Aerosol provision device

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision device (100), comprising at least one inlet (102) through which air can enter the device, at least one outlet (104) through which aerosol within the device can pass, a first aerosol generating material containing region (110) arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material, a second aerosol generating material containing region (120) arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material, a first flow channel (106a) arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the first aerosol generating material containing region, a second flow channel (106b) arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the second aerosol generating material containing region, a moveable component (130) arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position, the moveable component comprising an indicator (133), wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and wherein in the second position the moveable component at least partially blocks the second flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device.

[0004] Background

[0005] Aerosol provision devices and systems are known. Common systems are activated by a user to create an aerosol by an aerosol provision device from an aerosol generating material which is then inhaled by the user. The device may provide an aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the device. Some devices have more than one aerosol generating material within the device to offer users a range of aerosols for inhalation. It can be desirable for the user to control the ability of the device to provide aerosol. This may be to allow a user control over the selection of aerosol provided by the device, in turn this may increase the user experience of the device. Different forms of aerosol selection and control are provided in common systems however the present invention is directed toward solving shortcomings of modem solutions.

[0006] Methods and devices for increasing user control are disclosed herein.

[0007] Summary

[0008] Aspects of the invention are defined in the accompanying claims.

[0009] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device, comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; at least one outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; a first aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material; a second aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material; a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the first aerosol generating material containing region; a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the second aerosol generating material containing region; a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position, the moveable component comprising an indicator, wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and wherein in the second position the moveable component at least partially blocks the second flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

[0010] In some examples, the indicator is arranged on an outer surface of the moveable component and in the first position, is arranged to provide a physical indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and in the second position, is arranged to provide a physical indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

[0011] In some examples, the indicator comprises at least one of a projection, a recess, a marked portion, and a coloured portion.

[0012] In some examples, in the first position, the indicator is in a position that is 180° different to the position of the indicator in the second position.

[0013] In some examples, the indicator comprises an electronic portion, the electronic portion arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication to the user, wherein in the first position, is arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and in the second position, is arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

[0014] In some examples, the indicator is arranged to in the first position, provide a first visual indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and in the second position, provide a second visual indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, wherein, the first visual indication has a wavelength of around 560 nm to around 750 nm and the second visual indication has a wavelength of around 380 nm to around 510 nm. In some examples, the device further comprises control circuitry for identifying aerosol generating material contained in use in the first aerosol generating material containing region and aerosol generating material contained in use in the second aerosol generating material containing region, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region and, in the second position, the indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region, and wherein the control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region and, in the first position, the indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region.

[0015] In some examples, the first flow channel and second flow channel share at least one portion of flow channel.

[0016] In some examples, the first flow channel and second flow channel are entirely distinct from each other.

[0017] In some examples, the device further comprises a mouthpiece portion comprising at least one outlet for providing an aerosol to a user, wherein the moveable component is arranged upstream of the mouthpiece portion.

[0018] In some examples, the moveable component is arranged adjacent to the mouthpiece portion.

[0019] In some examples, the device further comprises control circuitry arranged to prevent activation of the aerosol provision device when either the moveable component is not in a predetermined position, or the moveable component is in a predetermined off position.

[0020] In some examples, the device further comprises a further aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a further aerosol generating material; a further flow channel arranged provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the further aerosol generating material containing region; wherein in a third position the moveable component is arranged to not block airflow through the further flow channel, and arranged to at least partially block airflow through the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

[0021] In some examples, the moveable component is arranged to be rotatably movable.

[0022] In some examples, the moveable component is arranged to move around a longitudinal axis of the device.

[0023] In some examples, the device further comprises a heating element for providing an aerosol, the heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material and the second aerosol generating material.

[0024] In some examples, the device further comprises at least two heating elements for providing an aerosol, a first heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material and a second heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material.

[0025] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a consumable for an aerosol generator, comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the consumable; at least one outlet through which aerosol within the consumable can pass; a first aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material; a second aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material; a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the first aerosol generating material containing region; a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the second aerosol generating material containing region; a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position, the moveable component comprising an indicator, wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and wherein in the second position the moveable component at least partially blocks the second flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region. In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol generating system, comprising the consumable of some embodiments, the system comprising a heating element for providing an aerosol, the heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material and the second aerosol generating material.

[0026] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method for using of an aerosol provision device, comprising: providing at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; providing at least one outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; providing a first aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material; providing a second aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material; providing a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the first aerosol generating material containing region; providing a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the second aerosol generating material containing region; providing a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position, the moveable component comprising an indicator; moving the moveable component into the first position, at least partially blocking the first flow channel, and providing, by the indicator, an indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region.

[0027] Description of Drawings

[0028] The present teachings will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures:

[0029] Figure l is a schematic view of a modem aerosol provision;

[0030] Figure 2a is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples; Figure 2b is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples; Figure 3 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples; Figure 4 is a schematic view of portion C of the aerosol provision of Figure 3;

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to some examples; Figure 6 is a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to some examples;

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples;

[0033] Figures 8a, 8b, and 8c are schematic views of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to some examples;

[0034] Figures 9a and 9b are schematic views of a consumable according to some examples; and, Figure 10 is a flow chart of a method according to some examples.

[0035] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0036] Detailed Description

[0037] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0038] The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system / device and electronic aerosol provision system / device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0039] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of some examples of a modern aerosol provision device 10. The aerosol provision device 10 has a first aerosol generating region 12 arranged to generate a first aerosol. The aerosol provision device 10 has a second aerosol generating region 14 arranged to generate a second aerosol. The aerosol provision device 10 has a rotatable mouthpiece 16 with an outlet to provide aerosol from the aerosol provision device 10 to a user. The user is able to rotate the mouthpiece 16 to connect the flow path of the mouthpiece 16 and outlet to the first 12 or the second 14 aerosol generating region. The user is required to touch the mouthpiece 16 in this device 10. The mouthpiece 16 may be rotated in the direction of arrow A around a central axis of the device 10.

[0040] Figure 2a illustrates a schematic view of some examples of an aerosol provision device 100 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol provision device 100 has at least one inlet 102 through which air can enter the device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 has at least one outlet 104 through which aerosol within the device 100 can pass. The device 100 has a first aerosol generating material containing region 110 arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material. The device 100 has a second aerosol generating material containing region 120 arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material. The device 100 has a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 102, at least one outlet 104 and the first aerosol generating material containing region 110. The device 100 has a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 102, at least one outlet 104 and the second aerosol generating material containing region 120. The device 100 has a moveable component 130 arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position. The moveable component 130 comprises an indicator (not shown). In the first position, the moveable component 130 at least partially blocks the first flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region. In the second position, the moveable component at least partially blocks the second flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region. The device 100 may have a mouthpiece 140 comprising the at least one outlet 104 for providing an aerosol to a user.

[0041] The aerosol generating material containing regions 110, 120 may be a tank, reservoir or chamber for containing aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material in the regions 110, 120 may be solid or liquid. Where the aerosol generating material is a liquid, a tank or reservoir may be advantageous for containing the liquid and assisting prevention of spillage during movement of the device 100. Where the aerosol generating material is a solid, the region may be a chamber or cage or the like in which the aerosol generating material is contained. Solid aerosol generating material may be contained on a spike or the like within a region. The region may not be a completely confined portion of space, as a block of aerosol generating material on a spike would not require totally surrounding with a structure. The aerosol generating material may comprise flavours and / or stimulants or the like. Where there are at least two aerosol generating material containing regions, preferably they contain different aerosol generating materials. This may be different flavours entirely or may be strengths of the same aerosol generating material.

[0042] The user is allowed to switch between the two aerosol generating materials as desired and therefore it is reasonable to assume the user switches due to the differences in the aerosol generating materials in the device.

[0043] In some examples, the aerosol generating material containing regions 110, 120 contain or are in fluid communication with an aerosol generating region. In examples, therefore, the aerosol generating material containing regions may also be aerosol generating regions, and include elements such as atomizers, heaters, vibration plates, microphones, flow sensors, pressure detectors, and / or wicks or the like. In example, the aerosol generating material containing regions may be in communication with aerosol generating regions. The device 100 may have one heating element per aerosol generating region, or may have more or fewer. The device 100 may have one heating element in total. The device 100 may have control circuitry and a puff detector, microphone or the like for activating the heating element or elements in the aerosol provision device 100. The device 100 may have one puff detector (or the like) per aerosol generating region, or may have more or fewer or have one puff detector in total.

[0044] Referring now to Figure 2b, there is shown a schematic view of some examples of an aerosol provision device 100 according to the present disclosure. The device 100 of Figure 2b is a more detailed version of the device 100 of Figure 2a. The indicator 133 of moveable component 130 is shown in the example of Figure 2b. Also shown in Figure 2b are two flow channels. One flow channel 106a provides fluid communication between inlet 102a to the outlet 104. The flow channel 106a includes a flow portion 131 through the moveable component 130. The device 100 of Figure 2b has another flow channel 106b providing fluid communication between inlet 102b to the outlet 104.

[0045] The moveable component 130 is shown in Figure 2b. The moveable component 130 may move between predetermined positions. In use, the user holds the moveable component 130 and moves the moveable component 130 so that the moveable component 130 blocks specific flow paths in the device 100. The user may contact the device 100 away from the mouthpiece 140 and move the moveable component 130. The movement action to move the moveable component may be done with two hands, or one hand to increase accessibility for certain users.

[0046] The mouthpiece 140 is shown in the example of Figure 2b with one outlet 104. In the example of Figure 2b, therefore, at least at the inlet 102 and the outlet 104 the first flow channel and second flow channel share a portion of their flow channels 106a, 106b. In other examples, e.g. with multiple inlets and outlets, the first flow path and second flow path may be entirely separate. The mouthpiece 140 is designed to fit comfortably in the mouth of a user. The user inhales on the mouthpiece 140 and aerosol is provided to the user from within the device 100. The aerosol provided to the user depends on the position of the moveable component 130. As mentioned, in the first position the first flow channel may be blocked thereby providing aerosol from the material in the second aerosol generating material containing region 120. In the second position, the second flow channel is blocked thereby providing aerosol from the material in the first aerosol generating material containing region 110. In this way, the user is provided with a choice of aerosols from a single device 100.

[0047] The terms flow paths and flow channels may be used herein interchangeably.

[0048] In some examples, the device 100 is elongate. In some examples, the device has a circular cross section. In some examples, the device 100 is cylindrical. In this example, the moveable component 130 may be in the form of a collar as a separated portion of the outer housing. The moveable component 130 may be movable separate from the rest of the outer housing.

[0049] The moveable component 130 may be moved by a rotational motion, as illustrated by the arrow B in Figure 2b. This movement may be around a longitudinal axis of the device 100. In another example, any other movement may be that which moves the moveable component into and out of predetermined positions. In a preferred example, a simple movement such as a rotation is preferable as this is likely accessible to most users. While a complex motion may increase the prevention of accidental movement e.g. when the device 100 is being transported in a bag or pocket or the like, this may be hard for users with reduced mobility to recreate. As such, a balance should be made between these two competing desires.

[0050] When rotating the moveable component 130 in the direction of the arrow B, the flow path portion 131 within the moveable component 130 moves. The flow path portion 131 will rotate as per the moveable component, but on the view shown in Figure 2b this can be appreciated as moving in the direction of the double-ended arrow C. The flow path portion 131 can be moved to connect with either one of the flow paths 106a, 106b shown in Figure 2b. The connecting of the flow path portion 131 with either flow path 106a or flow path 106b provides a full flow path from inlet to outlet. This position, of the moveable component 130 is referred to herein as a predetermined position. The indicator 133 may move with the moveable component 130 and indicate to the user which of the flow paths is connected to outlet 104. In this way, the user moves the moveable component, selects an aerosol generating material containing region 110, 120, connects the flow path to enable use of the device with that aerosol generating material containing region and then may be provided with an aerosol from the aerosol generating material in that aerosol generating material containing region.

[0051] This process is a smooth and simple process for users and allows users to select and know which aerosol they are to be provided.

[0052] In a first position, the moveable component 130 at least partially blocks the first flow channel 106a and the indicator 133 provides an indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region 120. In the second position, as shown in Figure 2b, the moveable component 130 at least partially blocks the second flow channel 106b and the indicator 133 provides an indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region 110.

[0053] In the above examples, the indicator provides an indication as to which aerosol generating material containing region is active prior to use. This is useful for the user to allow additional control and understanding over which aerosol is to be provided. In a different example, the indicator may indicate which aerosol generating material containing region is not in use. Such a negative indication is perhaps less desirable than a positive indication (as described above), however the user is still provided relevant information on the aerosol to be provided. This is therefore an equivalent version of the present disclosure, by informing the user of the impact of the movement of the moveable component on the flow paths within the device.

[0054] In this way, a mechanical solution is provided for flavour switching in a device 100. The user is able to move the moveable component 130 between at least two positions. The moveable component 130 is therefore a reliable and robust method of flavour switching in a single aerosol provision device 100 enabling switching with reduced user effort, compared to e.g. swapping out an aerosol generating material container from within the device 100. As such, the present device provides advantages in both cleanliness and user experience.

[0055] In the example of Figure 2b, the indicator 133 is arranged on an outer surface of the moveable component 130. The indicator 133 is shown as having some physical body. The indicator 133 may be a projection, a recess, a rough section, a marked portion, a coloured portion, or a combination of these or the like. The indicator may be a surface indication that shows the user which aerosol is being selected at which position of moveable component 130. The indicator 133 provides therefore a physical indication relating to the aerosol generating material containing region that has been connected to the flow path portion 131 to the outlet 104. In this way, the user is aware of the aerosol that has been selected for provision by the aerosol provision device 100.

[0056] The indicator 133 may be, or include, a coloured dot or the like. The indicator is physically and / or visually distinct from the moveable component 130. In this way, the indicator is easily seen or felt to provide the user with information on the position of the moveable component 130 with respect to predetermined positions. In this way, the user is informed whether an aerosol is selected for use and which aerosol has been selected. This is highly useful in use for users, as well as particularly advantageous for users with impaired vision or those that may use the device in low lighting conditions or the like. This may also improve user experience when preparing the device for use in a pocket, for example during very cold weather prior to inhalation. The user can feel where the physical indication is on the device and ensure the desired aerosol is selected prior to removing the device from a pocket or the like. The moveable component 130 is shown in Figure 2b between the mouthpiece 140 and the aerosol generating material containing regions 110, 120. In the example shown the moveable component 130 abuts moveable component 140 and the aerosol generating material containing regions 110, 120. In another example, the moveable component 130 may be “between” the mouthpiece portion 140 and the first 110 and the second 120 aerosol generating material containing regions in the sense of being upstream of the mouthpiece 140 and downstream of the first 110 and the second 120 aerosol generating material containing regions.

[0057] “Upstream” and “downstream” here are used to refer to the flow path(s) or flow channel(s). “Upstream” is therefore earlier in the flow path and “downstream” is later in the flow path, such that airflow flows past an upstream element before a downstream element. The flow path (or flow channel) will typically start at an inlet and end at an outlet. The elements relevant to the flow path can therefore be relatively closer to the inlet (upstream) or relatively closer to the outlet (downstream).

[0058] A portion of the moveable component 130 may be located between the mouthpiece portion 140 and the first 110 and the second 120 aerosol generating material containing regions. The location of a portion of the moveable component 130 upstream of the mouthpiece 140 improves the ease of use of the moveable component 130 as the user can operate the flavour switching of the device 100 without needing to hold the mouthpiece 140 portion which may be unhygienic. At least a portion of the moveable component is therefore located in an easily accessible area of the device 100. The position of the moveable component 130 may be located where a user’s thumb typically is placed on an elongate housing, such as may be used (and, indeed, is typical) for the device 100. A user’s thumb easily moves the moveable component 130 such that a change in flavour is provided from the device 100. The user therefore does not need to adjust their grip or touch the mouthpiece. Both of these increase the user experience via synergistically improving ease of use and increasing enjoyment of use.

[0059] Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a schematic view of some examples of an aerosol provision device 200 according to some examples. The device 200 has similar features to those in device 100 of Figure 2a. Similar features have been numbered the same but with an increase of 100, e.g. inlet 102 of Figure 2a provides the same function as inlet 202 of Figure 3. Some similar features will not be discussed in detail here beyond to say the same function is provided by such similar features.

[0060] The device 200 of Figure 3 has a moveable component 230 with a main body portion 232 and a cap portion 236. The main body portion 232 is adjacent the mouthpiece 240. The main body portion is downstream of both aerosol generating material containing regions 210, 220. The main body portion 232 is upstream of the mouthpiece 240. The cap portion 236 extends over the upstream ends of the aerosol generating material containing regions 210, 220. The moveable component 230 may be moved by a rotational motion, as illustrated by the arrow B in Figure 3. In another example, any other movement may be that which moves the moveable component into and out of predetermined positions. In a preferred example, a simple movement such as a rotation is preferable as this is likely accessible to most users. While a complex motion may increase the prevention of accidental movement e.g. when the device 200 is being transported in a bag or pocket or the like, this may be hard for users with reduced mobility to recreate. As such, a balance should be made between these two competing desires.

[0061] The main body portion 232 is connected to the arm portion 234 which is connected to the cap portion 236. When the user rotates the main body portion 232, the arm portion 234 rotates and therefore the cap 236 rotates. The arm portion 234 may comprise one or more arms or the like. The cap 236 rotates around a central axis of the device 200. As the moveable portion 230 rotates, the indicator 233 moves to provide an indication to the user as to the selected aerosol generating material containing region.

[0062] In the example of Figure 4, there is shown an arrangement 300 of a device portion including a moveable component for preventing the moveable component moving beyond predetermined positions within a device. The example of Figure 4, may be an end on view of the portion C in Figure 3 showing the cap portion of the moveable component.

[0063] In the example of Figure 4, the arrangement 300 has an aerosol provision device housing 310. Within the housing 310 is an array of predetermined positions 320. The array of predetermined positions 320 has a first predetermined position 322, a second predetermined position 324, a third predetermined position 326, and a fourth predetermined position 328. The moveable component may have a projection that enters a recess located at each of the predetermined positions 320. The moveable component may have a resilient member arranged to extend into a recess at a predetermined position 320 when suitably aligned, or arranged to bias a projection (or electrical contact) into a recess when suitably aligned. The projection may comprise a resilient member to bias the projection into the recess when the moveable component reaches a predetermined position during movement.

[0064] The projection may be a spring and ball bearing or the like. Alternatively, a resilient plastic piece with a bump in it (or the like) for providing pressure towards the recess. The moveable component may comprise the projection or the recess or an arrangement chosen to mirror the arrangements of the device so that the predetermined positions are moved to and securely selectable by a user.

[0065] In some examples, in the first predetermined position, the flow path through the first aerosol generating material containing region is prevented, thereby supplying the user with aerosol from the material within the second aerosol generating material containing region. In some examples, in the second predetermined position, the flow path through the second aerosol generating material containing region is prevented, thereby supplying the user with aerosol from the material within the first aerosol generating material containing region.

[0066] In these examples, the user is able to safely, reliably and easily move the moveable component into a predetermined position 320. The arrangement 300 has a pair of stoppers 330. The stoppers 332, 334 preventthe moveable component moving beyond the predetermined positions 320. The stoppers 332, 334 may physically (or otherwise) prevent movement of a projection or a resilient member and therefore provide feedback to the user that further movement in the same direction is not permitted. The stoppers 330 may be arranged adjacent, or reasonably proximal to, the outermost predetermined positions 322, 328 (in the example of Figure 4). Use of a stopper, or stoppers, improves the overall safety of the aerosol provision device disclosed herein.

[0067] The stoppers 330 may be arranged to limit movement to a specific number of degrees of rotation (for example) or a certain distance of translation or insertion. In some examples, the stoppers 330 may prevent movement beyond a certain amount of degrees of the moveable component. The stoppers 330 and the predetermined positions may demonstrate latching behaviour when interacting with the moveable component to help inform the user of the allowed range of movements of the moveable component. This increases the safety and reliability of the device, by reducing the likelihood of a user moving the moveable component too far and potentially damaging the device. Preventing over-rotation has also been shown to reduce the likelihood of leakage from the device. As such, stoppers are advantageous for this reason.

[0068] In some examples, the moveable component has a first position 180 degrees away from the second position. In this way, the selection between the first or second aerosol is clear for a user. The greater separation between the two positions, the decreased likelihood of a user accidentally selecting a non-desired aerosol for inhalation. Decreasing this likelihood increases the user experience of the device.

[0069] Separating the first position from the second position by such a significant number of degrees may assist for ensuring the physical integrity of the mechanical side of the flavour switching mechanism. The user clearly knows which of the aerosol generating material containing regions has been chosen and the mechanics allows the two flow paths to be quite significantly distanced. The moveable component has an indicator 353. In one position, the indicator 353 may be oriented “upwards” during use such that the user can see the indicator while in another position the indicator may be oriented “downwards” during use such that the user can feel the indicator with their thumb during use. In each of these, the user is clearly informed as to which predetermined position the moveable component is in and therefore which flavour of aerosol can be expected.

[0070] The moveable component has an indicator 353. The indicator 353 indicates to the user which predetermined position 320 the moveable component has been moved into. In the example of Figure 4, there are 4 predetermined positions 322, 324, 326, 328 and therefore the indicator 353 may move between 4 different positions to indicate to the user which of the predetermined positions the moveable component has been moved into.

[0071] In some examples, the moveable component is further arranged to move to a third position, wherein the third position is a predetermined position (which may be deemed a latched position due to the interaction of projection and recesses) wherein the aerosol provision device is in an inoperable mode, i.e. a locked state. In this example, the moveable component may be moved to a third position (such as 326 from Figure 4). In the third position, the moveable component is latched, i.e. the moveable component is secured and at least slightly prevented from moving away from this position. Such latching may occur by aligning of a resilient member or projection and a recess or the like. In this example, the resilient member / projection projects into the recess and some additional mechanical effort is required to move the moveable component out of the recess and into a further predetermined position, such as position 328. This may provide the device with an “off’ position into which the device can be put after conclusion of a smoking session.

[0072] When the moveable component is moved to the third position, the device may be inoperable, for example this may be in a sleep mode or a locked mode or an “off’ mode or the like. In this position, the moveable component may block at least one flow channel. In this position, the moveable component may block some portion of all flow channels in the device, to prevent an aerosol being provided to a user. While in one of these modes (lock, sleep, etc), the user cannot receive an aerosol from the device without changing the mode. The user may change the mode by moving the moveable component into a different predetermined position. Any predetermined position may be a latched position, i.e. a position from which additional effort is required from the user to move out of the predetermined position.

[0073] In the example of Figure 4, there are positions between the predetermined positions indicated 320, such as position 340. In the present disclosure, the position 340 is not considered a predetermined position 320 as the moveable component will not latch into place in position 340. The positions that are not “predetermined positions” are not intended for the user to move the moveable component to and then leave the moveable component in. As such, moving the moveable component from a non-predetermined effort requires no additional effort from the user. The indicator 353 may be arranged to provide a further indication when the moveable component is moved to a non predetermined position. This may be that the indicator 353 is not align with markings on the housing of the device that indicate where the predetermined positions are. The indicator 353 may be arranged to provide an electronic visual or audio indication. In this way, the indicator 353 may provide a green signal and / or a first tone when aligned with a predetermined position and a red signal and / or a second tone when not aligned with a predetermined position. The visual or audio signals may be temporary or permanent while the moveable component is in such a position. In some examples, the aerosol provision device is configured to be in an inoperable mode when the movable component is in a non-predetermined position. In the non-predetermined positions, the moveable component will not appropriately block or not block flow channels in the device in a predetermined manner. As a result, when in a non-predetermined position, the device may either provide an aerosol that has not been predetermined by the manufacturer, or not provide an aerosol at all. This would lead to a poor user experience.

[0074] As such, the safety of the device and the resulting user experience is improved by preventing operation of the device when the moveable component is not in a predetermined position (i.e. is in a non-predetermined position). Non-predetermined therefore means non-predetermined by the manufacturer when the device is designed and provided for use.

[0075] In some examples, the moveable component is arranged to provide tactile feedback when in a predetermined position. In this way, the user may be informed when the moveable component is in a predetermined position and can be expected to operate in a predetermined manner. As the movement of the moveable component affects the aerosol provided by the device, inaccurate positioning of the moveable component may result in poor aerosol delivery, whether by inaccurate blocking of flow channels or poor alignment of electrical connections or the like. As such, the user experience of the device may be improved by providing some form of feedback to the user when the moveable component is in a predetermined position. Such an arrangement also increases the reliability of the overall device. The feedback may be tactile, this may be provided by an arrangement of projections and recesses (the tactile aspect of a projection slotting into the recess), or may be electrical, for example a sensor may provide a visual or audible indication when the moveable component is in a predetermined position.

[0076] In some examples, the device has a device housing for housing the components of the device. The housing may comprise indicators indicating locations of the predetermined positions. Such indicators may be graphics on the housing that may be arrow heads, which can be aligned with the indicator 353 on the moveable component. In this way, the user may be informed as to where the predetermined positions are and thereby be discouraged from moving the moveable component beyond the predetermined positions. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the device and therefore increases the lifetime of the device. Such indicators also decrease the likelihood of the device being put in a non-predetermined position and therefore being in an inoperable mode. In this way, the user experience is also improved.

[0077] In a specific example, in a first predetermined position, a first flow channel is partially blocked and may not allow a first aerosol to be provided to a user. In a second predetermined position, the first flow channel is not partially blocked and allows a first aerosol to be provided to a user. In a third predetermined position, a second flow channel (to, through and from a second aerosol generating region) is not partially blocked and allow a second aerosol to be provided to a user. In a non-predetermined position between the second and third predetermined positions, both flow channels may be partially open and therefore the device may provide a combined first and second aerosol to a user. If the user is not expecting such an aerosol, it may decrease the user experience of the device. As such, in non-predetermined position the device may be arranged to not be able to provide an aerosol, i.e. be in an inoperable mode. This assists against an unexpected, and potentially low quality aerosol, being provided to the user and decreasing user experience.

[0078] In some examples, in the first position, the moveable component is arranged to block airflow through at least one flow channel. The moveable component may be arranged to entirely block the airflow through the flow channel by, for example, preventing airflow from the inlet 102 into the first aerosol generating region 130 (numerals as per Figure 2). The moveable component may be arranged to entirely block the airflow through the flow channel by, for example, preventing airflow from the first aerosol generating region 130 to the outlet 104 (numerals as per Figure 2). The same holds for the second aerosol generating region 120.

[0079] In some examples, the device 100 may have a series of inlets. By moving the moveable component to block an inlet to, say, the first airflow channel, the moveable component 140 blocks a part of the air flow channel and entirely prevents airflow through the channel and therefore prevents an aerosol being provided to the user from the first aerosol generating region 130 from the outlet 104. Entirely blocking the airflow channel also prevents an aerosol being provided to the user, for example, by blocking the inlet, the opening to an aerosol generating material containing region, the outlet from the aerosol generating material containing region and / or the outlet from the device. In some examples, the cap portion of the moveable component may have an aperture. Moving the moveable component may move the aperture (akin to the example in Figure 2b). When the aperture aligns with a specific flow path e.g. through the first aerosol generating material containing region or the second aerosol generating material containing region, airflow through that region is allowed and the region may provide an aerosol that is subsequently provided from the outlet. In this way, a rotational movement may be able to provide blocking of certain flow paths while unblocking others (as per the example of Figure 2b). Similarly, the main body portion may have an aperture that may be aligned with an outlet from the aerosol generating region. When aligned, that particular aerosol generating region experiences a through flow of air and is able to provide an aerosol to the outlet of the device.

[0080] Each aerosol generating material containing region or aerosol generating region may contain a flow detector or flow sensor such as a microphone or pressure sensor or the like that detects when a flow through the aerosol generating region occurs. In response to this, control circuitry may signal for a heater to activate to provide an aerosol from the material in that aerosol generating material containing region. The moveable component may move to block airflow past the flow sensor of the aerosol generating material containing region or aerosol generating region not intended for use in that position, e.g. in the first position, the first flow path is blocked, the first flow detector does not detect a flow and so the first aerosol is not provided from the material in the first aerosol generating material containing region.

[0081] In contrast, moveable component may align an aperture with an inlet or outlet of the second aerosol generating material containing region which means there is an airflow through the second aerosol generating material containing region. The airflow is detected by the second flow detector, which may be in the second aerosol generating region and / or the second aerosol generating material containing region. This is detected and a signal sent to control circuitry. The control circuitry signals a heater to operate to form an aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region. This provides a robust and reliable device that is mechanically straightforward to construct and use.

[0082] A simple motion may be more user friendly for a movement-impaired user. The user wishing to use the device, change the flavour from the device and put the device in an inoperable mode, may prefer a simpler motion, such as rotation of a portion of the device around a small number of degrees, such as between 30 and 90 degrees. In such some examples, rotating the moveable component of the device anticlockwise by 90 degrees renders the device useable (i.e. unlocks the device and selects a first flavour) and rotating a portion of the device clockwise 90 degrees renders the device temporarily un-useable (i.e. locks the device). As such, a less complex motion may improve user experience of the device.

[0083] In contrast, a more complex motion, such as squeezing a portion of the device and then rotating may be more difficult for an inappropriate user to perform, thereby decreasing the likelihood of inappropriate users being able to use the device. This may however impact the appropriate user’s user experience of the device. Combinations of motions such a squeeze and rotate, or translate then rotate are more difficult to replicate and are less likely to occur during, e.g., normal motion associated with the device for example when being carried in luggage during travel. As such, a more complex motion also has improved resistance to accidental motion changing the device from inactive (locked) to active (unlocked, with first or second flavour selected) states.

[0084] The device herein therefore provides a simple mechanical solution for selection of flavour in a device that is easy to manufacture, very hygienic and robust during periods of use and non-use. The device is therefore cheaper to produce, reliable during use and non-use and accordingly provides an improved user experience.

[0085] In some examples, the device further comprises control circuitry arranged to prevent activation of the aerosol provision device when either the moveable component is not in a predetermined position, or the moveable component is in a predetermined position that is a locked position or a predetermined inoperable position. In use, the user may be able to move the movable component 140 to a number, or series, of predetermined positions.

[0086] A “predetermined position” is used herein to refer to a position that is intended, by the manufacturer, to provide a predetermined outcome from the device. That outcome may be the provision of a specific aerosol from a specific region within the device, such as a first aerosol from the material in the first aerosol generating material containing region, or a second aerosol from the material in the second aerosol generating material containing region, or a locked effect wherein the device cannot be used. In contrast, a “non-predetermined position” is used herein to refer to a position that is not intended by the manufacturer to provide a predetermined outcome from the device. This may be, for example, one or more positions that are between, or beyond, predetermined positions, as discussed with reference to Figure 4.

[0087] As also discussed with reference to Figure 4, in some examples, the device may further comprise a stopper to prevent the moveable component moving beyond the predetermined positions. The stopper may therefore provide further control over the positioning of the moveable component. In particular, the stopper may be a physical element that physically opposes attempts to move the moveable component beyond the range of predetermined positions. In another example, the stopper may be an electrical and / or magnetic component that electrically / magnetically opposed attempts to move the movable component beyond the range of predetermined positions.

[0088] Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, Figures 5 and 6 show a cross-sectional view of a device 400, 500. The device 400, in Figure 5 has a housing 410 that holds a first aerosol generating region 420 (or a first aerosol generating material containing region) and a second aerosol generating region 430 (or a second aerosol generating material containing region). Each region may have an aerosol generating material store, such as a reservoir or the like. The device 400 has a heater 440 located so that the heater 440 can heat a region. The moveable component may be connected to the reservoirs such that the moveable component can be moved and, in turn, move the reservoirs in a direction shown by arrow D. By rotating the reservoirs, the user can control which reservoir is close to the heating element 440. This may be alongside movement of an aperture (or the like) to align with an airflow path to allow airflow through a specific aerosol generating region.

[0089] In this way, the heating element 440 may be arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region 420 and the second aerosol generating region 430, dependent on the movement provided by the moveable component to the reservoirs. As such, a device according to the present disclosure may have only one heating element for more than one reservoir.

[0090] In a similar example, shown in Figure 6, the device 500 may have an aerosol generating material reservoir 505 with at least two portions 520, 530. In the example shown, a first portion 520 of the aerosol generating material reservoir 505 is in the first aerosol generating region. In the example shown, a second portion 530 of the aerosol generating material reservoir 505 is in the second aerosol generating region. The arrangement shown has the portions 520, 530 as two sides of a cylindrical aerosol generating material reservoir 505. The materials in the two portions 520, 530 of the reservoir 505 may be two different materials. The materials may be liquids or solids. In this arrangement, the device 500 may provide only one heater 540 thereby reducing the cost of production against a device with multiple heaters. This also advantageously provides a reduction in the electronic complexity of the device 500.

[0091] In some examples, the first portion 520 of the reservoir 505 may hold around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material. The first portion 520 may hold up to 0.02 ml or up to 0.03 ml of liquid aerosol generating material. The reservoirs may hold liquid up to 200 ml for multi-use or refillable, re-useable devices. The second portion 530 of the reservoir 505 may hold the same or a different volume of liquid to the first portion 520. The device 500 may be a single puff device 500 or a device 500 that is intended to be a disposable device 500, i.e. a device that is designed not to be re-fillable, rather once the reservoir or reservoirs are empty the device 500 may be disposed. The same can be applied to any of the examples herein regarding volume of reservoir in an aerosol generating region.

[0092] By rotating the moveable component in the direction of arrow E, one or the other liquid reservoir 520, 530 may be moved to align with a flow path through the device. The heater 540 may remain stationary. As the reservoir arrangement is rotated, one reservoir is moved to be closer to the off-centre heater, such that that reservoir is the active, selected, reservoir from which an aerosol is provided.

[0093] In a disposable device, the power source (for powering the heater or heating element associated with one or more aerosol generating regions) may be non-rechargeable and non-replaceable. In this instance, the access to the power source portion is advantageous as the user may safely dispose of the power source once the device is suitably depleted. The power source may be arranged to have sufficient power to aerosolise the amount of aerosol generating material in the device, but not more. In this way, when the aerosol generating material has been aerosolised, the device has no remaining power and can be disposed of. This may improve the user experience, by providing a device that is easy to use and requires no maintenance. In some examples, the device may have a first aerosol generating material containing region and a second aerosol generating material containing region. In such some examples, the first aerosol generating material containing region may be in the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating material containing region may be in the second aerosol generating region. In this sense, the containing regions may be separated by some distance. In this example, the first and second containing regions may hold around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material, up to 0.02 ml of liquid aerosol generating material or up to 0.03 ml of liquid aerosol generating material. Alternatively, for a multi-use or refillable, re-useable device the reservoirs may hold far greater volumes, up to 200 ml.

[0094] As mentioned above, in some examples, the first flow channel and second flow channel may be entirely distinct from each other. In this example, the device may be more mechanically complex to construct and may require additional electronics such as puff sensors and heaters (though not necessarily), there is a reduced likelihood of a mixed aerosol being provided to a user. In this way, by isolating the flow channels from one another, there is reduced likelihood of a previous aerosol impacting the present aerosol, by for example having condensed on the channel inside the device. As such, the reliability and consistency of the aerosol provided to a user is improved.

[0095] In some examples, the separated flow channels may have an aerosol provided by one heater. The heater may be centrally located (as per either Figs 5 or 6) and within thermal communication of the aerosol generating material containing regions. The heater may be activated and one region may have airflow through it such that one aerosol is provided to a user. In another example, the device may have a plurality of heaters, each of which may be activated by a specific predetermined position and corresponding electrical connection. A first heating element may be arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region and a second heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the second aerosol generating region. While more costly to provide more heating elements and more complex electrical circuitry, the arrangement of the heating elements and the aerosol generating regions is made simpler. In either arrangement, one or more puff sensors may be used.

[0096] The process of moving the moveable component alters a physical and / or electrical arrangement within the device. The physical arrangement may refer to the physical arrangement of air flow channels through the device (as per the example of Figure 2b). The electrical arrangement may also or alternatively refer to the physical arrangement of electrical contacts in the device.

[0097] Any of the elements in the device may be arranged to be moved by the moveable component. In the above examples, we have referred to moving and aligning apertures for flow paths or moving heaters or reservoirs the like. Movement of a central portion of the device, such as a portion abutting the mouthpiece has been found to be very user friendly and can be performed with one hand. The devices disclosed herein may be arranged to be easily manipulated (by simple slide, squeeze and slide, rotate, or squeeze and rotate motions) and therefore can be used by users with reduced mobility (specifically movements that can be performed one handed by the hand holding the device).

[0098] Movement of the moveable component may additionally or alternatively be performed with a hand, or with a small tool or coin such as turning a screw or the like. By slightly increasing the difficulty of moving the moveable component, the likelihood of an inappropriate user using the device is reduced significantly. Movement of the moveable component of the device can therefore lead to a change in aerosol and / or locking of the device. This provides a great level of control over their device thereby increasing user experience. In some examples, the moveable component may be moved in a manner that is not rotation around a longitudinal axis of device, such as by a pushing motion into (or from) a predetermined position.

[0099] Mechanical movements provided by the user have been discussed herein. The moveable component may be moved by an electrical signal provided by the user to the device via an interface. The signalling may be controlled by control circuitry in the device. By inputting a specific flavour selection, the control circuitry may provide signals to the moveable component to move and select the specific flavour.

[0100] In this example, the moveable component is, in use, moved by electronic control circuitry of the aerosol provision device. In this way, while more costly than mechanical movement from the user, the likelihood of over movement of the moveable component - for example past a stopper - is reduced. In this example, therefore, the safety of the device is increased and accordingly the lifetime of the device. Further to this, the movement of the moveable component, whether mechanical or electrical, may lead to a change in the indicator. The indicator may comprise an electronic portion that is arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication to the user. In the first position, the indicator is arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region. In the second position, the indicator is arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region. In this way, a user with poor eyesight or operating in dark conditions may be informed as to the aerosol generating material containing region selected by the position of the moveable component. Therefore, such an indicator is highly beneficial for users with a series of disabilities. The indicator may therefore contain LEDs or the like, audio emitters and vibrational elements.

[0101] In some examples, the selection of the first aerosol generating material containing region may be indicated with a first visual indication, such as red or yellow, while selection of the second aerosol generating material may be indicated by violet or cyan. This is particularly advantageous for colour-blind users that often struggle to differentiate between reds and greens. The first visual indication may have a wavelength of around 560 nm to around 750 nm and the second visual indication may have a wavelength of around 380 nm to around 510 nm.

[0102] Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown some examples of an aerosol provision device 600 according to some examples. The device is similar to the devices of Figures 2 and 3, with similar components shown with their numerals starting with “6” as compared to “1” and “2” for Figures 2 and 3 respectively. For example, the device 600 has the same function as the device 100 from Figure 2 and the device 200 from Figure 3. Some components will not be discussed in detail but provide the same function as those discussed in detail in those Figures.

[0103] The moveable component 630 has a main body portion 632, arm portion 634 and a cap portion 636. The arm portion 634 and cap portion 636 are within a housing portion 605a of the device 600. The housing 605a, 605b covers certain elements of the device 600, this may increase safety and assist in providing a space for including a mechanical arrangement for the components within the device 600. The main body portion 632 is not contained within a housing. As such, the user is able to directly grip and move the main body portion 632. The user is therefore able to move the moveable component 630 via the main body portion 632. In some examples, the user is to rotate the main body portion 632 as per arrow F. In doing so, the user is able to move the arm portion 634 and the cap portion 636 within the housing. The cap portion may contain an aperture or the like that can be aligned, via the rotation, with openings to the first aerosol generating region 610 or second aerosol generating region 620. In this way, the user is able to alter flow paths or the like to select either the first aerosol generating region 610 or second aerosol generating region 620 for providing an aerosol for inhalation.

[0104] The device 600 has shown two elements 633a, 633b. The elements may be indicators 633a, 633b. One indicator 633a is shown as being connected to the body portion 632 of the moveable component 630. As such, as the body portion 632 of the moveable component 630 is moved, the indicator 633a moves. Additionally or alternatively, the device 600 may have an indicator 633b shown as connected to a housing portion 605. In the example shown, the indicator 633b is connected to a first housing portion 605a. In some examples, an indicator may be connected to a second housing portion 605b. The indicator or indicators may be visible by the user and inform the user as to the selection of the aerosol generating material containing region 610, 620 for use in provision of an aerosol.

[0105] There may be a series of indicators visible to the user. For example, the indicator 633a on the moveable component 630 may be an arrow. There may be a series of indicators 633b on the housing 605a, 605b relating to the aerosol generating material containing regions. These may be words or images that relate to the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating material containing regions. As the user moves the moveable component to allow airflow through one of the aerosol generating material containing regions, the arrow on the moveable component may align with the indicator relevant to that aerosol generating material containing region.

[0106] The indicators may provide a visual, audio or haptic signal to indicate to the user which aerosol generating material containing region has been selected by virtue of the position of the moveable component.

[0107] In some examples, the device comprises control circuitry. The control circuitry may be arranged to identify aerosol generating material contained in use in the first aerosol generating material containing region and aerosol generating material contained in use in the second aerosol generating material containing region. The aerosol generating material may be provided to the device in prepackaged containers that can be inserted into the device as aerosol generating material containing regions. The control circuitry may contain IR readers, or QR code readers or the like that are able to detect a label on the containers.

[0108] The control circuitry may be arranged to provide a signal to the indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region. When the moveable component is in the second position, the indicator may be arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region. This may be a visual, haptic or audio signal or the like.

[0109] The control circuitry may be arranged to provide a signal to the indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region. When the moveable component is in the first position, the indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region. This may be a visual, haptic or audio signal or the like.

[0110] In some examples, a first aerosol generating material, identified by the control circuitry and selected via movement of the moveable component, may result in a first visual signal (such as a menthol aerosol generating material providing a green visual signal), a second aerosol generating material may result in a second visual signal (such as a nicotine containing aerosol generating material providing a blue visual signal). In this way, the user is informed as to which aerosol generating material containing region has been connected to the airflow via the movement of the moveable component and the indication from the indicator. In some examples, a strength of the component of the aerosol generating material may inform the brightness of the visual signal or the like. In some examples, a high strength nicotine aerosol generating material may have a bright purple visual signal while a low strength nicotine aerosol generating material may have a low purple visual signal.

[0111] In some examples, an age-restricted aerosol generating material may be provided with a different signal (or combination of signals) to a non-age-restricted aerosol generating material. In some examples, an age-restricted aerosol generating material is provided with an audio signal and a visual signal while a non-age-restricted aerosol generating material is provided with a different visual signal. In this way, additional alerts or signals may be applied in use of age- restricted aerosol generating materials. In this way, the security around use of age-restricted aerosol generating materials is increased as nearby users may be informed as to the attempt to use the device with an age-restricted aerosol generating material.

[0112] In the above examples, devices with two aerosol generating material containing regions have been discussed. The devices may have more than two aerosol generating material containing regions and therefore be able to provide more than two aerosols for the user. Any number of aerosol generating material containing regions may be provided. Increasing the number of aerosol generating material containing regions will increase the special requirements of the aerosol generating material containing regions and therefore the device may be larger if containing more aerosol generating material containing regions. Alternatively, the aerosol generating material containing regions may have a smaller volume within a same sized device.

[0113] Referring now to Figure 8a, 8b, and 8c there are examples of indicators shown.

[0114] In Figure 8a there is a portion of a device 700a shown. The view is a transverse cross section through an aerosol provision device. The indicator 733a is a flat portion on the outer housing 705a of the device 700a. As the moveable component is moved, the flat portion 733a is moved and provides an indication to the user as to which aerosol generating material containing region has been selected. In some examples, when the flat portion 733a is located perpendicular to the axis labelled X (as per the example shown in Figure 8a), a first aerosol generating material containing region is selected. In some examples, when the flat portion 733a is located perpendicular to the axis labelled Y, a second aerosol generating material containing region is selected. In some examples, when the flat portion 733a is located perpendicular to the axis labelled Z, a third aerosol generating material containing region is selected. Between these positions may be non-predetermined positions such that the aerosol provision device cannot be operated. A user is easily able to recognise by sight or by feel where the flat portion is located and therefore which aerosol generating material containing region has been selected.

[0115] In Fig. 8b the indicator is a projection 733b. This projection may be aligned along axes shown in Figure 8a to select aerosol generating material containing regions in the device 700b. The user can also easily recognise by sight or feel where the indicator is located and therefore which aerosol generating material containing region has been selected. In Fig. 8c the indicator is a rough portion and / or a portion that is shaded or differently coloured. The user is again easily able to recognise by sight or feel where the indicator is located and therefore which aerosol generating material containing region has been selected.

[0116] In some examples, the device may only have 2 aerosol generating material containing regions in which case the moveable component has a first position 180 degrees away from the second position.

[0117] Any device herein may additionally include components such as a power portion comprising a power source for providing power to the aerosol generating regions to activate heaters or the like. Other components such as flow sensors, microphones, or the like may be included in the devices disclosed herein.

[0118] Referring now to Figures 9a and 9b, examples of consumables 800 are shown. In Figure 9a, the consumable 800 has a moveable component 830. The consumable 800 has a first aerosol generating material containing region 810 and a second aerosol generating material containing region 820. The first aerosol generating material containing region 810 is arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material. The second aerosol generating material containing region 820 is arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material. The consumable 800 has at least one inlet 811, 821 through which air can enter the consumable 800. The consumable 800 has at least one outlet 836 through which air can exit the consumable 800. The consumable 800 has a first flow channel 813, 837 arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 811, at least one outlet 836 and the first aerosol generating material containing region 810 (see Fig 9a). The consumable 800 has a second flow channel 823, 837 arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 821, at least one outlet 836 and the second aerosol generating material containing region 820. The moveable component 830 is arranged to move between at least a first and a second position.

[0119] In the first position, the moveable component 830 at least partially blocks the first flow channel 811, 837 (see Fig. 9b). In the second position, the moveable component 830 at least partially blocks the second flow channel 821, 837 (see Fig. 9a). The examples shown in Figures 9a and 9b show a consumable 800 with a moveable component 830 that may be inserted into an aerosol provision device or an aerosol provision system or the like. The moveable component 830 is moved as per earlier examples and allows a user to select the aerosol generating material to activate the device / system with. This leads to a controllable and selectable experience for the user while maintaining the high levels of hygiene as per earlier examples. Rotation as per arrow G is, in examples, the movement user by a user to move the moveable component 830.

[0120] In the second position, shown in Figure 9a, the moveable component 832 at least partially blocks the second flow channel 821 and the indicator 833a provides an indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region 810. In the example shown, the indicator 833a is a projection that is on the side of the first aerosol generating material containing region 810 when in the second position. In some examples, the indicator 833a may be a visual light emitter indicating the first aerosol generating material containing region 810 or the like.

[0121] In the first position, shown in Figure 9b, the moveable component 832 at least partially blocks the first flow channel 813 and the indicator 833a provides an indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region 820. In the example shown, the indicator 833a is a projection that is on the side of the second aerosol generating material containing region 820 when in the second position. In some examples, the indicator 833a may be a visual light emitter indicating the second aerosol generating material containing region 820 or the like.

[0122] Referring now to Figure 10, there is shown a flow chart of a method 900 of providing an aerosol for inhalation. The method 900 is for use in an aerosol provision system or aerosol provision device. The method 900 is for use in an aerosol provision system or aerosol provision device. The method 800 has steps 905, 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, 935, 940.

[0123] In step 905, at least one inlet for air is provided and at least outlet for aerosol is provided. In step 910, a first aerosol generating material containing region is provided, arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material. In step 915, a second aerosol generating material containing region is provided, arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material. In step 920, a first flow channel is provided between an inlet, the first aerosol generating material containing region and an outlet. In step 925, a second flow channel is provided between an inlet, the second aerosol generating material containing region and an outlet. In step 930, a moveable component is provided, comprising an indicator, arranged to move between at least a first and a second position. In step 935, the moveable component is moved into the first position, the moveable component at least partially blocking the first flow channel and providing by the indicator an indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region.

[0124] This method may be used with any of the devices, systems or consumables described herein. The method allows the user to select an aerosol material to be used to provide an aerosol to said user and be informed as to which aerosol is to be provided. In this way, there is a significantly reduced chance of the user receiving an aerosol that was unexpected. This improves the user experience of the device, system or consumable.

[0125] Such an arrangement is able to provide a user of the aerosol provision device control over the provision by the device of an aerosol. In particular, the arrangement allows a user to control their device by moving a movable component to block airflow through specific flow channels in the device. By blocking and unblocking flow channels, the user may be able to make the device unable to provide one aerosol while able to provide another aerosol. This arrangement therefore increases the flexibility of operation of the device. For example, the user can have one device that can provide a multitude of aerosols, rather than requiring an equal number of devices to desired aerosols.

[0126] Furthermore, the user is able to have high levels of confidence while using the device as the indicator of the moveable component informs the user when the moveable component is in a predetermined position. Moving the moveable component is likely to involve moving between predetermined positions. Between these positions are positions that are not predetermined and that therefore do not have a known or intended function associated with the position. As such, the user is able to avoid moving the moveable component into a not predetermined position and attempting to use the device. This therefore improves the usability of the device alongside the user experience. Further, the indicator may be of any form and therefore may improve usability for user’s that are impaired in some manner, whether due to poor eyesight, dexterity or the like. Each of these users is able to use the device to the same level as a non-impaired user. This is highly important to ensure that all users are able to obtain the same very high level of device performance. A user may wish to have a first aerosol provided at the start of a use session (e.g. first 5 puffs) or at a particular part of the day (e.g. morning) and then a different aerosol provided at the end of a use session (e.g. last 5 puffs) or at another part of the day (e.g. afternoon), this can be provided by the multiple aerosol generating material containing regions within the present device. Furthermore, by controlling the movement of the moveable component, and reducing the likelihood of accidental movement thereof, the likelihood of accidental activation of the device may accordingly be reduced. The moveable component may be arranged to be moved only by the user, and not e.g. in response to general forces impacting the device (e.g. if dropped on the floor or while in a bag during transit). In this way, the device may resist unintentional movement of the moveable component.

[0127] The movement of the moveable component may be reasonably complex. The movement may be a mechanically robust movement that in turn decreases the likelihood of accidental or unwanted activation of the aerosol provision device. Increasing the complexity of the movement of the moveable component is also not intensive from a manufacturing standpoint. As such, the present device may provide a cost effective yet highly robust method of securing the device against accidental or unwanted activation of a certain aerosol. Furthermore, with predetermined positions wherein the moveable component requires additional physical effort to be moved from the predetermined position, the likelihood of accidental movement is further reduced, reducing the likelihood of accidental activation accordingly.

[0128] The arrangement disclosed herein is therefore able to provide a “plug-and-play” approach. In that, the user may activate the device for a first aerosol with a first movement of the moveable component and then, with a minor physical movement, activate the device for a second aerosol. In both instances, the user is informed as to which aerosol is being selected by virtue of the

[0129] The moveable component may be moved using a complex or simple but intricate movement. In either instance, the likelihood of an inappropriate user, such as an age-inappropriate user, performing the movement is significantly low such that the likelihood of use of the device by an inappropriate user is drastically reduced. In this way, the present disclosure improves the safety of the device. The system disclosed herein is an improvement over previous systems due to ease of use for users of a wide range of capabilities, improved certainty of use and removal of complex manipulations for altering between different aerosols that may be provided by the device.

[0130] In particular, users that have limited or impaired mobility, in particular in relation to hands, eyesight or the like, are able to use the full capability of the device.

[0131] The power portion (or power source portion) may be connected to the aerosol generating regions by electrical connections. These may be moved as part of moving the moveable component in any of the examples above. Moving the moveable component relatively to the device may move the electrical contact or electrical contacts within the device. Moving the contacts may move the contacts into and out of electrical connection with the contacts of the heater associated with the first aerosol generating material containing region. Moving the contacts may move the contacts into and out of electrical connection with the contacts of the heater associated with the second aerosol generating material containing region. The heater may be the same or the device may have two or more heaters. In this way, the moveable component can be moved to provide electrical communication required to provide heat to the selected aerosol generating material and therefore provide an aerosol to the user.

[0132] Moving the moveable component allows a user to align the contacts of the power portion with any of: the electrical contacts of the first aerosol generating region; the electrical contacts of the second aerosol generating region; and not connect to either contacts of the first aerosol generating region or the second aerosol generating region, such that one or another region can provide an aerosol for inhalation, or the device can be placed in a locked state where neither region provides an aerosol for inhalation.

[0133] The contacts may be slidable contacts. In this way, the contacts may be moved to slide along a face and connect with the contacts of the power portion when the respective contacts are aligned. The contacts may be contact brushes, or the like, to assist sliding and electrical connection. The contacts may be moved into alignment with contacts of the power portion. In another example, either contact or contacts may be a conductive trace that can be contacted by contact brushes or pins or the like. In some examples, the power portion contacts may be recessed and the contacts of the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region may comprise a resilient member to bias the brushes or pins or the like into the recesses holding the contact or contacts of the power portion. In this way, a reliable and robust electrical connection can be provided after moving the moveable component into a predetermined position.

[0134] In a predetermined position, the moveable component may unlock the power source portion. The power source portion may comprise a battery, control circuitry, puff detectors, microphones or the like for accurately initiating heating from suitable aerosol generating regions during inhalation. Unlocking the power source portion may improve ease of repair for a manufacturer or designated engineer for the device. In this way, the lifetime of the device may be improved.

[0135] In some examples, in a predetermined position, the moveable component may unlock the power source portion to provide access to the power source portion for removing a power source from and / or inserting a power source to the power source portion. Providing a user with access to the power source for removing and replacing a power source improves the ease with which the battery can be removed, recharged and / or replaced. This in turn increases the lifetime of the device over a device without access to the power source portion. Furthermore, during disposal of the device a user may be able to access the power source portion remove the elements therein (power source, electronics etc), and recycle the elements in a suitable way, while recycling the body of the device in another suitable way. As the body of such devices are often made from different materials (plastics etc), this reduces the environmental impact of disposal of the device.

[0136] In use, the user is able to move the moveable component, remove a portion of the device near the power source portion (e.g. a bottom of the device), slide components out of the device (e.g. circuit boards, PCBs, batteries, microphones etc) and recycle as electronics while the remaining device is recycled as plastics. While locking the power source from the user may be safer from one perspective, user access can be offered to a user to improve the disposal of the device from an environmental perspective. This counterintuitive approach therefore leads to significant advantages.

[0137] Furthermore, by using the same moveable component to lock, unlock, select aerosols, and recharge / dispose of electronics within the device, a robust, reliable, reduced complexity for manufacture and use, multi-purpose approach which results in extremely high user satisfaction is provided by delivering a device with multiple aerosol provision options that has an improved lifetime.

[0138] Different movements may be provided to the moveable component for changing operable states of the device compared to access of the battery portion to increase the difficulty for inappropriate users to access sensitive components of the device. For example, the user may:

[0139] Rotate to change aerosols;

[0140] Squeeze and rotate to lock the device; and,

[0141] Squeeze and push (translate) the moveable component to access the power portion.

[0142] Each of these are simple movements for an appropriate user, but the use of multiple movements decreases the likelihood of an inappropriate user accessing the device.

[0143] In many of the above examples, the moveable component is arranged to move around a longitudinal axis of the device. Rotational movement has been found to be mechanically simple for users. In particular, rotational movement of the body portion of the device has been found to be achievable even for users with movement difficulties. The rotation of a body portion may occur while holding the device, such that a movement using only one hand can move the moveable component and change the aerosol provided to the user. In some examples, the moveable component is, in use, moved by a user of the aerosol provision device. In this example, the user moves the moveable component via a mechanical motion. This is a cost- effective way of using user motion to control aerosol delivery alongside lock the device and access the battery of the device. Alternatively or additional other movements may be arranged to select between aerosols. The arrangements discussed herein may use single or multiple puff sensors, flow sensors or the like. By ensuring, the flow paths (whether entirely separate or overlapping in some portion) impact the area near the puff sensor, only one puff sensor need be used. In this way, fewer electronics can be used in the manufacture of the device and the overall cost is decreased. Such a device can then be provided to users for a lower price.

[0144] As such, there has been described a device for providing an aerosol to a user that provides great control to the user while requiring only limited mechanical movement or dexterity from the user. The user can easily control the aerosol provided, alongside controlling activation state of the device (e.g. a lock state or not) and also access to sensitive components of the device for recycling or recharging. This is provided while maintaining high levels of security over the device, i.e. prevention of access and use by an inappropriate user. The device may be disposable or re-useable, both benefitting from access to portions of devices often denied to users. The device may have a cover for improving the cleanliness of use of the device and improving conditions of the device during storage and periods of non-use.

[0145] Aerosol provision means may be any means by which an aerosol can be provided to a user. This may include an aerosol provision device, aerosol generating system, aerosol provision system. Such means may have aerosol generating means such as heaters or aerosolisers or vibrational plates or the like that are able to provide an aerosol from an aerosol generating material provided to the means. Moveable means may be a moveable component within the device that can move and lead to a functional change in the device, such as moving a flow channel to align with another flow channel to allow an aerosol to be provided to the user from the aerosol provision means. Mouthpiece means may be a portion of an aerosol provision means that is sized for a user to place in their mouth comfortably. The mouthpiece means may have an outlet (or more than one outlet) or the like through which aerosol may pass from the device into the mouth of the user for inhalation.

[0146] The delivery system described herein, which may be referred to as an aerosol provision device, aerosol-generating system, aerosol provision system or the like can be implemented as a combustible aerosol provision system, a non-combustible aerosol provision system or an aerosol-free delivery system. As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); and, non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0147] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0148] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

[0149] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a consumable or the like that can be introduced by a user into the aerosol provision system.

[0150] 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.

[0151] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as 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 aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0152] 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 aerosolgenerating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product. Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non- combustible aerosol provision device.

[0153] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0154] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible 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.

[0155] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system 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.

[0156] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating 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. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.

[0157] The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0158] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B 12.

[0159] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0160] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens

[0161] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.

[0162] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0163] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0164] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.

[0165] As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, maijoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0166] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0167] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0168] 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. In some embodiments, 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 embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% 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 material.

[0169] A consumable is an article that may comprise 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 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.

[0170] Herein, the consumable may comprise the moveable component. The moveable component is upstream of any mouthpiece when in situ for use.

[0171] 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 aerosolgenerating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0172] A heater is a form of aerosol generator, though any aerosol generator may be used in the examples shown above.

[0173] 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 examples not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

[0174] Further examples of feature combinations taught by the present disclosure are set out in the following numbered clauses:

[0175] 1. An aerosol provision device, comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; at least one outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; a first aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material; a second aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material; a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the first aerosol generating material containing region; a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the second aerosol generating material containing region; a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position, the moveable component comprising an indicator, wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and wherein in the second position the moveable component at least partially blocks the second flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

[0176] 2. An aerosol provision device according to clause 1, wherein the indicator is arranged on an outer surface of the moveable component and in the first position, is arranged to provide a physical indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and in the second position, is arranged to provide a physical indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

[0177] 3. An aerosol provision device according to clause 2, wherein the indicator comprises at least one of a projection, a recess, a marked portion, and a coloured portion.

[0178] 4. An aerosol provision device according to clause 2 or 3, wherein in the first position, the indicator is in a position that is 180° different to the position of the indicator in the second position.

[0179] 5. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding clause, wherein the indicator comprises an electronic portion, the electronic portion arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication to the user, wherein in the first position, is arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and in the second position, is arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

[0180] 6. An aerosol provision device according to clause 5, wherein the indicator is arranged to in the first position, provide a first visual indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and in the second position, provide a second visual indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, wherein, the first visual indication has a wavelength of around 560 nm to around 750 nm and the second visual indication has a wavelength of around 380 nm to around 510 nm.

[0181] 7. An aerosol provision device according to clause 5, further comprising control circuitry for identifying aerosol generating material contained in use in the first aerosol generating material containing region and aerosol generating material contained in use in the second aerosol generating material containing region, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region and, in the second position, the indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region, and wherein the control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region and, in the first position, the indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region.

[0182] 8. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding clause, wherein the first flow channel and second flow channel share at least one portion of flow channel.

[0183] 9. An aerosol provision device according to any of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the first flow channel and second flow channel are entirely distinct from each other.

[0184] 10. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding clause, further comprising a mouthpiece portion comprising at least one outlet for providing an aerosol to a user, wherein the moveable component is arranged upstream of the mouthpiece portion.

[0185] 11. An aerosol provision device according to clause 10, wherein the moveable component is arranged adjacent to the mouthpiece portion.

[0186] 12. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding clause, further comprising control circuitry arranged to prevent activation of the aerosol provision device when either the moveable component is not in a predetermined position, or the moveable component is in a predetermined off position.

[0187] 13. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding clause, further comprising a further aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a further aerosol generating material; a further flow channel arranged provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the further aerosol generating material containing region; wherein in a third position the moveable component is arranged to not block airflow through the further flow channel, and arranged to at least partially block airflow through the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

[0188] 14. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding clause, wherein the moveable component is arranged to be rotatably movable.

[0189] 15. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding clause, wherein the moveable component is arranged to move around a longitudinal axis of the device.

[0190] 16. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding clause, further comprising a heating element for providing an aerosol, the heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material and the second aerosol generating material.

[0191] 17. An aerosol provision device according to any of clauses 1 to 15, further comprising at least two heating elements for providing an aerosol, a first heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material and a second heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material.

[0192] 18. A consumable for an aerosol generator, comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the consumable; at least one outlet through which aerosol within the consumable can pass; a first aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material; a second aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material; a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the first aerosol generating material containing region; a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the second aerosol generating material containing region; a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position, the moveable component comprising an indicator, wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and wherein in the second position the moveable component at least partially blocks the second flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

[0193] 19. A consumable according to clause 18, wherein the indicator is arranged on an outer surface of the moveable component and in the first position, is arranged to provide a physical indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and in the second position, is arranged to provide a physical indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

[0194] 20. A consumable according to clause 19, wherein the indicator comprises at least one of: a projection, a recess, a marked portion, and a coloured portion.

[0195] 21. A consumable according to clause 19 or 20, wherein in the first position, the indicator is in a position that is 180° different to the position of the indicator in the second position.

[0196] 22. A consumable according to any of clauses 18 to 21, wherein the indicator comprises an electronic portion, the electronic portion arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication to the user, wherein in the first position, is arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and in the second position, is arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

[0197] 23. A consumable according to clause 22, wherein the indicator is arranged to in the first position, provide a first visual indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and in the second position, provide a second visual indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, wherein, the first visual indication has a wavelength of around 560 nm to around 750 nm and the second visual indication has a wavelength of around 380 nm to around 510 nm.

[0198] 24. A consumable according to clause 22, further comprising control circuitry for identifying aerosol generating material contained in use in the first aerosol generating material containing region and aerosol generating material contained in use in the second aerosol generating material containing region, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region and, in the second position, the indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region, and wherein the control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region and, in the first position, the indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region.

[0199] 25. A consumable according to any of clauses 18 to 24, wherein the first flow channel and second flow channel share at least one portion of flow channel.

[0200] 26. A consumable according to any of clauses 18 to 24, wherein the first flow channel and second flow channel are entirely distinct from each other.

[0201] 27. A consumable according to any of clauses 18 to 26, further comprising a mouthpiece portion comprising at least one outlet for providing an aerosol to a user, wherein the moveable component is arranged upstream of the mouthpiece portion.

[0202] 28. A consumable according to clause 27, wherein the moveable component is arranged adjacent to the mouthpiece portion. 29. A consumable according to any of clauses 18 to 28, further comprising control circuitry arranged to prevent activation of the aerosol provision device when either the moveable component is not in a predetermined position, or the moveable component is in a predetermined off position.

[0203] 30. A consumable according to any of clauses 18 to 29, further comprising a further aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a further aerosol generating material; a further flow channel arranged provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the further aerosol generating material containing region; wherein in a third position the moveable component is arranged to not block airflow through the further flow channel, and arranged to at least partially block airflow through the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

[0204] 31. A consumable according to any of clauses 18 to 30, wherein the moveable component is arranged to be rotatably movable.

[0205] 32. A consumable according to any of clauses 18 to 31, wherein the moveable component is arranged to move around a longitudinal axis of the device.

[0206] 33. A consumable according to any of clauses 18 to 32, further comprising a heating element for providing an aerosol, the heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material and the second aerosol generating material.

[0207] 34. A consumable according to any of clauses 18 to 32, further comprising at least two heating elements for providing an aerosol, a first heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material and a second heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material.

[0208] 35. An aerosol generating system, comprising the consumable of any of clauses 18 to 34; and a heating element for providing an aerosol, the heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material and the second aerosol generating material.

[0209] 36. A method for using of an aerosol provision device, comprising: providing at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; providing at least one outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; providing a first aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material; providing a second aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material; providing a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the first aerosol generating material containing region; providing a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the second aerosol generating material containing region; providing a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position, the moveable component comprising an indicator; moving the moveable component into the first position, at least partially blocking the first flow channel, and providing, by the indicator, an indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region.

[0210] 37. A method according to clause 36, further comprising moving the moveable component into the second position, at least partially blocking the second flow channel, and providing, by the indicator, an indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aerosol provision device, comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; at least one outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; a first aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material; a second aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material; a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the first aerosol generating material containing region; a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the second aerosol generating material containing region; a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position, the moveable component comprising an indicator, wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and wherein in the second position the moveable component at least partially blocks the second flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

2. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the indicator is arranged on an outer surface of the moveable component and in the first position, is arranged to provide a physical indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and in the second position, is arranged to provide a physical indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

3. An aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein the indicator comprises at least one of a projection, a recess, a marked portion, and a coloured portion.

4. An aerosol provision device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein in the first position, the indicator is in a position that is 180° different to the position of the indicator in the second position.

5. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the indicator comprises an electronic portion, the electronic portion arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication to the user, wherein in the first position, is arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and in the second position, is arranged to provide a visual, audio and / or haptic indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

6. An aerosol provision device according to claim 5, wherein the indicator is arranged to in the first position, provide a first visual indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, and in the second position, provide a second visual indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, wherein, the first visual indication has a wavelength of around 560 nm to around 750 nm and the second visual indication has a wavelength of around 380 nm to around 510 nm.

7. An aerosol provision device according to claim 5, further comprising control circuitry for identifying aerosol generating material contained in use in the first aerosol generating material containing region and aerosol generating material contained in use in the second aerosol generating material containing region, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region and, in the second position, the indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region, and wherein the control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region and, in the first position, the indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indicationrelating to the aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region.

8. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first flow channel and second flow channel share at least one portion of flow channel.

9. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first flow channel and second flow channel are entirely distinct from each other.

10. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a mouthpiece portion comprising at least one outlet for providing an aerosol to a user, wherein the moveable component is arranged upstream of the mouthpiece portion.

11. An aerosol provision device according to claim 10, wherein the moveable component is arranged adjacent to the mouthpiece portion.

12. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, further comprising control circuitry arranged to prevent activation of the aerosol provision device when either the moveable component is not in a predetermined position, or the moveable component is in a predetermined off position.

13. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a further aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a further aerosol generating material; a further flow channel arranged provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the further aerosol generating material containing region; wherein in a third position the moveable component is arranged to not block airflow through the further flow channel, and arranged to at least partially block airflow through the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

14. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the moveable component is arranged to be rotatably movable.

15. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the moveable component is arranged to move around a longitudinal axis of the device.

16. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a heating element for providing an aerosol, the heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material and the second aerosol generating material.

17. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 15, further comprising at least two heating elements for providing an aerosol, a first heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material and a second heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material.

18. A consumable for an aerosol generator, comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the consumable; at least one outlet through which aerosol within the consumable can pass; a first aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material; a second aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material; a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the first aerosol generating material containing region; a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the second aerosol generating material containing region; a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position, the moveable component comprising an indicator, wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region, andwherein in the second position the moveable component at least partially blocks the second flow channel and the indicator provides an indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.

19. An aerosol generating system, comprising the consumable of claim 19; and a heating element for providing an aerosol, the heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material and the second aerosol generating material.

20. A method for using of an aerosol provision device, comprising: providing at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; providing at least one outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; providing a first aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material; providing a second aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material; providing a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the first aerosol generating material containing region; providing a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the second aerosol generating material containing region; providing a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position, the moveable component comprising an indicator; moving the moveable component into the first position, at least partially blocking the first flow channel, and providing, by the indicator, an indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region.

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