GB2626444A

GB2626444A - Electronic smoking device

Info

Publication number: GB2626444A
Application number: GB2401203.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thuong Huynh Hien
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-01-30
Filing date: 2024-01-30
Publication date: 2024-07-24
Also published as: GB202401203D0

Abstract

An electronic smoking device comprising a first liquid holding chamber 5 in fluid communication with an atomiser 4, a second chamber 6 for holding a liquid and a user operated valve 8 wherein the valve opens and closes a fluid pathway between the first and second chambers. The first chamber 5 may have a 2ml capacity with a larger second chamber 6. A switch may be associated with the valve 8 and a power source to disable the atomiser. A slider may control the valve and cause a nozzle to project out of or retract into the device. A rotary valve with a spring-loaded return mechanism can be employed. The valve may be electronically operated by a motor. The second chamber 6 may be removable and this may be linked to operation of the atomiser. The system is designed to make it easier to refill a device.

Description

ELECTRONIC SMOKING DEVICE Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic smoking device, in particular to an electronic cigarette.

Background to the Invention

An dectronic smoking device, for example an electronic cigarette, typically comprises a housing which accommodates an electronic power source and an atomiser. The atomiser is typically operable by the electronic power source. The electronic power source is typically a single use or rechargeable battery.

The housing typically further accommodates a chamber comprising a liquid in an amount of about 0.5m1 to about 2rn1. It is common for the atomiser to sit within the chamber, at least partially surrounded by the liquid. In use, a user may activate the heating element by pressing a button or switch, which in turn heats the heating element, vaporising the liquid and generating an aerosol within the chamber.

IS In some known devices, the heating dement is activated by an airflow sensor.

The airflow sensor may be activated when a user inhales through the device, i.e., by sensing a negative pressure or an air flow pattern through the device. The airflow sensor indicates or sends a signal to the electrical power source to power up the device and generate vapor.

Many known electronic smoking devices are required to be refilled when all, or at least a majority of, the liquid in the chamber has been vaporised and emptied out of the chamber, typically as a result of being inhaled by a user. A usual procedure for the refilling of a chamber of an electronic smoking device comprises the disassembly of the electronic smoking device to expose an opening of the chamber. hi many known cases, a refill bottle, separate to the electronic smoking device, is used to refill the chamber of the electronic smoking device. The refill bottle typically has a capacity greater than that of the chamber of the electronic smoking device. The refill bottle may comprise a pipette, or similar, which facilitates the pouring of liquid into the chamber of the electronic smoking device, via the opening, from the refill bottle.

Refill bottles are considered highly inconvenient to a user. For example, it requires the user to carry with them and store an additional component in the event that their electronic smoking device requires filling up with liquid.

Moreover, despite ellbrts being made in the art to design suitable refill bottles, such refill bottles comprising pipettes, caps, or similar features to aid the transporting of liquid from the refill bottle into the chamber of the electronic smoking device, often cause the liquid to spill during the refill procedure. Spilling of liquid during the refill procedure can be perceived to be highly inconvenient for the user of the electronic smoking device.

Further, the user must be very accurate when refilling the chamber of the electronic smoking device such that dripping of liquid into the housing of the electronic smoking device is prevented. Any liquid that drips into the housing of the electronic smoking device may, if not extracted by subsequent cleaning, finds its way into an air tube of the atomiser Liquid that passes down the air tube into the atomiser may flood the atomiser and temporarily stop the device from working until such liquid is removed from the atomiser. Removing liquid from the atomiser can be incredibly time consuming and cumbersome for the user.

Even further, it is incredibly challenging for the user to remove all of the misplaced liquid and, in many cases, impossible without replacing components (e.g., the atomiser) of the electronic smoking device. Misplaced liquid typically finds its way out of the atomiser via an air passage which the user inhales through when the electronic smoking device is in use. Using the electronic smoking device when there is liquid in the air passage results in a 'gurgling' sound and a corresponding vibration which is unpleasant an unsatisfactory from a user's point of view. Further disadvantageously, liquid in the air passage could also be splashed into the user's mouth when the atomiser is activated.

Moreover, difficulties in refilling the chamber of the electronic smoking device also mean that a user, when refilling the chamber, spills the liquid onto their fingers or 30 hands. Liquid used in electronic smoking devices is typically impregnated with flavours which have relatively strong odours. Spilling such liquid upon the hands of a user requires the liquid to be washed off the hands to prevent the corresponding odours being retained on the user's hands. In many cases, the odours are retained on the user's hands even after multiple washes. Moreover, the liquid is often relatively greasy and is, therefore, difficult to wash off of a user's hands. Thus, making removal of the odour more challenging. This also leads to an increased risk of a user erroneously ingesting the liquid if the liquid is not thoroughly washed off of a user's hands The liquid used in electronic smoking devices typically comprises nicotine. A typical chamber holds a liquid equivalent of 10 to 20 cigarettes. Current legal regulations under the European Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) adopted by EU and other countries prescribe a limitation on the size of a chamber for holding a liquid nicotine substance which can be used in an electronic smoking device. At present, a chamber with a liquid nicotine holding capacity of no more than 2m1 is allowed in an electronic smoking device, at least in the United Kingdom. Moreover, the TPD also states that. any corresponding refill bottle cannot have a liquid nicotine holding capacity of greater than 10m1.

Known electronic smoking devices may be disposable. Disposable electronic smoking devices typically comprise a 2m1 chamber and are disposed of when the 2m1 of liquid nicotine has been inhaled by the user. Such electronic smoking devices pose significant environmental problems, not least because the devices are typically made of plastic, or at least significantly made of plastic, which is not recyclable. Also, the batteries are typically disposed of once the 2m1 liquid is used as there is no mechanism in a disposable cigarette to refill. Thus, disposable electronic smoking devices lead to the production of a significant amount of waste, much of which is non-recyclable or is not recycled by the user.

In general, known refill systems for electronic smoking devices are disadvantageous for the user and do not allow for a quick, simple and easy refill of the chamber of the electronic smoking device.

Summary of the Invention

According to a broad aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic smoking device. The electronic smoking device may comprise a power source. The electronic smoking device may accommodate an atomiser. The electronic smoking device may accommodate a first chamber for holding a liquid. The first chamber may 5 be in fluid communication with the atomiser. The electronic smoking device may accommodate a second chamber for holding a liquid. The electronic smoking device may comprise a valve operable by a user. The valve may be operable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, an open fluid pathway may be formed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The open fluid pathway 10 may be such that liquid is moveable from the second chamber to the first chamber. In the closed position, the fluid pathway may be closed such that liquid is not moveable between the second chamber and the first chamber.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic smoking device comprising a power source, an atomiser, a first chamber for holding a liquid, wherein the first chamber is in fluid communication with the atomiser, a second chamber for holding a liquid, wherein the electronic smoking device further comprises a valve operable by a user, said valve being operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the open position, an open fluid pathway is formed between the first chamber and the second chamber such that liquid is moveable from the second chamber to the first chamber, further wherein, in the closed position, the fluid pathway is closed such that liquid is not moveable between the second chamber and the first chamber.

The electronic smoking device of the invention may be for use as a vaping device which provides an inhalable nicotine mist or aerosol formed by vaporisation of the liquid in the first chamber and second chamber. The electronic smoking device may of the type of vaping device which does not use liquid, i.e., the user does not inhale a nicotine mist or aerosol formed by vaporisation of liquid, but instead heats tobacco without burning the tobacco. The term vaping', vaping device', 'vaporising device' and 'personal vaporising device' should therefore be expansively construed to include electronic smoking devices of all form factors (including closed pods, or open tanks, or any other system), heat-not-burn type vaping devices, hybrid devices that combine both heat-not-burn with liquid atomisation/vaporisation, and also devices enabling not just nicotine to be inhaled but also other substances, such as cannabidiol (CBD) compounds and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compounds.

A vaping' or 'vaporising' device, for example the electronic smoking device of the invention, may therefore be used to deliver any atornisable liquid. The term 'liquid' and e-liquid' should be broadly construed to cover any atomisable liquid, gel or other substance, including nicotine and nicotine salts of varying strengths, liquids with zero nicotine, liquids with CBD compounds, liquids with THC compounds, liquids with medicines, liquids with any botanical or synthetic flavouring or constituents. The term 'atomiser' should be broadly construed to cover any device that can create an atomisation, aerosol, mist or line droplets for the purpose of inhalation; an atomiser may include a heated element (e.g. a wire coil wound around a wick, or planar heating element formed on a wick, a micro-engineered steel blade or indeed any other system that generate atomisation, aerosol, mist or fine droplets, such as a piezo-electric cold mist generator). A vaping device may also be a consumer device or a medically approved device.

One non-limiting example of an electronic smoking device may utilise a system which uses a heated coil mounted within a ceramic wick. The ceramic wick transports nicotine-bearing e-liquid from a reservoir to the heated coil.

Advantageously, the invention overcomes at least one disadvantage associated with the prior art, in that the invention provides for an electronic smoking device which allows for the refilling of a first chamber with a liquid, for example an e-liquid, from second chamber when a valve located between the two chambers is open.

The inventor has found that by isolating the first chamber from the second 25 chamber using the valve, the second chamber which, like the first chamber, comprises the liquid to be inhaled, can be accommodated within the electronic smoking device, and the device will comply with the current TPD.

Beneficially, this means that the electronic smoking device of the invention can comprise a total amount of liquid in excess of 2m1. As such, contrary to the prior art, 30 the electronic smoking device of the invention is essentially self-refilling up to the amount of liquid comprised in the second chamber. This means that the frequency that a user is required to refill the electronic smoking device of the invention is significantly lower than that of devices of the prior art which comprise a single chamber with a liquid holding capacity of 2m1 only. It follows, therefore, that the disadvantages associated with refilling electronic smoking devices are overcome or at least significantly reduced to an extent that refilling of the device occurs far less often than refilling of devices known in the art.

The electronic smoking device of the invention also provides environmental benefits compared to electronic smoking devices of the prior art. For example, due to the greater capacity of liquid held within the electronic smoking device of the invention, the invention is not required to be disposed of as often as electronic smoking devices of the prior art are disposed of, in particular electronic smoking devices which are known as 'disposable vapes'.

The electronic smoking device of the invention also removes the need for regular refilling of the chamber comprising the liquid by the user. As such, the possibility of spilling or dripping liquid into the device or onto the user's fingers and hands is removed, or at least significantly reduced. It is also known in the art that when liquid, for example e-liquid, is spilled into an electronic smoking device, any contamination of the components of the electronic smoking device, for example the atomiser, may mean that such components need to be replaced or the electronic smoking device be disregarded completely. As the electronic smoking device of the invention requires refilling at a significantly reduced frequency compared to known electronic smoking devices of the prior art, the possibility of replacing components of the electronic smoking device or disregarding the electronic smoking device completely is considerably reduced compared to when using electronic smoking devices of the prior art.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of about 0.5 ml, about 0.6 ml, about 0.7 ml, about 0.8 ml, about 0.9 ml, about 1.0 ml, about 1.1 ml, about 1.2 ml, about 1.3 ml, about 1.4 ml, about 1.5 ml, about 1.6 ml, about 1.7 ml, about 1.8 ml, about 30 1.9 ml, or about 2.0 ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of at least about 0.5 ml, about 0.6 ml, about 0.7 ml, about 0.8 ml, about 0.9 ml, about 1.0 ml, about 1.1 ml, about 1.2 ml, about 1.3 ml, about 1.4 ml, about 1.5 ml, about 1.6 ml, about 1.7 ml, about 1.8 ml, about 1.9 ml, or at least about 2.0 ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of no more than about 0.5 ml, about 0.6 ml, about 0.7 ml, about 0.8 ml, about 0.9 ml, about 1.0 ml, about 1.1 ml, about 1.2 ml, about 1.3 ml, about 1.4 ml, about 1.5 ml, about 1.6 ml, about 1.7 ml, about 1.8 ml, about 1.9 ml, or no more than about 2.0 ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 0.5 ml to about 2.0 ml, about 0.5 nil to about 1.9 ml, about 0.5 ml to about 1.8 ml, about 0.5 nil to about 1.7 ml, about 0.5 ml to about 1.6 ml, about 0.5 ml to about 1.5 nil, about 0.5 ml to about 1.4 ml, about 0.5 ml to about 1.3 ml, about 0.5 ml to about 1.2 ml, about 0.5 ml to about 1.1 ml, about 0.5 ml to about 1.0 ml, about 0.5 ml to about 0.9 ml, about 0.5 ml to about 0.8 ml, about 0.5 ml to about 0.7 ml, or from about 0.5 ml to about 0.6 IS ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 0.6 ml to about 2.0 ml, about 0.6 ml to about 1.9 ml, about 0.6 ml to about 1.8 ml, about 0.6 ml to about 1.7 ml, about 0.6 ml to about 1.6 ml, about 0.6 ml to about 1.5 ml, about 0.6 ml to about 1.4 ml, about 0.6 ml to about 1.3 ml, about 0.6 ml to about 1.2 ml, about 0.6 ml to about 1.1 ml, about 0.6 ml to about 1.0 ml, about 0.6 ml to about 0.9 ml, about 0.6 ml to about 0.8 ml, or from about 0.6 ml to about 0.7 ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 0.7 ml to about 2.0 ml, about 0.7 ml to about 1.9 ml, about 0.7 ml to about 1.8 ml, about 0.7 ml to about 1.7 ml, about 0.7 ml to about 1.6 ml, about 0.7 ml to about 1.5 ml, about 0.7 ml to about 1.4 ml, about 0.7 ml to about 1.3 ml, about 0.7 ml to about 1.2 ml, about 0.7 nil to about 1.1 nil, about 0.7 ml to about 1.0 ml. about 0.7 ml to about 0.9 nil, or from about 0.7 ml to about 0.8 nil.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 0.8 ml to about 2.0 ml, about 0.8 ml to about 1.9 ml, about 0.8 ml to about 1.8 ml, about 0.8 ml 30 to about 1.7 ml, about 0.8 ml to about 1.6 ml, about 0.8 ml to about 1.5 ml, about 0.8 ml to about 1.4 ml, about 0.8 ml to about 1.3 ml, about 0.8 ml to about 1.2 ml, about 0.8 ml to about 1.1 ml, about 0.8 ml to about 1.0 ml, or from about 0.8 nil to about 0.9 ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 0.9 ml to about 2.0 ml, about 0.9 ml to about 1.9 ml, about 0.9 ml to about 1.8 ml, about 0.9 ml to about 1.7 ml, about 0.9 ml to about 1.6 ml, about 0.9 ml to about 1.5 ml, about 0.9 ml to about 1.4 ml, about 0.9 ml to about 1.3 ml, about 0.9 ml to about 1.2 ml, about 0.9 ml to about 1.1 ml, or from about 0.9 ml to about 1.0 ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 1.0 ml to about 2.0 ml, about 1.0 nil to about 1.9 ml, about 1.0 ml to about 1.8 ml, about 1.0 nil to about 1.7 ml, about 1.0 ml to about 1.6 ml, about 1.0 ml to about 1.5 ml, about 1.0 ml to about 1.4 ml, about 1.0 ml to about 1.3 ml, about 1.0 ml to about 1.2 ml, or from about 1.0 ml to about 1.1 ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 1.1 ml to 15 about 2.0 ml, about 1.1 ml to about 1.9 ml, about 1.1 ml to about 1.8 ml, about 1.1 ml to about 1.7 ml, about 1.1 ml to about 1.6 ml, about 1.1 ml to about 1.5 ml, about 1.1 ml to about 1.4 ml, about 1.1 ml to about 1.3 ml, or from about 1.1 ml to about 1.2 ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 1.2 ml to about 2.0 ml, about 1.2 ml to about 1.9 ml, about 1.2 ml to about 1.8 ml, about 1.2 ml 20 to about 1.7 ml, about 1.2 ml to about 1.6 ml, about 1.2 ml to about 1.5 ml, about 1.2 ml to about 1.4 ml, or from about 1.2 ml to about 1.3 nil.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 1.3 ml to about 2.0 ml, about 1.3 ml to about 1.9 ml, about 1.3 ml to about 1.8 ml, about 1.3 ml to about 1.7 nil, about 1.3 ml to about 1.6 ml, about 1.3 nil to about 1.5 ml, or from 25 about 1.3 ml to about 1.4 ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 1.4 ml to about 2.0 ml, about 1.4 ml to about 1.9 ml, about 1.4 ml to about 1.8 ml, about 1.4 ml to about 1.7 ml, about 1.4 ml to about 1.6 nil, or from about 1.4 ml to about 1.5 ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 1.5 ml to about 2.0 ml, about 1.5 ml to about 1.9 ml, about 1.5 ml to about 1.8 ml, about 1.5 ml to about 1.7 ml, or from about 1.5 ml to about 1.6 ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 1.6 ml to 5 about 2.0 ml, about 1.6 ml to about 1.9 ml, about 1.6 ml to about 1.8 ml, or from about 1.6 ml to about 1.7 ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 1.7 ml to about 2.0 ml, about 1.7 ml to about 1.9 ml, or from about 1.7 ml to about 1.8 ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 1.8 ml to 10 about 2.0 ml, or from about 1.8 ml to about 1.9 ml.

The first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 1.9 ml to about 2.0 ml.

Beneficially, the first chamber having a liquid holding capacity as described above means that the electronic smoking device of the invention is compliant with current TPD (i.e., capacity no greater than 2 Oml) when in use, i.e., when the valve between the first chamber and the second chamber is closed, such that the fluid pathway between the first chamber and the second chamber is closed.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of about 2.0 ml, about 2.5 ml, about 3.0 ml, about 3.5 ml, about 4.0 ml, about 4.5 nil, about 5.0 ml, about 5.5 20 ml, about 6.0 ml, about 6.5 ml, about 7.0 ml, about 7.5 ml, about 8.0 ml, about 8.5 ml, about 9.0 ml, about 9.5 ml, or about 10.0 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of at least about 2.0 ml, about 2.5 ml, about 3.0 ml, about 3.5 ml, about 4.0 ml, about 4.5 ml, about 5.0 ml, about 5.5 ml, about 6.0 ml, about 6.5 ml, about 7.0 ml, about 7.5 ml, about 8.0 ml, about 25 8.5 ml, about 9.0 ml, about 9.5 ml, or at least about 10.0 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of no more than about 2.0 ml, about 2.5 ml, about 3.0 ml, about 3.5 ml, about 4.0 nil, about 4.5 ml, about 5.0 ml, about 5.5 ml, about 6.0 ml, about 6.5 ml, about 7.0 ml, about 7.5 ml, about 8.0 ml, about 8.5 ml, about 9.0 ml, about 9.5 ml, or no more than about 10.0 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 2.0 ml to about 10.0 ml. about 2.0 ml to about 9.5 ml, about 2.0 ml to about 9.0 ml, about 2.0 ml to about 8.5 ml, about 2.0 ml to about 8.0 ml, about 2.0 ml to about 7.5 ml, about 2.0 ml to about 7.0 ml, about 2.0 ml to about 6.5 ml, about 2.0 ml to about 6.0 ml, about 2.0 ml to about 5.5 ml, about 2.0 ml to about 5.0 ml, about 2.0 ml to about 4.5 ml. about 2.0 ml to about 4.0 ml, about 2.0 ml to about 3.5 ml, about 2.0 ml to about 3.0 nil, or from about 2.0 ml to about 2.5 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 2.5 ml to about 10.0 ml, about 2.5 ml to about 9.5 ml, about 2.5 ml to about 9.0 ml, about 2.5 10 ml to about 8.5 ml, about 2.5 ml to about 8.0 ml, about 2.5 ml to about 7.5 ml, about 2.5 ml to about 7.0 ml, about 2.5 ml to about 6.5 ml, about 2.5 ml to about 6.0 ml, about 2.5 ml to about 5.5 ml, about 2.5 ml to about 5.0 ml, about 2.5 ml to about 4.5 nil, about 2.5 ml to about 4.0 ml, about 2.5 ml to about 3.5 ml, or from about 2.5 ml to about 3.0 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 3.0 ml to about 10.0 ml, about 3.0 ml to about 9.5 ml, about 3.0 ml to about 9.0 ml, about 3.0 ml to about 8.5 ml, about 3.0 ml to about 8.0 ml, about 3.0 ml to about 7.5 ml, about 3.0 ml to about 7.0 ml, about 3.0 ml to about 6.5 ml, about 3.0 ml to about 6.0 ml. about 3.0 ml to about 5.5 ml, about 3.0 ml to about 5.0 ml, about 3.0 ml to about 4.5 ml. about 3.0 ml to about 4.0 ml, or from about 3.0 ml to about 3.5 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 3.5 ml to about 10.0 ml, about 3.5 ml to about 9.5 ml, about 3.5 ml to about 9.0 ml, about 3.5 ml to about 8.5 ml, about 3.5 ml to about 8.0 ml, about 3.5 ml to about 7.5 ml, about 3.5 ml to about 7.0 ml, about 3.5 ml to about 6.5 ml, about 3.5 ml to about 6.0 ml, about /5 3.5 nil to about 5.5 ml, about 3.5 ml to about 5.0 ml, about 3.5 ml to about 4.5 nil, or from about 3.5 ml to about 4.0 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 4.0 ml to about 10.0 ml. about 4.0 ml to about 9.5 ml, about 4.0 ml to about 9.0 ml. about 4.0 ml to about 8.5 ml, about 4.0 ml to about 8.0 ml, about 4.0 ml to about 7.5 ml, about 30 4.0 ml to about 7.0 ml, about 4.0 ml to about 6.5 ml, about 4.0 ml to about 6.0 ml. about 1 I 4.0 ml to about 5.5 nil, about 4.0 nil to about 5.0 ml, or from about 4.0 nil to about 4.5 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 4.5 ml to about 10.0 nil, about 4.5 ml to about 9.5 nil, about 4.5 ml to about 9.0 ml, about 4.5 ml to about 8.5 ml, about 4.5 ml to about 8.0 ml, about 4.5 ml to about 7.5 ml, about 4.5 ml to about 7.0 ml, about 4.5 ml to about 6.5 ml, about 4.5 ml to about 6.0 nil, about 4.5 ml to about 5.5 ml, or from about 4.5 nil to about 5.0 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 5.0 ml to about 10.0 nil, about 5.0 ml to about 9.5 nil, about 5.0 ml to about 9.0 ml, about 5.0 ml to about 8.5 ml, about 5.0 ml to about 8.0 ml, about 5.0 ml to about 7.5 ml, about 5.0 nil to about 7.0 nil, about 5.0 ml to about 6.5 ml, about 5.0 ml to about 6.0 nil, or from about 5.0 ml to about 5.5 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 5.5 ml to about 10.0 ml. about 5.5 ml to about 9.5 ml, about 5.5 ml to about 9.0 ml. about 5.5 ml to about 8.5 ml, about 5.5 ml to about 8.0 ml, about 5.5 ml to about 7.5 ml, about 5.5 nil to about 7.0 nil. about 5.5 nil to about 6.5 ml, or from about 5.5 nil to about 6.0 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 6.0 ml to about 10.0 ml. about 6.0 ml to about 9.5 nil, about 6.0 ml to about 9.0 ml. about 6.0 20 ml to about 8.5 ml, about 6.0 ml to about 8.0 ml, about 6.0 ml to about 7.5 ml, about 6.0 ml to about 7.0 ml, or from about 6.0 ml to about 6.5 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 6.5 ml to about 10.0 ml, about 6.5 ml to about 9.5 ml, about 6.5 ml to about 9.0 ml, about 6.5 ml to about 8.5 ml, about 6.5 ml to about 8.0 ml, about 6.5 ml to about 7.5 ml, or from 25 about 6.5 ml to about 7.0 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 7.0 ml to about 10.0 ml. about 7.0 ml to about 9.5 ml, about 7.0 ml to about 9.0 ml. about 7.0 nil to about 8.5 nil, about 7.0 nil to about 8.0 nil, or from about 7.0 nil to about 7.5 nil.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 7.5 ml to about 10.0 ml, about 7.5 ml to about 9.5 ml, about 7.5 ml to about 9.0 nil, about 7.5 ml to about 8.5 ml, or from about 7.5 ml to about 8.0 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 8.0 ml 5 to about 10.0 ml, about 8.0 ml to about 9.5 ml, about 8.0 ml to about 9.0 ml, or from about 8.0 ml to about 8.5 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 8.5 ml to about 10.0 ml, about 8.5 ml to about 9.5 ml, or from about 8.5 ml to about 9.0 ml.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 9.0 ml 10 to about 10.0 ml, or from about 9.0 ml to about 9.5 nil.

The second chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 9.5 ml to about 10.0 ml.

Advantageously, the second chamber having a liquid holding capacity as described above means that the electronic smoking device of the invention has capacity to refill the first chamber with liquid, for example e-liquid, beyond the 2m1 capacity of the first chamber. Thus, refilling of the electronic smoking device of the invention does not need to be carried out as frequently as refilling of electronic smoking devices of the prior art.

Moreover, beneficially, the second chamber is accommodated within the electronic smoking device. Thus, refilling of the electronic smoking device of the invention does not require the use of an additional, separate component, such as a refilling tank, or similar. Thus, the electronic smoking device of the invention provides for a more consumer and user-friendly device compared to similar devices comprised in the prior art.

The electronic smoking device may further comprise a switch associated with the valve and the power source. The switch may be operable to allow or prevent power (for example an electric current) from passing from the power source to the atomiser.

Associating the valve with the switch may he such that when the valve is in the open position, the switch is actuated to disable power from the power source to the atomiser Associating the valve with the switch may be such that when the valve is in 5 the closed position, the switch is actuated to allow power from the power source to the atomiser.

The valve and/or the switch may be operable by an operating means. The operating means may be operable to move the valve between the open position and the closed position, i.e., to move the valve from the open position to the closed position, and from the closed position to the open position. The operating means may be formed integral with the first chamber. The operating means may be formed integral with the second chamber. The operating means may be formed integral with the power source. The operating means may be connected to the first chamber. The operating means may be connected to the second chamber. The operating means may be connected to the S power source. For example, the operating means may be a sleeve which at least partially surrounds the power source, first chamber, and/or second chamber. The sleeve may be rotatable clockwise and/or anti-clockwise. The sleeve may be rotated clockwise to move the valve from the open position to the closed position. The sleeve may be rotated clockwise to move the valve from the closed position to the open position. The sleeve may be rotated anti-clockwise to move the valve from the open position to the closed position. The sleeve may be rotated anti-clockwise to move the valve from the closed position to the open position. As a further example, the operating means may be a slider. The slider may be arranged on the electronic smoking device, for example on an outer facing portion of the electronic smoking device. Advantageously, a sleeve as described above and a slider as described above (i.e., a slider arranged on an outer facing portion of the electronic smoking device) means that the sleeve and/or the slider is/are easily accessible by a user of the electronic smoking device. Thus, the user may easily operate the valve and/or the switch.

The slider may be movable between a first position and a second position. As 30 such, the slider may be movable from the first position to the second position, and from the second position to the first position.

When the slider is in the first position, the valve may be in the closed position. When the slider is in the second position, the valve may be in the open position. Beneficially, this means that by moving the slider, the user has easy control of the valve.

Moving the slider from the first position to the second position and/or from the 5 second position to the first position may be a linear movement, for example a vertical, or at least substantially vertical, movement or a horizontal, or at least substantially horizontal, movement.

The operating means may be the first chamber and/or the second chamber and/or the power source.

The operating means may be a rotatable element. The rotatable element may be connected to the first chamber. The rotatable element may be connected to the second chamber. The rotatable element may be connected to the power source. The rotatable element may be rotatable clockwise and/or anti-clockwise. The rotatable element may be rotated clockwise from a first position to a second position. The rotatable element may be rotated clockwise from a first position to a second position to move the valve from the open position to the closed position. The rotatable element may be rotated clockwise from a first position to a second position to move the valve from the closed position to the open position. The rotatable element may be rotated anti-clockwise from a first position to a second position to move the valve from the open position to the closed position. The rotatable clement may be rotated anticlockwise from a first position to a second position to move the valve from the closed position to the open position.

The operating means may comprise a return mechanism. The return mechanism may allow for a return force to be exerted following the application of a force upon the operating means. For example, the return mechanism may comprise an elastic property of a plastic component of the electronic smoking device. The elastic property of the plastic component may apply a return force to the valve such that the valve is moveable between the open position and the closed position. The elastic property of the plastic component may apply a return force to the valve such that the valve is moveable between the dosed position and the open position.

The operating means may be a spring-loaded button. The spring-loaded button may be a form of a return mechanism. The spring-loaded button may be depressed by a user to move the valve from the open position to the closed position. The spring-loaded button may be depressed by a user to move the valve from the closed position to the open position. The spring-loaded button may be arranged on the electronic smoking device, for example on an outer facing portion of the electronic smoking device.

The operating means may be powered by an electrical actuator or a motor, for example an electrical motor.

Moving the slider into a first position may cause a nozzle to be projected from within the electronic smoking device. Thus, when the slider is in the first position, the electronic smoking device may comprise a protruding nozzle.

Moving the slider into a second position may cause a nozzle to be retracted into the electronic smoking device. Thus, when the slider is in the second position, the 15 electronic smoking device may comprise a retracted nozzle.

The atomiser may be in communication with a vapour channel. In use, when the atomiser has vapourised a portion of liquid held in the first chamber, the vapour may be inhaled by the user such that the vapour passes along the vapour channel and out of the electronic smoking device via an orifice through which the user inhales.

The nozzle may comprise the orifice. In use, the user may inhale vaporised liquid from the nozzle.

The valve may be operable by moving the first chamber between a first position and a second position. As such, the valve may be operable by moving the first chamber from a first position to a second position, and from a second position to a first position.

When in the first position, the valve may be in the closed position. When in the second position, the valve may be in the open position.

The first chamber may be movable between the first position and the second position in a linear motion, for example along a linear axis.

The first chamber may be movable between the first position and the second position in a rotatory motion, for example by rotating the first chamber about a pivot. The valve may be a rotary valve. The first chamber may be rotatable, relative to a component of the electronic smoking device such as the second chamber, the power source and/or the atomiser, between the first position and the second position.

The valve may be a spring-loaded valve.

The second chamber may be removable from the electronic smoking device. Advantageously, this means that the second chamber can be re-filled with liquid, for example e-liquid, when the liquid in the second chamber has been emptied.

The power source and the atomiser may be joined by an electrical circuit. When the valve is in the open position, the electrical circuit may be open and electrical power is unable to Flow from the power source to the atomiser. Advantageously, this means that the electrical smoking device is unable to be used by a user as the atomiser has no electrical power to actuate it. Thus, when the electrical smoking device is unable to be used by a user because the atomiser has no electrical power to actuate it, the valve is in the open position and, therefore, the open fluid pathway is formed between the first chamber and the second chamber such that liquid is movable from the second chamber to the first chamber. Thus, in this configuration, the first. chamber can be refilled with liquid from the second chamber.

In embodiments comprising the power source and the atomiser joined by an electrical circuit, when the valve is in the closed position, the electrical circuit. may be closed and electrical power is able to flow from the power source to the atomiser. Advantageously, this means that the electrical smoking device is able to be used by a user as the atomiser has electrical power to actuate it. Thus, when the electrical smoking device is able to be used by a user because the atomiser has electrical power to actuate it, the valve is in the closed position and, therefore, the fluid pathway between the first chamber and the second chamber is closed such that liquid is not movable from the second chamber to the first chamber. Thus, in this configuration, the first chamber cannot be refilled with liquid from the second chamber.

It follows, therefore, that in this configuration, the volume of liquid able to be inhaled by a user is no more than 2m1, i.e., the maximum capacity of the first tank, in some embodiments. Thus, the electrical smoking device of the invention may, therefore, comply with current TPD.

The electrical circuit may comprise one, two, three, four, five, or more than five, pair(s) of electrical contacts. In preferred embodiments, the electrical circuit comprises two pairs of electrical contacts.

The electrical circuit is considered 'open (i.e., power cannot flow) when the electrical contacts are not in alignment, or not in at least substantial alignment.

The electrical circuit is considered 'closed' (i.e., power can flow) when the electrical contacts are in alignment, or at least. in substantial alignment.

A first pair of electrical contacts may be arranged on the first chamber. A second pair of electrical contacts may be arranged on a component within the electronic smoking device, such as the second chamber, atomiser, valve, or power source.

A first pair of electrical contacts may be arranged on the power source, or on a sleeve at least partially surrounding the power source. A second pair of electrical contacts may be arranged on component within the electronic smoking device, such as the second chamber, atomiser, valve, or power source.

A first pair of electrical contacts or a second pair of electrical contacts may be 20 arranged on any component or feature of the electronic smoking device, for example on the power source, atomiser, first chamber, second chamber, connector, valve, slider, or nozzle.

The power source and the atomiser may be joined by an electrical circuit.

When the valve is in the open position, the electrical circuit may be open and power may not be able to flow from the power source to the atomiser. Advantageously, this means that the fluid pathway between the second chamber and the first chamber is open, therefore, liquid held in the second chamber can flow into the first chamber, thus refilling the first chamber with liquid. In this arrangement, the atomiser is unable to be powered by the power source, therefore, the atomiser cannot function to vaporise the liquid into vapour to be inhaled by the user. As such, in this arrangement, vapour cannot be inhaled from the electronic smoking device.

When the valve is in the closed position, the electrical circuit may be closed and power may be able to flow from the power source to the atomiser. Advantageously, 5 this means that the fluid pathway between the second chamber and the first chamber is closed, therefore, liquid held in the second chamber cannot flow into the first chamber, thus refilling the first chamber with liquid is not possible in this arrangement. In this arrangement, the atomiser is able to be powered by the power source, therefore, the atomiser can function to vaporise the liquid into vapour to be inhaled by the user. As 10 such, in this arrangement, vapour can be inhaled from the electronic smoking device. Beneficially, in this arrangement, the volume of liquid held in the second chamber is closed off from the volume of liquid held in the first chamber. As such, provided that the capacity of the first chamber is compliant with the TPD, then the electronic smoking device will also be TPD compliant.

The first chamber, second chamber, atomiser, valve and/or vapour channel may be arranged wholly or partially within a body which in turn is accommodated within the electronic smoking device.

The power source may be one or more selected from the group comprising a single use battery, a rechargeable battery, an electrical plug, or combinations thereof.

The first chamber and the second chamber may be connected by a connector.

The connector may comprise the valve.

The connector may comprise one, two, three, four, or more than four orifice(s).

The connector may comprise a first orifice. The connector may comprise a second orifice. The first chamber may comprise the first orifice. The second chamber may comprise the second orifice. When the valve is in the open position, the open fluid pathway may be formed between the first orifice and the second orifice, such that liquid from the second chamber is able to flow from the second chamber to the first chamber.

The electronic smoking device may comprise a housing. The housing may accommodate one or more components of the electronic smoking device. For example, 30 the housing may accommodate the power source, atomiser, first chamber, second chamber, and/or valve. The valve may be operable by a slider arranged on an outer facing portion of the housing. Moving the slider into a first position may cause the projection of a nozzle from within the housing. Moving the slider into a second position may cause retraction of the nozzle into the housing. The first chamber may be 5 moveable, for example rotatable, relative to the housing. The second chamber may be removeable from the housing. A first pair of electrical contacts may be arranged on the first chamber, and a second pair of electrical contacts may be arranged on a body (or component) within the housing. A first pair of electrical contacts may be arranged on a sleeve at least partially surrounding the power source, and a second pair of electrical 10 contacts may be arranged on a body within the housing. The first chamber may be arranged within a body which in turn may be accommodated within the housing.

The valve may be operable by an operating means. The operating means may be operable to move the valve from the open position to the closed position. The operating means may be operable to move the valve from the closed position to the 15 open position.

The operating means may be formed integral with the first chamber. The operating means may be formed integral with the second chamber. The operating means may be formed integral with the power source. The operating means may be formed integral with the valve.

The operating means may be connected to the first chamber. The operating means may be connected to the second chamber. The operating means may be connected to the power source.

The operating means may be arranged on a surface of the electronic smoking device. The operating means may be arranged on an outer facing surface or portion of 25 the electronic smoking device.

The second chamber may comprise an outlet. The outlet may allow for flow of the liquid held within the second chamber out of the second chamber. The outlet of the 30 second chamber may be in fluid communication with the valve.

The valve may comprise an inlet. The inlet may allow for fluid to flow into the valve. The valve may comprise an interior chamber. The inlet may allow for fluid to flow into the interior chamber of the valve.

The valve may comprise an outlet. The outlet may allow for flow of liquid out 5 of the valve, preferably out of the interior chamber of the valve. The outlet may allow for flow of liquid out of the valve into the first chamber.

The electronic smoking device may commis° an operating means to operate the valve. The operating means may be accommodated within the valve, in particular within an interior chamber of the valve. The operating means may comprise an interior chamber. the interior chamber may coincide substantially with an interior chamber of the valve. The operating means may comprise an inlet. The inlet may allow for flow of liquid into the operating means, in particular into the interior chamber of the operating means. The operating means may comprise an outlet. The outlet may allow for flow of liquid out of the operating means, preferably out of the interior chamber of the operating means. The outlet may allow for flow of liquid out of the operating means, preferably out of the interior chamber of the operating means, into the first chamber. The outlet may allow for flow of liquid out of the operating means, preferably out of the interior chamber of the operating means, into the interior chamber of the valve, out of the valve outlet and into the first chamber.

The first chamber may comprise an inlet. The inlet may allow for flow of liquid into the first chamber.

When the valve is in the open position, the electronic smoking device may comprise an open fluid pathway allowing for the flow of liquid out of the second chamber via the outlet of the second chamber, through the inlet of the valve, into the interior chamber of the valve, into the inlet of the operating means, into the interior chamber of the operating means, out of the operating means via the outlet of the operating means into the interior chamber of the valve, out of the valve via the outlet of the valve and into the first chamber via the inlet of the first chamber.

The second chamber may be removable or detachable from the valve and/or 30 operating means. Advantageously, this means that the second chamber can be removed from remaining components of the electronic smoking device without requiring removal of, for example, the valve and/or operating means and/or atomiser. As such, when the second chamber is emptied of liquid due to use of the electronic smoking device, the second chamber can be removed from other components of the electronic smoking device, docked to a refill station to fill the second chamber with liquid, and then refitted with the remaining components of the electronic smoking device for further use.

The second chamber may be removable from the remaining components of the electronic smoking device.

The second chamber may be formed integral with the valve and/or an operating means. In such embodiments, the second chamber and valve may be removable from the remaining components of the electronic smoking device. In embodiments where the second chamber is formed integral with the valve, and the second chamber and valve are removeable from the remaining components of the electronic smoking device, when the second chamber and valve are removed from the remaining components of the electronic smoking device, the fluid pathway between the first chamber and the second chamber is dosed and fluid cannot flow from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Moreover, in such an embodiment, when the second chamber and valve are removed from the remaining components of the electronic smoking device, an electrical circuit which may be able to provide power to the atomiser may be closed such that the electronic smoking device is operable to a user for inhaling atomised or vaporised liquid held in the first chamber.

In such an embodiment, when the second chamber and valve are fitted to the remaining components of the electronic smoking device, an electrical circuit which may be able to provide power to the atomiser may be open such that the electronic smoking device is not operable to a user for inhaling atomised or vaporised liquid held in the first chamber.

Alternatively, in such an embodiment, when the second chamber and valve are 30 fitted to the remaining components of the electronic smoking device, an electrical circuit which may be able to provide power to the atomiser may be dosed such that the electronic smoking device is operable to a user for inhaling atomised or vaporised liquid held in the first chamber, but only when the valve is in the closed position.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to 10 the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of an electronic smoking device according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a see-through perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1, when the valve is in the open position; Figure 3 is a see-through perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 1 and 2, when the valve is in the closed position; Figure 4 is a see-through perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 1-3, when the valve is in the closed position; Figure 5 is an exploded view of part of a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 5, when the valve is in the open position; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. and 6, when the valve is in the closed position; Figure 8 is a see-through perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention, when the valve is in the open position; Figure 9 is a see-through perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, when the valve is in the open position, with the second chamber omitted; Figure 10 is a see-through perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9, when the valve is in the closed position, with the second chamber omitted; Figure 11 is an end view of the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 to 10, when the valve is in the open position, with the second chamber omitted; Figure 12 is an end view of the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 to 11, when the valve is in the closed position, with the second chamber omitted; Figure 13 is a see-through perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention, when the valve is in the open position; and Figure 14 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 13.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown an embodiment of an electronic smoking device I of the invention. The electronic smoking device I may comprise a housing 2 accommodating a power source 3, an atomiser 4, and a first chamber 5 for holding a liquid (not shown). The first chamber 5 may be in fluid communication with the atomiser 4. The housing 2 may fm-ther accommodate a second chamber 6 for holding a liquid (not shown). The first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 may be connected by a connector 7. The connector 7 may comprise a valve 8 operable by a user (not shown). The valve 8 may be operable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, an open fluid pathway 9 may be formed between the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 such that liquid is moveable from the second chamber 6 to the first chamber 5. In the closed position, the fluid pathway 9 may be closed such that liquid is not moveable between the second chamber 6 and the first chamber 5.

In the described embodiment, the first chamber may have a liquid holding capacity of no more than 2m1, and the second chamber 6 may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 5m1 to about 10m1. The liquid (not shown) may be any known 'e-liquid', for example a nicotine-comprising liquid.

In the described embodiment, the first chamber 5 is arranged within a body 15 which is accommodated within the housing 2. The first chamber 5 comprises, in addition to the liquid, a vapour channel 17 for the passage of liquid which has been vapourised by the atomiser 4 when the electronic smoking device 1 is in use. When in use, the user inhales from a nozzle 12 which protrudes above the surface of the housing 2. The nozzle 12 comprises an orifice 18 through which vaporised liquid is inhaled by the user when the electronic smoking device is in use.

In the described embodiment, the connector 7 comprises two orifices 7a, 7b. A first orifice 7a may be arranged on a surface of the first chamber 5. A second orifice 7b may be arranged on the second chamber 6. When the first orifice 7a is aligned with the second orifice 7b, a fluid pathway 9 is formed between the two orifices 7a, 7b and, therefore, a fluid pathway 9 is formed between the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6. The fluid pathway 9 may allow for the flow of liquid held within the second chamber 6 into the first. chamber 5.

The first chamber 5 may comprise a first pair of contacts 13. The second chamber 6 may comprise a second pair of contacts 14. The pairs of contacts 13, 14 together form a switch. When the pairs of contacts 13, 14 are aligned, a closed electrical circuit is formed within the housing 2, therefore, an electrical current can pass around the electrical circuit. When the pairs of contacts 13, 14 are not aligned, the electrical circuit is considered to be an 'open' electrical circuit, therefore, an electrical current. cannot pass around the circuit.

In the described embodiment, the power source 3 is a rechargeable battery.

In the described embodiment, the valve 8 is formed by way of the connector 7.

With reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 (which shows the embodiment with a housing 2), the valve 8 is closed when the first orifice 7a and the second orifice 7b are not aligned. When the first orifice 7a and the second orifice 7b are not. aligned, a fluid pathway is not formed between the two orifices 7a, 7b. Thus, a fluid pathway is also not formed between the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 and, therefore, the flow of liquid from the second chamber 6 to the first chamber 5 is prevented.

With further reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 (which shows the embodiment with a housing 2), when the valve 8 is in the closed position, as described above, the first pair of electrical contacts 13 are aligned with the second pair of electrical contacts 14, therefore, forming a complete electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is connected 5 to the atomiser 4. As such, when the electrical circuit is complete (i.e., when the valve 8 is in the closed position), the atomiser 4 may be activated by a user. Activation of the atomiser causes a portion of the liquid in the first chamber 5 to be vaporised. Simultaneously, or at least substantially simultaneously, to vaporisation of the liquid in the first chamber 5, the user inhales through the nozzle 12, creating a negative pressure 10 in the vapour channel 17. The vapour created in the atomiser 4, therefore, flows through the vapour channel 17 and out of the nozzle 12 via the orifice 18, typically into a user's mouth (not shown).

When the valve 8 is in the closed position, the maximum volume of liquid possibly vaporised by the atomiser 4 is the liquid present in the first chamber 5. In the 15 described embodiment, the first chamber 5 has a liquid holding capacity of no more than 2m1. As such, the electronic smoking device 1 is compliant with TPD.

With reference to Figure 2, the valve 8 is open when the first orifice 7a and the second orifice 7b are aligned. When the first orifice 7a and the second orifice 7b are aligned, a fluid pathway 9 is formed between the two orifices 7a, 7b. Thus, a fluid pathway 9 is also formed between the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6. Thus, when the valve 8 is in the open position, a flow of liquid from the second chamber 6 to the first chamber 5 occurs. The flow of liquid may be by any known pump system or by gravity. The open fluid pathway 9 allows for the refilling of the first chamber 5 with liquid from the second chamber 6. Thus, when not in use, the electronic smoking device 1 is arranged such that the first chamber 5 is refilled with liquid from the second chamber 6. Thus, the frequency by which a user is required to refill the electronic smoking device is vastly reduced compared to electronic smoking devices of the prior art.

With further reference to Figure 2, when the valve 8 is in the open position, as 30 described above, the first pair of electrical contacts 13 are not aligned with the second pair of electrical contacts 14. As such, the pairs of electrical contacts 13, 14 do not form a complete electrical circuit, therefore, electrical power cannot be fed to the atomiser 4 from the power source 3. As such, the atomiser 4 is not powered to vaporise liquid in the first chamber 5 and the atomiser 4 cannot be powered by the user.

Movement of the first chamber 5 relative to the second chamber 6 may be performed by an operating means, for example a slider (not shown) arranged on an outer facing portion of the housing 2. The slider may be gripped by a user and moved in a first direction to open the valve 8, and in a second direction to close the valve 8. The slider may comprise a grooved or rough surface to facilitate gripping by the user. Movement of the slider and, therefore, the first chamber 5, may be linear, or at least substantially linear.

Movement of the slider in the second direction to close the valve 8 may also cause projection of the nozzle 12 above the surface of the housing 2.

With reference to Figures 5-7, there is shown a further embodiment of the electronic smoking device 100 of the invention. The electronic smoking device 100 may comprise a housing 20 accommodating a power source 30, an atomiser (not shown), and a first chamber 50 for holding a liquid (not shown). The first chamber 50 may be in fluid communication with the atcnniser The housing 20 may further accommodate a second chamber 60 for holding a liquid (not shown). The first. chamber 50 and the second chamber 60 may be connected by a connector 70. The connector 70 may comprise a valve 80 operable by a user (not shown). The valve 80 may be operable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, an open fluid pathway 90 may be formed between the first chamber 50 and the second chamber 60 such that liquid is moveable from the second chamber 60 to the first chamber 50. In the closed position, the fluid pathway 90 may be closed such that liquid is not moveable /5 between the second chamber 60 and the first chamber 50.

In the described embodiment, the first chamber 50 may have a liquid holding capacity of no more than 2m1. and the second chamber 60 may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 5nal to about 10m1. The liquid (not shown) may be any known 'e-liquid', for example a nicotine-comprising liquid.

In the described embodiment, the first chamber 50 is arranged partially within a body 150 which is accommodated within the housing 20. The first chamber 50 comprises, in addition to the liquid, a vapour channel (not shown) for the passage of liquid which has been vapourised by the atomiser when the electronic smoking device 100 is in use. When in use, the user inhales from a nozzle 120 which protrudes above the surface of the housing 20 and it arranged at a distal end of the first chamber 50. The nozzle 120 comprises an orifice 180 (arranged at a distal end of the nozzle 120) through which vaporised liquid is inhaled by the user when the electronic smoking device 100 is in use.

In the described embodiment, the connector 70 comprises two orifices 70a, 70b.

A first orifice 70a may be arranged on a surface of the first chamber 50. A second orifice 70b may be arranged at a distal end of a conduit 19 which has, at its proximal end, an orifice 19a in fluid communication with the second chamber 60. Th conduit 19 allows for the passage of liquid. When the first orifice 70a is aligned with the second orifice 70b, a fluid pathway 90 is formed between the two orifices 70a, 70b and, therefore, a fluid pathway 90 is formed between the first chamber 50 and the second chamber 60, via conduit 19 and orifice 19a. The fluid pathway 90 may allow for the flow of liquid held within the second chamber 60 into the first chamber 50.

The first chamber 50 may comprise a first pair of contacts 130. The second pair of contacts 140 may be arranged on an internal surface of the housing 20. The pairs of contacts 130, 140 together form a switch. When the pairs of contacts 130, 140 are aligned, a closed electrical circuit is formed within the housing 20, therefore, an electrical current can pass around the electrical circuit. When the pairs of contacts 130, 140 are not aligned, the electrical circuit is considered to be an 'open' electrical circuit, therefore, an electrical current cannot pass around the circuit.

In the described embodiment, the power source 30 is a rechargeable battery.

In the described embodiment, the valve 80 is formed by way of the connector 70.

With reference to Figure 7, the valve 80 is closed when the first orifice 70a and 30 the second orifice 70b are not aligned. When the first orifice 70a and the second orifice 70b are not aligned, a fluid pathway is not formed between the two orifices 70a, 70b. Thus, a fluid pathway is also not formed between the first chamber 50 and the second chamber 60 and, therefore, the flow of liquid from the second chamber 60 to the first chamber 50 is prevented.

With further reference to Figure 7, when the valve 80 is in the closed position, as described above, the first pair of electrical contacts 130 arc aligned with the second pair of electrical contacts 140, therefore, forming a complete electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is connected to the atomiser As such, when the electrical circuit is complete (i.e., when the valve 8 is in the closed position), the atomiser may be activated by a user. Activation of the atomiser causes a portion of the liquid in the first chamber 50 to be vaporised. Simultaneously, or at least substantially simultaneously, to vaporisation of the liquid in the first chamber 50, the user inhales through the nozzle 120, creating a negative pressure in the vapour channel. The vapour created in the atomiser, therefore, flows through the vapour channel and out of the nozzle 120 via the orifice 180, typically into a user's mouth (not shown).

When the valve 80 is in the closed position, the maximum volume of liquid possibly vaporised by the atomiser is the liquid present in the first chamber 50. In the described embodiment, the first chamber 50 has a liquid holding capacity of no more than 2m1. As such, the electronic smoking device 100 is compliant with TPD.

With reference to Figure 6, the valve 80 is open when the first orifice 70a and the second orifice 70b are aligned. When the first orifice 70a and the second orifice 70b are allotted, a fluid pathway 90 is formed between the two orifices 70a, 70b. Thus, a fluid pathway 90 is also formed between the first chamber 50 and the second chamber 60. Thus, when the valve 80 is in the open position, a flow of liquid from the second /5 chamber 60 to the first chamber 50 occurs. The flow of liquid may be by any known pump system or by gravity. The open fluid pathway 90 allows for the refilling of the first chamber 50 with liquid from the second chamber 60. Thus, when not in use, the electronic smoking device 100 is arranged such that the first chamber 50 is refilled with liquid from the second chamber 60. Thus, the frequency by which a user is required to refill the electronic smoking device is vastly reduced compared to electronic smoking devices of the prior art.

With further reference to Figure 6, when the valve 80 is in the open position, as described above, the first pair of electrical contacts 130 are not aligned with the second pair of electrical contacts 140. As such, the pairs of electrical contacts 130, 140 do not form a complete electrical circuit, therefore, electrical power cannot be fed to the atomiser. As such, the atomiser is not powered to vaporise liquid in the first chamber 50 and the atomiser cannot be powered by the user.

Movement of the first chamber 50 relative to the housing 20 to dose the valve 80 may be performed by an operating means which, in the described embodiment, is the first chamber 50 such that rotating the first chamber 50 away from the housing 2 and into a substantially upright position closes the valve 80. Rotation of the first chamber 50 also causes rotation of the first pair of electrical contacts 130 and the first orifice 70a. As such, rotation of the first chamber 50 causes the first pair of electrical contacts 130 to move into alignment with the second pair of electrical contacts 140, therefore, forming a complete electrical circuit, therefore activating the atomiser to vaporise liquid in the first. chamber 50. Rotation of the first chamber 50 also, therefore, takes orifice 70a out of alignment with orifice 70b such that the fluid pathway is closed, preventing the flow of liquid from the second chamber 60 into the first chamber 50, ad closing the valve 80.

Rotating the first chamber 50 toward the housing 20 moves the first pair of electrical contacts 130 out of alignment with the second pair of electrical contacts 140, therefore, opening the electrical circuit such that electrical power cannot flow therebetween. Thus, the atomiser cannot be powered by the power source 30. Rotating the first chamber 50 toward the housing 20 also brings into alignment the first orifice 70a and the second orifice 70b such that an open fluid pathway 90 is formed therebetween, therefore, opening the valve 80.

With reference to Figures 8 to 12, there is shown a further embodiment of the electronic smoking device 1000 of the invention.

The electronic smoking device 1000 may comprise a housing 200 accommodating a power source 300, an atomiser (not shown), and a first chamber 500 30 for holding a liquid (not shown). The first chamber 500 may be in fluid communication with the atomiser. The housing 200 may further accommodate a second chamber 600 for holding a liquid (not shown). The first chamber 500 and the second chamber 600 may be connected by a connector 700. The connector 700 may comprise a valve 800 operable by a user (not shown). The valve 800 may be operable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, an open fluid pathway 900 may be formed between the first chamber 500 and the second chamber 600 such that liquid is moveable from the second chamber 600 to the first chamber 500. In the closed position, the fluid pathway 900 may be closed such that liquid is not moveable between the second chamber 600 and the first chamber 500.

hi the described embodiment, the first. chamber 500 may have a liquid holding 10 capacity of no more than 2m1, and the second chamber 600 may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 5m1 to about 10m1. The liquid (not shown) may be any known e-liquid', for example a nicotine-comprising liquid.

In the described embodiment, the first chamber 500 comprises, in addition to the liquid, a vapour channel (not shown) for the passage of liquid which has been IS vapourised by the atomiser when the electronic smoking device 1000 is in use. When in use, the user inhales from a nozzle 1200 which protrudes above the surface of the housing 200 and is arranged at a distal end of the first chamber 500. The nozzle 1200 comprises an orifice 1800 (arranged at a distal end of the nozzle 1200) through which vapor sed liquid is inhaled by the user when the electronic smoking device 1000 is in use.

hi the described embodiment, the connector 700 comprises two orifices 700a, 700b. A first orifice 700a may be arranged on a surface of the first chamber 500. A second orifice 700b may be arranged at a proximal end of the second chamber 600. When the first orifice 700a is aligned with the second orifice 700b, a fluid pathway 900 /5 is formed between the two orifices 700a, 700b and, therefore, a fluid pathway 900 is formed between the first chamber 500 and the second chamber 600. The fluid pathway 900 may allow for the flow of liquid held within the second chamber 600 into the first chamber 500.

The first chamber 500 may comprise a first pair of contacts 1300. A second 30 pair of contacts 1400 may be arranged on a sleeve 1600 which at least partially surrounds the power source 300. The pairs of contacts 1300, 1400 together form a switch. When the pairs of contacts 1300, 1400 are aligned, a closed electrical circuit is formed within the housing 200, therefore, an electrical current can pass around the electrical circuit from the power source 600. When the pairs of contacts 1300, 1400 are not aligned, the electrical circuit Is considered to be an 'open' electrical circuit, therefore, an electrical current cannot pass around the circuit.

In the described embodiment, the power source 300 is a rechargeable battery.

In the described embodiment, the valve 800 is formed by way of the connector 700.

With reference to Figure 10 and Figure 12, the valve 800 is closed when the first orifice 700a and the second orifice 700b are not aligned. When the first orifice 700a and the second orifice 700b are not aligned, a fluid pathway is not formed between the two orifices 700a, 700b. Thus, a fluid pathway is also not formed between the first chamber 500 and the second chamber 600 and, therefore, the flow of liquid from the second chamber 600 to the first chamber 500 is prevented.

With further reference to Figure 10 and Figure 12. when the valve 800 is in the closed position, as described above, the first pair of electrical contacts 1300 are aligned with the second pair of electrical contacts 1400, therefore, forming a complete electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is connected to the atomiser. As such, when the electrical circuit is complete (i.e., when the valve 800 is in the dosed position), the atomiser may be activated by a user. Activation of the atomiser causes a portion of the liquid in the first chamber 500 to be vaporised. Simultaneously, or at least substantially simultaneously, to vaporisation of the liquid in the first chamber 500, the user inhales through the nozzle 1200, creating a negative pressure in the vapour channel. The vapour created in the atomiser, therefore, flows through the vapour channel and out of the nozzle 1200 via the orifice 1800, typically into a user's mouth (not shown).

When the valve 800 is in the closed position, the maximum volume of liquid possibly vaporised by the atomiser is the liquid present in the first chamber 500. In the described embodiment, the first chamber 500 has a liquid holding capacity of no more than 2m1. As such, the electronic smoking device 1000 is compliant with TPD.

With reference to Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 11, the valve 800 is open when the first orifice 700a and the second orifice 7006 are aligned. When the first orifice 700a and the second orifice 700b are aligned, a fluid pathway 900 is formed between the two orifices 700a, 700b. Thus, a fluid pathway 900 is also formed between the first 5 chamber 500 and the second chamber 600. Thus, when the valve 800 is in the open position, a flow of liquid from the second chamber 600 to the first chamber 500 occurs. The flow of liquid may be by any known pump system or by gravity. The open fluid pathway 900 allows for the refilling of the first chamber 500 with liquid from the second chamber 600. Thus, when not in use, the electronic smoking device 1000 is arranged 10 such that the first chamber 500 is refilled with liquid from the second chamber 600. Thus, the frequency by which a user is required to refill the electronic smoking device is vastly reduced compared to electronic smoking devices of the prior art.

With further reference to Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 11, when the valve 800 is in the open position, as described above, the first pair of electrical contacts 1300 are not aligned with the second pair of electrical contacts 1400. As such, the pairs of electrical contacts 1300, 1400 do not form a complete electrical circuit, therefore, electrical power cannot be fed to the atomiser. As such, the atomiser is not powered to vaporise liquid in the first chamber 500 and the atomiser cannot be powered by the user.

Moving the valve 80 between the open position and the closed position may be performed by an operating means which, in the described embodiment, is the sleeve 1600. As such, rotating the sleeve 1600 causes the valve to open and close. Rotation of the sleeve 1600 also causes rotation of the second pair of electrical contacts 1400 and the connector 700. The sleeve 1600 and the connector 700 may be connected to one another such that rotation of the sleeve 1600 also rotates the connector 700 which in turn rotates the first orifice 700a such that the first orifice 700a is moved out of alignment with the second orifice 700b, therefore, closing the fluid pathway between the first chamber 500 and the second chamber 600 (see Figure 10), therefore closing the valve 800.

Rotation of the sleeve 1600 also causes rotation of the first pair of electrical 30 contacts 1300. As such, rotation of the sleeve 1600 anti-clockwise causes the first pair of electrical contacts 1300 to move into alignment with the second pair of electrical contacts 1400 (see Figure 12), therefore, forming a complete electrical circuit, therefore activating the atomiser to vaporise liquid in the first chamber 500 using electrical power from the power source 600.

Rotating the sleeve 1600 clockwise moves the first pair of electrical contacts 5 1300 out of alignment with the second pair of electrical contacts 1400, therefore, opening the electrical circuit such that electrical power cannot flow therebetween (see Figure 11). Thus, the atomiser cannot be powered by the power source 300. Rotating the sleeve 1600 clockwise also brings into alignment the first mifice 700a and the second orifice 700b such that an open fluid pathway 90 is formed therebetween, 10 therefore, opening the valve 800 (see Figures 8 and 9) such that liquid can flow from the second chamber 600 into the first chamber 500.

With reference to Figures 13 and 14, there is shown a further embodiment of the electronic smoking device 10000 of the invention. In the embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14, the valve is in the open position.

The electronic smoking device 10000 may comprise a power source 3000, an atomiser (not shown), and a first chamber 5000 for holding a liquid (not shown). The first chamber 5000 may be in fluid communication with the atomiser The electronic smoking device 10000 may further comprise a second chamber 6000 for holding a liquid (not shown). The first chamber 5000 and the second chamber 6000 may be in fluid communication when a valve 8000 is in an open position. The valve 8000 may be operable by a user (not shown). The valve 8000 may be operable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, an open fluid pathway may be formed between the first chamber 5000 and the second chamber 6000 such that liquid is moveable from the second chamber 6000 to the first chamber 5000. In the closed /5 position, the fluid pathway may be closed such that liquid is not moveable between the second chamber 6000 and the first chamber 5000.

In the described embodiment, the first chamber 5000 may have a liquid holding capacity of no more than 2m1, and the second chamber 6000 may have a liquid holding capacity of from about 5m1 to about 10m1. The liquid (not shown) may be any known e-liquid', for example a nicotine-comprising liquid.

In the described embodiment, the first chamber 5000 comprises, in addition to the liquid, a vapour channel (not shown) for the passage of liquid which has been vapourised by the atomiser when the electronic smoking device 10000 is in use. When in use, the user inhales from a nozzle which protrudes above the surface of the electronic smoking device 10000 and is arranged at a distal end of the first chamber 5000. The nozzle comprises an orifice 18000 (arranged at a distal end of the nozzle) through which vaporised liquid is inhaled by the user when the electronic smoking device 10000 is in use.

In the described embodiment, the second chamber 6000 may comprise an outlet 10 6000a. The outlet 6000a may allow for flow of the liquid held within the second chamber 6000 out of the second chamber 6000. The outlet 6000a of the second chamber 6000 may be in fluid communication with the valve 8000.

The valve 8000 may comprise an inlet 8000b. The inlet 8000b may allow for fluid to flow into the valve 8000. The valve 8000 may comprise an interior chamber 15 8000a. The inlet 8000b may allow for fluid to flow into the interior chamber 8000a of the valve 8000.

The valve 8000 may comprise an outlet 8000c. The outlet 8000c may allow for flow of liquid out of the valve 8000, preferably out of the interior chamber 8000a of the valve 8000. The outlet 8000c may allow for flow of liquid out of the valve 8000 into 20 the first chamber 5000.

The electronic smoking device 10000 may comprise an operating means 17000 to operate the valve 8000. A portion of the operating means 17000 may be accommodated within the valve 8000, in particular within the interior chamber 8000a of the valve 8000. The operating means 17000 may comprise an interior chamber. The interior chamber may coincide substantially with the interior chamber 8000a of the valve 8000. The operating means 17000 may comprise an inlet 17000a. The inlet 17000a may allow for flow of liquid into the operating means 17000, in particular into the interior chamber of the operating means 17000. The operating means 17000 may comprise an outlet 17000b. The outlet 17000b may allow for flow of liquid out of the operating means 17000, preferably out of the interior chamber of the operating means 17000. The outlet 17000b may allow for flow of liquid out of the operating means 17000, preferably out of the interior chamber 17000b of the operating means 17000, into the first chamber 5000. The outlet 170006 may allow for flow of liquid out of the operating means 17000, preferably out of the interior chamber 17000b of the operating means 17000, into the interior chamber 8000a of the valve 8000, out of the valve outlet 8000c and into the first chamber 5000.

The first chamber 5000 may comprise an inlet 5000a. The inlet 5000a may allow for flow of liquid into the first chamber 5000.

When the valve 8000 is in the open position, the electronic smoking device 10000 may comprise an open fluid pathway allowing for the flow of liquid out of the second chamber 6000 via the outlet 6000a of the second chamber 6000, through the inlet 8000b of the valve 8000, into the interior chamber 8000a of the valve 8000, into the inlet 17000a of the operating means 17000, into the interior chamber of the operating means 17000, out of the operating means 17000 via the outlet 17000b of the operating means 17000 into the interior chamber of the valve 8000, out of the valve IS 8000 via the outlet 8000c of the valve 8000 and into the first chamber 5000 via the inlet 5000a of the first chamber 5000.

The operating means 17000 is rotatable relative to the valve 8000. When rotated sufficiently, for example 900 in the described embodiment, the open fluid pathway between the second chamber 6000 and the valve 8000 is closed such that liquid from the second chamber 6000 cannot flow into the valve 8000 nor therefore flow into the first chamber 5000.

The operating means 17000 may comprise a first pair of contacts (not shown). A second pair of contacts (not shown) may be arranged on a surface of the interior chamber 8000a of the valve 8000 which at least partially surrounds the operating means 17000. The pairs of contacts together form a switch. When the pairs of contacts are aligned, a closed electrical circuit is formed, therefore, an electrical current can pass around the electrical circuit from the power source 6000. When the pairs of contacts are not aligned, the electrical circuit is considered to be an 'open' electrical circuit, therefore, an electrical current cannot pass around the circuit.

hi the described embodiment, the power source 3000 is a rechargeable battery.

The valve 8000 is dosed when the inlet 17000a of the operating means 17000 is not aligned with the inlet 8000b of the valve 8000. When the inlet 17000a of the operating means 17000 is not aligned with the inlet 8000b of the valve 8000, a fluid pathway is not formed between the two inlets 17000a and 8000b. Thus, a fluid pathway is also not formed between the first chamber 5000 and the second chamber 6000 and, therefore, the flow of liquid from the second chamber 6000 to the first chamber 5000 is prevented.

When the valve 8000 is in the closed position, as described above, the first pair of electrical contacts are aligned with the second pair of electrical contacts, therefore, forming a complete electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is connected to the atomiser (not shown). As such, when the electrical circuit is complete (i.e., when the valve 8000 is in the closed position), the atomiser may be activated by a user. Activation of the atomiser causes a portion of the liquid in the first chamber 5000 to be vaporised. Simultaneously, or at least substantially simultaneously, to vaporisation of the liquid in the first chamber 5000, the user inhales through the nozzle, creating a negative pressure in the vapour channel. The vapour created in the atomiser, therefore, flows through the vapour channel and out of the nozzle via the orifice 18000, typically into a user's mouth (not shown).

When the valve 8000 is in the closed position, the maximum volume of liquid 20 possibly vaporised by the atomiser is the liquid present in the first chamber 5000. In the described embodiment, the first chamber 5000 has a liquid holding capacity of no more than 2m1. As such, the electronic smoking device 10000 is compliant with TPD.

With reference to Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 11, the valve 800 is open when the inlet 17000a of the operating means 17000 is aligned with the inlet 8000b of the /5 valve 8000. When the inlet 17000a of the operating means 17000 is aligned with the inlet 8000b of the valve 8000, a fluid pathway is formed between the two inlets 8000b and 17000a. Thus, a fluid pathway is also formed between the first chamber 5000 and the second chamber 6000. Thus, when the valve 8000 is in the open position, a flow of liquid from the second chamber 6000 to the first chamber 5000 can occur. The flow of liquid may be by any known pump system or by gravity. The open fluid pathway allows for the refilling of the first chamber 5000 with liquid from the second chamber 6000.

Thus, when not in use, the electronic smoking device 10000 is arranged such that the first chamber 5000 is refilled with liquid from the second chamber 6000. Thus, the frequency by which a user is required to refill the electronic smoking device is vastly reduced compared to electronic smoking devices of the prior art.

When the valve 8000 is in the open position, as described above, the first pair of electrical contacts are not aligned with the second pair of electrical contacts. As such, the pairs of electrical contacts do not form a complete electrical circuit, therefore, electrical power cannot be fed to the atomiser. As such, the atomiser is not powered to vaporise liquid in the first chamber 5000 and the atomiser cannot be powered by the user.

Moving the valve 8000 between the open position and the closed position may be performed by rotating the operating means 17000. Rotating the operating means 17000 can be achieved by a user gripping and rotating (in a twisting motion) any greppable portion of the operating means 17000. As such, rotating the operating means IS 17000 causes the valve 8000 to open and dose. Rotation of the operating means 17000 also causes rotation of the second pair of electrical contacts. The operating means 17000 and the second pair of electrical contacts may be connected to one another such that rotation of the operating means 17000 also rotates the second pair of electrical contacts which in turn rotates the inlet 17000a of the operating means 17000 such that the inlet 17000a is moved out of alignment with the inlet 8000b of the valve 8000, therefore, closing the fluid pathway between the first chamber 5000 and the second chamber 6000, therefore closing the valve 8000.

The second chamber 6000 can be removed from the electronic smoking device 10000 without displacement or removal of the atomiser, valve 8000 and operating /5 means 17000. This means that a further second chamber, ready filled with liquid, for example e-liquid, can be fitted into the electronic smoking device 10000 in place of the removed second chamber 6000. This is beneficial as it is typically not user-friendly to have to refill a second chamber using a refill station, or similar, before refitting the second chamber 6000 into the electronic smoking device 10000.

In further embodiment (not shown), the valve may be formed integral with the second chamber such that the second chamber and valve may be attached to the remaining components of the electronic smoking device without the possibility of liquid leaking or spilling whilst attempting to attach the second chamber to the other components of the electronic smoking device. TPD law requires that there is no possibility of spillage of the liquid while docking the second chamber, hence the described embodiments of the invention removes the need for further seals/valves/barriers on the second chamber that prevent spillage when the product is initially used (in the case where second chamber filled with liquid is first attached to the electronic smoking device via the valve).

In the described embodiment, the second chamber 6000 may be formed integral with the valve 8000 and the operating means 17000. In such an embodiment, the second chamber 6000, valve 8000 and operating means 17000 may be removable from the remaining components of the electronic smoking device 10000. In the described embodiment, when the second chamber 6000, valve 8000 and operating means 17000 are removed from the remaining components of the electronic smoking device 10000, the fluid pathway between the first chamber 5000 and the second chamber 6000 is closed and fluid cannot flow from the second chamber 6000 to the first chamber 5000.

Moreover, in such an embodiment, when the second chamber 6000, valve 8000 and operating means 17000 are removed from the remaining components of the electronic smoking device 10000, pairs of electrical contacts (not shown) which, when aligned, may form an electrical circuit to provide electrical power to the atomiser, may be aligned such that the electrical circuit may be closed such that electrical power can be provided to the atomiser such that the electronic smoking device 10000 is operable to a user for inhaling atomised or vaporised liquid held in the first chamber 5000.

Further, in such an embodiment, when the second chamber 6000, valve 8000 /5 and operating means 17000 are fitted to the remaining components of the electronic smoking device 10000, pairs of electrical contacts (not shown) which, when aligned, may form an electrical circuit to provide electrical power to the atomiser, may not be aligned such that the electrical circuit may be open such that electrical power cannot be provided to the atomiser and the electronic smoking device 10000 is not operable to a user for inhaling atomised or vaporised liquid held in the first chamber 5000.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electronic smoking device comprising a power source, an atomiser, a first chamber for holding a liquid, wherein the first chamber is in fluid communication with the atomiser, a second chamber for holding a liquid, wherein the electronic smoking device further comprises a valve operable by a user, said valve being operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the open position, an open fluid pathway is formed between the first chamber and the second chamber such that liquid is moveable from the second chamber to the first chamber, further wherein, in the closed position, the fluid pathway is closed such that liquid is not moveable between the second chamber and the first chamber.
2. An electronic smoking device according to claim 1, wherein the first chamber has a liquid holding capacity of no more than about 2m1.
3. An electronic smoking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second chamber has a liquid holding capacity of greater than about 2m1.
4. An electronic smoking device according to claim 3, wherein the second chamber has a liquid holding capacity of from about 5m1 to about 10m1.
5. An electronic smoking device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises a switch associated with the valve and the power source.
6. An electronic smoking device according to claim 5, wherein, when the valve is in the open position, the switch is actuated to disable power from the power source to the atomiser.
7. An electronic smoking device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, when the valve is in the closed position, the switch is actuated to allow power from the power source to the atomiser.
8. An electronic smoking device according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve is operable by a slider arranged on an outer facing portion of the electronic smoking device.
An electronic smoking device according to claim 8, wherein the slider is moveable between a first position and a second position.
10. An electronic smoking device according to claim 9, wherein when the slider is in the first position, the valve is in the closed position, and vvhen the slider is in the second position, the valve is in the open position.
11. An electronic smoking device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, moving the slider into the first position causes the projection of a nozzle from within the electronic smoking device.
12. An electronic smoking device according to claim 11, wherein, in use, the user inhales vaporised liquid from the nozzle.
13. An electronic smoking device according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein moving the slider into the second position causes the retraction of the nozzle into the electronic smoking device.
14. An electronic smoking device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the valve is operable by moving the first chamber between a first position and a second position.
15. An electronic smoking device according to claim 14, wherein, when in the first position, the valve is in the closed position, and when in the second position, the valve is in the open position.
16. An electronic smoking device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the valve is a rotary valve.
17. An electronic smoking device according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first chamber is rotatable, relative to a component of the electronic smoking device such as the second chamber, power source and/or atomiser, between the first position and the second position.
18. An electronic smoking device according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the valve comprises a return mechanism, preferably the return mechanism is a spring-loaded valve.
19. An electronic smoking device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second chamber is removable from the electronic smoking device.
20. An electronic smoking device according to any preceding claim, wherein the power source and the atomiser are joined by an electrical circuit.
21. An electronic smoking device according to claim 20, wherein, when the valve is in the open position, the electrical circuit is open and electrical power cannot flow from the power source to the atomiser.
22. An electronic smoking device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, when the valve is in the closed position, the electrical circuit is closed and electrical power can flow from the power source to the atomiser.
23. An electronic smoking device according to any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the electrical circuit comprises two pairs of electrical contacts.
24. An electronic smoking device according to claim 23, wherein a first pair of electrical contacts is arranged on the first chamber, and a second pair of electrical contacts is arranged within the electronic smoking device.
25. An electronic smoking device according to claim 23, wherein a first pair of electrical contacts is arranged on a sleeve at least partially surrounding the power source, and a second pair of electrical contacts is arranged on a body within the electronic smoking device.
26. An electronic smoking device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first chamber is arranged within a body which in turn is accommodated within the electronic smoking device.
27. An electronic smoking device according to any preceding claim, wherein the power source comprises one or more selected from the group comprising a single use battery, a rechargeable battery, an electiical plug, or combinations thereof.
28. An electronic smoking device according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve is operable by an operating means, said operating means being operable to move the valve from the open position to the dosed position, and from the closed position to the open position.
29. An electronic smoking device according to claim 28, wherein the operating means is formed integral with the first chamber and/or the second chamber and/or the power source.
30. An electronic smoking device according to claim 28, wherein the operating means is connected to the first chamber and/or the second chamber and/or the power source.
31. An electronic smoking device according to any of claims 28 to 30, wherein the operating means is arranged on a surface of the electronic smoking device, preferably wherein the operating means is arranged on an outer facing portion of the electronic smoking device.
32. An electronic smoking device according to any of claims 28 to 31, wherein the operating means is powered by an electrical actuator or a motor, for example an electrical motor.
33. An electronic smoking device according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve is formed integral with the second chamber.
34. An electronic smoking device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second chamber is removable from the remaining components of the electronic smoking device, optionally wherein the second chamber and the valve are rernoveable from the remaining components of the electronic smoking device.
35. An electronic smoking device according to claim 34, wherein when the second chamber, or the second chamber and the valve, is removed from the remaining components of the electronic smoking device, an electrical circuit between the power source and the atomiser is closed such that the electronic smoking device is operable to a user for inhaling atomised or vaporised liquid held in the first chamber.
36. An electronic smoking device according to claim 34 or 35, wherein when the second chamber, or the second chamber and the valve, is fitted to the remaining components of the electronic smoking device, an electrical circuit between the power source and the atomiser is open such that the electronic smoking device is not operable to a user for inhaling atomised or vaporised liquid held in the first chamber.
37. An electronic smoking device according to claim 34 or 35, wherein when the second chamber, or the second chamber and the valve, is fitted to the remaining components of the electronic smoking device, an electrical circuit between the power source and the atomiser is closed such that the electronic smoking device is operable to a user for inhaling atomised or vaporised liquid held in the first chamber, but only when the valve is in the closed position.