GB2615294A

GB2615294A - Provision system

Info

Publication number: GB2615294A
Application number: GB2118828.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rothwell Howard; daniels Christopher
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-22
Filing date: 2021-12-22
Publication date: 2023-08-09

Abstract

An article 100 for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprises: a reservoir 101 with at least one port for filling the reservoir 101 with aerosolisable material; and at least one seal 103 for sealing the at least one port, wherein the seal 103 is configured to attach to a device of the non-combustible aerosol provision system. The seal(s) 103 may be releasably attached to the device, may be magnetically attached to the device, may comprise an insert, and/or may be in the form of a plug. The seal(s) 103 may comprise attachment means, which may be partially provided by the insert, and/or the attachment means may comprise a structure distinct from the insert. The at least one port may be provided at an end or on a side of the reservoir 101, such that the article 100 is configured to attach to the device in an end-to-end or side-to-side configuration respectively. Also provided is an aerosol provision system comprising the article 100 and a device with a power source and a controller, wherein the seal 103 may be the only means of attachment between the device and the article 100.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No GI32118828 9 RTM Date:23 May 2022 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Kanthal (page 11) Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo Provision System

Field

The present invention relates to a provision system. In particular, the present invention relates to an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, to a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising the article, and a method of providing the article with aerosolisable material.

Background

Non-combustible aerosol provision systems that generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user are known in the art. Such systems typically comprise an aerosol generator that is capable of converting an aerosolisable material into an aerosol. In some instances, the aerosol generated is a condensation aerosol whereby an aerosolisable material is first vaporised and subsequently allowed to condense into an aerosol. In other instances, the aerosol generated is an aerosol that results from the atomisation of the aerosolisable material. Such atomisation may be brought about mechanically, e.g. by subjecting the aerosolisable material to vibrations to form small particles of material that are entrained in airflow. Alternatively, such atomisation may be brought about electrostatically, or in other ways, such as by using pressure etc. Since such aerosol delivery systems are intended to generate an aerosol which is to be inhaled by a user, consideration should be given to the characteristics of the aerosol produced.

These characteristics can include the size of the particles of the aerosol, the total amount of the aerosol produced, etc. Where the aerosol delivery system is used to simulate a smoking experience, e.g. as an e-cigarette or similar product, control of these various characteristics is especially important since the user may expect a specific sensorial experience to result from the use of the system.

It would be desirable to provide aerosol delivery systems which have improved control of these characteristics.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the article comprising: a reservoir for aerosolisable material, the reservoir comprising at least one port for filling the reservoir with aerosolisable material; and at least one seal for sealing the at least one port, wherein the at least one seal is configured to attach to a device of the non-combustible aerosol provision system.

The at least one seal may be configured to releasably attach to the device.

The at least one seal may be configured to mechanically attach to the device.

The at least one seal may be configured to magnetically attach to the device.

The at least one seal may comprise a magnetic material and/or a magnet.

The device may comprise a corresponding magnetic material and/or a magnet.

The magnet may be a permanent magnet, a temporary magnet, or an electromagnet.

The magnetic material may be a ferromagnetic material.

Non-limiting examples of magnetic materials include stainless steel, steel, iron, nickel, and cobalt.

The at least one seal may comprise an insert. The insert is configured to seal the at least one port.

The at least one seal may comprise attachment means. The attachment means is configured to attach to the device.

The attachment means may be at least partially provided by the insert.

The attachment means may comprise a structure that is distinct from the insert.

The attachment means may comprise a mechanical attachment.

The attachment means may comprise a magnetic attachment.

The attachment means may comprise a magnetic material and/or a magnet.

The magnetic material and the magnet may be as defined herein.

The seal may be a plug.

The at least one port may be provided at an end of the reservoir. The article may be configured to attach to the device in an end-to-end configuration. The at least one port may be provided at an end of the reservoir such that the article is configured to attach to the device in an end-to-end configuration.

The at least one port may be provided at a side of the reservoir. The article may be configured to attach to the device in a side-by-side configuration. The at least one port may be provided at a side of the reservoir such that the article is configured to attach to the device in a side-by-side configuration The reservoir may comprise a plurality of ports for filling the reservoir with the aerosolisable material. The article comprises a plurality of corresponding seals for sealing the ports respectively.

The article may comprise a housing having a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section may together form the reservoir. The at least one port may be provided on one of the first section and the second section.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: an article according to the first aspect of the present disclosure; and a device comprising one or more of a power source and a controller, wherein the at least one seal is arranged to seal the at least one port, and the article and the device are attached via the at least one seal.

Attachment via the at least one seal may be the only means of attachment between the device and the article.

There may not be a mechanical (tangible) attachment between the article and the device.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of providing the article according to the first aspect of the present disclosure with aerosolisable material, the method comprising: depositing aerosolisable material in the reservoir through the at least one port; and arranging the at least one seal to seal the at least one port.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a seal as defined herein.

It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the first and other aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Various embodiments will now be described in detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an example non-combustible aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an article for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure (including aerosolisable material).

Fig. 3 is an alternative schematic representation of the article of Fig. 2 (without aerosolisable material and without seals).

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a seal of the article of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of the article of Fig. 2 attached to a device, forming a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

Detailed Description

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

As described above, the present disclosure relates to (but is not limited to) noncombustible aerosol provision systems and devices that generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material (which also may be referred to herein as aerosolisable material) without combusting the aerosol-generating material. Examples of such systems include electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating systems, and hybrid systems (which generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials). In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement of the present disclosure. In some examples, 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 examples, 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 in such a hybrid system may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some examples, 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.

Throughout the following description the terms "e-cigarette" and "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used. However, it will be appreciated these terms may be used interchangeably with non-combustible aerosol (vapour) provision system or device as explained above.

In some examples, the present disclosure relates to consumables for holding aerosol-generating material, and which are configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the present disclosure.

The non-combustible aerosol provision system typically comprises a device part (which also may be referred to herein as a device) and a consumable/article part (which also may be referred to herein as an article). The device part typically comprises a power source and a controller. The power source may typically be an electrical power source, e.g. a rechargeable battery.

In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving or engaging with the consumable/article, an aerosol generator (which may or may not be within the consumable/article), an aerosol generation area (which may be within the consumable/article), a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some examples, the consumable/article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area (which also may be referred to herein as a reservoir), an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator (which also may be referred to herein as an aerosol generating component), an aerosol generation area (which also may be referred to herein as a chamber), a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

The systems described herein typically generate an inhalable aerosol by vaporisation of an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.

Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e. non-fibrous). In some examples, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt°/o or 70wt°/o of amorphous solid, to about 90wr/o, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid The term "active substance" as used herein may relate to a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuficals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myrisfic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

As used herein, the term "component" is used to refer to a part, section, unit, module, assembly or similar of a non-combustible aerosol provision system such as an electronic cigarette or similar device that incorporates several smaller parts or elements, possibly within an exterior housing or wall. An electronic cigarette may be formed or built from one or more such components, and the components may be removably or separably connectable to one another, or may be permanently joined together during manufacture to define the whole electronic cigarette. The present disclosure is applicable to (but not limited to) systems comprising two components separably connectable to one another and configured, for example, as a consumable/article component capable of holding an aerosol generating material (also referred to herein as a cartridge or cartomiser), and a device/control unit having a battery for providing electrical power to operate an element for generating vapour from the aerosol generating material.

Fig. 1 is a highly schematic diagram (not to scale) of an example non-combustible aerosol/vapour provision system such as an e-cigarette 10. The e-cigarette 10 may have a generally cylindrical shape, extending along a longitudinal axis indicated by a dashed line, and comprises two main components, namely a control or power component or section 20 (which also may be referred to herein as a device) and a cartridge assembly or section 30 (which also may be referred to herein as an article, consumable, cartomizer, or cartridge) that operates as a vapour generating component.

The cartridge assembly 30 includes a storage compartment 3 (which also may be referred to herein as a reservoir) containing an aerosolisable material comprising (for example) a liquid formulation from which an aerosol is to be generated, for example containing nicotine. As an example, the aerosolisable material may comprise around 1 to 3% nicotine and 50% glycerol, with the remainder comprising roughly propylene glycol, and possibly also comprising other components, such as water or flavourings. The storage compartment 3 has the form of a storage tank, being a container or receptacle in which aerosolisable material can be stored such that the aerosolisable material is free to move and flow (if liquid) within the confines of the tank.

Alternatively, the storage compartment 3 may contain a quantity of absorbent material such as cotton wadding or glass fibre which holds the aerosolisable material within a porous structure. The storage compartment 3 may be sealed after filling during manufacture so as to be disposable after the aerosolisable material is consumed, or may have an inlet port or other opening through which new aerosolisable material can be added. The cartridge assembly 30 also comprises an electrical aerosol generating component 4 located externally of the reservoir tank 3 for generating the aerosol by vaporisation of the aerosolisable material. In many devices, the aerosol generating component may be a heating element (heater) which is heated by the passage of electrical current (via resistive or inductive heating) to raise the temperature of the aerosolisable material until it evaporates. A liquid conduit arrangement such as a wick or other porous element (not shown) may be provided to deliver aerosolisable material from the storage compartment 3 to the aerosol generating component 4. The wick may have one or more parts located inside the storage compartment 3 so as to be able to absorb aerosolisable material and transfer it by wicking or capillary action to other parts of the wick that are in contact with the vapour generating element 4. This aerosolisable material is thereby vaporised, to be replaced by new aerosolisable material transferred to the vapour generating element 4 by the wick.

A heater and wick combination, or other arrangement of parts that perform the same functions, is sometimes referred to as an atomiser or atomiser assembly. Various designs are possible, in which the parts may be differently arranged compared to the highly schematic representation of Fig. 1. For example, the wick may be an entirely separate element from the aerosol generating component, or the aerosol generating component may be configured to be porous and able to perform the wicking function directly (by taking the form of a suitable electrically resistive mesh or capillary body, for example).

In some cases, the conduit for delivering liquid for vapour generation may be formed at least in part from one or more slots, tubes or channels between the storage compartment and the aerosol generating component which are narrow enough to support capillary action to draw source liquid out of the storage compartment and deliver it for vaporisation. In general, an atomiser can be considered to be an aerosol generating component able to generate vapour from aerosolisable material delivered to it, and a liquid conduit (pathway) able to deliver or transport liquid from a storage compartment or similar liquid store to the aerosol generating component by a capillary force.

Typically, the aerosol generating component is at least partly located within an aerosol generating chamber that forms part of an airflow channel through the electronic cigarette/system.

Vapour produced by the aerosol generating component is driven off into this chamber, and as air passes through the chamber, flowing over and around the aerosol generating element, it collects the produced vapour whereby it condenses to form the required aerosol.

Returning to Fig. 1, the cartridge assembly 30 also includes a mouthpiece 35 having an opening or air outlet through which a user may inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating component 4, and delivered through the airflow channel.

The power component 20 includes a cell or battery 5 (which also may be referred to herein as a battery, and which may be re-chargeable) to provide power for electrical components of the e-cigarette 10, in particular the aerosol generating component 4. Additionally, there is a printed circuit board 28 and/or other electronics or circuitry for generally controlling the e-cigarette. The control electronics/circuitry connect the vapour generating element 4 to the battery 5 when vapour is required, for example in response to a signal from an air pressure sensor or air flow sensor (not shown) that detects an inhalation on the system 10 during which air enters through one or more air inlets 26 in the wall of the power component 20 to flow along the airflow channel. When the aerosol generating component 4 receives power from the battery 5, the aerosol generating component 4 vaporises aerosolisable material delivered from the storage compartment 3 to generate the aerosol, and this is then inhaled by a user through the opening in the mouthpiece 35. The aerosol is carried to the mouthpiece 35 along the airflow channel (not shown) that connects the air inlet 26 to the air outlet when a user inhales on the mouthpiece 35. An airflow path through the electronic cigarette is hence defined, between the air inlet(s) (which may or may not be in the power component) to the atomiser and on to the air outlet at the mouthpiece. In use, the air flow direction along this airflow path is from the air inlet to the air outlet, so that the atomiser can be described as lying downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air outlet.

In this particular example, the power section (or device) 20 and the cartridge assembly (or article) 30 are separate parts detachable from one another by separation in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, as indicated by the solid arrows in Fig. 1. Although not implemented in the present invention, it will be understood that, in general, it is feasible for components 20, 30 to be joined together when the device 10 is in use by cooperating engagement elements 21, 31 (for example, a screw, magnetic or bayonet fitting) which provide mechanical and electrical connectivity between the power section 20 and the cartridge assembly 30. This is merely an example arrangement, however, and the various components may be differently distributed between the power section 20 and the cartridge assembly section 30, and other components and elements may be included. Indeed, in some implementations a separate electrical connection between the cartridge and the power section is established (or in some cases power may be transmitted between the two sections wireless, e.g. via an inductive coupling). The two sections may connect together end-to-end in a longitudinal configuration as in Fig. 1, or in a different configuration such as a parallel, side-by-side arrangement. The system may or may not be generally cylindrical and/or have a generally longitudinal shape. Either or both sections may be intended to be disposed of and replaced when exhausted (the reservoir is empty or the battery is flat, for example), or be intended for multiple uses enabled by actions such as refilling the reservoir, recharging the battery, or replacing the atomiser. Alternatively, the e-cigarette 10 may be a unitary device (disposable or refillable/rechargeable) that cannot be separated into two or more parts, in which case all components are comprised within a single body or housing. Embodiments and examples of the present invention are applicable to any of these configurations and other configurations of which the skilled person will be aware.

As mentioned, a type of aerosol generating component, such as a heating element, that may be utilised in an atomising portion of an electronic cigarette (a part configured to generate vapour from a source liquid) combines the functions of heating and liquid delivery, by being both electrically conductive (resistive) and porous. Note here that reference to being electrically conductive (resistive) refers to components which have the capacity to generate heat in response to the flow of electrical current therein. Such flow could be imparted by via so-called resistive heating or induction heating. An example of a suitable material for this is an electrically conductive material such as a metal or metal alloy formed into a sheet-like form, i.e. a planar shape with a thickness many times smaller than its length or breadth. Examples in this regard may be a mesh, web, grill and the like. The mesh may be formed from metal wires or fibres which are woven together, or alternatively aggregated into a non-woven structure. For example, fibres may be aggregated by sintering, in which heat and/or pressure are applied to a collection of metal fibres to compact them into a single porous mass.

These structures can give appropriately sized voids and interstices between the metal fibres to provide a capillary force for wicking liquid. Thus, these structures can also be considered to be porous since they provide for the uptake and distribution of liquid. Moreover, due to the presence of voids and interstices between the metal fibres, it is possible for air to permeate through said structures. Also, the metal is electrically conductive and therefore suitable for resistive heating, whereby electrical current flowing through a material with electrical resistance generates heat. Structures of this type are not limited to metals, however; other conductive materials may be formed into fibres and made into mesh, grill or web structures. Examples include ceramic materials, which may or may not be doped with substances intended to tailor the physical properties of the mesh.

A planar sheet-like porous aerosol generating component of this kind can be arranged within an electronic cigarette such that it lies within the aerosol generating chamber forming part of an airflow channel. The aerosol generating component may be oriented within the chamber such that air flow though the chamber may flow in a surface direction, i.e. substantially parallel to the plane of the generally planar sheet-like aerosol generating component. An example of such a configuration can be found in W02010/045670 and W02010/045671, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. Air can thence flow over the heating element, and gather vapour. Aerosol generation is thereby made very effective. In alternative examples, the aerosol generating component may be oriented within the chamber such that air flow though the chamber may flow in a direction which is substantially transverse to the surface direction, i.e. substantially orthogonally to the plane of the generally planar sheet-like aerosol generating component. An example of such a configuration can be found in W02018/211252, the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

The aerosol generating component may have any one of the following structures: a woven or weave structure, mesh structure, fabric structure, open-pored fiber structure, open-pored sintered structure, open-pored foam or open-pored deposition structure. Said structures are suitable in particular for providing a aerosol generating component with a high degree of porosity. A high degree of porosity may ensure that the heat produced by the aerosol generating component is predominately used for evaporating the liquid and high efficiency can be obtained. A porosity of greater than 50% may be envisaged with said structures. In one embodiment, the porosity of the aerosol generating component is 50% or greater, 60% or greater, 70% or greater. The open-pored fiber structure can consist, for example, of a nonwoven fabric which can be arbitrarily compacted, and can additionally be sintered in order to improve the cohesion. The open-pored sintered structure can consist, for example, of a granular, fibrous or flocculent sintered composite produced by a film casting process. The open-pored deposition structure can be produced, for example, by a CVD process, PVD process or by flame spraying. Open-pored foams are in principle commercially available and are also obtainable in a thin, fine-pored design.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating component has at least two layers, wherein the layers contain at least one of the following structures: a plate, foil, paper, mesh, woven l0 structure, fabric, open-pored fiber structure, open-pored sintered structure, open-pored foam or open-pored deposition structure. For example, the aerosol generating component can be formed by an electric heating resistor consisting of a metal foil combined with a structure comprising a capillary structure. Where the aerosol generating component is considered to be formed from a single layer, such a layer may be formed from a metal wire fabric, or from a non-woven metal fiber fabric. Individual layers are advantageously but not necessarily connected to one another by a heat treatment, such as sintering or welding. For example, the aerosol generating component can be designed as a sintered composite consisting of a stainless steel foil and one or more layers of a stainless steel wire fabric (material, for example AISI 304 or AISI 316). Alternatively the aerosol generating component can be designed as a sintered composite consisting of at least two layers of a stainless steel wire fabric. The layers may be connected to one another by spot welding or resistance welding. Individual layers may also be connected to one another mechanically. For instance, a double-layer wire fabric could be produced just by folding a single layer. Instead of stainless steel, use may also be made, by way of example, of heating conductor alloys-in particular NiCr alloys and CrFeAl alloys ("Kanthal") which have an even higher specific electric resistance than stainless steel. The material connection between the layers is obtained by the heat treatment, as a result of which the layers maintain contact with one another-even under adverse conditions, for example during heating by the aerosol generating component and resultantly induced thermal expansions.

Alternatively, the aerosol generating component may be formed from sintering a plurality of individual fibers together. Thus, the aerosol generating component can be comprised of sintered fibers, such as sintered metal fibers.

The aerosol generating component may comprise, for example, an electrically conductive thin layer of electrically resistive material, such as platinum, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten or tantalum, said thin layer being applied to a surface of the vaporizer by a PVD or CVD process, or any other suitable process. In this case, the aerosol generating component may comprise an electrically insulating material, for example of ceramic. Examples of suitable electrically resistive material include stainless steels, such as AISI 304 or AISI 316, and heating conductor alloys-in particular NiCr alloys and CrFeAl alloys ("Kanthal"), such as DIN material number 2,4658, 2,4867, 2,4869, 2,4872, 1,4843, 1,4860, 1,4725, 1,4765 and 1,4767.

As described above, the aerosol generating component may be formed from a sintered metal fiber material and may be in the form of a sheet. Material of this sort can be thought of a mesh or irregular grid, and is created by sintering together a randomly aligned arrangement or array of spaced apart metal fibers or strands. A single layer of fibers might be used, or several layers, for example up to five layers. As an example, the metal fibers may have a diameter of 8 to 12 pm, arranged to give a sheet of thickness 0.16 mm, and spaced to produce a material density of from 100 g/m2 to 1500 g/m2, such as from 150 g/m2 to 1000 g/m2, 200 g/m2 to 500 g/m2, or 200 to 250 g/m2, and a porosity of 84%. The sheet thickness may also range from 0.1mm to 0.2mm, such as 0.1mm to 0.15mm. Specific thicknesses include 0.10 mm, 0.11 mm, 0.12mm, 0.13 mm, 0.14 mm, 0.15 mm or 0.1 mm. Generally, the aerosol generating component has a uniform thickness. However, it will be appreciated from the discussion below that the thickness of the aerosol generating component may also vary. This may be due, for example, to some parts of the aerosol generating component having undergone compression.

Different fiber diameters and thicknesses may be selected to vary the porosity of the aerosol generating component. For example, the aerosol generating component may have a porosity of 66% or greater, or 70% or greater, or 75% or greater, or 80% or greater or 85% or greater, or 86% or greater.

The aerosol generating component may form a generally flat structure, comprising first and second surfaces. The generally flat structure may take the form of any two dimensional shape, for example, circular, semi-circular, triangular, square, rectangular and/ or polygonal. Generally, the aerosol generating component has a uniform thickness.

A width and/or length of the aerosol generating component may be from about 1 mm to about 50mm. For example, the width and/or length of the vaporizer may be from 1 mm, 2 mm, 20 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm. The width may generally be smaller than the length of the aerosol generating component.

Where the aerosol generating component is formed from an electrically resistive material, electrical current is permitted to flow through the aerosol generating component so as to generate heat (so called Joule heating). In this regard, the electrical resistance of the aerosol generating component can be selected appropriately. For example, the aerosol generating component may have an electrical resistance of 2 ohms or less, such as 1.8ohms or less, such as 1.7ohms or less, such as 1.6ohms or less, such as 1.5ohms or less, such as 1.4ohms or less, such as 1.3ohms or less, such as 1.2ohms or less, such as 1.1ohms or less, such as 1.0ohm or less, such as 0.9ohms or less, such as 0.8ohms or less, such as 0.7ohms or less, such as 0.6ohms or less, such as 0.5ohms or less. The parameters of the aerosol generating component, such as material, thickness, width, length, porosity etc. can be selected so as to provide the desired resistance. In this regard, a relatively lower resistance will facilitate higher power draw from the power source, which can be advantageous in producing a high rate of aerosolization. On the other hand, the resistance should not be so low so as to prejudice the integrity of the aerosol generator. For example, the resistance may not be lower than 0.5 ohms. Planar aerosol generating components, such as heating elements, suitable for use in systems, devices and articles disclosed herein may be formed by stamping or cutting (such as laser cutting) the required shape from a larger sheet of porous material. This may include stamping out, cutting away or otherwise removing material to create openings in the aerosol generating component. These openings can influence both the ability for air to pass through the aerosol generating component and the propensity for electrical current to flow in certain areas.

Figs. 2-5 show an exemplary article 100 for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol/vapour provision system 10, according to the present disclosure. In general terms, the article 100 comprises a reservoir 101 for aerosolisable material 1001, the reservoir 101 comprising at least one port 102 for filling the reservoir 101 with aerosolisable material 1001; and at least one seal 103 for sealing the at least one port 102. The at least one seal 103 is configured to attach to a device 200 of the non-combustible aerosol provision system 10.

The at least one seal 103 therefore has two functions: (1) to seal the at least one port 102 and (2) to secure the article 100 to the device 200. The article 100 of the present invention is more efficient than articles in which separate means are used to seal the port(s) to the reservoir and to secure the article to the device. In this regard, aerosol provision systems including the article 100 of the present invention can require fewer component parts and/or be made more compactly relative to aerosol provision system systems including prior art articles. Moreover, aerosol provision systems including the article 100 of the present invention can be manufactured in a more straightforward fashion relative to aerosol provision system systems including prior art articles.

The form and configuration of the reservoir 101 may be varied. For example, the reservoir 101 may have a longitudinal extent. The reservoir 101 may have opposing ends. For example, the reservoir may have an upstream end and a downstream end. In the embodiment of Figs. 25, the reservoir 101 has a longitudinal extent, an upstream end (towards the device 200 shown in Fig. 5), and a downstream end (away from the device 200).

The article 100 may comprise a housing. The housing may form the reservoir 101. The housing may comprise a first section 104 and a second section 105. The first section and the second section may together form the reservoir 101. In this way, the reservoir 101 may be enclosed by the first section 104 and the second section 105. By having a housing having first and second sections 104, 105, manufacture of the article 100 and/or the aerosol provision system 10 including the article 100 may be simplified. In the embodiment of Figs. 2-5, the reservoir 101 is formed by a housing having a first section corresponding to an upper part 104 and a second section corresponding to a base part 105. The skilled person will appreciate that other forms of the housing are possible. For example, the housing may be formed a single section, or more than two sections.

In embodiments, one of the first section 104 and the second section 105 at least partially surrounds the other of the first section 104 and the second section 105 (see e.g. Fig. 3). For example, one of the first section 104 and the second section 105 may at least partially surround the other of the first section 104 and the second section 105 to form the connection between the first section 104 and the second section 105. One of the first section 104 and the second section 105 may be at least partially inserted into the other of the first section 104 and the second section 105. It will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. One of the first section 104 and the second section 105 may comprise an insertion portion. The other of the first section 104 and the second section 105 may comprise a receiving portion. The insertion portion may be inserted into the receiving portion.

The first section 104 and the second section 105 may be connected together by various types of engineering fit. For example, the first section 104 and the second section 105 may be connected together by an interference fit, a press fit, a friction fit, and/or a transition fit. In embodiments, one of the first portion 104 and the second portion 105 at least partially surrounds the other of the first portion 104 and the second portion 105 to form the connection between the first section 104 and the second section 105, wherein the connection is one or more of an interference fit, a press fit, a friction fit, and/or a transition fit.

In some embodiments, the reservoir 101 includes sealing means (not shown) for inhibiting or preventing inadvertent leakage of aerosolisable material from the reservoir 101.

As mentioned above, the reservoir 101 comprises at least one port 102 for filling the reservoir 101 with aerosolisable material 1001. As the skilled person will appreciate, the number of ports 102, as well as the form and positioning of the port(s) 102, may be varied. For example, the reservoir 101 may comprise a plurality of ports 102. The reservoir 101 may comprise two, three, four, five or six ports 102. The at least one port 102 may be provided at an end (e.g. the upstream end) of the reservoir 101. This facilitates an end-to-end attachment between the article 100 and the device 200. For example, the at least one port 102 may be provided on the second section 105. Where the reservoir 101 comprises a plurality of ports 102, at least two ports 102 may be arranged towards opposite sides of the reservoir 101. This type of arrangement facilitates a particularly stable and secure attachment between the article 100 and the device 200. In the embodiment of Figs. 2-5, two ports 102 are provided on the base part 105, and the ports 102 are arranged towards opposite sides of the base part 105.

In some embodiments, the at least one port 102 may be provided at a side of the reservoir 103. This facilitates a side-by-side attachment between the article 100 and the device 200.

The skilled person will also appreciate that the number and form of the at least one seal 103 may be varied. In broad terms, the at least one seal 103 is configured to attach to a device 200 of a non-combustible aerosol provision system. For example, the at least one seal 103 may be configured to releasably attach to the device 200. This arrangement facilitates ease of detachment and attachment of the article 100 to the device 200. This may be particularly useful to facilitate refilling or replacement of the reservoir 101 and/or modification or replacement of the device 200. In some embodiments, the at least one seal 103 may be configured to magnetically attach to the device 200. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in that it facilitates convenient and reliable detachment and attachment of the article 100 to the device 200 without requiring a mechanical interaction between the article 100 and the device 200. This may improve the robustness of the non-combustible aerosol provision system, since there is reduced wear as to the attachment between the article 100 and the device 200, relative to a mechanical attachment. Also, the use of magnets/magnetic material may improve the ease with which a user may attach or detach the article 100 from the device, since the article 100 and the device 200 need not be precisely aligned using mechanical (tangible) components. However, it is also envisaged that the seal could facilitate releasable attachment to the device via a mechanical connection, e.g. where there was only one seal if the seal contained one part of a bayonet or screw thread fitting, or if there were multiple seals then one or more of the seals contained a feature facilitating press-fit engagement.

The at least one seal 103 may be configured to releasably attach to the device 200. This facilitates convenient detachment and attachment between the article 100 and the device 200.

The at least one seal 103 may be configured to magnetically attach to the device 200. For example, the at least one seal 103 may comprise (or be at least partially formed from) a magnetic material and/or a magnet. The device 200 may comprise (or be at least partially formed from) a corresponding magnetic material and/or a magnet. The magnet may be a permanent magnet, a temporary magnet, or an electromagnet. The magnetic material may be a ferromagnetic material.

Non-limiting examples of magnetic materials include stainless steel, steel, iron, nickel, and cobalt. A magnetic arrangement has been found to be particularly advantageous in facilitating convenient and reliable detachment and attachment between the article 100 and the device 200.

The at least one seal 103 may be configured to securely attach to the at least one port 102. In this way, when a user separates the article 100 from the device 200, the seal(s) 103 is not inadvertently removed from the port(s) 102. The total force required to remove the at least one seal 102 from the at least one port 103 may be greater than the total force required to detach the article 100 from the device 200.

It is possible that the at least one seal 103 is removeable from the port 102. This facilitates refilling of the reservoir 104. In this case, as noted above, it is advantageous that the total force required to remove the at least one seal 103 from the at least one port 102 may be greater than the total force required to detach the article 100 from the device 200. Alternatively, it may be that the seal 103 is removed from the port 102 by applying a force with a directionality different to the direction of attachment between the article 100 and the device 200. For example, the seal 103 may be engaged with the port 102 via a screw thread or bayonet which would require a rotational force to be applied to the seal 103, whereas the article 100 may be removed from the device 200 via a longitudinal force.

The at least one seal 103 may comprise an insert and attachment means (see e.g. Fig. 4). The insert is for sealing the at least one port 102. The attachment means is configured to attach to the device 200. In some embodiments, the attachment means is at least partially provided by the insert. The attachment means may comprise a structure that is distinct from the insert. The at least one seal 103 may be a plug. The attachment means may comprise a mechanical attachment. The attachment means may comprise a magnetic attachment. The magnetic attachment may comprise a magnetic material and/or a magnet. The magnetic material and the magnet may be as defined herein.

For example, the insert may comprise a magnetic material such that it may not only seal a respective port but also attach to a device. The insert may comprise a shaft. The attachment means may comprise a head. The attachment means may comprise the head and the shaft. In other words, both the head and the shaft may be configured to attach to the device 200 (e.g. magnetically).

In the embodiment of Figs. 2-5, the article 100 comprises two seals 103. Each seal 103 includes an insert 103A and attachment means 103A, 103B. Specifically, each seal 103 is a stainless steel plug and includes a shaft 103A and a head 103B. Each shaft 103A is inserted into a respective port 102 so as to seal the port 102. Each shaft 103A and its respective port 102 are dimensioned such that aerosolisable material cannot inadvertently leak from the reservoir 101 through the ports 102 when the shafts 103A are inserted into the respective ports 102. The shafts 103A and the heads 103B are configured to magnetically attach to the device 200. The skilled person will appreciate that the form and dimensions of the seal(s) 103 may be adapted to as to provide a desired strength of attachment between the article 100 and the device 200.

In the embodiment of Figs. 2-5, the article 100 comprises two ports 102 for filling the reservoir 101, and two seals 103 for sealing the respective ports 102. However, a person skilled in the art will recognise that the article 100 can include a different number of ports 102 and seals The seal(s) 103 may be configured to attach to any part of the device 200. For example, the seal(s) 103 may be configured to attach to an end of the device 200. Thus, when the seal(s) 103 is attached to the device 200, the article 100 and the device 200 may be arranged in an end-to-end configuration. However, this configuration is of course non-limiting and other configurations are envisaged.

In some embodiments, the article may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be provided at an end of the article 100. The mouthpiece may be provided at the downstream end of the article 100. The port(s) 102 may be provided at the end of the article opposite from the mouthpiece end. The port(s) 102 may be provided at the upstream end of the article 100.

In some embodiments, the article 100 comprises an aerosol generating element. The aerosol generating element may be suspended within an aerosol generating chamber. The aerosol generating chamber may comprise at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The at least one outlet may be provided at the mouthpiece. The at least one inlet may be provided at the upstream end (or the base part) 105. The reservoir may substantially surround the aerosol generating element.

The device 200 comprises one or more of a power source and a controller (which may also be referred to herein as a control unit). The device 200 may include any of the features described above in relation to the power component 20. When attached, the article 100 and the device 200 form a non-combustible aerosol provision system 10.

A method of providing the article 100 with aerosolisable material 1001 is described below.

In broad terms, the method comprises: providing the article 100; depositing aerosolisable material 1001 in the reservoir 101 through the at least one port; and arranging the at least one seal 102 to seal the at least one port 103.

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 article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the article comprising: a reservoir for aerosolisable material, the reservoir comprising at least one port for filling the reservoir with aerosolisable material; and at least one seal for sealing the at least one port, wherein the at least one seal is configured to attach to a device of the non-combustible aerosol provision system.
2. An article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one seal is configured to releasably attach to the device.
3. An article as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one seal is configured to magnetically attach to the device.
4. An article as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one seal comprises an insert.
An article as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the at least one seal comprises attachment means.
6. An article as claimed in claims 4 and 5, wherein the attachment means is at least partially provided by the insert.
7 An article as claimed in claims 4 and 5 or claims 4-6, wherein the attachment means comprises a structure that is distinct from the insert.
8. An article as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the at least one seal is a plug.
9. An article as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, wherein at least one of the at least one port is provided at an end of the reservoir, such that the article is configured to attach to the device in an end-to-end configuration.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.An article as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, wherein at least one of the at least one port is provided at a side of the reservoir, such that the article is configured to attach to the device in a side-by-side configuration.An article as claimed in any one of claims 1-10, comprising a mouthpiece.An article as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the reservoir comprises a plurality of ports for filling the reservoir with the aerosolisable material, and the article comprises a plurality of corresponding seals for sealing the ports respectively.A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: an article as claimed in any one of claims 1-12; and a device comprising one or more of a power source and a controller, wherein the at least one seal is arranged to seal the at least one port, and the article and the device are attached via the at least one seal.A non-combustible aerosol provision system as claimed in claim 13, wherein attachment via the at least one seal is the only means of attachment between the device and the article.A method of providing the article as claimed in any one of claims 1-12 with aerosolisable material, the method comprising: providing an article as claimed in any one of claims 1-12; depositing aerosolisable material in the reservoir through the at least one port and arranging the at least one seal to seal the at least one port.