Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply system, the aerosol supply system comprising: a housing element defining an outer surface and an inner surface, and defining a plurality of windows formed through the housing element from the outer surface to the inner surface; a light shield below the inner surface of the housing element, the light shield comprising a plurality of cavities and one or more ribs, each rib separating two cavities of the plurality of cavities, each rib spaced from the inner surface of the housing element to define a gap from the inner surface; and a plurality of light elements, each light element positioned to be visible in the outer surface through one of the plurality of cavities and one of the plurality of windows.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply system, and a method of generating an aerosol. Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. generally burn tobacco during use to generate tobacco smoke. Currently, efforts are being made to develop alternatives to these articles. In this regard, it is particularly contemplated to heat but not burn a suitable material to release certain compounds (especially inhalable aerosols). The suitable material may or may not contain tobacco and may or may not contain nicotine. Such a material may be provided, for example, in a cylindrical unit, or more generally, in an article containing an aerosol-generating material.

[0003] Other examples are vapor supply devices and systems, such as electronic cigarettes, which generally include a reservoir containing a source liquid of a formulation that may or may not contain nicotine, and generate an aerosol from the formulation, such as by evaporation or other means. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol supply system including: a housing element defining an outer surface and an inner surface, and defining a plurality of windows formed through the housing element from the outer surface to the inner surface; a light shield located below the inner surface of the housing element, the light shield including a plurality of cavities and one or more ribs, each rib separating two of the plurality of cavities, each rib being spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing element to define a gap from the inner surface; and a plurality of light elements, each light element being positioned to be visible in the outer surface through one of the plurality of cavities and one of the plurality of windows.

[0005] In other embodiments of the above, the plurality of light elements include a plurality of LEDs.

[0006] In other embodiments of any of the above, the aerosol supply system further includes a battery, wherein the plurality of LEDs are configured to illuminate to indicate the battery charge level.

[0007] In other embodiments of any of the above, one cavity is associated with one window, and the cavity is located directly below the associated window.

[0008] In other embodiments of any of the above, the light elements are all arranged to emit light that only directly passes through one cavity and the window associated with the cavity.

[0009] In other embodiments of any of the above, the ribs are arranged to block any light emitted from the light elements from directly passing through windows other than the associated window.

[0010] In other embodiments of any of the above, each of the plurality of windows defines a cross-sectional area, each of the plurality of cavities defines a cross-sectional area, and the cross-sectional area of each cavity is greater than the cross-sectional area of the window associated with the cavity.

[0011] In other embodiments of any of the above, the housing element is formed separately and attached to the housing of the aerosol supply system.

[0012] In other embodiments of any of the above, the housing element comprises a thermoplastic material.

[0013] In other embodiments of any of the above, the housing element comprises acrylic.

[0014] In other embodiments of any of the above, the light shield is formed separately and attached to the aerosol supply system.

[0015] In other embodiments of any of the above, the aerosol supply system further comprises: a receiver for receiving an aerosol supply device; and a cap movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the cap covers the outer surface of the housing element in the first position and covers the receiver in the second position.

[0016] In other embodiments of any of the above, the aerosol supply system further comprises: an aerosol supply device; and a charging unit for charging or powering the aerosol supply device, and the housing element, the light shield, the plurality of light elements and the receiver form part of the charging unit, and when the cap is in the first position, the aerosol supply device can be received within the receiver.

[0017] In other embodiments of any of the above, the cap includes a structural bracket made of a metallic material and a film layer attached to the lower side of the bracket, and when the cap is in the first position, the film layer is located between the bracket and the outer surface of the housing element, and the film layer is made of a thermoplastic material.

[0018] In other embodiments of any of the above, the film layer comprises polyoxymethylene (POM) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0019] In other embodiments of any of the above, the film layer is attached to the lower side of the cap by an adhesive layer.

[0020] In other embodiments of any of the above, the cap defines a lateral direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cap, and the film layer includes two film layer portions separated in the lateral direction.

[0021] In other embodiments of any of the above, the cap includes an upper portion attached to the bracket, the upper portion forms the upper surface of the cap, and the upper portion comprises a material different from the metallic material of the bracket.

[0022] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, an aerosol supply system is provided, which includes: a housing including a surface; a receiver formed through the surface of the housing for receiving an aerosol supply device; and a lid disposed on the surface and movable above the surface between a first position and a second position. The lid includes a structural bracket made of a metallic material and a film layer attached to the lower side of the bracket and positioned between the bracket and the surface of the housing. The film layer is made of a thermoplastic material.

[0023] In other embodiments of the above, the aerosol supply system may include an aerosol supply device and a charging unit for charging or powering the aerosol supply device. The housing and the receiver form part of the charging unit.

[0024] In other embodiments of any of the above, the film layer includes polyoxymethylene (POM) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0025] In other embodiments of any of the above, the film layer is attached to the lower side of the lid through an adhesive layer.

[0026] In other embodiments of any of the above, the lid defines a lateral direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the lid, and the film layer includes two film layer portions separated in the lateral direction.

[0027] In other embodiments of any of the above, the lid includes an upper portion attached to the bracket, the upper portion forms the upper surface of the lid, and the upper portion contains a material different from the metallic material of the bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Various embodiments will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 An aerosol supply system is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 is shown Figure 1 the charging unit of the aerosol supply system in;

[0031] Figure 3 is shown Figure 2 a partial exploded view of the charging unit in;

[0032] Figure 4 is shown Figure 3 a top view of the light shield and the light element array in;

[0033] Figure 5A is shown Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the light shield and the light element array taken along line A in;

[0034] Figure 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the light shielding member and the light element array taken along line B in Figure 4 ;

[0035] Figure 6 shows Figure 2 a side view of the light element array, the light shielding member and the indicator surface element in

[0036] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the charging unit taken along line C in Figure 2 ; and

[0037] Figure 8 shows Figure 7 a separate view of the cover bracket and the cover surface element in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol when supplied with energy, for example, by heating, radiation, or any other means. The aerosol-generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain an active substance and / or a flavorant. The aerosol-generating material can include any plant-based material (such as a material containing tobacco), and can include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, and tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material can also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. The aerosol-generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. The aerosol-generating material can also be, for example, a combination or mixture of materials. The aerosol-generating material can also be referred to as a "puffable material".

[0039] The aerosol-generating material can include an adhesive and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler can also be present. Optionally, a solvent (such as water) is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material can be soluble or insoluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0040] The aerosol-generating material can include or can be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid can be a "monolithic solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid can be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (such as a liquid) therein. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material can, for example, include from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0041] An aerosol - forming material may include an aerosol - forming film. The aerosol - forming film may include or may be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form fragments. The aerosol - forming sheet or fragments may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0042] According to the present disclosure, a “non - combustible” aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol - forming material of the aerosol supply system (or its components) does not burn or ignite and can deliver at least one substance to a user.

[0043] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non - combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non - combustible aerosol supply system.

[0044] In some embodiments, the non - combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol - forming material is not necessary.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non - combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol - forming material heating system, also known as a heat - not - burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non - combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol - forming materials to generate an aerosol, one or more of which aerosol - forming materials may be heated. Each of these aerosol - forming materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol - forming material and a solid aerosol - forming material. The solid aerosol - forming material may include, for example, tobacco or a non - tobacco product.

[0047] Generally, a non - combustible aerosol supply system may include a non - combustible aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non - combustible aerosol supply device.

[0048] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a consumable that includes an aerosol - forming material and is configured to be used with a non - combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles in the present disclosure.

[0049] In some embodiments, a non - combustible aerosol supply system (such as its non - combustible aerosol supply device) may include a power source and a controller. For example, the power source may be an electrical power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon matrix, which may be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol - forming material or heat - transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0050] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0051] In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include an aerosol-forming material, an aerosol-forming material storage area, an aerosol-forming material delivery member, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0052] An aerosol generating device may receive an article including an aerosol-forming material for heating. The "article" in context is a component that includes or contains an aerosol-forming material (which is heated to volatilize the aerosol-forming material) in use, and optionally other components in use. A user may first insert the article into the aerosol generating device and then heat the article to produce an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article may have a predetermined or specific size, for example, and is configured to be placed in a heating chamber of the device, the size of which is designed to receive the article.

[0053] Figure 1 An aerosol supply system 10 is shown, which includes an aerosol supply device 12 and a charging device or charging unit 14. The device 12 is shown located within a cavity or receiver 16 of the charging unit 14. The device 12 is inserted into the receiver through an open end or opening 18 of the receiver 16. The charging unit 14 includes a first or proximal end 20 on which the opening 18 is provided and a second or distal end 22 opposite the proximal end. The charging unit 14 defines a longitudinal axis X along a direction extending between the proximal end 20 and the distal end 22.

[0054] The charging unit 14 includes a housing 24 that encloses the internal components of the charging unit 14. The housing 24 includes a proximal surface 26 provided at the proximal end 20, and the opening 18 of the cavity 16 extends through the proximal surface 26.

[0055] The aerosol supply device 12 may be withdrawn from the charging unit 14 to be used by a user separately from the charging unit 14 before being reinserted into the receiver 16 through the opening 18. In some arrangements, the aerosol supply device 12 is also available when inserted into the charging unit 14.

[0056] Figure 2 shown in a second configuration Figure 1 of the charging unit 14 of the aerosol supply system 10. The charging unit 14 includes a slidable cover 28 that can move or slide at least between a first open position and a second closed position. Figure 1Shows the slidable cover 28 in the open position, in which the opening 18 of the receiver 16 is exposed to the user, such that the aerosol supply device 12 can be inserted into the charging unit 14. Figure 2 Shows the slidable cover 28 in the closed position, in which the opening 18 of the receiver 16 is covered by the slidable cover 28.

[0057] When the aerosol supply device 12 is not inserted, the slidable cover 28 enables the receiver 16 to be closed, which can help protect the internal components of the charging unit 14 from damage caused, for example, by exposure to contaminants.

[0058] The charging unit 14 includes an indicator 36 provided at its proximal end 20. The indicator 36 includes a plurality of light emitters that change state in response to a controller to indicate to the user the condition of the aerosol supply system 10, the aerosol supply device 12, and / or the charging unit 14.

[0059] In the illustrated arrangement, the slidable cover 28 is configured to cover the indicator 36 when in the open position, such that the indicator 36 is not visible to the user. When the slidable cover 28 is in the closed position, the indicator 36 is visible.

[0060] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A partial exploded view of the charging unit 14 in, which shows the elements that make up the slidable cover 28 and the indicator display 36.

[0061] The slidable cover 28 includes a guide rail 30, a cover bracket 32, and a cover surface element 34. The cover surface element 34 is fixedly attached to the cover bracket 32, in one instance as separately formed parts joined together. The cover bracket 32 engages the guide rail 30 in a slidable manner, such that it can move in one direction along the guide rail 30. The guide rail 30 is fixedly attached to the charging unit 14 to hold the slidable cover 28 to the charging unit 14.

[0062] The indicator 36 includes an array of light elements 38, a light shield 40, and an indicator surface element 42. The array of light elements 38 is received within a recess 44 formed in the proximal end 20 of the charging unit 14, such that the array of light elements 38 is disposed below the proximal surface 26 and recessed into the charging unit 14. The light shield 40 is received within the recess 44 and is located above the array of light elements 38 and covers the array of light elements. The indicator surface element 42 is located above the light shield 40 and the array of light elements 38 and covers the light shield and the array of light elements.

[0063] The indicator surface element 42 forms part of the housing 24 of the charging unit 14, in particular part of the proximal surface 26 of the charging unit 14. The indicator surface element 42 can be formed separately from and attached to the charging unit. The indicator surface element 42 includes an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface being visible and operable by the user during normal use of the charging unit, and the light shield 40 and the light element array 38 being located below the inner surface. In one example, the indicator surface element 42 is made of a thermoplastic material. In one example, the indicator surface element 42 is made of acrylic.

[0064] The light element array 38 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 46 configured to be controlled by a controller to change an illumination state based on one or more conditions of the aerosol supply system 10, the aerosol supply device 12, and / or the charging unit 14. The light-emitting elements 46 are arranged to emit light through the cavities 48 formed in the light shield 40 and through the indicator windows 50 formed in the indicator surface element 42. One or both of the cavities 48 and the indicator windows 50 may include a void space that extends completely through the respective light shield 40 and indicator surface element 42, or may include one or more transparent or translucent materials through which light can pass to be visible to the user.

[0065] The indicator windows 50 are spaced apart, the spacing including material segments of the indicator surface element 42 through which light is substantially blocked. These spacings divide the indicator windows 50 into discrete visual elements. It may be desirable to reduce the size of the spacing between the indicator windows 50 or to keep the size of the spacing between the indicator windows small to improve the ease with which the user can view the visual elements of the indicator 36 and to improve the overall user impression formed by the system.

[0066] Using the light shield 40 below the indicator surface element 42 enables the light from the light-emitting elements 48 to be better divided into discrete visual elements of the indicator 36.

[0067] In the example shown, one of the cavities 48 is associated with only one of the plurality of windows, and the light passing through each cavity 48 passes through only one of the plurality of windows 50. Each cavity 48 is located directly below the associated window 50 such that the cross-section of the associated window completely covers the cross-section of the cavity 48 in the direction of their separation.

[0068] In the illustrated example, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 38 is arranged to emit light only through one of the cavities 48 and only through an associated one of the plurality of windows 50. That is, the light-emitting element 38 includes a corresponding cavity 48 and a corresponding indicator window 50, and the light-emitting element is configured to emit light mainly through the cavity and the indicator window. In other arrangements, the light-emitting elements may be arranged to emit light through a plurality of cavities and the associated windows of these cavities.

[0069] In the illustrated example, each cavity 48 includes only one light-emitting element 38. In other arrangements, a cavity may include more than one light-emitting element, and these light-emitting elements are arranged to emit light only through the cavity.

[0070] Figure 4 Is shown Figure 3 A top view of the light shield 40 and the light element array 38 in []. The cavity 48 is formed through the body 52 of the light shield 40, and the body 52 is made of one or more materials that substantially block light. The body 52 includes ribs 54, and the ribs 54 are regions of material formed between two adjacent cavities in the cavity 48, for example, integrally formed as part of the body 52. In the illustrated example, the light shield 40 includes: a pair of internally disposed cavities 48a arranged linearly, which are substantially disposed at the center of the body 52, and the ribs 54 separate the two internally disposed cavities 48a; and externally disposed cavities 48b arranged in a ring, which face the outer edge of the body 52 and surround the pair of internally disposed cavities 48a, and the ribs are disposed between each adjacent pair of the externally disposed cavities 48b. It should be understood that the present disclosure extends to other arrangements that vary according to the form of the indicator.

[0071] Figure 5A Is shown in a cross-section taken along line A through the internally disposed cavity 48a of [] Figure 4 A cross-section of the light shield 40 and the light element array 38 in []. The light-emitting element 46 is disposed below the body 52 of the light shield 40 and is arranged to emit light at least along a direct path P1 through one of the cavities 48 so as to be visible to the user through the indicator window. The light-emitting element 46 also emits light along direct paths, such as the path shown by P2, and these paths are substantially blocked by the body 52 of the light shield 40, such that the light-emitting element 46 emits light only through its corresponding one cavity 48. In particular, the ribs 54 between the cavities 48 block the light along some direct paths, such as those shown at P4, which otherwise would pass through adjacent indicator windows and cause light leakage.

[0072] Accordingly, the configuration of the light shield 40 reduces light leakage that might otherwise occur between the light emitting elements 46, particularly between adjacent light emitting elements 46. Light leakage can make it difficult for a user to distinguish discrete light elements and reduce the effectiveness of the indicator.

[0073] Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of the light shield 40 and the light element array 38 taken along line B through two of the outer cavities 48b is shown. As will be appreciated, the body 52 and ribs 54 of the light shield 40 limit light leakage between adjacent cavities in a manner similar to that described with respect to the inner cavity 48a in Figure 4 As will be appreciated, the body 52 and ribs 54 of the light shield 40 limit light leakage between adjacent cavities in a manner similar to that described with respect to the inner cavity 48a in Figure 5A the light shield 40 and the light element array 38 taken along line B through two of the outer cavities 48b is shown. As will be appreciated, the body 52 and ribs 54 of the light shield 40 limit light leakage between adjacent cavities in a manner similar to that described with respect to the inner cavity 48a in

[0074] Figure 6 A side view of the light element array 38, the light shield 40, and the indicator surface element 42 in Figure 2 is shown, with the spacing between components increased for ease of illustration. As described above, the light emitting element 46 emits light at least along a direct path P1 that passes through one of the cavities 48 of the light shield 40 and through one of the indicator windows 50 of the indicator surface element 42.

[0075] It can be seen that the light emitting array 38, the light shield 40, and the indicator surface element 42 must be carefully aligned so that each portion of the indicator window 50 receives light from the light emitting element 46, including at the extreme positions of the window 50, such as the position receiving light along path P2. If these components are misaligned, for example due to manufacturing variability, some sections of the indicator window 50 may not receive any light from the light emitting element 46 due to being blocked by a portion of the light shield 40, such as a rib 54, resulting in reduced usability of the indicator and a poor user impression.

[0076] To increase manufacturing tolerances and structural variability, the cross-sectional area A1 of the cavity 48 can be greater than the cross-sectional area A2 of the corresponding indicator window 50. As will be seen, the cross-sectional area is the cross-sectional area taken in a plane along the main light path from the light emitting element 46, typically in the direction between the inner surface 41 of the indicator surface element and the light emitting element. Enlarging the cavity 48 relative to the indicator window 50 allows light to reach each extreme position of the indicator window 50 without being blocked by portions of the light shield even if the components of the indicator 36 are slightly misaligned.

[0077] The size of the cavity 48 and its cross-sectional area A1 can be limited by the required thickness of the ribs 54 between adjacent cavities 48. There may be practical limits to the minimum thickness of the ribs 54 in order to facilitate manufacturing of the body 52 of the light shield 40 and avoid defects or damage.

[0078] In order for light to reach every part of the indicator window 50 without requiring the ribs 54 between adjacent cavities 48 to be overly thin, each rib 54 may be formed with a gap or space 56 that separates the upper surface of the rib 54 from the inner surface of the indicator surface element 42. The rib 54 may be formed with a gap or space 57 that separates the upper surface of the rib 54 from the upper surface 58 of the body 52 of the light shield 40 to increase the space 56 from the indicator surface element 42. In one example, the upper surface 58 of the light shield 40 contacts the inner surface 41 of the indicator surface element 42 such that the space 56 of the rib 54 below the inner surface of the indicator surface element 42 is the same as the space 57 of the rib below the upper surface 58 of the light shield 40.

[0079] The space 56 of the rib 54 is large enough to allow light to pass along a direct path, such as the path shown at P2, which reaches one extreme end of the indicator window 50, and a direct path such as that shown at P3, which is blocked by the indicator surface element 42 at the space between adjacent indicator windows. Allowing light to follow the path P3 does not cause light leakage because the light does not reach adjacent windows, but it increases the available tolerance for forming and arranging the light shield 40.

[0080] At the same time, the space 56 of the rib 54 is small enough such that the rib 54 can still block light traveling along a direct path such as that shown at P4, which otherwise would enter an adjacent indicator window 50 and cause light leakage. In this way, the ribs 54 are arranged such that light from the light-emitting element 46 cannot pass through the space 56 and enter an adjacent indicator window 50.

[0081] An arrangement is shown in which the light-emitting element is formed as part of an array of light elements separate from the light shield. In other arrangements, the light-emitting element or the array of light elements may be formed as part of the light shield or as a single connected or integral component. In such an arrangement, the light elements may be located within the cavities of the light shield rather than below the cavities.

[0082] In one example, the plurality of light elements may include a plurality of light-emitting diodes. In one example, the plurality of light elements may be configured to indicate the status of an aerosol supply system, an aerosol supply device, and / or a charging unit by one or more of the on / off state of the light element, the light intensity of the element, or the visible light color emitted by the light element. In one example, the indicator may be configured to indicate the power level or charge level of the power supply of the charging unit.

[0083] Figure 7 Shown taken along line C Figure 2Cross-sectional view of the charging unit 14, showing in more detail the features of the slidable cover 28. As described above, the slidable cover includes guide rails 30, a cover bracket 32, and a cover surface element 34 or upper portion that is fixedly attached to the cover bracket 32. The guide rails 30 are fixedly attached to the cover bracket 32 and are slidably received in a space 31 formed between the attached cover bracket 32 and the cover surface element 34. Thereby, the cover bracket 32 and the cover surface element 34 can slide relative to the proximal surface 26 of the charging unit 14 in the direction 60, such that the slidable cover 28 can move from a closed position to an open position and back again.

[0084] The cover surface element 34 forms the upper surface of the slidable cover and can be made of a first material that can be selected to create an impression on the user, such as a material that provides a tactile feel and makes the slidable cover 28 easy to actuate. The first material can additionally or alternatively be a lightweight or easily manufacturable material. In one example, the first material includes a polymer.

[0085] The cover bracket 32 can comprise a second material that has a greater stiffness, greater strength, and / or greater hardness than the first material to provide structural rigidity and structural reinforcement that might otherwise be lacking in the separate cover surface element. In one example, the second material includes a metal.

[0086] As shown, the slidable cover 28 passes over the area of the proximal surface 26 where the indicator is located, and in this area, the surface can be formed by an indicator surface element 42. Due to the harder material used for the cover bracket 32, movement of the cover bracket 32 above the proximal surface 26 can easily cause scratches or other damage to the visible proximal surface 26. Damage is particularly likely to occur on the indicator surface element 42, which can be formed of a material selected to create a particular user impression, such as a thermoplastic or acrylic, and which may have a reduced roughness compared to other parts of the charging unit housing. Additionally, scratches or damage at the indicator location may be particularly noticeable to the user and may interfere with the visibility of the indicator.

[0087] Figure 8 shown as viewed from below Figure 7Separate views of the cover bracket 32 and the cover surface element 34 therein, which illustrate the lower surface 62 of the cover bracket 32, which is positioned to be adjacent to the proximal surface of the charging unit during normal use. To reduce the likelihood of damage caused by the cover bracket 32, at least one film layer 64 attached to the cover bracket 32 is disposed at the lower surface 62 such that the film layer is disposed between the cover bracket 32 and the surface of the charging unit 14. In the illustrated example, the film layer 64 includes two separate portions 64a, 64b, which are separated in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cover bracket 32 (which may be referred to as the lateral direction), which may enable other components to be disposed within the open central region 66 of the cover bracket 32.

[0088] In some examples, the film layer 64 may be attached to the cover bracket 32 by an adhesive layer between the film layer 64 and the lower surface 62. The film layer 64 may be formed separately onto the cover bracket 62 and then applied to the lower surface 62 using an adhesive.

[0089] In some examples, the film layer 64 may include polyoxymethylene (POM) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are particularly suitable for the interaction between the metal bracket and the proximal surface to prevent scratches without restricting the movement of the slidable cover.

[0090] The various embodiments described herein are only for helping to understand and teach the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of the various embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be used and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to the elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. specifically described herein, the various embodiments of the present invention may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply system, comprising: a housing element defining an outer surface and an inner surface, and defining a plurality of windows formed through the housing element from the outer surface to the inner surface; a light shield located below the inner surface of the housing element, the light shield including a plurality of cavities and one or more ribs, each rib separating two of the cavities from each other, each rib being spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing element to define a gap from the inner surface; and a plurality of light elements, each light element being positioned to be visible in the outer surface through one of the cavities and one of the windows.

2. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light elements includes a plurality of LEDs.

3. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a battery, wherein the plurality of LEDs are configured to illuminate to indicate a power level of the battery.

4. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the cavities is associated with one of the windows, the cavity being located directly below the associated window.

5. The aerosol supply system according to claim 4, wherein each of the light elements is arranged to emit light that passes directly only through one cavity and the window associated with that cavity.

6. The aerosol supply system according to claim 5, wherein the ribs are arranged to block any light emitted from the light elements from passing directly through windows other than the associated window.

7. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each of the windows defines a cross-sectional area, each of the cavities defines a cross-sectional area, and the cross-sectional area of each cavity is greater than the cross-sectional area of the window associated with that cavity.

8. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing element is formed separately and attached to the housing of the aerosol supply system.

9. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing element comprises a thermoplastic material.

10. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing element comprises acrylic.

11. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the light shield is formed separately and attached to the aerosol supply system.

12. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: a receiver for receiving an aerosol supply device; and a lid movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the lid covers the outer surface of the housing element in the first position and covers the receiver in the second position.

13. The aerosol supply system according to claim 12, further comprising: an aerosol supply device; and A charging unit for charging or powering the aerosol supply device, wherein the housing element, the light shield, the plurality of light elements, and the receiver form part of the charging unit, and the aerosol supply device can be received within the receiver when the cap is in the first position.

14. The aerosol supply system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, the cap includes a structural bracket made of a metallic material and a film layer attached to the lower side of the bracket, and when the cap is in the first position, the film layer is located between the bracket and the outer surface of the housing element, and the film layer is made of a thermoplastic material.

15. The aerosol supply system according to claim 14, wherein, the film layer comprises polyoxymethylene (POM) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

16. The aerosol supply system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, the film layer is attached to the lower side of the cap by an adhesive layer.

17. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, the cap defines a lateral direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cap, and the film layer includes two film layer portions separated in the lateral direction.

18. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein, the cap includes an upper portion attached to the bracket, the upper portion forms the upper surface of the cap, and the upper portion comprises a material different from the metallic material of the bracket.

Images