises a retention aperture.

12. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the retention slot comprises a detent configured to restrict movement of the extractor element relative to the retention element between the first and second modes of operation.

13. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the detent is a ridge.

14. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 12 or 13, comprising a secondary slot configured to receive the retention device, wherein the detent is between the retention slot and the secondary slot.

15. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the retention device comprises one or more resilient elements.

16. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 9 to 15, wherein the retention device is on the housing and the extractor element comprises the retention slot.

17. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 9 to 16, wherein the retention device is free from engagement with the extractor element when the extractor element is in the second mode of operation.

18. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 8 to 17; and an aerosol generating article comprising aerosol generating material.

19. A method of generating an aerosol comprising: providing an aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 8 to 17; inserting an aerosol generating article comprising aerosol generating material; and operating the aerosol provision device.