GB2568718A

GB2568718A - Electric smoking apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2568718A
Application number: GB1719528.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Asghar-Sheikh Sami; Asghar-Sheikh Rafi
Original assignee: Rafi Asghar Sheikh; Sami Asghar Sheikh
Current assignee: Rafi Asghar Sheikh; Sami Asghar Sheikh
Priority date: 2017-11-24
Filing date: 2017-11-24
Publication date: 2019-05-29
Also published as: GB201719528D0

Abstract

Smoking apparatus comprising: liquid reservoir 45; air passage 40 with open and closed end 41; a vaporiser 47 with heating element 48; power supply and control means for vaporiser; casing 30 surrounding reservoir and forming cavity 52 at second end of air passage; external air inlet 34 in fluid communication with the cavity via internal space 46; an inlet opening 42 in the air passage near the closed end providing fluid communication with the cavity; and where the external air inlet is further from the second end than the inlet opening. Preferably, internal space is annular. Preferably, reservoir is between first cavity 52 and second cavity 50, with air inlet adjacent second cavity, and cavities are filled with absorbent material. Refillable system with biased refill valve with selective cover, and container for liquid with filling tube to actuate valve. Invention aims to reduce leakage of liquid through passage.

Description

(57) Smoking apparatus comprising: liquid reservoir 45; air passage 40 with open and closed end 41; a vaporiser 47 with heating element 48; power supply and control means for vaporiser; casing 30 surrounding reservoir and forming cavity 52 at second end of air passage; external air inlet 34 in fluid communication with the cavity via internal space 46; an inlet opening 42 in the air passage near the closed end providing fluid communication with the cavity; and where the external air inlet is further from the second end than the inlet opening. Preferably, internal space is annular. Preferably, reservoir is between first cavity 52 and second cavity 50, with air inlet adjacent second cavity, and cavities are filled with absorbent material. Refillable system with biased refill valve with selective cover, and container for liquid with filling tube to actuate valve. Invention aims to reduce leakage of liquid through passage.

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I

Electric Smoking Apparatus

This invention relates to electric smoking apparatus or electronic cigarettes, and is principally concerned with electronic cigarettes having a refillable reservoir to receive a vaporisable liquid, and reservoirs for such devices. A second aspect of the invention concerns a refilling system, a refill container and a refill adapter for replenishing a refillable electronic cigarette.

Electronic cigarettes, usually referred to as e-cigarettes, have become increasingly popular as compared to conventional cigarettes in recent times, as they are perceived to be less harmful to the user's health.

A schematic longitudinal sectional view of an e-cigarette is shown in Figure 1.

The principal components of the e-cigarette are a generally cylindrical outer casing 1 having a distal end 2 in which a battery 3 is accommodated. At the proximal end of the casing is a mouthpiece 4 connected via an axial air passage 5 to 2 a vaporiser 6 . A reservoir 7 for containing a vaporisable liquid 8 surrounds the air passage 5, and a feed opening 9 provides access for the liquid 8 to a heating coil 10 of the vaporiser 6.

The vaporiser 6 typically contains a porous substance which contains the liquid 8 and exposes it to heating by the coil 6 when the coil is energised, so that the liquid 8 is vaporised and the vapour is admitted into the central passageway 5

Air inlet openings 20 at the central part of the casing 1 allow the ingress of air into a central cavity 21. From the central cavity 21 air may enter the distal end of the axial air passage 5 via ingress openings 22. A metallic contact pin 23, electrically insulated from the casing 1, contacts the end of the air passage 5, which is electrically connected to one end of the coil 10 of the vaporiser 6. The other end of the coil 10 is electrically connected to the outer casing 1 via a switch • .1 i

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11, such that when the switch 11 is actuated, electrical power is supplied to the coil and vapour is produced into the axial air passage 5.

In use, the user typically coordinates operation of the switch 11 with drawing on the mouthpiece 4 in order to inhale an air/vapour mixture comprising air drawn in through the openings 20 and 22 and vapour produced by the heating coil 10.

A disadvantage of this type of device is that liquid 8 within the vaporiser 6 can leak down through the central passage 5 into the central chamber 21 and out of the openings 20. This not only results in loss of liquid, but can also stain clothing or other items if the device is kept in the user's pocket or handbag.

When the user has exhausted the supply of liquid 8 in reservoir 7, the device requires refilling. Typically this involves removal of an end cap at the mouthpiece 4 end, and the dispensing of fluid from a supply bottle into the annular gap between the central air passage 5 and the outer wall of the reservoir 7.

The refilling operation is thus complicated, in that it involves partial disassembly of the e-cigarette. The refilling operation also involves potential exposure of the user to the concentrated liquid 8, and the risk of spillage of liquid, since the liquid must be dispensed from the refill bottle into a small opening.

The present invention seeks to provide an electronic smoking apparatus having a refillable reservoir which not only avoids leakage of liquid but also provides a refilling system offering a simple clean and safe procedure for refilling the reservoir.

A first aspect of the invention provides an electric smoking apparatus comprising a liquid reservoir, an air passage open at a first end and closed at a second end, an electric power supply, a vaporiser adapted to receive liquid from the reservoir and including a heating element operable to provide vapour to the air passage when i

¹ · >· electric power is supplied to the vaporiser, a switch for controlling the supply of electric power to the vaporiser, a casing surrounding the reservoir and defining a cavity at the second end of the air passage, an inlet opening providing communication between the cavity and the air passage, the casing further defining an internal space in communication with the cavity, and an external air inlet opening in the casing providing communication between the internal space and the exterior of the casing, the external air inlet opening being positioned closer to the first end of the air passage than the said inlet opening.

A second aspect of the invention provides a refillable electric smoking system including an electronic smoking apparatus and a refill bottle, the electronic smoking apparatus comprising a reservoir for liquid, a refill valve providing access to the reservoir, and a selectively openable sealing means biased to close the refill valve, and wherein the refill bottle comprises a container for liquid, and a filling tube receivable in the refill opening and operable to open the sealing means.

A third aspect of the invention provides a reservoir assembly for a refillable electric smoking apparatus, the reservoir assembly comprising an air passage open at a first end and closed at a second end, a vaporiser adapted to receive liquid from the reservoir and including a heating element operable to provide vapour to the air passage, a casing surrounding the reservoir and defining a cavity adjacent the reservoir, the air passage including an inlet opening providing communication between the cavity and the air passage adjacent the second end of the air passage, the casing further defining an internal space in communication with the cavity, and the reservoir assembly further comprising an external air inlet opening providing communication between the internal space and the exterior of the casing, the external air inlet opening being positioned further from the second end of the air passage than the said inlet opening.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a refillable electric smoking apparatus including a reservoir for liquid, a refilling valve for selectively admitting liquid to the reservoir, and a movable cover movable relative to the reservoir in order selectively to permit or deny access to the refilling valve.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a conventional electronic smoking apparatus;

Figure 2 illustrates a diametral section of a reservoir for an electric smoking apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 is a sectional view of a refill bottle according to the invention;

Figure 4 schematically illustrates the refilling of the reservoir;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of an adapter for converting a conventional refill bottle;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 of an alternative embodiment of an adapter and refill bottle;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an e-cigarette according to a second aspect of the 25 invention; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view similar to Figure 7, of an e-cigarette according to a third aspect of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, the principal components of an e-cigarette are explained above, with reference to Figure 1.

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Figure 2 illustrates the reservoir portion of an e-cigarette according to the present invention, with arrows to indicate the direction of airflow when the user draws on the e-cigarette.

The reservoir illustrated in Figure 2 comprises an outer casing 30 which at its lower end as shown in the drawing includes a screw-threaded portion 31 for attaching the reservoir to the battery compartment of the e-cigarette (not shown). The threaded end of the outer casing 30 is closed by a bulkhead 32 , and the other end of the casing 30 is closed by an end cap 33. Air inlet openings 34 are formed in the wall of the casing 30 adjacent the end cap 33.

Mounted coaxially to the outer casing 30 is a central air passage 40, which extends through the bulkhead 32 at its lower end, and extends through the end cap 33 at its upper end. The central air passage 40 is electrically conductive, and is preferably a metallic component, and is mounted in the bulkhead 32 and the end cap 33 so as to be electrically insulated from the outer casing 30.

The central air passage 40 includes lateral air inlet openings 42 near its closed lower end 41 to allow the ingress of air into the central air passage. The upper end (as shown in the figure) has attached thereto a conventional mouthpiece (not shown) for the user to draw air through the device.

Mounted within and spaced from the outer casing 30 is the liquid reservoir 45, which is generally cylindrical in form, and surrounds the central air passage 40, and includes a vaporiser 47 including a coil 48 which is electrically connected at one end to the central air passage 40 and at the other end to the outer casing 30, so that a battery mounted in a battery compartment attached to the reservoir can selectively supply electrical power to the coil 48.

A first annular cavity 50 is defined between the end cap 33 and the upper end 49 of the reservoir 45. Between a lower end 51 of the reservoir 45 and the bulkhead 32 is a second annular cavity 52. The first annular cavity 50 is in communication with an annular space 46 between the liquid reservoir 45 and the outer casing 30, which leads into the second annular cavity 52. The second annular cavity 52 is in communication with the interior of the central air passage 40 via the air inlet openings 42.

When a user draws on the mouthpiece, air is drawn in through the air inlet openings 34 into the first annular cavity 50, as indicated by the arrow A in Figure

2. Air passes down through the annular space 46 and into the second annular cavity 52, as shown by arrows B and C. The air is then drawn in through the air inlet openings 42 (Arrow D) and passes up within the central air passage 40 as indicated by arrow E, past the vaporiser unit 47 where liquid within the reservoir 45 is vaporised and the vapour added to the air stream. The air stream containing vapour is delivered to the upper end of the air passage 40 as indicated by arrow F and exits through the mouthpiece (not shown).

In the reservoir of Figure 2, the air inlet 42 to the central air passageway 40 is situated within the second annular cavity 52, but unlike the conventional ecigarette of Figure 1 this cavity is not directly open to the outside of the casing. Air is supplied to the second annular cavity 52 from inlet openings 34 which are axially remote from the second annular cavity 52, and are connected thereto by the annular space 46. This structure, in which the air inlet openings 34 are axially remote from the inlet openings 42, serves to prevent any liquid which leaks out of the inlet openings 42 from exiting the casing. The second annular cavity 52 may be filled either completely or partially by an absorbent material or an absorbent pad which captures any fluid leaking from the inlet openings 42. The absorbent pad may be a foam material, or a fibrous material, or any suitable material able to absorb and retain any liquid leaking from the inlet openings 42. As a further measure to prevent leakage, the first annular cavity 50 may also be partially or completely filled with absorbent material, so as to catch any liquid which may escape the first annular cavity 52 and travel through the annular space 46. In a further alternative, absorbent material may be provided within the annular space 46, either in addition to or instead of absorbent material in one or both of the cavities 50 and 52.

Extending through the casing 30 and the wall of the reservoir 45 is a refilling valve 60. The valve comprises a valve casing 61 including an inlet opening 62 with a screw thread 63. The inlet opening 62 leads to a conical valve seat 64, onto which a sealing ball 65 is pressed by a resilient element which in this embodiment is a helical spring 66. The valve casing 61 includes exit openings 67 to provide fluid communication from the interior of the valve casing 61 to the interior of the reservoir 45.

Within the reservoir 45, adjacent its upper (as seen in Figure 2) end 49, are two dividing walls 53 and 54. The dividing wall 53 includes a vent opening 55 positioned so as to be adjacent the refilling valve 60, and dividing wall 54 includes a vent opening 56 positioned diametrically opposite vent opening 55 of the dividing wall 53. A vent opening 57, adjacent vent opening 55, provides communication between the annular space 46 and the interior of the reservoir 45, between dividing wall 56 and the upper end 49 of the reservoir.

Figure 3 illustrates a first embodiment of a refill bottle R for refilling the reservoir

45. The refill bottle R includes a container body 70 which houses the refill liquid L, and a filling tube 71 adapted to extend through the inlet opening 62 of the refilling valve 60. The filling tube 71 includes a central lumen 72 in communication with the interior 73 of the body 70, and is closed at its end 74 remote from the body 70. Outlet openings 75 are provided through the sides of the filling tube 71, adjacent the closed end 74. A screw thread 76 is provided on the filling tube 71, between the body 70 and the outlet openings 75, to engage the screw thread of the refilling valve 60. The refill bottle R is preferably made of a flexible material so that liquid L may be expelled by squeezing the bottle. The i

refill bottle R may be provided with a screw cap (not shown) to cover the end of the filling tube and prevent leakage when the bottle is not in use.

Figure 4 illustrates a refill bottle attached to the e-cigarette reservoir for refilling the reservoir. To refill the reservoir, the reservoir is first placed in a generally horizontal position with the refilling valve 60 uppermost, as shown in Figure 4. To attach the refill bottle, the closed end 74 of the filling tube 71 is introduced into the inlet opening 62 of the refilling valve 60, and the thread 76 of the bottle is engaged with the thread 63 of the refilling valve 60. The refill bottle is then rotated, and the threaded engagement causes the closed end 74 of the filling tube 71 to advance into contact with the sealing ball 65, and thereafter push the sealing ball 65 against the action of the spring 66 to lift the ball 65 from the seat 64. The liquid L may then be transferred, for example by squeezing the refill bottle R, from the interior 73 of the body 70 via the filling tube 71 and outlet openings 75 into the interior of the refilling valve casing 61, and from there into the reservoir 45 via the openings 67 in the casing 61.

As the liquid L is delivered into the reservoir 45, air within the reservoir will be vented out through the opening 55 into the space between the dividing walls 53 and 54, and then through the opening 56 into the space between the dividing wall 54 and the end 49 of the reservoir, and finally out of the opening 57 into the annular space 46. The positioning of these vent openings ensures that no liquid is lost through the vent opening 55 until the reservoir is almost completely full.

When sufficient liquid L has been transferred to refill the reservoir 45, the refill bottle R is rotated to unscrew the filling tube 71 from the refilling valve 60. As the filling tube 71 is withdrawn from the refilling valve 60, the spring 66 urges the sealing ball 65 back into contact with the valve seat 64, to seal the refilling valve and prevent leakage of liquid.

The refilling valve 60 may be used with specialised co-operating refill bottles.

The user of the e-cigarette may however have a preferred e-liquid which is not supplied in the specialised co-operating refill bottles. To enable this user to use the reservoir of the present invention with his usual choice of e-liquid, there is provided an adapter to convert a conventional refill bottle, shown in Figure 5b, for use with the refilling valve 60. The conventional refill bottle simply comprises a container body 90, and a threaded neck 91 to receive a closure. The neck 91 may be provided with a filling spout (not shown) inserted into the top of the neck, for precisely dispensing the e-liquid.

Figure 5a shows a longitudinal sectional view of an adapter co-operable with the refilling valve 60, which can be used to convert a conventional refill bottle so as to be usable with the refilling valve 60 of the present invention.

The adapter comprises a central flange 80 from which a filling tube 71 extends upwardly. The filling tube 71 has a closed upper end 74, outlet openings 75 adjacent the closed end 74, and a screw thread 76 between the outlet opening 75 and the central flange 80. The filling tube is receivable within the inlet opening 62 of the refilling valve 60, such that the threads 76 may engage the refilling valve and the end 74 of the filling tube can lift the sealing ball 65 from the seat 64, as described previously. Extending downwardly from the central flange 80 is a dip tube 81 which terminates in a pair of flexible legs 82 each of which has a tapered detent 83 at its lower end. The adapter may include a sealing element (not shown) adjacent the underside of the central flange 80.

The dip tube 81 and detents 83 are dimensioned such that the tapered detents may be aligned with the open end of the neck 91 , and advanced into the neck 91. The tapered end surfaces of the detents 83 cause them to be pushed together by flexing the legs 82 so that the detents 83 can enter the neck 91 of the container 90. The dip tube may then be advanced into the neck 91 of the refill bottle 90, until the underside of the central flange 80 abuts the end of the neck 91. At this point, the detents 83 emerge from the lower end of the neck 91 into the container body and the resilience of the legs 82 causes the detents to move radially outward and engage the underside of the top of the container to retain the adapter within the neck 91 of the container 90. A sealing member (not shown) may be provided between the underside of the central flange 80 and the open end of the neck 91 to prevent loss of liquid. The container and adapter combination may then be used to refill the reservoir, as described above in relation to Figures 3 and 4.

A closure cap (not shown) may be provided to fit over the upper end of the adapter after it has been attached to a container 90, to prevent leakage when the container is not in use.

Figures 6a and Figure 6b show an alternative structure for the container and adapter. In this embodiment, the neck 91 of the container 90 is provided at its midpoint with an annular groove 94 engageable by the detents 83 of the adapter when the central flange 80 abuts the upper end of the neck 91, to retain the adapter in position in the container neck. In this embodiment a sealing ring 86 is provided at the base of the filling tube 71 adjacent the central flange 80 to form a seal with the casing of the refilling valve 60. The length of the filling tube 71 in this or any of the previous embodiments may be arranged such that the central flange 80 is adjacent the casing 61 of the refilling valve 60 when in the refilling position.

The adapter is shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 may have two diametrically opposed detents 83, or may have three or more detents 83 arranged circumferentially around the dip tube.

Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of further embodiments of the e-cigarette. In Figure 7, the e-cigarette comprises a battery compartment 100 with a pushbutton switch 110 for controlling the supply of power to the vaporising coil. Attached to the battery compartment 100 is a casing 130 containing the reservoir, vaporising coil and air passageway as described in relation to Figures 2 and 3. At the end of the casing 130 remote from the battery compartment 100 is a mouthpiece 140 on which the user may draw when using the e-cigarette. The casing 130 further comprises a refilling valve 160, and a rotatable sleeve 170 which includes an opening 180 alignable with the refilling valve 160.

The rotatable sleeve 170 is mounted to the casing 130 for rotation, such that in a first position the opening 180 can be radially aligned with the refilling valve 160 to provide access to the valve for refilling the reservoir. The rotatable sleeve 170 may be rotated to a second position, in which the opening 180 is spaced from the refilling valve 160 and thus the refilling valve 160 is not exposed.

As an alternative to rotation, the sleeve 170 may be axially slidable relative to the casing 130 in order to bring the opening 180 into and out of alignment with the refilling valve 160. A latch or detent may be provided between the sleeve 170 and the casing 130 to retain the sleeve in a desired position relative to the casing 130. In a further alternative, the sleeve 170 may be resiliently biased towards a position in which the opening 180 is not aligned with the refilling valve 160, so that when the user wishes to refill the e-cigarette he first moves the sleeve 170 to align the opening 180 and the refilling valve 160, and then holds the sleeve in this position while engaging the threaded filling tube of the refill container with the threads of the refilling valve 160.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the rotatable sleeve 170 is extended so as to enclose a portion of the battery compartment 100, including the switch 110. A second opening 190 is provided in the sleeve 170, the second opening 190 being alignable with the switch 110 to selectively provide or restrict access to the switch 110. An opening 180 is provided in the sleeve 170, as described in relation to the embodiment of Figure 7, the opening 180 being alignable with the refilling valve 160 . The opening 190 is positioned relative to the opening 180 such that when the opening 180 is aligned with the refilling valve 160, the opening 190 is spaced from the switch 110 to prevent operation of the switch 110 during a refilling operation. Figure 8 illustrates this embodiment with the sleeve 170 in the position for refilling the e-cigarette. When the refilling operation is completed, the sleeve 170 is rotated relative to the battery compartment 100 and the casing 130 so that the opening 190 is positioned over the switch 110, providing access to the switch. A latch or other detent may be provided to retain the sleeve 170 in this position, so that the user may operate the switch 110 while drawing on the mouthpiece 140. Optionally, the sleeve 170 illustrated in Figure 8 may be movable to a third position in which both the refilling valve 160 and the switch 110 are covered by the sleeve 170

Alternative Embodiments

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the external air inlet 34 is illustrated in a position adjacent the end cap 33 of the casing 30. The external air inlet or inlets 34 could, in an alternative embodiment, be positioned further from the end cap 33, intermediate the axial extent of the reservoir 45. The important feature is to provide an axial separation between the position of the air inlet opening 42 and the external air inlet 34 so that when in use with the device in a substantially vertical orientation the external air inlets 34 are higher than the inlet opening 42 so that any liquid which has drained out of the inlet 42 is directed into the second cavity 52 and away from the external air inlet 34.

As an alternative to the provision of an annular space 46 surrounding the reservoir 45 in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the second cavity 52 may be in communication with the external air inlet opening 34 by means of a passage which extends longitudinally within the casing but does not surround the reservoir 45, in order to provide an axial distance between the inlet opening 42 into the air passage and the external air inlet opening 34 through the casing wall. Preferably, the external air inlet opening 34 is positioned adjacent one end of the reservoir 45, and the air inlet 42 into the air passage 40 is adjacent the other end of the reservoir 45

The sleeve 170 of the embodiment in Figure 8 may be rotatable relative to the battery compartment 100 and the casing 130, or may be axially slidable relative to these components in order to bring the openings 180 and 190 into and out of alignment with the refilling valve 160 and the switch 110, respectively.

As an alternative to a threaded engagement between the filling tube and the refilling valve, these elements may be configured so that a bayonet type connection is provided to releasably link the two components together during the refilling operation.

The lower end 41 of the air passage 40 serves as a contact to supply power to the vaporiser coil, while the return electrical connection from the vaporiser coil to the switch 110 is made through the casing 130 to the battery compartment 100 and switch 110. In a further alternative arrangement similar to those illustrated in Figure 7 and Figure 8, a second switch may be provided in the electrical circuit, the second switch being operated in response to movement of the sleeve 170 to the refilling position in which the opening 180 is aligned with the refilling valve 160 in this position, the second switch may be open to prevent power being supplied to the vaporising coil, even if the switch 110 is inadvertently operated during the refilling procedure. The second switch may be a microswitch-type device. Alternatively, the conductive path which connects the vaporising coil to the switch 110 may be partially routed through the sleeve 170, so that movement of the sleeve 170 to the refilling position interrupts the conductive path between the coil and the switch 110.

As an alternative to a sealing ball biased against a conical valve seat by a spring, the refilling valve may comprise any other suitable sealing means which is biased towards a closed position but is openable by the insertion of a filling tube. A resilient flap valve, or a piston-type valve may be used.

The end of the filling tube 71 which operates the refilling valve to open the valve for refilling may be configured differently from the illustrated embodiments. In one example, the tube may simply have an axial bore and may be formed at its leading end with two end surfaces separated by a diametral slot into which the 5 bore opens. When the filling tube is inserted into the refilling valve, the end surfaces engage the ball to unseat it and liquid is discharged from the bore into the slot and escapes through the lateral open ends of the slot.

While the smoking apparatus described herein is referred to as an electronic 10 cigarette or an e-cigarette, it should be understood that the teachings of the present specification are applicable to electric smoking apparatus and devices which do not, and are not intended to, resemble conventional cigarettes in appearance.

Claims

1. An electric smoking apparatus comprising:

a liquid reservoir;

an air passage open at a first end and closed at a second end;

an electric power supply;

a vaporiser;

control means for controlling the supply of electric power to the vaporiser; wherein the vaporiser is adapted to receive liquid from the reservoir and includes a heating element operable to provide vapour to the air passage when electric power is supplied to the vaporiser;

a casing surrounding the reservoir and defining a cavity adjacent the second end of the air passage;

an inlet opening in the air passage providing communication between the cavity and the air passage;

the casing further defining an internal space in communication with the cavity; and an external air inlet opening in the casing providing communication between the internal space and the exterior of the casing, the external air inlet opening being positioned closer to the first end of the air passage than the said inlet opening.

2. An electric smoking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the internal space is an annular space surrounding the liquid reservoir.

3. An electric smoking apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, including first and second cavities within the casing, the liquid reservoir being positioned between the first and second cavities, and wherein the external air inlet opening is in communication with the first cavity, and the inlet opening adjacent the second end of the air passage is in communication with the second cavity, and the internal space provides communication between the first cavity and the second cavity.

4. An electric smoking apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cavity which is in communication with the inlet opening adjacent the second end of the air passage is at least partially filled with an absorbent material capable of absorbing the liquid.

5. An electric smoking apparatus according to claim 3, wherein both the first and second cavities are at least partially filled with an absorbent material capable of absorbing the liquid.

6. An electric smoking apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the internal space is at least partially filled with an absorbent material capable of absorbing the liquid.

7. A refillable electric smoking system including an electronic smoking apparatus and a refill bottle, the electronic smoking apparatus comprising:

a reservoir for liquid;

a refill valve providing access to the reservoir; and selectively openable sealing means biased to close the refill valve;

and wherein the refill bottle comprises:

a container for liquid;

a filling tube receivable in the refill opening and operable to open the sealing means.

8. An electric smoking system according to claim 7, wherein the filling tube and the refill valve are threadedly engageable.

9. An electric smoking system according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the selectively openable sealing means comprises a sealing ball urged against a valve seat by a resilient element.

10. A reservoir assembly for a refillable electric smoking apparatus, comprising:

an air passage open at a first end and closed at a second end;

a vaporiser adapted to receive liquid from the reservoir and including a heating element operable to provide vapour to the air passage;

a casing surrounding the reservoir and defining a cavity adjacent the reservoir, the air passage including an inlet opening providing communication between the cavity and the air passage adjacent the second end of the air passage;

the casing further defining an internal space in communication with the cavity; and an external air inlet opening providing communication between the internal space and the exterior of the casing, the external air inlet opening being positioned further from the second end of the air passage than the said inlet opening.

11. A reservoir according to claim 10, wherein the internal space is an annular space surrounding the liquid reservoir.

12. A reservoir according to claim 10 or claim 11, including first and second cavities within the casing, the liquid reservoir being positioned between the first and second cavities, and wherein the external air inlet opening is in communication with the first cavity, and the inlet opening adjacent the second end of the air passage is in communication with the second cavity, and the internal space provides communication between the first cavity and the second cavity.

13. A reservoir according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the cavity which is in communication with the inlet opening adjacent the second end of the air passage is at least partially filled with an absorbent material capable of absorbing the liquid.

14. A reservoir according to claim 12, wherein both the first and second cavities are at least partially filled with an absorbent material capable of absorbing the liquid.

15. A reservoir according to any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the internal space is at least partially filled with an absorbent material capable of absorbing the liquid.

16. A refillable electric smoking apparatus including a reservoir for liquid, a refilling valve for selectively admitting liquid to the reservoir, and a movable cover movable relative to the reservoir in order selectively to permit or deny access to the refilling valve.

17. A refillable electric smoking apparatus according to claim 16, comprising a power supply, a vaporiser for producing vapour and a switch for selectively connecting the power supply to the vaporiser, wherein:

the movable cover is further adapted to selectively permit or deny access to the switch, such that when access is permitted to the refilling valve, access to the switch is denied.

18. A refillable electric smoking apparatus according to claim 17, comprising a power supply, a vaporiser for producing vapour and a switch for selectively connecting the power supply to the vaporiser, wherein:

the electronic cigarette further comprises a second switch operable, in response to movement of the cover to a position in which access to the refilling valve is permitted, to prevent the supply of power from the power supply to the vaporiser.

19. An electric smoking apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 2, Figure 4, Figure 7 or Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings.

20. A reservoir for an electric smoking apparatus, substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.

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21. A refillable electric smoking system, substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5a, Figure 5b, Figure 6a, Figure 6b, Figure 7 or Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings.

22. A refill bottle for a refillable electric smoking system, substantially as

10 described herein with reference to Figure 3, Figure 5a, Figure 5b, Figure 6a or

Figure 6b of the accompanying drawings.

23 An adapter for converting a refill bottle for use in a refillable electric smoking system, substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 5a, 15 Figure 5b, Figure 6a or Figure 6b of the accompanying drawings.

24. A method of refilling an electric smoking apparatus, substantially as herein described.

Intellectual Property Office

Application No: GB1719528.0

Examiner:

Mr Peter Banks