WO2022029407A1

WO2022029407A1 - Aerosol provision device and consumable therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2022029407A1
Application number: PCT/GB2021/051926
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jon Peter Frederick SPRATELEY; Francesca Alys STEPHENS; Adam Robinson; Simon James COPLEY; Daniel Jerrad MOSS; Andy Finch
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
Priority date: 2020-08-05
Filing date: 2021-07-27
Publication date: 2022-02-10
Also published as: EP4192276A1; KR20230031928A; GB202012176D0; JP2023537664A; US20230276847A1

Abstract

A consumable configured to be fully inserted into an aerosol provision device. The consumable comprises an aerosol generating material for use in generating aerosol by an aerosol provision device; an insertion portion configured for insertion into an aerosol generation zone of the aerosol provision device; and a removal facilitator that extends away from or is located on a surface of the insertion portion and is configured to enhance gripping by a user of the consumable to assist in the removal of the insertion portion from the aerosol generation zone. Also provided is an aerosol provision device for use with such a consumable, and a method of removing such a consumable from an aerosol provision device.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE AND CONSUMABLE THEREFOR

Technical Field

The present invention relates to consumables for aerosol provision devices, aerosol provision devices, aerosol provision systems comprising an aerosol provision device, and methods of arranging an aerosol provision device.

Background

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

Summary

A first aspect of the invention provides a consumable configured to be fully inserted into an aerosol provision device. The consumable comprises an aerosol generating material for use in generating aerosol by an aerosol provision device. The consumable comprises an insertion portion configured for insertion into an aerosol generation zone of the aerosol provision device. The consumable comprises a removal facilitator that extends away from or is located on a surface of the insertion portion and is configured to enhance gripping by a user of the consumable to assist in the removal of the insertion portion from the aerosol generation zone.

In some embodiments, the consumable is elongate and comprises a longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the removal facilitator is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the removal facilitator is asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the removal facilitator is configured to extend in a longitudinal direction of the consumable, wherein the longitudinal direction is parallel to a direction of the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the removal facilitator is configured to extend in a radial direction of the consumable, wherein the radial direction is perpendicular to a direction of the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the removal facilitator is moveable relative to the insertion portion.

In some embodiments, the removal facilitator is moveable between a longitudinal position that is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the consumable, and a radial position that is aligned with the radial direction of the consumable.

In some embodiments, the insertion portion comprises an external surface having a relatively low coefficient of friction, and the removal facilitator comprises an external surface of a relatively high coefficient of friction. In some embodiments, the relatively high coefficient of friction of the external surface is consistent along the removal facilitator.

In some embodiments, the removal facilitator is freely moveable relative to the insertion portion.

In some embodiments, the structure of the removal facilitator is self-supporting.

In some embodiments, the consumable comprises a blocking portion configured to prevent the removal facilitator being inserted into the aerosol generation zone. In some embodiments, the blocking portion is provided by an overall dimension of the consumable. In some embodiments, the overall dimension is a length of the consumable. In some embodiments, the overall dimension is a width of the consumable.

In some embodiments, the consumable comprises a blocking portion configured to prevent the removal facilitator being inserted into the aerosol generation zone, wherein the blocking portion is provided by an overall dimension of the consumable, and wherein the overall dimension is the width corresponds to a diameter of the consumable.

In some embodiments, the overall dimension is provided by a step change in the width of the consumable.

In some embodiments, the removal facilitator is or comprises an open cavity.

In some embodiments, the removal facilitator is an adhesive region.

In some embodiments, the removal facilitator comprises a substantially flat portion of the consumable.

In some embodiments, the removal facilitator extends away from or is located on an external surface of the insertion portion.

A second aspect of the invention provides an aerosol provision device. The aerosol provision device comprises an aerosol generation zone for receiving an insertion portion of a consumable comprising aerosol generating material. The aerosol provision device comprises an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material when the insertion portion of the consumable is in the aerosol generation zone. The aerosol provision device comprises a casing housing the aerosol generator and the aerosol generation zone. The casing comprises a first part and a second part moveable relative to each other between an open state and a closed state. The aerosol provision device is configured such that, when a consumable is fully inserted within the casing of the aerosol provision device and the insertion portion of the consumable is in the aerosol generation zone, a removal facilitator of the consumable remains outside of the aerosol generation zone, such that the removal facilitator is exposed to a user for gripping when the aerosol provision device is in the open state and concealed from a user when the aerosol provision device is in the closed state.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device comprises a chamber formed by the first part and second part to enclose the consumable in the closed state. In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a sub-chamber extending only part of a length of the chamber and a recess, wherein the sub-chamber comprises the aerosol generation zone and the recess is exposed when the aerosol provision device is arranged in the open state. In some embodiments, an end of the sub-chamber is defined by a blocking portion. In some embodiments, the sub-chamber is a blind hole.

A third aspect of the invention provides an aerosol provision system comprising the consumable according to the first aspect and the aerosol provision device according to the second aspect.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of removing a consumable from an aerosol provision device. The method comprises providing the aerosol provision device and the consumable fully inserted into the aerosol provision device such that an insertion portion of the consumable is in an aerosol generation zone of the aerosol provision device. The method comprises gripping a removal facilitator of the consumable that extends away from or is located on a surface of the insertion portion to enhance gripping. The method comprises removing the insertion portion from the aerosol generation zone with assistance by the removal facilitator.

In some embodiments, the providing comprises providing the consumable according to the first aspect.

In some embodiments, the providing comprises providing the aerosol provision device according to the second aspect.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides an aerosol provision device. The aerosol provision device comprises an aerosol generation zone. The aerosol provision device comprises an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material when the aerosol generating material is in the aerosol generation zone. The aerosol provision device comprises a first opening at a first end of the aerosol provision device through which a consumable comprising the aerosol generating material is able to pass into the aerosol generation zone. The aerosol provision device comprises a second opening at a second end of the aerosol provision device through which the consumable is able to pass out from the aerosol generation zone. The aerosol provision device comprises a mechanism to move the consumable through the aerosol provision device when the consumable is passed through the first opening by a user such that at least a portion of the consumable is ejected out of the second opening and can be removed from the aerosol provision device by the user.

In some embodiments, the first end is located at an opposite end of the aerosol provision device to the second end.

In some embodiments, the first end is a mouth end of the aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the mechanism is configured to move the consumable through the aerosol provision device in a unidirectional manner.

In some embodiments, the mechanism comprises a plurality of rollers that are rotatable to move the consumable through the aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the plurality of rollers is configured to cause a gripping force to be exerted on the consumable. In some embodiments, the plurality of rollers is configured to directly engage with an outer surface of the consumable. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of rollers comprises an axis of rotation that is spaced radially from a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation zone. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of rollers is biased towards the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation zone such that the axis of rotation is moveable towards and away from the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the plurality of rollers comprises a first group of rollers and a second group of rollers, wherein the first group of rollers is located closer to the first opening of the aerosol provision device than is the second group of rollers.

In some embodiments, the mechanism comprises a sliding part configured to engage with an outer surface of the consumable and move the consumable through the aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the mechanism comprises a handle for a user to drive the mechanism. In some embodiments, the handle is slidable relative to the first opening. In some embodiments, the handle is rotatable relative to the first opening. In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device comprises a controller configured to output a signal and a motor configured to drive the mechanism on the basis of receiving the signal.

In some embodiments, the mechanism is configured to move the consumable by discrete intervals.

In some embodiments, the mechanism is configured to move the consumable between the first opening and second opening in a continuous manner.

In some embodiments, the mechanism is configured to automatically eject the consumable once at least a portion of the aerosol generating material of the consumable has passed through the aerosol generation zone.

In some embodiments, the mechanism is configured to move the consumable through the aerosol generation zone.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides an aerosol provision system. The aerosol provision system comprises the aerosol provision device according to the fifth aspect and the consumable comprising the aerosol generating material.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides a method of operating the aerosol provision system according to the sixth aspect. The method comprises inserting the consumable through the first opening. The method comprises moving the consumable through the aerosol provision device by the mechanism of the aerosol provision device towards the second opening for ejection of the consumable out of the second opening and removal from the aerosol provision device by the user.

In some embodiments, the method comprises ejecting the consumable once at least a portion of the aerosol generating material of the consumable has passed through the aerosol generation zone.

In some embodiments, the moving comprises conveying the consumable by rotation of a plurality of rollers. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Figure la shows a perspective view of a consumable according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure lb shows a perspective view of an aerosol provision system comprising the consumable of Figure la according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1c shows a front view of the aerosol provision system of Figure lb;

Figures 2 to 9 show perspective views of consumables according to different respective embodiments of the invention;

Figure 10 shows a method of removing a consumable from an aerosol provision device according to an embodiment of the invention

Figure I la shows a perspective view of an aerosol provision device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1 lb shows a perspective view of an aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol provision device of Figure I la according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an aerosol provision system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13a shows a perspective view of an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13b shows a perspective view of the aerosol provision device of Figure 13a; and

Figure 14 shows a method of operating an aerosol provision system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed

The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision devices, such as non-combustible aerosol provision devices, and to aerosol provision systems, such as non-combustible aerosol provision systems. According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision device is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material comprised by a consumable for receipt by a chamber of the aerosol provision device (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of the aerosol-generating material to a user. In some embodiments, the aerosol provision system, such as the non-combustible aerosol provision system, comprises an aerosol provision device, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and a consumable for use with the aerosol provision device, the consumable comprising an aerosolgenerating material.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a powered non- combustible aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-bum system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. The aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material consists of amorphous solid.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

In some embodiments, a substance to be delivered by the aerosol provision device may be an aerosol-generating material which may comprise an active constituent, a carrier constituent and optionally one or more other functional constituents.

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosolgenerating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material or an area for receiving aerosol-generating material. The area for receiving aerosol-generating material may be a storage area for storing aerosol-generating material. For example, the storage area may be a reservoir. In some embodiments, the area for receiving aerosol-generating material may be separate from, or combined with, an aerosol generating area.

A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a noncombustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

A user may insert the consumable into the aerosol provision device before an aerosol is produced, which the user subsequently inhales. The consumable may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a chamber, such as a heating chamber, of the device which is sized to receive the consumable.

An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.

The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosolmodifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials. The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy. The aerosol generator may be provided as a permanent part of the aerosol provision device.

Apparatus is known that heats aerosol-generating material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, typically to form an aerosol which can be inhaled, without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating material. Such apparatus is sometimes described as an “aerosol generating device”, an “aerosol provision device”, a “heat-not-bum device”, a “tobacco heating product device” or a “tobacco heating device” or similar. Similarly, there are also so-called e-cigarette devices, which typically vaporise an aerosol-generating material in the form of a liquid, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of or be provided as part of a rod, cartridge or cassette or the like which can be inserted into the apparatus.

A user will remove a consumable from an aerosol provision device for any number of reasons. The present invention provides a consumable and an aerosol provision device, that allows improves removal of the consumable from the aerosol provision device. Referring to Figure la, a consumable 100 is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. The consumable is for use with an aerosol provision device 150 to form an aerosol provision system 100S, as shown in Figures lb and 1c, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The aerosol provision device 150 comprises an opening 154 and a chamber 156. The chamber 156 is for receiving the consumable 100 by insertion through the opening 154. The consumable 100 is shown with a dotted boundary in Figure 1c to schematically indicate where the consumable 100 is positioned when the consumable 100 is in the chamber 156. The consumable 100 comprises aerosol-generating material 110 for use in generating aerosol by an aerosol generator 162 of the aerosol provision device 150. The aerosol provision device 150 comprises an aerosol generation zone 160 in which the aerosol-generating material 110 is to be inserted so that aerosol can be generated.

In this embodiment, the aerosol generator 162 is configured to supply heat to the aerosolgenerating material of the consumable 100 to generate aerosol as an inhalable medium. The aerosol generator 162 comprises an electrical resistance heater. In other embodiments, the aerosol generator 162 may comprise an induction heater or one or more of an electrical resistance heater and an induction heater. In yet other embodiments, pressure could be used to generate the inhalable medium from the consumable 100. In this embodiment, the aerosol generator 162 extends only partially around and along the chamber 156. In this embodiment, a length of the aerosol generator 162 is equal to a length of the aerosol generation zone 160. In other embodiments, the aerosol generator 162 may be positioned elsewhere relative to the chamber 156. For example, the aerosol generator 162 may be positioned within the chamber 156. In other embodiments, the aerosol generator 162 may substantially surround the chamber 156 along a length of the chamber 156.

Supply of power to the electrical resistance heater is provided by a power source (not shown). In this embodiment, the power source is a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is integral to the aerosol provision device 150. In other embodiments, the power source may be replaceable, such as a replaceable battery. In other embodiments, the power source may be a non- rechargeable battery. The power source is configured to provide electrical power to electronic components of the aerosol provision device 150. The aerosol provision device 150 comprises a casing 155 and a mouthpiece 153. The casing 155 comprises a first part 151 and a second part 152. The mouthpiece 153 is arranged at a mouth end of the aerosol provision device 150. The mouth end can be referred to as a buccal end. The mouthpiece 153 comprises an opening 153a through which aerosol can be drawn through the mouthpiece 153 by a user of the aerosol provision device 150. The user can draw the aerosol through the mouthpiece 153 when the consumable 100 is concealed by the casing 155, as shown in Figure 1c. In this embodiment, the chamber 156 is offset from a longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 150 such as to offset the consumable 100 from the longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, the consumable 100 may be aligned with the longitudinal axis.

The second part 152 of the casing 155 is movable relative to the first part 151 and the mouthpiece 153. A hinge 180 ensures that the second part 152 is retained to the first part 151 but is still movable relative to the first part 151. The first part 151 is configured to block the opening 154 to the chamber 156 as shown in Figure 1c. This means that the chamber 156 is formed by the first part 151 and the second part 152 because together the first part 151 and the second part 151 enclose the consumable 100 in a closed state of the aerosol provision device 150 (discussed below). Movement of the first part 151 and second part 152 is therefore configured to open and close the opening 154 of the chamber 156.

The second part 152 is movable between a first position (as shown in Figure lb) and a second position (as shown in Figure 1c). In this embodiment, the second part 152 is manually movable between the first position and the second position by the user. In other embodiments, movement of the second part 152 may be motorised and electronically controlled by a controller. In the first position, the chamber 156 is visually exposed to the user. The first position can be considered an open position of the second part 152, wherein the aerosol provision device 150 is in an open state. The second position can be considered a closed position of the second part 152, wherein the aerosol provision device 150 is in the closed state. In the second position, the first part 151 inhibits ingress of the consumable 100 into the chamber 156 and egress of the consumable 100 from the chamber 156 by blocking the opening 154. In the first position, the first part 151 allows ingress of the consumable 100 into the chamber 156 and egress of the consumable 100 from the chamber 156. Advantageously, the aerosol provision system 100S is more compact when the aerosol provision device 150 is in the closed state and the consumable 100 is in the chamber 156.

When the consumable 100 is in the chamber 156 and the second part 152 is in the second position, aerosol can be generated from the aerosol-generating material 110 and the aerosol can be drawn from the consumable 100. A user is therefore able to draw on the mouthpiece 153 to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision device 150 when the second part 152 is in the second, closed position. In the second position, the chamber 156 is obstructed by the first part 151 because the chamber 156 is covered by the first part 151. That is, the first part 151 is configured such that, in the second position, the first part 1151 covers the opening 154 into the chamber 156 through which the consumable 100 is insertable. In this embodiment, a user is unable to draw on the mouthpiece 153 when the second part 152 is in the second position. The aerosol provision device 150 may comprise a detector to detect the second position of the second part 152. The first part 151 may be of any suitable shape to cover the chamber 156 when the second part 152 is in the second position.

The chamber 156 is formed in the second part 152 of the aerosol provision device 100. In this embodiment, the chamber 156 is configured so that the consumable 100 abuts walls of the chamber 156 to secure the consumable 100 in position by friction. In other embodiments, the aerosol provision device 150 may comprise a retention member to hold the consumable 100 in position in the chamber 156. The retention member may help to prevent unintentional movement of the consumable 100 relative to the chamber 156. An example retention member is a protrusion of the second part 152 that is engageable with a recess of the consumable 100. Cooperation of the protrusion and recess may increase the force necessary to remove the consumable 100 from the chamber 156. This may help to prevent unintentional movement of the consumable 100. In some embodiments, the retention member may be provided on the consumable 100 when the recess is provided in the second part 152. The retention member could also take the form of a magnetic attachment or an alternative mechanical fastening, such as a screw thread and threaded barrel. Any consumable or aerosol provision device described herein may comprise the retention member or recess to hold the consumable in position in the respective chamber. The consumable 100 is fully insertable into the aerosol provision device 150 as shown in Figures lb and 1c. That is, the consumable 100 is concealed to a user by the aerosol provision device 150 when the consumable 100 is in the aerosol provision device 150 and aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material 110 by the aerosol provision device 150.

As shown in Figure la, the consumable 100 comprises an insertion portion 120. The insertion portion 120 is for insertion into the aerosol generation zone 160 of the aerosol provision device 150, as shown in Figure 1c. In this embodiment, the consumable 100 is a rod and the insertion portion 120 extends along a length of the rod in a longitudinal direction Y of the consumable 100. In other embodiments, the consumable 100 may be flat and/or in the shape of a disc. The rod is elongate and comprises a longitudinal axis A.

The consumable 100 comprises a removal facilitator 130. The removal facilitator 130 extends away from an external surface 140 of the insertion portion 120. The removal facilitator 130 is configured to enhance gripping by the user of the consumable 100. Advantageously, the removal facilitator 130 assists in the removal of the insertion portion 140 from the aerosol generation zone 160 of the aerosol provision device 150. In this embodiment, the removal facilitator 130 extends in a radial direction from the longitudinal axis A. The radial direction corresponds to a width direction X of the consumable 100. The removal facilitator 130 comprises a tab portion 135 which forms a protrusion of the consumable 100. The tab portion 135 increases a surface area at an end of the consumable 100 which makes it easier for the user to hold onto the consumable 100. The removal facilitator 130 therefore has a width greater than a width of the insertion portion 120 because of the presence of the tab portion 135. The tab portion 135 therefore increases a surface area at an end of the consumable 100 which makes it easier for the user to hold onto the consumable 100. Beneficially, the removal facilitator 130 improves an ability to withdraw the consumable 100 from the aerosol provision device 150 when the consumable 100 is fully inserted into the chamber 156 of the aerosol provision device 150.

In this embodiment, although the insertion portion 120 is cylindrical with a symmetrical cross-section about the longitudinal axis A, the removal facilitator 130 is asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis A. Asymmetry of the removal facilitator 130 about the longitudinal axis A is due to the presence of the tab portion 135. The tab portion 135 comprises a dimension in a depth direction Z, that is smaller than a corresponding dimension of the insertion portion 120 in the depth direction Z. This enables the tab portion 135 to be discrete and material usage to be minimised. The tab portion 135 extends in the radial direction X by a distance that equals a diameter of the insertion portion 120. In other embodiments, the tab portion 135 may extend in the radial direction X by a distance that is less than or greater than a diameter of the insertion portion 120.

In this embodiment, the tab portion 135 of the removal facilitator 130 is movable relative to the insertion portion 120, and therefore the longitudinal axis A of the consumable 10. The tab portion 135 is pivotable to enable the tab portion 135 to pivot between a radial position 130a, as shown in Figures la and lb, and an inclined position 130b, as shown in Figures lb and 1c. In the inclined position 130b, the tab portion 135 is a blocking portion that determines an extent of insertion of the insertion portion 120 into the chamber 156. In other embodiments, tab portion 135 does not act as a blocking portion. That is, the extent of insertion of the insertion portion 120 into the chamber 156 maybe unrelated to the tab portion 135. The blocking portion is configured to prevent the removal facilitator 130 being inserted into the aerosol generation zone 160 of the aerosol provision device 150. An axis of rotation of the tab portion 135 is shown in the depth direction Z. Although the removal facilitator 130 is movable structure of the removal facilitator 130 is self-supporting. This enables the tab portion 135 to remain flat, in the embodiment shown. In some embodiments, the removal facilitator 130 may be curved to provide tactility for the user. In some the removal facilitator 130 may comprise a surface roughness that enhances gripping. That is, a surface roughness of the tab portion 135 may be greater than a surface roughness of the insertion portion 120, for example.

In some embodiments, the tab portion 135 may be biased towards one of the radial position 130a or inclined position 130b. In some embodiments, the tab portion 135 may only comprise two positions, wherein the two positions are the radial position and inclined position, for example. Advantageously, when the tab portion 135 is biased towards the radial position 130a, the removal facilitator 130 is provided in a state of rest that is most convenient for the user to grip the removal facilitator 130. Referring to Figure 2, a consumable 200 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. Similar features of the consumable 200 have the same reference numbers as those of Figure la but the reference numbers are increased by 100. Common attributes are not discussed again. The discussion of the consumable 200 below is limited to the differences.

The consumable 200 comprises a removal facilitator 230 with a tab portion 235 that is parallel to a longitudinal axis A of the consumable 200. The tab portion 235 is offset from the longitudinal axis A but both the longitudinal axis A and the tab portion 235 extend in a longitudinal direction Y. The removal facilitator 230 is moveable between a longitudinal position, shown in Figure 2, and a radial position. In the longitudinal position, the tab portion 235 is aligned with the longitudinal direction Y of the consumable 200. In the radial position, the tab portion 235 is aligned with the radial direction X of the consumable 200. In this embodiment, the removal facilitator 230 comprises an elastic member such as to bias the tab portion 235 towards the longitudinal position. This ensures that the tab portion 235 comprises a rest position that corresponds to a greatest extension as possible from the insertion portion 220.

In contrast to consumable 100, an end 205 of the consumable 200 is configured to provide a blocking portion such that the tab portion 235 extends from a chamber of the aerosol provision device, such as aerosol provision device 150, once the insertion portion 220 of the consumable 200 is inserted into the chamber. The end 205 is an end opposite an end from which the portion 235 tab extends.

Referring to Figures 3 to 9, consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 according to embodiments of the invention are shown. Similar features of the consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 have the same reference numbers as those of previous Figures but the reference numbers are increased by a multiple of 100. Common attributes are not discussed again. The discussion of consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 below is limited to the differences.

Consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 are substantially rod-shaped, whereas consumables 800, 900 are substantially planar. That is, the insertion portion 320, 420, 520, 620, 720 of consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 has a shape in the form of a rod and the insertion portion 820, 920 of consumables 800, 900 has a shape that is planar. Each consumable 800, 900 may be referred to as a flat consumable 800, 900 because the insertion portion 820, 920 is flat. Consumable 900 may be referred to as a disc consumable 900 because the insertion portion 920 is in the shape of a disc. The disc shape of the insertion portion 920 of consumable 900 is elliptical. In other embodiments, the disc shape of the insertion portion 920 may be a circle. In other embodiments, the disc shape of the insertion portion 920 may have any shape, for example a regular or irregular polygon.

Consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 are elongate. The insertion portion 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920 of each consumable 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 comprises a constant cross-section in at least one direction. Consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 comprise a constant cross-section in three directions (a length direction Y, a width direction X, and a depth direction Z), whereas consumable 900 comprises a constant cross-section in two directions (the width direction X and the depth direction Z). In other embodiments, the consumable may comprise a constant cross-section in only one direction.

Similarly to consumables 100, 200, the consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 of Figures 3 to 9 each comprise a removal facilitator 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930 located at one end of the respective consumable 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900. In these embodiments, the end is a longitudinal end. In some embodiments, for example where the insertion portion is a disc in the form of a circle, the removal facilitator may be provided at only one location around a periphery of the disc.

Referring to Figure 3, the removal facilitator 330 of consumable 300 is located on an external surface 340 of an insertion portion 320. The removal facilitator 330 is configured to enhance gripping by a user of the consumable 300 to assist in the removal of the insertion portion 340 from an aerosol generation zone of an aerosol provision device, such as the aerosol provision device 150 shown in Figures lb and 1c.

The removal facilitator 330 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A. The removal facilitator 330 is within a circumferential limit formed by the insertion portion 320. That is, the removal facilitator 330 does not protrude from the insertion portion 320. In this embodiment, the removal facilitator 330 is an adhesive region 331. In any one of the other consumables described herein, the removal facilitator 330 may additionally comprise an adhesive region 331. The adhesive region 331 provides a tackiness that enhances gripping. In this embodiment, the adhesive region 331 is provided on an end of the consumable 300. That is, the adhesive region 331 comprises a dimension with a negligible value in the length direction Y. However, in other embodiments, the adhesive region 331 may be provided on at least part a portion of the removal facilitator of any one of the other consumables described herein.

Referring to Figure 4, the removal facilitator 430 of consumable 400 extends away from an external surface 440 of the insertion portion 420. The removal facilitator 430 is configured to enhance gripping by a user of the consumable 400 to assist in the removal of the insertion portion 420 from an aerosol generation zone of an aerosol provision device, such as the aerosol provision device 150 shown in Figures lb and 1c. In this embodiment, the removal facilitator 430 is immovable relative to the insertion portion 420.

In this embodiment, the removal facilitator 430 is cylindrical and comprises a diameter greater than a diameter of the insertion portion 420. This allows the removal facilitator 430 to block entry into a chamber of an aerosol provision device to determine an extent of insertion of the insertion portion 420 into the chamber. That is, the removal facilitator 430 comprises a blocking portion configured to prevent the removal facilitator 430 being inserted into the aerosol generation zone of the aerosol provision device. In this embodiment, the diameter of the removal facilitator 430 is the greatest overall diameter of the consumable 400. That is, the diameter of the removal facilitator 430 is an overall dimension of the consumable 400 in the width direction X and depth direction Z. In this embodiment, the removal facilitator 430 comprises approximately a third of the overall length of the consumable 400. In other embodiments, the removal facilitator 430 may comprise less than or greater than a third of the overall length of the consumable 400. The removal facilitator 430 of consumable 400 is also symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A. In other embodiments, the removal facilitator 430 may be asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis A.

In contrast to the removal facilitator 330 of consumable 300, the removal facilitator 430 of this embodiment comprises an area of increased friction for improved gripping of the consumable 400 of the user. That is, the removal facilitator 430 comprises an external surface 431 of a relatively high coefficient of friction compared to the external surface 440 of the insertion portion 420, which comprises a relatively low coefficient of friction. The relatively high coefficient of friction of the external surface 431 is consistent along a length of the removal facilitator 430. In some embodiments, only a portion of a length of the removal facilitator 430 may comprise an external surface 431 with enhanced friction. In some embodiments, the external surface 431 may comprise a high surface roughness compared to an external surface 440 of the insertion portion 420. The external surface 431 may be etched or knurled to form the high surface roughness. That is, the external surface 431 may comprise an etching or a knurling. In this embodiment, the external surface 431 is arcuate.

Referring to Figures 5, 8 and 9, the removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 of consumables 500, 800, 900 is the same. The removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 is freely movable relative to the insertion portion 520, 820, 920. The removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 extends away from an external surface 540, 840, 940 of the insertion portion 520, 820, 920. The removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 enhances gripping by a user of the consumable 500, 800, 900 to assist in the removal of the insertion portion 520, 820, 920 from an aerosol generation zone of an aerosol provision device, such as the aerosol provision device 150 shown in Figures lb and 1c.

In consumables 500, 800, 900, the removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 is connected to a longitudinal end of the insertion portion 520, 820, 920 and is extendable away from the longitudinal end. The removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 comprises a structure that is flexible. That is, the structure of the removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 is not self-supporting. This allows the removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 to take any shape or any position. Advantageously, the removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 is compact when not gripped by a user. The user can withdraw the consumable 500, 800, 900 from a chamber of an aerosol provision device by holding the removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 between a finger and a thumb of a user’s hand, for example.

In consumables 500, 800, 900, the respective removal facilitator 530, 840, 940 extends from a respective centre of the respective insertion portion 540, 840, 940 in a width direction X and a depth direction Z of the respective insertion portion 540, 840, 940. However, in other embodiments, the removal facilitator may extend in a different location such as an off-centre position. In consumables 500, 800, 900, the respective removal facilitator 530, 840, 940 may be referred to as a thread, string, or cord. The removal facilitator 530, 840, 940 may comprise an enhanced surface roughness or enhanced coefficient of friction, wherein an external surface of the removal facilitator 530, 840, 940 has a greater surface roughness or greater coefficient of friction than a surface roughness or coefficient of friction of an external surface of the insertion portion 520, 820, 920.

Referring to Figure 6, the removal facilitator 630 of consumable 600 is narrowed towards a longitudinal axis A. That is the removal facilitator 630 is narrower than an external surface 640 of the insertion portion 620. The removal facilitator 630 is configured to enhance gripping by a user of the consumable 600 to assist in the removal of the insertion portion 620 from an aerosol generation zone of an aerosol provision device, such as the aerosol provision device 150 shown in Figures lb and 1c. In this embodiment, the removal facilitator 630 is immovable relative to the insertion portion 620.

In this embodiment, the removal facilitator 630 is cylindrical and comprises a diameter smaller than a diameter of the insertion portion 620. This allows the removal facilitator 630 to exist in a chamber of the aerosol provision device, in use. Advantageously, an overall length of the consumable 600 can be smaller than an overall length of a consumable having a removal facilitator that is also a blocking portion, as shown by the consumable 400 of Figure 4, for example. Even though the removal facilitator 630 can enter the chamber of the aerosol provision device, in use, the removal facilitator 630 can still be gripped by a user due to a gap that is provided between the removal facilitator 630 and a chamber wall.

The removal facilitator 630 is not configured to block entry into the chamber of the aerosol provision device to determine an extent of insertion of the insertion portion 620 into the chamber, unlike the removal facilitator 430 shown in Figure 4. Instead, an overall length or a width of the consumable 600 is configured to determine the extent of insertion of the consumable 600 into the chamber. In this embodiment, the removal facilitator 630 comprises approximately a third of the overall length of the consumable 600. In other embodiments, the removal facilitator 630 may comprise less than or greater than a third of the overall length of the consumable 600. The removal facilitator 630 of consumable 600 is also symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A. In other embodiments, the removal facilitator 630 may be asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis A.

Referring to Figure 7, the removal facilitator 730 of consumable 700 is located on an internal surface 741 of the insertion portion 720 that is opposite the external surface 740. This allows the removal facilitator 730 to exist in a chamber of the aerosol provision device, in use. Advantageously, an overall length of the consumable 700 can be smaller than an overall length of a consumable having a removal facilitator that is also a blocking portion, as shown by the consumable 400 of Figure 4, for example. Even though the removal facilitator 730 can enter the chamber of the aerosol provision device, in use, the removal facilitator 730 can still be gripped by a user due to an open cavity 733 (a blind hole) into which a user’s finger can be positioned and pressed against a surface 731 of a wall of the removal facilitator 730. In some embodiments, the surface 731 may comprise adhesive, or comprise an increased roughness or coefficient of friction compared to a roughness or coefficient of friction of an external surface 740 of the insertion portion 720.

As with removal facilitator 630 of consumable 600, the removal facilitator 730 is not configured to block entry into the chamber of the aerosol provision device to determine an extent of insertion of the insertion portion 720 into the chamber, unlike the removal facilitator 430 shown in Figure 4. Instead, an overall length or a width of the consumable 700 is configured to determine the extent of insertion of the consumable 700 into the chamber.

As with other removal facilitators described herein, the removal 730 is configured to enhance gripping by a user of the consumable 700 to assist in the removal of the insertion portion 720 from the aerosol generation zone of an aerosol provision device, such as the aerosol provision device 150 shown in Figures lb and 1c. In this embodiment, the removal facilitator 730 is immovable relative to the insertion portion 720.

Figure 10 shows an illustration of a method 1000 of removing a consumable from an aerosol provision device according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 1000 comprises providing 1001 the aerosol provision device and the consumable fully inserted into the aerosol provision device such that an insertion portion of the consumable is in an aerosol generation zone of the aerosol provision device. The method 1000 comprises gripping 1002 a removal facilitator of the consumable that extends away from or is located on a surface of the insertion portion to enhance gripping. The method 1000 comprises removing 1003 the insertion portion from the aerosol generation zone with assistance by the removal facilitator.

The consumables as described herein, can be used, where discussed, in the operation of the method 1000. The aerosol provision device as described herein, can be used, where discussed, in the operation of the method 1000.

Referring to Figure I la, an aerosol provision device 1150 is shown, according to an embodiment of the invention. The aerosol provision device 1150, together with a consumable 1100, forms an aerosol provision system 1100S, as shown in Figure 11b, according to an embodiment of the invention. Similar features of the aerosol provision device 1150, the consumable 1100, and the aerosol provision system 1100S have the same reference numbers as those of previous Figures but the reference numbers are increased by a multiple of 100. Common attributes are not discussed again. The discussion of the aerosol provision device 1150, the consumable 1100, and the aerosol provision system 1100S below is limited to the differences.

The aerosol provision device 1150 comprises a casing 1155 and a mouthpiece 1153. The casing 1155 comprises a first part 1151 and a second part 1152. The mouthpiece 1153 is arranged at a mouth end of the aerosol provision device 1150. The mouthpiece 1153 comprises an opening 1153a through which aerosol can be drawn through the mouthpiece 1153 by a user of the aerosol provision device 1150. The user can draw the aerosol through the mouthpiece 1153 when the consumable 1100 is concealed by the casing 1155.

The second part 1152 of the casing 1155 is movable relative to the first part 1151 and the mouthpiece 1153. A pair of coaxially aligned hinges 1181, 1182 ensure that the second part 1152 is retained to the first part 1151 but is still movable relative to the first part 1151. The hinges 1181, 1182 are coaxial with respect to an axis of rotation B. In this embodiment, the hinges 1181, 1182 are parallel to a longitudinal direction Y of the aerosol provision device 1150. In other embodiments, the hinges 1181, 1182 may be perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal direction Y of the aerosol provision device 1150. In this embodiment, the hinges 1181, 1182 are offset from a centre of the aerosol provision device 1150 and provided to one side of the aerosol provision device 1150. In other embodiments, the hinges 1181, 1182 may be provided at a centre of the aerosol provision device 1150.

The first part 1151 of the casing 1155 is configured to conceal a first opening 1154a to a recess 1156a, as shown in Figure 11b. The recess 1156a is formed by the first part 1151. When the first part 1151 and the second part 1152 are closed, a chamber is formed. The chamber comprises the recess 1156a.

The first part 1151 and the second part 1151 are configured to enclose a length of the consumable 1100 in a closed state of the aerosol provision device 1150 (discussed below). Movement of the first part 1151 and second part 1152 is therefore configured to open and close the first opening 1154a of the recess 1156a. The first part 1151 comprises a sub-chamber 1156b. The sub-chamber 1156 extends only part of a length of the chamber. A second opening 1154b provides access to the sub-chamber 1156b. An aerosol generation zone 1160 is provided in the sub-chamber 1156b.

The aerosol provision device 1150 is provided with an aerosol generator 1162. When an insertion portion 1120 comprising aerosol-generating material 1110 of a consumable 1100 is inserted into the sub-chamber 1156b via the second opening 1154b aerosol can be generated from the aerosol-generating material 1110 by the aerosol generator 1162. In this embodiment, the subchamber 1156b is a blind hole formed by the first part 1151.

The second part 1152 is movable between a first position (as shown in Figure 11b) and a second position (as shown in Figure I la). In this embodiment, the second part 1152 is manually movable between the first position and the second position by the user. In other embodiments, movement of the second part 1152 may be motorised and electronically controlled by a controller. In the first position, the recess 1156a is visually exposed to the user. The first position can be considered an open position of the second part 1152, wherein the aerosol provision device 1150 is in an open state. The second position can be considered a closed position of the second part 1152, wherein the aerosol provision device 1150 is in the closed state. In the second position, engagement of the first part 1151 and second part 1152 is caused to inhibit ingress of the consumable 1100 into the chamber (the recess 1156a and the sub chamber 1156b), and egress of the consumable 1100 from the chamber by a diameter of the chamber being smaller than a diameter of a removal facilitator 1130 of the consumable 1100. That is, closure of the first part 1151 and second part 1152 compresses the removal facilitator 1130 of the consumable 1100 to hold the consumable 1100 in position. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first opening 1154a may be greater than the diameter of a removal facilitator 1130 of the consumable 1100 and the consumable 1100 may be held in position by a retainer, which may comprise a friction fit of the insertion portion 1120 with the sub-chamber 1156b. In the first position, the first part 1151 allows ingress of the consumable 1100 into the chamber, and egress of the consumable 1100 from the chamber. Advantageously, the aerosol provision system 1100S is compact when the aerosol provision device 1150 is in the closed state and the consumable 1100 is in the chamber.

In this embodiment, the removal facilitator 1130 of the consumable 1100 is configured to abut an end wall 1156c of the sub-chamber 1156b. The end wall 1156c therefore defines a blocking portion. That is, the removal facilitator 1130 of consumable 1100 has a similar function to that of the removal facilitator 430 of the consumable 400 shown in Figure 4. This means that the removal facilitator 1130 comprises a blocking portion to prevent the removal facilitator 1130 being inserted into the aerosol generation zone 1160.

When the insertion portion 1120 of the consumable 1100 is in the sub-chamber 1156b and the second part 1152 is in the second position (shown in Figure I la), aerosol can be generated from the aerosol-generating material 1110 and the aerosol can be drawn from the consumable 1100. A user is therefore able to draw on the mouthpiece 1153 to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision device 1150 when the second part 1152 is in the second, closed position. In the second position, access to the sub-chamber 1156b is obstructed by the second part 1152 because the recess 1156a, in communication with the sub-chamber 1156b, is covered by the second part 1152. That is, the second part 1152 is configured such that, in the second position, the second part 1152 covers the second opening 1154b into the sub-chamber 1156b through which the insertion portion 1120 of the consumable 1100 is insertable. In this embodiment, a user is unable to draw on the mouthpiece 1153 when the first part 1151 is in the second position. The aerosol provision device 1150 may comprise a detector to detect the second position of the second part 1152. The second part 1152 may be of any suitable shape to cover the recess 1156a when the second part 1152 is in the second position.

The sub-chamber 1156b is formed in the first part 1151 of the aerosol provision device 1100. In this embodiment, the sub-chamber 1156b is configured so that the consumable 1100 can freely touch a wall of the sub-chamber 1156b without such abutment causing the consumable 1100 to be secure in position. This is because closure of the first part 1151 and second part 1152 causes the consumable 1100 to be secured in place. In this embodiment, only one hinge 1181 is biased towards the closed state to press the first part 1151 and second part 1152 together to retain the consumable 1100. In other embodiments, both hinges 1181, 1182 may be biased towards the closed state. In other embodiments, a latch (not shown) may be used to hold the first part 1151 and second part 1152 together to retain the consumable 1100.

In other embodiments, the aerosol provision device 1150 may comprise a retention member to hold the consumable 1100 in position in the chamber (the recess 1156a and the sub-chamber 1156b). The retention member may help to prevent unintentional movement of the consumable 1100 relative to the chamber. An example retention member is a protrusion of the second part 1152 that is engageable with a groove of the consumable 1100. Cooperation of the protrusion and groove may increase the force necessary to remove the consumable 1100 from the chamber. This may help to prevent unintentional movement of the consumable 1100. In some embodiments, the retention member may be provided on the consumable 1100 when the groove is provided in the second part 1152. The retention member could also take the form of a magnetic attachment or an alternative mechanical fastening, such as a screw thread and threaded barrel.

The consumable 1100 is fully insertable into the aerosol provision device 1150. That is, the consumable 1100 is concealed to a user by the aerosol provision device 1150 when the consumable 1100 is in the aerosol provision device 1150 and aerosol is generated from the aerosolgenerating material 1110 by the aerosol provision device 1150.

Referring to Figure 12, an aerosol provision system 1200S comprising an aerosol provision device 1250 and a consumable 1200 is shown, according to an embodiment of the invention. Similar features of the aerosol provision device 1250, the consumable 1200, and the aerosol provision system 1200S have the same reference numbers as those of previous Figures but the reference numbers are increased by a multiple of 100. Common attributes are not discussed again. The discussion of the aerosol provision device 1250, the consumable 1200, and the aerosol provision system 1200S below is limited to the differences.

The consumable 1200 comprises a removal facilitator 1230 extending from an outer surface 1240 of the consumable 1200 at each longitudinal end (in a length direction Y) of the consumable 1200. Each removal facilitator 1230 is optional because the aerosol provision device 1250 comprises a mechanism 1270 to move the consumable 1200 through the aerosol provision device 1250. The removal facilitator 1230 corresponds to the removal facilitators 500, 800, 900 discussed in relation to Figures 5, 8 and 9, respectively.

All of consumables 200, 300, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 are compatible with the aerosol provision device 1250, and so any one of them can replace consumable 1200 in the following discussion.

The aerosol provision device 1250 comprises an aerosol generation zone 1260 and an aerosol generator 1262 for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material 1210 of the consumable 1200 when the aerosol generating material 1210 is in the aerosol generation zone 1260. The aerosol provision device 1250 comprises a first opening 1254 at a first end 1258 of the aerosol provision device 1250. The first opening 1254 is an opening through which the consumable 1200 can pass into a chamber 1256 of and thus pass through the aerosol generation zone 1260. The aerosol provision device 1250 comprises a second opening 1257 at a second end 1259 of the aerosol provision device 1250. The second opening 1257 is an opening through which the consumable 1200 can pass out from the aerosol generation zone 1260.

The aerosol provision device 1250 comprises the mechanism 1270 to move the consumable through the chamber 1256 of the aerosol provision device 1250 when the consumable 1200 is passed through the first opening 1254 by a user. Therefore, at least a portion of the consumable 1200 can be ejected out of the second opening 1257 and removed from the aerosol provision device 1250 by the user. In this embodiment, the first opening 1254 and the second opening 1257 are arranged at opposing ends of the aerosol provision device 1250 in the length direction Y. In this embodiment, the first end 1258 is a mouth end of the aerosol provision device 1250.

In this embodiment, the mechanism 1270 is configured to move the consumable 1200 through the aerosol provision device 1250 in a unidirectional manner. In other embodiments, the mechanism 1270 may be configured to move the consumable 1200 in the aerosol provision device 1250 in a first direction and return the consumable 1200 in a second direction. In some embodiments, the second direction is a reverse direction of the first direction. In other embodiments, the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. In other embodiments, the second direction may be oblique to the first direction.

In this embodiment, the mechanism 1270 comprises four rollers 1271, 1272, 1273, 1274 that are rotatable to move the consumable 1200 through the aerosol provision device 1250. The four rollers 1271, 1272, 1273, 1274 are referred to as a set of rollers. In other embodiments, only one or a plurality of rollers may be provided to move the consumable 1200 through the aerosol provision device 1250. In this embodiment, the four rollers 1271, 1272, 1273, 1274 are configured to cause a gripping force to be exerted on the consumable 1200. This enables a position of the consumable 1200 to be precisely controllable. In this embodiment, the four rollers 1271, 1272, 1273, 1274 are cylindrical with a longitudinal axis of rotation 1275. In other embodiments, the or each roller may be spherical, for example a ball. In this embodiment, the longitudinal axis of rotation 1275 is provided in the depth direction Z, which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A of the consumable 1200 when inserted and a longitudinal axis C of the aerosol generation zone 1260. In other embodiments, a belt may be the used to convey the consumable 1200 through the aerosol provision device 1250. Therefore, a conveyor (e.g. a roller, ball, belt) may be used to move the consumable 1200 through the aerosol provision device 1250.

In this embodiment, the set of rollers is configured to directly engage with an outer surface 1240 of the consumable 1200. However, only two rollers 1271, 1274 of the set of rollers is configured to be biased towards a chamber through which the consumable 1200 passes. A first bias 1271a and a second bias 1274a are configured to urge the first roller 1271 and the second roller 1274, respectively, in the width direction X. In other embodiments, only one roller may be biased towards the chamber through which the consumable 1200 passes. In other embodiments, all rollers may be biased towards the chamber through which the consumable 1200 passes.

One pair of rollers 1271, 1273 is spaced apart from the other pair of rollers 1272, 1274 in a width direction X. The axis of rotation 1275 of each of the four rollers 1271, 1272, 1273, 1274 is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis C of the aerosol generation zone 1260 in a radial direction (width direction X). However, two of the four rollers 1271, 1274 are biased towards the longitudinal axis C of the aerosol generation zone 1260 such that the axis of rotation 1275 of each of the two rollers 1271, 1274 is moveable towards and away from the longitudinal axis C.

In this embodiment, a first group of rollers 1271, 1272 and a second group of rollers 1273, 1274 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction Y. The two rollers 1271, 1272 in the first group of rollers are located closer to the first opening 1254 of the aerosol provision device 1250 than are the two other rollers 1273, 1274 in the second group of rollers.

In this embodiment, the aerosol provision device 1250 comprises a controller 1264, and a motor 1266. The controller 1264 is configured to output a signal. On the basis of the motor 1266 receiving the signal, the motor 1266 drives the mechanism 1270 to move the consumable 1200 between the first opening 1254 and the second opening 1257. In this embodiment, the mechanism 1270 is configured to move the consumable 1200 between the first opening 1254 and the second opening 10257 in a continuous manner. In other embodiments, the movement may be in discrete steps.

In this embodiment, the controller 1264 is configured to automatically eject the consumable 1200 once at least a portion of the aerosol generating material 1210 of the consumable 1200 has passed through the aerosol generation zone 1260. In some embodiments, a detector may be provided to obtain feedback of a position of the consumable 1200 in the chamber 1256. In this embodiment, the detector is not used. The controller 1264 therefore controls the mechanism 1270 to move the consumable 1200 through the aerosol generation zone 1260. The controller 1264 therefore ensures that the consumable 1200 is carefully drawn through the aerosol provision device 1250 to manage a position of the consumable 1200 relative to the aerosol generation zone 1260. Advantageously, this allows the aerosol generation zone 1260 to be smaller and/or demand less power. Further, aerosol generation is better controlled.

In this embodiment, the aerosol provision device 1200 also comprises a knob 1277 that is rotatable about a housing of the aerosol provision device 1200 to manually move the consumable 1200 through the aerosol generation zone 1260. The knob 1277 therefore provides a manually operable mechanism 1270 which can be used when power has been depleted, for example. In some embodiments, the knob 1277 is omitted from the aerosol provision device 1200. In some embodiments, the motor 1266 is omitted from the aerosol provision device 1200.

Referring to Figure 13a an aerosol provision system 13008 comprising an aerosol provision device 1350 and a consumable 1300 is shown, according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 13b shows the aerosol provision device 1350 without the consumable 1300. Similar features of the aerosol provision system 13008, aerosol provision device 1350, and consumable 1300 have the same reference numbers as those of Figure 12 but the reference numbers are increased by 100. Common attributes are not discussed again. The discussion of the below is limited to the differences.

The aerosol provision system 13008 comprises a mechanism 1370 to move the consumable 1300 through a chamber 1356 of the aerosol provision device 1350 when the consumable 1300 is passed through a first opening 1354 by a user of the aerosol provision device 1350. This results in ejection of, at least a portion of, the consumable 1300 out of a second opening 1357 of the aerosol provision device 1350. The user can remove the consumable 1300 from the aerosol provision device 1350 once the portion is ejected from the second opening 1357.

The aerosol provision device 1350 comprises a sliding part 1377 configured to engage with an outer surface 1340 of the consumable 1300 and move the consumable 1300 through the aerosol provision device 1350. The mechanism 1370 is configured to cause the consumable 1300 to move in a unidirectional manner. Movement of the consumable 1300 is along a longitudinal direction Y of the aerosol provision device 1350. The mechanism 1370 further comprises a handle 1377. The handle 1377 is for engagement with a user to drive the mechanism 1370. That is, the mechanism 1370 is manually operable. The handle 1377 is slidable relative to the first opening 1354 along a slot 1378 in the aerosol provision device 1350. In other embodiments, the handle 1377 may be rotatable relative to the first opening 1354. The mechanism 1370 is configured to move the consumable 1300 by discrete intervals. That is, the mechanism 1370 can be positioned between several predetermined positions to move the consumable 1300 between several predetermined positions.

Figure 14 shows an illustration of a method 1400 of operating the aerosol provision system 1200S according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 1400 comprises inserting 1410 the consumable 1200 through the first opening 1254. The method 1400 comprises moving 1420 the consumable 1200 through the aerosol provision device 1250 by the mechanism of the aerosol provision device 1250 towards the second opening 1257 for ejection of the consumable 1200 out of the second opening 1257 and removal from the aerosol provision device 1250 by the user. In this embodiment, the moving 1420 comprises conveying 1421 the consumable 1200 by rotation of the plurality of rollers 1271, 1272, 1273, 1274. The method 1400 comprises ejecting 1430 the consumable 1200 once at least a portion of the aerosol generating material 1210 of the consumable 1200 has passed through the aerosol generation zone 1260.

In some embodiments, the moving 1420 and/or the ejecting 1430 may be electronically or electro-mechanically operated by a controller.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise consumables 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1100, 1200, 1300, aerosol provision systems 100S, 1100S, 1200S, 1300S comprising an aerosol provision device 150, 1150, 1250, 1350 and a consumable 100, 1100, 1200, 1300 comprising aerosol-generating material, a method 1000 of removing a consumable from an aerosol provision device, and a method 1400 of operating the aerosol provision system. The consumables 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1100, 1200, 1300 are for use in generating aerosol by the aerosol provision devices 150, 1150, 1250, 1350. Advantageously, the consumables and aerosol provision devices described herein allow for improved removal of the consumable from the aerosol provision device. For the avoidance of doubt, where in this specification the term “comprises” is used in defining the invention or features of the invention, embodiments are also disclosed in which the invention or feature can be defined using the terms “consists essentially of’ or “consists of’ in place of “comprises”. Reference to a material “comprising” certain features means that those features are included in, contained in, or held within the material.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised, and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

33 CLAIMS

1. A consumable configured to be fully inserted into an aerosol provision device, wherein the consumable comprises: an aerosol generating material for use in generating aerosol by an aerosol provision device; an insertion portion configured for insertion into an aerosol generation zone of the aerosol provision device; and a removal facilitator that extends away from or is located on a surface of the insertion portion and is configured to enhance gripping by a user of the consumable to assist in the removal of the insertion portion from the aerosol generation zone.

2. The consumable according to claim 1, wherein the consumable is elongate and comprises a longitudinal axis.

3. The consumable according to claim 2, wherein the removal facilitator is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

4. The consumable according to claim 2, wherein the removal facilitator is asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

5. The consumable according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the removal facilitator is configured to extend in a longitudinal direction of the consumable, wherein the longitudinal direction is parallel to a direction of the longitudinal axis.

6. The consumable according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the removal facilitator is configured to extend in a radial direction of the consumable, wherein the radial direction is perpendicular to a direction of the longitudinal axis.

7. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the removal facilitator is moveable relative to the insertion portion. 34

8. The consumable according to claims 5 to 7, wherein the removal facilitator is moveable between a longitudinal position that is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the consumable, and a radial position that is aligned with the radial direction of the consumable.

9. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the insertion portion comprises an external surface having a relatively low coefficient of friction, and the removal facilitator comprises an external surface of a relatively high coefficient of friction.

10. The consumable according to claim 9, wherein the relatively high coefficient of friction of the external surface is consistent along the removal facilitator.

11. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the removal facilitator is freely moveable relative to the insertion portion.

12. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the structure of the removal facilitator is self-supporting.

13. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least the insertion portion is flat.

14. The consumable according to any one of claim 13, wherein at least the insertion portion is planar.

15. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least the insertion portion is a disc.

16. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a blocking portion configured to prevent the removal facilitator being inserted into the aerosol generation zone.

17. The consumable according to claim 16, wherein the blocking portion is provided by an overall dimension of the consumable.

18. The consumable according to claim 17, wherein the overall dimension is a length of the consumable.

19. The consumable according to claim 17, wherein the overall dimension is a width of the consumable.

20. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a blocking portion configured to prevent the removal facilitator being inserted into the aerosol generation zone, wherein the blocking portion is provided by an overall dimension of the consumable, and wherein the overall dimension is a diameter of the consumable.

21. The consumable according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the overall dimension is provided by a step change in the width of the consumable.

22. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the removal facilitator is or comprises an open cavity.

23. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the removal facilitator comprises an adhesive region.

24. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the removal facilitator comprises a substantially flat portion of the consumable.

25. An aerosol provision device comprising: an aerosol generation zone for receiving an insertion portion of a consumable comprising aerosol generating material; an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material when the insertion portion of the consumable is in the aerosol generation zone; and a casing housing the aerosol generator and the aerosol generation zone; wherein the casing comprises a first part and a second part moveable relative to each other between an open state and a closed state; and wherein the aerosol provision device is configured such that, when a consumable is fully inserted within the casing of the aerosol provision device and the insertion portion of the consumable is in the aerosol generation zone, a removal facilitator of the consumable remains outside of the aerosol generation zone, such that the removal facilitator is exposed to a user for gripping when the aerosol provision device is in the open state and concealed from a user when the aerosol provision device is in the closed state.

26. The aerosol provision device according to claim 25, comprising a chamber formed by the first part and second part to enclose the consumable in the closed state.

27. The aerosol provision device according to claim 26, wherein the chamber comprises a subchamber extending only part of a length of the chamber and a recess, wherein the sub-chamber comprises the aerosol generation zone and the recess is exposed when the aerosol provision device is arranged in the open state.

28. The aerosol provision device according to claim 27, wherein an end of the sub-chamber is defined by a blocking portion.

29. The aerosol provision device according to claim 27 or claim 28 wherein the sub-chamber is a blind hole.

30. An aerosol provision system comprising the consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 24 and the aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 25 to 29.

31. A method of removing a consumable from an aerosol provision device, the method comprising: providing the aerosol provision device and the consumable fully inserted into the aerosol provision device such that an insertion portion of the consumable is in an aerosol generation zone of the aerosol provision device; gripping a removal facilitator of the consumable that extends away from or is located on a surface of the insertion portion to enhance gripping; and removing the insertion portion from the aerosol generation zone with assistance by the removal facilitator.