US20220183356A1

US20220183356A1 - Assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: US20220183356A1
Application number: US17/425,717
Authority: US
Inventors: Patrick Moloney
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-25
Filing date: 2020-01-23
Publication date: 2022-06-16
Also published as: CN113226070B; IL284296A; CN113226070A; KR20210104871A; CA3124617A1; GB201901067D0; BR112021014431A2; AU2020211729A1; AU2020211729B2; JP2022517508A; CN117256932A; EP3914102A1; WO2020152295A1

Abstract

An assembly (400) for insertion into an aerosol provision device (100) is provided. The assembly comprises a body (402), aerosol forming material positioned along a flow path at least partially defined by the body, and a sealing element (404). The sealing element is moveable between a first position (FIG. 4A) and a second position (FIG. 4B). In the first position the sealing element is configured to close at least a portion of the flow path to reduce atmospheric air contacting the aerosol forming material. In the second position the sealing element is positioned to allow atmospheric air to travel along the flow path and contact the aerosol forming material. The sealing element is attached to the body in both the first position and the second position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2020/051677, filed Jan. 23, 2020, which application claims the benefit of priority to GB 1901067.7 filed Jan. 25, 2019, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device, for example a consumable for an aerosol provision device.

BACKGROUND

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds by heating, but not burning, the material. The material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device. The assembly comprises: a body; aerosol forming material positioned along a flow path at least partially defined by the body; and a sealing element. The seal element is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the sealing element is configured to close at least a portion of the flow path to reduce atmospheric air contacting the aerosol forming material. In the second position the sealing element is positioned to allow atmospheric air to travel along the flow path and contact the aerosol forming material. The sealing element is attached to the body in both the first position and the second position.
According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device. The assembly comprises: a body; aerosol forming material positioned along a flow path at least partially defined by the body; and a sealing element. The sealing element is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the sealing element is configured to at least partially seal the flow path to reduce atmospheric air contacting the aerosol forming material. In the second position the sealing element is positioned to allow atmospheric air to travel along the flow path and contact the aerosol forming material. The assembly comprises an adhesive positioned between the sealing element and the body, the adhesive being configured to hold the sealing element in the first position.
According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising the assembly of any of the first and second aspects, and an aerosol provision device configured to receive the assembly. In operation, the aerosol provision device generates an aerosol from the aerosol forming material.
Further features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the disclosure, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is shows a perspective view of an example of an aerosol provision device;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the example aerosol provision device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the example aerosol provision device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device according to a first example;

FIG. 5 shows an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device according to a second example;

FIG. 6 shows an end view of the assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device according to a third example;

FIG. 8 shows an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device according to a fourth example;

FIG. 9 shows an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device according to a fifth example;

FIG. 10 shows an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device according to a sixth example;

FIG. 11 shows an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device according to a seventh example;

FIG. 12 shows an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device according to an eighth example;

FIG. 13 shows an assembly for insertion into an aerosol provision device according to a ninth example;

While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A first aspect of the present disclosure defines an assembly (which can also be referred to as a consumable, an article, or a consumable article), having a sealing element that is movable between a first position and a second position, where the sealing element is attached to a body of the consumable in both positions. The consumable is insertable into an aerosol provision device and is heated (or more generally atomised) to produce an aerosol which is subsequently inhaled by a user. The assembly may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating (or atomisation) chamber sized to receive the assembly. In one example, an assembly is tubular in nature, and may be known as a “tobacco stick”, for example, the assembly may comprise tobacco formed in a specific shape which is then coated, or wrapped in one or more other materials, such as paper [[and/or]] or foil. In another example, the assembly may be a flat substrate with aerosol forming material deposited on one or more sides of the substrate.
The assembly has an integrated sealing element which seals the flow path to retain freshness of the aerosol forming material. A user may, for example, remove the sealing element prior to heating or inhaling the aerosol by moving the sealing element from the first position to the second position. The first position may therefore be a closed position, and the second position may be an open position. By being attached to the body of the assembly at all times, the assembly remains a single item, so the sealing element is less likely to be misplaced, such as when the assembly is used to generate an aerosol and the sealing element is in the second position). After a session of inhaling the aerosol, an aerosol forming material comprised of the assembly may not be fully depleted. To ensure the remaining aerosol forming material stays fresher for longer, a user may reseal the flow path to reduce atmospheric air from coming into contact with the aerosol forming material by moving the sealing element from the second position to the first position. The sealing element is already attached to the body of the consumable, so a user is less likely to misplace the sealing element should it be desired to reseal the assembly. Accordingly, the quality of the aerosol forming material can remain as high as possible for longer since the user is less likely to lose the sealing element. Moreover, the user is more likely to apply the sealing element after a session if the user does not have to spend time locating the sealing element. Furthermore, the user is more likely to apply the sealing element relatively quickly after the session ends, therefore keeping the quality of the aerosol forming material as high as possible.
The body of the assembly may be elongate in nature, be cylindrical, be a cuboid, or be a substantially flat. In some examples, the sealing element is a first sealing element and the consumable comprises a second sealing element, where both the first and second sealing elements are movable between the first position and the second position. For example, the first sealing element may seal an “outlet” out of the flow path, and the second sealing element may seal an “inlet” into the flow path. By having a separate, but attached, sealing element for both the inlet and the outlet, the freshness of the aerosol forming material can be improved further because it further reduces the likelihood of atmospheric air from contacting the aerosol forming material.
The assembly may comprise an attachment element to attach the sealing element to the body. For example, the attachment element may be a connector, such as a length of material, which extends between the body of the assembly and the sealing element. The attachment element may be attached at one end to the body, and at another end may be attached to the sealing element. The attachment element may be constructed from a compressible, flexible or resilient material so that the attachment element is less likely to obstruct the flow path. For instance, the user may fold or roll up the attachment element when the assembly element is inserted into the aerosol provision device and the sealing element is in the second position.
The sealing element may be integrally formed with the body. For example, the sealing element and the body of the assembly may be constructed from the same material and be integrally formed. By having an integrally formed sealing element, the assembly is easier to manufacture because there are fewer manufacturing steps required to produce a separate sealing element and to attach the separate sealing element to the body. In addition, a unitary assembly can mean that the sealing element is less likely to separate from the body, because there are fewer points of failure. In one specific example, the sealing element is joined to the body by a living hinge.
The body may define an inlet to and an outlet from the flow path, and the sealing element comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein, in the first position the first portion is configured to close the outlet and the second portion is configured to close the inlet. Therefore, unlike the example previously described which has separate first and second sealing elements, this example assembly comprises a unitary sealing element capable of sealing both the inlet and the outlet.
The body may be a substrate, and the aerosol forming material is positioned on a surface of the substrate, and the sealing element is configured to cover the aerosol forming material. For example, the substrate may be a substantially flat substrate constructed from cardboard, paper or a polymer. In other examples, however, the substrate may not be flat, and may have an undulating profile, for example. The sealing element may cover the whole, or a portion, of the substrate and the aerosol forming material is deposited onto, or within the substrate. In a particular example, a gel aerosol forming material may be deposited onto the surface of the substrate. This construction can be inexpensive to produce. The sealing element may be attached to the substrate at one or more places.
When the body is a substrate, the aerosol forming material may be positioned within a recess defined by the surface of the substrate, and the sealing element is configured to cover the recess. This type of assembly can therefore provide a profile which is more uniform in nature than a substrate having aerosol forming material deposited on its surface, because the substrate has an increased depth in the places on its surface where the material is deposited. The assembly may therefore be more easily packed and stored. In addition, the sealing element may be simpler to produce or more effective because it need not conform to the shape of the aerosol forming material and can lie flush with the surface of the substrate and top of the recess. Further still, direct contact between the sealing element and the aerosol forming material may be undesirable, so the recess provides a way to avoid this contact.
The sealing element may be a lid. The lid may be dimensioned to be at least partially received within the body when in the first position. This construction means that the lid can be inserted into the body of the assembly while in the first position. This can be useful to provide a compact assembly. In addition, because the lid is within the body, it is less likely to be accidentally displaced and moved into the second position. The lid may also be dimensioned to surround at least a portion of the body when in the first position. Therefore, unlike when the lid is received within the body, the lid is applied over one end of the body so that it overlaps and surrounds an outer perimeter of the body. This construction can make it easier for a user to attach, remove and reattach the sealing element by hand. In addition, the space within the body does not need to accommodate the lid, so more space is available within the body for aerosol forming material. The lid may be constructed from resilient or elastic material to enable the lid to be stretched over or around the outer perimeter of the body or to engage a lip or step on the outer perimeter.
The assembly may further comprise a fastener, or a fastening assembly, that is arranged to cooperate with the sealing element to hold the sealing element in the first position. The fastener therefore provides means to securely fasten the sealing element to the body and retain the sealing element in the first position. The fastener therefore makes it less likely for the sealing element to accidentally move from the first position to the second position.
The fastener may be a clip, a snap-fit fastener, press-stud fastener, or suction pad which holds the sealing element in place. The fastener may be provided by a magnet, which cooperates with magnetically susceptible material to hold the sealing element in place. The fastener may be located on the body or on the sealing element, or a fastener may be located on the body and a corresponding faster may be located on the sealing element. The fastener may be a single element or may be a fastener assembly.
The fastener may comprise a thread. For example, the sealing element may be a screw fit lid, which screws onto the thread to hold the lid in place.
The sealing element may comprise a first engagement surface and the body may comprise a second engagement surface, the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface being configured to engage each other in the first position to hold the sealing element in the first position, such as by a friction fit. Hence, in some examples, two surfaces come into mutual contact and a frictional force between the surfaces holds the sealing element in place. This frictional fastening means provides a simple and effective means of securing the sealing element in place. Furthermore, this construction of is easy to manufacture and is relatively inexpensive when compared to other fasteners. In addition, a friction fit may allow the assembly to have a more compact design and a lower profile.
The assembly may comprise an adhesive positioned between the sealing element and the body, the adhesive being configured to hold the sealing element in the first position. Adhesive may provide a low profile and is an effective method of sealing the flow path. The adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. This may allow reattachment of the sealing element after the sealing element has been initially peeled off.
A second aspect of the present disclosure defines an assembly (also referred to as a consumable, an article, or a consumable article), having a sealing element that is movable between a first position and a second position, where the assembly comprises an adhesive positioned between the sealing element and the body, the adhesive being configured to hold the sealing element in the first position.
In the second aspect, the assembly has a sealing element which seals the flow path to retain freshness of the aerosol forming material using adhesive. A user may, for example, peel off the sealing element prior to heating or inhaling the aerosol by moving the sealing element from the first position to the second position. Unlike in the first aspect, the sealing element need not always be attached to the consumable. As briefly mentioned above, adhesive is a particularly advantageous means of securing the sealing element to the body of the assembly to ensure the aerosol forming material stay fresh within the flow path. The sealing element therefore prevents moisture from the air from contacting the aerosol forming material, or prevents moisture from the aerosol forming material from evaporating.
The adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which may allow reattachment of the sealing element. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is one which forms a bond when pressure is applied. It may enable the sealing element to be peeled off (i.e. moved from the first position to the second position) and reapplied (i.e. moved from the second position to the first position) at least once. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is therefore useful to allow a user to consume part of the aerosol forming material, reseal the sealing element to retain freshness, and at a later time to remove the sealing element again to continue consuming the aerosol forming material. The pressure-sensitive adhesive may comprise an elastomer such as an acrylic, and a tackifier such as a rosin ester.
The adhesive may comprise a “structural” adhesive, such as a polysaccharide. As used herein, “polysaccharides” encompasses polymeric carbohydrate molecules composed of long chains of monosaccharide units bound together by glycosidic linkages, and salts and derivatives of such compounds. Suitably, derivatives of such compounds may have ester, ether, acid, amine, amide, urea, thiol, thioether, thioester, thiocarboxylic acid or thioamide side groups on the monosaccharide units. Example polysaccharides include cellulose and cellulose derivatives and alginic acid and salts thereof. In some examples, the polysaccharide comprises pectin. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide may adhere the sealing element to either or both of the aerosol forming material and the body of the consumable.
Polysaccharides demonstrate good wettability properties, which aid in bonding the sealing element to the consumable. This is particularly the case when the adhesive is bonding a hydrophobic surface, such as the sealing element, to the aerosol forming material which can comprise a liquid.
In some examples the adhesive is Generally Recognised As Safe by the Food and Drug Administration (GRAS). For example, the adhesive may be food acceptable and optionally, a food grade material. The adhesive may therefore be non-toxic and safe for ingestion. This is useful because the adhesive (or a portion thereof) may come into contact with a mouth of a user or be aerosolised for possible inhalation by a user.
In some examples, a first adhesive force between the adhesive and the sealing element is greater than a second adhesive force between the adhesive and the body. This may ensure that all or a majority of the adhesive remains on the sealing element, rather than being transferred to the body after removal of the sealing element. Any adhesive which remains on the consumable may affect the taste of the aerosol or may interfere with operation of the device during heating.
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an example of an aerosol provision device 100. In broad outline, the device 100 may be used to heat an assembly (also referred to as a consumable, or article, or a consumable article) to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the device 100. FIG. 1 shows the device 100 without a consumable inserted therein. FIG. 2 shows a top view of the device 100.
In FIGS. 1 and 2, the device 100 of this example comprises a housing 102. The housing 102 has an opening 104 in one end, which is configured to receive a consumable comprising an aerosol forming material. The aerosol forming material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine or flavorants.
As used herein, the terms “flavor” and “flavorant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. In some embodiments the aerosol forming material may comprise a vapor or aerosol generating agent or a humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin or diethylene glycol.
The consumable may be fully or partially inserted into the opening 104 so that it is received within a receptacle or chamber of the housing 102. In use, an aerosol generating element is arranged to aerosolise the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol for user inhalation. In one example, the aerosol generating element is a heater arranged in use to heat the consumable, although it should be appreciated that other aerosol generating elements adapted to generate aerosol may equally be used in other examples. The assembly may also comprise a cap 106, to cover the opening 104 when no consumable is in place. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the cap 106 is shown in an open configuration, however the cap 106 may slide into a closed configuration when the consumable is removed.
The device 100 may further comprise a control element 108. The control element 108 in this example is a button or a switch, and when a user activates the control element 108, the device 100 is switched on.
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an example system 200 comprising the device 100, shown in FIG. 1, and a replaceable consumable 110. In this example, the consumable 110 has been inserted into the opening 104 of the device 100. The device 100 has a receptacle, or heating chamber 112 which, in use, contains the consumable 110 to be heated. Upon insertion, the consumable 110 is engaged with the receptacle. The device 100 comprises one or more heaters 120 arranged to heat the replaceable consumable 110 once the consumable 110 has been received within the receptacle 112. The consumable 110 therefore comprises aerosol forming material that interacts with the heater 120 to generate an aerosol upon heating. The consumable 110 may also comprise one or more other elements, such as packaging materials or one or more filters. In some example systems 200, the consumable comprises one or more sealing elements that is configured to be seal a flow path through the consumable to improve the freshness of the aerosol forming material. The sealing element is discussed in more detail below.
The consumable 110 in this example is elongate, although the consumable may take any suitable shape. An end of the removable consumable 110 projects out of the device 100 through the opening 104 of the housing 102 such that the user may inhale the aerosol through the consumable in use. In other examples the consumable 110 is fully received within the heating chamber 112 such that it does not project out of the device 100. In such a case, the user may inhale the aerosol directly from the opening 104, or via a mouthpiece which may be connected to the housing 102 around the opening 104.
The device 100 further has an electronics/power chamber 114 which in this example contains electrical control circuitry 116 and a power source 118. The electrical control circuitry 116 may include a controller, such as a microprocessor arrangement, configured and arranged to control the heating of the removable consumable. The electrical control circuitry 116 may receive a signal from the control element 108 and activate a heater 120 in response. As an alternative, the device 100 may comprise features that send a signal to the control circuitry 116 to cause the heater 120 to be automatically activated when a user is drawing on the device 100. Electronic elements within the device 100 are electrically connected via one or more wires 124, shown depicted as dashed lines.
The power source 118 may be a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include for example a lithium-ion battery, a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), an alkaline battery and/or the like. The battery 118 is electrically coupled to one or more heaters 120 to supply electrical power when required to heat the consumable 110, and thereby generate an aerosol.
The heater 120 may be an electrically resistive heater, including for example a nichrome resistive heater, a ceramic heater, etc. The heater 120 may be an induction heater (which includes the arrangements of a susceptor in, or forming, the chamber 112, or a susceptor in the consumable 110). Other heating arrangements may be used.
FIG. 4A depicts an example consumable assembly 400 for use in the device 100 or any other aerosol provision device. The consumable comprises a sealing element 404 to assist keeping the aerosol forming material fresh when it is not being used. The consumable 400 comprises a body 402 having a generally cylindrical form and has a first end 406 and a second end 408. Disposed within the body 402 is aerosol forming material (not shown), and air is drawn through the body 402 to contact the aerosol forming material which is heated in use. In this example, the first end 406 and the second end 408 form an outlet and inlet, respectively. In other examples, however, the inlet and outlet may be positioned anywhere along the consumable 400. Air is drawn into the consumable via the inlet at the second end 408, passes along a flow path defined by the body 402 where it mixes with aerosol, and flows out of the outlet at the first end 406 before being inhaled by a user.
It has been found that by having an open inlet or outlet atmospheric air can come into contact with the aerosol forming material and degrade its flavor over time. To overcome this, the inlet, outlet, or both the inlet and the outlet can be covered by a sealing element 404 to retain freshness of the aerosol forming material. FIG. 4A shows an example sealing element 404 used to partially seal the outlet of the flow path through the consumable 400. A similar sealing element 404 may be used to seal the inlet. The sealing element may be constructed from any suitable material, such as plastic, paper, foil, cardboard, rubber, etc.
The example sealing element 404 comprises one or more components which can be moved into a closed position to reduce atmospheric air contacting the aerosol forming material. FIG. 4A shows the sealing element 404 positioned in an open position, which allows atmospheric air to travel along the flow path to contact the aerosol forming material. FIG. 4B shows the sealing element 404 after it has been moved into a closed position. To move the sealing element 404 into the closed position, a user may move the sealing element 404 in the direction of arrow 416.
In this example, the sealing element 404 is attached to the body 402 in both the open position and the closed position so that the sealing element 404 is less likely to be misplaced. The sealing element 404 may be attached to the body 402 by any means, however in this example a separate attachment element 410 extends between the sealing element 404 and the body 402 to ensure that the sealing element remains attached.
To ensure the sealing element 404 is held in the closed position, the consumable 400 may comprise a fastener, adhesive positioned between the sealing element and the body, or may be held in place via friction fit due to the engagement of two engagement surfaces. In the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the consumable 400 comprises a fastener 412, in this case a press-stud fastener, configured to engage a corresponding fastener 414. The fastener 412 and corresponding fastener 414 may therefore form a fastener assembly. Other types of fasteners can be used, for example, the fastener (or corresponding fastener) may comprise magnetically susceptible material and the corresponding fastener (or fastener) may comprise a magnet or both fasteners may be magnets arranged with opposite polarity when the fastener is fastened.
FIG. 5 depicts another example consumable assembly 500 for use in the device 100. The consumable 500 is similar to that described in relation to FIGS. 4A and 4B, however in this example, the consumable 500 comprises two lid sealing elements 504 a, 504 b having a threaded construction to allow the lids 504 a, 504 b to be screwed and held in the closed position. The lids 504 a, 504 b are dimensioned to surround at least a portion of the body 502 a when in the closed position.
The consumable 500 comprises a body 502 having a generally cylindrical form and has an outlet and an inlet located respectively at a first end 506 and a second end 508 of the body 502. The consumable of this example comprises a first sealing element 504 a to seal the outlet, and a second sealing element 504 b to seal the inlet. These sealing elements are in the form of a lid in this example. Together these ensure that the aerosol forming material remains fresh when it is not being used. In FIG. 5, the first sealing element 504 a is depicted in the open position, and the second sealing element 504 b is depicted in the closed position. The sealing elements 504 a, 504 b each comprise an attachment element 510 extending between the sealing element 504 a, 504 b and the body 502 to ensure that the sealing elements 504 a, 504 b remain attached to the body 502.
To ensure the sealing elements 504 a, 504 b are held in the closed position, the consumable 500 may comprise fasteners, adhesive positioned between the sealing elements 504 a, 504 b and the body 502, or they may be held in place via friction fit due to the engagement of two engagement surfaces. In the example of FIG. 5, however, the consumable 500 has a fastener comprising a male thread 512 located on an outer surface of the body 502, where the male thread 512 is configured to cooperate with a corresponding female thread 514 located on an inner surface of first sealing element 504 a. The second sealing element 504 b may also comprise a female thread configured to engage another set of male threads located on the body 502.
FIG. 6 depicts an end view of the first sealing element 504 a in the closed position. A user can rotate the lid 504 a (in the direction of arrow 516) about a rotational axis defined by a pin 518 or other rotational joint. The pin 518 connects the lid 504 a to attachment element 510, by extending through the lid 504 a and the attachment element 510. This mechanism therefore allows a user to screw the lid 504 a into place to secure the lid 504 a in the closed position.
FIG. 7 depicts another example consumable assembly 700 for use in the device 100. The consumable 700 is similar to that described in relation to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5, however in this example, the consumable 700 is a cuboid shape and comprises a lid sealing element 704 having a form which fits within the body 702. The lid sealing element 704 is therefore dimensioned to be at least partially received within the body 702 when in the closed position.
The consumable 700 comprises a body 702 having a generally cuboidal form and has an outlet and an inlet located respectively at a first end 706 and a second end 708 of the body 702. The consumable of this example comprises a sealing element 704 to seal the outlet, and a second sealing element (not visible in FIG. 7) to seal the inlet. The sealing elements are in the form of a lid in this example. Together these ensure that the aerosol forming material remains fresh when it is not being used. In FIG. 7, the sealing element 704 is depicted in the open position. The sealing element 704 may comprise a separate attachment element extending between the sealing element 704 and the body 702. For example, the attachment element may be located on an underside of the sealing element 704 and so is not visible in the figure. Alternatively, the lid 704 and the body 704 may be integrally formed, for example joined by a living hinge.
To ensure the sealing element 704 is held in the closed position, the consumable 700 is held in place via friction fit due to the engagement of two engagement surfaces. In the example of FIG. 7, the sealing element 704 comprises at least one first engagement surface 712 and the body 702 comprises at least one second engagement surface 714. The first engagement surface 712 and the second engagement surface 714 are configured to engage each other in the closed position to hold the sealing element in the closed position due to frictional forces. For example, the lid 704, which is inserted into the body 702 has a depth and therefore one or more faces 712 which abut one or more corresponding portions 714 on the inner surface of the body 702. This engagement causes the lid 704 to be held in place. A surface 716 of the lid 704 may be in contact with the aerosol forming material when in the closed position, or there may be a gap. By being inserted within the body 702, the lid 704 is less likely to “catch” and accidentally move to the open position.
FIG. 8 depicts another example consumable assembly 800 for use in the device 100. The consumable 800 is similar to that described in relation to FIG. 7. In this example, the consumable 800 comprises a sealing element 804 which is integrally formed with the body 802 and is joined by a living hinge. In addition, the consumable 800 comprises an adhesive positioned between the sealing element 804 and the body 802, where the adhesive holds the sealing element 804 in the closed position.
The consumable 800 comprises a body 802 having a generally cuboidal form and has an outlet and an inlet respectively located at a first end 806 and a second end 808 of the body 802. The consumable of this example comprises a sealing element 804 to seal the outlet, and a second sealing element to seal the inlet (not visible in FIG. 8). The sealing elements are in the form of a flap in this example. In FIG. 8, the sealing element 804 is depicted in the open position. A mentioned, the sealing element 804 and the body 802 are integrally formed, and a living hinge extends between the sealing element 804 and the body 802. This construction can allow a user to fold the sealing element 804 back towards an outer surface of the body 802 in the direction of arrow 816. In this position, the flap 804 can lie substantially flush with the outer surface of the body 802, which can allow the first end 806 of the consumable 800 to be more easily inserted into the heating chamber.
To ensure the sealing element 804 is held in the closed position, the sealing element 804 is held in place via adhesive. In the example of FIG. 8, the sealing element 804 comprises a first surface 812 and the body 802 comprises at least one second outer surface 814. The first surface 812 and the second surface 814 are configured to engage each other in the closed position and adhesive located on either or both the first and second surfaces 812, 814 can hold the sealing element in the closed position. For example, the tab 812 can engage a portion of the surface 814. In one particular example, the adhesive is a pressure-sensitive adhesive, to allow reattachment of the sealing element 804.
FIG. 9 depicts another example consumable assembly 900 for use in the device 100. The consumable 900 of this example comprises a single, unitary sealing element 904 comprising a first portion 904 a and a second portion 904 b. In the closed positions, the first portion 904 a is configured to close the outlet and the second portion 904 b is configured to close the inlet.
The consumable 900 comprises a body 902 having a generally cuboidal form and has an outlet and an inlet respectively located at a first end 906 and a second end 908 of the body 902. As mentioned, the consumable of this example comprises a single sealing element 904 comprising a first portion 904 a to seal the outlet 906, and a second portion 904 b to seal the inlet. By having a single element being configured to close both the inlet and the outlet, a more secure sealing element 904 can be produced because it provides a greater surface area over which it can be attached to the body 902. In addition, there are fewer points of failure and the consumable 900 is easier to manufacture. In FIG. 9, the sealing element 904 is depicted as being separate from the body 902 for illustrative purposes. During manufacture, the sealing element 904 is attached to the body. For example, an outer surface 912 of the body may engage an inner surface 914 of the sealing element 904. In one example the outer surface 912 and the inner surface 914 are joined by a structural adhesive, however any other attachment means may be used.
To ensure the portions 904 a, 904 b are held in the closed position, the consumable 900 may comprise fasteners, adhesive positioned between the portions 904 a, 904 b and the body 902, or they may be held in place via friction fit due to the engagement of two engagement surfaces.
FIG. 10 depicts another example consumable assembly 1000 for use in the device 100. The consumable 1000 of this example comprises a sealing element 1004 comprising a first portion 1004 a and a second portion 1004 b. In the closed positions, the first portion 1004 a and the second portion 1004 b are configured to close the outlet 1006.
The consumable 1000 comprises a body 1002 having a generally cuboidal form and has an outlet and an inlet located respectively at a first end 1006 and a second end 1008 of the body 1002. As mentioned, the consumable of this example comprises a sealing element 1004 comprising a first portion 1004 a and a second portion 1004 b both being used to seal the outlet. A similar sealing element may be provided to seal the inlet. In FIG. 10, the sealing element 1004 is depicted in the open position. To ensure the portions 1004 a, 1004 b are held in the closed position, the consumable 1000 may comprise fasteners or adhesive, or they may be held in place via an interlocking mechanism. In the example of FIG. 10 however, pressure sensitive adhesive is deposited on the flap 1012 or on an outer surface of the first portion 1004 a. The first portion 1004 a may be closed first, and the second portion 1004 b closed second so that the adhesive secures the sealing element 1004 in the closed position. The first and second portions 1004 a, 1004 b are attached to the body 1002 via living hinges.
FIG. 11 depicts another example consumable assembly 1100 for use an aerosol provision device. The consumable 1100 differs from previously described consumables in that the body is a substrate and the aerosol forming material such as tobacco or a gel, is deposited on a surface of the substrate.
The consumable 1100 comprises a substrate 1102 having a generally flat form, however other forms may be used. Aerosol forming material 1106 is deposited on a surface of the substrate 1102, and in use, air is drawn across the substrate 1102 to entrain aerosol, before being inhaled by a user. The substrate body 1102 therefore partially defines a flow path. The consumable of this example comprises a sealing element 1104 to cover the aerosol forming material 1106. In this example the sealing element 1104 takes the form of a flexible sheet, which is attached to the substrate 1102 at one or more locations. For example, the sealing element 1104 may be adhered to the substrate 1102. In other examples however, the sealing element 1104 may not be attached to the substrate 1102 in both the open and closed positions. For example, a user may fully peel away the sealing element 1104 and dispose of it. In FIG. 11, the sealing element 1104 is depicted in the open position.
To ensure the sealing element 1104 is held in the closed position, the sealing element 1104 is held in place via a pressure sensitive adhesive, although other fasteners may be used. For example, the sealing element 1104 [[and/or]] or the substrate 1102 may comprise an adhesive deposited in one or more locations and when brought into contact, the sealing element 1104 is held in the closed position in which the aerosol forming material 1106 is covered.
FIG. 12 depicts another example consumable assembly 1200 for use with an aerosol provision device. The consumable 1200 is substantially similar to that depicted in FIG. 11 but differs in that the sealing element 1204 is more rigid and is integrally formed with the substrate 1202 by being joined via a living hinge. Alternatively, the consumable may comprise another type of attachment element to attach the sealing element 1204 to the substrate 1202.
FIG. 13 depicts another example consumable assembly 1300 for use with an aerosol provision device. The consumable 1300 is substantially similar to that depicted in FIG. 11 but differs in that the substrate 1302 defines a recess 1308 within which the aerosol forming material is deposited. A sealing element 1304 is therefore configured to cover the recess 1308 in the closed position.
In the examples described above, the sealing element is described as being attached to the body in both the closed position and the open position. However, this need not always be the case. In variations of the examples previously described, the sealing element(s) may not be attached to the body/substrate in both positions. For example, a user may move the sealing element(s) into the open position which causes the sealing element(s) to become detached. A user may dispose of the sealing element(s) or may store them for later reattachment to seal the flow path.
Although the sealing element(s) may not be attached to the body/substrate in both positions, it is advantageous to use adhesive to hold the sealing element in the closed position. Therefore, in any of the previously described examples, the attachment elements and living hinges may be disposed of, and adhesive used to hold the sealing element in the closed position.
In variations of the example of FIGS. 4 and 5, the attachment elements may not be present, and the sealing element may be adhered to the body or aerosol forming material to hold the sealing element in the closed position. In a variation of the example of FIG. 7, the attachment element or living hinge may not be present, and the sealing element may be adhered to an inner surface of the body or aerosol forming material to hold the sealing element in the closed position. In a variation of the example of FIG. 9, the single sealing element may be adhered to an outer surface of the body or aerosol forming material using adhesive and is therefore designed to be fully separated from the body before use. In variations of the examples of FIGS. 11-13, the sealing element may not be permanently attached to the substrate when in the open position.
In these variations, the adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, to allow reattachment of the sealing element after it has been removed. Alternatively, the adhesive may be a structural adhesive. In some examples the adhesive comprises a polysaccharide.
The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.
Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.
Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.
Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.
Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.
For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

Claims

1. An assembly configured to be inserted into an aerosol provision device, the assembly comprising:

a body;

an aerosol forming material positioned along a flow path at least partially defined by the body; and

a sealing element, moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein:

in the first position the sealing element is configured to close at least a portion of the flow path to reduce atmospheric air contacting the aerosol forming material; and

in the second position the sealing element is positioned to allow atmospheric air to travel along the flow path and contact the aerosol forming material; and

the sealing element is attached to the body in both the first position and the second position.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an attachment element to attach the sealing element to the body.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element is integrally formed with the body.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the sealing element is joined to the body by a living hinge.

5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the body defines an inlet to the flow path and an outlet from the flow path, and the sealing element comprises a first portion and a second portion;

wherein, in the first position:

the first portion is configured to close the outlet and the second portion is configured to close the inlet.

6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the body is a substrate, and the aerosol forming material is positioned on a surface of the substrate, and the sealing element is configured to cover the aerosol forming material.

7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein the surface of the substrate defines a recess and the aerosol forming material is positioned within the recess defined by the surface of the substrate, and the sealing element is configured to cover the recess.

8. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element is a lid, and the lid is dimensioned to be at least partially received within the body when in the first position.

9. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element is a lid, and the lid is dimensioned to surround at least a portion of the body when in the first position.

10. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a fastener arranged to cooperate with the sealing element to hold the sealing element in the first position.

11. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein the fastener comprises a thread.

12. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element comprises a first engagement surface and the body comprises a second engagement surface, the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface being configured to engage each other in the first position to hold the sealing element in the first position.

13. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly comprises an adhesive positioned between the sealing element and the body, the adhesive being configured to hold the sealing element in the first position.

14. An assembly configured to be inserted into an aerosol provision device, the assembly comprising:

a body;

in the first position the sealing element is configured to at least partially seal the flow path to reduce atmospheric air contacting the aerosol forming material; and

in the second position the sealing element is positioned to allow atmospheric air to travel along the flow path and contact the aerosol forming material,

wherein the assembly comprises an adhesive positioned between the sealing element and the body, the adhesive being configured to hold the sealing element in the first position.

15. The assembly according to claim 14, wherein the adhesive is a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

16. The assembly according to claim 14, wherein the adhesive is a structural adhesive.

17. The assembly according to claim 14, wherein a first adhesive force between the adhesive and the sealing element is greater than a second adhesive force between the adhesive and the body.

18. An aerosol provision system comprising:

the assembly of claim 1;

an aerosol provision device configured to receive the assembly and, in operation, to generate an aerosol from the aerosol forming material.

19. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the adhesive is a pressure-sensitive adhesive or a structural adhesive.

20. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein a first adhesive force between the adhesive and the sealing element is greater than a second adhesive force between the adhesive and the body.