Aerosol provision device

Abstract

An aerosol provision device comprising: a housing; a light bar provided in an outer surface of the housing; wherein the device further comprises at least one light source provided within the housing such that the light emitted from the light source passes along a light path adjacent to a lower surface of the light bar.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device an aerosol provision system, and a method of generating an aerosol.

[0004] Background

[0005] Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such aerosol provision devices and systems which 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.

[0006] Other examples are vapour provision devices and systems such as e-cigarettes which generally comprise a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, which may or may not contain nicotine, from which an aerosol is generated, such as through vaporisation or other means.

[0007] Summary

[0008] According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a housing; a light bar provided in an outer surface of the housing. The device further comprises at least one light source provided within the housing such that the light emitted from the light source passes along a light path adjacent to a lower surface of the light bar.

[0009] The light emitted by the at least one light source, may follow a light path which follows the profile of the lower surface of the light bar.

[0010] The emitted from the light source may pass along the lower surface of the light bar substantially parallel to the lower surface of the light bar.

[0011] The light emitted from the light source may pass along the lower surface of the light bar in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the light bar. The light emitted from the light source may follow a light path which is perpendicular to a central axis of the light bar and off set from the lower surface of the light bar. The light emitted from the light source may pass along the lower surface of the light bar in a direction parallel to the lower surface of the light bar. The light emitted from the light source may follow a light path which is parallel to and offset from the lower surface of the light bar.

[0012] The light emitted from the light source may pass along the lower surface of the light bar in a direction parallel to a line connecting two sides of the lower surface of the light bar. The light emitted from the light source may follow a light path which is parallel to a line connecting two sides of the lower surface of the light bar and off set from the lower surface of the light bar.

[0013] The at least one light source may be provided at a position laterally offset from the light bar, and spaced from the lower surface of the light bar.

[0014] The light bar may be provided in a recess or through-hole in the housing. The or each light source may be provided laterally offset from the recess or through-hole.

[0015] The aerosol provision device may further comprise a light guide. The light guide may be provided between the at least one light source and the light bar.

[0016] The light guide member may provide a light channel from the at least one light source to the lower surface of the button.

[0017] The light guide may be formed integrally with the light bar.

[0018] The light guide member may comprise a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the light guide is located adjacent to the lower surface of the light bar, and the at least one light source is provided at the first end.

[0019] The light guide member may comprise a first end and a second end. The light guide member may comprise one or more reflective surfaces configured to guide light from the first end to the second end.

[0020] The light guide member may provide a light channel.

[0021] The light guide may be configured to provide a light path which extends over a sufficient distance to diffuse the light within the light guide.

[0022] The light guide may comprise a polycarbonates (PC), a Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), or a PC / PMMA blend.

[0023] The light guide may comprise diffusion film. The diffusion film may comprise Aluminium film, tin foil or a PET film. The light bar may comprise a light diffusion material. The light bar may comprise one or more sections of the button which are made from light diffusion material. The light bar may be substantially formed of a light diffusion material. The light bar may comprise a translucent or transparent material. The light bar may comprise one or more sections of the button which are made from a translucent or transparent material. The light bar may be substantially formed of a translucent or transparent material. The light bar may comprise one or more through holes extending in the operation direction.

[0024] The light bar may comprise a polycarbonates (PC), a Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), or a PC / PMMA blend.

[0025] The at least one light source may be provided on a mounting surface which faces away from the button. The mounting surface may be on a PCB mounted in the device housing.

[0026] The light guide may provide a light channel from the mounting surface, via two or more reflecting surfaces to the lower surface of the button.

[0027] The at least one light source may be mounted on a PCB within the device housing. The aerosol provision device may have a central axis. The PCB may be substantially aligned with the central axis of the device.

[0028] The aerosol provision device may be provided with two or more light sources.

[0029] The aerosol provision device may be provided with three, four or five light sources. All of the light sources may be provided on a single PCB within the device housing.

[0030] The two or more light sources may be aligned along a direction substantially parallel to a central axis of the device.

[0031] The light guide may extend between the two or more light sources, and is configured to provide a light channel from each of the light sources to the lower surface of the light bar. The light guide may be configured to provide a light channel from each of the light sources to a respective portion of the lower surface of the light bar.

[0032] The aerosol provision device may be provided with two or more light sources, and each light source is provided with a respective light guide. Each respective light guide may be configured to provide a light channel from one of the light sources to the lower surface of the light bar.

[0033] The device may be provided with two or more light bars. The device maybe provided with two or more buttons. At least one button may comprise a light bar. The two or more buttons may each comprise a light bar. Each light bar may be provided with a respective light source. Each light bar may be provided with a respective light guide.

[0034] The aerosol provision may be provided with two or more light bars. The aerosol provision may be provided with a plurality of light bars, such as but not limited to three, four or five light bars. Each light bar may be provided with an integrally formed light guide.

[0035] The aerosol provision may be provided with a button which is configured to be depressed in an operation direction; and wherein the button comprises the light bar. The operation direction may be substantially parallel to a central axis of the light bar.

[0036] The aerosol provision may be provided with a plurality of buttons, each button comprising a light bar. Each button may be independently operable. The plurality of buttons may be aligned along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device.

[0037] The light source may be a light emitting diode (LED).

[0038] The at least one light source may comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The plurality of LEDs may be the same colour. The plurality of LEDs may be different colours.

[0039] The aerosol provision device may have a transverse cross-section of any suitable shape. For example, the aerosol provision device may have a substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhomboidal, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal transverse cross-section.

[0040] The aerosol provision device may be configured for wireless charging. The aerosol provision device may be provided with a charging port, such as a USB port, which is used to couple the power supply to an external power source for recharging.

[0041] The aerosol provision device may be aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system or a tobacco heating system.

[0042] The aerosol provision device may comprise a heating chamber, in which a heater is provided. The heater may be a resistive heating element. The heater may be an inductive heating element.

[0043] The aerosol provision device may comprise a power source, a controller and a heating chamber, in which an aerosol generating article is removeable received. The power source may be aligned along a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber. The power source may be aligned along a second longitudinal axis, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber. The aerosol provision device may be a vapour provision device.

[0044] The vapour provision device may comprise a heating element or other vapour generating component coupled to a portion of the source liquid from the reservoir. The heating element and reservoir may be comprised within a first section or component which is connectable to a second section or component housing a battery to provide electrical power to the heating element. This first section may be referred to as a cartomiser (or pod), and can be disposable to be replaced when the source liquid has been consumed.

[0045] The aerosol provision device may be hybrid device which is configured 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.

[0046] According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device as described above and an aerosol generating article.

[0047] The aerosol provision system may comprise a charging unit having a cavity for removably receiving the aerosol provision device. The charging unit may comprise a moveable lid, which covers the aerosol provision device in a closed configuration. The charging unit may comprise a user display. The user display may be visible to a user when the moveable lid is in a closed position and is partially or fully concealed or obscured from sight by the lid when the lid is an open position.

[0048] The charging unit may have a transverse cross-section of any suitable shape. For example, the charging unit may have a substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhomboidal, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal transverse cross-section.

[0049] The aerosol generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel). The aerosol-generating material may contain an active substance and / or flavourants.

[0050] The aerosol generating article may be a stick format. The aerosol generating article may be a rod-shaped article. The aerosol generating article may have a noncircular cross section, such as but not limited to oval, rectangular, trapezoidal. The aerosol generating article may be substantially flat.

[0051] According to another aspect there is provided a method of generating an aerosol comprising providing an aerosol generating system as described above; inserting the aerosol generating article into the aerosol provision device and energising the aerosol generating article.

[0052] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0054] Figure 1 shows an aerosol provision system including an aerosol provision device located within a charging unit;

[0055] Figure 2 shows another aerosol provision device;

[0056] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a light bar arrangement for an aerosol provision device;

[0057] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a light bar arrangement;

[0058] Figures 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b show further embodiments of light bar arrangements;

[0059] Figures 7a, 7b, show embodiments of light guides;

[0060] Figures 8a, 8b show embodiments of buttons; and

[0061] Figures 9a and 9b show comparative luminance charts.

[0062] Detailed Description

[0063] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0064] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0065] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic aerosol or vapour provision system, such as 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.

[0066] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a vapour provision system. The vapour provision system may comprise a heating element or other vapour generating component coupled to a portion of the source liquid from the reservoir. In some systems, the heating element and reservoir are comprised within a first section or component which is connectable to a second section or component housing a battery to provide electrical power to the heating element. This first section may be referred to as a cartomiser, and can be disposable to be replaced when the source liquid has been consumed. In use, a user inhales on the device to activate the heating element which vaporises a small amount of the source liquid, which is thus converted to an aerosol for inhalation by the use. In other vapour provision systems, all components are integrated into a single piece device.

[0067] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the aerosol provision device.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosolgenerating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0072] As used herein, the term “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 semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants.

[0073] 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 material.

[0074] The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

[0075] The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosolgenerating material is substantially tobacco free.

[0076] An aerosol provision device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into or onto the aerosol provision device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within or over a heater of the device which is sized to receive the article.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosolmodifying 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.

[0079] Figure 1 shows an aerosol provision system 10 comprising an aerosol provision device 100 and a charging unit 20. The device 100 is shown located within a cavity 21 of a charging unit 20. The cavity 21 has an open end 22 (also referred to as an opening). The charging unit embodiment of Figure 1 also comprises a longitudinal opening 23.

[0080] In embodiments the cavity of the charging unit 20 may have a cross-sectional profile which only permits that the aerosol provision device 100 be inserted into the charging unit 20 in a single orientation.

[0081] In other embodiments, the aerosol provision device may have an alternative shape and size, and be received in a correspondingly shaped and dimensioned cavity in the charging unit.

[0082] In other embodiments, the charge unit may include a single opening through which the device is inserted into the cavity.

[0083] The charging unit 20 of figure 1 includes a slidable lid 25. When the aerosol provision device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 20 in order to be recharged, the slidable lid 25 may be closed so as to cover the opening into the aerosol provision device 100.

[0084] In other embodiments, the charging unit 20 may have an alternative lid configuration, such as a hinged or pivoted lid, or no lid may be provided.

[0085] The cavity 21 of the charging unit has a length that is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the length of the aerosol provision device 100 such that substantially the entire aerosol provision device 100 is received in the cavity of the charging unit. This means that the device 100 is entirely enclosed within the cavity 21 and is protected.

[0086] The charging unit 20 includes a user interface 28, for example visual display, which can be provided at any convenient location, such as in the position shown in Figure 1.

[0087] The aerosol provision device comprises a housing 110, comprising a first side 110. A user interface element 102 is provided on the first side 111 of the aerosol provision device housing 110.

[0088] The aerosol provision device 100 is an elongate structure, extending along a longitudinal axis 109. The aerosol provision device 100 has a proximal end 100a, which will be closest to the user (e.g. the user’s mouth) when in use by the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision device 100, as well as a distal end 100b which will be furthest from the user when in use. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises an opening at the proximal end 100a, leading into a heating chamber.

[0089] The aerosol provision device 100 is arranged to generate aerosol from an aerosol generating article (not shown) which may be inserted, in use, into an opening (not shown) at the proximal end 100a of aerosol provision device 100. In embodiments, the article forms part of the aerosol provision system 10.

[0090] The aerosol provision device 100 may be removably inserted into the charging unit 20 in order to be charged. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the distal end 100b of aerosol provision device 100 is inserted into the cavity 21 via the opening 22.

[0091] In some embodiments, the user interface element 102 comprises one or more light bars, wherein the light bars are configured to provide visual indications to the user.

[0092] In other embodiments, the user interface element comprises one or more user operable buttons, and one or more of the user operable buttons comprises a light bar which is configured to provide visual indications to the user. The user operable button(s) may be configured to operate the device 100 when operated, e.g. pressed. For example, a user may activate the device 100 by pressing a button.

[0093] In other embodiments, the user interface 102 include one or more light bars and one or more buttons. In other embodiments, the user interface 102 include one or more buttons and the or each button may comprise a light bar.

[0094] Figure 2 shows another aerosol provision system 10. The system 10 comprises a one-piece aerosol provision device 100 for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material, and the aerosol generating article 50 comprising an aerosol generating material. The device 100 can be used to heat the aerosol generating article 50 comprising the aerosol generating material, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which can be inhaled by a user of the device 100.

[0095] The device 100 comprises a housing 110 which surrounds and houses various components of the device 100. The housing 110 is elongate. The device 100 has an opening 104 in one end, through which the article 50 can be inserted into a heating chamber for heating by the device 100. The article 50 may be fully or partially inserted into the heating chamber for heating by the device 100. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 109 along which an article 50 may extend when inserted into the device 100. The opening 104 is aligned on the longitudinal axis 109.

[0096] The device 100 comprises a user interface element 102, comprising one or more light bars and / or buttons (as described above with reference to Figure 1).

[0097] In other embodiments, aerosol provision devices may have a transverse crosssection of any suitable shape, for example, but not limited to substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhomboidal, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal.

[0098] Figure 3 shows schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a user interface 102 for an aerosol provision device, such as one of the devices shown in Figures 1 and 2, or as described herein. In this embodiment, the user interface 102 is in the form of a light bar arrangement. In Figure 3, the user interface comprises a light bar 106 having a central axis 106A is provided in an aperture 111 in the device housing 110.

[0099] The light bar 106 is made from a light diffuser material having a high light transmittance.

[0100] Examples of suitable materials for the light bar include, but are not limited to polycarbonates (PC), Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylics, or a PC / PMMA blends.

[0101] The thickness of the light bar in the direction of the central axis can be varied to provide areas with varied brightness. For example, the light bar may comprise thinner portions which provide areas of increased brightness. Similarly, the light bar may comprise thicker portions which provide areas of reduced brightness. A PCB 160 is mounted within the housing 111 , and a light source 150 in the form of an LED 150 is mounted on the PCB 160. The LED 150 is mounted below and laterally offset from the light bar 106. Other internal components 170 of the device are schematically represented. A light path 152 shows the light emitted from the LED 150. The light path 152 is perpendicular to the light bar central axis 106A. In this embodiment, the light bar 106 has a flat lower surface 107 and the light path 152 is substantially parallel to the surface 107.

[0102] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a user interface 102 for an aerosol provision device. Figure 4 shows a light bar 106 mounted in a device housing 111. An LED 150 is mounted on a PCB 160 in a location as described for Figure 3. In this embodiment, a light guide 140 is provided beneath the light bar 106 such that the light path 152 passes through the light guide 140. In other words, the light guide 140 provides a light channel from the LED 150 to the lower surface 107 of the light bar 106.

[0103] The light guide 140 is made from a light diffuser material having a high light transmittance.

[0104] Examples of suitable materials for the light guide include, but are not limited to polycarbonates (PC), Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylics or a PC / PMMA blends.

[0105] In Figure 4, the light guide 140 is a separate component. However, it will be appreciated that the light guide may be integrally formed with the light bar.

[0106] In other embodiments, the user interface element 102 of Figures 3 and 4 is a user operated button comprising a light bar, wherein the button is operable in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis 102A.

[0107] Figure 5a shows a further embodiment of a user interface 102 for an aerosol provision device. A user operable button 106 comprising a light bar is mounted in an aperture 111 of a device housing 110. The button 106 has an operation direction D which is parallel to a central axis 106A. It will be appreciated that this means that the button 106 can be depressed in the direction D to trigger a device operation.

[0108] A PCB 160 is mounted within the device housing 110 substantially parallel with and spaced from a lower surface 107 of the button. An LED 150 is provided on a lower surface of the PCB 160. A substantially L-shaped light guide 140 is provided. The light guide has a first end 141 and a second end 142, and two reflective surfaces 145, wherein the reflective surfaces 145 are configured to guide light from the first end 141 to the second end 142. In the embodiment of Figure 5a, light is emitted from the LED 150 into the light guide 140 and it travels along a light path 152 to a first reflective surface 145, and it is reflected by 90 degrees to travel in a direction substantially parallel to the axis 106A. The light then continues along the light path 152 to a second reflective surface 145, where it is reflected by a further 90 degrees to travel in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis 106A and substantially parallel to the button lower surface 107.

[0109] Figure 5b shows a further embodiment in which a light bar 106 is mounted in an aperture 111 of a device housing 110. A PCB 160 is mounted within the device housing 110 substantially perpendicular to and off set from a lower surface 107 of the lightbar / button. An LED 150 is provided on the PCB 160. A light guide 140 has a first end 141 adjacent to the LED 150, a second end 142 adjacent to the button lower surface 142, and reflective surfaces 145. The light emitted from the LED 150 travels along a light path 152.

[0110] At the second end 142 of the light guide, the light path 152 is parallel to the lower surface 107 of the light bar 106 and is substantially perpendicular to the light bar central axis 106A. The light path 152 at the second end 142 of the light guide can also be defined being parallel to a line S joining a first lower edge 107a and a second edge 107b of the light bar (see Figure 5b).

[0111] Figure 6a shows a further embodiment, and Figure 6b is a partial exploded view of Figure 6a. A user operable button 106 comprising a light bar is mounted in an aperture 111 of a device housing 110. The button 106 has an operation direction D which is parallel to a central axis 106A. The button 106 is an elongate component, which extends along the housing 110 parallel to the device longitudinal axis 109 (as shown in figure 1).

[0112] In this embodiment, four LEDs 150 are provided on the PCB 160. The LEDs 150 are aligned along a line which is parallel to the device longitudinal axis 109. The LEDs 150 equally spaced between the two ends of the button 102, such that each LED 150 is positioned beneath a respective portion of the button 102. A light guide 140 is configured to provide light channels between each of the LEDs and the respective portion of the lower surface 107 of the button 102, so that the light emitted from each LED travels along a light path 152.

[0113] Figure 7a shows an embodiment of a light guide 140 which could be used in the device of Figures 6a and 6b. In this embodiment the light guide 140 is a single component comprising four sections, each section provides a light channel extending from a first end 141 to a second end 142.

[0114] In some embodiments, a lower surface 142a of second end of the light guide 140 may be provided with a thin diffusion film. Examples of suitable materials for the diffusion film are aluminium film, tin foil or PET film. The diffusion film reflects light back into the light guide, thereby concentrating light along the light path.

[0115] In some embodiments, a lower surface 142a of second end of the light guide 140 may be provided with a matting surface comprising particles or grains which act to increase reflection of light back into the light guide.

[0116] Figure 7b shows an alternative embodiment in which four individual light guides 140 are provided. Each light guide 140 provides a light channel between an LED and a respective portion of the lower surface of the button. It will be appreciated that while four LEDs are described above, in other embodiments, any suitable number of LEDs can be provided. Where multiple LEDs are provided, there may be a single light guide having multiple sections or there may be multiple individual light guides.

[0117] In other embodiments, the light guide(s) can be provided as an integral part of the light bar (or button comprising the light bar).

[0118] It will be appreciated that the location of the PCB and LED(s) within the device housing are determined by the arrangement of other internal components, and that for any configuration a light guide can be configured to provide a light path between the or each LED and the light bar such that at a second end of the light guide, the light path is substantially adjacent to the lower surface of the light bar. At the second end, the light path may be one or more of the following: parallel to the lower surface of the light bar; substantially perpendicular to the button central axis; parallel to a line joining a first lower edge and a second edge of the light bar.

[0119] Figure 8a shows the button 106 of Figures 6a and 6b.

[0120] Figure 8b shows an alternative button arrangement which could be used in the arrangement of Figures 6a and 6b in which four individual buttons 106 are provided, wherein each comprises a light bar. The four buttons 106 are aligned in a direction parallel to the device longitudinal axis. Each button 106 and is independently operable.

[0121] It will be appreciated that while four buttons are shown in Figure 8b, other embodiments include two or more independently operable buttons. The two or more buttons can be aligned in any pattern or arrangement on the surface of the device housing, and there may be a single associated light guide, or a plurality of corresponding light guides.

[0122] In other embodiments, two or more of light bars are provided on the device housing. The two or more light bars can be aligned in any pattern or arrangement on the surface of the device housing.

[0123] It has been found that the aerosol provision devices and systems according to embodiments described provide improved diffusion of the light throughout the light bar(s). Aerosol provision devices according to embodiments ensure that the light pattern visible to the user through the light bar or button is has a more uniform or even distribution.

[0124] In other words, the luminance of the light in the light bar is more even across the light bar. Figure 9 shows a comparison between a conventional light bar arrangement and the light bar arrangement of Figures 6a and 6b.

[0125] Figure 9a shows a simulation of luminance for a conventional LED arrangement, in which small areas of high luminance can be seen.

[0126] Figure 9b shows a simulation of luminance for the light bar arrangement of Figures 6a and 6b. The distribution of light across the sections of the light bar is clearly more uniform.

[0127] The inventors have found that this is particularly advantageous where there are difficulties in locating the LEDs within the aerosol provision device.

[0128] 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

Claims1. An aerosol provision device comprising: a housing; a light bar provided in an outer surface of the housing; wherein the device further comprises at least one light source provided within the housing such that the light emitted from the light source passes along a light path adjacent to a lower surface of the light bar.

2. The aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitted from the light source passes along the lower surface of the light bar substantially parallel to the lower surface of the light bar.

3. The aerosol provision device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one light source is provided at a position laterally offset from the light bar, and spaced from the lower surface of the light bar.

4. The aerosol provision device according to any of claim 1 to 3, further comprising a light guide provided between the at least one light source and the light bar.

5. The aerosol provision device according to claim 4, wherein the light guide comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the light guide is located adjacent to the lower surface of the light bar, and the at least one light source is provided at the first end light guide.

6. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 4 to 5, wherein the light guide comprises: a first end, a second end, and one or more reflective surfaces configured to guide light from the first end to the second end.

7. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the light guide comprises a light diffusion material, such as a polycarbonate (PC), a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), or a PC / PMMA blend.

8. The aerosol provision device according to any of any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the light guide is formed integrally with the light bar.

9. The aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one light source is provided on a mounting surface which faces away from the button.

10. The aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one light source is mounted on a PCB within the device housing.11 . The aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol provision device is provided with two or more light sources.

12. The aerosol provision device according to claim 11 , wherein a light guide extends between the two or more light sources, and wherein the light guide is configured to provide a light channel from each of the light sources to the lower surface of the light bar.

13. The aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is provided with two or more light bars.

14. The aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol provision device is provided with a button which is configured to be depressed in an operation direction; and wherein the button comprises the light bar.15 The aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol provision device is provided with a plurality of buttons, each button comprising a light bar.16 The aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each light source is a light emitting diode (LED).

17. An aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 16 and an aerosol generating article.

18. A method of generating an aerosol comprising: providing an aerosol provision system as claimed in claim 17; inserting the aerosol generating article into the aerosol provision device and energising the aerosol generating article.

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