GB2593118A

GB2593118A - Charging case and associated system

Info

Publication number: GB2593118A
Application number: GB1815517.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Illidge Benjamin
Original assignee: Nerudia Ltd
Current assignee: Nerudia Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-24
Filing date: 2018-09-24
Publication date: 2021-09-22
Also published as: GB201815517D0

Abstract

Various embodiments provide a charging case 200 for charging a rechargeable smoking substitute device (110 figure 2a), the charging case may have a main body 202 and comprises a cavity 204 for receiving the rechargeable smoking substitute device. The cavity comprises an asymmetric electrical connector 210 positioned to engage with the rechargeable smoking substitute device when it is received in the cavity to permit charging of the rechargeable smoking substitute device. Other embodiments provide a system including a charging case and a rechargeable smoking substitute device.

Description

CHARGING CASE AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a charging case for charging a rechargeable smoking substitute device, and a system including the charging case and the rechargeable smoking substitute device. More particularly, specific embodiments relate to inclusion of an asymmetric electrical connector in a cavity of a charging case, said connector being used to engage with and charge a smoking substitute device received in the cavity.

Background

A smoking-substitute device is an electronic device that permits the user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol mist or vapour that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth and then exhaled. The inhaled aerosol mist or vapour typically bears nicotine and/or other flavourings without the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking and tobacco products. In use, the user experiences a similar satisfaction and physical sensation to those experienced from a traditional smoking or tobacco product, and exhales an aerosol mist or vapour of similar appearance to the smoke exhaled when using such traditional smoking or tobacco products.

One approach for a smoking substitute device is the so-called "vaping" approach, in which a vaporisable liquid, typically referred to (and referred to herein) as "e-liquid", is heated by a heating device to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user. The e-liquid typically includes a base liquid as well as nicotine and/or flavourings. The resulting vapour therefore also typically contains nicotine and/or flavourings. The base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.

A typical vaping smoking substitute device includes a mouthpiece, a power source (typically a battery), a tank for containing e-liquid, as well as a heating device. In use, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heating device, which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or "vapour) which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.

An example vaping smoking substitute device is the myblu TM e-cigarette. The myblu TM e cigarette is a closed system device which includes a main body and a consumable. The main body and consumable are physically and electrically coupled together by pushing the consumable into the main body. The main body includes a rechargeable battery. The consumable includes a mouthpiece, a sealed tank which contains e-liquid, as well as a heating device, which for this device is a heating filament coiled around a portion of a wick. The wick is partially immersed in the e-liquid, and conveys e-liquid from the tank to the heating filament. The device is activated when a microprocessor on board the main body detects a user inhaling through the mouthpiece. When the device is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heating device, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.

Where a smoking substitute device includes a rechargeable power source, such devices can be used in combination with a charging station. The charging station may be configured to charge the smoking substitute device via a charging port on the smoking substitute device. Alternatively, the charging station could be a docking station specifically configured to dock with the smoking substitute device and charge the smoking substitute device via the charging port on the smoking substitute device.

There is a continuing need to improve the manner in which smoking substitute devices with rechargeable power sources are charged, and the devices used for such charging.

The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

Summary of the Invention

At its most general, the present invention relates to inclusion of an asymmetric electrical connector in a charging device, said connector being used to engage with and charge a smoking substitute device.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging case for charging a rechargeable smoking substitute device, the charging case comprising a cavity for receiving the rechargeable smoking substitute device, wherein the cavity comprises an asymmetric electrical connector positioned to engage with the rechargeable smoking substitute device when it is received in the cavity to permit charging of the rechargeable smoking substitute device. The charging case may be a smoking substitute device charging case.

Optionally, the charging case further comprises: a power source; and a charging circuit electrically coupled to the power source and the asymmetric electrical connector, the charging circuit being operable to convey electrical energy from the power source to the asymmetric electrical connector, for example, when the asymmetric electrical connector is engaged with the rechargeable smoking substitute device.

Optionally, the asymmetric electrical connector is positioned in a base portion of the cavity. Conveniently, the asymmetric electrical connector is fixed to a base wall of the cavity and protrudes into a void of the cavity from the base wall.

Optionally, the asymmetric electrical connector is a male connector. Conveniently, the asymmetric electrical connector is a micro universal serial bus (USB) connector.

Optionally, an outer surface of the charging case comprises a visual indicator signifying an orientation of the rechargeable smoking substitute device necessary for the asymmetric electrical connector to engage with the rechargeable smoking substitute device when the rechargeable smoking substitute device is received in the cavity. Conveniently, the visual indicator is a marking signifying a required location of a front or a back of the rechargeable smoking substitute device as the rechargeable smoking substitute device is inserted into the cavity.

Advantageously, the cavity has a depth between 80mm and 100mm, and preferably between 85mm and 95mm, and more preferably between 87mm and 93mm, and still more preferably between 89mm and 91mm. Conveniently, the cavity has a depth of about 90mm.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising: a rechargeable smoking substitute device comprising a charging port having a first connector of a two-part asymmetric electrical connection; and, a charging case comprising a cavity for receiving the rechargeable smoking substitute device, wherein the cavity comprises a second connector of the two-part asymmetric electrical connection, the second connector being positioned to engage with the first connector when the rechargeable smoking substitute device is received into the cavity to permit charging of the rechargeable Optionally, the first connector is positioned in a base portion of the cavity, and the second connector is positioned in an end portion of the rechargeable smoking substitute device. The end portion of the rechargeable smoking substitute device may be opposite an end which engages with a pod of the smoking substitute device. Additionally or alternatively, the end portion of the rechargeable smoking substitute device may be opposite an end which includes a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute device.

Optionally, the first connector is a female connector and the second connector is a male connector. Conveniently, the two-part asymmetric electrical connection is a universal serial bus (USB) connection and, advantageously, the first and second connectors are micro-USB connectors.

Optionally, an outer surface of the charging case comprises a visual indicator signifying an orientation of the rechargeable smoking substitute device necessary for the first connector to engage with the second connector when the rechargeable smoking substitute device is received in the cavity.

Optionally, the rechargeable smoking substitute device is a vaping device.

The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

Summary of the Figures

So that the invention may be understood, and so that further aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a charging case and smoking substitute device, in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 2(a) is a front view of a smoking substitute device including both a main body and a consumable, in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 2(b) is a front view of the main body of Figure 2(a) without the consumable.

Figure 2(c) is a front view of the consumable of Figure 2(a) without the main body.

Figure 2(d) is an end view of the main body of Figure 2(a).

Figure 3(a) is a schematic view of the main body of Figure 2(a) Figure 3(b) is a schematic view of the consumable of Figure 2(a).

Figure 4 is an isometric view of a charging case, in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of the charging case of Figure 4.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

By way of an overview, Fig. 1 shows a system 1 for charging a smoking substitute device 10, in accordance with an embodiment.

The system 1 as shown in Fig. 1 includes a charging case 6, as well as the smoking substitute device 10.

The charging case 6 is configured to permit charging of the smoking substitute device 10, via cooperating asymmetric electrical connectors on both the smoking substitute device 10 and the charging case 6.

Specifically, the charging case 6 includes a cavity 8 for receiving the smoking substitute device 10. In this way, the charging case 6 acts as a holder or case for the smoking substitute device 10. The cavity 8 may be thought of as a type of chamber or pocket, and may function as a socket for the smoking substitute device. The cavity 8 includes a first asymmetric electrical connector, and an external surface of the smoking substitute device 10 includes a second, cooperating asymmetric electrical connector. These two asymmetric electrical connectors are positioned such that when the smoking substitute device 10 is inserted or pushed into the cavity 8, the two connectors engage with each otherto form an electrical and mechanical connection there-between. In this way, electric charge can be transferred from the charging case 6 to the smoking substitute device 10 via the asymmetric electrical connection such that the smoking substitute device 10 can be charged whilst inserted in the charging case 6. As such, the charging case 6 is a smoking Due to its asymmetric nature, the first and second connectors must be in a specific orientation to be engaged. For example, if the top of the first connector is aligned with the top of the second connector, the two connectors can be engaged with each other. However, if the top of the first connector is aligned with the bottom of the second connector, the two connector cannot be engaged with each other. Therefore, an outer surface of the charging case 6 may be included with a visual indicator (e.g. marking) which signifies an orientation of the smoking substitute device 10 which is required for the first and second connectors to engage with each other when the smoking substitute device 10 is inserted into the cavity 8.

The following now describes more detailed embodiments, with reference to Figs. 2 to 5.

Fig. 2(a) shows a smoking substitute device 110 for use as the smoking substitute device 10 in the system 1 of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment.

The smoking substitute device 110 includes a main body 120 and a consumable 150. The consumable 150 may alternatively be referred to as a "pod". The smoking substitute device 110 is a closed system vaping device, wherein the consumable 150 includes a sealed tank 156 and is intended for one-use only. The smoking substitute device 110 has a generally tubular form.

Fig. 2(a) shows the smoking substitute device 110 with the main body 120 physically coupled to the consumable 150.

Fig. 2(b) shows the main body 120 of the smoking substitute device 110 without the consumable 150.

Fig. 2(c) shows the consumable 150 of the smoking substitute device 110 without the main body 120.

Fig. 2(d) shows a bottom end 124 of the main body 120 of the smoking substitute device 110. The bottom end 124 is opposite to a top end 122 of the main body 120 that engages the consumable 150 The main body 120 and the consumable 150 are configured to be physically coupled together, in this embodiment by pushing the consumable 150 into an aperture in the top end 122 of the main body 120. In other embodiments, the main body 120 and the consumable could be physically coupled together by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting, for example. An optional light 126, e.g. an LED located behind a small translucent cover, is located at the bottom end 124 of the main body 120. The light 126 may be configured to illuminate when the smoking substitute device 110 is activated. At the bottom end 124, there is an asymmetric electrical connector 127, as seen most clearly on Fig. 2(d). The asymmetric electrical connector 127 is one part of a two-part asymmetric electrical connection used to charge the smoking substitute device 110, as will be described in more detail below.

The consumable 150 includes a mouthpiece (not shown) at a top end 152 of the consumable 150, as well as one or more air inlets (not shown in Fig. 2) so that air can be drawn into the smoking substitute device 110 when a user inhales through the mouthpiece. At a bottom end 154 of the consumable 150, there is located a tank 156 that contains e-liquid. The tank 156 may be a translucent body, for example.

The tank 156 preferably includes a window 158, so that the amount of e-liquid in the tank 156 can be visually assessed. The main body 120 includes a slot 128 so that the window 158 of the consumable 150 can be seen whilst the rest of the tank 156 is obscured from view when the consumable 150 is inserted into the aperture in the top end 122 of the main body 120.

The tank 156 may be referred to as a "clearomizern if it includes a window 158, or a "cartomizer" if it does not.

Fig. 3(a) is a schematic view of the main body 120 of the smoking substitute device 110, in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 3(b) is a schematic view of the consumable 150 of the smoking substitute device 110, in accordance with an embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 3(a), the main body 120 includes a power source 128, a control unit 130, an electrical interface 136, and, optionally, one or more additional components 138.

The power source 128 is rechargeable and is preferably a battery. As such, the smoking substitute device 110 is a rechargeable smoking substitute device.

The control unit 130 may include a microprocessor, for example.

The electrical interface 136 of the main body 120 may include one or more electrical contacts. The electrical interface 136 may be located in, and preferably at the bottom of, the aperture in the top end 122 of the main body 120. When the main body 120 is physically coupled to the consumable 150, the electrical interface 136 may be configured to pass electrical power from the power source 128 to (e.g. a heating device of) the consumable 150 when the smoking substitute device 110 is activated, e.g. via the electrical interface 160 of the consumable 150 (discussed below). When the main body 120 is not physically coupled to the consumable 150, the electrical interface may be configured to receive power from the charging station 6.

The additional components 138 of the main body 120 may include the optional light 126 discussed above.

The additional components 138 of the main body 120 may include an airflow sensor for detecting airflow in the smoking substitute device 110, e.g. caused by a user inhaling through a mouthpiece 166 (discussed below) of the smoking substitute device 110. The smoking substitute device 110 may be configured to be activated when airflow is detected by the airflow sensor. This optional sensor could alternatively be included in the consumable 150 (though this is less preferred where the consumable 150 is intended to be disposed of after use, as in this example).

The additional components 138 of the main body 120 may include an actuator, e.g. a button. The smoking substitute device 110 may be configured to be activated when the actuator is actuated. This provides an alternative to the airflow sensor noted, as a mechanism for activating the smoking substitute device 110.

As shown in Fig. 3(b), the consumable 150 includes the tank 156, an electrical interface 160, a heating device 162, one or more air inlets 164, a mouthpiece 166, and, optionally, one or more additional components 168.

The electrical interface 160 of the consumable 150 may include one or more electrical contacts. The electrical interface 136 of the main body 120 and the electrical interface 160 of the consumable 150 are preferably configured to contact each other and therefore electrically couple the main body 120 to the consumable 150 when the main body 120 is physically coupled to the consumable 150. In this way, electrical energy (e.g. in the form of an electrical current) is able to be supplied from the power source 128 in the main body 120 to the heating device 162 in the consumable 150.

The heating device 162 is preferably configured to heat e-liquid contained in the tank 156, e.g. using electrical energy supplied from the power source 128. In one example, the heating device 162 may include a heating filament and a wick, wherein a first portion of the wick extends into the tank 156 in order to draw e-liquid out from the tank 156, and wherein the heating filament coils around a second portion of the wick located outside the tank 156. In this example, the heating filament is configured to heat up e-liquid drawn out of the tank 156 by the wick to produce an aerosol vapour.

The one or more air inlets 164 are preferably configured to allow air to be drawn into the smoking substitute device 110, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece 166.

In use, a user activates the smoking substitute device 110, e.g. through actuating an actuator included in the main body 120 or by inhaling through the mouthpiece 166 as described above. Upon activation, the control unit 130 may supply electrical energy from the power source 128 to the heating device 162 (via electrical interfaces 136, 160), which may cause the heating device 162 to heat e-liquid drawn from the tank 156 to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece 166.

In an embodiment, the control unit 130 is electrically coupled to the asymmetric electrical connector 127 for charging purposes. For example, electrical energy (e.g. a current or a voltage) received at the asymmetric electrical connector 127 may be used by the control unit 130 to charge the power source 128. As such, the control unit 130 may also act as a mechanism for charging the power source 128. Additionally or alternatively, an optional charging circuit or unit may be included in the main body 120. For example, this charging circuit may be electrically coupled to the asymmetric electrical connector 127 and the power source 128, and may be operable to use electric energy received at the asymmetric electrical connector 127 to charge the power source 128.

Fig. 4 shows a charging case 200 for use as the charging case 6 in the system 1 of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment. The charging case 200 acts as a case to hold the smoking substitute device 110 and as a mechanism by which the power source 128 of the smoking substitute device 110 can be charged.

The charging case 200 includes a main body 202 having a cavity 204 for receiving the smoking substitute device 110. Also, the cavity 204 includes an asymmetric electrical connector 210 positioned to engage with the smoking substitute device 110 when it is received in the cavity 204 so as to permit charging of the smoking substitute device 110. The cavity 204 and connector 210 are shown with dashed lines to illustrate that they are inside the main body 202. It is noted that the smoking substitute device 110 includes the asymmetric electrical connector 127, and that the connectors 210 and 127 are two parts of a two-part asymmetric electrical connection.

In an embodiment, the cavity 204 has a generally tubular cross-section and so defines a generally tubular void. Specifically, the cavity 204 includes a sidewall which terminates in an aperture 206 at one end (e.g. the top end, as shown in Fig. 4) and terminates in a base wall 208 at the other end (e.g. the bottom end, as shown in Fig. 4). Since the cavity 204 receives the smoking substitute device 110, a shape of the cross-section of the cavity 204 accommodates a shape of the cross-section of the smoking substitute device 110. For example, the cavity 204 of the charging case 200 and the main body 120 of the smoking substitute device 110 may both have a generally oval shaped cross-section, wherein the respective sizes of the two ovals are such that the main body 120 fits within the cavity 204. That is, the oval of the main body 120 may have the same shape but a slightly reduced area compared to the oval of the cavity 204. The oval shape may be truncated at each end along its maximum diameter. In an embodiment, the maximum and minimum widths of the oval shape of the main body 120 may be about 20mm and about 12mm, respectively, whereas the maximum and minimum widths of the oval shape of the cavity 204 may be about 22mm and about 14mm, respectively.

Additionally, in an embodiment, the cavity 204 has a depth which corresponds with a length of the main body 120 of the smoking substitute device 110. For instance, a depth of the cavity 204 may be approximately equal to a length of the main body 120. For example, if the maximum length of the main body 120 is about 90mm, the cavity may have a maximum depth between 80mm and 100mm (e.g. main body length ±10mm), and preferably between 85mm and 95mm (e.g. main body length ±5mm), and more preferably between 87mm and 93mm (e.g. main body length ±3mm), and still more preferably between 89mm and 91mm (e.g. main body length ±1mm). Alternatively, the cavity may have a maximum depth of about 90mm. In this way, when the smoking substitute device 110 is inserted into the cavity 204, the end 122 of the main body 120 may be substantially flush with the cavity aperture 206. As such, the consumable 150 may be inserted into the main body 120 when the main body 120 is received within the cavity 204 such that part of the consumable 150 is substantially proud of the charging case 200. The consumable 150 may have a total length of about 45mm but, when inserted into the main body 120, the consumable 150 may only protrude about 20mm beyond the main body 120. As such, when the smoking substitute device 110 is inserted into the cavity, the consumable 150 may protrude about 20mm beyond the charging case 200. In this way, the smoking substitute device 110 may be used to generate vapour whilst engaged with the charging case 200.

As shown on Fig. 4, the asymmetric electrical connector 210 may be positioned in a base portion of the cavity 204, for example, on or proximal to the base wall 208. Specifically, the asymmetrical electrical connector 210 may be fixed to the base wall 208 and may protrude at least partially into the cavity void.

As mentioned above, the asymmetric electrical connector 210 is one part of a two-part asymmetric electrical connection. The second part of the two part-asymmetric electrical connection is provided by the asymmetric electrical connector 127 on the main body 120 of the smoking substitute device 110. The asymmetric electrical connector 210 of the cavity may be a male connector, whereas the asymmetric electrical connector 127 of the smoking substitute device 110 may be a female connector.

It is to be understood that a two-part asymmetric electrical connection is considered to be a two-part electrical connection between first and second asymmetric electrical connectors. These first and second connectors are asymmetric in the sense that they can only be mechanically and electrically connected together (i.e. engaged) in one way or orientation. For example, a specific part (e.g. a top) of the first connector must be aligned with a specific part (e.g. a top) of the second connector before the two connectors can be engaged together to form a mechanical and electrical connection. That is, the two connectors cannot be engaged together to form the mechanical and electrical connection if these two specific parts are not aligned. In an embodiment, the two-part asymmetric electrical connection is a universal serial bus (USB) connection between male and female USB connectors. The USB connectors may be micro-USB connectors. Additionally or alternatively, the USB connectors may be Type-A, Type-B or Type-AB USB connectors.

To support the above explanation, the following provides an example of a two-part symmetric electrical connector, i.e. one which is not asymmetric. Specifically, a first part includes two equal sized pins positioned side-by-side, and a second part includes two equal sized holes positioned side-by-side. In use, either pin of the first part may be inserted into either hole of the second part. As such, this connection is not asymmetric because the left pin can be engaged in either the left or right hole, and the right pin can be engaged in the remaining hole. Therefore, this connection is considered symmetric. For this connection to be asymmetric, the connection would only engage if the left pin is engaged with the left hole and the right pin is engaged with the right hole. For example, the right pin may be too large to fit (i.e. engage) in the left hole.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of the charging case 200, in accordance with an embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 5, the charging case 200 includes a power source 250 and a charging circuit 252. The power source 214 may be rechargeable and is preferably a battery. The charging circuit 252 may include a printed circuit board, for example.

The charging circuit 252 is electrically coupled to the power source 250 and the asymmetric electrical connector 210.

In use, the main body 120 of the smoking substitute device 110 is pushed into the cavity 204, via the aperture 206, until the asymmetric electrical connector 127 of the main body 120 engages with the asymmetric electrical connector 210 of the cavity 104 so as to form a mechanical and electrical connection there-between. The charging circuit 252 is operable to provide electrical power or energy (e.g. a voltage or current) from the power source 250 to the asymmetric electrical connector 210 when the asymmetric electrical connector 210 is engaged with asymmetric electrical connector 127. For example, the charging circuit 252 may apply a constant voltage or a constant current to the connector 210 such that when the connector 210 engages with connector 127, electrical energy passes from the power source 250 to the connector 127. As mentioned above, the smoking substitute device 110 is operable to use electrical energy present on connector 127 to charge power source 128. In some other embodiments, the charging circuit 252 may perform one or more additional operations, such as, sensing a charge stored on the power source 128 and varying electrical energy supplied to the connector 210 based on the sensed charge.

In view of the above, the power source 250 of the charging case 200 charges the rechargeable power source 128 of the smoking substitute device 110.

As seen more particularly on Fig. 4, in an embodiment, an outer surface of the main body 202 of the charging case 200 includes a visual indicator 212 signifying an orientation of the smoking substitute device 110 which is necessary for the asymmetric electrical connector 210 to engage with the smoking substitute device 110 when it is received within the cavity 204. For example, the visual indicator 212 signifies the orientation required such that the asymmetric electrical connector 127 engages with the asymmetric electrical connector 210 so as to form a mechanical and electrical connection there-between. As stated previously, a feature of the two-part asymmetric electrical connection is that unless the two connectors are in a particular orientation they will not engage. Therefore, the visual indicator 212 provides an advantage that a user does not mistakenly try to engage the two connectors when they are not in their required orientations for engagement. This is particularly useful where the two connectors are not visible when attempting to connect them together, as would be the case in the embodiment above where connector 210 is located out of view at the base of the cavity 204. It is noted that repeated attempts to try to engage the two connectors when they are not in their required orientations may damage one or both connectors.

In an embodiment, the visual indicator 212 comprises a marking signifying the necessary location of a specific part of the smoking substitute device 110 when the smoking substitute device 110 is inserted into the cavity 204. For example, the marking may indicate the required location of the front (or back) of the smoking substitute device 110, such that the user may orientate the smoking substitute device 110 such that its front (or back) is located at or adjacent to the marking before then inserting the smoking substitute device 110 into the cavity 204. In this way, the user knows which way to insert the smoking substitute device so that the two asymmetric electrical connectors 127 and 210 will engage at the base of the cavity 204. In another embodiment, more than one marking may be provided, for instance, both a front marking and a back marking may be provided.

In the above-described embodiments, the cavity 204 is positioned off-centre with respect to the main body 202 of the charging case. However, it is to be understood that in some other embodiments, the cavity 204 may be substantially central with respect to the main body 202.

In the above-described embodiments, the charging case 200 is shown and described as being substantially rectangular. However, it is to be understood that in some other embodiments, the shape of the charging case may vary provided that it can still contain the above-described components and performed the above-described functions. For example, the charging case may be rectangular but have curved edges.

In general, a vapour is considered to be a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, meaning that the vapour can be condensed to a liquid via an increase in its pressure without a reduction in temperature.

For reasons of convenience, as used herein the term "aerosol" means an aerosol, a vapour or a combination of an aerosol and vapour.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "have", "comprise", and "include", and variations such as "having", "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, +/-10%.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" are used herein refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, or from the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims: 1. A charging case (200) for charging a rechargeable smoking substitute device (110), the charging case comprising a cavity (204) for receiving the rechargeable smoking substitute device, wherein the cavity comprises an asymmetric electrical connector (210) positioned to engage with the rechargeable smoking substitute device when it is received in the cavity to permit charging of the rechargeable smoking substitute device.
2. The charging case of claim 1, further comprising: a power source (250); and a charging circuit (252) electrically coupled to the power source and the asymmetric electrical connector, the charging circuit being operable to convey electrical energy from the power source to the asymmetric electrical connector.
3. The charging case of any preceding claim, wherein the asymmetric electrical connector is positioned in a base portion of the cavity.
4. The charging case of claim 3, wherein the asymmetric electrical connector is fixed to a base wall (208) of the cavity and protrudes into a void of the cavity from the base wall.
5. The charging case of any preceding claim, wherein the asymmetric electrical connector is a male connector.
6. The charging case of any preceding claim, wherein the asymmetric electrical connector is a micro universal serial bus (USB) connector.
7. The charging case of any preceding claim, wherein an outer surface of the charging case comprises a visual indicator (212) signifying an orientation of the rechargeable smoking substitute device necessary for the asymmetric electrical connector to engage with the rechargeable smoking substitute device when the rechargeable smoking substitute device is received in the cavity.
8. The charging case of claim 7, wherein the visual indicator is a marking signifying a required location of a front or a back of the rechargeable smoking substitute device as the rechargeable smoking substitute device is inserted into the cavity.
9. The charging case of any preceding claim, wherein the cavity has a depth between 80mm and 100mm, and preferably between 85mm and 95mm, and more preferably between 87mm and 93mm, and still more preferably between 89mm and 91mm
10. A system (1) comprising: a rechargeable smoking substitute device (10, 110) comprising a charging port having a first connector (127) of a two-part asymmetric electrical connection; and a charging case (6, 200) comprising a cavity (8, 204) for receiving the rechargeable smoking substitute device, wherein the cavity comprises a second connector (210) of the two-part asymmetric electrical connection, the second connector being positioned to engage with the first connector when the rechargeable smoking substitute device is received into the cavity to permit charging of the rechargeable smoking substitute device.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first connector is positioned in a base portion (208) of the cavity, and the second connector is positioned in an end portion (124) of the rechargeable smoking substitute device.
12. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the first connector is a female connector and the second connector is a male connector.
13. The system of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the two-part asymmetric electrical connection is a universal serial bus (USB) connection, and the first and second connectors are micro-USB connectors.
14. The system of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein an outer surface of the charging case comprises a visual indicator (212) signifying an orientation of the rechargeable smoking substitute device necessary for the first connector to engage with the second connector when the rechargeable smoking substitute device is received in the cavity.
15. The system of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the rechargeable smoking substitute device is a vaping device.