WO2021004768A1

WO2021004768A1 - Wearable accessory

Info

Publication number: WO2021004768A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/067310
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matteo Bologna
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2019-07-10
Filing date: 2020-06-22
Publication date: 2021-01-14

Abstract

The invention relates to wearable accessories and systems comprising wearable accessories. There is provided a wearable accessory (100). The accessory (100) comprises a section configured to cover at least part of a back of a hand of a user or at least part of a back of a wrist of the user when the accessory is worn by the user, and a coupling means (102) configured to couple to, and uncouple from, an aerosol-generating device. The coupling means (102) is located on the section configured to cover at least part of the back of the hand of the user when the accessory is worn by the user. There is also provided a system comprising a first wearable accessory and a second wearable accessory, a wearable item, a system comprising a first wearable article and a second wearable article, and a system comprising a wearable article and an aerosol-generating device.

Description

WEARABLE ACCESSORY

The invention relates to wearable accessories and systems comprising wearable accessories. In particular, the invention relates to a wearable accessory comprising a means to couple to an aerosol-generating device. There is also provided a system comprising a first wearable accessory and a second wearable accessory, a wearable item, a system comprising a first wearable article and a second wearable article, and a system comprising a wearable article and an aerosol-generating device.

Hand-held aerosol-generating devices for delivering an aerosol are known. Hand held devices typically require one hand to support the device during use. This makes handling of the device difficult in settings where both hands are used.

Thus, according to a first example of this disclosure, there is provided a wearable accessory. The wearable accessory may comprise a section configured to cover at least part of a back of a hand of a user or at least part of a back of a wrist of the user. The accessory may comprise a coupling means configured to couple to, and uncouple from, an aerosol generating device. The coupling means may be located on the section configured to cover at least part of the back of the hand of the user or at least part of the back of the wrist of the user.

Advantageously, the wearable accessory may comprise a coupling means configured to couple to an aerosol-generating device. This may allow the user to carry an aerosol generating device without having to hold the aerosol-generating device in their hand. This may advantageously allow users to use aerosol-generating devices whilst performing other tasks, such as driving, typing, gaming, or using a mobile phone.

Further, the coupling means may be located on the section configured to cover at least part of the back of the hand of the user or at least part of the back of the wrist of the user. This may allow the user to use an aerosol-generating device coupled to the coupling means without having to hold the aerosol-generating device in their hand.

The section may be configured to cover at least part of the back of the hand of the user. This may be advantageous, and may be preferable to the section being configured to cover at least part of the back of the wrist of the user, because a user may have less difficulty aligning an aerosol-generating device coupled to the coupling means for use. The increased manoeuvrability of the hand, compared with the wrist, may allow a user to find a more comfortable position, or more easily find a comfortable position, to use an aerosol-generating device coupled to the coupling means if the section is configured to cover at least part of the back of the hand of the user. As used herein, the term“aerosol-generating device” relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term“aerosol-forming substrate” relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol.

For example, the volatile compounds may be releasable by heating the aerosol forming substrate. As an alternative to heating, in some cases volatile compounds may be released by a chemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus, such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid or comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more of nicotine, plant-based material, and tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds. The volatile tobacco flavour compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a sheet of tobacco-containing material, for example a crimped, or gathered, or both crimped and gathered sheet of tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a crimped and gathered sheet comprising cast leaf tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants.

As used herein, the term“gathered” relates a sheet that is convoluted, folded, or otherwise compressed or constricted substantially transversely to a longitudinal axis of an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-forming substrate.

The accessory may comprise a power source. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a second power source. The power source may be configured to supply power to the aerosol-generating device, for example to the second power source of the aerosol generating device, when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the power source. The power source may supply power to the aerosol-generating device while the device is not in use. This may prepare the device for future use. Alternatively, or in addition, the power source may supply power to the device while the device is in use. Advantageously, the power source may allow the user to charge the aerosol-generating device without the need for access to mains electric power or a separate charger.

The coupling means may couple the aerosol-generating device to the power source. That is, coupling the aerosol-generating device to the coupling means may couple the aerosol-generating device to the power source. Advantageously, this may allow the user to charge the aerosol-generating device whilst the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means and is in a useable position. This may allow use of the aerosol-generating device whilst the aerosol-generating device is charging.

The coupling means may be moveable, or rotatable, or both moveable and rotatable, relative to the section. This may advantageously allow the user to position or orient an aerosol-generating device coupled to the coupling means, for example such that that the aerosol-generating device is in a comfortable position to use, or as another example, such that the aerosol-generating device is in a parking position when the aerosol-generating device is not in use.

The coupling means may be removably attachable to the section. That is, the coupling means may be attachable to, and detachable from, the section configured to cover at least part of the back of the hand of the user or at least part of the back of the wrist of the user.

The coupling means may be oriented, or orientable, such that the user can use the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means.

The aerosol-generating device may have a length and the coupling means may be oriented, or orientable, such that the length of the aerosol-generating device extends substantially parallel to a back side of the hand of the user when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means and the accessory is worn.

The aerosol-generating device may have a mouthpiece at one end of the length of the aerosol-generating device. The coupling means may be oriented, or orientable, such that the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device extends beyond an outline of the hand and the wrist of the user when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means and the accessory is worn.

The wearable accessory may be worn on a right hand of a user or on a left hand of a user. The wearable accessory may be worn on a right wrist of a user or on a left wrist of a user.

Where the wearable accessory is described below with reference to a right hand, wrist, or forearm of a user, it is clear that the accessory could equally be described with reference to a left hand, wrist, or forearm of a user. In view of this disclosure, the skilled person would have no difficulty providing a wearable accessory having the features below in combination with a wearable accessory to be worn on a left hand or a left wrist of a user.

The coupling means may comprise a holding portion configured to hold the aerosol generating device when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means. The holding portion may be rotatable relative to the section. The coupling means may comprise a non-holding portion and the holding portion may be moveable or rotatable relative to the non-holding portion. The holding portion may be rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the section.

For example, the non-holding portion may be, or may comprise, a platform which is fixed to the section, and the holding portion may be, or may comprise, one or more of a clip, strap, lace, support, and a tube rotatably mounted to the platform.

A centre of mass of the holding portion may be offset from the axis of rotation. The centre of mass of the holding portion may be offset from the axis of rotation by more than 3mm, 5mm, 10mm, 15mm, or 20mm.

The centre of mass of the holding portion may be offset from the axis of rotation such that the holding portion is biased towards a first position of the holding portion. The first position may be a position in which the centre of mass is below the axis of rotation. Thus, the holding portion may be biased towards the first position of the holding portion by gravity. This is because the weight of the holding portion may create a moment about the axis of rotation when the holding portion is not in the first position, and the moment may act to rotate the holding portion about the axis of rotation towards the first position. In other words, since the centre of mass is offset from the axis of rotation of the holding portion, the weight will create a moment about the axis of rotation. Thus, gravity may cause the holding portion to rotate about the axis of rotation.

Advantageously, the centre of mass of the holding portion being offset from the axis of rotation may provide an easy and reliable way to position the holding portion, and thus position the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means when the accessory is worn by the user.

The coupling means, or holding portion, may comprise a support, such as an elongate support. The support may comprise a flat or curved surface, such as an elongate flat or curved surface, configured to support an aerosol-generating device held by the holding portion. The support may comprise a hollow cylinder, such as a right circular hollow cylinder. The support may form a channel for the aerosol-generating device to be located in. For example, the support may comprise a cylinder having a substantially“C”-shaped or“U”- shaped cross-section. The support may have an open end. The support may have a second end opposing the open end. The second end may be at least partially closed. The support may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating device through the open end.

The holding portion may comprise a tube. The tube may have an open end. The tube may have a second end opposing the open end, and the second end may be at least partially closed. The tube may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating device through the open end. The holding portion may comprise a counterweight. The counterweight may be detachable from the holding portion. The counterweight may be located, or locatable, so as to bias the holding portion towards the first position of the holding portion. The counterweight may be located, or locatable, at or near an end of the holding means. For example, where the holding portion is or comprises the support or the tube, the counterweight may be located, or locatable, at or near to the second end of the support or the tube. The counterweight may have a mass greater than a mass of a remainder of the holding portion. The counterweight may advantageously further bias the holding portion towards the first position of the holding portion. This may advantageously ensure that the holding portion quickly and reliably returns to the first position from another position.

The wearable accessory may comprise an orientation holding means. The coupling means may comprise a portion orientable relative to the section. When the coupling means is coupled to the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating device is in a first orientation relative to the section, the orientation holding means may be configured to hold the aerosol-generating device in the first orientation relative to the section. The portion orientable relative to the section may be the holding portion of the coupling means.

Advantageously, when the coupling means is coupled to the aerosol-generating device, the orientation holding means may hold the aerosol-generating device in the first orientation relative to the section. The first orientation relative to the section may be a convenient orientation for use of the device.

The orientation holding means may be separate from the coupling means. The orientation holding means may be located, or locatable, on the section.

The orientation holding means may be moveable relative to the section. The orientation holding means may be attachable to, and detachable from, the section. The orientation holding means may be attachable to, and detachable from, a plurality of locations on the section. Advantageously, this may allow the user to adjust the first orientation.

The orientation holding means may be, or may comprise, for example, one or more of a magnet, hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro ®, a button, and a clip.

The orientation holding means may be configured to engage with an orientation holding means counterpart on the coupling means, for example on the portion orientable relative to the section, or on the aerosol-generating device. The orientation holding means may hold the aerosol-generating device in the first orientation relative to the section when engaged with the orientation holding means counterpart. Disengaging the orientation holding means from the orientation holding means counterpart may release the aerosol-generating device from the first orientation relative to the section. As an example, the coupling means may comprise an orientation holding means counterpart which comprises a magnet located on the holding portion of the coupling means, and the orientation holding means may comprise a magnet located on the section. Alternatively, one of the orientation holding means and the orientation holding means counterpart may comprise a magnet, and the other may comprise a magnetic material.

These magnets, or the magnet and the magnetic material, may align, or be close to each other, or be in contact with each other, in the first orientation. Thus, when the aerosol generating device is in the first orientation relative to the section, the magnets, or the magnet and the magnetic material, may be attracted to one another and act to hold the aerosol generating device in the first orientation relative to the section. In an analogous manner, hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro ®, a button, or a clip, and corresponding orientation holding means counterparts may hold the aerosol-generating device in the first orientation relative to the section.

The orientation holding means be configured to engage with the orientation holding means counterpart such that, when the accessory is worn on a given hand of the user and the orientation holding means is engaged with the orientation holding means counterpart, the user may move a finger or a thumb on the given hand to disengage the orientation holding means from the orientation holding means counterpart.

The orientation holding means may be located, or locatable, on or near a portion of the accessory configured to cover at least part of a finger or a thumb of the given hand, such as on or near a portion of the accessory configured to cover a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb of the given hand. The term“near” in this context may mean within 30mm, 20mm, or 10mm.

When the accessory is worn on a given hand by a user, the orientation holding means may be located, or locatable, on or near a finger or a thumb of the given hand. The term “near” in this context may mean within 30mm, 20mm, or 10mm.

For example, when the user wears the accessory on a given hand, the orientation holding means may be located, or locatable, at or near an MCP joint of a thumb of the given hand and the orientation holding means counterpart may be located at or near a mouth end of the aerosol-generating device. In this case, movement of the thumb of the user may result in the orientation holding means engaging with, or disengaging from, the orientation holding means counterpart. Thus, the orientation holding means may hold the aerosol-generating device in the first orientation relative to the section whilst the user substantially aligns their thumb with a back side of the given hand. Then, the user may close their thumb in the palm of their hand, thus increasing a distance between the orientation holding means and the orientation holding means counterpart and disengaging the orientation holding means from the orientation holding means counterpart. This disengagement may allow the aerosol generating device to move out of the first orientation relative to the section.

The wearable accessory may comprise a plurality of orientation holding means. For example, the wearable accessory may comprise a first orientation holding means and a second orientation holding means. The first orientation holding means may be the orientation holding means. So, when the coupling means is coupled to the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating device is in the first orientation relative to the section, the first orientation holding means may be configured to hold the aerosol-generating device in the first orientation. When the coupling means is coupled to the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating device is in a second orientation relative to the section, the second orientation holding means may be configured to hold the aerosol-generating device in the second orientation relative to the section.

Advantageously, having a first orientation holding means and a second orientation holding means may allow the accessory to hold the device in two convenient orientations. For example, the first orientation may be convenient for use of the device, and the second orientation may be a convenient parking position, such as when the aerosol-generating device is not in use.

The coupling means, or holding portion, may be adjustable in term of shape and size. This may allow the coupling means to couple to aerosol-generating devices of different shapes and sizes.

The coupling means, or holding portion, may comprise a strap, for example an adjustable strap. The wearable accessory may be configured such that, when the aerosol generating device is coupled to the coupling means, or held by the holding portion, the strap encircles the aerosol-generating device. The wearable accessory may be configured such that, when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means, or held by the holding portion, the combination of the section and the strap encircles the aerosol-generating device.

The coupling means, or holding portion, may comprise a tube having an open end. The tube may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating device through the open end.

The coupling means, or holding portion, may comprise a full loop or a partial loop. The loop may be an elastic loop, or a loop made of a stretchable material. The loop may be configured to allow part of an aerosol-generating device to slide through the loop. The loop, or the combination of the section and the loop, may be configured to encircle an aerosol generating device. The loop may have to stretch in order to encircle the aerosol-generating device. This may mean that the loop is under tension in at least one place when encircling the aerosol generating device. In this way, the loop may apply a holding force to the aerosol-generating device.

The coupling means, or holding portion, may comprise a clip. For example, the coupling means, or holding portion, may comprise a clip having one or more protrusions, indents, or apertures configured to couple to one or more corresponding protrusions, indents, or apertures on the aerosol-generating device.

The coupling means, or holding portion, may comprise a temporary attachment means, such as one or more of a button, a magnet, hook-and-loop fasteners, and Velcro ®. For example, the coupling means, or holding portion, may comprise a strap having a temporary attachment means, such as one or more of a button, a magnet, hook-and-loop fasteners, and Velcro ®. Alternatively, or in addition, the section configured to cover at least part of the back of the hand of the user or at least part of the back of the wrist of the user may comprise a temporary attachment means, such as one or more of a button, a magnet, hook-and-loop fasteners, and Velcro ®. The coupling means, or holding portion, and the section configured to cover at least part of the back of the hand of the user or at least part of the back of the wrist of the user may comprise corresponding temporary attachment means, such as a button and a corresponding button-hole, a male end of a buckle and the female end of the buckle, or a hook and a loop.

The coupling means, or holding portion, may comprise a biased member. The biased member may comprise a resilient member. The biased member may comprise a spring- loaded member. The biased member may be biased towards, and moveable relative to, the section configured to cover at least part of the back of the hand of the user or at least part of the back of the wrist of the user. The biased member may be moveable from a first position where the biased member is in contact with the section, to a second position where there is space for the aerosol-generating device to be placed between the biased member and the section. The biased member apply a holding force to an aerosol-generating device coupled to the coupling means. For example, the biased member may apply a holding force to an aerosol-generating device placed between the biased member and the section configured to cover at least part of the back of the hand of the user or at least part of the back of the wrist of the user.

Advantageously, the coupling means described herein can be operated with one hand.

The accessory may comprise one or more holders. Each holder may be configured to hold an aerosol-forming article for use with the aerosol-generating device. As used herein, the term“aerosol-forming article” relates to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming article may be a non-combustible aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming article may release volatile compounds without the combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate, for example by heating the aerosol-forming substrate, or by a chemical reaction, or by mechanical stimulus of an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating article may resemble a conventional smoking article, such as a cigarette. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable. The aerosol-generating article may alternatively be partially-reusable and comprise a replenishable or replaceable aerosol forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating device may use an aerosol-forming article in order to generate an aerosol, for example by heating the aerosol-forming article. With such devices, it may be desirable for the accessory to include one or more holders for holding aerosol forming articles.

The wearable accessory may comprise one or more holders configured to hold unused aerosol-forming articles, or one or more holders configured to hold used aerosol forming articles, or both one or more holders configured to hold unused aerosol-forming articles and one or more holders configured to hold used aerosol-forming articles.

The one or more holders for holding unused aerosol-forming articles may be distinct from the one or more holders for holding used aerosol-forming articles. They may be structurally distinct, for example by having different shapes or textures. Alternatively, or in addition, they may be aesthetically distinct, for example by being coloured differently. Advantageously, this may prevent the user from accidentally trying to use an aerosol-forming article which has already been used.

The one or more holders may be removably attachable to the wearable accessory.

Each holder may be individually removably attachable to the wearable accessory. That is, each holder may be individually attachable to, and individually detachable from, the wearable accessory. Advantageously, this may allow the user to detach the holders when the user does not intend to use the holders.

Where there are multiple holders, all of the holders may be jointly removably attachable to the wearable accessory. That is, of the holders may be jointly attachable to, and jointly detachable from, the wearable accessory. Advantageously, this may allow the user to detach all of the holders at the same time when the user does not intend to use the holders.

Each holder may comprise a tube. The tube may define a cavity which is configured to receive at least part of an aerosol-forming article. The cavity may have a shape which corresponds to a shape of the aerosol-forming article it is configured to receive. The cavity may be substantially cylindrical, for example a circular cylinder. The cavity may be a circular cylinder having a diameter of between about 5 mm and about 12 mm, preferably between about 7 mm and about 10 mm. The cavity may be a circular cylinder having a length of between about 25 mm and about 50 mm, preferably between about 35 mm and about 40 mm.

The diameter of the cavity may depend on the diameter of the aerosol-forming article. In some cases, the diameter of the cavity may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the aerosol-forming article so that the aerosol-forming article can be inserted into the cavity and held in the cavity by a friction fit. In some cases, the diameter of the cavity may be bigger than the diameter of the aerosol-forming article so that the aerosol-forming article can be easily inserted in.

The tube may have an open end. The tube may have a partially or fully closed end opposing the open end. Advantageously, a partially or fully closed end may allow one or more of a pin, a blade and a rod to be supported within the tube. A fully closed end may advantageously hold debris within the tube, for example loose tobacco which has fallen from an aerosol-forming article.

The cavity may be tapered. For example, the cavity may have a circular frustum shape. Advantageously, in a tapered cavity, friction between an aerosol-forming article and a wall of the cavity may help to securely hold an aerosol-forming article in the cavity.

The one or more holders may be moveable relative to the wearable accessory whilst remaining attached to the wearable accessory. Advantageously, this may allow the user to position the one or more holders. For example, the user could position unused, or empty, holders on a first side of wearable accessory, and could position used, or full, holders on a bottom side of wearable accessory.

There may be one or more of a pin, a blade and a rod within the tube. The tube may have a longitudinal axis. The pin, blade or rod may lie substantially parallel with this longitudinal axis. The pin, blade or rod may lie substantially in a centre of a cavity formed by the tube. The pin, blade or rod may be configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming article when holding the aerosol-forming article. Advantageously, a pin, blade or rod may help to securely hold the aerosol-forming article.

The pin, blade or rod may comprise a metal such as aluminium or stainless steel. Advantageously, a metal such as aluminium or stainless steel may be durable, inert or easy to clean. Each holder may comprise a metal such as aluminium or stainless steel. Advantageously, a metal such as aluminium or stainless steel may be easy to clean, weather- resistant, or durable.

The wearable accessory may comprise a mitten, a wrist band, or a glove, such as a fingerless glove.

Advantageously the coupling means is configured to couple to, and uncouple from, an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may be an electrically operated aerosol-generating device, such as an electrically operated, heated aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may have a mouthpiece at one end of a length of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may be an elongate aerosol-generating device. The aerosol generating device may have a longitudinal axis. The aerosol-generating device may have a length at least two, or three, or five times its height or width or both height and width. The aerosol-generating device may have a length of between about 65 mm and about 120 mm. The aerosol-generating device may have a width of between about 12 mm and about 26 mm. The aerosol-generating device may have a height of between about 12 mm and about 25 mm. The aerosol-generating device may be substantially cylindrical in shape, for example a circular cylinder. The aerosol-generating device may have a diameter of between about 12 mm and about 16 mm.

According to a second example, there is provided a wearable item. The wearable item may comprise one or more holders. Each holder may be configured to hold an aerosol forming article for use with an aerosol-generating device. Each holder may comprise a tube having an open end. There may be one or more of a pin, a blade and a rod within the tube. The pin, blade or rod may be configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming article when holding the aerosol-forming article.

Advantageously, the wearable item according to the second example may be able to hold one or more aerosol-forming articles.

The aerosol-generating device may use an aerosol-forming article in order to generate an aerosol, for example by heating the aerosol-forming article. With such devices, a wearable item with a holder for holding an aerosol-forming article may be desirable.

The wearable item may comprise one or more holders configured to hold unused aerosol-forming articles, or one or more holders configured to hold used aerosol-forming articles, or both one or more holders configured to hold unused aerosol-forming articles and one or more holders configured to hold used aerosol-forming articles.

The one or more holders configured to hold unused aerosol-forming articles may be distinct from the one or more holders configured to hold used aerosol-forming articles. They may be structurally distinct, for example by having different shapes or textures. Alternatively, or in addition, they may be aesthetically distinct, for example by being coloured differently. Advantageously, this may prevent the user from accidentally trying to use an aerosol-forming article which has already been used.

The one or more holders may be removably attachable to the wearable accessory.

Each holder may be individually removably attachable to the wearable item. That is, each holder may be individually attachable to, and individually detachable from, the accessory. Advantageously, this may allow the user to attach as many holders as the user intends to use.

Where there are multiple holders, all of the holders may be jointly removably attachable to the wearable item. That is, of the holders may be jointly attachable to, and jointly detachable from, the wearable item. Advantageously, this may allow the user to detach all of the holders at the same time when the user does not intend to use the holders.

The diameter of the cavity may depend on the diameter of the aerosol-forming article. In some cases, the diameter of the cavity may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the aerosol-forming article so that the aerosol-forming article can be inserted and held in the cavity by a friction fit. In some cases, the diameter of the cavity may be bigger than the diameter of the aerosol-forming article so that the aerosol-forming article can be easily inserted in.

The cavity may be tapered. For example, the cavity may have a circular frustum shape. Advantageously, in a tapered cavity, friction between an aerosol-forming article and a wall of the cavity may help to securely hold an aerosol-forming article in the cavity. The one or more holders may be moveable relative to the wearable item whilst remaining attached to the wearable item. Advantageously, this may allow the user to position the one or more holders. For example, the user could position unused, or empty, holders on a first side of wearable item, and could position used, or full, holders on a bottom side of wearable item.

There may be one or more of a pin, a blade and a rod within the tube. The tube may have a longitudinal axis. The pin, blade or rode may lie substantially parallel with this longitudinal axis. The pin, blade or rod may lie substantially in a centre of a cavity formed by the tube. The pin, blade or rod may be configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming article when holding the aerosol-forming article. Advantageously, a pin, blade or rod may help to securely hold the aerosol-forming article.

The pin, blade or rod may comprise a metal such as aluminium or stainless steel. Advantageously, a metal such as aluminium or stainless steel may be durable, inert or easy to clean.

Each holder may comprise a metal such as aluminium or stainless steel. Advantageously, a metal such as aluminium or stainless steel may be easy to clean, weather- resistant, or durable.

The wearable item may configured to be worn on a wrist of a user. The wearable item may be adjustable. The wearable item may be adjustable such that it can be worn on a hand, wrist, or forearm of different sizes. The wearable item may comprise a wrist band. The wrist band may be adjustable such that it can be worn on a wrist of different sizes.

According to a third example, there is provided a system. The system may comprise a first wearable accessory and a second wearable accessory. The first wearable accessory may be connectable to the second wearable accessory. The first wearable accessory may comprise a section configured to cover at least part of a back of a hand of a user or at least part of a back of a wrist of the user. The first wearable accessory may comprise a coupling means configured to couple to, and uncouple from, an aerosol-generating device. The coupling means may be located on the section. The second wearable accessory may comprise a secondary power source. The secondary power source may be configured to supply power to the aerosol-generating device. The first wearable accessory may comprise a primary power source. The secondary power source may be configured to supply power to the primary power source.

The second wearable accessory of the system according to the third example may comprise a secondary power source. The secondary power source may be configured to supply power to the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, or in addition, the first wearable accessory may comprise a primary power source and the secondary power source may be configured to supply power to the primary power source. Advantageously, the secondary power source may allow the user to charge the aerosol-generating device, directly or via the primary power source, without the need for access to mains electric power or a separate charger.

Features described in relation to the wearable accessory of the first example may be applicable to the first wearable accessory of the third example. The first wearable accessory of the third example may be the wearable accessory of the first example.

The first wearable accessory may comprise a primary power source. The primary power source may be the power source described in relation to the first example.

The secondary power source may be configured to supply power to the aerosol generating device and to the primary power source.

The secondary power source may be configured to supply power to the primary power source when the first wearable accessory is connected to the second wearable accessory.

The secondary power source may be configured to supply power to the aerosol generating device when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means and the first wearable accessory is connected to the second wearable accessory.

The second wearable accessory may comprise an electrical connection means. The secondary power source may be configured to supply power to the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating device is connected to the second wearable accessory via the electrical connection means.

The second wearable accessory may be configured to be worn on a wrist of a user. The second wearable accessory may be adjustable. The second wearable accessory may be adjustable such that it can be worn on a hand, wrist, or forearm of different sizes. The second wearable accessory may comprise a wrist band. The wrist band may be adjustable such that it can be worn on a wrist of different sizes.

The system according to the third example may further comprise the aerosol generating device.

According to a fourth example, there is provided a system. The system may comprise a first wearable article. The system may comprise a second wearable article. The first wearable article may be connectable to the second wearable article. The first wearable article may comprise a section configured to cover at least part of a back of a hand of a user or at least part of a back of a wrist of the user. The first wearable article may comprise a coupling means configured to couple to, and uncouple from, an aerosol-generating device. The coupling means may be located on the section. The second wearable article may comprise one or more holders. Each holder may be configured to hold an aerosol-forming article for use with the aerosol-generating device. Advantageously, the system according to the fourth example may comprise a first wearable article comprising a coupling means configured to couple to, and uncouple from, an aerosol-generating device. This may allow the user to carry an aerosol-generating device without having to hold the aerosol-generating device in their hand. The system according to the fourth example may also comprise a second wearable article comprising one or more holders. This may provide a place to store aerosol-forming articles for use with an aerosol generating device.

Features described in relation to the wearable accessory of the first example may be applicable to the first wearable article of the fourth example. The first wearable article of the fourth example may be the wearable accessory of the first example.

Features described in relation to the wearable item of the second example may be applicable to the second wearable article of the fourth example. The second wearable article of the fourth example may be the wearable item of the second example.

The system according to the fourth example may further comprise the aerosol generating device.

According to a fifth example, there is provided a system. The system may comprise a wearable article. The system may comprise an aerosol-generating device. The wearable article may comprise a coupling means configured to couple to, and uncouple from, the aerosol-generating device.

Advantageously, the system according to the fifth example may provide a wearable article comprising a coupling means configured to couple to, and uncouple from, an aerosol generating device. This may allow the user to carry the aerosol-generating device without having to hold the aerosol-generating device in their hand.

Features described in relation to the wearable accessory of the first example may be applicable to the wearable article of the fifth example. The wearable article of the fifth example may be the wearable accessory of the first example.

The wearable article may be configured to allow the user to use the aerosol generating device when the user is wearing the wearable article and the smoking device is coupled to the coupling means.

The wearable article may be configured to allow hands-free use of the aerosol generating device by a user when the smoking device is coupled to the coupling means and the user is wearing the wearable article.

The aerosol-generating device according to the fifth example, or indeed any other example, may be a recreational aerosol-generating device, or a recreational vaping device. The aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may be an electrically operated aerosol-generating device, such as an electrically operated, heated aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may have a length of between about 65 m and about 120 mm. The aerosol-generating device may have a width of between about 12 mm and about 26 mm. The aerosol-generating device may have a height of between about 12 mm and about 25 mm. The aerosol-generating device may be substantially cylindrical in shape, for example a circular cylinder. The aerosol-generating device may have a diameter of between about 12 mm and about 16 mm.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a wearable accessory;

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a wearable accessory worn by a user;

Figure 3A is a schematic illustration of a wearable item;

Figure 3B is a schematic illustration of a wearable item worn by a user;

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a system comprising a first wearable accessory and a second wearable accessory;

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a system comprising a first wearable article and a second wearable article;

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a system comprising a wearable article being worn by a user and an aerosol-generating device;

Figure 7 A is a schematic illustration of a wearable accessory worn by a user in a first orientation;

Figure 7B is a schematic illustration of a wearable accessory worn by a user in a second orientation;

Figure 8A is a first schematic illustration of a second wearable accessory worn by a user;

Figure 8B is a second schematic illustration of the second wearable accessory worn by the user; and

Figure 8C is a third schematic illustration of the second wearable accessory worn by the user.

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a wearable accessory in accordance with a first embodiment.

The wearable accessory 100 comprises a glove 101 to be worn on a right hand of a user. The accessory 100 comprises a coupling means 102. The coupling means 102 is located on a section 104 of the wearable accessory which covers a back of the right hand of the user when the wearable accessory is worn. The coupling means 102 comprises a resilient member which is shown in a first position in Figure 1. The resilient member can be pulled back by the user to a second position in which there is space for an aerosol-generating device to be placed under the resilient member. The resilient member can then be released from the second position, and, owing to the resilience of the resilient member, the resilient member moves to a third position. In the third position, the resilient member applies a holding force to the aerosol-generating device placed under the resilient member. In other words, the resilience of the resilient member biases the resilient member towards the first position. In this sense, the coupling means 102 is configured to couple to, and uncouple from, an aerosol generating device.

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a wearable accessory in accordance with a second embodiment being worn by a user.

The wearable accessory 200 comprises a fingerless glove 201 worn on a right hand of the user. The wearable accessory 200 comprises a coupling means 202 located on a section 204 of the wearable accessory 200 which covers a part of a back of the right hand of the user when the wearable accessory 200 is worn. The coupling means 202 is configured to couple to, and uncouple from an aerosol-generating device. In this embodiment, the coupling means comprises a chamber configured to receive at least part of the aerosol generating device. There is a clipping mechanism (not shown) within the chamber which interacts with the aerosol-generating device to hold the aerosol-generating device in the chamber. The clipping mechanism holds the aerosol-generating device sufficiently securely to ensure that the aerosol-generating device cannot accidentally fall out of the chamber. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the clipping mechanism is a“snap-fit” connection which allows the user to pull the aerosol-generating device from the chamber upon application of sufficient force. Alternatively, a button could be provided on the coupling means to release the aerosol-generating device from the clipping mechanism.

The wearable accessory 200 further comprises a power source 206. In this embodiment, the power source 206 comprises a rechargeable lithium ion battery, though other power sources could be used. As shown in Figure 2, the power source 206 is located on the section configured to cover part of the back of the right hand of the user when the accessory 200 is worn. The power source 206 is configured to supply power to the aerosol generating device when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means 202. In this embodiment, the power source 206 is configured to supply power to the aerosol generating device via a wired electrical connection, though contactless or inductive power supply could be used. In this embodiment, the coupling means 202 is part of the power source 206. However, the coupling means could equally be separate, but electrically connected, to the power source 206. In this embodiment, the power source 206 is mounted on a pivot plate (not shown) such that the power source 206 can pivot relative to the section configured to cover part of the back of the right hand of the user when the wearable accessory 200 is worn. This allows the user to orient an aerosol-generating device coupled to the coupling means 202 such that the aerosol-generating device is comfortable to use when wearing the wearable accessory 200.

The wearable accessory 200 further comprises three holders 208, 210, 212. Each holder is configured to hold an aerosol-forming article. In this embodiment, the accessory 200 comprises three holders 208, 210, 212, though the accessory 200 could equally have one, two, four, five, or more than five holders. Each holder comprises a circular cylindrical tube having an open end and a closed end opposing the open end. Within the tube of each holder, there is a blade (not shown) configured to penetrate an aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the tube. The blade helps the holder to securely hold the aerosol-forming article. The holders 208, 210, 212 can be individually attached to, and detached from, the wearable accessory 200.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, each holder is configured to hold a substantially cylindrical aerosol-forming article defining a longitudinal axis and having a diameter of around 5 mm and a length of around 40 mm. The aerosol-forming article comprises a substantially cylindrical mouth piece filter at one end and a substantially cylindrical tobacco rod at the opposing end. Both the filter and the tobacco rod are circumscribed by a paper wrapper. It is clear, however, that the holders are capable of holding a wide variety of different aerosol forming articles.

Figure 3A is a schematic illustration of a wearable item.

The wearable item 300 comprises a wrist band 302 configured to be worn on a wrist of a user. The wearable item 300 further comprises two holders 304, 306. Each holder 304, 306 is configured to hold an aerosol-forming article. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3A, the wearable item 300 comprises two holders 304, 306. However, the wearable item 300 could have one holder, three holders, four holders or more than four holders. Each of the holders 304, 306 comprises a cylindrical tube 307, 308 having an open end 310, 312 and a closed end 314, 316 opposing the open end 310, 312. Within the tube 307, 308 of each holder, there is a blade 318, 320 configured to an aerosol-forming article when the aerosol forming article is inserted into the tube 307, 308. The blade 318, 320 helps the holders 304, 306 to securely hold the aerosol-forming articles. The holders 304, 306 can be individually attached to, and detached from, the wrist band 302. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3A, each holder is attached to the item 300 using magnetic strips on the wrist band 302 and corresponding magnetic strips on each of the holders 304, 306. However, many attachment means are possible, including clipping mechanisms which allow the holders to clip onto the wrist band 302, and elastic straps which are stretched around the holders to secure the holders to the wrist band 302. Figure 3A does not show the ends of the wrist band 302. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3A, the ends of the wrist band 302 are fastened to each other by means of a buckle. However, the ends of the wrist band 302 could be fastened to each other by any suitable means, such as a suitable clip or clasp, one or more magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, or Velcro ®. Alternatively, the wrist band 302 could be cylindrical in shape and be made of a stretchy material so that the wrist band 302 can be stretched over the hand of the user to be worn on the wrist of the user.

Figure 3B is a schematic illustration of a wearable item on a wrist of a user.

The wearable item 300 shown in Figure 3B is the wearable item 300 shown in Figure 3A. In Figure 3B, each of the holders 304, 306 is holding an aerosol-forming article 322, 324. Each aerosol-forming article is a substantially cylindrical aerosol-forming article defining a longitudinal axis and having a diameter of around 5 mm and a length of around 40 mm. The aerosol-forming article comprises a substantially cylindrical mouth piece filter at one end and a substantially cylindrical tobacco rod at the opposing end. Both the filter and the tobacco rod are circumscribed by a paper wrapper. It is clear, however, that the holders are capable of holding a wide variety of different aerosol-forming articles.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a system comprising a first wearable accessory and a second wearable accessory.

The system 400 comprises a first wearable accessory 401 comprising a fingerless glove to be worn on a right hand of a user. The first wearable accessory 401 comprises a coupling means 402 located on a section 404 of the first wearable accessory 401 which covers a part of a back of the right hand of the user when worn. The coupling means 402 is configured to couple to, and uncouple from, an aerosol-generating device. In this embodiment, the coupling means is a chamber configured to receive at least part of the aerosol-generating device.

The first wearable accessory 401 further comprises a primary power source 406. In this embodiment, the power source 406 comprises a rechargeable lithium ion battery, though other power sources could be used. As shown in Figure 4, the primary power source 406 is located on the section configured to cover part of the back of the right hand of the user when the first wearable accessory 401 is worn. The primary power source 406 is configured to supply power to the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means 402. In this embodiment, the coupling means 402 is part of the primary power source 406. However, the coupling means could equally be separate, but electrically connected, to the primary power source 406, for example using a wired electrical connection. The system 400 further comprises a second wearable accessory 408. The second wearable accessory 408 is connectable to the first wearable accessory 401 via a connecting means. Any suitable connecting means may be used.

The second wearable accessory 408 comprises a secondary power source 410. The secondary power source 410 comprises electrical connection means (not shown). The secondary power source 410 is configured to supply power to the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating device is connected to the second wearable accessory 408 via the electrical connection means. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the electrical connection means comprises an electrical contact. The secondary power source 410 comprises a cavity 412 configured to receive part of the aerosol-generating device. The electrical contact forming part of the electrical connection means is located at a closed end of the cavity 412. The electrical contact is configured to form an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical contact of the aerosol-generating device when part of the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity 412. A wire connects the electrical contact of the electrical connection means to the secondary power source. Thus, when part of the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity, the secondary power source 410 can supply power to the aerosol-generating device. That is, when the coupling means 402 is coupled to the aerosol-generating device, the secondary power source 410 can supply power to the aerosol-generating device.

Figure 4 also shows an electrical connection 414. The electrical connection 414 is established between the secondary power source 410 and the primary power source 406 when the second wearable accessory 408 is connected to the first wearable accessory 401. Thus, when the second wearable accessory 408 is connected to the first wearable accessory 401 , the secondary power source 410 can supply power to the primary power source 406, for example to charge the primary power source 406. In addition, when an aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means 402, the secondary power source 410 can charge the aerosol-generating device directly.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a system comprising a first wearable article and a second wearable article.

The system 500 comprises a first wearable article 501 comprising a fingerless glove to be worn on a right hand of a user. The first wearable article 501 comprises a coupling means 502 located on a section 504 of the first wearable article 501 which covers a part of a back of the right hand of the user when the first wearable article 501 is worn. The coupling means 502 is configured to couple to, and uncouple from an aerosol-generating device. In this embodiment, the coupling means is a chamber configured to receive at least part of the aerosol-generating device and is identical to the coupling means described in relation to Figures 2 and 4.

The first wearable article 501 further comprises a power source 506. In this embodiment, the power source 506 comprises a rechargeable lithium ion battery, though other power sources could be used. As shown in Figure 5, the power source 506 is located on the section 504 configured to cover part of the back of the right hand of the user when the first wearable article 501 is worn. The power source 506 is configured to supply power to an aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means 502. In this embodiment, the coupling means 502 is part of the power source 506. However, the coupling means could equally be separate, but electrically connected, to the power source 506.

The system 500 further comprises a second wearable article 508. The second wearable article 508 is connectable to the first wearable article 501 via a connecting means. Any suitable connecting means may be used.

The second wearable article 508 comprises a wrist band 509 configured to be worn on a wrist of the user. The second wearable article 508 further comprises three holders 510, 512, 514. Each holder is configured to hold an aerosol-forming article. In the embodiment of Figure 5, there are three holders, though the second wearable article 508 could have more or fewer than three holders. Each of the holders comprises a cylindrical tube having an open end and a closed end opposing the open end. Within the tube of each holder, there is a blade configured to an aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the tube. The blade helps the holders to securely hold the aerosol-forming articles. The holders 510, 512, 514 can be individually attached to, and detached from, the wrist band 509. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, each holder is attached to the second wearable article 508 using a clipping mechanism (not shown) on the wrist band 509. However, any suitable attachment means may be used.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the wrist band 509 is cylindrical in shape and is made of an elastic material so that the wrist band 509 can be stretched over the hand of the user to be worn on the wrist of the user.

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a system comprising a wearable article and an aerosol-generating device.

The system 600 comprises a wearable article 602 comprising a glove to be worn on a right hand of a user. The wearable article 602 comprises a coupling means 604. The coupling means 604 is located on a section 606 of the wearable article 602 which covers a back of the right hand of the user when the wearable article 602 is worn. The coupling means 604 comprises a strap. The strap has a first end 608 stitched to the section 606, and a second end 610 comprising hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro ®. A portion 612 of the section 606 of the wearable article 602 also comprises hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro ®. The second end 610 of the strap can be wrapped around an aerosol-generating device 614 and attached to the portion 612 of the section 606 of the wearable article 602, thus coupling the coupling means 604 to the aerosol-generating device 614.

The system 600 comprises the aerosol-generating device 614. The aerosol generating device 614 is an elongate aerosol-generating device which is substantially circular cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating device 614 has a length of approximately 1 10 mm and a diameter of approximately 16 mm. An aerosol-forming article 616 can be inserted into one end of the aerosol-generating device 614. The aerosol-forming article could be an article as described in relation to Figure 3B. A user can then use the aerosol-generating device 614 to heat the aerosol-forming article 616 whilst their hands are free to perform other tasks.

Figure 7 A is a schematic illustration of a wearable accessory worn by a user in a first orientation.

The wearable accessory 700 comprises a glove 701 to be worn on a right hand of a user. The accessory 700 comprises a coupling means 702 configured to couple to, and uncouple from, an aerosol-generating device. In Figure 7A, the coupling means is coupled to an aerosol-generating device 703. The coupling means 702 is located on a section 704 of the wearable accessory 700 which covers a back of the right hand of the user when the wearable accessory 700 is worn.

The coupling means 702 comprises a non-holding portion 706 fixed to the section 704 of the wearable accessory and a holding portion 708 rotatably mounted on the non holding portion 706. The holding portion 708 comprises a tube. The tube has an open end and a closed end opposing the open end. The tube is configured to receive a portion of the aerosol-generating device 703 through the open end. There is a hole in a top portion of the tube shown in Figure 7A. This hole allows the user to see more of the portion of the aerosol generating device 703 received in the tube.

There is a counterweight 710 attached to the closed end of the tube. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7A, the counterweight 710 is attachable to, and detachable from, the tube. When attached to the tube, the counterweight 710 may be considered part of the holding portion 708.

The non-holding portion 706 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is attached to the section 704. The holding portion 708 is rotatably mounted on the non-holding portion 706. The holding portion 708 can therefore rotate about an axis of rotation relative to the non holding portion 706 and the section 704. In the wearable accessory shown in Figure 7A, the axis of rotation is a longitudinal axis through the centre of the substantially cylindrical non holding portion 706.

The centre of mass of the holding portion 708 is offset from the axis of rotation when the counterweight 710 is attached to the tube. When the aerosol-generating device 703 is held by the holding portion 708, the combined centre of mass of the device 703 and the holding portion 708 when the counterweight 710 is attached to the tube is also offset from the axis of rotation. This means that the weight of the holding portion 708, or the combined weight of the holding portion 708 and the device 703 when the device 703 is held by the holding portion 708, can create a moment about the axis of rotation which acts to rotate the holding portion 708 towards a first position of the holding portion 708. The first position is shown in Figure 7A, and is a position in which the combined centre of mass of the device 703 and the holding portion 708 is vertically below the axis of rotation. As shown in Figure 7A, in this embodiment, the first position is a convenient parking position in which a mouth end of the device 703 is pointing vertically upwards. Thus, in this first position, the weight of the device 703 and the holding portion 708 does not create a moment about the axis of rotation. In other words, the holding portion 708 is biased towards the position shown in Figure 7 A due to the effect of gravity on the holding portion 708, including the counterweight 710, and the device 703.

The wearable accessory 700 further comprises an orientation holding means 712 located on the section 704. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7A, the orientation holding means 712 comprises a magnet. When the coupling means 702 is coupled to the aerosol generating device 703 and the device 703 is in a first orientation relative to the section, the magnet holds the device 703 in the first orientation relative to the section 704. The first orientation may be a convenient orientation in which a user can use the device 703. The magnet holds the device 703 in the first orientation relative to the section 704 because there is a corresponding magnet on the holding portion 708, and when the device 703 is in the first orientation relative to the section 704, these magnets are in contact with each other so there is a strong magnetic attractive force between them. The corresponding magnet on the holding portion 708 is supported by an extension of the tube towards a mouth end of the device 703 shown in Figure 7 A. The corresponding magnet on the holding portion 708 cannot be seen in Figure 7 A because it is located between the device 703 and the section 704.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 7A, the orientation holding means is fixed to the section 704. However, the orientation holding means 712 could equally be attachable to, and detachable from, the section 704. For example, the orientation holding means 712 could comprise a magnet having hook-and-loop fasteners attached to one side of the magnet. In this case, the magnet could be detached from corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners on the section 704 and attached to corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners in another location on the section 704.

Figure 7B is a schematic illustration of the wearable accessory 700 shown in Figure 7 A worn by a user in a second orientation.

In Figure 7B, the hand of the user has rotated clockwise by approximately 90 degrees. During this rotation, the following occurs:

Shortly after the user starts to rotate their hand (and forearm), the magnet on the holding portion 708 and the magnet of the orientation holding means 712 come into contact. This happens after approximately 5 degrees of rotation of the hand of the user, though one could easily adjust the strength of the magnets to increase or decrease this angle.

The attraction between these two magnets holds the holding portion 708 and the device 703 in this orientation relative to the section 704 as the user rotates their hand. However, as the user rotates their hand, the moment created by the weight of the device 703 and the holding portion 708 increases. Thus, the force urging the holding portion 708 and the device 703 out of this orientation (an orientation in which the magnets are in contact) increases. Eventually, the moment created by the weight of the holding portion 708 and the device 703 overcomes the counter-moment provided by the magnets keeping the holding portion 708 and the device 703 in this orientation. Thus, the magnets separate, and the holding portion 708 rotates anti-clockwise relative to the section 704 and the non-holding portion 706. For the embodiment shown in Figure 7B, this would occur after around 25 degrees of rotation of the hand and forearm, though one could easily adjust the strength of the magnets to increase or decrease this angle.

As the user continues to rotate their hand and forearm further, the holding portion 708 continues rotate anti-clockwise relative to the section 704 and the non-holding portion 706. This is because gravity acts to bias the holding portion 708 towards a position in which the centre of mass of the holding portion 708 and the device 703 is directly under the axis of rotation of the holding portion 708. Eventually, the hand is rotated by 90 degrees and appears as shown in Figure 7B.

Figure 8A is a first schematic illustration of a second wearable accessory worn by a user.

The wearable accessory 800 comprises a glove 801 to be worn on a right hand of a user. The accessory 800 comprises a coupling means 802 configured to couple to, and uncouple from, an aerosol-generating device 803. In Figure 8A, the coupling means is coupled to an aerosol-generating device 803. The coupling means 802 is located on a section 804 of the wearable accessory 800 which covers a back of the right hand of the user when the wearable accessory 800 is worn. The coupling means 802 comprises a non-holding portion 806 fixed to the section 804 of the wearable accessory and a holding portion 808 rotatably mounted on the non holding portion 806. The holding portion 808 comprises a support and an elastic strip 809. The support has an open end and a closed end opposing the open end. The support has a curved surface extending between the open end and the closed end which supports the device 803 when the device 803 is held by the holding portion 808. The elastic strip 809 and support encircle the device 803 when the device 803 is held by the holding portion. The elastic strip 809 stretches around the device 803 when holding the device 803, so is under tension when encircling the device 803. In this way, the elastic strip 809 holds the device 803 securely in the holding portion 808.

The non-holding portion 806 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is attached to the section 804. The holding portion 808 is rotatably mounted on the non-holding portion 806. The holding portion 808 can therefore rotate about an axis of rotation relative to the non holding portion 806 and the section 804. For the wearable accessory shown in Figure 8A, the axis of rotation is a longitudinal axis through the centre of the substantially cylindrical non-holding portion 806.

The centre of mass of the holding portion 808 is offset from the axis of rotation. When the aerosol-generating device 803 is held by the holding portion 808, the combined centre of mass of the device 803 and the holding portion 808 is also offset from the axis of rotation. This means that the weight of the holding portion 808, or the combined weight of the holding portion 808 and the device 803 when the device 803 is held by the holding portion 808, can create a moment about the axis of rotation which acts to rotate the holding portion 808 towards a first position of the holding portion 808. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8A, the centre of mass of the holding portion 808 and the combined centre of mass of the holding portion 808 and the device 803 are closer to the closed end of the support than the open end of the support.

The wearable accessory 800 further comprises an orientation holding means 812 located on the section 804. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8A, the orientation holding means 812 is located near to a portion of the accessory 800 which covers an MCP joint of the thumb of the user when the accessory 800 is worn.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 8A, the orientation holding means 812 comprises a magnet. When the coupling means 802 is coupled to the aerosol-generating device 803 and the device 803 is in a first orientation relative to the section, the user can position their thumb such that the magnet holds the device 803 in the first orientation relative to the section 804. The first orientation is shown in Figure 8A. This orientation may be a convenient orientation in which a user can use the device 803. The magnet holds the device 803 in the first orientation relative to the section 804 because there is an orientation holding means counterpart 813 on the support of the holding portion 808. The orientation holding means counterpart 813 comprises a corresponding magnetic material. When the device 803 is in the first orientation relative to the section 804 and the thumb of the user is substantially aligned with a back of their hand, the magnet and corresponding magnetic material are aligned and close to each other so there is a strong magnetic attractive force between them. If the user keeps their thumb in the position shown in Figure 8A, where the thumb is substantially aligned with the back of the hand, then the magnet and corresponding magnetic material will remain engaged and the aerosol-generating device 803 will remain in the first orientation relative to the section 804. This is because the strength of the magnet has been selected such that, regardless of the moment created by the weight of the holding portion 808 and the aerosol-generating device 803 about the axis of rotation, the attractive force between the magnet and the corresponding magnetic material is sufficient to retain the aerosol-generating device 803 in the first orientation.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 8A, the orientation holding means is attachable to, and detachable from, the section 804. The orientation holding means 812 comprises hook-and-loop fasteners attached to one side of the magnet. Thus, the magnet can be detached from corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners on the section 804 and attached to corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners in another location on the section 804. For example, if corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners were located on a portion of the accessory 800 covering the index finger of the user, then this would allow the user to detach the orientation holding means 812 from the location shown in Figure 8A, and attach the orientation holding means 812 near to the index finger of the user. This would effectively allow the user re-orient the first orientation of the aerosol-generating device 803.

Figure 8B is a second schematic illustration of the second wearable accessory 800 worn by the user.

In Figure 8B, it can be seen that the user has moved their thumb away from the aerosol-generating device 803 and out of alignment with the back of their hand. Thus, the orientation holding means 812 and the orientation holding means counterpart 813 are disengaged from each other. Any attractive force between the orientation holding means 812 and the orientation holding means counterpart 813 in this position shown in Figure 8B would be negligible. Thus, a moment created by the weight of the holding portion 808 and the aerosol-generating device 803 about the axis of rotation could exceed any attractive force between the magnet and the corresponding magnetic material in the position shown in Figure 8B. Therefore, this moment would act to rotate the holding portion 808 towards the first position of the holding portion 808. Figure 8C is a third schematic illustration of the second wearable accessory 800 worn by the user.

The position shown in Figure 8C is the first position referred to above. So, under the weight of the holding portion 808 and the aerosol-generating device 803, the holding portion 808 has rotated from the position shown in Figure 8B such that the combined centre of mass of the device 803 and the holding portion 808 is vertically below the axis of rotation, as shown in Figure 8C. In this embodiment, the first position is a convenient parking position in which a mouth end of the device 803 is pointing substantially vertically upwards.

Advantageously, embodiments described herein allow users to use aerosol- generating devices whilst leaving their hands free to perform other tasks such as driving, typing, gaming, or using a mobile phone. Embodiments described herein also allow users to charge aerosol-generating devices without access to mains electricity or separate chargers. Embodiments described herein also provide users with a means for storing aerosol-forming articles.

Claims

Claims:

1. A wearable accessory, the accessory comprising: a section configured to cover at least part of a back of a hand of a user, and a coupling means configured to couple to, and uncouple from, an aerosol-generating device, wherein the coupling means is located on the section.

2. An accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the accessory comprises a power source, the power source being configured to supply power to the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the power source.

3. An accessory according to claim 2, wherein the coupling means couples the aerosol generating device to the power source.

4. An accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein the accessory comprises one or more holders, each holder configured to hold an aerosol-forming article for use with the aerosol-generating device.

5. An accessory according to claim 4, wherein each holder comprises a tube having an open end and a pin, blade or rod in the tube, wherein the pin, blade or rod is configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming article when holding the aerosol-forming article.

6. An accessory according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each holder is removably attachable to the accessory.

7. An accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling means comprises a strap and, when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means, the strap encircles the aerosol-generating device or a combination of the section and the strap encircles the aerosol-generating device.

8. An accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling means is moveable or rotatable or both moveable and rotatable relative to the section.

9. An accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling means is oriented, or orientable, such that the user can use the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means.

10. An accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling means is oriented, or orientable, such that a mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device extends beyond an outline of the hand and wrist of the user when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means and the accessory is worn by the user.

1 1. An accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling means comprises a holding portion configured to hold the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means, the holding portion being rotatable relative to the section about an axis of rotation, and wherein a centre of mass of the holding portion is offset from the axis of rotation.

12. An accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein the accessory comprises an orientation holding means, and the coupling means comprises a portion orientable relative to the section, and wherein when the coupling means is coupled to the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating device is in a first orientation, the orientation holding means is configured to hold the aerosol-generating device in the first orientation.

13. An accessory according to claim 12, wherein the orientation holding means is configured to engage with an orientation holding means counterpart on the coupling means or on the aerosol-generating device, and wherein when the accessory is worn on a given hand of the user and the orientation holding means is engaged with the orientation holding means counterpart, the user may move a finger or a thumb on the given hand to disengage the orientation holding means from the orientation holding means counterpart.

14. A system comprising a first wearable accessory and a second wearable accessory, wherein: the first wearable accessory is connectable to the second wearable accessory, the first wearable accessory comprises a section configured to cover at least part of a back of a hand of a user, and a coupling means configured to couple to, and uncouple from, an aerosol-generating device, the coupling means being located on the section, the second wearable accessory comprises a secondary power source, and the secondary power source is configured to supply power to the aerosol-generating device or the first wearable accessory comprises a primary power source and the secondary power source is configured to supply power to the primary power source.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the secondary power source is configured to supply power to the primary power source when the first wearable accessory is connected to the second wearable accessory, or when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means, or both when the first wearable accessory is connected to the second wearable accessory and when the aerosol-generating device is coupled to the coupling means.