WO2021180825A1

WO2021180825A1 - An electronic cigarette with multiple flavour options

Info

Publication number: WO2021180825A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/056122
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alec WRIGHT; Andrew Robert John ROGAN
Original assignee: Jt International Sa
Priority date: 2020-03-13
Filing date: 2021-03-10
Publication date: 2021-09-16

Abstract

An electronic cigarette (100) is provided and comprises a tubular body having a longitudinal axis; a first component (112) and a second component (114) configured to introduce first and second characteristics respectively to an aerosol inhaled by a user, wherein the first and second components have respective first positions in which the first and second components are not positioned in an airflow and respective second positions, longitudinally displaced from the respective first positions, in which the first and second components are positioned in the airflow; and a slider (116) configured to selectively move the first or second component longitudinally so that the first or second component can be moved from their respective first position to their respective second position, in the airflow.

Description

AN ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE WITH MULTIPLE FLAVOUR OPTIONS FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette. In particular, the invention relates to an electronic cigarette with multiple flavour options which can be added to the aerosol for the user to inhale.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There is a demand for electronic cigarettes which provide multiple flavours or strengths of aerosol forming substances so that the user may conveniently choose from a range of aerosol forming substances. There is also a demand for novel and more versatile electronic cigarettes. It is an object of the present invention to address these demands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an electronic cigarette, comprising: a tubular body having a longitudinal axis; a first component and a second component housed within the tubular body, configured to alter first and second characteristics respectively of an aerosol inhaled by a user, wherein the first and second components have respective first positions in which the first and second components are not positioned in an airflow and respective second positions, longitudinally displaced from the respective first positions, in which the first and second components are positioned in the airflow; and a slider configured to selectively move the first or second component longitudinally so that the first or second component can be moved from their respective first position to their respective second position, in the airflow.

In this way, an electronic cigarette which can offer the user a choice of multiple aerosol types, such as differently flavoured aerosols or aerosols with different nicotine concentrations, is provided, where the user can introduce any of the first and/or second components into the airflow on demand to alter the characteristics (or introduce characteristics), such as flavour, strength, etc, of (or to) an aerosol to be inhaled. The skilled person would understand that the first and second components could be configured to alter other characteristics of an aerosol, or configured to introduce other characteristics to an aerosol. Additionally, a stylish device which is both satisfying to use and provides a high degree of functionality is provided. The electronic cigarette may be further configured to allow the first and second components to be moved from their respective second positions back to their respective first positions.

Preferably, the electronic cigarette comprises a first slider associated with the first component and a second slider associated with the second component. In this way, the type of aerosol forming substance or flavour additive may easily be selected by the user. The addition of further sliding components also provides increased satisfaction to the user when switching between aerosol flavours. The sliders may slide longitudinally along the axis of the electronic cigarette, or alternatively may slide along other axes of the device, such as radially. The skilled person would understand that other mechanisms that allow the user to move the first and second component between their respective positions, such as buttons, wheels or gears may be used alternatively to the sliders.

In some embodiments, the electronic cigarette further comprises a mechanism configured to be activated when the first component is moved from its first position to its second position, wherein activation of the mechanism causes movement of the second component from its second position to its first position. This advantageously removes the need for the user to first move the slider associated with the first component back to its first position before moving the slider associated with the second component from its respective first position to its respective second position. In some examples, the mechanism may comprise a trigger. The mechanism may comprise teeth disposed on the first and second sliders, and a biasing member such as a spring.

Preferably, the tubular body includes a tapered internal channel and the slider is configured to move the first or second component longitudinally against the tapered internal channel from the first position to the second position. In this way, the first and second component may introduce their respective first and second characteristics into the aerosol in a manner which uses space efficiently. Since electronic cigarettes generally include a tapered region which forms a mouthpiece, this advantageously utilises pre-existing features to control the movement of the first and second components. In embodiments, the tapered internal channel may comprise one or more tapered internal walls.

Preferably, first and second components include respective flavourings with different characteristics. In this way, the choice of flavourings provided to the user is increased.

In some embodiments, the first and second components are air-permeable filters that can be delivered to the airflow in the respective second positions. In this way, the present invention can be implemented with any of e-liquid-based or heat-not- burn mechanisms of aerosol generation. This also enables the use of filters which should not be exposed to heat by, for example, placing the air permeable filters at a point in the airflow separate to where heating is provided. In some examples, the first and second components are air-permeable filters with respective flavourings. In some examples, the first and second components are filters that create a pressure drop in the airflow between a first side and a second side of the filter.

In some embodiments, the first and second components comprise a respective liquid reservoir and vaporiser. In this way, the characteristics introduced by the first and second component are not mixed undesirably through the use of a shared vaporiser. In addition, this enables two aerosol forming substances to be provided in a single device. Preferably, the first and second components comprise respective first and second liquid reservoirs positioned either side of the vaporiser.

More preferably, the electronic cigarette comprises electrical contacts configured to engage with the vaporiser of the first component or the second component when the first component or the second component is in its respective second position. In this way, safety of the device is improved by ensuring that electrical contact is not provided to the vaporiser of the first component or the second component unless the first component or the second component are in their respective second positions. The user can then prevent activation of the vaporisers by bringing the first and second components to their respective first positions.

Preferably, the slider is biased towards the first position using a spring, in one example. In this way, the robustness of the device is improved by securing moving parts to a biased position. Additionally, this helps to prevent accidentally moving the first or second component into their respective second positions.

Preferably, the slider includes a locking mechanism that can securely position the first or second component in the second position. In this way, the robustness of the device is improved because moving parts are secured to their respective second positions. Furthermore, the usability of the device is improved via the locking mechanism, which prevents the vaporiser from becoming displaced accidentally during vaping. The locking mechanism may comprise teeth on the first and second sliders, wherein the teeth of the first component in the first position sit against the teeth of the second component in the second position. The skilled person would understand that any other locking mechanism may be used.

In some embodiments, the electronic cigarette comprises a rotatable member attached to the slider to selectively position the slider with respect to the first or second component. In this way, an alternative method of selecting a characteristic to add to the aerosol is provided.

Preferably, the electronic cigarette further comprises at least a third component configured to introduce a third characteristic to the aerosol, wherein the third component has a respective first position in which the third component is not positioned in the airflow and a second position, longitudinally displaced from the first position, in which the third component is positioned in the airflow, and wherein the slider is configured to selectively move the third component longitudinally so that it can be moved from its first position to its second position where it can introduce the third characteristic to the aerosol in the airflow. In this way, the user is provided with a greater choice of characteristics to add to the aerosol. Preferably, the first, second and third components are positioned annularly around the longitudinal axis in their respective first positions. In this way, the internal space of the electronic cigarette may be used efficiently.

In some embodiments, the first component and the second component may be held in their second respective positions simultaneously. This enables multiple flavours of aerosol forming substances to be introduced to the aerosol simultaneously.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of introducing a characteristic into an aerosol, the method comprising: arranging a first component and a second component configured to introduce first and second characteristics respectively to an aerosol, wherein the first and second components have respective first positions in which the first and second components are not positioned in an airflow, which flows mainly in a longitudinal direction, and respective second positions, longitudinally displaced from the respective first positions, in which the first and second components are positioned in the airflow; and arranging a slider configured to selectively move the first or second component longitudinally so that the first or second component can be moved between their respective first positions and their respective second positions, in the airflow.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of an atomiser according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of an electronic cigarette in a first configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of an electronic cigarette in a second configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4A is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4B is a schematic view of an engagement mechanism in a first configuration according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 4C is a schematic view of an engagement mechanism in a second configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional diagram of an electronic cigarette 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The electronic cigarette 100 comprises an outer casing 102 which houses the components of the electronic cigarette and defines a tubular body with a longitudinal axis, an air inlet (not shown), an air outlet 103, and an air channel 104 which fluidically connects the air inlet and the air outlet 103. A mouthpiece 106 is disposed at the air outlet 103. Positioned within the air channel 104 is an atomiser 108 in fluid communication with reservoirs 110 configured to contain an aerosol forming substance. The atomiser 108 comprises a wicking element configured to draw an aerosol forming substance from the reservoirs 110 through capillary action, and a heater configured to heat the aerosol forming substance.

There is also provided a first filter 112 and a second filter 114 connected to a first arm 116 and a second arm 118, respectively, which are in turn connected to a first slider 120 and a second slider 122, respectively. The first slider 120 and the second slider 122 are moveably attached to the outer casing 102 by first and second rails (not shown), respectively, which comprise an elongate slot in the outer casing 102. A protrusion on the first slider 120 and the second slider 122 is positioned through the first rail and the second rail, respectively, thereby allowing the first slider 120 and the second slider 122 to be moved longitudinally towards and away from the mouthpiece 106 while also keeping each slider held against the outer casing 102. A partitioning wall 124 and a tapered internal wall 126 define a region 125, depicted in Figure 1 by a shaded area, which is out of the main airflow passing through the air channel 104. The first arm 116 and the second arm 118 each extend through a respective opening in the partitioning wall 124, enabling longitudinal movement of the first arm 116 and the second arm 118 towards or away from the mouthpiece 106, while inhibiting movement in other directions. The first filter 112 and the second filter 114, the first arm 116 and the second arm 118, and the first slider 120 and the second slider 122 are positioned annularly about the longitudinal axis of the electronic cigarette 100. The electronic cigarette 100 also comprises a battery (not shown) to power the device and a button (not shown), which the user can press to activate the atomiser 108 and generate an aerosol.

The casing 102 may comprise any appropriate material, such as plastic, metal, wood, or composites thereof. The wicking element may comprise ceramic or any other appropriate material which draws liquid from the reservoirs 110 through capillary action. In this embodiment, the heating element of the atomiser 108 is a resistive coil of wire configured to generate heat when a current is passed through the wire. However, the skilled person would understand that any form of heating may be applied to the wicking element, such as laser heating. The reservoirs 110 may be replaceable or refillable reservoirs, and may be removable from the electronic cigarette through an opening. Alternatively, the reservoirs 110 may be non-removable. The skilled person would understand that any method of heating a substance to generate an aerosol may be used in place of the reservoir and atomiser setup of Figure 1 , such as the use of a tobacco rod and an oven, as seen in heat-not-burn electronic cigarettes. The heater may be of any kind well-known heater in the field of electronic aerosol generating systems. It may in particular be a resistive-type heater, for example comprising one or several heating metallic coils. It may alternatively consist in an indirect heating system such as a convective or inductive heating system. The heater may comprise a heat transfer element which contacts the wicking element and is conductively or convectively heated by a heating source. The heat transfer element may thus be formed of a metal, or a ceramic element for instance, capable of receiving and transferring heat to the liquid to be vaporized in the wicking element. In case of an inductive heating system, the wicking material may be contacted with a susceptor material (coil, plate or like), which can be magnetically inducted with a remote inductor, as known in the field.

In this embodiment, the first filter 112 and the second filter 114 are air-permeable filters which introduce a flavour into the aerosol as air is drawn through the first filter 112 or the second filter 114. The first filter 112 and the second filter 114 may be held in place by a clip or a holder at the end of the first arm 116 and the second arm 118. Equally, any other component which introduces a flavour into an aerosol may be used in place of the first filter 112 and the second filter 114 of Figure 1. For example, the first filter 112 and the second filter 114 could alternatively be replaced with moist substrates. In some example embodiments, the first and second filters 112, 114 may be filters configured to reduce the aerosol temperature of the aerosol passing through the filter. In other examples, the first and second filters 112, 114 may be a tobacco substrate.

The first arm 116 and the second arm 118 may comprise a flexible material such as plastic, which enables the first arm 116 and the second arm 118 to follow the contours of the tapered internal wall 126. Alternatively, the first arm 116 and the second arm 118 may comprise a plurality of elbow joints consecutively connected via rigid connectors, such that the first arm 116 and the second arm 118 may bend to follow the contours of the tapered internal wall 126. Buckled beams may also be used advantageously to form the first and second arms 116, 118. Any mechanism of providing flexibility to the first arm 116 and the second arm 118 may be implemented alternatively.

In use, an aerosol is generated in the air channel 104 by applying a current through the coil to generate heat, thereby vaporising an aerosol forming substance absorbed by the wicking element. The formed aerosol can then be inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece 106. The first slider 120 and the second slider 122 can be moved between a disengaged position, away from the mouthpiece 106, and an engaged position, towards the mouthpiece 106. In doing so, the first filter 112 and the second filter 114 can also be moved, via the first arm 116 and the second arm 118, between a disengaged position inside the region 125 out of the airflow to an engaged position inside the air channel 104. In the disengaged position, the first filter 112 and the second filter 114 are out of the main airflow and are thus prevented from adding their respective flavour into the aerosol. While in the engaged position, the first filter 112 and the second filter 114 add their respective flavours to the aerosol when the user draws air through the mouthpiece 106. In this way, by pushing the first slider 120 and the second slider 122 back and forth between their respective engaged and disengaged positions, the user can ‘select’ or ‘de-select’ aerosol flavours at will. In Figure 1 , the first slider 120, the first arm 116, and the first filter 112 are shown in the disengaged position, while the second slider 122, the second arm 118, and the second filter 114 are shown in the engaged position. Figure 1 shows an arrow which indicates the axis along which the first slider 120 and the second slider 122 are configured to slide along their respective rails.

As the user pushes the first slider 120 towards the engaged position, the first arm 116 slides further through the opening in the partitioning wall 124. The first arm 116 bends or realigns, depending on the chosen flexibility mechanism of the first arm 116, so that the first slider 120 can be smoothly pushed towards the mouthpiece 106. The tapered internal wall 126 guides the first filter 112 towards the air channel 104, so that the first filter 112 rests in the airflow path when the first slider 120 is in the engaged position. In this embodiment, the first slider 120 and the second slider 122 may sit in the engaged position with the first filter 112 and the second filter 114 overlying one another in the airflow, simultaneously. In this way, the user can mix the first filter 112 and the second filter 114 to provide a customised flavour of aerosol to enjoy.

Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional schematic of an electronic cigarette 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention. As described with reference to Figure 1, the electronic cigarette comprises: an outer casing 202; an air inlet; an air outlet 203; an air channel 204; a mouthpiece 206; a first slider 220 and second a second slider 222 attached to the outer casing 202 by first and second rails, respectively, and connected to a first arm 216 and a second arm 218, respectively; and a tapered internal wall 226.

In this embodiment, there is provided a first atomiser 208 and a second atomiser 209, connected to a first pair of reservoirs 210 and a second pair of reservoirs 211 , respectively. The first atomiser 208 is attached to the first arm 216; while the second atomiser 209 is connected to the second arm 218. The first atomiser 208 and the second atomiser 209 replace the first filter 112 and the second filter 114 of Figure 1. There is also provided a first pair of electrical atomiser contacts 228 and a second pair of electrical atomiser contacts 230 disposed on the first atomiser 208 and the second atomiser 209, respectively, and a pair of electric receiving contacts 232 in electric connection with a battery. The first atomiser 208 and the second atomiser 209 each comprise a first electrically resistive coil of wire and a second electrically resistive coil of wire. The first and second coils of wire are in contact with the first atomiser contacts 228 and the second atomiser contacts 230, respectively. Each coil of wire is wrapped around a wicking element, wherein each wicking element is in fluid communication with the corresponding first pair of reservoirs 210 or the second pair of reservoirs 211. A schematic diagram of the first atomiser 208 is shown in Figure 2B.

As in the embodiment of Figure 1 , the first slider 220 and the second slider 222 can be pushed between engaged and disengaged positions, thereby moving the first atomiser 208 and the second atomiser 209 in and out of the air channel 204, via the first arm 216 and the second arm 218, respectively. The electric receiving contacts 232 are positioned such that the first atomiser contacts 228 and the second atomiser contacts 230 can be brought into contact with the receiving electrical contacts 232 when the either of the first atomiser 208 or the second atomiser 209 are positioned within the air channel 204, in the engaged position. In Figure 2A, the first atomiser

208 is shown outside the airflow, while the second atomiser 209 is shown within the airflow and in electrical contact with the receiving contacts 232.

In this way, an electrical circuit is formed between the battery, the receiving contacts 232, the second atomiser contacts 230 and the resistive wire of the second atomiser

209 when the second atomiser 209 is in the engaged position. In some embodiments, a button may be used to close the circuit, allowing the battery to provide a current to the resistive coil of the second atomiser 209, thereby generating heat to vaporise an aerosol forming substance absorbed by the wicking element through the second pair of reservoirs 211. The user can then inhale the generated vapour through the mouthpiece 206. The first pair of reservoirs 210 and the second pair of reservoirs 211 may be filled with a different flavour or concentration of aerosol forming substance, conveniently allowing the user to choose from multiple strengths or flavours of aerosol. In this particular embodiment, there is provided a single pair of receiving contacts 232. Consequently, only one flavour or strength of aerosol may be engaged, or ‘selected’, by the user at one time. The skilled person would understand that additional receiving contacts may be provided in an alternative embodiment for each respective slider, thereby allowing multiple vapours to be generated simultaneously. This embodiment advantageously improves the safety of the device, because the electronic cigarette can only produce an aerosol if either of the first slider 220 or the second slider 222 is in the engaged position. This reduces the likelihood of unintentional vaping.

A schematic diagram of an electronic cigarette 300 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 3A and 3B in first and second configurations, respectively. As described with reference to Figure 1 , the electronic cigarette 300 also comprises an outer casing 302, an air inlet, an air outlet 303, an air channel 304, a mouthpiece 306, an atomiser 308, reservoirs 310, a first filter 312 and a second filter 314 connected to a first slider 320 and a second slider 322 via a first arm 316 and a second arm 318, respectively, a partitioning wall 324, a region 325 which is out of the main airflow of the air channel 304, and a tapered internal wall 326. There is also provided a first opening 333A and a second opening 333B in the outer casing 302 which allows the first slider 320 and the second slider 322, respectively, to be pushed inwards, into the internal volume of the electronic cigarette 300 by a user. The first slider 320 and the second slider 322 can rest against a first shoulder 333C and a second shoulder 333D, respectively, of the outer casing 302 when they are received in the first opening 333A or the second opening 333B.

Additionally, the electronic cigarette 300 comprises a first spring 334 and a second spring 336, wherein a first end of the first spring 334 and a first end of the second spring 336 are fixed onto a support wall 338; while a second end of the first spring 334 and a second end of the second spring 336 are fixed onto the first slider 320 and the second slider 322, respectively. The first arm 316 extends through the longitudinal axis of the first spring 334; while the second arm 318 extends through the longitudinal axis of the second spring 336. The first slider 320 comprises a first external protrusion 340 and a first pair of locking teeth 344, 346; and the second slider 322 comprises a second external protrusion 342 and a second pair of locking teeth 348, 350. The locking teeth have bevelled side faces. The first arm 316 and the second arm 318 each extend through a respective opening in the support wall 338, which enables free longitudinal movement of the first arm 316 and the second arm 318 through their respective openings, while inhibiting movement in other directions.

In use, the user can use the second protrusion 342 to push the second slider 322 towards the mouthpiece 306. The second shoulder 333D provides a support surface to smoothly guide the second slider 322 into the engaged position. The user can also push the second slider 322 inwards, into the internal volume of the electronic cigarette 300, in order to lock the second slider 322 into the engaged position. The second filter 314 is thereby brought into the main airflow by the second arm 318 for the user to enjoy during vaping, as described with reference to Figure 1.

Figure 3A shows the first spring 334 and the second spring 336 in a weakly compressed state with the first slider 320 and the second slider 322 in their respective disengaged positions. The weak compression of the first spring 334 and the second spring 336 biases the first slider 320 and the second slider 322 into their respective disengaged positions. When the first slider 320 and the second slider 322 are in the disengaged position, the first pair of engagement teeth 344, 346 rest against the second pair of engagement teeth 348, 350. Thus, the first slider 320 and the second slider 322 mutually prevent one another from moving inwards, into the internal volume of the electronic cigarette 300. In this configuration, the first filter 312 and the second filter 314 are held in the region 325 outside of the main airflow via the first arm 316 and the second arm 318, respectively.

Figure 3B shows the second slider 322 and the second filter 314 pushed into their respective engaged positions towards the mouthpiece 306, and the corresponding second spring 336 in a compressed state. The second slider 322 is also shown pushed into the internal volume of the electronic cigarette 300. The compressed second spring 336 exerts a restoring force onto the second slider 322, which tends to push the second slider 322 away from the mouthpiece 306. The second slider 322 is prevented from returning to the disengaged position by the locking tooth 344, provided on the first slider 320, which engages with the locking tooth 350 provided on the second slider 322. The locking tooth 344, provided on the first slider 320, provides an opposing force which opposes the bias of the second spring 336. Thus, the first spring 334; the second spring 336; the locking tooth 344, provided on the first slider 320; and the locking tooth 350, provided on the second slider 322 provide a locking mechanism for the second slider 322, which holds the second slider 322 in the disengaged position.

In this way, the user can easily lock the second slider 322 into the engaged position in a smooth motion comprising a first push to bring the second slider 322 towards the mouthpiece 306, and a second, inwards push to engage the locking tooth 334 of the first slider 320 and the locking tooth 350 of the second slider 350. Consequently, the user can easily lock the corresponding second filter 314 in the air channel 304 to enjoy during vaping.

The second slider 322 can be returned to the disengaged position by pushing the first slider 320 towards the mouthpiece 306. When the first slider 320 is pushed towards the mouthpiece 306, the locking tooth 344 of the first slider 320 is pushed further against the locking tooth 350 of the second slider 322. The bevelled faces of the locking teeth encourage slippage at the contact point between the locking tooth 344 of the first slider 320 and the locking tooth 350 of the second slider 322. When slippage occurs, the locking tooth 344 of the first slider 320 no longer provides a force sufficient to oppose the restoring force of the second spring 336. The second spring 336 then pushes the second slider 322 away from the mouthpiece 306 while simultaneously the bevelled face of the locking tooth 344 of the first slider 320 guides the second slider 322 towards the opening 333B. The second spring 336 then pushes the second slider 322 away from the mouthpiece 306 and into the disengaged position.

Thus, by pushing the first slider 320 towards the mouthpiece 306, the second slider 322 is automatically returned into a ‘de-selected’ state without requiring the user to push the initially engaged second slider 322 back into the disengaged position. The second spring 336; the locking tooth 344, provided on the first slider 320; and the locking tooth 350, provided on the second slider 322 provide a trigger which returns the second slider 322 to the disengaged position when the user activates the trigger by pushing the first slider 320 towards the mouthpiece 306. In this way, the user can easily switch between flavours in a single movement. The first protrusions 340 and the second protrusion 342 are shaped ergonomically to allow the user to move the first slider 320 and the second slider 322, respectively, towards the mouthpiece 306 and into the internal volume of the device comfortably, using a thumb. In the above example usage, the second slider 322 has first been brought into the engaged position, and then subsequently returned to the disengaged position using first slider 320. The skilled person would understand that the first slider 320 could instead have been initially engaged and then returned to the disengaged position by second slider 322. The skilled person would also understand that the atomiser 308, reservoirs 310, the first filter 312, and the second filter 314 shown in Figures 3A and 3B could alternatively be replaced by a multiple atomiser setup as described with reference to Figure 2. Figures 3A and 3B show the first slider 320 and the second slider 322 positioned annularly about the longitudinal axis of the device. The skilled person would understand that additional sliders could be positioned longitudinally about the axis of the device.

Figures 4A-4C show a schematic diagram of an electronic cigarette in yet another embodiment of the invention. As described with reference to Figure 1, the electronic cigarette 400 comprises an outer casing 402, an air inlet, an air outlet 403, an air channel 404, a mouthpiece 406, an atomiser 408, reservoirs 410, a first filter 412 and a second filter 414 connected to a first arm 416 and a second arm 418, respectively, a partitioning wall 424, a region 425 which is out of the main airflow of the air channel 404, and a tapered internal wall 426.

There is also provided a first support wall 438 and a second support wall 439, a first spring 434 and second a spring 436, and a first engagement structure 452 and a second engagement structure 454. The first engagement structure 452 and the second engagement structure 454 are disposed longitudinally within the electronic cigarette 400. A first end of the first spring 434 and a first end of the second spring 436 are fixed onto the first support wall 438; while a second end of the first spring 434 and a second end of the second spring 436 are fixed onto the first engagement structure 452 and the second engagement structure 454, respectively. The first arm 416 and the second arm 418 are attached to the first engagement structure 452 and the second engagement structure 454, respectively. The first arm 416 and the second arm 418 also extend through the longitudinal axis of the first spring 434 and the second spring 436, respectively. Additionally, the first arm 416 and the second arm 418 extend through respective openings in the support wall 438 and through respective openings in the partitioning wall 424. The openings allow the first arm 416 and the second arm 418 to slide longitudinally towards and away from the mouthpiece 406, while inhibiting movement in other directions.

The first engagement structure 452 and the second engagement structure 454 slot through respective first and second rectangular openings in the second support wall 439 which allows them to slide longitudinally towards and away from the mouthpiece 406 while inhibiting movement in other directions. There is also provided a cylindrical rotator 456 with an attached engagement arm 458 which extends towards the first engagement structure 452 and the second engagement structure 454. The rotator 456 may be supported by an axle (not shown) which allows the rotator 456 to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the rotator 456 is exposed through an opening in the outer casing 402 which allows a user to rotate the rotator 456. In this embodiment, the rotator 456 is a cylinder. However, the skilled person would appreciate that other rotatable members with alternate shapes may be used alternatively.

Figure 4A shows the first spring 434 in a weakly compressed state and first engagement structure 452 in the disengaged position. The restoring force of the first spring 434 and the second spring 436 biases the first engagement structure 452 and the second engagement structure 454, respectively, to a disengaged position in which they are pushed through their respective rectangular openings in the second support wall 439. In this embodiment, the first spring 434 and the second spring 436 cannot pass through the rectangular openings. Figure 4B provides an alternative view of the second spring 436 in a weakly compressed state with the second engagement structure 454 in the corresponding disengaged position. While the first engagement structure 452 and the second engagement structure 454 are in their disengaged positions, the first filter 412 and the second filter 416, respectively, are held in the region 425 out of the main airflow, via the first arm 416 and the second arm 418, respectively. In Figure 4A, the first filter 412 is shown residing inside the region 425.

Figure 4A shows the second engagement structure 454 in the engaged position, while Figures 4B and 4C show the second engagement structure 454 in the disengaged position and the engaged position, respectively, from an alternate perspective. The first engagement structure 452 comprises a first bevelled side face (not shown) and a first bevelled indent (not shown). The second engagement structure 454 comprises a second bevelled side face 460 and a second bevelled indent 462, as shown in Figures 4B and 4C.

The user can bring the second engagement structure 454 into an engaged position by rotating the rotator 456. When the rotator 456 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the engagement arm 458 is brought into contact with the second bevelled side face 460 of the second engagement structure 454. The second bevelled side face 460 of the second engagement structure 454 enables the torque supplied by the user to be transferred into a longitudinal force onto the second engagement structure 454 via the engagement arm 458. This longitudinal force opposes the bias of the second spring 436, and pushes the second engagement structure 454 into the engaged position towards the mouthpiece 406. The engagement arm 458 engages with the second engagement structure 454, thus preventing the second engagement structure 454 from returning to the disengaged position. Thus, through rotation of the rotator 456, the second filter 414 is pushed into the air channel 404 via the second arm 418, and the flavouring of the second filter 414 can be enjoyed by the user during vaping.

The second bevelled indent 462 is shown in Figures 4B and 4C and comprises two inwardly slanted faces. The second bevelled indent 462 secures the engagement arm 458 and the second engagement structure 454 in place, after they have been moved into alignment by the user. Figure 4C shows the engagement arm 458 in alignment over the second engagement structure 454, held in place by the second bevelled indent 462 and the restoring force of the second spring 436. The bias of the second spring 436 applies a restoring force onto the second engagement structure 454 which keeps the second engagement structure 454 in contact with the engagement arm 458. The slanted faces of the second bevelled indent 462 then resist further rotation of the engagement arm 458 which prevents the rotator 456 from accidentally being rotated out of alignment. This resistance can be overcome by the user by supplying sufficient torque to the rotator 456, which is again transferred into a longitudinal force onto the second engagement structure 454 via the engagement arm 458.

When a sufficient torque is supplied, the second engagement structure 454 is pushed further towards the mouthpiece 406, so that the engagement arm 458 can move past the second engagement structure 454. Once the engagement arm 458 passes over the second engagement structure 454, the engagement arm 458 no longer provides an opposing force to the restoring force of the second spring 436. The second engagement structure 454 is then returned to the disengaged position by the restoring force of the second spring 436. In this way, a locking mechanism is provided by the engagement arm 458, the second spring 436 and the second bevelled indent 462.

As the user rotates the rotator 456 to bring the second engagement structure 454 from the disengaged position into the engaged position, the user experiences a gradually increasing resistance to rotation. This arises due to the increasing restoring force exerted by the second spring 436 as the second spring 436 is further compressed, transmitted through contacting components. The resistance experienced is maximal as the engagement arm 458 reaches the edge of the second bevelled side face 460. The amount of resistance decreases as the engagement arm 458 passes the edge of the second bevelled side face 460, due to the second bevelled indent 462 allowing the spring 436 to decompress partially. This decompression is experienced by the user as a drop in resistance to rotation, and the user can feel when the engagement arm 458 has locked the second engagement structure 454 into the engaged position. In this way, the user can feel when the desired filter has been locked into the airflow, which provides satisfaction and usability to the user.

There may also be provided an indicators on the outer casing 402 and on the external face of the rotator 456 which indicate when the engagement arm 458 is positioned to engage one of the first engagement structure 452 or the second engagement structure 454. The skilled person would understand that other shapes of engagement structure may be used. For example, the first engagement structure 452 and the second engagement structure 454 may comprise an additional bevelled side face, so that the rotator 456 can also engage the engagement structures via rotation in the anti-clockwise direction.

In this way, the user can select or de-select the first filter 412 or the second filter 414 by rotating the rotator 456. The user can then enjoy the selected filter during vaping, as described with reference to Figure 1. This design locks the selected filter in place without requiring the user to perform an additional action, while also providing satisfying physical feedback to the user. Additionally, a variety of choices of aerosol flavours is provided to the user in a novel and interesting electronic cigarette. In the example embodiment of 4A, there is shown first and second filters 412, 414 positioned annularly around the longitudinal axis of the electronic cigarette. The skilled person would understand that additional filters and arm structures may be positioned about the longitudinal axis, as shown in Figures 4B and 4C. The skilled person would also understand that the filters of Figures 4A-C may be replaced with a vaporisers and a set of electrical contacts, as described with reference to Figure 2.

Claims

1. An electronic cigarette, comprising: a tubular body having a longitudinal axis; a first component and a second component housed within the tubular body, configured to alter first and second characteristics respectively of an aerosol inhaled by a user, wherein the first and second components have respective first positions in which the first and second components are not positioned in an airflow and respective second positions, longitudinally displaced from the respective first positions, in which the first and second components are positioned in the airflow; and a slider configured to selectively move the first or second component longitudinally so that the first or second component can be moved from their respective first position to their respective second position, in the airflow.

2. The electronic cigarette of claim 1 , comprising a first slider associated with the first component and a second slider associated with the second component.

3. The electronic cigarette of claim 2, comprising a mechanism configured to be activated when the first component is moved from its first position to its second position, wherein activation of the mechanism causes movement of the second component from its second position to its first position.

4. The electronic cigarette of any of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular body includes a tapered internal channel and the slider is configured to move the first or second component longitudinally against the tapered internal channel from the first position to the second position.

5. The electronic cigarette of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second components include respective flavourings with different characteristics.

6. The electronic cigarette of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second components are air-permeable filters that can be delivered to the airflow in the respective second positions.

7. The electronic cigarette of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second components comprise a respective liquid reservoir and vaporiser.

8. The electronic cigarette of claim 7, wherein the first and second components comprise respective first and second liquid reservoirs positioned either side of the vaporiser.

9. The electronic cigarette of claim 7 or claim 8, comprising electrical contacts configured to engage with the vaporiser of the first component or the second component when the first component or the second component is in its respective second position.

10. The electronic cigarette of any of the preceding claims, wherein the slider is biased towards the first position.

11. The electronic cigarette of any of the preceding claims, wherein the slider includes a locking mechanism that can securely position the first or second component in the second position.

12. The electronic cigarette of any of the preceding claims, comprising a rotatable member engageable with the slider, the rotatable member configured to selectively position the slider with respect to the first or second component.

13. The electronic cigarette of any of the preceding clams, further comprising at least a third component configured to introduce a third characteristic to the aerosol, wherein the third component has a respective first position in which the third component is not positioned in the airflow and a second position, longitudinally displaced from the first position, in which the third component is positioned in the airflow, and wherein the slider is configured to selectively move the third component longitudinally so that it can be moved from its first position to its second position where it can introduce the third characteristic to the aerosol in the airflow.

14. The electronic cigarette of claim 13, wherein the first, second and third components are positioned annularly around the longitudinal axis in their respective first positions.

15. A method of introducing a characteristic into an aerosol, the method comprising: arranging a first component and a second component configured to introduce first and second characteristics respectively to an aerosol, wherein the first and second components have respective first positions in which the first and second components are not positioned in an airflow, which flows mainly in a longitudinal direction, and respective second positions, longitudinally displaced from the respective first positions, in which the first and second components are positioned in the airflow; and arranging a slider configured to selectively move the first or second component longitudinally so that the first or second component can be moved between their respective first positions and their respective second positions, in the airflow.